Australia has committed A$70 million ($50 million) to fund lethal defensive weapons for Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

Australia has shifted from its stance last week when it said it would only fund military technical assistance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-gives-visas-to-only-50-ukrainian-refugees-france-calls-it-lack-of-humanity-459814">UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity'</a>

Morrison told reporters on Tuesday the majority of the new weapons funding for Ukraine would be in the lethal category.

"We're talking missiles, we're talking ammunition, we're talking supporting them in their defence of their own homeland in Ukraine and we will be doing that in partnership with NATO."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-plan-ways-to-help-establish-support-a-ukrainian-government-in-exile-459791">US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile</a>

He said the weapons would be delivered rapidly, but didn't disclose how.

Morrison also urged Australian citizens not travel to join Ukraine's militia in fighting against the Russian military, saying the legal position of foreign civilian combatants was unclear.

"Don't do it," he said.

Australia will commit A$35 million in humanitarian support to international organisations assisting Ukrainians with shelter, food, medical care, water and education, he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia calls for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 7 AM GMT to aid in evacuations

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-calls-for-a-temporary-ceasefire-in-ukraine-from-7-am-gmt-to-aid-in-evacuations-459818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Australia has committed A$70 million ($50 million) to fund lethal defensive weapons for Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

Australia has committed A$70 million ($50 million) to fund lethal defensive weapons for Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday. Australia has shifted from its stance last week when it said it would only fund military technical assistance. Also read | UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity' Morrison told reporters on Tuesday the majority of the new weapons funding for Ukraine would be in the lethal category. "We're talking missiles, we're talking ammunition, we're talking supporting them in their defence of their own homeland in Ukraine and we will be doing that in partnership with NATO." Also read | US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile He said the weapons would be delivered rapidly, but didn't disclose how. Morrison also urged Australian citizens not travel to join Ukraine's militia in fighting against the Russian military, saying the legal position of foreign civilian combatants was unclear. "Don't do it," he said. Australia will commit A$35 million in humanitarian support to international organisations assisting Ukrainians with shelter, food, medical care, water and education, he said. Watch | Russia calls for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 7 AM GMT to aid in evacuations

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Australia will fund lethal weapons for Ukraine, says PM Morrison

Microsoft&nbsp;Corp unveiled its&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;data&nbsp;centre in&nbsp;India&nbsp;on Monday, betting on rising digital consumption in one of its fastest-growing markets.

Microsoft&nbsp;India&nbsp;head Anant Maheshwari said the company was making long-term investments in the country, although he declined to confirm reports by local media of a $2 billion price tag for the latest centre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-relief-for-indian-students-in-sumy-russia-announces-ceasefire-for-humanitarian-purposes-459790">In a relief for Indian students in Sumy, Russia announces ceasefire for humanitarian purposes</a>

"A public cloud&nbsp;data&nbsp;center&nbsp;is not a one time investment, it is a continuous investment that we have," Maheshwari told Reuters. "In the last two years, we doubled the capacity in the existing three&nbsp;data&nbsp;centers."

The overall&nbsp;Indian public cloud services market is expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2025, according to research firm IDC.

India's government has been nudging foreign tech companies to store more of their&nbsp;data&nbsp;locally, a move seen as New Delhi's attempt to gain stricter oversight of Big Tech firms.

Maheshwari said&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;was continuing to grow its workforce in&nbsp;India&nbsp;from 18,000 currently "both through the pandemic and going forward."

"We already serve more than 340,000 companies in the country," Maheshwari said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections-voting-underway-in-54-seats-across-9-districts-459730">Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections: Voting underway in 54 seats across 9 districts</a>

The new&nbsp;data&nbsp;centre is located in&nbsp;India's southern state of Telangana.

The company's business model, which relies on partners building additional services on top of its cloud platform, Azure, generated business worth about $10 billion in the last five years, Maheshwari said.

Competitors are joining the race in&nbsp;India. Key rival Amazon announced in late 2020 it would spend $2.8 billion to build its second&nbsp;data&nbsp;centre in the country, while Adani Group last year announced plans to build six&nbsp;data&nbsp;centre parks across the country.

Microsoft Corp unveiled its fourth data centre in India on Monday, betting on rising digital consumption in one of its fastest-growing markets. Microsoft India head Anant Maheshwari said the company was making long-term investments in the country, although he declined to confirm reports by local media of a $2 billion price tag for the latest centre.

Microsoft Corp unveiled its fourth data centre in India on Monday, betting on rising digital consumption in one of its fastest-growing markets. Microsoft India head Anant Maheshwari said the company was making long-term investments in the country, although he declined to confirm reports by local media of a $2 billion price tag for the latest centre. Also read | In a relief for Indian students in Sumy, Russia announces ceasefire for humanitarian purposes "A public cloud data center is not a one time investment, it is a continuous investment that we have," Maheshwari told Reuters. "In the last two years, we doubled the capacity in the existing three data centers." The overall Indian public cloud services market is expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2025, according to research firm IDC. India's government has been nudging foreign tech companies to store more of their data locally, a move seen as New Delhi's attempt to gain stricter oversight of Big Tech firms. Maheshwari said Microsoft was continuing to grow its workforce in India from 18,000 currently "both through the pandemic and going forward." "We already serve more than 340,000 companies in the country," Maheshwari said. Also read | Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections: Voting underway in 54 seats across 9 districts The new data centre is located in India's southern state of Telangana. The company's business model, which relies on partners building additional services on top of its cloud platform, Azure, generated business worth about $10 billion in the last five years, Maheshwari said. Competitors are joining the race in India. Key rival Amazon announced in late 2020 it would spend $2.8 billion to build its second data centre in the country, while Adani Group last year announced plans to build six data centre parks across the country.

Microsoft unveils fourth data centre in India

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo emerged from his self-imposed exile Sunday, using his first public appearance in more than six months to cast himself as a victim of “cancel culture” and to vow to reinsert himself in New York’s political discourse.

Speaking at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church, a Black congregation in Brooklyn, Cuomo defiantly told a sparse collection of about 100 congregants that he wanted to “tell my truth,” describing cancel culture as a “frightening” form of extremism and claiming he had been “vindicated” in the months since he resigned in August after a string of sexual harassment allegations.

The remarks, marked more heavily by the blame he placed on others for his downfall than by a display of contrition, were the most robust effort yet by Cuomo in his attempt to rehabilitate his reputation and salvage his legacy after his decadelong reign as governor ended abruptly in disgrace.

They came as Cuomo had been weighing how he might reenter public life. Last month, he began spending $369,000 from his campaign account — which had more than $16 million, according to the latest filings — on a barrage of television advertisements that portrayed him as a victim of politically motivated “attacks.”

There are no tangible signs yet that Cuomo is planning to run for elected office this year, but he appeared to leave the door open for a political comeback at some point, saying, “God isn’t done with me yet.”

He told the congregants, “I have many options in life and I’m open to all of them.”

Indeed, the speech had strong political overtones. He ticked off some of his accomplishments as governor and dedicated a significant portion of his remarks to offering advice to national Democrats before this year’s midterm elections. But the thrust of his speech appeared aimed at repairing his public image.

Echoing past remarks, he portrayed his resignation as a consequence of cancel culture — a phrase he repeated more than a dozen times — that he said had gripped the country and the Democratic Party, saying “Twitter and newspaper headlines have replaced judge and jury.”

Cuomo did not delve into the specifics of the allegations made against him by numerous women, including former government employees, which included instances of inappropriate comments, touching, kissing and, in one instance, groping the breast of a former aide.

Cuomo has denied the allegations.

