General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was posthumously conferred Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award on Monday (March 21). His daughters Kritika and Tarini received the prestigious award from Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on the CDS' behalf.&nbsp;

General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other defence force personnel were killed in a helicopter crash on December 8. The accident happened when an IAF helicopter Mi-17V5, carrying the defence chief crashed in southern India — near the town of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Gen Bipin Rawat was India's first chief of defence staff. It is a position that the Indian government established in 2019. He received Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional and distinguished service for India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-morrison-summit-general-rawat-india-australia-young-defence-officers-exchange-programme-announced-464475">India, Australia launch defence officer exchange programme named after Gen Bipin Rawat</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Padma Awardees and said that the country takes great pride in their accomplishments and contribution to society.&nbsp;

"Joined the ceremony in which Padma Awards were conferred on distinguished people from different walks of life. We take great pride in their accomplishments and contribution to society," tweeted PM Modi.&nbsp;

Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.&nbsp;

The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz. art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Daughters of CDS General Bipin Rawat, Kritika Rawat and Tarini Rawat receive his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadmaVibhushan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadmaVibhushan</a> award (posthumous)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadmaAward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadmaAward</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mygovindia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeoplesPadma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeoplesPadma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadmaAwards2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadmaAwards2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/VIaCYWhu1o">pic.twitter.com/VIaCYWhu1o</a>
— DD News (@DDNewslive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive/status/1505879297915035653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was posthumously conferred Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award on Monday (March 21).

General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was posthumously conferred Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award on Monday (March 21). His daughters Kritika and Tarini received the prestigious award from Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on the CDS' behalf. General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other defence force personnel were killed in a helicopter crash on December 8. The accident happened when an IAF helicopter Mi-17V5, carrying the defence chief crashed in southern India — near the town of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Gen Bipin Rawat was India's first chief of defence staff. It is a position that the Indian government established in 2019. He received Padma Vibhushan for his exceptional and distinguished service for India. ALSO READ | India, Australia launch defence officer exchange programme named after Gen Bipin Rawat Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Padma Awardees and said that the country takes great pride in their accomplishments and contribution to society. "Joined the ceremony in which Padma Awards were conferred on distinguished people from different walks of life. We take great pride in their accomplishments and contribution to society," tweeted PM Modi. Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz. art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. Watch the video here: Daughters of CDS General Bipin Rawat, Kritika Rawat and Tarini Rawat receive his #PadmaVibhushan award (posthumous)#PadmaAward @mygovindia@PIBHomeAffairs#PeoplesPadma #PadmaAwards2022 pic.twitter.com/VIaCYWhu1o — DD News (@DDNewslive) March 21, 2022 ×

WATCH: Kritika and Tarini, daughters of General Bipin Rawat receive his Padma Vibhushan award

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. Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a US-based Space Foundation's fundraising event removed the name of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The event was held in honour of Gagarin, who is the first man to journey to outer space. The report was first published by Futurism citing a now-deleted announcement. The Space Foundation apparently announced: "In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri's Night is renamed 'A Celebration of Space: Discover What's Next.'" While the event has been renamed, the aim remains the same as it said in the statement, "The focus of this fundraising event remains the same – to celebrate human achievements in space while inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars." There hasn't been any official statement from the nonprofit foundation. ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea 🇺🇦❤ 'Tribute to Yuri Gagarin' by Ukrainian Andrey Palval in Kyiv, Ukraine (2013) #yurigagarin #andreypalval #kyivstreetart #stopthewar #streetart #lamolinastreetart 📷 via GlobalStreetArt https://t.co/bSWY67B6iL pic.twitter.com/n0IumCQk9X — 𝕃𝕒 𝕄𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕒 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 (@MolinaStreetArt) March 7, 2022 × “In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri’s Night is renamed ‘A Celebration of Space: Discover What’s Next.’” 🤔 https://t.co/xBS7ynmA41 — Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) March 15, 2022 × Gagarin completed one orbit of Earth on April 12, 1961, and while travelling in the Vostok 1 capsule and achieving the major milestone, he became a global sensation. Gagarin, who was born on March 9 in 1934, was awarded many medals and titles, including Hero of the Soviet Union, his nation's highest honour. Meanwhile, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18). The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit. ALSO READ | As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves WATCH | How art is combating war in Ukraine? ×

Did a space conference remove Yuri Gagarin's name over Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Justice Clarence Thomas, the longest-serving member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was hospitalized with an infection Friday after experiencing flulike symptoms, the court said in a statement Sunday.

