<p>With 1,033 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,31,958, while the active cases dipped to 11,639, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.</p>

<p>The death toll climbed to 5,21,530 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.</p>

<p>The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-detects-first-case-of-omicron-xe-variant-in-mumbai-468855">COVID-19: India detects first case of Omicron XE variant in Mumbai</a></strong></p>

<p>A reduction of 232 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.</p>

<p>The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.21 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.22 per cent, according to the ministry.</p>

<p>The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,98,789 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent.</p>

<p>The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.20 crore.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is it time to go mask-less?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-it-time-to-go-mask-less-468728/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.</p>

<p>The 43 new fatalities include 32 from Kerala.</p>

<p>A total of 5,21,530 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,800 from Maharashtra, 68,228 from Kerala, 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,497 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/second-booster-shot-protects-against-covid-19-but-effect-remains-short-lived-study-468788">Second booster shot protects against COVID-19 but effect remains short-lived: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.</p>

<p>"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.</p>


With 1,033 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,31,958, while the active cases dipped to 11,639, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

With 1,033 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,31,958, while the active cases dipped to 11,639, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 5,21,530 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | COVID-19: India detects first case of Omicron XE variant in Mumbai A reduction of 232 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.21 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.22 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,98,789 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.20 crore. Watch | Gravitas: Is it time to go mask-less? India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. The 43 new fatalities include 32 from Kerala. A total of 5,21,530 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,800 from Maharashtra, 68,228 from Kerala, 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,497 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal. Also read | Second booster shot protects against COVID-19 but effect remains short-lived: Study The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India logs 1,033 new cases, active cases dipped to 11,639

<p>Hong&nbsp;Kong's most prominent democracy&nbsp;activists&nbsp;have disappeared&nbsp;from&nbsp;view&nbsp;as their prosecution under a&nbsp;security&nbsp;law&nbsp;drags&nbsp;into its second year, with lawyers and family members warning the defendants are losing faith in the courts.</p>

<p>The 47&nbsp;activists&nbsp;make up a swathe of the city's depleted democracy movement,&nbsp;from&nbsp;veteran former lawmakers to young firebrands and community organisers as well as academics and unionists.</p>

<p>Charged with subversion, the majority have been held in custody for more than a year and the few granted bail must adhere to strict speech curbs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-deputy-chief-says-he-plans-to-run-for-citys-top-job-468986">&nbsp;Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job</a></strong></p>

<p>Most of what has occurred during pre-trial hearings is blanketed by reporting restrictions, even though the defendants want them lifted. And their trial is not expected to begin until at least 2023.</p>

<p>"The prosecution and the court are making the defendants invisible in plain sight," legal scholar Eric Lai of Georgetown University told AFP.</p>

<p>Using the&nbsp;national&nbsp;security&nbsp;law Beijing imposed in 2020 following huge democracy protests, authorities targeted the&nbsp;activists&nbsp;for organising an unofficial poll to choose opposition candidates.</p>

<p>Some observers have voiced alarm about how lengthy pre-trial proceedings under the law have generated precedent-setting decisions without public scrutiny.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hearings, Lai said, have produced "very substantial evaluations that are rarely seen in ordinary criminal cases" including detailed discussions over the&nbsp;security&nbsp;law's stricter bail terms, the admissibility of evidence as well as shifting prosecution charges.</p>

<p>"(Court) procedures should be more open and transparent so the public can see how the court handled the cases and what it did to protect the integrity of trial."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-to-step-down-as-citys-chief-executive-wont-seek-re-election-468254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Changing legal landscape&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;faces scrutiny over whether its internationally respected common law legal system can be maintained as China cracks down on dissent with the&nbsp;security&nbsp;law, which has ensnared some 170 people.</p>

<p>Last month, two of Britain's most senior judges pulled out of sitting on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's top court citing the law's impact on freedoms, though nine other foreign judges confirmed they would stay.</p>

<p>The prosecution of the 47&nbsp;activists&nbsp;is seen as a legal litmus test.</p>

<p>While&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;allows the public to attend pre-trial hearings, reporting is largely limited to names, hearing dates and what a judge rules –- unless that judge lifts restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rules are in place to protect a defendant&nbsp;from&nbsp;potential prejudice, especially if a jury may be involved in their trial.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-firm-surges-229-in-hong-kong-after-claims-its-covid-drug-reduces-deaths-and-hospitalisation-report-468844">&nbsp;Chinese firm surges 229% in Hong Kong after claims its Covid drug reduces deaths and hospitalisation: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>But so far, all&nbsp;national&nbsp;security&nbsp;cases to reach trial stage have been heard by handpicked judges, not juries.</p>

<p>The 47&nbsp;activists&nbsp;want the reporting restrictions lifted but their requests have been opposed by the prosecution and denied by the courts.</p>

<p>Independent legal scholar Wong Kai-yeung said it was unusual for judges both in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and under the English common law to deny such requests.</p>

<p>"Here it was they, the defendants to be put on trial, who actively sought publicity of the proceedings," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is their trial. They have the autonomy to make the informed decision to not accept arrangements brought in in the name of their protection."</p>

<p><strong>Frustrated and defeated</strong></p>

<p>Those facing trial are in custody or barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;speaking to the press as part of their bail conditions.</p>

<p>But four barristers with knowledge of the proceedings told AFP that defendants were growing exasperated, believing prosecutors have filed vague charges and are dragging their feet, knowing their actions will not face public scrutiny or backlash.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-to-leave-office-468212">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam not seek a second term</a></strong></p>

<p>All requested anonymity to speak freely.</p>

<p>"Some defendants feel they are being played by the court, the prosecution and the whole procedure," said one barrister. "They think it's a sham."</p>

<p>"There has been general distrust of the impartiality of the proceedings," another said. "It's fair to say some defendants do not believe they will get a fair trial in this&nbsp;case."</p>

<p>The barristers themselves also described a sense of frustration with proceedings -– two accused prosecutors of "moving the goalposts" by failing to disclose key evidence and frequently changing the charges.</p>

<p>Hong&nbsp;Kong's Department of Justice said it took "strong exception" to such criticisms.</p>

<p>"Any allegation that the prosecution is 'taking advantage' of the reporting restrictions is based on a misconception of the rationale underlying such restrictions, if not based on malice," it said.</p>

<p>The judiciary said it would not comment on individual cases.</p>

<p>Chan Po-ying, an activist and the wife of former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, said the media blackout had "dialled up the pressure" on defendants.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-judges-quit-hong-kongs-top-court-over-security-law-467072">UK judges quit Hong Kong’s top court over security law</a></strong></p>

<p>"When public attention starts to wane, it could make them feel frustrated and defeated."</p>

<p>Emilia Wong, the partner of detained activist Ventus Lau, said the defendants were "exhausted" and feeling silenced.</p>

<p>"This is what authorities want -- to minimise the defendants' influence."</p>


Hong Kong's most prominent democracy activists have disappeared from view as their prosecution under a security law drags into its second year, with lawyers and family members warning the defendants are losing faith in the courts.

