India on Monday logged 12,781 fresh COVID-19 cases that pushed its infection tally to 4,33,09,473, while the daily positivity rate went past 4 per cent after 130 days, according to Union health ministry data.

The death toll climbed to 5,24,873 with 18 new fatalities. The number of active cases increased to 76,700, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.32 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 2.62 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-12899-new-cases-and-15-deaths-489539">COVID-19: India records 12,899 new cases and 15 deaths</a>

The active cases comprise 0.18 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.61 per cent, it said.

An increase of 4,226 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Watch |&nbsp;India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73%

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The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,27,07,900, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.21 per cent, the ministry said.

So far, 196.18 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country under the nationwide inoculation drive.

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the 1-crore mark on December 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-fears-of-4th-wave-india-logs-12000-covid-cases-for-2nd-day-in-a-row-489218">Fresh fears of 4th wave? India logs 12,000+ Covid cases for 2nd day in a row</a>

India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4, 3 crore on June 23 and 4 crore on January 25 this year.

The 18 new fatalities include 11 from Kerala, three from Delhi and one each from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and West Bengal.

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India on Monday logged 12,781 fresh COVID-19 cases that pushed its infection tally to 4,33,09,473, while the daily positivity rate went past 4 per cent after 130 days, according to Union health ministry data.

India on Monday logged 12,781 fresh COVID-19 cases that pushed its infection tally to 4,33,09,473, while the daily positivity rate went past 4 per cent after 130 days, according to Union health ministry data. The death toll climbed to 5,24,873 with 18 new fatalities. The number of active cases increased to 76,700, the data updated at 8 am stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.32 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 2.62 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | COVID-19: India records 12,899 new cases and 15 deaths The active cases comprise 0.18 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.61 per cent, it said. An increase of 4,226 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Watch | India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73% The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,27,07,900, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.21 per cent, the ministry said. So far, 196.18 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country under the nationwide inoculation drive. India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the 1-crore mark on December 19. Also read | Fresh fears of 4th wave? India logs 12,000+ Covid cases for 2nd day in a row India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4, 3 crore on June 23 and 4 crore on January 25 this year. The 18 new fatalities include 11 from Kerala, three from Delhi and one each from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and West Bengal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: India adds 12,781 cases, positivity rate over 4% after 130 days

In pics: Spain battles wildfires, rain helps with fire and temperature

India recorded 12,899 new Covid cases and 15 deaths on Sunday (June 19). The total number of infections reached 4,32,96,692 with 72,424 active cases and the death toll rose to 5,24,855 as per the figures updated by the Union Health Ministry. The 15 deaths include seven people in Kerala, three in Delhi, two in Maharashtra and one each in Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The Covid caseload increased by 4,366 in 24 hours. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 2.89 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 2.50 per cent. The total number of patients who have recovered from the illness has risen to 4,26,99,363. The state wide vaccination push has resulted in the administration of 196.14 crore Covid vaccine doses, reported by PTI.

The national capital, Delhi recorded 1,534 new cases and three deaths with a positivity rate of 7.72 per cent on Saturday (June 18). The state recorded its highest number of cases in nearly four months a day earlier with one death and an 8.18 per cent positivity rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-fears-of-4th-wave-india-logs-12000-covid-cases-for-2nd-day-in-a-row-489218">Fresh fears of 4th wave? India logs 12,000+ Covid cases for 2nd day in a row</a>

The infection count in Maharashtra has risen to 7,18,884 with the addition of 837 new Covid cases. According to the officials, the latest instances were recorded on Saturday (June 18). The Covid mortality rate stayed at 1.67 per cent.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73%

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Tamil Nadu, which is currently dealing with a surge in the number of daily coronavirus cases, added 596 new cases on Saturday (June 18) which includes four returnees from foreign travel bringing the total number to 34,60,182.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-more-than-12000-new-infections-and-11-fatalities-488620">COVID-19: India reports more than 12,000 new infections and 11 fatalities</a>

According to a Health department bulletin, West Bengal recorded 288 new covid cases on Saturday (June 18) bringing the total number of cases to 20,21,555. While on the other hand, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded new nine Covid cases, six less than the previous day bringing the tally to 10,088, as per the health department officials.

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(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded 12,899 new Covid cases and 15 deaths on Sunday (June 19). The total number of infections reached 4,32,96,692 with 72,424 active cases and the death toll rose to 5,24,855 as per the figures updated by the Union Health Ministry.

India recorded 12,899 new Covid cases and 15 deaths on Sunday (June 19). The total number of infections reached 4,32,96,692 with 72,424 active cases and the death toll rose to 5,24,855 as per the figures updated by the Union Health Ministry. The 15 deaths include seven people in Kerala, three in Delhi, two in Maharashtra and one each in Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The Covid caseload increased by 4,366 in 24 hours. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 2.89 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 2.50 per cent. The total number of patients who have recovered from the illness has risen to 4,26,99,363. The state wide vaccination push has resulted in the administration of 196.14 crore Covid vaccine doses, reported by PTI. The national capital, Delhi recorded 1,534 new cases and three deaths with a positivity rate of 7.72 per cent on Saturday (June 18). The state recorded its highest number of cases in nearly four months a day earlier with one death and an 8.18 per cent positivity rate. Also read | Fresh fears of 4th wave? India logs 12,000+ Covid cases for 2nd day in a row The infection count in Maharashtra has risen to 7,18,884 with the addition of 837 new Covid cases. According to the officials, the latest instances were recorded on Saturday (June 18). The Covid mortality rate stayed at 1.67 per cent. Watch | India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73% Tamil Nadu, which is currently dealing with a surge in the number of daily coronavirus cases, added 596 new cases on Saturday (June 18) which includes four returnees from foreign travel bringing the total number to 34,60,182. Also read | COVID-19: India reports more than 12,000 new infections and 11 fatalities According to a Health department bulletin, West Bengal recorded 288 new covid cases on Saturday (June 18) bringing the total number of cases to 20,21,555. While on the other hand, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded new nine Covid cases, six less than the previous day bringing the tally to 10,088, as per the health department officials. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records 12,899 new cases and 15 deaths

In pics: Rwanda police killed Congolese soldier as fighting picks up again

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis. The body has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis where millions are in need of assistance, claiming that four out of five people began skipping meals because they cannot afford it. The organisation provided 2,000 food vouchers in Colombo’s 'underserved'&nbsp;districts. Anthea Webb, the deputy regional director for Asia and Pacific of WFP said, “When they skip meals they're putting their and their children's health at risk.”&nbsp;

The South Asian country has been in a limited supply of food, medicines, and fuel owing to diminishing foreign currency reserves and the government’s mismanagement. Due to the escalating fuel shortages, the government declared an additional holiday and ordered all schools to close on Friday to preserve diesel and gasoline.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-cabinet-approves-several-measures-to-facilitate-economic-recovery-488156">Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery</a>&nbsp;

The world organisation’s attempts to support three million Sri Lankas suffering due to rising prices, as per the WFP includes the issuance of cash vouchers worth 15,000 rupees ($40). The organisation hopes to generate $60 million for the food aid operation between July and December this year.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Sri Lanka fuel crisis worsens&nbsp;

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crisis-hit-public-servants-to-get-extra-day-off-to-grow-crops-to-help-with-food-shortage-488146">Take extra day off, grow crops in your backyards: Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to public servants</a>&nbsp;

The WFP says it intends to help a million youngsters to get at least one meal a school and provide millions of infants and women 'nutritious food.’&nbsp;

In addition to this, as per WFP, another million individuals will receive food rations in the form of food, cash or vouchers.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis.

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis. The body has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis where millions are in need of assistance, claiming that four out of five people began skipping meals because they cannot afford it. The organisation provided 2,000 food vouchers in Colombo’s 'underserved' districts. Anthea Webb, the deputy regional director for Asia and Pacific of WFP said, “When they skip meals they're putting their and their children's health at risk.” The South Asian country has been in a limited supply of food, medicines, and fuel owing to diminishing foreign currency reserves and the government’s mismanagement. Due to the escalating fuel shortages, the government declared an additional holiday and ordered all schools to close on Friday to preserve diesel and gasoline. Also read | Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery The world organisation’s attempts to support three million Sri Lankas suffering due to rising prices, as per the WFP includes the issuance of cash vouchers worth 15,000 rupees ($40). The organisation hopes to generate $60 million for the food aid operation between July and December this year. Watch | Gravitas: Sri Lanka fuel crisis worsens Also read | Take extra day off, grow crops in your backyards: Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to public servants The WFP says it intends to help a million youngsters to get at least one meal a school and provide millions of infants and women 'nutritious food.’ In addition to this, as per WFP, another million individuals will receive food rations in the form of food, cash or vouchers. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka

Assam flood situation deteriorates, more than 70,000 people affected - see pics

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The partnership, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed virtually earlier this week by the secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Ukraine’s minister of agriculture. Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine, which before the war was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of grain and seeds, and helping the country rebuild its agriculture industry after the war ends.

Vilsack said the United States would take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives to growers to expand their production and, accordingly, increase the amount of grain available for food aid.

The war in Ukraine has caused global food and energy prices to soar and risks creating grain supply shortages in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that depend heavily on imported wheat and grain from Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that a global food crisis, already in the making because of climate change and the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains, would place hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation.

A global effort is underway to release some 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain that are trapped by Russia’s blockade of the country. The U.N. is also negotiating a deal in which Russia would allow transport of Ukrainian grain from ports in the Black Sea in exchange for exports of Russian fertilizers to the world market without the threat of sanctions.

“Food should not be a weapon,” Vilsack said. “It’s essential to get the grain most needed out of the ports.”

Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the food conflict, offered Wednesday to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the UN. But a breakthrough would require ports in Ukraine to be de-mined and ships to be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea. A UN&nbsp;spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Thursday that there was no update on negotiations.

Vilsack said that while negotiations for sea transportation continued, a parallel track was necessary to move and store grain overland through Romania and Poland by railway. This would reduce the risk of grain being stolen and would free up storage for Ukrainian farmers who will soon need to harvest winter crops, he said.

“These negotiations are incredibly important,” Vilsack said, but added: “We remain skeptical about the Russians and whether or not they are coming to this to get to the ultimate yes.”

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The partnership, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed virtually earlier this week by the secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Ukraine’s minister of agriculture. Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine, which before the war was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of grain and seeds, and helping the country rebuild its agriculture industry after the war ends. Vilsack said the United States would take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives to growers to expand their production and, accordingly, increase the amount of grain available for food aid. The war in Ukraine has caused global food and energy prices to soar and risks creating grain supply shortages in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that depend heavily on imported wheat and grain from Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that a global food crisis, already in the making because of climate change and the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains, would place hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation. A global effort is underway to release some 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain that are trapped by Russia’s blockade of the country. The U.N. is also negotiating a deal in which Russia would allow transport of Ukrainian grain from ports in the Black Sea in exchange for exports of Russian fertilizers to the world market without the threat of sanctions. “Food should not be a weapon,” Vilsack said. “It’s essential to get the grain most needed out of the ports.” Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the food conflict, offered Wednesday to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the UN. But a breakthrough would require ports in Ukraine to be de-mined and ships to be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea. A UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Thursday that there was no update on negotiations. Vilsack said that while negotiations for sea transportation continued, a parallel track was necessary to move and store grain overland through Romania and Poland by railway. This would reduce the risk of grain being stolen and would free up storage for Ukrainian farmers who will soon need to harvest winter crops, he said. “These negotiations are incredibly important,” Vilsack said, but added: “We remain skeptical about the Russians and whether or not they are coming to this to get to the ultimate yes.”

US announces three-year agriculture partnership with Ukraine to address food crisis

India reported 12,213 Covid infection cases and 11 fatalities in a single day—a 38.4 per cent rise after nearly four months,&nbsp;as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

In a span of 24 hours, the total number of Covid infections increased to 4,32,57,6730 and the death toll to 5,28,803. The active infection caseload has grown by 4,578 cases. The active cases account for 0.13 per cent of all infections, with a national COVID-19 recovery rate of 98.65 per cent, according to the health ministry.

The number of persons who have recovered has risen to 4,26,74,712 with a 1.21 per cent fatality rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-logs-8822-new-cases-highest-daily-count-in-3-months-488274">Covid-19: India logs 8,822 new cases, highest daily count in 3 months</a>

Maharashtra and Kerala were among the states that witnessed&nbsp;the highest surge in the country. Maharashtra recorded 4,024 new cases, while Kerala saw 3,488 new infections. The two states also have the highest overall cases.&nbsp;

The national capital Delhi,&nbsp;too, has been witnessing a surge,&nbsp;with the COVID-19 tally increasing by more than 1,000 fresh infections for a second straight day on Wednesday.&nbsp;As many as 1,375 people tested&nbsp;positive in a span of 24 hours.

Watch |&nbsp;India records nearly 40% jump in daily covid-19 cases

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Eastern West Bengal state also recorded a surge in cases with 230 new infections recorded on Wednesday—95 more than the previous day—as per the health bulletin. This is the first time in two and a half months that the state has surpassed 200 cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-china-removes-2-year-visa-restrictions-on-indians-488381">COVID-19: China removes 2-year visa restrictions on Indians</a>

Telangana reported 205 additional Covid cases on Wednesday (June 15), bringing the total number of cases in the state to 7,95,008.&nbsp;

The number of patients infected with the infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands increased to 10,063 on Thursday (June 16).

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India reported 12,213 Covid infection cases and 11 fatalities in a single day—a 38.4 per cent rise after nearly four months, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

India reported 12,213 Covid infection cases and 11 fatalities in a single day—a 38.4 per cent rise after nearly four months, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday. In a span of 24 hours, the total number of Covid infections increased to 4,32,57,6730 and the death toll to 5,28,803. The active infection caseload has grown by 4,578 cases. The active cases account for 0.13 per cent of all infections, with a national COVID-19 recovery rate of 98.65 per cent, according to the health ministry. The number of persons who have recovered has risen to 4,26,74,712 with a 1.21 per cent fatality rate. Also read | Covid-19: India logs 8,822 new cases, highest daily count in 3 months Maharashtra and Kerala were among the states that witnessed the highest surge in the country. Maharashtra recorded 4,024 new cases, while Kerala saw 3,488 new infections. The two states also have the highest overall cases. The national capital Delhi, too, has been witnessing a surge, with the COVID-19 tally increasing by more than 1,000 fresh infections for a second straight day on Wednesday. As many as 1,375 people tested positive in a span of 24 hours. Watch | India records nearly 40% jump in daily covid-19 cases Eastern West Bengal state also recorded a surge in cases with 230 new infections recorded on Wednesday—95 more than the previous day—as per the health bulletin. This is the first time in two and a half months that the state has surpassed 200 cases. Also read | COVID-19: China removes 2-year visa restrictions on Indians Telangana reported 205 additional Covid cases on Wednesday (June 15), bringing the total number of cases in the state to 7,95,008. The number of patients infected with the infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands increased to 10,063 on Thursday (June 16). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports more than 12,000 new infections and 11 fatalities

Gunmen killed at least 55 people over the weekend in northern Burkina Faso, authorities said Monday, the latest attack in the West African country where mounting violence is blamed on Islamic extremists.

Suspected militants targeted civilians in Seytenga in Seno province, government spokesman Wendkouni Joel Lionel Bilgo said at a news conference. While the government put the official toll at 55, others put the figure far higher.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-burkina-faso-to-mali-west-africas-new-wave-of-coups-451014">From Burkina Faso to Mali: West Africa's new wave of coups</a>

Attacks linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group are soaring in Burkina Faso, particularly in the north. Jihadists killed at least 160 people in an attack in the town of Solhan in June 2021.

In January, mutinous soldiers ousted the democratically elected president, promising to secure the nation, but violence has only increased. The government is asking people to remain united in the fight against the insurgents.

Watch |&nbsp;Inside ‘Opera Village’ in Africa’s Burkina Faso

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While no group claimed the weekend attack, conflict analysts say it was likely carried out by the Islamic State group.

"In recent weeks, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara have been the most aggressive group, notably in Seno and Oudalan provinces. In addition to attacks against security forces, civilians have also been targeted,"&nbsp;said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan-based organization focused on economics and policy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-junta-chief-sworn-in-as-president-453757">Burkina junta chief sworn in as president</a>

"This is a major blow to security forces and puts them on the back foot again, indicating they are far from being able to secure the area and protect civilians," he said.

Nearly 5,000 people have died over the last two years in Burkina Faso because of violence blamed on Islamic extremists. Another 2 million people have fled their homes, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

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Gunmen killed at least 55 people over the weekend in northern Burkina Faso, authorities said Monday, the latest attack in the West African country where mounting violence is blamed on Islamic extremists.

Gunmen killed at least 55 people over the weekend in northern Burkina Faso, authorities said Monday, the latest attack in the West African country where mounting violence is blamed on Islamic extremists. Suspected militants targeted civilians in Seytenga in Seno province, government spokesman Wendkouni Joel Lionel Bilgo said at a news conference. While the government put the official toll at 55, others put the figure far higher. Also read | From Burkina Faso to Mali: West Africa's new wave of coups Attacks linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group are soaring in Burkina Faso, particularly in the north. Jihadists killed at least 160 people in an attack in the town of Solhan in June 2021. In January, mutinous soldiers ousted the democratically elected president, promising to secure the nation, but violence has only increased. The government is asking people to remain united in the fight against the insurgents. Watch | Inside ‘Opera Village’ in Africa’s Burkina Faso While no group claimed the weekend attack, conflict analysts say it was likely carried out by the Islamic State group. "In recent weeks, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara have been the most aggressive group, notably in Seno and Oudalan provinces. In addition to attacks against security forces, civilians have also been targeted," said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan-based organization focused on economics and policy. Also read | Burkina junta chief sworn in as president "This is a major blow to security forces and puts them on the back foot again, indicating they are far from being able to secure the area and protect civilians," he said. Nearly 5,000 people have died over the last two years in Burkina Faso because of violence blamed on Islamic extremists. Another 2 million people have fled their homes, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

55 people killed in latest attack in northern Burkina Faso

For 40 years, gynecologist Michele Mariano has been the only person performing abortions in Italy's conservative Molise region.&nbsp;

He has delayed retiring twice because no one will replace him, many refusing to terminate pregnancies as conscientious objectors.&nbsp;

It's an extreme example, but emblematic of a wider issue in Italy, where abortion up to 90 days after conception has been legal since 1978 -- but many healthcare providers don't offer them.&nbsp;

A majority of gynecologists refuse on conscientious objection grounds, driven either by religion or societal pressure, while recent moves by right-wing politicians with links to the Church have only increased obstacles for women. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oklahomas-legislature-passes-a-bill-banning-nearly-all-abortions-480648">US: Oklahoma's legislature passes a bill banning nearly all abortions</a>

As a result, dozens of hospitals and clinics across the country provide no abortion services at all.&nbsp;

Finding doctors to perform them can be a minefield, since there are no official lists disclosing those who do, while services vary wildly across the country.