Thomas was being treated with intravenous antibiotics at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, the statement said.

“His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two,” it said.

Patricia McCabe, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court, said that Thomas’ illness was not COVID-19 or related to the coronavirus.

The statement said that Thomas would “participate in the consideration and discussion of any cases for which he is not present on the basis of the briefs, transcripts and audio of the oral arguments.”

All of the nine Supreme Court justices have been vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. At least two justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, have previously contracted the virus. Justices are regularly tested for the virus, in accordance with court protocol.

Thomas, 73, was nominated by President George H.W. Bush and was seated Oct. 23, 1991, making him the court’s most senior conservative member. He is its second-oldest member, after Justice Stephen Breyer, 83, who in January announced his retirement.

In his resignation letter, Breyer said he intended to retire after the court completed its current term this summer, generally in late June or early July, “assuming that by then my successor has been nominated and confirmed.”

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, 51, President Joe Biden’s nominee to replace Breyer, serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She was nominated to that position last year by Biden.

On Monday, the same day that the Supreme Court reconvenes, the Senate Judiciary Committee will open its hearings on her nomination.

Few Republicans are expected to support Jackson, echoing her federal appeals court nomination, in which only three Republicans voted for her confirmation.

In the days leading up to the start of the committee hearings for her Supreme Court bid, conservative lawmakers — including the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell; and Sen. Josh Hawley of Arizona — have escalated criticism about Jackson’s record as a public defender.

If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice.

Justice Clarence Thomas, the longest-serving member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was hospitalized with an infection Friday after experiencing flulike symptoms, the court said in a statement Sunday.

Justice Clarence Thomas, the longest-serving member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was hospitalized with an infection Friday after experiencing flulike symptoms, the court said in a statement Sunday. Thomas was being treated with intravenous antibiotics at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, the statement said. “His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two,” it said. Patricia McCabe, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court, said that Thomas’ illness was not COVID-19 or related to the coronavirus. The statement said that Thomas would “participate in the consideration and discussion of any cases for which he is not present on the basis of the briefs, transcripts and audio of the oral arguments.” All of the nine Supreme Court justices have been vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. At least two justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, have previously contracted the virus. Justices are regularly tested for the virus, in accordance with court protocol. Thomas, 73, was nominated by President George H.W. Bush and was seated Oct. 23, 1991, making him the court’s most senior conservative member. He is its second-oldest member, after Justice Stephen Breyer, 83, who in January announced his retirement. In his resignation letter, Breyer said he intended to retire after the court completed its current term this summer, generally in late June or early July, “assuming that by then my successor has been nominated and confirmed.” Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, 51, President Joe Biden’s nominee to replace Breyer, serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She was nominated to that position last year by Biden. On Monday, the same day that the Supreme Court reconvenes, the Senate Judiciary Committee will open its hearings on her nomination. Few Republicans are expected to support Jackson, echoing her federal appeals court nomination, in which only three Republicans voted for her confirmation. In the days leading up to the start of the committee hearings for her Supreme Court bid, conservative lawmakers — including the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell; and Sen. Josh Hawley of Arizona — have escalated criticism about Jackson’s record as a public defender. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice.

US SC judge Justice Clarence Thomas hospitalised with flu-like symptoms, court says

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Ukraine's Mariupol is burying its dead in makeshift graves by the roadside. A deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in combat in the besieged port city of Mariupol.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Ukraine's Mariupol is burying its dead in makeshift graves by the roadside. A deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in combat in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Also watch a report on Indian PM Narendra Modi's scheduled virtual talks with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Click on headlines to read the full report: As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves Mariupol is currently going through a tough time, which is filled with horror and confusion. As the port city in eastern Ukraine is witnessing heaviest bombardment by Russian forces, it is burying its dead in makeshift graves by the roadside. Click Here to get quick updates on Russia-Ukraine conflict Senior Russian naval officer killed in Mariupol, officials confirm death Officials on Sunday (March 20) have revealed that a deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in combat in the besieged port city of Mariupol. United States determines Myanmar army committed genocide against Rohingya The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies. Belgian carnival crash not presumed to be militant attack, says town's mayor A car drove at high speed into a group of Belgian carnival performers who were preparing a parade early on Sunday (March 20), killing six people and seriously injuring 10 others, authorities said, saying the incident did not appear to be a militant attack. WATCH | Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold virtual talks with Australian PM Scott Morrison Indian PM Narendra Modi is all set to hold virtual talks with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister S.Jaishankar welcomed the Australian foreign minister in New Delhi. ×