Hong Kong's most prominent democracy activists have disappeared from view as their prosecution under a security law drags into its second year, with lawyers and family members warning the defendants are losing faith in the courts. The 47 activists make up a swathe of the city's depleted democracy movement, from veteran former lawmakers to young firebrands and community organisers as well as academics and unionists. Charged with subversion, the majority have been held in custody for more than a year and the few granted bail must adhere to strict speech curbs. Also read | Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job Most of what has occurred during pre-trial hearings is blanketed by reporting restrictions, even though the defendants want them lifted. And their trial is not expected to begin until at least 2023. "The prosecution and the court are making the defendants invisible in plain sight," legal scholar Eric Lai of Georgetown University told AFP. Using the national security law Beijing imposed in 2020 following huge democracy protests, authorities targeted the activists for organising an unofficial poll to choose opposition candidates. Some observers have voiced alarm about how lengthy pre-trial proceedings under the law have generated precedent-setting decisions without public scrutiny. The hearings, Lai said, have produced "very substantial evaluations that are rarely seen in ordinary criminal cases" including detailed discussions over the security law's stricter bail terms, the admissibility of evidence as well as shifting prosecution charges. "(Court) procedures should be more open and transparent so the public can see how the court handled the cases and what it did to protect the integrity of trial." Watch | Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election Changing legal landscape Hong Kong faces scrutiny over whether its internationally respected common law legal system can be maintained as China cracks down on dissent with the security law, which has ensnared some 170 people. Last month, two of Britain's most senior judges pulled out of sitting on Hong Kong's top court citing the law's impact on freedoms, though nine other foreign judges confirmed they would stay. The prosecution of the 47 activists is seen as a legal litmus test. While Hong Kong allows the public to attend pre-trial hearings, reporting is largely limited to names, hearing dates and what a judge rules –- unless that judge lifts restrictions. The rules are in place to protect a defendant from potential prejudice, especially if a jury may be involved in their trial. Also read | Chinese firm surges 229% in Hong Kong after claims its Covid drug reduces deaths and hospitalisation: Report But so far, all national security cases to reach trial stage have been heard by handpicked judges, not juries. The 47 activists want the reporting restrictions lifted but their requests have been opposed by the prosecution and denied by the courts. Independent legal scholar Wong Kai-yeung said it was unusual for judges both in Hong Kong and under the English common law to deny such requests. "Here it was they, the defendants to be put on trial, who actively sought publicity of the proceedings," he told AFP. "It is their trial. They have the autonomy to make the informed decision to not accept arrangements brought in in the name of their protection." Frustrated and defeated Those facing trial are in custody or barred from speaking to the press as part of their bail conditions. But four barristers with knowledge of the proceedings told AFP that defendants were growing exasperated, believing prosecutors have filed vague charges and are dragging their feet, knowing their actions will not face public scrutiny or backlash. Also read | Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam not seek a second term All requested anonymity to speak freely. "Some defendants feel they are being played by the court, the prosecution and the whole procedure," said one barrister. "They think it's a sham." "There has been general distrust of the impartiality of the proceedings," another said. "It's fair to say some defendants do not believe they will get a fair trial in this case." The barristers themselves also described a sense of frustration with proceedings -– two accused prosecutors of "moving the goalposts" by failing to disclose key evidence and frequently changing the charges. Hong Kong's Department of Justice said it took "strong exception" to such criticisms. "Any allegation that the prosecution is 'taking advantage' of the reporting restrictions is based on a misconception of the rationale underlying such restrictions, if not based on malice," it said. The judiciary said it would not comment on individual cases. Chan Po-ying, an activist and the wife of former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, said the media blackout had "dialled up the pressure" on defendants. Also read | UK judges quit Hong Kong’s top court over security law "When public attention starts to wane, it could make them feel frustrated and defeated." Emilia Wong, the partner of detained activist Ventus Lau, said the defendants were "exhausted" and feeling silenced. "This is what authorities want -- to minimise the defendants' influence."

Hong Kong activists fade from view as national security case drags

<p>Shanghai&nbsp;on Thursday said it was trying its best to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;the distribution of&nbsp;food&nbsp;and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing&nbsp;discontent&nbsp;over&nbsp;such difficulties as covid&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;stretched into an 11th day.</p>

<p>China's financial hub has fallen largely silent after the city imposed harsh movement restrictions to stem the spread of&nbsp;Covid, with only healthcare workers, volunteers, delivery personnel or people with special permission allowed on the streets.</p>

<p>Authorities say that has whittled the number of couriers, who must keep the city's 26 million residents supplied, to just 11,000. Among still operating, but&nbsp;overloaded services, include Meituan as well as Alibaba's Freshippo online grocery platform and its Ele.me service.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-might-have-longer-impacts-on-your-brain-study-468522">Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Lockdowns for the city's residents eastern of the Huangpu river began on March 28, while lockdowns for the rest of the city started on April 1. The exercise originally was intended to last five days at most.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;branch of China's Communist Party called on members to "dare show their swords and fight against all kind of behaviour that interferes with and destroys the&nbsp;overall efforts against the pandemic" in an open letter on Wednesday night.</p>

<p>Shanghai&nbsp;has sufficient reserves of staples such as rice and meat, but issues have cropped up in distribution and last-mile&nbsp;deliveries&nbsp;because of epidemic control measures,&nbsp;Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong said at a news conference on Thursday.</p>

<p>He said the city would try to reopen some wholesale markets and&nbsp;food&nbsp;stores and allow more delivery personnel out of locked-down areas. Officials will also crack down on price gouging, he added.</p>

<p>"In response to the various problems reported by the public, we have been holding meetings&nbsp;overnight to try and figure out solutions," he said.</p>

<p>Many residents are beginning to worry about&nbsp;food&nbsp;and drinking water, as well as obtaining products such as infant formula.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-reports-highest-ever-daily-cases-shanghai-insufficiently-prepared-says-top-official-468761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
<p>Some have complained on social media waking up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, but finding them sold out within seconds. Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables.</p>

<p>Social media users have also widely shared outrage&nbsp;over&nbsp;individual tragedies, including the alleged suicide of woman after being cyberbullied for paying too little to a delivery worker, and a healthcare worker beating to death a corgi after its owner allegedly was taken to quarantine.</p>
</div>

<p>Reuters could not independently verify either story.</p>

<p>Shanghai, which has been conducting multiple rounds of testing, reported close to 20,000 new locally transmitted cases for Wednesday, 98% of which it said where asymptomatic.</p>

<p>However, there are signs that transmission is still happening in spite of the lockdowns. Of its 19,660 asymptomatic infections, 633 involved people who were not under quarantine or who faced control measures, the data showed.</p>

<p>Shanghai&nbsp;denied rumours on Wednesday that it planned to suspend all delivery services amid concerns that the virus was being spread through such workers. It requires them to take PCR and antigen tests every day, and they can only deliver goods if they test negative.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-eases-child-separation-under-covid-policy-but-extends-lockdown-468926">Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown</a></strong></p>

<p>China's most-populous city has yet to give an indication of when lockdown measures will lift, fuelling uncertainty and prompting European businesses and economists to warn about the mounting toll they are having on its economy and attractiveness as an international financial hub.</p>

<p>Although&nbsp;Shanghai's case numbers remain small by global standards, the city has emerged as a test bed for China's "dynamic clearance" anti-Covid strategy, which seeks to test, trace and centrally quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts.</p>

<p>On Thursday,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;city officials said they would continue to conduct more testing among its residents who will be asked to take PCR or self-administered antigen tests.</p>

<p>Shanghai&nbsp;has converted dozens of buildings into quarantine facilities that can house tens of thousands of positive cases.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghais-covid-mission-impossible-38k-health-workers-deployed-sampling-of-25-million-residents-completed-468430">Shanghai's COVID 'mission impossible': 38k health workers deployed, sampling of 25 million residents completed</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday construction began on a new facility that can house 40,000 beds will be finished by Friday, local media The Paper said on Thursday.</p>

<p>Late on Wednesday, the China News Service said the neighbouring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang will also provide 60,000 more rooms which patients from&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;can quarantine.</p>


Shanghai on Thursday said it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing discontent over such difficulties as covid curbs stretched into an 11th day.