"Someone goes to the hospital not knowing whether the doctor in front of them will do it," said Eleonora Mizzoni, 32, an abortion activist in Pisa.

Something wrong

Some 67 per cent of gynaecologists across Italy in cities and rural areas alike are conscientious objectors, according to the latest health ministry figures from 2019.&nbsp;

That figure exceeds 80 per cent in five of Italy's 20 regions.&nbsp;

Martina Patone, 35, described how she called about 10 hospitals in Rome and other cities to get an abortion eight years ago before a charity helped her out.

She had sought a medical abortion -- which involves taking pills -- but in the end had to undergo surgery.

Patone recalled having to explain to a nurse how the abortion pills worked, and before getting help from the charity having to lining up at 6:00 am in a "rusty staircase" of a Rome hospital basement to be put on a long waiting list.

"I really thought that going to the hospital would be easy. Not at all," she told AFP.

Besides the red tape, the process makes women feel as if "you did something wrong, you shouldn't say anything", she said.

She called it "absurd" that women continue to have the same problems exercising their right to abortion.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Stigma around abortion training: Abortion off medical courses in the US?

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See you later

Data published in May by the Luca Coscioni Association, which advocates for abortion rights, found that in at least 31 hospitals, all doctors or health workers who would assist in an abortion were objectors.

To help avoid such roadblocks, Mizzoni's group "Obiezione Respinta" (Objection Overruled) created an interactive online map where women can warn others where they will be turned away.

One woman on the site described waiting hours outside an operating room in Caserta, north of Naples, only for the hospital's gynaecologist to dismiss her saying, "I'm an objector, see you later".

Another in the Tuscan city of Pistoia recalled how the gynaecologist wrote her a prescription for a fertility drug, instead of the requested day-after pill.&nbsp;

A woman in the Umbrian town of Foligno said she was refused follow-up care after an abortion -- administered by the hospital's sole non-objector -- despite suffering from pain and fever.&nbsp;

The law stipulates that objectors cannot refuse medical care before and after abortion, but that is not always respected.

A 32-year-old Sicilian, Valentina Milluzzo, died of sepsis in 2016 in the fifth month of pregnancy when doctors refused to intervene when one twin died inside her womb but another was still alive.

Obstacle course

Italy is an outlier in western Europe, where the trend in recent decades has been to remove barriers to abortion, said Leah Hoctor, the Center for Reproductive Health's European director.

"Patients are going through a quagmire, an obstacle course, barrier after barrier because of these widespread refusals of care and the complete abdication of the state... this is unacceptable," she told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/access-to-safe-abortion-saves-lives-who-chief-comments-amid-row-476352">‘Access to safe abortion saves lives’: WHO chief comments amid row</a>

She said the failure of the state to manage its objectors efficiently amounts to "abdication of its responsibility under international human rights law".

The Council of Europe has twice censured Italy over inadequate access to abortion, with little consequence.&nbsp;

Culture of death

Conscientious objectors say faith drives their refusal to perform abortions. The Catholic Church is uncompromising on the issue, with Pope Francis calling it "murder".

"You can't force a doctor to kill," said Lorena, a 60-year-old mother of 12 at an anti-abortion rally in Rome last month, declining to give her last name.&nbsp;

The Italian Association of Catholic Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says its mission is "to counter the culture of death" and promote respect for life following "Christian principles".

But abortion activists say objection has ballooned beyond a moral issue and is now often based on expediency. In short, it's more professionally beneficial to be an objector than not in Italy.&nbsp;

Mariano, Molise's sole abortion doctor, told La Repubblica daily last year "those who perform abortions don't have a career".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-lawmakers-advance-bill-classifying-abortion-as-crime-of-murder-476759">Louisiana lawmakers advance bill classifying abortion as 'crime of murder'</a>

The public pressure arises&nbsp;in a society increasingly concerned with its declining birth rate.

Abortion is not part of normal medical training, sex education in schools is not compulsory, and some pharmacists illegally refuse to dispense morning-after pills.

Wind from the USA

Politics also play a role, with piecemeal attempts to limit abortion access in certain regions controlled by right-wing parties with strong Church ties.

Piedmont, governed by a far-right coalition, announced in April it would offer 4,000 euros ($4,300) each to 100 pregnant women considering abortion for financial reasons, to convince them to reconsider.

Meanwhile, authorities in left-leaning Tuscany named an objector gynaecologist last month to head a family planning centre in Pontedera by the Arno river, which had been the first to introduce the abortion pill in 2005.&nbsp;

"Obviously times change and the anti-abortionist wind arriving from the USA is also sweeping over the Arno," consumer rights association ADUC noted.

However, unlike in the United States, abortion is not at the top of the political agenda in Italy and even for right-leaning parties there is no real push to overturn the law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-ease-abortion-rules-for-over-16-women-introduce-menstrual-leave-up-to-five-days-478384">Spain to ease abortion rules for over-16 women, introduce menstrual leave up to five days</a>

Meanwhile, advocates of abortion rights worry that calling for improvements to the law, by making doctors easier to find or even limiting conscientious objections -- might backfire, gynaecologist Mirella Parachini told AFP.

"No one feels like questioning the abortion law for fear that reopening it would only lead to its deterioration."

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For 40 years, gynecologist Michele Mariano has been the only person performing abortions in Italy's conservative Molise region. He has delayed retiring twice because no one will replace him, many refusing to terminate pregnancies as conscientious objectors.

For 40 years, gynecologist Michele Mariano has been the only person performing abortions in Italy's conservative Molise region. He has delayed retiring twice because no one will replace him, many refusing to terminate pregnancies as conscientious objectors. It's an extreme example, but emblematic of a wider issue in Italy, where abortion up to 90 days after conception has been legal since 1978 -- but many healthcare providers don't offer them. A majority of gynecologists refuse on conscientious objection grounds, driven either by religion or societal pressure, while recent moves by right-wing politicians with links to the Church have only increased obstacles for women. Also read | US: Oklahoma's legislature passes a bill banning nearly all abortions As a result, dozens of hospitals and clinics across the country provide no abortion services at all. Finding doctors to perform them can be a minefield, since there are no official lists disclosing those who do, while services vary wildly across the country. "Someone goes to the hospital not knowing whether the doctor in front of them will do it," said Eleonora Mizzoni, 32, an abortion activist in Pisa. Something wrong Some 67 per cent of gynaecologists across Italy in cities and rural areas alike are conscientious objectors, according to the latest health ministry figures from 2019. That figure exceeds 80 per cent in five of Italy's 20 regions. Martina Patone, 35, described how she called about 10 hospitals in Rome and other cities to get an abortion eight years ago before a charity helped her out. She had sought a medical abortion -- which involves taking pills -- but in the end had to undergo surgery. Patone recalled having to explain to a nurse how the abortion pills worked, and before getting help from the charity having to lining up at 6:00 am in a "rusty staircase" of a Rome hospital basement to be put on a long waiting list. "I really thought that going to the hospital would be easy. Not at all," she told AFP. Besides the red tape, the process makes women feel as if "you did something wrong, you shouldn't say anything", she said. She called it "absurd" that women continue to have the same problems exercising their right to abortion. Watch | Stigma around abortion training: Abortion off medical courses in the US? See you later Data published in May by the Luca Coscioni Association, which advocates for abortion rights, found that in at least 31 hospitals, all doctors or health workers who would assist in an abortion were objectors. To help avoid such roadblocks, Mizzoni's group "Obiezione Respinta" (Objection Overruled) created an interactive online map where women can warn others where they will be turned away. One woman on the site described waiting hours outside an operating room in Caserta, north of Naples, only for the hospital's gynaecologist to dismiss her saying, "I'm an objector, see you later". Another in the Tuscan city of Pistoia recalled how the gynaecologist wrote her a prescription for a fertility drug, instead of the requested day-after pill. A woman in the Umbrian town of Foligno said she was refused follow-up care after an abortion -- administered by the hospital's sole non-objector -- despite suffering from pain and fever. The law stipulates that objectors cannot refuse medical care before and after abortion, but that is not always respected. A 32-year-old Sicilian, Valentina Milluzzo, died of sepsis in 2016 in the fifth month of pregnancy when doctors refused to intervene when one twin died inside her womb but another was still alive. Obstacle course Italy is an outlier in western Europe, where the trend in recent decades has been to remove barriers to abortion, said Leah Hoctor, the Center for Reproductive Health's European director. "Patients are going through a quagmire, an obstacle course, barrier after barrier because of these widespread refusals of care and the complete abdication of the state... this is unacceptable," she told AFP. Also read | ‘Access to safe abortion saves lives’: WHO chief comments amid row She said the failure of the state to manage its objectors efficiently amounts to "abdication of its responsibility under international human rights law". The Council of Europe has twice censured Italy over inadequate access to abortion, with little consequence. Culture of death Conscientious objectors say faith drives their refusal to perform abortions. The Catholic Church is uncompromising on the issue, with Pope Francis calling it "murder". "You can't force a doctor to kill," said Lorena, a 60-year-old mother of 12 at an anti-abortion rally in Rome last month, declining to give her last name. The Italian Association of Catholic Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says its mission is "to counter the culture of death" and promote respect for life following "Christian principles". But abortion activists say objection has ballooned beyond a moral issue and is now often based on expediency. In short, it's more professionally beneficial to be an objector than not in Italy. Mariano, Molise's sole abortion doctor, told La Repubblica daily last year "those who perform abortions don't have a career". Also read | Louisiana lawmakers advance bill classifying abortion as 'crime of murder' The public pressure arises in a society increasingly concerned with its declining birth rate. Abortion is not part of normal medical training, sex education in schools is not compulsory, and some pharmacists illegally refuse to dispense morning-after pills. Wind from the USA Politics also play a role, with piecemeal attempts to limit abortion access in certain regions controlled by right-wing parties with strong Church ties. Piedmont, governed by a far-right coalition, announced in April it would offer 4,000 euros ($4,300) each to 100 pregnant women considering abortion for financial reasons, to convince them to reconsider. Meanwhile, authorities in left-leaning Tuscany named an objector gynaecologist last month to head a family planning centre in Pontedera by the Arno river, which had been the first to introduce the abortion pill in 2005. "Obviously times change and the anti-abortionist wind arriving from the USA is also sweeping over the Arno," consumer rights association ADUC noted. However, unlike in the United States, abortion is not at the top of the political agenda in Italy and even for right-leaning parties there is no real push to overturn the law. Also read | Spain to ease abortion rules for over-16 women, introduce menstrual leave up to five days Meanwhile, advocates of abortion rights worry that calling for improvements to the law, by making doctors easier to find or even limiting conscientious objections -- might backfire, gynaecologist Mirella Parachini told AFP. "No one feels like questioning the abortion law for fear that reopening it would only lead to its deterioration." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Abortion in Italy is legal, but finding one is hard