Morning news brief: Senior Russian naval officer killed in Mariupol, Belgian carnival crash, and more

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies.&nbsp;

As per the reports, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to officially announce the decision to designate that crackdown a genocide in remarks at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Monday. In the museum, an exhibit on "Burma's Path to Genocide" is on display. Burma is the former name for the country.&nbsp;

As per the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Rohingya are one of Myanmar's many ethnic minorities. He had described the community as "one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-mourns-after-car-kills-six-in-carnival-crash-464147">Belgian carnival crash not presumed to be militant attack, says town's mayor</a>&nbsp;

Last year in December, during a visit to Malaysia, Blinken had said that the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya might "constitute genocide."&nbsp;

In 2018, the State Department had released a report that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents."&nbsp;

In 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims started fleeing across the border into Bangladesh after a deadly crackdown by Myanmar's army.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-condemns-slaughters-and-atrocities-taking-place-in-ukraine-464047">Pope condemns 'slaughters and atrocities' taking place in Ukraine</a>

The Rohingya Muslims attempted to escape by sea or on foot after the crackdown, which was described by the United Nations as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".&nbsp;

Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Rakhine where they report widespread oppression.&nbsp;

A legal designation of genocide - defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" - could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta, the New York Times reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies.

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told news agencies. As per the reports, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to officially announce the decision to designate that crackdown a genocide in remarks at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Monday. In the museum, an exhibit on "Burma's Path to Genocide" is on display. Burma is the former name for the country. As per the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Rohingya are one of Myanmar's many ethnic minorities. He had described the community as "one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world". ALSO READ | Belgian carnival crash not presumed to be militant attack, says town's mayor Last year in December, during a visit to Malaysia, Blinken had said that the United States was looking "very actively" at whether the treatment of the Rohingya might "constitute genocide." In 2018, the State Department had released a report that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents." In 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims started fleeing across the border into Bangladesh after a deadly crackdown by Myanmar's army. ALSO READ | Pope condemns 'slaughters and atrocities' taking place in Ukraine The Rohingya Muslims attempted to escape by sea or on foot after the crackdown, which was described by the United Nations as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing". Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Rakhine where they report widespread oppression. A legal designation of genocide - defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" - could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta, the New York Times reported. (With inputs from agencies)

United States determines Myanmar army committed genocide against Rohingya

A car drove at high speed into a group of Belgian carnival performers who were preparing a parade early on Sunday (March 20), killing six people and seriously injuring 10 others, authorities said, saying the incident did not appear to be a militant attack.

"It is too soon to say what the motive of the two drivers was," prosecutor Damien Verheyen told Reuters. He earlier said during a news conference that there was nothing to suggest a terrorist motive.

Police denied media reports the car was involved in a high-speed chase.

The incident occurred in the southern&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;village of Strepy-Bracquegnies at around 0400 GMT.

Jacques Gobert, mayor of the neighbouring town of La Louviere, said between 150-200 people were gathered to get ready for the annual folklore parade, involving costumes and drums, when the vehicle appeared.

"A vehicle came from behind really quickly and went into the crowd and kept going for some hundred metres," said Gobert.

The two people driving the car, which was later intercepted, were detained. Police said they were local people in their 30s and were not previously known to police.

Belgium&nbsp;has sought to root out people suspected of militant links over the past seven years. A Brussels-based Islamic State cell was involved in attacks on Paris in 2015 that killed 130 people and on Brussels in 2016 in which 32 died.

Ramming vehicles into crowds has become more common as a weapon used by militants in Europe and white supremacists in the United States because such attacks are inexpensive, easy to organise and hard for authorities to prevent, experts say.

A car drove at high speed into a group of Belgian carnival performers who were preparing a parade early on Sunday (March 20), killing six people and seriously injuring 10 others, authorities said, saying the incident did not appear to be a militant attack.

