Equity benchmark indices, which resumed trading after a long holiday, faced heavy drubbing on Monday, with the Sensex plunging over 1,186 points in early trade.

The key index was dragged down by heavyweights Infosys and HDFC Bank amid weak trend in Asian markets.

Stock markets were closed on Thursday for Mahavir Jayanti and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, as well as on Friday on account of Good Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amidst-row-surrounding-uk-fm-rishi-sunak-wife-akshata-indias-infosys-exits-russia-470800">Amidst row surrounding UK FM Rishi Sunak &amp; wife Akshata, India’s Infosys exits Russia</a>

The Sensex was trading 1,186.18 points lower at 57,152.75 in early trade. The Nifty tumbled 314.95 points to 17,160.70.

From the 30-share pack, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, TCS, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Wipro and HCL Technologies were among the major laggards in early trade.

In contrast, NTPC, Tata Steel, M&amp;M, Maruti and Power Grid were among the gainers.

Shares of Infosys tanked 8.95 per cent to Rs 1,592.05 on the BSE despite the country's second-largest software services firm last week reporting a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the March quarter at Rs 5,686 crore.

Watch |&nbsp;India inflation soars to 17-month high

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HDFC Bank declined 3.35 per cent to Rs 1,415.75 even as the largest domestic private sector lender Bank on Saturday posted a 22.8 per cent jump in its standalone net profit at Rs 10,055.2 crore for the quarter ended March 2022.

In Asia, markets were trading lower, with Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo quoting in the red in mid-session deals.

Stocks in the US had ended lower on Thursday.

International oil benchmark Brent crude gained 1.01 per cent to USD 112.83 per barrel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-inflation-surges-in-march-lemon-prices-skyrocket-470675">India's inflation surges in March; lemon prices skyrocket</a>

On Wednesday, the Sensex declined 237.44 points or 0.41 per cent to settle at 58,338.93. The NSE Nifty dipped 54.65 points or 0.31 per cent to finish at 17,475.65.

Foreign institutional investors continued to offload shares worth Rs 2,061.04 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

Equity benchmark indices, which resumed trading after a long holiday, faced heavy drubbing on Monday, with the Sensex plunging over 1,186 points in early trade. The key index was dragged down by heavyweights Infosys and HDFC Bank amid weak trend in Asian markets.

Equity benchmark indices, which resumed trading after a long holiday, faced heavy drubbing on Monday, with the Sensex plunging over 1,186 points in early trade. The key index was dragged down by heavyweights Infosys and HDFC Bank amid weak trend in Asian markets. Stock markets were closed on Thursday for Mahavir Jayanti and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, as well as on Friday on account of Good Friday. Also read | Amidst row surrounding UK FM Rishi Sunak & wife Akshata, India’s Infosys exits Russia The Sensex was trading 1,186.18 points lower at 57,152.75 in early trade. The Nifty tumbled 314.95 points to 17,160.70. From the 30-share pack, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, TCS, HDFC, HDFC Bank, Wipro and HCL Technologies were among the major laggards in early trade. In contrast, NTPC, Tata Steel, M&M, Maruti and Power Grid were among the gainers. Shares of Infosys tanked 8.95 per cent to Rs 1,592.05 on the BSE despite the country's second-largest software services firm last week reporting a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the March quarter at Rs 5,686 crore. Watch | India inflation soars to 17-month high HDFC Bank declined 3.35 per cent to Rs 1,415.75 even as the largest domestic private sector lender Bank on Saturday posted a 22.8 per cent jump in its standalone net profit at Rs 10,055.2 crore for the quarter ended March 2022. In Asia, markets were trading lower, with Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo quoting in the red in mid-session deals. Stocks in the US had ended lower on Thursday. International oil benchmark Brent crude gained 1.01 per cent to USD 112.83 per barrel. Also read | India's inflation surges in March; lemon prices skyrocket On Wednesday, the Sensex declined 237.44 points or 0.41 per cent to settle at 58,338.93. The NSE Nifty dipped 54.65 points or 0.31 per cent to finish at 17,475.65. Foreign institutional investors continued to offload shares worth Rs 2,061.04 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

Sensex plunges 1,186 points in early trade; Nifty tests 17,160 level

A treat for the stargazers!&nbsp;

An alignment of four planets in our solar system will appear in the sky this month, a rare phenomenon that attracts skywatchers and space enthusiasts who are keen to witness various celestial events.&nbsp;

The planetary alignment of Mars, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter can be seen not only using telescopes but will be visible to the naked eye.&nbsp;

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said, "By mid-month, Jupiter is starting to rise in the pre-dawn hour, making for a quartet of planets, strung out in a line across the morning sky."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-blasted-mercury-with-a-plasma-wave-what-does-it-mean-for-mercurys-atmosphere-471736">Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere?</a>