Shanghai on Thursday said it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing discontent over such difficulties as covid curbs stretched into an 11th day. China's financial hub has fallen largely silent after the city imposed harsh movement restrictions to stem the spread of Covid, with only healthcare workers, volunteers, delivery personnel or people with special permission allowed on the streets. Authorities say that has whittled the number of couriers, who must keep the city's 26 million residents supplied, to just 11,000. Among still operating, but overloaded services, include Meituan as well as Alibaba's Freshippo online grocery platform and its Ele.me service. Also read | Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study Lockdowns for the city's residents eastern of the Huangpu river began on March 28, while lockdowns for the rest of the city started on April 1. The exercise originally was intended to last five days at most. The Shanghai branch of China's Communist Party called on members to "dare show their swords and fight against all kind of behaviour that interferes with and destroys the overall efforts against the pandemic" in an open letter on Wednesday night. Shanghai has sufficient reserves of staples such as rice and meat, but issues have cropped up in distribution and last-mile deliveries because of epidemic control measures, Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong said at a news conference on Thursday. He said the city would try to reopen some wholesale markets and food stores and allow more delivery personnel out of locked-down areas. Officials will also crack down on price gouging, he added. "In response to the various problems reported by the public, we have been holding meetings overnight to try and figure out solutions," he said. Many residents are beginning to worry about food and drinking water, as well as obtaining products such as infant formula. Watch | China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official Some have complained on social media waking up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, but finding them sold out within seconds. Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables. Social media users have also widely shared outrage over individual tragedies, including the alleged suicide of woman after being cyberbullied for paying too little to a delivery worker, and a healthcare worker beating to death a corgi after its owner allegedly was taken to quarantine. Reuters could not independently verify either story. Shanghai, which has been conducting multiple rounds of testing, reported close to 20,000 new locally transmitted cases for Wednesday, 98% of which it said where asymptomatic. However, there are signs that transmission is still happening in spite of the lockdowns. Of its 19,660 asymptomatic infections, 633 involved people who were not under quarantine or who faced control measures, the data showed. Shanghai denied rumours on Wednesday that it planned to suspend all delivery services amid concerns that the virus was being spread through such workers. It requires them to take PCR and antigen tests every day, and they can only deliver goods if they test negative. Also read | Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown China's most-populous city has yet to give an indication of when lockdown measures will lift, fuelling uncertainty and prompting European businesses and economists to warn about the mounting toll they are having on its economy and attractiveness as an international financial hub. Although Shanghai's case numbers remain small by global standards, the city has emerged as a test bed for China's "dynamic clearance" anti-Covid strategy, which seeks to test, trace and centrally quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts. On Thursday, Shanghai city officials said they would continue to conduct more testing among its residents who will be asked to take PCR or self-administered antigen tests. Shanghai has converted dozens of buildings into quarantine facilities that can house tens of thousands of positive cases. Also read | Shanghai's COVID 'mission impossible': 38k health workers deployed, sampling of 25 million residents completed On Tuesday construction began on a new facility that can house 40,000 beds will be finished by Friday, local media The Paper said on Thursday. Late on Wednesday, the China News Service said the neighbouring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang will also provide 60,000 more rooms which patients from Shanghai can quarantine.

Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs

<p>In Sri Lanka, a new financial and economic team for multilateral affairs and debt sustainability in the country has been appointed by the government on Wednesday (April 6).&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed the team with eminent experts, who will be asked to address and provide guidance on the current debt crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The experts will also engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other lenders as the country struggles to combat the unprecedented shortage of foreign reserves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-shadow-as-south-asian-countries-face-political-and-social-upheavals-468981">Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals</a></strong></p>

<p>As per a statement issued by the President Media Division on Wednesday, the advisory group includes Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and former director of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team also includes Shanta Devarajan, who is a Professor of Development Scheme at Georgetown University and former Chief Economist of World Bank and Sharmini Coorey, former Director of Corporate Capacity Development and former Deputy Director of African Department of IMF.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by news agencies, the division said that the members of the advisory group have already held discussions with the President over the ongoing crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/power-to-the-people-rap-song-featuring-wions-report-on-sri-lanka-economic-crisis-goes-viral-468843">'Power to the people': Rap song featuring WION's report on Sri Lanka economic crisis goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri&nbsp;Lankans have&nbsp;said they continue to struggle with the state of the country's economy.</p>

<p>President Gotabaya Rajapaksa maintained his stance of not resigning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gotabaya's ruling coalition in turmoil but he refuses to quit</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In Sri Lanka, a new financial and economic team for multilateral affairs and debt sustainability in the country has been appointed by the government on Wednesday (April 6).

In Sri Lanka, a new financial and economic team for multilateral affairs and debt sustainability in the country has been appointed by the government on Wednesday (April 6). President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed the team with eminent experts, who will be asked to address and provide guidance on the current debt crisis. The experts will also engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other lenders as the country struggles to combat the unprecedented shortage of foreign reserves. ALSO READ | Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals As per a statement issued by the President Media Division on Wednesday, the advisory group includes Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and former director of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The team also includes Shanta Devarajan, who is a Professor of Development Scheme at Georgetown University and former Chief Economist of World Bank and Sharmini Coorey, former Director of Corporate Capacity Development and former Deputy Director of African Department of IMF. As reported by news agencies, the division said that the members of the advisory group have already held discussions with the President over the ongoing crisis. ALSO READ | 'Power to the people': Rap song featuring WION's report on Sri Lanka economic crisis goes viral Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. Sri Lankans have said they continue to struggle with the state of the country's economy. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa maintained his stance of not resigning. WATCH | Gotabaya's ruling coalition in turmoil but he refuses to quit × (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka appoints advisory committee of economic and fiscal experts to tackle debt crisis

<p>The United Nations General Assembly will&nbsp;vote&nbsp;on Thursday on a U.S. push to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over&nbsp;reports of "gross and systematic violations and abuses of&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights" by invading&nbsp;Russian troops in&nbsp;Ukraine.</p>

<p>A two-thirds majority of voting members - abstentions do not count - can suspend a country&nbsp;from&nbsp;the 47-member&nbsp;council. Libya was suspended in 2011 because of violence against protesters by forces loyal to then-leader Muammar Gaddafi.</p>