As he has before, he portrayed his conduct toward women as a result of shifting generational norms, saying he may have been “old-fashioned and out of touch” and adding that, “I’ve learned a powerful lesson, and I paid a very high price for learning that lesson.”

The claims that the former governor engaged in inappropriate behavior were documented in a damning report in August after an investigation conducted by outside investigators and overseen by Letitia James, the state attorney general. Cuomo did not mention James by name Sunday — he referred to her as “they” — but his camp has repeatedly attacked her since he resigned. A second investigation led by the state Assembly largely corroborated the report’s conclusions.

He accused CNN of firing his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, one of the network’s top anchors, who came under fire for privately advising his older brother on how to respond to the allegations, because “they were in the middle of a merger and afraid of the cancel-culture mob.”

“I resigned as governor, the press roasted me, my colleagues were ridiculed, my brother was fired,” Cuomo said during the half-hour speech. “It was probably the toughest time of my life.”

Cuomo stepped down as the entirety of the New York political class clamored for his resignation and he faced the threat of impeachment. But on Sunday, he sought to blame politics for his resignation.

He repeatedly noted how five district attorneys had not pressed charges against him after investigating some of the claims. He did not mention that some prosecutors said they had found the women credible, but concluded there were insufficient legal grounds to bring criminal charges. He pointed to the dismissal of those cases to argue that the entirety of the attorney general’s 168-page report was a sham, an argument that critics have said is misleading.

“The political sharks in Albany smelled blood,” he said, charging that they exploited the situation “to overturn an election.”

Cuomo, wearing a dark mask and suit with a periwinkle tie, delivered the remarks during the morning service at the Crown Heights church. The Rev. Al Cockfield, the church’s pastor for more than 40 years, defended the former governor when the sexual allegations first surfaced last year.

The possibility of a rehabilitation-minded speech in a Black church — where he has turned before for political succor — had been privately raised in recent weeks, well before Cuomo actually took the pulpit.

Cuomo circulated several versions of the speech with a number of close advisers over the past few weeks, according to a person familiar with the discussions. During the drafting process, the person said, there were discussions about the tone, as well as the optics, with some advisers raising concerns that the speech might give the false impression that Cuomo intended to run for office this year.

There were also more pointed references to James and her office’s report that ultimately did not make the final speech, the person said.

On Sunday, James's campaign issued a statement saying that Cuomo “won’t even spare a house of worship from his lies,” adding that New Yorkers “are ready to move forward from this sick, pathetic man.”

“Even though multiple independent investigations found his victims to be credible, Cuomo continues to blame everyone but himself,” the statement said.

Mounting a political comeback could prove to be a daunting challenge for Cuomo.

A recent poll from the Siena College Research Institute found that 80% of New Yorkers believe he made the right decision to resign. And onetime allies have said they do not see a role for him in public life.

The former governor drew applause at several points during his remarks and concluded by saying he was not yet “at peace” because “we have too much work to do to be at peace.”

“Let’s make some trouble,” Cuomo said, invoking John Lewis, the Democratic congressman and civil rights leader, who died in 2020. “Let’s make some good trouble, and let’s make this state the greatest state in the nation.”

He shook hands and posed for pictures with a number of churchgoers on his way out. One woman asked him whether he was “going to run again.” Cuomo paused for a moment and lowered his voice, telling her only that he was “contemplating.”

He later brushed aside questions from reporters outside the church from inside his car. Asked if he was thinking of running for office, he said only, “I said what I said.”

Cuomo, a fan of American-made muscle cars, then drove off down Linden Boulevard in a white BMW.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo emerged from his self-imposed exile Sunday, using his first public appearance in more than six months to cast himself as a victim of “cancel culture” and to vow to reinsert himself in New York’s political discourse.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo emerged from his self-imposed exile Sunday, using his first public appearance in more than six months to cast himself as a victim of “cancel culture” and to vow to reinsert himself in New York’s political discourse. Speaking at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church, a Black congregation in Brooklyn, Cuomo defiantly told a sparse collection of about 100 congregants that he wanted to “tell my truth,” describing cancel culture as a “frightening” form of extremism and claiming he had been “vindicated” in the months since he resigned in August after a string of sexual harassment allegations. The remarks, marked more heavily by the blame he placed on others for his downfall than by a display of contrition, were the most robust effort yet by Cuomo in his attempt to rehabilitate his reputation and salvage his legacy after his decadelong reign as governor ended abruptly in disgrace. They came as Cuomo had been weighing how he might reenter public life. Last month, he began spending $369,000 from his campaign account — which had more than $16 million, according to the latest filings — on a barrage of television advertisements that portrayed him as a victim of politically motivated “attacks.” There are no tangible signs yet that Cuomo is planning to run for elected office this year, but he appeared to leave the door open for a political comeback at some point, saying, “God isn’t done with me yet.” He told the congregants, “I have many options in life and I’m open to all of them.” Indeed, the speech had strong political overtones. He ticked off some of his accomplishments as governor and dedicated a significant portion of his remarks to offering advice to national Democrats before this year’s midterm elections. But the thrust of his speech appeared aimed at repairing his public image. Echoing past remarks, he portrayed his resignation as a consequence of cancel culture — a phrase he repeated more than a dozen times — that he said had gripped the country and the Democratic Party, saying “Twitter and newspaper headlines have replaced judge and jury.” Cuomo did not delve into the specifics of the allegations made against him by numerous women, including former government employees, which included instances of inappropriate comments, touching, kissing and, in one instance, groping the breast of a former aide. Cuomo has denied the allegations. As he has before, he portrayed his conduct toward women as a result of shifting generational norms, saying he may have been “old-fashioned and out of touch” and adding that, “I’ve learned a powerful lesson, and I paid a very high price for learning that lesson.” The claims that the former governor engaged in inappropriate behavior were documented in a damning report in August after an investigation conducted by outside investigators and overseen by Letitia James, the state attorney general. Cuomo did not mention James by name Sunday — he referred to her as “they” — but his camp has repeatedly attacked her since he resigned. A second investigation led by the state Assembly largely corroborated the report’s conclusions. He accused CNN of firing his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, one of the network’s top anchors, who came under fire for privately advising his older brother on how to respond to the allegations, because “they were in the middle of a merger and afraid of the cancel-culture mob.” “I resigned as governor, the press roasted me, my colleagues were ridiculed, my brother was fired,” Cuomo said during the half-hour speech. “It was probably the toughest time of my life.” Cuomo stepped down as the entirety of the New York political class clamored for his resignation and he faced the threat of impeachment. But on Sunday, he sought to blame politics for his resignation. He repeatedly noted how five district attorneys had not pressed charges against him after investigating some of the claims. He did not mention that some prosecutors said they had found the women credible, but concluded there were insufficient legal grounds to bring criminal charges. He pointed to the dismissal of those cases to argue that the entirety of the attorney general’s 168-page report was a sham, an argument that critics have said is misleading. “The political sharks in Albany smelled blood,” he said, charging that they exploited the situation “to overturn an election.” Cuomo, wearing a dark mask and suit with a periwinkle tie, delivered the remarks during the morning service at the Crown Heights church. The Rev. Al Cockfield, the church’s pastor for more than 40 years, defended the former governor when the sexual allegations first surfaced last year. The possibility of a rehabilitation-minded speech in a Black church — where he has turned before for political succor — had been privately raised in recent weeks, well before Cuomo actually took the pulpit. Cuomo circulated several versions of the speech with a number of close advisers over the past few weeks, according to a person familiar with the discussions. During the drafting process, the person said, there were discussions about the tone, as well as the optics, with some advisers raising concerns that the speech might give the false impression that Cuomo intended to run for office this year. There were also more pointed references to James and her office’s report that ultimately did not make the final speech, the person said. On Sunday, James's campaign issued a statement saying that Cuomo “won’t even spare a house of worship from his lies,” adding that New Yorkers “are ready to move forward from this sick, pathetic man.” “Even though multiple independent investigations found his victims to be credible, Cuomo continues to blame everyone but himself,” the statement said. Mounting a political comeback could prove to be a daunting challenge for Cuomo. A recent poll from the Siena College Research Institute found that 80% of New Yorkers believe he made the right decision to resign. And onetime allies have said they do not see a role for him in public life. The former governor drew applause at several points during his remarks and concluded by saying he was not yet “at peace” because “we have too much work to do to be at peace.” “Let’s make some trouble,” Cuomo said, invoking John Lewis, the Democratic congressman and civil rights leader, who died in 2020. “Let’s make some good trouble, and let’s make this state the greatest state in the nation.” He shook hands and posed for pictures with a number of churchgoers on his way out. One woman asked him whether he was “going to run again.” Cuomo paused for a moment and lowered his voice, telling her only that he was “contemplating.” He later brushed aside questions from reporters outside the church from inside his car. Asked if he was thinking of running for office, he said only, “I said what I said.” Cuomo, a fan of American-made muscle cars, then drove off down Linden Boulevard in a white BMW.