A car drove at high speed into a group of Belgian carnival performers who were preparing a parade early on Sunday (March 20), killing six people and seriously injuring 10 others, authorities said, saying the incident did not appear to be a militant attack. "It is too soon to say what the motive of the two drivers was," prosecutor Damien Verheyen told Reuters. He earlier said during a news conference that there was nothing to suggest a terrorist motive. Police denied media reports the car was involved in a high-speed chase. The incident occurred in the southern Belgium village of Strepy-Bracquegnies at around 0400 GMT. Jacques Gobert, mayor of the neighbouring town of La Louviere, said between 150-200 people were gathered to get ready for the annual folklore parade, involving costumes and drums, when the vehicle appeared. "A vehicle came from behind really quickly and went into the crowd and kept going for some hundred metres," said Gobert. The two people driving the car, which was later intercepted, were detained. Police said they were local people in their 30s and were not previously known to police. Belgium has sought to root out people suspected of militant links over the past seven years. A Brussels-based Islamic State cell was involved in attacks on Paris in 2015 that killed 130 people and on Brussels in 2016 in which 32 died. Ramming vehicles into crowds has become more common as a weapon used by militants in Europe and white supremacists in the United States because such attacks are inexpensive, easy to organise and hard for authorities to prevent, experts say.

Belgian carnival crash not presumed to be militant attack, says town's mayor

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. Officials on Sunday (March 20) have revealed that a deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in combat in the besieged port city of Mariupol. The governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram: "Captain 1st Rank Andrei Nikolayevich Paly was killed in the fighting to liberate Mariupol from Ukrainian Nazis." Razvozhayev added that Paly was an "open and decent person" and "enjoyed great authority in the fleet." ALSO READ | Zelensky signs decree to combine national TV channels into one platform Although, media reports have stated that the Russian officials have just confirmed the news as Ukraine had claimed it killed Paly earlier. For the unversed, Sevastopol is a port city in Crimea and the base of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Crimea was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. Paly's death was also confirmed in the Russian upper parliamentary house by Yekaterina Altabaeva, who is the lawmaker of Sevastopol. ALSO READ | 'Go Home': Ukrainian protesters confront Russian military vehicles in Kherson "Sevastopol has suffered a heavy, irreparable loss," Altabaeva said on Telegram, adding that Paly had died during "battles for the liberation of Mariupol from Nazis". The exact date of Paly's death has not been revealed and there was no immediate confirmation from Russia's defence ministry. Russia, which has been conducting a military operation in Ukraine since February 24, has insisted that its neighbour never join NATO, and has also called for its "demilitarisation" and "denazification". WATCH | Zelensky compares Russian invasion to Nazi Germany during his address in front of Israeli lawmakers ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Senior Russian naval officer killed in Mariupol, officials confirm death

The 1915 Canakkale Bridge, which is the world's longest road suspension bridge, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday (March 18). The stunning bridge has been built over the Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey. The bridge is the latest in a series of major infrastructure projects that Erdogan has prioritised during his two decades in power.&nbsp;

The bridge will reduce travel time between Asia and Europe to six minutes. Until now, vehicles travelling between Anatolia and the Gallipoli peninsula had to cross the Dardanelles in a one-hour ferry journey, which including waiting time amounted to as much as five hours. The journey will now take around six minutes.&nbsp;

1915 Canakkale Bridge is the fourth bridge linking the European and Asian shores in Turkey, alongside the three built in Istanbul.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/physicists-believe-they-have-cracked-stephen-hawkings-black-hole-information-paradox-463502">Physicists believe they have cracked Stephen Hawking’s black hole information paradox</a>

At an opening ceremony on the anniversary of a 1915 Ottoman naval victory against French and British forces in the Dardanelles during World War I, Erdogan said, "These works will continue to provide profit for the state for many years."&nbsp;

The Turkish leader, who uses such massive infrastructure projects as a means to drive economic growth, said, "These projects have a large share in putting our country ahead in investment, workforce and exports."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-claim-to-develop-satellite-killing-weapon-463714">Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon</a>

The gigantic structure was designed by Tekfen and T-ingénierie COWI A/S and work on the Dardanelles bridge project was launched in March 2017, with more than 5,000 workers involved in the construction.&nbsp;

The 2,023 metres length of its midspan is an allusion to the Turkish Republic's 100th anniversary in 2023. On the other hand, the total height of the bridge's two towers is 318 metres tall, making it the second tallest bridge in Turkey, after the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, and the third tallest structure in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The 1915 Canakkale Bridge, which is the world's longest road suspension bridge, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday (March 18). The stunning bridge has been built over the Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey.