<p>Western diplomats are confident they have enough support among the 193-member General Assembly to adopt a resolution to suspend Moscow. The draft text expresses "grave concern at the ongoing&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;and&nbsp;humanitarian crisis in&nbsp;Ukraine," particularly at reports of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses by&nbsp;Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russian-forces-completely-withdrawn-from-kyiv-and-chernihiv-ukraine-can-absolutely-win-war-469001">US: Russian forces 'completely' withdrawn from Kyiv and Chernihiv; Ukraine can 'absolutely' win war</a></strong></p>

<p>Explaining the move, announced on Monday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters: "It is important to say (to&nbsp;Russia) 'we're not going to allow you to continue to act with such impunity and pretend that you respect&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights'."</p>

<p>Russia&nbsp;has warned countries that a yes&nbsp;vote&nbsp;or abstention will be viewed as an "unfriendly gesture" with consequences for bilateral ties, according to a note seen by Reuters.</p>

<p>Since&nbsp;Russia's invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;began on Feb. 24, the Assembly has adopted two resolutions denouncing&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with 141 and 140&nbsp;votes in favor. Moscow says it is carrying out a "special operation" to demilitarize&nbsp;Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India condemns mass killings in Bucha</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-condemns-mass-killings-in-bucha-468947/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The United States announced it would seek&nbsp;Russia's suspension after&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;accused&nbsp;Russian troops of killing hundreds of civilians in the town of Bucha.</p>

<p>Russia&nbsp;denies attacking civilians in&nbsp;Ukraine.&nbsp;U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday that while Bucha was under&nbsp;Russian control "not a single civilian suffered&nbsp;from&nbsp;any kind of violence."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-us-threatens-beijing-with-sanctions-if-it-provides-material-support-to-moscow-468963">Russia-Ukraine war: US threatens Beijing with sanctions if it provides ‘material support’ to Moscow</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia&nbsp;is in its second year of a three-year term on the Geneva-based&nbsp;Human&nbsp;Rights&nbsp;Council, which cannot make legally binding decisions. Its decisions send important political messages, however, and it can authorize investigations.</p>

<p>Last month the&nbsp;council&nbsp;opened an investigation into allegations of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;violations, including possible war crimes, in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;since&nbsp;Russia's attack.</p>


The United Nations General Assembly will vote on Thursday on a U.S. push to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over reports of "gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights" by invading Russian troops in Ukraine.

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on Thursday on a U.S. push to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over reports of "gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights" by invading Russian troops in Ukraine. A two-thirds majority of voting members - abstentions do not count - can suspend a country from the 47-member council. Libya was suspended in 2011 because of violence against protesters by forces loyal to then-leader Muammar Gaddafi. Western diplomats are confident they have enough support among the 193-member General Assembly to adopt a resolution to suspend Moscow. The draft text expresses "grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine," particularly at reports of rights abuses by Russia. Also read | US: Russian forces 'completely' withdrawn from Kyiv and Chernihiv; Ukraine can 'absolutely' win war Explaining the move, announced on Monday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters: "It is important to say (to Russia) 'we're not going to allow you to continue to act with such impunity and pretend that you respect human rights'." Russia has warned countries that a yes vote or abstention will be viewed as an "unfriendly gesture" with consequences for bilateral ties, according to a note seen by Reuters. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, the Assembly has adopted two resolutions denouncing Russia with 141 and 140 votes in favor. Moscow says it is carrying out a "special operation" to demilitarize Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: India condemns mass killings in Bucha The United States announced it would seek Russia's suspension after Ukraine accused Russian troops of killing hundreds of civilians in the town of Bucha. Russia denies attacking civilians in Ukraine. U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday that while Bucha was under Russian control "not a single civilian suffered from any kind of violence." Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: US threatens Beijing with sanctions if it provides ‘material support’ to Moscow Russia is in its second year of a three-year term on the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, which cannot make legally binding decisions. Its decisions send important political messages, however, and it can authorize investigations. Last month the council opened an investigation into allegations of rights violations, including possible war crimes, in Ukraine since Russia's attack.

Ukraine war: United Nations to vote on suspending Russia from Human Rights Council

<p>More&nbsp;than&nbsp;half&nbsp;of the European population&nbsp;support&nbsp;legalisation&nbsp;of adult use of&nbsp;cannabis&nbsp;and around 30% of them are interested in purchasing it, according to polling data by industry consultants on Thursday.</p>

<p>Europe's liberal approach could reap multiple financial and economic benefits as seen in the United States, which has witnessed a surge in&nbsp;cannabis&nbsp;use during pandemic-induced lockdowns.</p>

<p>While majority of&nbsp;Europeans&nbsp;support&nbsp;regulated&nbsp;cannabis&nbsp;shops, most do not favor growing the plant at home, according to the&nbsp;report&nbsp;by London-based consultancy Hanway and pot producer Curaleaf International.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/secondhand-cannabis-smoke-from-bongs-worse-than-cigarette-smoking-says-study-467601">Cannabis smoke from bongs worse than cigarette for passive smokers, says study &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The&nbsp;report&nbsp;comes a week after the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill to end the federal ban on marijuana, which has created legal headaches for users and businesses in the states that have legalized it.</p>

<p>"We see the European market as three to four years behind (the U.S.), but it actually looks like Europe may initiate sweeping reform before the United States," said Boris Jordan, executive at U.S.-based Curaleaf.</p>

<p>Many European countries, including Germany, have legalised&nbsp;cannabis&nbsp;for limited medicinal purposes, while others have decriminalised its general use. Malta became the first European country to allow limited cultivation and personal use of&nbsp;cannabis.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Malta to legalise cannabis for personal use, supporters hail decision</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malta-to-legalise-cannabis-for-personal-use-supporters-hail-decision-437136/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The European&nbsp;cannabis&nbsp;market is expected to cross 3 billion euros ($3.27 billion) in annual revenue by 2025, up from about 400 million euros last year, according to a&nbsp;report&nbsp;from research firm Prohibition Partners. Germany has been the biggest market in the continent so far.</div>

<p>"There is clear political desire and willingness in Germany to legalize recreational use," Joe Bayern, chief executive officer of Curaleaf, told Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-passes-bill-to-decriminalise-cannabis-467543">US House of Representatives passes bill to decriminalise cannabis</a></strong></p>

<p>"Given it (Germany) is the largest economy in Europe, we think it will lead the way and create a domino effect for rest of the continent," Bayern said.</p>


More than half of the European population support legalisation of adult use of cannabis and around 30% of them are interested in purchasing it, according to polling data by industry consultants on Thursday.

More than half of the European population support legalisation of adult use of cannabis and around 30% of them are interested in purchasing it, according to polling data by industry consultants on Thursday. Europe's liberal approach could reap multiple financial and economic benefits as seen in the United States, which has witnessed a surge in cannabis use during pandemic-induced lockdowns. While majority of Europeans support regulated cannabis shops, most do not favor growing the plant at home, according to the report by London-based consultancy Hanway and pot producer Curaleaf International. Also read | Cannabis smoke from bongs worse than cigarette for passive smokers, says study The report comes a week after the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill to end the federal ban on marijuana, which has created legal headaches for users and businesses in the states that have legalized it. "We see the European market as three to four years behind (the U.S.), but it actually looks like Europe may initiate sweeping reform before the United States," said Boris Jordan, executive at U.S.-based Curaleaf. Many European countries, including Germany, have legalised cannabis for limited medicinal purposes, while others have decriminalised its general use. Malta became the first European country to allow limited cultivation and personal use of cannabis. Watch | Malta to legalise cannabis for personal use, supporters hail decision The European cannabis market is expected to cross 3 billion euros ($3.27 billion) in annual revenue by 2025, up from about 400 million euros last year, according to a report from research firm Prohibition Partners. Germany has been the biggest market in the continent so far. "There is clear political desire and willingness in Germany to legalize recreational use," Joe Bayern, chief executive officer of Curaleaf, told Reuters. Also read | US House of Representatives passes bill to decriminalise cannabis "Given it (Germany) is the largest economy in Europe, we think it will lead the way and create a domino effect for rest of the continent," Bayern said.