According to a civic report released on Monday (June 13), in India, a total of 126 dengue cases have been reported so far this year. However, no deaths have been linked to the vector-borne sickness, the report said. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said 118 dengue cases had been reported in the city as of June 6 and fifteen were reported on June 11. The data stated that Delhi had 23 dengue cases in the month of&nbsp;January, 16 in February, and 22 in March. April and May saw 20 and 30 cases respectively, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Vector-borne diseases are most likely to spread between July and November but might last until mid-December. The civic officials said that this year, dengue cases are being reported early this year due to favourable weather for the mosquito reproduction.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/amid-monkeypox-outbreak-who-warns-about-rising-number-of-zoonotic-diseases-heres-what-it-means-484510">Amid Monkeypox outbreak, WHO warns about rising number of 'zoonotic' diseases. Here's what it means</a>

The national capital has recorded 21 instances of malaria and 8 cases of Chikungunya so far this year.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Lab-grown mosquitoes successfully fight dengue

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The national capital recorded 9,613 cases and 23 deaths, the highest numbers recorded since 2015 and 2016. The city had a large dengue outbreak in the year 2015, reporting over 10,000 cases in the month of October alone. It’s considered to be the most severe outbreak since the year 1996.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/toll-for-dengue-cases-reaches-81-as-delhi-reported-5-new-cases-last-week-475775">Five new dengue cases reported in Delhi; no deaths recorded</a>

Dengue claimed lives of two people in 2019, four in 2018, and ten in the year 2017 and 2016.

The official data showed that there were 4,431 dengue cases in the national capital in the year 2016, in 2017 this number stood at 4,726, while 2018 and 2019 saw&nbsp;2,798, and 2,036 cases respectively.&nbsp;1,072 cases were reported in the year 2020.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

According to a civic report released on Monday (June 13), in India, a total of 126 dengue cases have been reported so far this year. However, no deaths have been linked to the vector-borne sickness, the report said.

According to a civic report released on Monday (June 13), in India, a total of 126 dengue cases have been reported so far this year. However, no deaths have been linked to the vector-borne sickness, the report said. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said 118 dengue cases had been reported in the city as of June 6 and fifteen were reported on June 11. The data stated that Delhi had 23 dengue cases in the month of January, 16 in February, and 22 in March. April and May saw 20 and 30 cases respectively, PTI reported. Vector-borne diseases are most likely to spread between July and November but might last until mid-December. The civic officials said that this year, dengue cases are being reported early this year due to favourable weather for the mosquito reproduction. Also read | Amid Monkeypox outbreak, WHO warns about rising number of 'zoonotic' diseases. Here's what it means The national capital has recorded 21 instances of malaria and 8 cases of Chikungunya so far this year. Watch | Gravitas: Lab-grown mosquitoes successfully fight dengue The national capital recorded 9,613 cases and 23 deaths, the highest numbers recorded since 2015 and 2016. The city had a large dengue outbreak in the year 2015, reporting over 10,000 cases in the month of October alone. It’s considered to be the most severe outbreak since the year 1996. Also read | Five new dengue cases reported in Delhi; no deaths recorded Dengue claimed lives of two people in 2019, four in 2018, and ten in the year 2017 and 2016. The official data showed that there were 4,431 dengue cases in the national capital in the year 2016, in 2017 this number stood at 4,726, while 2018 and 2019 saw 2,798, and 2,036 cases respectively. 1,072 cases were reported in the year 2020. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital Delhi reports 126 dengue, 8 chikungunya and 21 malaria cases this year

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The India Meteorological Department predicted that the maximum temperature in Delhi NCR and other parts of northwest India will drop a few degrees over the weekend, but no significant relief is expected until June 15.&nbsp;The temperature might fluctuate between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius. However, as per the forecast, from 16 June onwards, easterly breezes will bring major relief to the region. Due to an onslaught of hot and dry westerly winds, northwest and central India has been experiencing a heatwave since June 2, as reported by PTI.

Senior IMD scientist R K Jenamani said, “The ongoing heatwave spell is less intense as compared to those recorded in April-end and May, but the area of impact is almost equal," he said. He further said that the current heatwave is less severe than the one recorded in late April and early May, but is nearly equivalent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-orange-alert-in-delhi-north-east-warned-for-heavy-rainfall-485981">IMD issues ‘orange alert’ in Delhi, north east warned for heavy rainfall</a>

The IMD officials said, the pre-monsoon activity is expected to begin on June 12 in east Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha although temperatures in north Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and North Madhya Pradesh will remain above average until June 15.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Asia Diary | Heatwave hits Pakistan’s mango output

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Last year, the department predicted that the monsoon would arrive roughly two weeks earlier than typical in Delhi (June 27).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rebuts-epi-2022-findings-says-indicators-are-extrapolated-486212">India rebuts Environment Performance Index 2022 findings, says indicators are 'extrapolated'</a>

As per R K Jenamani, the monsoon hit the Kerala coast on May 29 and covered the south and central Arabian sea, Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the entire northeast between May 31 and June 7.&nbsp;

The weather department also said that&nbsp;the monsoon is moving normally and is expected to reach Maharashtra in the next two days. The office had also issued a warning for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam as well as Meghalaya for the following five days.&nbsp;

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The India Meteorological Department predicted that the maximum temperature in Delhi NCR and other parts of northwest India will drop a few degrees over the weekend, but no significant relief is expected until June 15.

The India Meteorological Department predicted that the maximum temperature in Delhi NCR and other parts of northwest India will drop a few degrees over the weekend, but no significant relief is expected until June 15. The temperature might fluctuate between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius. However, as per the forecast, from 16 June onwards, easterly breezes will bring major relief to the region. Due to an onslaught of hot and dry westerly winds, northwest and central India has been experiencing a heatwave since June 2, as reported by PTI. Senior IMD scientist R K Jenamani said, “The ongoing heatwave spell is less intense as compared to those recorded in April-end and May, but the area of impact is almost equal," he said. He further said that the current heatwave is less severe than the one recorded in late April and early May, but is nearly equivalent. Also read | IMD issues ‘orange alert’ in Delhi, north east warned for heavy rainfall The IMD officials said, the pre-monsoon activity is expected to begin on June 12 in east Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha although temperatures in north Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and North Madhya Pradesh will remain above average until June 15. Watch | South Asia Diary | Heatwave hits Pakistan’s mango output Last year, the department predicted that the monsoon would arrive roughly two weeks earlier than typical in Delhi (June 27). Also read | India rebuts Environment Performance Index 2022 findings, says indicators are 'extrapolated' As per R K Jenamani, the monsoon hit the Kerala coast on May 29 and covered the south and central Arabian sea, Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the entire northeast between May 31 and June 7. The weather department also said that the monsoon is moving normally and is expected to reach Maharashtra in the next two days. The office had also issued a warning for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam as well as Meghalaya for the following five days. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

IMD predicts no major relief from heatwave till June 15 in North, warns East of heavy rainfall

More than two months after the residents of Yahidne kicked down the bolted basement door where the Russian army had held them hostage, the village is being rebuilt but the memories remain fresh — and deeply painful.

On March 3, eight days after the full-scale invasion began, Russian forces swept into Yahidne, a village on the main road north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. For nearly a month, until March 31, when Ukrainian troops liberated the town, more than 300 people, 77 of them children, were imprisoned in several rooms in the dank basement of the village school — a human shield for the Russian troops based there. Ten of the captives died. Among those held inside were a baby and a 93-year-old, Ukrainian prosecutors said.

“This is our concentration camp,” said Oleh Turash, 54, one of those imprisoned, who helped bury the people who perished there. For most of the time there was virtually no light. Despite the freezing winter weather, he said, people were packed in so tightly their body warmth was all the heat they needed.

But there was never enough oxygen to breathe normally, causing some people to black out and others, mainly older, to suffer hallucinations. “They would start babbling about the need to plant potatoes, and other things that they could not do,” said Ivan Petrovich, the school’s janitor.

Turash, 54, slept in the largest room. It had the only source of air, a tiny hole the people made themselves, Petrovich said. A bucket sat at the far side of the room, a makeshift toilet for children and others who could not wait until morning, when there was hope that the Russian soldiers would let people out to use the regular toilets.

A tally on the door of the largest room noted that 136 people had stayed there, nine of them children. Originally, the number had been 139, but that had been scratched out to reflect three deaths, Turash said.

“Three people died around me,” said his 73-year-old mother, Valentyna. She had broken her right arm going down the stairs to the basement, but received no medical treatment. Her wrist is still swollen three months later.