The 1915 Canakkale Bridge, which is the world's longest road suspension bridge, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday (March 18). The stunning bridge has been built over the Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey. The bridge is the latest in a series of major infrastructure projects that Erdogan has prioritised during his two decades in power. The bridge will reduce travel time between Asia and Europe to six minutes. Until now, vehicles travelling between Anatolia and the Gallipoli peninsula had to cross the Dardanelles in a one-hour ferry journey, which including waiting time amounted to as much as five hours. The journey will now take around six minutes. 1915 Canakkale Bridge is the fourth bridge linking the European and Asian shores in Turkey, alongside the three built in Istanbul. ALSO READ | Physicists believe they have cracked Stephen Hawking’s black hole information paradox At an opening ceremony on the anniversary of a 1915 Ottoman naval victory against French and British forces in the Dardanelles during World War I, Erdogan said, "These works will continue to provide profit for the state for many years." The Turkish leader, who uses such massive infrastructure projects as a means to drive economic growth, said, "These projects have a large share in putting our country ahead in investment, workforce and exports." ALSO READ | Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon The gigantic structure was designed by Tekfen and T-ingénierie COWI A/S and work on the Dardanelles bridge project was launched in March 2017, with more than 5,000 workers involved in the construction. The 2,023 metres length of its midspan is an allusion to the Turkish Republic's 100th anniversary in 2023. On the other hand, the total height of the bridge's two towers is 318 metres tall, making it the second tallest bridge in Turkey, after the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, and the third tallest structure in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

1915 Canakkale Bridge: Turkey opens world's longest suspension bridge between Europe and Asia

China's ambassador to the US said Sunday his country was not sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, but he did not definitively rule out the possibility Beijing might do so in the future.

In a lengthy phone call Friday, US President Joe Biden warned his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that there would be "consequences" if Beijing provided material support to Moscow as it prosecutes its war against Kyiv.

Asked Sunday on CBS whether China might send money or weapons to Russia, Ambassador Qin Gang spoke about the present, saying: "There is disinformation about China providing military assistance to Russia. We reject that."

Instead, "what China is doing is sending food, medicine, sleeping bags and baby formula, not weapons and ammunition to any party," he said.

Beijing, which shares with Moscow a sense of hostility and resentment toward the United States, has been loath to criticize its Russian ally over the invasion of Ukraine, despite urging by US, British and other officials.&nbsp;

Qin, interviewed on CBS talk show "Face the Nation," said Beijing was continuing to "promote peace talks and urge immediate cease-fire."

But the sort of public condemnation urged by many in the West "doesn't help," he said. "We need reason. We need courage. And we need good diplomacy."

The Chinese foreign ministry has said the West must take Russian security concerns into account.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday lent his voice to calls for China to join in condemning the Russian invasion.

"As time goes on, and as the number of Russian atrocities mounts up, I think it becomes steadily more difficult and politically embarrassing for people either actively or passively to condone Putin's invasion," he told the Sunday Times.

Mikhailo Podolyak, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pleaded with Beijing on Saturday to "condemn Russian barbarism."

Were Beijing to deliver military support to Russia, analysts say, it could transform an already explosive transatlantic standoff into a global dispute pitting the West against the world's second-biggest economy, prompting turmoil on international markets.

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden warns Xi of a global backlash if it aids Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-warns-xi-of-a-global-backlash-if-it-aids-russia-amid-the-ongoing-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-464214/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

China's ambassador to the US said Sunday his country was not sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, but he did not definitively rule out the possibility Beijing might do so in the future.