More than 50% of European population supports cannabis legalisation: Report

<p>&nbsp;In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort.</p>

<p>Fourteen sketches smuggled out of&nbsp;Myanmar's Insein Prison and interviews with eight former prisoners offer a rare glimpse inside the country's most notorious jail, where thousands of political prisoners have been sent since last year's military coup and communication with the outside world is sharply limited.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The rough, blue-ink sketches show daily life for groups of male prisoners in their dormitories, queuing for water from a trough to wash, talking or lying on the floor in the tropical heat.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-after-covid-quarantine-467202">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court after Covid quarantine</a></strong></p>

<p>Beyond those depictions, the eight recently released inmates told Reuters the colonial-era facility in Yangon is infested with rats, a place where bribes are common, prisoners pay for sleeping space on the floor and widespread illness goes untreated.</p>

<p>"We're no longer humans behind bars," said Nyi Nyi Htwe, 24, who smuggled the sketches out of the prison when he was released in October, after spending several months for a defamation conviction, on charges he denies, in connection with joining protests against the coup.</p>

<p>Reuters could not independently verify the accounts provided by the former inmates.</p>

<p>Myanmar's junta, which seized power from the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and prison administration did not respond to multiple requests for comment on conditions shown in the sketches and described by the former inmates.</p>

<p>Rights groups including the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters they have been denied access to the jail.</p>

<p>Built by the British in 1871, Insein is&nbsp;Myanmar's largest prison, housing many people arrested for opposing the junta.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, convicted of breaking&nbsp;Myanmar's Official Secrets Act in 2017, spent most of their 511 days behind bars in Insein. They were released in a 2019 amnesty, before the latest coup.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar military resorting to a strategy of massacres &amp; scorched earth tactics as it burns villages</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-military-resorting-to-a-strategy-of-massacres-scorched-earth-tactics-as-it-burns-villages-441708/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Prison population swells</strong></p>

<p>The artist drew the prison sketches between April and July of last year. Later released, he declined to be interviewed or identified, telling Nyi Nyi Htwe he feared rearrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nyi Nyi Htwe, who met the artist in prison, said he sketched prisoners if asked and drew prison scenes wherever he went, saying he felt more relaxed while drawing. He gave Nyi Nyi Htwe the sketches as a birthday present.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Nyi Nyi Htwe said he smuggled them out on his release to show friends, family and others the conditions inside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Since the coup, 10,072 people have been detained in the Southeast Asian country, including Suu Kyi and most of her cabinet, and over 1,730 people have been killed, according to the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, whose tallies are widely cited. The junta has said AAPP's figures are exaggerated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-says-will-annihilate-coup-opponents-on-crackdown-anniversary-465854">Myanmar army says will 'annihilate' coup opponents on crackdown anniversary</a></strong></p>

<p>Many of those detained have been sent to Insein.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Built to incarcerate around 5,000 people, the prison has seen inmate numbers swell to over 10,000 since the coup, said a spokesperson for the AAPP. Reuters could not confirm the figures.</p>

<p>The sketches reflect the increase in the months after the coup, said Nyi Nyi Htwe.</p>

<p>In one from late April, a few prisoners sit apart in their dorm, some reading books. A picture from June shows about 60 people in the same room - many lying in tight rows down the centre, the rest hunched against the walls.</p>

<p>Nyi Nyi Htwe said he and as many as 100 others were packed well beyond capacity into a room where they "slept a finger-width apart," and that he watched prison officers beat inmates with batons and had to pay bribes to send messages to family that they told him often did not arrive.</p>

<p><strong>'Lucky not to die'</strong></p>

<p>With the overcrowding came water shortages, disease, fatigue, fighting between prisoners and flourishing bribery, said people released in recent months.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"Rats ran around in the room. The toilets were filthy. The food was mixed with flies. Those who couldn't pay a bribe had to sleep next to the toilet bucket," said Sandar Win, a 42-year-old social worker jailed at Insein for several months for defamation after protesting against the junta.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoy-says-urged-restraint-from-myanmar-military-discussed-aung-san-suu-kyi-access-465104">ASEAN envoy says urged restraint from Myanmar military, discussed Aung San Suu Kyi access</a></strong></p>

<p>She was released under an amnesty while awaiting sentencing for the charges, which she denies. She has since fled&nbsp;Myanmar.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Access to outdoor latrines was limited, forcing prisoners to defecate in buckets in their rooms, three women former inmates said. These unsanitary conditions allowed skin and bowel diseases to spread, and there was little medical help, they said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;A handwritten note by a group of anonymous Insein inmates, smuggled out to a prominent human rights activist in February, alleges several instances of medical negligence, including failure to treat people beaten unconscious and a person who had suffered a stroke and was paralysed.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"These cases are happening right in front of us," said the note, which was shown to Reuters by the activist, Nan Lin. "We request urgent help from international organisations and local organisations."</p>

<p>Reuters could not independently verify the note's authenticity, but several former inmates said they had witnessed or suffered beatings by guards and there was little medical support.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-junta-categorically-rejects-us-allegation-of-rohingya-genocide-464692">Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite a COVID-19 vaccination drive at Insein last summer that was publicised on state media, former inmates said the coronavirus thrived in the crowded prison. At least 10 prisoners are suspected to have died from the disease, according to the AAPP.</p>

<p>Nyi Nyi Htwe, who has joined an armed rebel group, said nearly two-thirds of his dormitory were sick with covid&nbsp;symptoms last summer.</p>

<p>"They put all the sick people in our room — high fever, coughing and ill," he said. "I was lucky enough not to die."&nbsp;</p>


In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort.