Cuomo reemerges and blames 'cancel culture' for his fall

Thailand&nbsp;is scrambling to encourage its people to have more babies to arrest a slumping birth rate, offering parents childcare and fertility centres, while also tapping social media influencers to showcase the joys of family life.

The campaign comes as the number of births has dropped by nearly a third since 2013, when they started declining. Last year saw 544,000 births, the lowest in at least six decades and below the 563,000 deaths, which were also swelled by coronavirus-related fatalities.

While&nbsp;Thailand's demographic path is similar to other Asian economies like Japan or Singapore, as an emerging market relying on cheap labour and a growing middle class the implications for Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy are far more profound.

"The data reflects a population crisis ... where the mindset towards having children has changed," said Teera Sindecharak, an expert on demography at Thammasat University.

Senior health official Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai told Reuters the government recognised a need to intervene.

"We are trying to slow down the decline in births and reverse the trend by getting families that are ready to have children faster," he said, describing plans to introduce policies so that newborns get the full support of the state.

The plans include opening fertility centres, currently limited to Bangkok and other major cities, in 76 provinces and also using social media influencers to back up the message, officials said.

Such policies may come too late for people like Chinthathip Nantavong, 44, who decided with her partner of 14 years not to have children.

"Raising one child costs a lot. A semester for kindergarten is already 50,000 to 60,000 baht ($1,520 to $1,850) and then it reaches millions later," she said, adding that other countries have better care facilities and welfare policies.

"SUPER-AGED SOCIETY"

Thailand&nbsp;is not alone in the region struggling with low fertility rates, but is less wealthy than some more developed countries that have been forced to rely on migrant workers to support their economies.

Experts said it is hard to reverse a situation where social conditions have changed and attitudes towards having children are now coloured by concerns over rising debt and elderly care.

Thailand&nbsp;is heading towards becoming a "super-aged society" where the number of people over 60 will account for more than a fifth of the population, academic Teera said. About 18% of&nbsp;Thailand's population is aged over 60.

The ratio of working-aged to elderly people last year was 3.4, but by 2040 officials forecast it could be 1.7.

"The manufacturing sector will face productivity slumps ... so we have to develop skilled labour and adopt the use of automated technologies," the head of the state-planning agency, Danucha Pichayanan, told a recent business forum.&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;is a major regional manufacturing sector for automotive and electronics.

Danucha also noted the demographic trend could also strain government finances and experts have said welfare for the elderly is not seen as sufficient even today, with monthly allowances of 600 to 1,000 baht.

"WE HAVE A CAT"

"It's become more difficult in deciding to have children," said Teera, noting in the last decade the economy had been sluggish, while living costs increased and income growth slowed.

Political division, rising debt and education costs were also major factors determining attitudes towards having children, and short-term remedies may not be enough, experts said.

Household debt has grown to nearly 90% of gross domestic product, from 59% in 2010, Bank of&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;data showed.

Thailand&nbsp;has also been rocked by political instability over most of the past two decades, with two military coups and large anti-government protests.

But for many like Chinthathip, who has chosen not to have children, the expense remains the main issue.

"The middle class, office workers or people that are trying make ends meet think the same way," said Chinthathip.

"Right now we have a cat and it's not as costly as a child."

Thailand is scrambling to encourage its people to have more babies to arrest a slumping birth rate, offering parents childcare and fertility centres, while also tapping social media influencers to showcase the joys of family life.

Thailand is scrambling to encourage its people to have more babies to arrest a slumping birth rate, offering parents childcare and fertility centres, while also tapping social media influencers to showcase the joys of family life. The campaign comes as the number of births has dropped by nearly a third since 2013, when they started declining. Last year saw 544,000 births, the lowest in at least six decades and below the 563,000 deaths, which were also swelled by coronavirus-related fatalities. While Thailand's demographic path is similar to other Asian economies like Japan or Singapore, as an emerging market relying on cheap labour and a growing middle class the implications for Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy are far more profound. "The data reflects a population crisis ... where the mindset towards having children has changed," said Teera Sindecharak, an expert on demography at Thammasat University. Senior health official Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai told Reuters the government recognised a need to intervene. "We are trying to slow down the decline in births and reverse the trend by getting families that are ready to have children faster," he said, describing plans to introduce policies so that newborns get the full support of the state. The plans include opening fertility centres, currently limited to Bangkok and other major cities, in 76 provinces and also using social media influencers to back up the message, officials said. Such policies may come too late for people like Chinthathip Nantavong, 44, who decided with her partner of 14 years not to have children. "Raising one child costs a lot. A semester for kindergarten is already 50,000 to 60,000 baht ($1,520 to $1,850) and then it reaches millions later," she said, adding that other countries have better care facilities and welfare policies. "SUPER-AGED SOCIETY" Thailand is not alone in the region struggling with low fertility rates, but is less wealthy than some more developed countries that have been forced to rely on migrant workers to support their economies. Experts said it is hard to reverse a situation where social conditions have changed and attitudes towards having children are now coloured by concerns over rising debt and elderly care. Thailand is heading towards becoming a "super-aged society" where the number of people over 60 will account for more than a fifth of the population, academic Teera said. About 18% of Thailand's population is aged over 60. The ratio of working-aged to elderly people last year was 3.4, but by 2040 officials forecast it could be 1.7. "The manufacturing sector will face productivity slumps ... so we have to develop skilled labour and adopt the use of automated technologies," the head of the state-planning agency, Danucha Pichayanan, told a recent business forum. Thailand is a major regional manufacturing sector for automotive and electronics. Danucha also noted the demographic trend could also strain government finances and experts have said welfare for the elderly is not seen as sufficient even today, with monthly allowances of 600 to 1,000 baht. "WE HAVE A CAT" "It's become more difficult in deciding to have children," said Teera, noting in the last decade the economy had been sluggish, while living costs increased and income growth slowed. Political division, rising debt and education costs were also major factors determining attitudes towards having children, and short-term remedies may not be enough, experts said. Household debt has grown to nearly 90% of gross domestic product, from 59% in 2010, Bank of Thailand data showed. Thailand has also been rocked by political instability over most of the past two decades, with two military coups and large anti-government protests. But for many like Chinthathip, who has chosen not to have children, the expense remains the main issue. "The middle class, office workers or people that are trying make ends meet think the same way," said Chinthathip. "Right now we have a cat and it's not as costly as a child."