China's ambassador to the US said Sunday his country was not sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, but he did not definitively rule out the possibility Beijing might do so in the future. In a lengthy phone call Friday, US President Joe Biden warned his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that there would be "consequences" if Beijing provided material support to Moscow as it prosecutes its war against Kyiv. Asked Sunday on CBS whether China might send money or weapons to Russia, Ambassador Qin Gang spoke about the present, saying: "There is disinformation about China providing military assistance to Russia. We reject that." Instead, "what China is doing is sending food, medicine, sleeping bags and baby formula, not weapons and ammunition to any party," he said. Beijing, which shares with Moscow a sense of hostility and resentment toward the United States, has been loath to criticize its Russian ally over the invasion of Ukraine, despite urging by US, British and other officials. Qin, interviewed on CBS talk show "Face the Nation," said Beijing was continuing to "promote peace talks and urge immediate cease-fire." But the sort of public condemnation urged by many in the West "doesn't help," he said. "We need reason. We need courage. And we need good diplomacy." The Chinese foreign ministry has said the West must take Russian security concerns into account. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday lent his voice to calls for China to join in condemning the Russian invasion. "As time goes on, and as the number of Russian atrocities mounts up, I think it becomes steadily more difficult and politically embarrassing for people either actively or passively to condone Putin's invasion," he told the Sunday Times. Mikhailo Podolyak, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pleaded with Beijing on Saturday to "condemn Russian barbarism." Were Beijing to deliver military support to Russia, analysts say, it could transform an already explosive transatlantic standoff into a global dispute pitting the West against the world's second-biggest economy, prompting turmoil on international markets. WATCH | Biden warns Xi of a global backlash if it aids Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine ×

China envoy says Beijing not sending arms to Russia, for now

As part of a strategy to boost upstream business in an attempt to achieve energy security, Saudi Aramco has said it will increase crude and gas production over the next few years.&nbsp;

As per reports, Aramco has also planned to expand its liquids to chemicals capacity and is targeting investment in renewable energy and nature-based solutions.&nbsp;

As quoted by Upstream, Amin Nasser, who is the President and CEO of Aramco said: "Our investment plan aims to tap into rising long-term demand for reliable, affordable and ever more secure and sustainable energy."&nbsp;

He added, "We recognise that energy security is paramount for billions of people around the world, which is why we continue to make progress on increasing our crude oil production capacity, executing our gas expansion program and increasing our liquids to chemicals capacity."&nbsp;

On Sunday (March 20), Aramco posted a 124 per cent jump in 2021 net profit due to higher crude prices, as global economic growth recovered from the pandemic induced 2020 downturn.&nbsp;

The company said in a statement, "Aramco's net income increased by 124% to $110.0 billion in 2021, compared to $49.0 billion in 2020."&nbsp;

Aramco, Saudi Arabia's cash cow, achieved a net income of $88.2 billion in 2019 before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit global markets, resulting in huge losses for the oil and aviation sectors, among others.&nbsp;

The announcement came hours after Yemen's Huthi rebels, against whom the kingdom is leading a military coalition, targeted an oil facility in southern Saudi Arabia and at a time of increased crude market volatility due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Aramco floated 1.7 per cent of its shares on the Saudi bourse in December 2019, generating $29.4 billion in the world's biggest initial public offering.&nbsp;

As part of a strategy to boost upstream business in an attempt to achieve energy security, Saudi Aramco has said it will increase crude and gas production over the next few years.

As part of a strategy to boost upstream business in an attempt to achieve energy security, Saudi Aramco has said it will increase crude and gas production over the next few years. As per reports, Aramco has also planned to expand its liquids to chemicals capacity and is targeting investment in renewable energy and nature-based solutions. As quoted by Upstream, Amin Nasser, who is the President and CEO of Aramco said: "Our investment plan aims to tap into rising long-term demand for reliable, affordable and ever more secure and sustainable energy." He added, "We recognise that energy security is paramount for billions of people around the world, which is why we continue to make progress on increasing our crude oil production capacity, executing our gas expansion program and increasing our liquids to chemicals capacity." On Sunday (March 20), Aramco posted a 124 per cent jump in 2021 net profit due to higher crude prices, as global economic growth recovered from the pandemic induced 2020 downturn. The company said in a statement, "Aramco's net income increased by 124% to $110.0 billion in 2021, compared to $49.0 billion in 2020." Aramco, Saudi Arabia's cash cow, achieved a net income of $88.2 billion in 2019 before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit global markets, resulting in huge losses for the oil and aviation sectors, among others. The announcement came hours after Yemen's Huthi rebels, against whom the kingdom is leading a military coalition, targeted an oil facility in southern Saudi Arabia and at a time of increased crude market volatility due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Aramco floated 1.7 per cent of its shares on the Saudi bourse in December 2019, generating $29.4 billion in the world's biggest initial public offering.