“I am still in a lot of pain, and I can’t use my fingers as well as I used to,” she said.

She said the room she was in was so crowded there was no space for her to move.

“I spent 30 days just like this, hardly moving,” she said, squatting down low to the ground. “Twice, I lost consciousness because of the lack of oxygen, but my son banged on the door to get me out. Thank God I survived.”

Petrovich and Turash brought crayons for the children to draw. Inside, they drew a mural on the wall composed of Ukrainian flags, hearts, suns and butterflies. At the top, a child had written, “No War!!!”

In a smaller room, about 25 by 10 feet, there was another amended body count: 22 people, including five children, had been written in pencil. Someone writing in navy blue crayon had changed the number to 18.

On one wall was a tally of the dead and the date they had died. One man, Anatoly Shevchenko, had a question mark next to his name. His fate is still a mystery.

Every few days, if the captives were lucky, the Russians would give them permission to take the bodies into the school’s boiler room, usually several at a time.

That was also where they got their drinking water.

The men would go through an opening and climb down a ladder to a sewer line, where they would fetch water used in normal times for the school’s heating system.

Once they got the water, they would boil it over the open flame that they used to cook, when they were allowed to.

“Imagine, there were dead bodies here on this table,” Turash said. “And just next to the corpses, we were boiling the water that we drank.”

At one point the Russian soldiers conscripted Turash and others to dig a pit at least 10 feet deep next to the boiler room.

“I thought I was digging my own grave,” he said.

Instead, the Russians eventually installed a generator there.

Every week or so, after some negotiating, the soldiers would grant Turash permission to bury the deceased outside in a communal grave. They accompanied him, as they did all villagers who got permission to leave the basement, with their Kalashnikovs raised. The residents were able to get intermittent, and inconsistent, food supplies under soldiers’ watch.

Outside, the school was surrounded by Russian tank positions. The soldiers had felled trees from the forest behind the school and dug foxholes for themselves, stealing rugs from people’s homes to put inside the mud dwellings. Turash recognized his own boots on a soldier’s feet.

The occupiers told some of the residents there were plans to bring them to Russia. “They told us, ‘The men will go to Tyumen to work in wood production and the women will be sent to another part of Russia to work cleaning fish,’” said Ekaterina Balanovych, referring to a city in western Siberia.

On March 30, when the Russian forces began retreating from the north, the soldiers locked everyone inside, bolted the door and ordered them not to leave.

That night the villagers broke down the door and quickly realized the Russians had left. But they could hear heavy fighting nearby, and most remained inside, waiting to be rescued.

But they found an old phone, Balanovych said, and someone was able to reach one of the Ukrainian troops.

“When our boys arrived, we were so happy, we hugged them, and we cried,” she said. “They brought bread. We hadn’t seen a crumb of bread for a month.”

More than two months later, however, Yahidne is far from back to normal. The school is badly damaged, perhaps beyond repair. The wrecked tanks and armored vehicles have been towed away but the evidence of the occupation — underground dwellings, recently extinguished fires and the scattered belongings of those forced to live in the basement — remain.

Some, like Petrovich, appear to be suffering depression or some form of PTSD. “After two months, we are still in shock,” he said. “There is so much work to do at home still, but you can’t lift your hand. It is scary.”

There is still a lot of cleaning up to do. “There is not a single house here where there was no tank or armored personnel carrier standing,” said Valentyna Sezonenko, 75, who found partly unexploded ordnance on the road in front of her house. Houses across the street and next door had been razed.

On a street next to the village's destroyed events hall, volunteers from the capital were putting new roofs on apartment buildings. A shell from a cluster munition lay nearby.

“My soul hurts,” said Nina Shish, who managed to flee Yahidne hours before it was occupied only to be trapped in a basement by Russians in a neighboring village.

As soon as she returned to Yahidne, she went to see the local school, where she had worked and where her granddaughter had been in kindergarten.

“I have no words for my grief, the school was so beautiful before,” she said. “Now, students won’t learn there any more.”

She took a plant stand with a spider plant home and put it in her building’s hallway as a memento.

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s chief prosecutor announced eight new war crimes cases, including one against nine Russian soldiers accused of terrorizing Yahidne.

“Unfortunately, these people are not located here physically, and we are going for an in absentia trial, but it is very important for us, for Ukrainian justice, for the victims and their relatives to have this legal process,” the prosecutor general, Irina Venediktova, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

While Russia denies that its soldiers have committed war crimes, Ukraine has already sentenced three soldiers for related offenses. Most of the soldiers named by Venediktova come from Tuva, a remote province in southeastern Siberia.

On the road locals call Fourth Street, Ludmila Shevchenko was tending her garden. She had already buried one son, Vitaliy, 53, who was shot by the Russians in the early days of the occupation.

And she was worried about her other son, Anatoly, the man with the question mark next to his name on the list in the basement.

“I don’t know if he is alive or dead,” she said, resting against the pockmarks of the damaged house.

“I don’t know if the commander will be tried,” she said. “But I want to ask him, ‘Where is my son, Anatoly Shevchenko?’”

More than two months after the residents of Yahidne kicked down the bolted basement door where the Russian army had held them hostage, the village is being rebuilt but the memories remain fresh — and deeply painful.

More than two months after the residents of Yahidne kicked down the bolted basement door where the Russian army had held them hostage, the village is being rebuilt but the memories remain fresh — and deeply painful. On March 3, eight days after the full-scale invasion began, Russian forces swept into Yahidne, a village on the main road north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. For nearly a month, until March 31, when Ukrainian troops liberated the town, more than 300 people, 77 of them children, were imprisoned in several rooms in the dank basement of the village school — a human shield for the Russian troops based there. Ten of the captives died. Among those held inside were a baby and a 93-year-old, Ukrainian prosecutors said. “This is our concentration camp,” said Oleh Turash, 54, one of those imprisoned, who helped bury the people who perished there. For most of the time there was virtually no light. Despite the freezing winter weather, he said, people were packed in so tightly their body warmth was all the heat they needed. But there was never enough oxygen to breathe normally, causing some people to black out and others, mainly older, to suffer hallucinations. “They would start babbling about the need to plant potatoes, and other things that they could not do,” said Ivan Petrovich, the school’s janitor. Turash, 54, slept in the largest room. It had the only source of air, a tiny hole the people made themselves, Petrovich said. A bucket sat at the far side of the room, a makeshift toilet for children and others who could not wait until morning, when there was hope that the Russian soldiers would let people out to use the regular toilets. A tally on the door of the largest room noted that 136 people had stayed there, nine of them children. Originally, the number had been 139, but that had been scratched out to reflect three deaths, Turash said. “Three people died around me,” said his 73-year-old mother, Valentyna. She had broken her right arm going down the stairs to the basement, but received no medical treatment. Her wrist is still swollen three months later. “I am still in a lot of pain, and I can’t use my fingers as well as I used to,” she said. She said the room she was in was so crowded there was no space for her to move. “I spent 30 days just like this, hardly moving,” she said, squatting down low to the ground. “Twice, I lost consciousness because of the lack of oxygen, but my son banged on the door to get me out. Thank God I survived.” Petrovich and Turash brought crayons for the children to draw. Inside, they drew a mural on the wall composed of Ukrainian flags, hearts, suns and butterflies. At the top, a child had written, “No War!!!” In a smaller room, about 25 by 10 feet, there was another amended body count: 22 people, including five children, had been written in pencil. Someone writing in navy blue crayon had changed the number to 18. On one wall was a tally of the dead and the date they had died. One man, Anatoly Shevchenko, had a question mark next to his name. His fate is still a mystery. Every few days, if the captives were lucky, the Russians would give them permission to take the bodies into the school’s boiler room, usually several at a time. That was also where they got their drinking water. The men would go through an opening and climb down a ladder to a sewer line, where they would fetch water used in normal times for the school’s heating system. Once they got the water, they would boil it over the open flame that they used to cook, when they were allowed to. “Imagine, there were dead bodies here on this table,” Turash said. “And just next to the corpses, we were boiling the water that we drank.” At one point the Russian soldiers conscripted Turash and others to dig a pit at least 10 feet deep next to the boiler room. “I thought I was digging my own grave,” he said. Instead, the Russians eventually installed a generator there. Every week or so, after some negotiating, the soldiers would grant Turash permission to bury the deceased outside in a communal grave. They accompanied him, as they did all villagers who got permission to leave the basement, with their Kalashnikovs raised. The residents were able to get intermittent, and inconsistent, food supplies under soldiers’ watch. Outside, the school was surrounded by Russian tank positions. The soldiers had felled trees from the forest behind the school and dug foxholes for themselves, stealing rugs from people’s homes to put inside the mud dwellings. Turash recognized his own boots on a soldier’s feet. The occupiers told some of the residents there were plans to bring them to Russia. “They told us, ‘The men will go to Tyumen to work in wood production and the women will be sent to another part of Russia to work cleaning fish,’” said Ekaterina Balanovych, referring to a city in western Siberia. On March 30, when the Russian forces began retreating from the north, the soldiers locked everyone inside, bolted the door and ordered them not to leave. That night the villagers broke down the door and quickly realized the Russians had left. But they could hear heavy fighting nearby, and most remained inside, waiting to be rescued. But they found an old phone, Balanovych said, and someone was able to reach one of the Ukrainian troops. “When our boys arrived, we were so happy, we hugged them, and we cried,” she said. “They brought bread. We hadn’t seen a crumb of bread for a month.” More than two months later, however, Yahidne is far from back to normal. The school is badly damaged, perhaps beyond repair. The wrecked tanks and armored vehicles have been towed away but the evidence of the occupation — underground dwellings, recently extinguished fires and the scattered belongings of those forced to live in the basement — remain. Some, like Petrovich, appear to be suffering depression or some form of PTSD. “After two months, we are still in shock,” he said. “There is so much work to do at home still, but you can’t lift your hand. It is scary.” There is still a lot of cleaning up to do. “There is not a single house here where there was no tank or armored personnel carrier standing,” said Valentyna Sezonenko, 75, who found partly unexploded ordnance on the road in front of her house. Houses across the street and next door had been razed. On a street next to the village's destroyed events hall, volunteers from the capital were putting new roofs on apartment buildings. A shell from a cluster munition lay nearby. “My soul hurts,” said Nina Shish, who managed to flee Yahidne hours before it was occupied only to be trapped in a basement by Russians in a neighboring village. As soon as she returned to Yahidne, she went to see the local school, where she had worked and where her granddaughter had been in kindergarten. “I have no words for my grief, the school was so beautiful before,” she said. “Now, students won’t learn there any more.” She took a plant stand with a spider plant home and put it in her building’s hallway as a memento. On Wednesday, Ukraine’s chief prosecutor announced eight new war crimes cases, including one against nine Russian soldiers accused of terrorizing Yahidne. “Unfortunately, these people are not located here physically, and we are going for an in absentia trial, but it is very important for us, for Ukrainian justice, for the victims and their relatives to have this legal process,” the prosecutor general, Irina Venediktova, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. While Russia denies that its soldiers have committed war crimes, Ukraine has already sentenced three soldiers for related offenses. Most of the soldiers named by Venediktova come from Tuva, a remote province in southeastern Siberia. On the road locals call Fourth Street, Ludmila Shevchenko was tending her garden. She had already buried one son, Vitaliy, 53, who was shot by the Russians in the early days of the occupation. And she was worried about her other son, Anatoly, the man with the question mark next to his name on the list in the basement. “I don’t know if he is alive or dead,” she said, resting against the pockmarks of the damaged house. “I don’t know if the commander will be tried,” she said. “But I want to ask him, ‘Where is my son, Anatoly Shevchenko?’”