In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort. Fourteen sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's Insein Prison and interviews with eight former prisoners offer a rare glimpse inside the country's most notorious jail, where thousands of political prisoners have been sent since last year's military coup and communication with the outside world is sharply limited. The rough, blue-ink sketches show daily life for groups of male prisoners in their dormitories, queuing for water from a trough to wash, talking or lying on the floor in the tropical heat. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court after Covid quarantine Beyond those depictions, the eight recently released inmates told Reuters the colonial-era facility in Yangon is infested with rats, a place where bribes are common, prisoners pay for sleeping space on the floor and widespread illness goes untreated. "We're no longer humans behind bars," said Nyi Nyi Htwe, 24, who smuggled the sketches out of the prison when he was released in October, after spending several months for a defamation conviction, on charges he denies, in connection with joining protests against the coup. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts provided by the former inmates. Myanmar's junta, which seized power from the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and prison administration did not respond to multiple requests for comment on conditions shown in the sketches and described by the former inmates. Rights groups including the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters they have been denied access to the jail. Built by the British in 1871, Insein is Myanmar's largest prison, housing many people arrested for opposing the junta. Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, convicted of breaking Myanmar's Official Secrets Act in 2017, spent most of their 511 days behind bars in Insein. They were released in a 2019 amnesty, before the latest coup. Watch | Myanmar military resorting to a strategy of massacres & scorched earth tactics as it burns villages Prison population swells The artist drew the prison sketches between April and July of last year. Later released, he declined to be interviewed or identified, telling Nyi Nyi Htwe he feared rearrest. Nyi Nyi Htwe, who met the artist in prison, said he sketched prisoners if asked and drew prison scenes wherever he went, saying he felt more relaxed while drawing. He gave Nyi Nyi Htwe the sketches as a birthday present. Nyi Nyi Htwe said he smuggled them out on his release to show friends, family and others the conditions inside. Since the coup, 10,072 people have been detained in the Southeast Asian country, including Suu Kyi and most of her cabinet, and over 1,730 people have been killed, according to the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, whose tallies are widely cited. The junta has said AAPP's figures are exaggerated. Also read | Myanmar army says will 'annihilate' coup opponents on crackdown anniversary Many of those detained have been sent to Insein. Built to incarcerate around 5,000 people, the prison has seen inmate numbers swell to over 10,000 since the coup, said a spokesperson for the AAPP. Reuters could not confirm the figures. The sketches reflect the increase in the months after the coup, said Nyi Nyi Htwe. In one from late April, a few prisoners sit apart in their dorm, some reading books. A picture from June shows about 60 people in the same room - many lying in tight rows down the centre, the rest hunched against the walls. Nyi Nyi Htwe said he and as many as 100 others were packed well beyond capacity into a room where they "slept a finger-width apart," and that he watched prison officers beat inmates with batons and had to pay bribes to send messages to family that they told him often did not arrive. 'Lucky not to die' With the overcrowding came water shortages, disease, fatigue, fighting between prisoners and flourishing bribery, said people released in recent months. "Rats ran around in the room. The toilets were filthy. The food was mixed with flies. Those who couldn't pay a bribe had to sleep next to the toilet bucket," said Sandar Win, a 42-year-old social worker jailed at Insein for several months for defamation after protesting against the junta. Also read | ASEAN envoy says urged restraint from Myanmar military, discussed Aung San Suu Kyi access She was released under an amnesty while awaiting sentencing for the charges, which she denies. She has since fled Myanmar. Access to outdoor latrines was limited, forcing prisoners to defecate in buckets in their rooms, three women former inmates said. These unsanitary conditions allowed skin and bowel diseases to spread, and there was little medical help, they said. A handwritten note by a group of anonymous Insein inmates, smuggled out to a prominent human rights activist in February, alleges several instances of medical negligence, including failure to treat people beaten unconscious and a person who had suffered a stroke and was paralysed. "These cases are happening right in front of us," said the note, which was shown to Reuters by the activist, Nan Lin. "We request urgent help from international organisations and local organisations." Reuters could not independently verify the note's authenticity, but several former inmates said they had witnessed or suffered beatings by guards and there was little medical support. Also read | Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide Despite a COVID-19 vaccination drive at Insein last summer that was publicised on state media, former inmates said the coronavirus thrived in the crowded prison. At least 10 prisoners are suspected to have died from the disease, according to the AAPP. Nyi Nyi Htwe, who has joined an armed rebel group, said nearly two-thirds of his dormitory were sick with covid symptoms last summer. "They put all the sick people in our room — high fever, coughing and ill," he said. "I was lucky enough not to die."

Smuggled sketches offer glimpses into harsh Myanmar prison

<p>French prosecutors said on Wednesday they have opened a probe into suspected tax fraud by management consultancies whose record contracts with the government has caused problems for President Emmanuel Macron on the campaign trial.</p>

<p>France's financial crimes prosecutors (PNF) said in a statement they had on March 31 opened a preliminary inquiry into laundering of tax fraud proceeds after the report by the upper house Senate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-and-le-pen-battle-over-pensions-as-french-election-race-tightens-468274">Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens</a></strong></p>

<p>The Senate investigation concluded this month that public spending on consultants had more than doubled from 2018-2021, reaching more than a billion euros ($1.1 billion) last year, a record.</p>

<p>The investigation, which condemned the "sprawling phenomenon", also slammed US-based giant&nbsp;McKinsey&nbsp;for failing to pay corporation tax for the last 10 years despite declaring sales of 329 million euros in France -- which&nbsp;McKinsey&nbsp;denies.</p>

<p>The PNF statement gave no further details and did not name any entity.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: France Election: Anti-semitism takes centrestage</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-france-election-anti-semitism-takes-centrestage-468946/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The controversy has proved highly unwelcome for Macron, a former investment banker, derided as a president of the rich by left-wingers throughout his time in office.</p>

<p>It has also erupted at a time he is seeking to find momentum for his campaign ahead of the first round of elections Sunday in the face of a challenge from resurgent far-right leader Marine Le Pen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-holds-first-rally-as-france-election-race-tightens-467714">Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens</a></strong></p>

<p>Macron has defended the use of consultants, emphasising that this is standard practice for governments across the world.</p>

<p>He has denied that anything "murky" has been at work and argued that public procurement policies had been strictly followed and additional help had been required during the Covid-19 pandemic when ministries and civil servants were stretched thin.</p>


French prosecutors said on Wednesday they have opened a probe into suspected tax fraud by management consultancies whose record contracts with the government has caused problems for President Emmanuel Macron on the campaign trial.

French prosecutors said on Wednesday they have opened a probe into suspected tax fraud by management consultancies whose record contracts with the government has caused problems for President Emmanuel Macron on the campaign trial. France's financial crimes prosecutors (PNF) said in a statement they had on March 31 opened a preliminary inquiry into laundering of tax fraud proceeds after the report by the upper house Senate. Also read | Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens The Senate investigation concluded this month that public spending on consultants had more than doubled from 2018-2021, reaching more than a billion euros ($1.1 billion) last year, a record. The investigation, which condemned the "sprawling phenomenon", also slammed US-based giant McKinsey for failing to pay corporation tax for the last 10 years despite declaring sales of 329 million euros in France -- which McKinsey denies. The PNF statement gave no further details and did not name any entity. Watch | Gravitas: France Election: Anti-semitism takes centrestage The controversy has proved highly unwelcome for Macron, a former investment banker, derided as a president of the rich by left-wingers throughout his time in office. It has also erupted at a time he is seeking to find momentum for his campaign ahead of the first round of elections Sunday in the face of a challenge from resurgent far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Also read | Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens Macron has defended the use of consultants, emphasising that this is standard practice for governments across the world. He has denied that anything "murky" has been at work and argued that public procurement policies had been strictly followed and additional help had been required during the Covid-19 pandemic when ministries and civil servants were stretched thin.