Saudi Aramco says annual profit more than doubled in 2021; plans to ramp up investment to boost production

The US-based space agency NASA has shared new images of Jupiter's moons Io and Europa which are beamed back by Juno spacecraft.&nbsp;

The space agency informed that the stunning view of Jupiter's southern hemisphere was captured during Juno mission's 39th close flyby of the planet on January 12, 2022.&nbsp;

The intriguing images of moons Io (left) and Europa (right) can be seen clearly after zooming in on the right portion of the image. The image looks like two more worlds have been revealed in the same frame.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lucky-for-now-fridge-sized-asteroid-gets-spotted-just-two-hours-before-hitting-earth-says-nasa-464282">Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

As informed by NASA, the image was taken when Juno spacecraft was about 61,000 kilometres from Jupiter's cloud tops, at a latitude of about 52 degrees south.&nbsp;

NASA said that the breathtaking image has been created by citizen scientist Andrea Luck using raw data from the JunoCam instrument.&nbsp;

Io is the solar system's most volcanic body, while Europa's icy surface hides a global ocean of liquid water beneath. NASA said that Juno will have an opportunity to capture much more detailed observations of Europa, using several scientific instruments, in September 2022.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unprecedented-heatwaves-recorded-at-earths-poles-scientists-warn-of-climate-calamity-464304">‘Unprecedented’ heatwaves recorded at Earth’s poles, scientists warn of climate calamity</a>

<img alt="NASA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0f17689-38a4-48e0-89f2-886dc6599eed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nasa%20%2811%29.jpg" />

Image credit: NASA

At this time, the spacecraft makes the closest fly-by of the enigmatic moon in decades. The mission will also make close approaches to Io in late 2023 and early 2024.&nbsp;

The mission is currently expected to end in September 2025. The Juno mission will also make close approaches to Io in late 2023 and early 2024, according to the NASA statement.&nbsp;

Juno spacecraft, which entered Jupiter's orbit in 2016, made the last closest flyby to Jupiter's largest Moon Ganymede on June 7.&nbsp;

The flyby was the closest-known since NASA's Galileo spacecraft made its penultimate close approach back on May 20, 2000.&nbsp;

Besides Juno, the future missions to the Jovian system include NASA's Europa Clipper slated for a launch in October 2024 and expected to arrive in April 2030 and European Space Agency's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer [JUICE] mission.&nbsp;

JUICE is planned for launch in 2022 and arrival at Jupiter in 2029.&nbsp;

The US-based space agency NASA has shared new images of Jupiter's moons Io and Europa which are beamed back by Juno spacecraft. The space agency informed that the stunning view of Jupiter's southern hemisphere was captured during Juno mission's 39th close flyby of the planet on January 12, 2022.

The US-based space agency NASA has shared new images of Jupiter's moons Io and Europa which are beamed back by Juno spacecraft. The space agency informed that the stunning view of Jupiter's southern hemisphere was captured during Juno mission's 39th close flyby of the planet on January 12, 2022. The intriguing images of moons Io (left) and Europa (right) can be seen clearly after zooming in on the right portion of the image. The image looks like two more worlds have been revealed in the same frame. ALSO READ | Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA As informed by NASA, the image was taken when Juno spacecraft was about 61,000 kilometres from Jupiter's cloud tops, at a latitude of about 52 degrees south. NASA said that the breathtaking image has been created by citizen scientist Andrea Luck using raw data from the JunoCam instrument. Io is the solar system's most volcanic body, while Europa's icy surface hides a global ocean of liquid water beneath. NASA said that Juno will have an opportunity to capture much more detailed observations of Europa, using several scientific instruments, in September 2022. ALSO READ | ‘Unprecedented’ heatwaves recorded at Earth’s poles, scientists warn of climate calamity Image credit: NASA At this time, the spacecraft makes the closest fly-by of the enigmatic moon in decades. The mission will also make close approaches to Io in late 2023 and early 2024. The mission is currently expected to end in September 2025. The Juno mission will also make close approaches to Io in late 2023 and early 2024, according to the NASA statement. Juno spacecraft, which entered Jupiter's orbit in 2016, made the last closest flyby to Jupiter's largest Moon Ganymede on June 7. The flyby was the closest-known since NASA's Galileo spacecraft made its penultimate close approach back on May 20, 2000. Besides Juno, the future missions to the Jovian system include NASA's Europa Clipper slated for a launch in October 2024 and expected to arrive in April 2030 and European Space Agency's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer [JUICE] mission. JUICE is planned for launch in 2022 and arrival at Jupiter in 2029.