‘We are still in shock’: A month trapped by Russian forces in a basement

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The UK government has cautioned festivalgoers about an unusual shift in the drug market resulting&nbsp;in a rapid and potentially hazardous spike of fake ecstasy drugs due to a combination of Brexit, and Covid lockdowns. The police have begun a crackdown targeting supply chains.

However, last year, criminologists and chemists discovered that over half of the MDMA sold at festivals in England did not contain any of the drugs.

According to the Guardian, a report&nbsp;published in the journal Drug Science, Policy and Law, predicts&nbsp;a shift in the UK drugs between 2019 and 2021. It further added that “adulteration poses additional unknown risks to the health of people who use illicit drugs.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-brexit-created-political-instability-in-britain-485662">How Brexit created political instability in Britain</a>

The experts suggest that any of the pills sold at the festivals were made of chemicals like cathinones, a new psychoactive drug (NPS), and caffeine. Some of its users later observed panic, insanity and persistent insomnia.

Watch |&nbsp;Post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade agreement unviable, says UK PM Boris Johnson

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Michael Pascoe, a research associate at Cardiff University and a co-lead author of the study, told the UK newspaper, “This is the first peer-reviewed article that confirms there was an unprecedented shift in the quality of UK ecstasy following Brexit and the lockdowns. As well as noticing this effect at festivals, the study also presents wider UK data that confirms the same effect was seen across the whole country."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnsons-pro-brexit-father-stanley-becomes-french-480658">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French</a>

The researchers further discovered that 45 per cent of the compounds advertised as MDMA contained none of its substances and were made of cathinones and caffeine. A&nbsp;probe conducted in 2019 during festivals&nbsp;found that only 7 per cent of the tablets examined did not contain MDMA. It also mentions studies from the harm reduction organisation Wedinos, which discovered that nearly 15 per cent of the MDMA products tested in the year 2021 had only cathinones and only 14 per cent had caffeine.

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The UK government has cautioned festivalgoers about an unusual shift in the drug market resulting in a rapid and potentially hazardous spike of fake ecstasy drugs due to a combination of Brexit, and Covid lockdowns.

The UK government has cautioned festivalgoers about an unusual shift in the drug market resulting in a rapid and potentially hazardous spike of fake ecstasy drugs due to a combination of Brexit, and Covid lockdowns. The police have begun a crackdown targeting supply chains. However, last year, criminologists and chemists discovered that over half of the MDMA sold at festivals in England did not contain any of the drugs. According to the Guardian, a report published in the journal Drug Science, Policy and Law, predicts a shift in the UK drugs between 2019 and 2021. It further added that “adulteration poses additional unknown risks to the health of people who use illicit drugs.” Also read | How Brexit created political instability in Britain The experts suggest that any of the pills sold at the festivals were made of chemicals like cathinones, a new psychoactive drug (NPS), and caffeine. Some of its users later observed panic, insanity and persistent insomnia. Watch | Post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade agreement unviable, says UK PM Boris Johnson Michael Pascoe, a research associate at Cardiff University and a co-lead author of the study, told the UK newspaper, “This is the first peer-reviewed article that confirms there was an unprecedented shift in the quality of UK ecstasy following Brexit and the lockdowns. As well as noticing this effect at festivals, the study also presents wider UK data that confirms the same effect was seen across the whole country." Also read | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French The researchers further discovered that 45 per cent of the compounds advertised as MDMA contained none of its substances and were made of cathinones and caffeine. A probe conducted in 2019 during festivals found that only 7 per cent of the tablets examined did not contain MDMA. It also mentions studies from the harm reduction organisation Wedinos, which discovered that nearly 15 per cent of the MDMA products tested in the year 2021 had only cathinones and only 14 per cent had caffeine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Brexit and Covid lockdowns trigger hazardous spike of fake ecstasy in UK: Study

Residents in Sudan claimed heavy fighting in west and south territories has reportedly killed 27 people and injured dozens. The country is still dealing with consequences from a coup orchestrated by army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in October of last year, reported by AFP.

Despite the fact that main rebel groups signed a peace agreement for the year 2020, still deadly conflicts continue over land, water access and livestock.&nbsp;

Similar instances occurred in the restive Darfur region, where 16 people were killed in a heated land dispute and 11 killed in South Kordofan state after an argument between two individuals apparently developed into gun battles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-man-killed-in-crackdown-on-anti-coup-protests-as-un-expert-arrives-454954">Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives</a>

UN special representative Volker Perthes on Tuesday (June 7) said, "I am deeply concerned about inter-communal clashes.” He further added, “I call on security forces to secure the area and ensure the protection of civilians, and urge local leaders to undertake mediation efforts".

Another fighting instance broke out at Kolbus where villages were set on fire by the attackers and were completely destroyed.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Emergency lifted in Sudan: Decision after meeting with senior military officials

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A leader of the non-Arab Gimir group said, “Fighting erupted over a land dispute between member of an Arab tribe and a farmer from a non-Arab one.” He further added that the clashes killed eight people and burned three villages.&nbsp;

According to a leader of the Arab Rizeigat village said the fighting began over land dispute and that the clashes are still going on.&nbsp;

Another clash erupted between the Hawazma and Kenana groups, the Arab rivals in South Kordofan after a disagreement between two persons escalated into conflicts between the groups.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/failing-to-build-consensus-sudans-prime-minister-abdalla-hamdok-announces-resignation-441863">Failing to build consensus, Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok announces resignation</a>

A resident said, “At least 11 people were killed and 35 wounded in fighting.”

With this going on, the country&nbsp;still struggle with resurgence of deadly conflicts, severe droughts and encroaching desertification.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Residents in Sudan claimed heavy fighting in west and south territories has reportedly killed 27 people and injured dozens. The country is still dealing with consequences from a coup orchestrated by army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in October of last year, reported by AFP.

Residents in Sudan claimed heavy fighting in west and south territories has reportedly killed 27 people and injured dozens. The country is still dealing with consequences from a coup orchestrated by army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in October of last year, reported by AFP. Despite the fact that main rebel groups signed a peace agreement for the year 2020, still deadly conflicts continue over land, water access and livestock. Similar instances occurred in the restive Darfur region, where 16 people were killed in a heated land dispute and 11 killed in South Kordofan state after an argument between two individuals apparently developed into gun battles. Also read | Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives UN special representative Volker Perthes on Tuesday (June 7) said, "I am deeply concerned about inter-communal clashes.” He further added, “I call on security forces to secure the area and ensure the protection of civilians, and urge local leaders to undertake mediation efforts". Another fighting instance broke out at Kolbus where villages were set on fire by the attackers and were completely destroyed. Watch | Emergency lifted in Sudan: Decision after meeting with senior military officials A leader of the non-Arab Gimir group said, “Fighting erupted over a land dispute between member of an Arab tribe and a farmer from a non-Arab one.” He further added that the clashes killed eight people and burned three villages. According to a leader of the Arab Rizeigat village said the fighting began over land dispute and that the clashes are still going on. Another clash erupted between the Hawazma and Kenana groups, the Arab rivals in South Kordofan after a disagreement between two persons escalated into conflicts between the groups. Also read | Failing to build consensus, Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok announces resignation A resident said, “At least 11 people were killed and 35 wounded in fighting.” With this going on, the country still struggle with resurgence of deadly conflicts, severe droughts and encroaching desertification. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Sudan clashes killed nearly 27 people, despite peace agreement signed in 2020

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India reported 4,270 covid cases bringing the Covid tally to 4,31,76,817. The daily positivity rate also saw a rise of more than 1 per cent after 34 days, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. While the active cases increased by 1,636 cases in 24 hours.&nbsp;

According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 1.03 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.84 per cent. .&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corbevax-becomes-first-vaccine-in-india-to-get-dcgi-approval-for-heterologous-covid-19-booster-shot-485081">Corbevax becomes first vaccine in India to get DCGI approval for heterologous COVID-19 booster shot</a>

The data updated by the ministry on Sunday (June 5), the number of active cases increased to 24,052 cases and 15 new fatalities were reported, increasing the death toll to 5,24,692.