The space agency stated that at the start of the month of April, Saturn appeared to move toward Mars each day with Venus, Mars and Saturn forming a trio in the southeast before sunrise.&nbsp;

Later, by the mid-month, NASA said that Jupiter started to rise in the pre-dawn hour. The movement made for a quartet of planets seen is a line across the morning sky.&nbsp;

The rare sighting will be easily observed when Jupiter will be high enough above the horizon in the hour before sunrise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/machine-learning-approach-might-predict-risk-factors-of-conduct-disorder-in-kids-study-471724">Machine-learning approach might predict risk factors of conduct disorder in kids: Study</a>

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Sky chart showing the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter before sunrise on April 30. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

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In a report, NASA revealed: "At the beginning of the month, Mars, Venus and Saturn were all visible in the early morning. Now, the trio are joined by Jupiter, and the four planets can be seen by the naked eye in a straight line for the rest of April, as long as city lights don't intrude."&nbsp;

NASA revealed that the reason for the rare occurrence is that all of the planet's orbits around the sun lining up. Meanwhile, the space agency also stated that Venus' orbit around the sun is 225 Earth days, while Saturn's is 29 years.&nbsp;

The conjunction can be seen across the world in the predawn hours of the morning by looking east or toward the sunrise, NASA informed.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;10 things about China's recent space mission

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A treat for the stargazers! An alignment of four planets in our solar system will appear in the sky this month, a rare phenomenon that attracts skywatchers and space enthusiasts who are keen to witness various celestial events.

A treat for the stargazers! An alignment of four planets in our solar system will appear in the sky this month, a rare phenomenon that attracts skywatchers and space enthusiasts who are keen to witness various celestial events. The planetary alignment of Mars, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter can be seen not only using telescopes but will be visible to the naked eye. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said, "By mid-month, Jupiter is starting to rise in the pre-dawn hour, making for a quartet of planets, strung out in a line across the morning sky." ALSO READ | Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere? The space agency stated that at the start of the month of April, Saturn appeared to move toward Mars each day with Venus, Mars and Saturn forming a trio in the southeast before sunrise. Later, by the mid-month, NASA said that Jupiter started to rise in the pre-dawn hour. The movement made for a quartet of planets seen is a line across the morning sky. The rare sighting will be easily observed when Jupiter will be high enough above the horizon in the hour before sunrise. ALSO READ | Machine-learning approach might predict risk factors of conduct disorder in kids: Study Sky chart showing the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter before sunrise on April 30. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech × In a report, NASA revealed: "At the beginning of the month, Mars, Venus and Saturn were all visible in the early morning. Now, the trio are joined by Jupiter, and the four planets can be seen by the naked eye in a straight line for the rest of April, as long as city lights don't intrude." NASA revealed that the reason for the rare occurrence is that all of the planet's orbits around the sun lining up. Meanwhile, the space agency also stated that Venus' orbit around the sun is 225 Earth days, while Saturn's is 29 years. The conjunction can be seen across the world in the predawn hours of the morning by looking east or toward the sunrise, NASA informed. WATCH | 10 things about China's recent space mission ×

Rare sighting as alignment of four planets will be visible through April. Here's how to watch it

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview, asked United States President Joe Biden to visit the war-torn nation and witness the destruction caused by Russian forces. Zelensky stated that the visit will be good for Biden to do it as a leader of the US.&nbsp;

In an interview with CNN that aired Sunday (April 17), Zelensky was asked about Biden's plans to visit Ukraine. The Ukrainian President said, "I think he will. I mean, it's his decision, of course."&nbsp;

"And about the safety situation, it depends. I mean that. But I think he's the leader of the United States, and that's why he should come here to see," Zelensky added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-calls-for-anti-radiation-medicine-amid-russian-nuclear-threat-471761">Zelensky calls for 'anti-radiation medicine' amid Russian nuclear threat</a>

Meanwhile, important to note that the US has already weighed in on the reports and Biden's speculative plans to visit Ukraine. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on April 10 that Biden has "no plans" to visit Ukraine.&nbsp;

Sullivan had told NBC, "President Biden doesn't currently have any plans to travel to Kyiv. But I will tell you he sits in the Oval Office and in the Situation Room on a daily basis, organising and coordinating the world when it comes to the delivery of weapons."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/city-still-has-not-fallen-mariupol-may-be-a-red-line-in-talks-says-ukraine-471755">'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine</a>

Recently, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Kyiv and met with Zelensky. The meeting had come as a surprise to the world. After his visit, many speculated that other leaders might also visit Ukraine.&nbsp;