Thailand bids to avert 'population crisis' as birth rate crashes

&nbsp;The&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of&nbsp;red&nbsp;chilli&nbsp;peppers are surging as output in&nbsp;top&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;India&nbsp;is set to drop by a fifth from a year ago, hit by an invasive pest attack and&nbsp;damage&nbsp;from unseasonal rain in key southern producing states.

Lower production has boosted&nbsp;prices&nbsp;by 80% in four months to a record high and&nbsp;prices&nbsp;are likely to stay high through the year, forcing overseas buyers to shell out more at a time when the&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of fuel and other food ingredients are also soaring.

"The pest attack was widespread," said D. Kanungo, a trader from the biggest producing state of Andhra Pradesh. "In many areas, it forced farmers to uproot plants during the flowering stage."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-relief-for-indian-students-in-sumy-russia-announces-ceasefire-for-humanitarian-purposes-459790">In a relief for Indian students in Sumy, Russia announces ceasefire for humanitarian purposes</a>

As a result, farmers fear an output drop of at least 20%, he added.

India, the world's biggest&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;of&nbsp;red&nbsp;chillis, shipped out 578,800 tonnes in 2021, up nearly 8% from a year ago.

Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States accounted for the bulk of its exports of $1.3 billion in 2021.

Chilli&nbsp;plants were badly hit by thrips and the infestation spread despite heavy use of pesticide, said Mahankal Rao, a 46-year-old farmer, who planted the&nbsp;crop&nbsp;on his two-acre farm at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.

"For me, yields were lower, despite heavy use of pesticides, but some farmers gave up and didn't use pesticides," said Rao, who has been planting&nbsp;chillies for nearly three decades.

The invasive pest species Thrips parvispinus must be tackled quickly but many farmers abandoned affected fields, allowing it to spread, said a senior agronomist at the&nbsp;Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Farmers have now been reporting lower yields as the pest caused large-scale shedding of flowers, malformation of fruit and fruit drops, he said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mukul-arya-indias-envoy-to-palestine-found-dead-at-office-459762">&nbsp;Mukul Arya, India's envoy to Palestine, found dead at office</a>

SPIRALING&nbsp;PRICES

Farmers have completed harvesting but are going slow on releasing the&nbsp;crop&nbsp;into the market, said Alepata Srinivas Rao, a trader based in Guntur.

"Farmers know supplies are limited and they are anticipating further price rises, so they are delaying sales," Rao said.

Wholesale&nbsp;prices&nbsp;in&nbsp;India's biggest spot market of Guntur have risen to 18,000 rupees ($234) per 100 kg from about 10,000 rupees in November.

Indian spices companies worried about supplies have been making aggressive purchases in the past few months, which also aided&nbsp;prices, said A.P.J. Arun, an&nbsp;exporter&nbsp;in Guntur.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-shares-plummet-over-2-as-oil-prices-soar-on-ukraine-crisis-459741">&nbsp;Indian shares plummet over 2% as oil prices soar on Ukraine crisis</a>

But export demand will determine the price trend in coming months, said Arun, adding, "We need to see how buyers react to higher&nbsp;prices."

Though&nbsp;prices&nbsp;are high, overseas buyers cannot replace&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;chillis with those from any other origin, said trader Kanungo.

"No one has a massive surplus to replace&nbsp;Indian supplies," he said. "And for buyers, taste is also important. Other origins don't offer the same flavour."

Chilli&nbsp;production in Pakistan, another&nbsp;exporter, has also fallen because of erratic weather, traders said.

The prices of red chilli peppers are surging as output in top exporter India is set to drop by a fifth from a year ago, hit by an invasive pest attack and damage from unseasonal rain in key southern producing states.

The prices of red chilli peppers are surging as output in top exporter India is set to drop by a fifth from a year ago, hit by an invasive pest attack and damage from unseasonal rain in key southern producing states. Lower production has boosted prices by 80% in four months to a record high and prices are likely to stay high through the year, forcing overseas buyers to shell out more at a time when the prices of fuel and other food ingredients are also soaring. "The pest attack was widespread," said D. Kanungo, a trader from the biggest producing state of Andhra Pradesh. "In many areas, it forced farmers to uproot plants during the flowering stage." Also read | In a relief for Indian students in Sumy, Russia announces ceasefire for humanitarian purposes As a result, farmers fear an output drop of at least 20%, he added. India, the world's biggest exporter of red chillis, shipped out 578,800 tonnes in 2021, up nearly 8% from a year ago. Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States accounted for the bulk of its exports of $1.3 billion in 2021. Chilli plants were badly hit by thrips and the infestation spread despite heavy use of pesticide, said Mahankal Rao, a 46-year-old farmer, who planted the crop on his two-acre farm at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. "For me, yields were lower, despite heavy use of pesticides, but some farmers gave up and didn't use pesticides," said Rao, who has been planting chillies for nearly three decades. The invasive pest species Thrips parvispinus must be tackled quickly but many farmers abandoned affected fields, allowing it to spread, said a senior agronomist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Farmers have now been reporting lower yields as the pest caused large-scale shedding of flowers, malformation of fruit and fruit drops, he said. Also read | Mukul Arya, India's envoy to Palestine, found dead at office SPIRALING PRICES Farmers have completed harvesting but are going slow on releasing the crop into the market, said Alepata Srinivas Rao, a trader based in Guntur. "Farmers know supplies are limited and they are anticipating further price rises, so they are delaying sales," Rao said. Wholesale prices in India's biggest spot market of Guntur have risen to 18,000 rupees ($234) per 100 kg from about 10,000 rupees in November. Indian spices companies worried about supplies have been making aggressive purchases in the past few months, which also aided prices, said A.P.J. Arun, an exporter in Guntur. Also read | Indian shares plummet over 2% as oil prices soar on Ukraine crisis But export demand will determine the price trend in coming months, said Arun, adding, "We need to see how buyers react to higher prices." Though prices are high, overseas buyers cannot replace Indian chillis with those from any other origin, said trader Kanungo. "No one has a massive surplus to replace Indian supplies," he said. "And for buyers, taste is also important. Other origins don't offer the same flavour." Chilli production in Pakistan, another exporter, has also fallen because of erratic weather, traders said.

Red chilli pepper prices surge on crop damage in top exporter India

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) took a hammering on Monday and the benchmark KSE-100 index dived nearly 1,500 points in intra-day trading at one point as the rising oil prices amid geopolitical tensions shattered investor confidence, Geo News reported. 
 
The KSE-100, a benchmark for market performance, underwent selling pressure from the word go, falling below the 44,000-point mark during intra-day with volumes remaining on the lower side.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ally-of-pakistan-govt-accuses-imran-khan-of-targeting-certain-media-groups-459609">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-plan-ways-to-help-establish-support-a-ukrainian-government-in-exile-459791">US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile</a> 
 
Market talk suggested that the uncertainty in international markets is the prime reason behind investors` dump-and-run approach at the PSX. 
 
BMA Capital Executive Director Saad Hashemy said that the market was primarily down because of rising oil prices in the international market.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ally-of-pakistan-govt-accuses-imran-khan-of-targeting-certain-media-groups-459609">&nbsp;Ally of Pakistan govt accuses Imran Khan of targeting certain media groups</a> 
 
"The oil was last trading at $115 per barrel on Friday; however, the prices surged by $15 on Monday morning which impacted the financial markets worldwide," he said. 
 
Oil prices soared more than 9 per cent, touching their highest since 2008, as the US and European allies mull a Russian oil import ban and delays in the potential return of Iranian crude to global markets fuelled tight supply fears.

Meanwhile, gold prices scaled the $2,000-level for the first time in a year-and-a-half, as investors rushed to the safety of the metal in the wake of an escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis, while supply disruption fears sent palladium to an all-time high.