NASA's Juno spacecraft snaps stunning images of Jupiter's moons Io and Europa

Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is a senior Congress leader, on Sunday (March 20) said that "Pakistan and militancy" are responsible for what has happened in Jammu and Kashmir. The former Union Minister also hinted at quitting politics to work for the civil society in India.&nbsp;

The politician mentioned that lives of everyone in Jammu and Kashmir has been affected due to terrorism. His comments were made in an apparent reference to the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from J&amp;K in 1990.&nbsp;

"I believe that Mahatma Gandhi was the biggest Hindu and secularist. Pakistan and militancy are responsible for what has happened in Jammu and Kashmir. It has affected all in Jammu and Kashmir, including Hindus, Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Dogras," Azad said as quoted by India-based news agency ANI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/body-of-indian-medical-student-killed-in-ukraine-arrives-in-bengaluru-464264">Body of Indian medical student killed in Ukraine arrives in Bengaluru</a>

The veteran Congress leader's comments come amid talks related to the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir in the 1990s after the release of a Bollywood movie 'The Kashmir Files'.&nbsp;

The movie, which is written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is based on the events related to the mass exodus and killings of Kashmiri Hindus.&nbsp;

Urging for a change in civil society so that the people can stand for their rights, Azad said, "We have to bring about a change in society. Sometimes I think, and it is not a big deal that suddenly you come to know that I have retired and started doing social service."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/body-of-indian-medical-student-killed-in-ukraine-arrives-in-bengaluru-464264">Body of Indian medical student killed in Ukraine arrives in Bengaluru</a>

The senior Congress&nbsp;leader stated that "political parties work to create a divide, 24x7, amongst people on the basis of religion, caste and other things".&nbsp;

"Be it my party or any other regional or national party, I am not forgiving any of them. Civil society should stay together and fight against the evils," the Congress leader said at an event in Jammu on Sunday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> ...Political parties may create a divide 24x7 on basis of religion, caste &amp; other things; I'm not forgiving any party incl mine...Civil society should stay together. Justice must be given to everyone irrespective of caste, religion: Ghulam N Azad, Cong at an event in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/2OCo76ny4x">pic.twitter.com/2OCo76ny4x</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1505470913525186565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is a senior Congress leader, on Sunday (March 20) said that "Pakistan and militancy" are responsible for what has happened in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is a senior Congress leader, on Sunday (March 20) said that "Pakistan and militancy" are responsible for what has happened in Jammu and Kashmir. The former Union Minister also hinted at quitting politics to work for the civil society in India. The politician mentioned that lives of everyone in Jammu and Kashmir has been affected due to terrorism. His comments were made in an apparent reference to the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from J&K in 1990. "I believe that Mahatma Gandhi was the biggest Hindu and secularist. Pakistan and militancy are responsible for what has happened in Jammu and Kashmir. It has affected all in Jammu and Kashmir, including Hindus, Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Dogras," Azad said as quoted by India-based news agency ANI. ALSO READ | Body of Indian medical student killed in Ukraine arrives in Bengaluru The veteran Congress leader's comments come amid talks related to the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir in the 1990s after the release of a Bollywood movie 'The Kashmir Files'. The movie, which is written and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is based on the events related to the mass exodus and killings of Kashmiri Hindus. Urging for a change in civil society so that the people can stand for their rights, Azad said, "We have to bring about a change in society. Sometimes I think, and it is not a big deal that suddenly you come to know that I have retired and started doing social service." ALSO READ | Body of Indian medical student killed in Ukraine arrives in Bengaluru The senior Congress leader stated that "political parties work to create a divide, 24x7, amongst people on the basis of religion, caste and other things". "Be it my party or any other regional or national party, I am not forgiving any of them. Civil society should stay together and fight against the evils," the Congress leader said at an event in Jammu on Sunday. #WATCH ...Political parties may create a divide 24x7 on basis of religion, caste & other things; I'm not forgiving any party incl mine...Civil society should stay together. Justice must be given to everyone irrespective of caste, religion: Ghulam N Azad, Cong at an event in Jammu pic.twitter.com/2OCo76ny4x — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

'Pakistan and militancy responsible for what has happened in J&K,' says Ghulam Nabi Azad

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Srishti Sisodia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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