Johnson's extremely crucial visit to Ukraine was revealed to the world when the photos of the British PM walking on the streets of the Ukrainian capital were published. It was not announced earlier.&nbsp;

A Downing Street spokesman had said: "The prime minister has travelled to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky in person, in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict: Russian missile attack kills 5 In Ukraine's Kharkiv

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview, asked United States President Joe Biden to visit the war-torn nation and witness the destruction caused by Russian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview, asked United States President Joe Biden to visit the war-torn nation and witness the destruction caused by Russian forces. Zelensky stated that the visit will be good for Biden to do it as a leader of the US. In an interview with CNN that aired Sunday (April 17), Zelensky was asked about Biden's plans to visit Ukraine. The Ukrainian President said, "I think he will. I mean, it's his decision, of course." "And about the safety situation, it depends. I mean that. But I think he's the leader of the United States, and that's why he should come here to see," Zelensky added. ALSO READ | Zelensky calls for 'anti-radiation medicine' amid Russian nuclear threat Meanwhile, important to note that the US has already weighed in on the reports and Biden's speculative plans to visit Ukraine. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on April 10 that Biden has "no plans" to visit Ukraine. Sullivan had told NBC, "President Biden doesn't currently have any plans to travel to Kyiv. But I will tell you he sits in the Oval Office and in the Situation Room on a daily basis, organising and coordinating the world when it comes to the delivery of weapons." ALSO READ | 'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine Recently, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Kyiv and met with Zelensky. The meeting had come as a surprise to the world. After his visit, many speculated that other leaders might also visit Ukraine. Johnson's extremely crucial visit to Ukraine was revealed to the world when the photos of the British PM walking on the streets of the Ukrainian capital were published. It was not announced earlier. A Downing Street spokesman had said: "The prime minister has travelled to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky in person, in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people." WATCH | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Russian missile attack kills 5 In Ukraine's Kharkiv ×

'Come here to see': Volodymyr Zelensky asks Joe Biden to visit Ukraine

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Ukraine troops refused to surrender as Russia's Sunday deadline for troops to surrender in Mariupol expired. Also watch a report on Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Ukraine troops refused to surrender as Russia's Sunday deadline for troops to surrender in Mariupol expired. Also watch a report on Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Click on headlines to read the full report: 'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine Ukraine troops refused to surrender as Russia's Sunday deadline for troops to surrender in Mariupol expired. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declared that the "city still has not fallen" as Russia bombarded cities across Ukraine. China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown First coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths have been reported in Shanghai since the start of its weeks-long lockdown, officials in the city informed on Monday (April 18). Zelensky calls for 'anti-radiation medicine' amid Russian nuclear threat Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his warning of a possible Russian nuclear attack amid the current war. Zelensky asserted that the country should "prepare" for it. 'He should come here to see': Volodymyr Zelensky asks Joe Biden to visit Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview, asked United States President Joe Biden to visit the war-torn nation and witness the destruction caused by Russian forces. Zelensky stated that the visit will be good for Biden to do it as a leader of the US. WATCH | 'All outstanding issues must be solved via dialogue,' Pakistan PM Sharif writes to Indian PM Modi Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his desire for better bilateral ties between the two countries and WION has exclusively accessed the details of Shehbaz Sharif's letter. ×

Morning news brief: COVID-19 deaths in Shanghai, Russia-Ukraine updates, and more

First coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths have been reported in Shanghai since the start of its weeks-long lockdown, officials in the city informed on Monday (April 18).&nbsp;

The city government further informed that three elderly people with underlying conditions died because of the virus. They were aged between 89 and 91.&nbsp;

"The three people deteriorated into severe cases after going into hospital, and died after all efforts to revive them proved ineffective," Shanghai’s municipal government revealed on social media.&nbsp;

Giving more details, as quoted by the news agencies, the officials also said that the deceased included two women and a man. All of them had several underlying health complaints, for example, coronary heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.&nbsp;

China has been struggling to contain Covid outbreaks in multiple regions amid a rise in cases largely fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Shanghai is one of the hardest-hit regions in China and remained under strict Covid measures amid the worst outbreak in the city since the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

As per the data available provided by the municipal health commission, Shanghai posted 22,248 new domestic cases on Monday, of which 2,417 were symptomatic.&nbsp;

Before Shanghai, China last reported Covid deaths on March 19.&nbsp;

News agency Reuters quoted a source familiar with the news development as saying that Shanghai has set a target to stop the spread of COVID-19 outside of quarantined areas by Wednesday.&nbsp;

Citing a document, the report further added that the set target will require officials to accelerate Covid testing and the transfer of positive cases to quarantine centres.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;China's zero-Covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

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First coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths have been reported in Shanghai since the start of its weeks-long lockdown, officials in the city informed on Monday (April 18).

First coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths have been reported in Shanghai since the start of its weeks-long lockdown, officials in the city informed on Monday (April 18). The city government further informed that three elderly people with underlying conditions died because of the virus. They were aged between 89 and 91. "The three people deteriorated into severe cases after going into hospital, and died after all efforts to revive them proved ineffective," Shanghai’s municipal government revealed on social media. Giving more details, as quoted by the news agencies, the officials also said that the deceased included two women and a man. All of them had several underlying health complaints, for example, coronary heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. China has been struggling to contain Covid outbreaks in multiple regions amid a rise in cases largely fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Shanghai is one of the hardest-hit regions in China and remained under strict Covid measures amid the worst outbreak in the city since the start of the pandemic. As per the data available provided by the municipal health commission, Shanghai posted 22,248 new domestic cases on Monday, of which 2,417 were symptomatic. Before Shanghai, China last reported Covid deaths on March 19. News agency Reuters quoted a source familiar with the news development as saying that Shanghai has set a target to stop the spread of COVID-19 outside of quarantined areas by Wednesday. Citing a document, the report further added that the set target will require officials to accelerate Covid testing and the transfer of positive cases to quarantine centres. WATCH | China's zero-Covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades ×

China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown

Experts came across three North Atlantic right whales, including a rare mother-calf pair in a rare sighting after hours of scouring Cape Cod Bay in April, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that a trio of marine biologists took the opportunity to snap the rare scenes and also noted the markings.&nbsp;

As per the biologists, the markings are used used to identify individual animals and track their injuries.&nbsp;

The process is extremely crucial as it helps in the conservation efforts for a species believed to have 336 members.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-sighting-as-four-planets-line-up-in-the-sky-in-april-heres-how-to-watch-it-471784">Rare sighting as alignment of four planets will be visible through April. Here's how to watch it</a>

Eubalaena glacialis, which means the North Atlantic right whale, is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Whaling put them on the verge of near-extinction.&nbsp;

Although whaling is banned, they often get stuck with fishing gear or collide with ships that act as major threats to them.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, since 2010, their population has been decreasing," explains Christy Hudak, the leader of the Center for Coastal Studies' expedition.

"We're trying to spread the word regarding these amazing creatures and just how a key species they are in the circle of life," Hudak added.&nbsp;

Right whales are distinguished by their stocky, black appearance with no dorsal fins, as well as heads adorned with knobby patches of rough skin called callosities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-blasted-mercury-with-a-plasma-wave-what-does-it-mean-for-mercurys-atmosphere-471736">Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere?</a>

The callosities are coloured white from the tiny "whale lice" (cyamids) that cling to their hosts in what is thought to be a symbiotic relationship.&nbsp;

In a similar context, a media report mentioned that a North Atlantic right whale and her calf were spotted swimming off the shores of Georgia.&nbsp;

But concerns were raised when a closer look at the aerial image showed that the mother is entangled in fishing rope.&nbsp;

A report by The Nature Conservancy, detailed information regarding the sighting was published on April 12.&nbsp;

In the report, it was mentioned that the fact that she was "still able to migrate south 1,000 miles and calve successfully is a minor miracle."&nbsp;

"Our colleagues in New England and Canada cut over 100 yards of rope off of her last year, but they weren't able to remove it entirely," the report quoted Clay George as saying. He is a Senior Wildlife Biologist at Georgia Department of Natural Resources.&nbsp;

"The fact that she was still able to migrate south 1,000 miles and calve successfully is a minor miracle," George explained. &nbsp;

Experts came across three North Atlantic right whales, including a rare mother-calf pair in a rare sighting after hours of scouring Cape Cod Bay in April, news agency AFP reported.