Watch |&nbsp;Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asian-stocks-tumble-in-morning-trade-as-the-risk-of-stagflationary-shock-for-world-markets-continue-459754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) took a hammering on Monday and the benchmark KSE-100 index dived nearly 1,500 points in intra-day trading at one point as the rising oil prices amid geopolitical tensions shattered investor confidence, Geo News reported.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) took a hammering on Monday and the benchmark KSE-100 index dived nearly 1,500 points in intra-day trading at one point as the rising oil prices amid geopolitical tensions shattered investor confidence, Geo News reported. The KSE-100, a benchmark for market performance, underwent selling pressure from the word go, falling below the 44,000-point mark during intra-day with volumes remaining on the lower side. Also read | US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile Market talk suggested that the uncertainty in international markets is the prime reason behind investors` dump-and-run approach at the PSX. BMA Capital Executive Director Saad Hashemy said that the market was primarily down because of rising oil prices in the international market. Also read | Ally of Pakistan govt accuses Imran Khan of targeting certain media groups "The oil was last trading at $115 per barrel on Friday; however, the prices surged by $15 on Monday morning which impacted the financial markets worldwide," he said. Oil prices soared more than 9 per cent, touching their highest since 2008, as the US and European allies mull a Russian oil import ban and delays in the potential return of Iranian crude to global markets fuelled tight supply fears. Meanwhile, gold prices scaled the $2,000-level for the first time in a year-and-a-half, as investors rushed to the safety of the metal in the wake of an escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis, while supply disruption fears sent palladium to an all-time high. Watch | Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue

Pakistan stock market takes a hammering

Indian shares tumbled over 2% on Monday, with investors dumping risky assets as oil prices soared after the United States and European allies were said to be mulling a Russian oil import ban.

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index was down 2.39% at 15,857 by 0349 GMT and the S&amp;P BSE Sensex dropped 2.52% to 52,963.78. Both the indexes extended losses to a fourth straight session. Last week, they also posted their fourth consecutive weekly loss.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-6-steps-the-west-must-take-to-help-ukraine-right-now-459725">Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now</a>

Oil prices surged on Monday after the United States and European allies explored a Russian oil import ban, while delays in the potential return of Iranian crude to global markets sped up supply fears.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-conflict-indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-speak-with-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-459732">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Indian PM Narendra Modi to speak with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy</a>

India is the world's third-largest importer of crude oil, and rising prices push up the country's trade and current account deficit while also hurting the rupee and fuelling imported inflation.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia enlists help of Syrian fighters in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-enlists-help-of-syrian-fighters-in-ukraine-459772/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Nifty's bank index, financial services index, private sector bank index, auto index and IT index were among the top losers, dropping between 2% and 4%.

Indian shares tumbled over 2% on Monday, with investors dumping risky assets as oil prices soared after the United States and European allies were said to be mulling a Russian oil import ban.

Indian shares tumbled over 2% on Monday, with investors dumping risky assets as oil prices soared after the United States and European allies were said to be mulling a Russian oil import ban. The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index was down 2.39% at 15,857 by 0349 GMT and the S&P BSE Sensex dropped 2.52% to 52,963.78. Both the indexes extended losses to a fourth straight session. Last week, they also posted their fourth consecutive weekly loss. Also read | Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now Oil prices surged on Monday after the United States and European allies explored a Russian oil import ban, while delays in the potential return of Iranian crude to global markets sped up supply fears. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Indian PM Narendra Modi to speak with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy India is the world's third-largest importer of crude oil, and rising prices push up the country's trade and current account deficit while also hurting the rupee and fuelling imported inflation. Watch | Russia enlists help of Syrian fighters in Ukraine The Nifty's bank index, financial services index, private sector bank index, auto index and IT index were among the top losers, dropping between 2% and 4%.

Indian shares plummet over 2% as oil prices soar on Ukraine crisis

New Zealand's government said on Monday it will introduce legislation to allow it to impose sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

When passed, it will be the first time New Zealand would have levied sanctions individually on a country.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the sanctions will give the country the ability to freeze Russian assets in New Zealand, prevent people and companies from moving their money and assets here to escape sanctions imposed by other countries, and stop super yachts, ships and aircraft from entering the country's waters or airspace.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-ukrainian-boy-travelled-1000-km-alone-to-slovakia-to-get-to-safety-459734">&nbsp;An Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety</a>

It has also released a list banning 100 individuals from travelling to New Zealand.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-icj-ukraine-and-russia-to-fight-again-but-over-genocide-claim-459711">&nbsp;At ICJ, Ukraine and Russia to fight again but over ‘genocide claim’ &nbsp;</a>

New Zealand has previously only been able to implement sanctions when the United Nations Security Council has imposed them. The Security Council will not be able to impose sanctions against Russia as Russia has the power to veto them.

Ardern said the government was forced to introduce the new legislation because of limits in the current multilateral system.

"Ultimately if we had a security council that was more functional we would not be facing this issue in the first place," said Ardern.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian airstrike destroys airport in Vinnytsia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-russian-airstrike-destroys-airport-in-vinnytsia-459757/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has drawn almost universal condemnation around the world, sent more than 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing from the country, and triggered sweeping Western sanctions against Russia aimed at crippling its economy.

New Zealand's government said on Monday it will introduce legislation to allow it to impose sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. When passed, it will be the first time New Zealand would have levied sanctions individually on a country.

New Zealand's government said on Monday it will introduce legislation to allow it to impose sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. When passed, it will be the first time New Zealand would have levied sanctions individually on a country. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the sanctions will give the country the ability to freeze Russian assets in New Zealand, prevent people and companies from moving their money and assets here to escape sanctions imposed by other countries, and stop super yachts, ships and aircraft from entering the country's waters or airspace. Also read | An Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety It has also released a list banning 100 individuals from travelling to New Zealand. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation". Also read | At ICJ, Ukraine and Russia to fight again but over ‘genocide claim’ New Zealand has previously only been able to implement sanctions when the United Nations Security Council has imposed them. The Security Council will not be able to impose sanctions against Russia as Russia has the power to veto them. Ardern said the government was forced to introduce the new legislation because of limits in the current multilateral system. "Ultimately if we had a security council that was more functional we would not be facing this issue in the first place," said Ardern. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian airstrike destroys airport in Vinnytsia The Russian invasion of Ukraine has drawn almost universal condemnation around the world, sent more than 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing from the country, and triggered sweeping Western sanctions against Russia aimed at crippling its economy.

New Zealand expands sanctions on Russia over Ukraine invasion

Chinese&nbsp;exports&nbsp;in January and February rose a combined&nbsp;16.3&nbsp;percent on surging global demand and a spike in trade with Russia&nbsp;in the run-up&nbsp;to the war in Ukraine, according to customs data released on Monday.

The growth rate exceeded economists' expectations of a 15.7 percent gain from a year earlier.

Shipments from the world's second-largest economy were valued at $544.7 billion in the first two months, the data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Exports&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;rose 41 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukrainian-girl-sings-let-it-go-moves-hearts-from-kyivs-bomb-shelter-459765">Watch: Ukrainian girl sings 'Let It Go', moves hearts from Kyiv’s bomb shelter</a>

Trade&nbsp;data for January and February is usually combined to even out the impact of the extended Chinese new year holiday, which usually begins in one of those two months.

Imports rose 15.5 percent&nbsp;to $428.75 billion in the first two months of the year, leaving a Chinese&nbsp;trade&nbsp;surplus of $115.95 billion.

Exports&nbsp;remain a bright spot for a Chinese economy that has slowed sharply in recent months due to virus outbreaks, a property market slump and regulatory crackdowns on key sectors.