France opens tax fraud probe over consultancies in government

<p>After the recent attacks across India's Kashmir Valley, the district administration in Srinagar has issued an order for the business establishments to install CCTV Cameras outside their shops and premises. The step has been taken to keep a check on terror, criminal, anti-social and anti-national activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the issued order, the prevailing persistent threat, relating to recently increased incidents of selective targeting of the innocent citizens in Jammu and Kashmir by the anti-national and subversive elements, requires several measures including the use of appropriate technologies to safeguard life and property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The benefits of advancements in technology are being reaped by every sector be it education, investment, management, health, or public service and many states/UTs of the Union of India now employ video surveillance as a tool to monitor public movements and to prevent crime and terrorism," read a part of the order copy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The administration believes installing CCTV cameras across the city would help keep a check on terror or criminal activity. "The role of CCTV cameras in improving safety and security cannot be undermined because they not only help in deterrence, surveillance and detection of crime but are very important tools for the law enforcement agencies in the prosecution and bringing the culprit/offender to the book," the order further read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DC Srinagar in the order has stated that he exercises the powers conferred upon him by virtue of section 144 Cr. P C, 1973. And has asked for strict compliance by the owners of such establishments and market associations of such markets whether registered or not, who shall within a period of two weeks (14 days) from the date of publication of this order shall take the following steps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ensure that the CCTV system installed is in always working condition, 24 x 7 even when the establishment is closed. The CCTV system should be of good quality with minimum resolution of 1920 X 1080, Minimum Illumination of 0.01 Lux, Focal length 3.6 mm, built in IR and retention period of 30 days, with feature to playback as well as download the recording," the order read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It states that they provide the CCTV footage to the police and other law enforcement agencies whenever demanded.&nbsp;</p>


After the recent attacks across India's Kashmir Valley, the district administration in Srinagar has issued an order for the business establishments to install CCTV Cameras outside their shops and premises.

After the recent attacks across India's Kashmir Valley, the district administration in Srinagar has issued an order for the business establishments to install CCTV Cameras outside their shops and premises. The step has been taken to keep a check on terror, criminal, anti-social and anti-national activities. As per the issued order, the prevailing persistent threat, relating to recently increased incidents of selective targeting of the innocent citizens in Jammu and Kashmir by the anti-national and subversive elements, requires several measures including the use of appropriate technologies to safeguard life and property. "The benefits of advancements in technology are being reaped by every sector be it education, investment, management, health, or public service and many states/UTs of the Union of India now employ video surveillance as a tool to monitor public movements and to prevent crime and terrorism," read a part of the order copy. The administration believes installing CCTV cameras across the city would help keep a check on terror or criminal activity. "The role of CCTV cameras in improving safety and security cannot be undermined because they not only help in deterrence, surveillance and detection of crime but are very important tools for the law enforcement agencies in the prosecution and bringing the culprit/offender to the book," the order further read. The DC Srinagar in the order has stated that he exercises the powers conferred upon him by virtue of section 144 Cr. P C, 1973. And has asked for strict compliance by the owners of such establishments and market associations of such markets whether registered or not, who shall within a period of two weeks (14 days) from the date of publication of this order shall take the following steps. "Ensure that the CCTV system installed is in always working condition, 24 x 7 even when the establishment is closed. The CCTV system should be of good quality with minimum resolution of 1920 X 1080, Minimum Illumination of 0.01 Lux, Focal length 3.6 mm, built in IR and retention period of 30 days, with feature to playback as well as download the recording," the order read. It states that they provide the CCTV footage to the police and other law enforcement agencies whenever demanded.

India: Srinagar administration orders CCTVs installation outside shops, markets amid rise in terror attacks

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<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>A senior US defence official on Wednesday (April 6) claimed that Russian forces completely withdraw from Ukrainian areas around capital city Kyiv and northern city of&nbsp;Chernihiv in order to regroup in Belarus and Russia. Recent reports have stated that Russian forces are now shifting&nbsp;their focus to eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media outlet The Hill, the official said, "We aren't showing Russian forces in or around Kyiv or to the north of Kyiv, and we're not showing Russian forces in or around Chernihiv."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official added, "We have now seen that the Russians have moved from the north into Belarus and to Russia for refit and resupply. We have seen indications that that refit and resupply is occurring."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-russia-hiding-thousands-killed-in-mariupol-468954">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol</a></strong></p>

<p>The media report also stated that Russian troops are shelling major cities continuously as they retreat. The official said that overall, the Russian military has launched more than 1,450 missiles against Ukraine since the invasion began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the official said that "we are assessing that they have completely withdrawn from Kyiv and from Chernihiv."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Pentagon also said on Wednesday that it assessed that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, even as US officials speak of the risk of a protracted conflict.</p>

<p>Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing, "Of course they [Ukraine] can win this. The proof is literally in the outcomes that you're seeing everyday ... absolutely they can win."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-impact-of-war-on-ukraines-comedian-president-and-an-unlikely-wartime-leader-468665">How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;New sanctions on Russia: UK targets Sberbank and credit bank of Moscow</strong></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. A senior US defence official on Wednesday (April 6) claimed that Russian forces completely withdraw from Ukrainian areas around capital city Kyiv and northern city of Chernihiv in order to regroup in Belarus and Russia. Recent reports have stated that Russian forces are now shifting their focus to eastern Ukraine. As quoted by media outlet The Hill, the official said, "We aren't showing Russian forces in or around Kyiv or to the north of Kyiv, and we're not showing Russian forces in or around Chernihiv." The official added, "We have now seen that the Russians have moved from the north into Belarus and to Russia for refit and resupply. We have seen indications that that refit and resupply is occurring." ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol The media report also stated that Russian troops are shelling major cities continuously as they retreat. The official said that overall, the Russian military has launched more than 1,450 missiles against Ukraine since the invasion began. However, the official said that "we are assessing that they have completely withdrawn from Kyiv and from Chernihiv." Meanwhile, the Pentagon also said on Wednesday that it assessed that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, even as US officials speak of the risk of a protracted conflict. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing, "Of course they [Ukraine] can win this. The proof is literally in the outcomes that you're seeing everyday ... absolutely they can win." ALSO READ | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky WATCH | New sanctions on Russia: UK targets Sberbank and credit bank of Moscow ×

US: Russian forces 'completely' withdrawn from Kyiv and Chernihiv; Ukraine can 'absolutely' win war

<p>Images and videos of Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, keep mesmerising people across the world. But the latest photo shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows a completely "different perspective".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency posted an image of the highest mountain on Earth taken from the vantage point of space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA revealed that an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has taken this near-nadir (almost straight down) photo of Mount Everest, which towers approximately 8,848 meters above sea level.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-observe-stunning-formation-of-jupiter-like-planet-that-is-in-the-womb-468468">Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb'</a></strong></p>

<p>In the post shared on its official Instagram account, NASA stated that Mt. Everest just keeps growing, approximately one centimetre per year due to the progressive uplift of the crust caused by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>See the post here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/one-must-shout-to-have-conversation-nasa-finds-sound-travels-slower-on-mars-than-earth-468444">‘One must shout to have conversation’: NASA finds sound travels slower on Mars than Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>The image stunned the social media users as some expressed their astonishment in the comment section. One of the users wrote, "Mind blowing". Another user lauded the "amazing" quality of the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some users compared the image to aluminium foil and painting. A user wrote, "This is crinkled up aluminum foil". Another user said, "Oh wow that looks like a paint".&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Mount Everest is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and the China–Nepal border runs across its summit point.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese and Nepali authorities reportedly established its elevation (snow height) of 8,848.86 metres most recently in 2020.&nbsp;</p>


Images and videos of Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, keep mesmerising people across the world. But the latest photo shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows a completely "different perspective".