Experts came across three North Atlantic right whales, including a rare mother-calf pair in a rare sighting after hours of scouring Cape Cod Bay in April, news agency AFP reported. The report mentioned that a trio of marine biologists took the opportunity to snap the rare scenes and also noted the markings. As per the biologists, the markings are used used to identify individual animals and track their injuries. The process is extremely crucial as it helps in the conservation efforts for a species believed to have 336 members. ALSO READ | Rare sighting as alignment of four planets will be visible through April. Here's how to watch it Eubalaena glacialis, which means the North Atlantic right whale, is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Whaling put them on the verge of near-extinction. Although whaling is banned, they often get stuck with fishing gear or collide with ships that act as major threats to them. "Unfortunately, since 2010, their population has been decreasing," explains Christy Hudak, the leader of the Center for Coastal Studies' expedition. "We're trying to spread the word regarding these amazing creatures and just how a key species they are in the circle of life," Hudak added. Right whales are distinguished by their stocky, black appearance with no dorsal fins, as well as heads adorned with knobby patches of rough skin called callosities. ALSO READ | Sun blasted Mercury with a plasma wave. What does it mean for Mercury's atmosphere? The callosities are coloured white from the tiny "whale lice" (cyamids) that cling to their hosts in what is thought to be a symbiotic relationship. In a similar context, a media report mentioned that a North Atlantic right whale and her calf were spotted swimming off the shores of Georgia. But concerns were raised when a closer look at the aerial image showed that the mother is entangled in fishing rope. A report by The Nature Conservancy, detailed information regarding the sighting was published on April 12. In the report, it was mentioned that the fact that she was "still able to migrate south 1,000 miles and calve successfully is a minor miracle." "Our colleagues in New England and Canada cut over 100 yards of rope off of her last year, but they weren't able to remove it entirely," the report quoted Clay George as saying. He is a Senior Wildlife Biologist at Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "The fact that she was still able to migrate south 1,000 miles and calve successfully is a minor miracle," George explained.

Marine biologists spot endangered North Atlantic right whales. Read details about the sighting

In Afghanistan, the male employees of all ministries, including the Ministry of Higher Education, are required to grow their beards by the end of Ramadan, tweeted Abdul Baqi Haqqani, who is a senior member of the Taliban.&nbsp;

Baqi Haqqani, who is the Higher Education Minister of Afghanistan, stated that the order is given by His Highness the Emir of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada.&nbsp;

As per the order mentioned in Haqqani's tweet, it is also mandatory to separate the workplaces of male and female employees.

No male employee has the right to go to the corridors of female employees and no female employee has the right to go to the men's section and work for each other, the tweet added.&nbsp;

In the same tweet thread, Abdul Baqi Haqqani further asked to "avoid and fully observe" the Islamic hijab.

He said, "Male employees grow beards and have no right to return to work bareheaded. The above provisions also apply to teachers and students of all universities in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/note-taker-at-farewell-lunch-behind-former-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-foreign-conspiracy-charge-report-471687">Note-taker at farewell lunch behind former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's 'foreign conspiracy' charge: Report</a>

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د افغانستان اسلامي امارت د عالیقدر امیرالمومنین شیخ هبة الله آخندزاده حفظه الله تعالی د شفاهي حکم په اساس د لوړو زده کړو وزارت په شمول د ا.ا.ا د ټولو وزارتونو نارینه کارکوونکي مکلف دي چې د روژې تر پایه پورې ږيرې پرېږدي او خپل صورت او سیرت د نبوي سنتو مطابق جوړ کړي. 
همدارنګه د شیخ
— شیخ عبدالباقي حقاني (@AbdulBaqiHaqani) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbdulBaqiHaqani/status/1515663483588775936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/pm-narendra-modi-asks-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-to-build-normal-neighbourly-relations-471804">PM Narendra Modi asks Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to 'build normal neighbourly relations'</a>

Since taking over Afghanistan last year, the Taliban are trying to implement a range of policies. Earlier this month, the Taliban's supreme leader banned the cultivation of narcotics in Afghanistan as per an order released on April 3.&nbsp;

"As per the decree of the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, all Afghans are informed that from now on, cultivation of poppy has been strictly prohibited across the country," said an order from the Taliban's supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, announced at a press conference held by the Ministry of Interior in Kabul.&nbsp;

In Afghanistan, the male employees of all ministries, including the Ministry of Higher Education, are required to grow their beards by the end of Ramadan, tweeted Abdul Baqi Haqqani, who is a senior member of the Taliban.

In Afghanistan, the male employees of all ministries, including the Ministry of Higher Education, are required to grow their beards by the end of Ramadan, tweeted Abdul Baqi Haqqani, who is a senior member of the Taliban. Baqi Haqqani, who is the Higher Education Minister of Afghanistan, stated that the order is given by His Highness the Emir of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada. As per the order mentioned in Haqqani's tweet, it is also mandatory to separate the workplaces of male and female employees. No male employee has the right to go to the corridors of female employees and no female employee has the right to go to the men's section and work for each other, the tweet added. In the same tweet thread, Abdul Baqi Haqqani further asked to "avoid and fully observe" the Islamic hijab. He said, "Male employees grow beards and have no right to return to work bareheaded. The above provisions also apply to teachers and students of all universities in Afghanistan." ALSO READ | Note-taker at farewell lunch behind former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's 'foreign conspiracy' charge: Report د افغانستان اسلامي امارت د عالیقدر امیرالمومنین شیخ هبة الله آخندزاده حفظه الله تعالی د شفاهي حکم په اساس د لوړو زده کړو وزارت په شمول د ا.ا.ا د ټولو وزارتونو نارینه کارکوونکي مکلف دي چې د روژې تر پایه پورې ږيرې پرېږدي او خپل صورت او سیرت د نبوي سنتو مطابق جوړ کړي. همدارنګه د شیخ — شیخ عبدالباقي حقاني (@AbdulBaqiHaqani) April 17, 2022 × ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi asks Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to 'build normal neighbourly relations' Since taking over Afghanistan last year, the Taliban are trying to implement a range of policies. Earlier this month, the Taliban's supreme leader banned the cultivation of narcotics in Afghanistan as per an order released on April 3. "As per the decree of the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, all Afghans are informed that from now on, cultivation of poppy has been strictly prohibited across the country," said an order from the Taliban's supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, announced at a press conference held by the Ministry of Interior in Kabul.