China's leaders&nbsp; Saturday set a target of 5.5 percent GDP growth this year -- the lowest annual goal since 1991 -- with Premier Li Keqiang warning of a "grave and uncertain" outlook as the war in Ukraine threatens to damage global supply chains.

China's coal imports in the first two months doubled from a year earlier as Beijing scrambled to replenish supplies after a shortage late last year caused power cuts that paralysed large swathes of the economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-under-attack-indian-student-shot-at-in-kyiv-crosses-into-poland-thanks-officials-459758">Ukraine under attack: Indian student shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials</a>

Exports&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;grew at the fastest rate among&nbsp;China's major trading partners in January and February, outpacing&nbsp;trade&nbsp;with the European Union and the United States.

Russia&nbsp;was also the second biggest source of imports for&nbsp;China, which buys energy products from its neighbour.

Trade&nbsp;with&nbsp;China&nbsp;has served as a lifeline for&nbsp;Russia, which had already faced Western sanctions over its 2014 seizure of the Crimea region from Ukraine.

Moscow's international isolation has deepened following its invasion of Ukraine that began late last month.

China&nbsp;has been&nbsp;Russia's largest trading partner for more than a decade, according to&nbsp;commerce&nbsp;ministry data.&nbsp;

Beijing approved Russian wheat imports just hours before the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine.

But analysts believe&nbsp;China&nbsp;will avoid dramatically increasing&nbsp;trade&nbsp;support to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to avoid running afoul of the global sanctions arrayed against Moscow.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian airstrike destroys airport in Vinnytsia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-russian-airstrike-destroys-airport-in-vinnytsia-459757/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Chinese exports in January and February rose a combined 16.3 percent on surging global demand and a spike in trade with Russia in the run-up to the war in Ukraine, according to customs data released on Monday.

Chinese exports in January and February rose a combined 16.3 percent on surging global demand and a spike in trade with Russia in the run-up to the war in Ukraine, according to customs data released on Monday. The growth rate exceeded economists' expectations of a 15.7 percent gain from a year earlier. Shipments from the world's second-largest economy were valued at $544.7 billion in the first two months, the data from the General Administration of Customs showed. Exports to Russia rose 41 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. Also read | Watch: Ukrainian girl sings 'Let It Go', moves hearts from Kyiv’s bomb shelter Trade data for January and February is usually combined to even out the impact of the extended Chinese new year holiday, which usually begins in one of those two months. Imports rose 15.5 percent to $428.75 billion in the first two months of the year, leaving a Chinese trade surplus of $115.95 billion. Exports remain a bright spot for a Chinese economy that has slowed sharply in recent months due to virus outbreaks, a property market slump and regulatory crackdowns on key sectors. China's leaders Saturday set a target of 5.5 percent GDP growth this year -- the lowest annual goal since 1991 -- with Premier Li Keqiang warning of a "grave and uncertain" outlook as the war in Ukraine threatens to damage global supply chains. China's coal imports in the first two months doubled from a year earlier as Beijing scrambled to replenish supplies after a shortage late last year caused power cuts that paralysed large swathes of the economy. Also read | Ukraine under attack: Indian student shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials Exports to Russia grew at the fastest rate among China's major trading partners in January and February, outpacing trade with the European Union and the United States. Russia was also the second biggest source of imports for China, which buys energy products from its neighbour. Trade with China has served as a lifeline for Russia, which had already faced Western sanctions over its 2014 seizure of the Crimea region from Ukraine. Moscow's international isolation has deepened following its invasion of Ukraine that began late last month. China has been Russia's largest trading partner for more than a decade, according to commerce ministry data. Beijing approved Russian wheat imports just hours before the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine. But analysts believe China will avoid dramatically increasing trade support to Russia to avoid running afoul of the global sanctions arrayed against Moscow. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian airstrike destroys airport in Vinnytsia

China exports up 16.3% as trade with Russia surged

For the last eight years Mathilde and her family have called&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;home, but as the coronavirus tears through the city they are joining an&nbsp;exodus&nbsp;of foreign workers looking for an escape route.

"We are leaving and we will come back to empty our house whenever that is possible," she told AFP, declining to give her surname and nationality.&nbsp;"All our close friends are leaving."&nbsp;

For Mathilde it was the risk of being separated from her three&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong-born children that was the final straw after two years of tough "zero-Covid" restrictions.

"We want to get our children out of here above all," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-daily-local-virus-cases-at-two-year-high-459760">COVID-19: China daily local virus cases at two-year high</a>

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;used mainland China's "zero-Covid" strategy to keep the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;at bay, until the highly infectious Omicron variant broke through at the start of the year.&nbsp;

But while other places that deployed similar tactics such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore are learning to live with the&nbsp;virus,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is doubling down -- even as it records tens of thousands of new infections each day.

The city has been ordered by China, the only major economy still pursuing zero-Covid, to curb the outbreak at all costs.&nbsp;

All 7.4 million residents will be tested later this month and authorities are building a network of isolation camps to house the infected, deepening fears that families will be separated in the months ahead.

As a result, departures have skyrocketed with a net outflow of 71,000 people -- including 63,000 residents -- in February, the highest since the pandemic began.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-hong-kong-residents-urged-not-to-panic-ahead-of-covid-mass-testing-459564">COVID-19: Hong Kong residents urged not to panic ahead of COVID mass testing</a>

No road map

Travel restrictions have been hard on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's foreign workers, who make up nearly 10 percent of the population.

Borders have been effectively sealed to visitors and residents who do return have faced two to three weeks in expensive hotel quarantines throughout most of the pandemic.

"If there was a road map and we knew that there's some light at the end of the tunnel we might stay," said Heiko, a German entrepreneur who works in artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

"Since this is not the case... we've decided to leave."

Heiko's youngest daughter recently celebrated her second birthday.

"Her entire life has been a sequence of lockdowns, multiple stays in quarantine hotels, closed playgrounds and closed kindergartens. She's met her grandparents only once," he sighed.

Lucy Porter Jordan, a sociologist at the University of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, said that, before Omicron,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;"had the restrictions but you also had the safety".

If you take that out of the equation, you end up with this kind of perfect storm."

Most of those leaving, she added, were people with children and "people that have the means".

Over the last fortnight&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has looked&nbsp;more&nbsp;like New York or London at the start of the pandemic than a city which had two years of hard-won breathing room to get ready.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-settlement-uk-governments-home-office-to-pay-ps5750-to-eu-citizen-for-10-hour-detention-459737">In settlement, UK government’s Home Office to pay £5,750 to EU citizen for 10-hour detention</a>

The government was caught flat-footed with few plans in place to deal with a mass Omicron-fuelled outbreak.

Hospitals and morgues were quickly overwhelmed and the city's current death rate is four times Singapore's, mostly accounted for by unvaccinated elderly residents.

Panic buying has stripped shelves bare, schools remain shuttered and summer holidays have been brought forward so classrooms can be used for mass testing.

Talent drain

Companies and industry groups have been increasingly public in their talent-drain warnings. The European Union's local office estimates 10 percent of its nationals have left since the pandemic began.

Multiple airlines have reported a surge of bookings in recent weeks while shipping container prices have doubled in a year. International shipping company SendMyBag told AFP outbound shipments from&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;have increased four-fold compared with 2021.

"Everybody is looking for tickets to go, people are fighting for the containers," said Lin, a mother of two grown children who declined to give her nationality.

Lin is looking to move to Dubai after 12 years in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and said many of her colleagues were doing the same. &nbsp;

"A friend who's leaving next week had a three-year-old BMW and she said 'You know what, I'm just giving it to charity because no one will buy it anyway.'"