The 15 new fatalities include 13 from Kerala and one each from central Madhya Pradesh and western Maharashtra states.&nbsp;

So far, the country has reported 5,24,692 deaths with 1,47,865 in Maharashtra, 69,786 in Kerala, 40,107 in Karnataka, 26,212 in Delhi, 23,520 in Uttar Pradesh, 38,025 in Tamil Nadu and 21,204 in West Bengal.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Mumbai: How covid-19 changed lives of Dabbawalas

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The total number of persons who have recovered from the virus has increased to 4,26,28,073 with 1.22 per cent fatality rate.&nbsp;

The total number of doses given in the country as part of the Covid vaccination programme has surpassed 19.4 billion&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indian-govt-suspects-possibility-of-localised-spread-of-infection-writes-to-five-states-484937">Covid-19: Indian govt suspects possibility of localised spread of infection, writes to five States&nbsp;</a>

Comorbidities were responsible for more than 70 per cent of the death, as per the government.

The Union Health Ministry on its official website said, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research.” It further added that the data is being verified and reconciled state wise.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 4,270 covid cases bringing the Covid tally to 4,31,76,817. The daily positivity rate also saw a rise of more than 1 per cent after 34 days, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

India reported 4,270 covid cases bringing the Covid tally to 4,31,76,817. The daily positivity rate also saw a rise of more than 1 per cent after 34 days, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. While the active cases increased by 1,636 cases in 24 hours. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 1.03 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.84 per cent. . Also read | Corbevax becomes first vaccine in India to get DCGI approval for heterologous COVID-19 booster shot The data updated by the ministry on Sunday (June 5), the number of active cases increased to 24,052 cases and 15 new fatalities were reported, increasing the death toll to 5,24,692. The 15 new fatalities include 13 from Kerala and one each from central Madhya Pradesh and western Maharashtra states. So far, the country has reported 5,24,692 deaths with 1,47,865 in Maharashtra, 69,786 in Kerala, 40,107 in Karnataka, 26,212 in Delhi, 23,520 in Uttar Pradesh, 38,025 in Tamil Nadu and 21,204 in West Bengal. Watch | Mumbai: How covid-19 changed lives of Dabbawalas The total number of persons who have recovered from the virus has increased to 4,26,28,073 with 1.22 per cent fatality rate. The total number of doses given in the country as part of the Covid vaccination programme has surpassed 19.4 billion Also read | Covid-19: Indian govt suspects possibility of localised spread of infection, writes to five States Comorbidities were responsible for more than 70 per cent of the death, as per the government. The Union Health Ministry on its official website said, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research.” It further added that the data is being verified and reconciled state wise. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 4,270 new cases, daily positivity rate more than 1% after a month

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Morocco on Sunday begins welcoming an influx of its citizens living in Europe after the pandemic led to a halt in what has been called one of the world's biggest cross-continental&nbsp;migrations.

The last such effort in the summer of 2019 saw 3.3 million people and more than three quarters of a million vehicles cross the Gibraltar Strait.

The North African kingdom is just 14 kilometres (nine miles) from the coast of Spain, which has announced it will also put in place special measures for Moroccans from June 15 for two months.

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Spain's government has called the seasonal&nbsp;migration&nbsp;"one of the biggest flows of people across continents in such a small time".

Resuming large-scale cross-strait travel comes not only after an easing of the pandemic threat but also following a mending of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The year-long diplomatic dispute had extended border closures originally put in place because of Covid-19, but maritime traffic resumed in April.

Watch |&nbsp;Why bees in this Moroccan village are dying?

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"Operation Marhaba (Welcome) for Moroccans living overseas begins on June 5," said a statement late Saturday from the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation which organises the effort.

More than 1,000 people including doctors, social workers and volunteers have signed up to help people arriving at ports and airports.

Most will come by boat from Spain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-rescue-workers-in-morocco-move-closer-to-save-child-trapped-in-well-450720">Pics: Rescue workers in Morocco move closer to save child trapped in well</a>

As well as at Moroccan ports, helpers will be stationed in the Spanish ports of Almeria and Algeciras, Marseille in France and Italy's Genoa, among others.

The traffic goes in both directions, as many Moroccans also head to Spanish coastal resorts for their holidays.

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Morocco on Sunday begins welcoming an influx of its citizens living in Europe after the pandemic led to a halt in what has been called one of the world's biggest cross-continental migrations.

Morocco on Sunday begins welcoming an influx of its citizens living in Europe after the pandemic led to a halt in what has been called one of the world's biggest cross-continental migrations. The last such effort in the summer of 2019 saw 3.3 million people and more than three quarters of a million vehicles cross the Gibraltar Strait. The North African kingdom is just 14 kilometres (nine miles) from the coast of Spain, which has announced it will also put in place special measures for Moroccans from June 15 for two months. Also read | Israel to host US, UEA, Bharain and Morocco diplomats for three-day ‘historic' summit Spain's government has called the seasonal migration "one of the biggest flows of people across continents in such a small time". Resuming large-scale cross-strait travel comes not only after an easing of the pandemic threat but also following a mending of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The year-long diplomatic dispute had extended border closures originally put in place because of Covid-19, but maritime traffic resumed in April. Watch | Why bees in this Moroccan village are dying? "Operation Marhaba (Welcome) for Moroccans living overseas begins on June 5," said a statement late Saturday from the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation which organises the effort. More than 1,000 people including doctors, social workers and volunteers have signed up to help people arriving at ports and airports. Most will come by boat from Spain. Also read | Pics: Rescue workers in Morocco move closer to save child trapped in well As well as at Moroccan ports, helpers will be stationed in the Spanish ports of Almeria and Algeciras, Marseille in France and Italy's Genoa, among others. The traffic goes in both directions, as many Moroccans also head to Spanish coastal resorts for their holidays. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Huge Europe-Morocco migration begins after COVID-19 hiatus

Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea on Sunday, striking a rail car repair facility in the Ukrainian capital, in the first such attack for weeks, Ukraine's army and railway chief said.

Dark smoke funnelled into the sky above Kyiv's eastern outskirts. At least one person was hospitalised though no deaths were immediately reported, Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said.

Ukrainian air defences shot down one incoming missile at around 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the military said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-defence-minister-optimistic-that-war-with-russia-could-end-this-year-485176">Ukraine's defence minister 'optimistic' that war with Russia could end this year</a>

One Russian missile that was probably headed for Kyiv flew "critically low" over a major nuclear power plant in the southern Mykolaiv region, state-run nuclear power operator Energoatom said on Telegram.

Russia's Defence Ministry said its missiles had destroyed T-72 tanks and armoured vehicles supplied to Ukraine by eastern European countries that were housed in a rail car repair facility in Kyiv.

Oleksandr Kamyshin, head of the Ukrainian railway, confirmed that four missiles had smashed into the Darnytsia rail car repair facility in eastern Kyiv, but denied there had been any military hardware at the site.

"Their (Russia's) target is the economy and the civilian population," he said.

The sprawling railway system has served as a vital lifeline as Russia's Feb. 24 invasion has smashed the Ukrainian economy and severed export routes via the Black Sea.

The missiles were the first to hit the capital since late April when a Radio Liberty producer was killed in a Russian missile strike that hit the building she lived in.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Explosions rock Ukraine's capital Kyiv

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"According to preliminary data, the (Russians) launched missiles from Tu-95 aircraft from the Caspian Sea," the Ukrainian air force said in a statement.

Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak called on the West to impose more sanctions on Russia to punish it for the strikes and to supply more weapons to Ukraine.

"The Kremlin resorts to new insidious attacks. Today’s missile strikes at Kyiv have only one goal - kill as many as possible," he wrote in a tweet.

The mayor of the historic town of Brovary, around 20 km (12 miles) from Kyiv's centre, urged people to remain inside their homes as there had been reports of a sooty smell coming from the smoke.

Despite continuing Russian offensives in Ukraine and the widespread destruction, life in Kyiv has been relatively attack-free in recent weeks, after Moscow turned the focus of its invasion to the east and south.

Air raid sirens regularly disrupt life in Kyiv, but there have been no major strikes on the city in several weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-vows-to-strike-harder-if-longer-range-missiles-supplied-to-ukraine-485294">Putin vows to strike harder if longer-range missiles supplied to Ukraine</a>

The Darnytskyi district on the left bank of the Dnipro River stretches from the fringes of Kyiv to the river's shores while the Dniprovskyi area in the city's north lies along the river.

Oleksandr Honcharenko, mayor of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region in the east, reported overnight strikes on the city, resulting in widespread damage but no casualties.

On Saturday, Ukrainian officials said the country's troops had recaptured a swathe of the embattled city of Sievierodonetsk in a counteroffensive against Russia.

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Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea on Sunday, striking a rail car repair facility in the Ukrainian capital, in the first such attack for weeks, Ukraine's army and railway chief said.