Taliban minister says it is mandatory for male employees of all ministries to grow their beards

International cruise ships return to Australia after two-year Covid ban - see pics

Several injured as new clashes erupt over anti-immigration rally in Sweden

Faced with its worst COVID-19 outbreak yet, China has been enforcing an expanding number of mass quarantines, strict lockdowns and border controls. The measures may yet work, but official data released Monday show they are exacting a grim toll on the world’s second-largest economy.

China’s economy expanded 4.8% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. That pace was barely faster than the final three months of last year, and it also obscured a looming problem.

Much of that growth was recorded in January and February. Last month, economic activity slowed as Shenzhen, the technology hub in the south, and then Shanghai, the country’s biggest city, and other important industrial centers shut down. The lockdowns suspended assembly lines, grounded workers, trapped truck drivers and snarled ports. They confined hundreds of millions of consumers at home.

The slowdown that started in March is expected to worsen this month, with even more regions placed under restrictions.

For the world, China’s COVID shutdowns could feed inflation by further disrupting the supply chains that many manufacturers rely on, pushing up the cost of making and transporting goods.

Many workers are struggling.

Yu Yao, a truck driver who delivers vegetables and fruits from Shandong province to Shanghai, is one of many Chinese truck drivers stranded because of ever-tightening epidemic control measures. He has been trapped in Shanghai for more than three weeks.

Yu came to Shanghai on March 16 to deliver vegetables to a market. He was still in the city three days later when authorities identified him as a close contact of an infected person in the market. Police ordered him to be immediately quarantined. So he stopped his truck near a highway and began to wait.

He has been waiting ever since. No one has fetched him for quarantine. He lacks a travel permit now required to drive a truck in Shanghai during the lockdown. He and four other drivers without travel permits have slept on the ground and shared bread for three weeks.

“We can’t get off the highway, every exit is guarded. We just want to go home,” Yu said. “I couldn’t get enough food the other day, and my body can’t take it anymore.”

Faced with its worst COVID-19 outbreak yet, China has been enforcing an expanding number of mass quarantines, strict lockdowns and border controls. The measures may yet work, but official data released Monday show they are exacting a grim toll on the world’s second-largest economy.

Faced with its worst COVID-19 outbreak yet, China has been enforcing an expanding number of mass quarantines, strict lockdowns and border controls. The measures may yet work, but official data released Monday show they are exacting a grim toll on the world’s second-largest economy. China’s economy expanded 4.8% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. That pace was barely faster than the final three months of last year, and it also obscured a looming problem. Much of that growth was recorded in January and February. Last month, economic activity slowed as Shenzhen, the technology hub in the south, and then Shanghai, the country’s biggest city, and other important industrial centers shut down. The lockdowns suspended assembly lines, grounded workers, trapped truck drivers and snarled ports. They confined hundreds of millions of consumers at home. The slowdown that started in March is expected to worsen this month, with even more regions placed under restrictions. For the world, China’s COVID shutdowns could feed inflation by further disrupting the supply chains that many manufacturers rely on, pushing up the cost of making and transporting goods. Many workers are struggling. Yu Yao, a truck driver who delivers vegetables and fruits from Shandong province to Shanghai, is one of many Chinese truck drivers stranded because of ever-tightening epidemic control measures. He has been trapped in Shanghai for more than three weeks. Yu came to Shanghai on March 16 to deliver vegetables to a market. He was still in the city three days later when authorities identified him as a close contact of an infected person in the market. Police ordered him to be immediately quarantined. So he stopped his truck near a highway and began to wait. He has been waiting ever since. No one has fetched him for quarantine. He lacks a travel permit now required to drive a truck in Shanghai during the lockdown. He and four other drivers without travel permits have slept on the ground and shared bread for three weeks. “We can’t get off the highway, every exit is guarded. We just want to go home,” Yu said. “I couldn’t get enough food the other day, and my body can’t take it anymore.”