The current&nbsp;exodus&nbsp;adds to a wave of migration already under way of local&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kongers, which began after China cracked down against democracy protests.

Between June 2020 and June 2021&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;saw its biggest population decrease in 60 years, and there is little sign of that changing.&nbsp;

"We are now only in the starting period of this wave," said Chung Kim-wah, head of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's Public Opinion Research Institute.&nbsp;

"Many&nbsp;more&nbsp;young people will choose to move away if they have a chance".

For the last eight years Mathilde and her family have called Hong Kong home, but as the coronavirus tears through the city they are joining an exodus of foreign workers looking for an escape route.

For the last eight years Mathilde and her family have called Hong Kong home, but as the coronavirus tears through the city they are joining an exodus of foreign workers looking for an escape route. "We are leaving and we will come back to empty our house whenever that is possible," she told AFP, declining to give her surname and nationality. "All our close friends are leaving." For Mathilde it was the risk of being separated from her three Hong Kong-born children that was the final straw after two years of tough "zero-Covid" restrictions. "We want to get our children out of here above all," she said. Also read | COVID-19: China daily local virus cases at two-year high Hong Kong used mainland China's "zero-Covid" strategy to keep the virus at bay, until the highly infectious Omicron variant broke through at the start of the year. But while other places that deployed similar tactics such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore are learning to live with the virus, Hong Kong is doubling down -- even as it records tens of thousands of new infections each day. The city has been ordered by China, the only major economy still pursuing zero-Covid, to curb the outbreak at all costs. All 7.4 million residents will be tested later this month and authorities are building a network of isolation camps to house the infected, deepening fears that families will be separated in the months ahead. As a result, departures have skyrocketed with a net outflow of 71,000 people -- including 63,000 residents -- in February, the highest since the pandemic began. Also read | COVID-19: Hong Kong residents urged not to panic ahead of COVID mass testing No road map Travel restrictions have been hard on Hong Kong's foreign workers, who make up nearly 10 percent of the population. Borders have been effectively sealed to visitors and residents who do return have faced two to three weeks in expensive hotel quarantines throughout most of the pandemic. "If there was a road map and we knew that there's some light at the end of the tunnel we might stay," said Heiko, a German entrepreneur who works in artificial intelligence. "Since this is not the case... we've decided to leave." Heiko's youngest daughter recently celebrated her second birthday. "Her entire life has been a sequence of lockdowns, multiple stays in quarantine hotels, closed playgrounds and closed kindergartens. She's met her grandparents only once," he sighed. Lucy Porter Jordan, a sociologist at the University of Hong Kong, said that, before Omicron, Hong Kong "had the restrictions but you also had the safety". If you take that out of the equation, you end up with this kind of perfect storm." Most of those leaving, she added, were people with children and "people that have the means". Over the last fortnight Hong Kong has looked more like New York or London at the start of the pandemic than a city which had two years of hard-won breathing room to get ready. Also read | In settlement, UK government’s Home Office to pay £5,750 to EU citizen for 10-hour detention The government was caught flat-footed with few plans in place to deal with a mass Omicron-fuelled outbreak. Hospitals and morgues were quickly overwhelmed and the city's current death rate is four times Singapore's, mostly accounted for by unvaccinated elderly residents. Panic buying has stripped shelves bare, schools remain shuttered and summer holidays have been brought forward so classrooms can be used for mass testing. Talent drain Companies and industry groups have been increasingly public in their talent-drain warnings. The European Union's local office estimates 10 percent of its nationals have left since the pandemic began. Multiple airlines have reported a surge of bookings in recent weeks while shipping container prices have doubled in a year. International shipping company SendMyBag told AFP outbound shipments from Hong Kong have increased four-fold compared with 2021. "Everybody is looking for tickets to go, people are fighting for the containers," said Lin, a mother of two grown children who declined to give her nationality. Lin is looking to move to Dubai after 12 years in Hong Kong and said many of her colleagues were doing the same. "A friend who's leaving next week had a three-year-old BMW and she said 'You know what, I'm just giving it to charity because no one will buy it anyway.'" The current exodus adds to a wave of migration already under way of local Hong Kongers, which began after China cracked down against democracy protests. Between June 2020 and June 2021 Hong Kong saw its biggest population decrease in 60 years, and there is little sign of that changing. "We are now only in the starting period of this wave," said Chung Kim-wah, head of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Research Institute. "Many more young people will choose to move away if they have a chance".

COVID-19: Virus chaos pushes more expats to join Hong Kong exodus

After years of controversy and criticism from gynaecologists,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;is planning to scrap a&nbsp;Nazi-era&nbsp;law&nbsp;that limits information&nbsp;on&nbsp;abortion, while access to the procedure in the country remains beset by obstacles.

The Social Democrats, Greens and the Free Democrats, ruling together as a government since December, promised in their coalition agreement to scratch from the statute books one of the most controversial sections of the penal code.

Paragraph 219a, adopted in 1933 shortly after Adolf Hitler had taken power, prohibits the "promotion" of&nbsp;abortion, a crime punishable by "up to two years of imprisonment or a fine".

It is on this basis that courts have in recent years handed out penalties to medical professionals offering&nbsp;information&nbsp;on pregnancy terminations on the internet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-remove-obstacle-for-reviving-nuke-deal-iran-iaea-agree-on-3-month-timeline-459480">To remove obstacle for reviving nuke deal, Iran, IAEA agree on 3-month timeline</a>

In some cases, the sites offered a simple statement that the gynaecologist carries out abortions, with no further details.

But an end came a step closer after the Justice Minister Marco Buschmann put forward draft legislation at the start of the year to remove the paragraph, though it has yet to be voted on in the Bundestag.

&nbsp;Strictly limited

Among the doctors prosecuted in recent years is Kristina Haenel, a general practitioner from Giessen in western&nbsp;Germany, who became the face of the campaign to ditch the&nbsp;law&nbsp;after being fined 6,000 euros ($6,558).

Her legal misadventures created a sensation in the media, reminding Germans that&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;remains severely restricted in&nbsp;law.&nbsp;

The many pitfalls for practitioners dissuade doctors from offering the procedure in a country that was at the forefront of the women's rights movement in the 1970s.

In June 2019, two gynaecologists in Berlin, Bettina Gaber and Verena Weyer, were each also handed two-thousand-euro fines for the same offence.

"I'm pleased that taking an informed decision will now be possible" for pregnant women, Haenel said when the plan to remove the&nbsp;law&nbsp;was announced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-german-flood-victims-receive-tiny-houses-just-before-christmas-439700">In Pics | German flood victims receive tiny houses just before Christmas</a>

Anti-abortion&nbsp;militants, who organise themselves online, are behind most of the complaints made against medical professionals, while one activist was recently convicted for comparing&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;to the Holocaust.

Under pressure from campaigners, many medics have removed all relevant&nbsp;information&nbsp;from their websites and have declined to be included in family planning lists shared with women looking to end their pregnancies.&nbsp;

The outcry that came in response to the prosecutions led Angela Merkel’s government to relax legislation slightly, allowing gynaecologists and hospitals to indicate online that they offered abortions.&nbsp;

Advertising&nbsp;

Specifying what methods were used was, however, still prohibited, a compromise solution that did not satisfy practitioners.

Opposition from within Merkel's own Christian Democrats had prevented the paragraph from being struck from the penal code completely.

Removing the paragraph would mean no longer being able to tell "whether the advertisement came from a cosmetic clinic or an&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;clinic", said Merkel's party colleague Helge Braun, one of her closest aides and who is himself a doctor.