Russia hit Kyiv with cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea on Sunday, striking a rail car repair facility in the Ukrainian capital, in the first such attack for weeks, Ukraine's army and railway chief said. Dark smoke funnelled into the sky above Kyiv's eastern outskirts. At least one person was hospitalised though no deaths were immediately reported, Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said. Ukrainian air defences shot down one incoming missile at around 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the military said. Also read | Ukraine's defence minister 'optimistic' that war with Russia could end this year One Russian missile that was probably headed for Kyiv flew "critically low" over a major nuclear power plant in the southern Mykolaiv region, state-run nuclear power operator Energoatom said on Telegram. Russia's Defence Ministry said its missiles had destroyed T-72 tanks and armoured vehicles supplied to Ukraine by eastern European countries that were housed in a rail car repair facility in Kyiv. Oleksandr Kamyshin, head of the Ukrainian railway, confirmed that four missiles had smashed into the Darnytsia rail car repair facility in eastern Kyiv, but denied there had been any military hardware at the site. "Their (Russia's) target is the economy and the civilian population," he said. The sprawling railway system has served as a vital lifeline as Russia's Feb. 24 invasion has smashed the Ukrainian economy and severed export routes via the Black Sea. The missiles were the first to hit the capital since late April when a Radio Liberty producer was killed in a Russian missile strike that hit the building she lived in. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Explosions rock Ukraine's capital Kyiv "According to preliminary data, the (Russians) launched missiles from Tu-95 aircraft from the Caspian Sea," the Ukrainian air force said in a statement. Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak called on the West to impose more sanctions on Russia to punish it for the strikes and to supply more weapons to Ukraine. "The Kremlin resorts to new insidious attacks. Today’s missile strikes at Kyiv have only one goal - kill as many as possible," he wrote in a tweet. The mayor of the historic town of Brovary, around 20 km (12 miles) from Kyiv's centre, urged people to remain inside their homes as there had been reports of a sooty smell coming from the smoke. Despite continuing Russian offensives in Ukraine and the widespread destruction, life in Kyiv has been relatively attack-free in recent weeks, after Moscow turned the focus of its invasion to the east and south. Air raid sirens regularly disrupt life in Kyiv, but there have been no major strikes on the city in several weeks. Also read | Putin vows to strike harder if longer-range missiles supplied to Ukraine The Darnytskyi district on the left bank of the Dnipro River stretches from the fringes of Kyiv to the river's shores while the Dniprovskyi area in the city's north lies along the river. Oleksandr Honcharenko, mayor of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region in the east, reported overnight strikes on the city, resulting in widespread damage but no casualties. On Saturday, Ukrainian officials said the country's troops had recaptured a swathe of the embattled city of Sievierodonetsk in a counteroffensive against Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kyiv rocked by blasts from Russian cruise missiles: Ukraine

These days, everyone wants to look tall. Those few inches not only help you to stand out in the crowd but also give you confidence. However, these inches come with a cost. As per a recent study, published in the PLOS Genetics open access publication, tall people are at a higher risk of acquiring a variety of health problems such as nerve disorders and neurological diseases.

As per the research, a person’s height, whether tall or short is known to raise their risk for a range of diseases. The study also found new connections between taller heights and a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy, caused by damage to nerves in the extremities as well as bone and skin infections such as foot ulcers or leg ulcers.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/40-day-old-child-develops-fetus-in-fetu-in-india-find-out-what-it-is-483379">&nbsp;40-day-old child develops 'Foetus in Foetu' in India. Find out what it is &nbsp;</a>

Height has previously been linked to a variety of diseases, from heart diseases to cancer, but scientists have been unable to tell whether an individual's being tall or short puts them in danger or whether factors that impact height, such as socioeconomic condition and proper nutrition, are to be blamed.

Watch |&nbsp;Monkeypox outbreak worries scientists: Experts suspect 'animal spill back'

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The researchers for this study used genetic and health data from over 250,000 people to analyse over 1,000 disorders and features, making it the biggest study conducted on height and disease.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-that-mosquitoes-are-more-prone-to-bite-men-than-women-483166">Study finds that mosquitoes are more prone to bite men than women</a>

Being tall is connected to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and varicose veins, as well as a lower risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, and blood pressure, according to Sridharan Raghavan of the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Centre.

The experts further said that height could be a previously unknown risk factor for adult diseases in a variety of ways. The researchers, however, added that additional research is needed to fully understand some of these connections and that, in future studies, they might benefit from having a bigger and more diverse international sample.

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(with inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

These days, everyone wants to look tall. Those few inches not only help you to stand out in the crowd but also give you confidence. However, these inches come with a cost.

These days, everyone wants to look tall. Those few inches not only help you to stand out in the crowd but also give you confidence. However, these inches come with a cost. As per a recent study, published in the PLOS Genetics open access publication, tall people are at a higher risk of acquiring a variety of health problems such as nerve disorders and neurological diseases. As per the research, a person’s height, whether tall or short is known to raise their risk for a range of diseases. The study also found new connections between taller heights and a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy, caused by damage to nerves in the extremities as well as bone and skin infections such as foot ulcers or leg ulcers. Also read | 40-day-old child develops 'Foetus in Foetu' in India. Find out what it is Height has previously been linked to a variety of diseases, from heart diseases to cancer, but scientists have been unable to tell whether an individual's being tall or short puts them in danger or whether factors that impact height, such as socioeconomic condition and proper nutrition, are to be blamed. Watch | Monkeypox outbreak worries scientists: Experts suspect 'animal spill back' The researchers for this study used genetic and health data from over 250,000 people to analyse over 1,000 disorders and features, making it the biggest study conducted on height and disease. Also read | Study finds that mosquitoes are more prone to bite men than women Being tall is connected to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and varicose veins, as well as a lower risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, and blood pressure, according to Sridharan Raghavan of the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Centre. The experts further said that height could be a previously unknown risk factor for adult diseases in a variety of ways. The researchers, however, added that additional research is needed to fully understand some of these connections and that, in future studies, they might benefit from having a bigger and more diverse international sample. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (with inputs from agencies)

Tall people face more health risks than short people, claims study

An&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;has fuelled a&nbsp;surge&nbsp;in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases in Portugal which now has the world's second-highest infection rate, potentially threatening the tourism sector's recovery.&nbsp;Portugal registered an average of 2,447 new cases per million people over the last seven days. That compares to neighbouring Spain's 449 and Britain's 70, according to tracker Our World In Data.&nbsp;The rolling average has&nbsp;subsided slightly in the past few days and is just over a third of the Jan. 31&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;peak.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-omicron-variant-of-covid-is-as-severe-as-delta-variant-476893">&nbsp;Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant</a>

Portugal has the world's fifth-highest death rate from&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;and hospitalisations are on the rise, but both are still far below previous peaks.

Several tourism businesses contacted by&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;have expressed fears about the&nbsp;surge, but said they had had no cancellations so far. The number of foreign tourists in April was close to levels seen before the pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy

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More than 90 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Portugal's&nbsp;population is fully vaccinated.

Public health institute Ricardo Jorge said in a report on Tuesday the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;BA.5 represented nearly 90 per cent&nbsp;of new&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infections. The BA.4&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;has also been detected in Portugal.

Both drove South Africa's fifth covid&nbsp;wave last month, with scientists saying they were able to dodge antibodies from earlier infection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-classifies-two-types-of-the-omicron-variants-of-covid-as-variants-of-concern-480932">UK classifies two types of the Omicron variants of Covid as variants of concern</a>

"Portugal is probably the European country with the highest prevalence of this&nbsp;sub-lineage and this partly explains the high number (of cases) we are seeing," Health Minister Marta Temido told RTP broadcaster.

The government lifted most&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;restrictions, including the mandatory use of masks in most indoor public spaces, in April and has said there are no plans to reintroduce measures.

Temido said the use of masks was still recommended and authorities would continue to roll out booster vaccine doses to the most vulnerable.

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An Omicron sub-variant has fuelled a surge in COVID-19 cases in Portugal which now has the world's second-highest infection rate, potentially threatening the tourism sector's recovery.

An Omicron sub-variant has fuelled a surge in COVID-19 cases in Portugal which now has the world's second-highest infection rate, potentially threatening the tourism sector's recovery. Portugal registered an average of 2,447 new cases per million people over the last seven days. That compares to neighbouring Spain's 449 and Britain's 70, according to tracker Our World In Data. The rolling average has subsided slightly in the past few days and is just over a third of the Jan. 31 Omicron peak. Also read | Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant Portugal has the world's fifth-highest death rate from COVID-19 and hospitalisations are on the rise, but both are still far below previous peaks. Several tourism businesses contacted by Reuters have expressed fears about the surge, but said they had had no cancellations so far. The number of foreign tourists in April was close to levels seen before the pandemic. Watch | Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy More than 90 per cent of Portugal's population is fully vaccinated. Public health institute Ricardo Jorge said in a report on Tuesday the Omicron sub-variant BA.5 represented nearly 90 per cent of new COVID-19 infections. The BA.4 sub-variant has also been detected in Portugal. Both drove South Africa's fifth covid wave last month, with scientists saying they were able to dodge antibodies from earlier infection. Also read | UK classifies two types of the Omicron variants of Covid as variants of concern "Portugal is probably the European country with the highest prevalence of this sub-lineage and this partly explains the high number (of cases) we are seeing," Health Minister Marta Temido told RTP broadcaster. The government lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, including the mandatory use of masks in most indoor public spaces, in April and has said there are no plans to reintroduce measures. Temido said the use of masks was still recommended and authorities would continue to roll out booster vaccine doses to the most vulnerable. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Omicron sub-variant fuelling Portugal's COVID-19 surge

'Do not look down': Vietnamese mountain resort opens a bridge with glass bottom -  see pics

Sri Lanka crisis: Woman rickshaw driver has to queue 12 hours, or more, for fuel

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