China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy

The European Parliament said Sunday it will try to recover money owed by Marine Le Pen over fraud allegations as the far-right leader prepares to face President Emmanuel Macron in France's unpredictably close election run-off.

French news platform Mediapart revealed that a report by the EU's&nbsp;anti-fraud&nbsp;body OLAF accused Le Pen and three other former MEPs -- including her father Jean-Marie -- of misusing European Parliament funds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/neither-macron-nor-le-pen-france-erupts-in-protests-against-top-presidential-candidates-ahead-of-elections-471600">Neither Macron, nor Le Pen: France erupts in protests against top presidential candidates ahead of elections</a>

The report also alleged that Le Pen personally misappropriated around 137,000 euros ($148,000) of public money from the Strasbourg-based parliament during her time as an MEP between 2004 and 2017.

A source said the European Parliament had referred the case to OLAF after uncovering some of the alleged irregularities.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Marine Le Pen and others embezzled over $640,000 | French Presidential Elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-marine-le-pen-and-others-embezzled-over-640000-french-presidential-elections-471836/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In total, we're talking about 617,000 euros wrongfully paid. We will now proceed with recovery (of the money) from the interested parties in the coming weeks," the source added.

OLAF's investigation has been open since 2016 and Le Pen was questioned by post in March 2021, her lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-can-win-this-election-says-frances-le-pen-471338">I can win this election, says France's Le Pen</a>

Le Pen has faced another investigation since 2017 over suspicions of employing fictional party assistants in the European Parliament.

The impending action against the National Rally leader comes as polls give her a strong chance of beating Macron in the second round of France's presidential election on April 24.

The European Parliament said Sunday it will try to recover money owed by Marine Le Pen over fraud allegations as the far-right leader prepares to face President Emmanuel Macron in France's unpredictably close election run-off.

The European Parliament said Sunday it will try to recover money owed by Marine Le Pen over fraud allegations as the far-right leader prepares to face President Emmanuel Macron in France's unpredictably close election run-off. French news platform Mediapart revealed that a report by the EU's anti-fraud body OLAF accused Le Pen and three other former MEPs -- including her father Jean-Marie -- of misusing European Parliament funds. Also read | Neither Macron, nor Le Pen: France erupts in protests against top presidential candidates ahead of elections The report also alleged that Le Pen personally misappropriated around 137,000 euros ($148,000) of public money from the Strasbourg-based parliament during her time as an MEP between 2004 and 2017. A source said the European Parliament had referred the case to OLAF after uncovering some of the alleged irregularities. Watch | Report: Marine Le Pen and others embezzled over $640,000 | French Presidential Elections "In total, we're talking about 617,000 euros wrongfully paid. We will now proceed with recovery (of the money) from the interested parties in the coming weeks," the source added. OLAF's investigation has been open since 2016 and Le Pen was questioned by post in March 2021, her lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut told AFP. Also read | I can win this election, says France's Le Pen Le Pen has faced another investigation since 2017 over suspicions of employing fictional party assistants in the European Parliament. The impending action against the National Rally leader comes as polls give her a strong chance of beating Macron in the second round of France's presidential election on April 24.

European Union to recover funds from French election candidate Marine Le Pen

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite.

The world's second-biggest&nbsp;economy&nbsp;had lost steam in the latter half of last year with a property slump and regulatory crackdowns, pulling down growth.

But it exceeded expectations in the first three months of 2022, growing 4.8 per cent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, with Lunar New Year spending and factory production cajoling growth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-first-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-shanghai-since-start-of-lockdown-471757">China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown</a>

The weeks ahead, however, appear treacherous for the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;with Beijing's unrelenting zero-Covid approach to outbreaks clogging supply chains and locking down tens of millions of people -- including in the economic dynamos of Shanghai and Shenzhen as well as the northeastern grain basket of Jilin.

Virus restrictions in March have already gouged at retail sales, as consumers shied away from shopping, and drove up unemployment.

"With the domestic and international environment becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, economic development is facing significant difficulties and challenges," NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said on Monday.

The pandemic rebound -- as well as the sanctions binding Russia's&nbsp;economy&nbsp;-- ups the ante on officials to deliver Beijing's full-year growth target of around 5.5 per cent.

The target comes in a pivotal political year for President Xi Jinping who is eyeing another term in power at the Party Congress to be held this autumn.

Watch |&nbsp;China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-zero-covid-policy-impacts-economy-analysts-predict-lowest-gdp-in-decades-471638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The current virus outbreak is the worst since the peak of the first wave which emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;is beginning to weaken.&nbsp;

Industrial production growth eased to 5.0 per cent in March, NBS data showed, down from the January-February period.