In&nbsp;Germany, a woman wishing to have an&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;in the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy must have an obligatory consultation at an approved centre.&nbsp;

The aim of this dialogue is to "encourage the woman to continue her pregnancy", even if in the end the choice was up to her. After the consultation patients must wait through a "reflection period" of three days.

Except in exceptional circumstances, such as a risk to the life of the mother or in the event of rape, abortions are not paid for by health insurance, despite sometimes costing hundreds of euros.

Around 100,000 abortions are carried out in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;every year although the number has gone down in recent years.

The subject is still a taboo in&nbsp;Germany, according to a number of gynaecologists, and can be like an obstacle course for patients, particularly in traditionally Catholic Bavaria.

In some parts of the vast southern state, no hospitals offer the procedure, with many people opting to cross the border to Austria instead.

After years of controversy and criticism from gynaecologists, Germany is planning to scrap a Nazi-era law that limits information on abortion, while access to the procedure in the country remains beset by obstacles.

After years of controversy and criticism from gynaecologists, Germany is planning to scrap a Nazi-era law that limits information on abortion, while access to the procedure in the country remains beset by obstacles. The Social Democrats, Greens and the Free Democrats, ruling together as a government since December, promised in their coalition agreement to scratch from the statute books one of the most controversial sections of the penal code. Paragraph 219a, adopted in 1933 shortly after Adolf Hitler had taken power, prohibits the "promotion" of abortion, a crime punishable by "up to two years of imprisonment or a fine". It is on this basis that courts have in recent years handed out penalties to medical professionals offering information on pregnancy terminations on the internet. Also read | To remove obstacle for reviving nuke deal, Iran, IAEA agree on 3-month timeline In some cases, the sites offered a simple statement that the gynaecologist carries out abortions, with no further details. But an end came a step closer after the Justice Minister Marco Buschmann put forward draft legislation at the start of the year to remove the paragraph, though it has yet to be voted on in the Bundestag. Strictly limited Among the doctors prosecuted in recent years is Kristina Haenel, a general practitioner from Giessen in western Germany, who became the face of the campaign to ditch the law after being fined 6,000 euros ($6,558). Her legal misadventures created a sensation in the media, reminding Germans that abortion remains severely restricted in law. The many pitfalls for practitioners dissuade doctors from offering the procedure in a country that was at the forefront of the women's rights movement in the 1970s. In June 2019, two gynaecologists in Berlin, Bettina Gaber and Verena Weyer, were each also handed two-thousand-euro fines for the same offence. "I'm pleased that taking an informed decision will now be possible" for pregnant women, Haenel said when the plan to remove the law was announced. Also read | In Pics | German flood victims receive tiny houses just before Christmas Anti-abortion militants, who organise themselves online, are behind most of the complaints made against medical professionals, while one activist was recently convicted for comparing abortion to the Holocaust. Under pressure from campaigners, many medics have removed all relevant information from their websites and have declined to be included in family planning lists shared with women looking to end their pregnancies. The outcry that came in response to the prosecutions led Angela Merkel’s government to relax legislation slightly, allowing gynaecologists and hospitals to indicate online that they offered abortions. Advertising Specifying what methods were used was, however, still prohibited, a compromise solution that did not satisfy practitioners. Opposition from within Merkel's own Christian Democrats had prevented the paragraph from being struck from the penal code completely. Removing the paragraph would mean no longer being able to tell "whether the advertisement came from a cosmetic clinic or an abortion clinic", said Merkel's party colleague Helge Braun, one of her closest aides and who is himself a doctor. In Germany, a woman wishing to have an abortion in the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy must have an obligatory consultation at an approved centre. The aim of this dialogue is to "encourage the woman to continue her pregnancy", even if in the end the choice was up to her. After the consultation patients must wait through a "reflection period" of three days. Except in exceptional circumstances, such as a risk to the life of the mother or in the event of rape, abortions are not paid for by health insurance, despite sometimes costing hundreds of euros. Around 100,000 abortions are carried out in Germany every year although the number has gone down in recent years. The subject is still a taboo in Germany, according to a number of gynaecologists, and can be like an obstacle course for patients, particularly in traditionally Catholic Bavaria. In some parts of the vast southern state, no hospitals offer the procedure, with many people opting to cross the border to Austria instead.

Germany looks to reform Nazi-era abortion information laws

No foul play is suspected in the shocking demise of Australia's legendary cricketer Shane Warne, who passed away on Friday (March 4) of a suspected heart attack aged 52. The cricketer was found unresponsive at Samujana Villas on Koh Samui island.&nbsp;

A Thai police officer told news agency AFP on Saturday (March 5) that "No foul play was suspected at the scene" based on the initial investigation.&nbsp;

As per a statement from his management company, Warne was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.&nbsp;

The statement added: "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-death-just-days-ahead-of-death-legendary-australian-cricketer-was-on-a-fitness-journey-459019">Just days ahead of death, legendary Australian cricketer&nbsp;Shane Warne was on a fitness journey</a>

Previously, Thai Police had informed that three other friends were staying in a private villa and one of them went to inquire about him after the former cricketer did not turn up for dinner.&nbsp;

"The friend did CPR on him and called an ambulance," Chatchawin Nakmusik, an officer with the Bo Put police on Koh Samui, told Reuters by phone.&nbsp;

"An emergency response unit then arrived and did another CPR for 10-20 minutes. Then an ambulance from the Thai International Hospital arrived and took him there. They did CPR for five minutes, and then he died," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-huge-loss-for-cricket-world-reacts-to-shocking-demise-of-legendary-cricketer-shane-warne-459005">A huge loss for cricket': World reacts to shocking demise of legendary cricketer Shane Warne</a>

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Warne will receive state funeral.&nbsp;

Tributes poured in from across the world when the tragic news was confirmed that one of the greatest Test players of all time has passed away.&nbsp;

The legendary spinner ended his spell-binding international career in 2007 with a remarkable 708 Test wickets. He later played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other Twenty20 competitions.&nbsp;

He announced retirement from all international cricket in 2013 but continued to be involved in the game as a broadcaster.&nbsp;

No foul play is suspected in the shocking demise of Australia's legendary cricketer Shane Warne, who passed away on Friday (March 4) of a suspected heart attack aged 52.

No foul play is suspected in the shocking demise of Australia's legendary cricketer Shane Warne, who passed away on Friday (March 4) of a suspected heart attack aged 52. The cricketer was found unresponsive at Samujana Villas on Koh Samui island. A Thai police officer told news agency AFP on Saturday (March 5) that "No foul play was suspected at the scene" based on the initial investigation. As per a statement from his management company, Warne was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The statement added: "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course." ALSO READ | Just days ahead of death, legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne was on a fitness journey Previously, Thai Police had informed that three other friends were staying in a private villa and one of them went to inquire about him after the former cricketer did not turn up for dinner. "The friend did CPR on him and called an ambulance," Chatchawin Nakmusik, an officer with the Bo Put police on Koh Samui, told Reuters by phone. "An emergency response unit then arrived and did another CPR for 10-20 minutes. Then an ambulance from the Thai International Hospital arrived and took him there. They did CPR for five minutes, and then he died," he added. ALSO READ | 'A huge loss for cricket': World reacts to shocking demise of legendary cricketer Shane Warne Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Warne will receive state funeral. Tributes poured in from across the world when the tragic news was confirmed that one of the greatest Test players of all time has passed away. The legendary spinner ended his spell-binding international career in 2007 with a remarkable 708 Test wickets. He later played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other Twenty20 competitions. He announced retirement from all international cricket in 2013 but continued to be involved in the game as a broadcaster.

Thai police say 'no foul play suspected' at Shane Warne villa where he was found unresponsive

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