Images and videos of Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, keep mesmerising people across the world. But the latest photo shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows a completely "different perspective". The space agency posted an image of the highest mountain on Earth taken from the vantage point of space. NASA revealed that an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has taken this near-nadir (almost straight down) photo of Mount Everest, which towers approximately 8,848 meters above sea level. ALSO READ | Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb' In the post shared on its official Instagram account, NASA stated that Mt. Everest just keeps growing, approximately one centimetre per year due to the progressive uplift of the crust caused by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. See the post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × ALSO READ | ‘One must shout to have conversation’: NASA finds sound travels slower on Mars than Earth The image stunned the social media users as some expressed their astonishment in the comment section. One of the users wrote, "Mind blowing". Another user lauded the "amazing" quality of the image. Some users compared the image to aluminium foil and painting. A user wrote, "This is crinkled up aluminum foil". Another user said, "Oh wow that looks like a paint". For the unversed, Mount Everest is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and the China–Nepal border runs across its summit point. The Chinese and Nepali authorities reportedly established its elevation (snow height) of 8,848.86 metres most recently in 2020.

See this magnificent photo of Mount Everest from a completely 'different perspective'

<p>A photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky taken on February 23 this year, just a day before his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin ordered a special "military operation" in Ukraine, portrays a different story than the photo taken on April 4. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The large scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, deemed "unprovoked and unjustified" by the West, is no doubt an unprecedented crisis for the country. Shelling and constant bombings by Russian troops have left the eastern European nation in tatters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Millions of people have been displaced and at least $100 billion worth of infrastructure, buildings and other physical assets have been destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian authorities have claimed hundreds died and reports of loot, rape and torture by Russian troops also emerged. Although, Moscow has "categorically" denied all the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-had-no-option-but-to-negotiate-with-russia-to-end-war-but-will-putin-hold-talks-468562">Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks?</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid all the chaos, the Ukrainian President rose to the occasion and gradually become the face of Ukraine's resistance with emotional appeals and impassioned speeches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been urging world powers to send military assistance and humanitarian aid. He is also finding diplomatic ways to end the war without compromising Ukraine's sovereignty and peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But recent pictures have shown how the ongoing war changed situations. On Monday (April 4), Zelensky visited the town of Bucha outside the capital Kyiv where dozens of corpses, some with their hands bound, were allegedly discovered after Russian forces withdrew.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A teary-eyed Ukrainian leader told reporters, "Every day, when our fighters enter and retake territory, you see what's been happening."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These are war crimes and it will be recognised by the world as genocide. You stand here today and see what happened. We know that thousands of people have been killed and tortured with extremities cut off, women raped, children killed," he told reporters, adding that "it's genocide."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a></strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, the 44-year-old Zelensky rose to fame via comedy. He was the star of a popular TV show in Ukraine called "Servant of the People". In the show, he played the role of president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Zelensky addressed the nation after Russia recognised two Ukrainian separatist regions as independent states and moved troops to the border, he wore a suit and tie and boldly mentioned Ukraine's resistance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, when he addressed the nation on April 4 over alleged Bucha atrocities, he was wearing a bullet-proof vest and accompanied by military personnel and talked about "genocide" and "mass killings".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The world has seen and lauded Ukrainian resistance, but at what cost? This is yet to be analysed. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since the invasion began, the "unlikely wartime leader" swapped his tailored navy suits, white shirts and ties with a simple and basic olive green T-shirt — the kind people generally wear for workouts or mostly soldiers wear under military fatigues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky wears a simple green T-shirt in solidarity with his fellow soldiers who are either dead or risking their lives to protect and defend the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Insider stated that "Presidents often leave the office with more grey hair than they had when they entered". The stress will be double&nbsp;if their tenure had a war or war-like situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But some dermatologists say Presidents experience an "expedited ageing process" due to the stress of the office. But some others state that it's natural ageing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Has the ongoing war taken a toll on the Ukrainian president?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide in Bucha</strong></p>

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A photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky taken on February 23 this year, just a day before his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin ordered a special "military operation" in Ukraine, portrays a different story than the photo taken on April 4.

A photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky taken on February 23 this year, just a day before his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin ordered a special "military operation" in Ukraine, portrays a different story than the photo taken on April 4. The large scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, deemed "unprovoked and unjustified" by the West, is no doubt an unprecedented crisis for the country. Shelling and constant bombings by Russian troops have left the eastern European nation in tatters. Millions of people have been displaced and at least $100 billion worth of infrastructure, buildings and other physical assets have been destroyed. Ukrainian authorities have claimed hundreds died and reports of loot, rape and torture by Russian troops also emerged. Although, Moscow has "categorically" denied all the allegations. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine had 'no option but to negotiate' with Russia to end war. But will Putin hold talks? Amid all the chaos, the Ukrainian President rose to the occasion and gradually become the face of Ukraine's resistance with emotional appeals and impassioned speeches. He has been urging world powers to send military assistance and humanitarian aid. He is also finding diplomatic ways to end the war without compromising Ukraine's sovereignty and peace. But recent pictures have shown how the ongoing war changed situations. On Monday (April 4), Zelensky visited the town of Bucha outside the capital Kyiv where dozens of corpses, some with their hands bound, were allegedly discovered after Russian forces withdrew. A teary-eyed Ukrainian leader told reporters, "Every day, when our fighters enter and retake territory, you see what's been happening." "These are war crimes and it will be recognised by the world as genocide. You stand here today and see what happened. We know that thousands of people have been killed and tortured with extremities cut off, women raped, children killed," he told reporters, adding that "it's genocide." ALSO READ | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' For the unversed, the 44-year-old Zelensky rose to fame via comedy. He was the star of a popular TV show in Ukraine called "Servant of the People". In the show, he played the role of president. When Zelensky addressed the nation after Russia recognised two Ukrainian separatist regions as independent states and moved troops to the border, he wore a suit and tie and boldly mentioned Ukraine's resistance. Meanwhile, when he addressed the nation on April 4 over alleged Bucha atrocities, he was wearing a bullet-proof vest and accompanied by military personnel and talked about "genocide" and "mass killings". The world has seen and lauded Ukrainian resistance, but at what cost? This is yet to be analysed. Ever since the invasion began, the "unlikely wartime leader" swapped his tailored navy suits, white shirts and ties with a simple and basic olive green T-shirt — the kind people generally wear for workouts or mostly soldiers wear under military fatigues. Zelensky wears a simple green T-shirt in solidarity with his fellow soldiers who are either dead or risking their lives to protect and defend the country. A report by Insider stated that "Presidents often leave the office with more grey hair than they had when they entered". The stress will be double if their tenure had a war or war-like situation. But some dermatologists say Presidents experience an "expedited ageing process" due to the stress of the office. But some others state that it's natural ageing. Has the ongoing war taken a toll on the Ukrainian president? WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide in Bucha ×

How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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