Meanwhile, retail sales sank 3.5 per cent and the urban unemployment rate ticked up to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent last month.

"March activity data suggests that&nbsp;China's&nbsp;economy&nbsp;slowed, especially in household consumption," Tommy Wu, lead&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note.

Worse to come

China's government is trying to balance "minimising disruption against controlling the latest wave of Covid infections", Wu said, but he warned of a drag on economic activity into May or beyond.

Last week, carmakers including XPeng and Volkswagen warned of severe disruptions to supply chains and possibly even a halt on production completely if the lockdown on Shanghai's 25 million inhabitants persisted.

Already, goods are piling up at the world's busiest container port in Shanghai, prompting shipping giant Maersk to say it will stop taking new bookings for refrigerated containers into the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-scrambled-jets-over-1000-times-amid-chinese-russian-air-activity-471349">Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity</a>

"Further impacts&nbsp;from lockdowns are imminent," said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater&nbsp;China&nbsp;at ING.

As Shanghai struggles to rein in an outbreak that has seen tens of thousands of daily cases, Pang said other cities may attempt to replicate Shenzhen's success in reopening swiftly by resorting to strict measures with just a few Covid patients.

The southern tech powerhouse went into full lockdown for almost a week in March, but has since eased restrictions.

Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics cautioned that "the worst is still to come".

Fu of the NBS warned of high commodity prices on Monday with the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a decline in the availability of commodities such as corn and wheat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-sending-its-most-advanced-fighter-plane-to-patrol-disputed-seas-471337">China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas</a>

Although&nbsp;China's central bank has announced a reserve ratio cut, lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in a push to support small businesses, experts say officials were taking a restrained approach to stimulus.

But economists expect officials will eventually publish a growth figure consistent with official targets, as part of doubts that the numbers may be massaged for political reasons.

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite.

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite. The world's second-biggest economy had lost steam in the latter half of last year with a property slump and regulatory crackdowns, pulling down growth. But it exceeded expectations in the first three months of 2022, growing 4.8 per cent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, with Lunar New Year spending and factory production cajoling growth. Also read | China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown The weeks ahead, however, appear treacherous for the economy with Beijing's unrelenting zero-Covid approach to outbreaks clogging supply chains and locking down tens of millions of people -- including in the economic dynamos of Shanghai and Shenzhen as well as the northeastern grain basket of Jilin. Virus restrictions in March have already gouged at retail sales, as consumers shied away from shopping, and drove up unemployment. "With the domestic and international environment becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, economic development is facing significant difficulties and challenges," NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said on Monday. The pandemic rebound -- as well as the sanctions binding Russia's economy -- ups the ante on officials to deliver Beijing's full-year growth target of around 5.5 per cent. The target comes in a pivotal political year for President Xi Jinping who is eyeing another term in power at the Party Congress to be held this autumn. Watch | China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades The current virus outbreak is the worst since the peak of the first wave which emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and the economy is beginning to weaken. Industrial production growth eased to 5.0 per cent in March, NBS data showed, down from the January-February period. Meanwhile, retail sales sank 3.5 per cent and the urban unemployment rate ticked up to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent last month. "March activity data suggests that China's economy slowed, especially in household consumption," Tommy Wu, lead China economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note. Worse to come China's government is trying to balance "minimising disruption against controlling the latest wave of Covid infections", Wu said, but he warned of a drag on economic activity into May or beyond. Last week, carmakers including XPeng and Volkswagen warned of severe disruptions to supply chains and possibly even a halt on production completely if the lockdown on Shanghai's 25 million inhabitants persisted. Already, goods are piling up at the world's busiest container port in Shanghai, prompting shipping giant Maersk to say it will stop taking new bookings for refrigerated containers into the city. Also read | Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity "Further impacts from lockdowns are imminent," said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at ING. As Shanghai struggles to rein in an outbreak that has seen tens of thousands of daily cases, Pang said other cities may attempt to replicate Shenzhen's success in reopening swiftly by resorting to strict measures with just a few Covid patients. The southern tech powerhouse went into full lockdown for almost a week in March, but has since eased restrictions. Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics cautioned that "the worst is still to come". Fu of the NBS warned of high commodity prices on Monday with the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a decline in the availability of commodities such as corn and wheat. Also read | China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas Although China's central bank has announced a reserve ratio cut, lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in a push to support small businesses, experts say officials were taking a restrained approach to stimulus. But economists expect officials will eventually publish a growth figure consistent with official targets, as part of doubts that the numbers may be massaged for political reasons.

China economy accelerates in Q1 but virus stalks outlook

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