Russia has unleashed a new wave of missile strikes on energy infrastructure across Ukraine. The fresh strikes has caused power outages and all the disruptions in water supplies.

War in Ukraine: Two Russian missiles crossed into Romania and Moldova

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
Ukraine on Friday (February 10) claimed that two Russian missiles violated the airspace of Romania on their way to Ukraine. Romania is a NATO member. Ukrainian claim was, however, refuted by Romania. Ukraine's armed forces chief said that Russian missiles crossed Romania and Moldova's airspace as they charted their course to Ukraine.

Romania detected an "aerial target launched from the Black Sea from a ship of the Russian Federation" but "at no point did it intersect with Romania's airspace," the ministry of defence said. &nbsp;

"The closest point of the target's trajectory from Romania's airspace was registered by the radar systems at approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) north-east of the border," the statement added.&nbsp;

Two Romanian Air Force MiG-21 LanceR aircraft on air policing duty under NATO command were sent towards the north of Romania "to supplement our reaction options," the statement added.&nbsp;

In spite of official denials, if it comes to light in future that the airspace was indeed violated, it would mark first such instance involving Romania. In NATO alliance, attack against one member is considered to be attack against all others as well. &nbsp;

Neighbouring Moldova has confirmed it detected "a missile that crossed the airspace of Moldova" and has summoned the Russian ambassador.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-escalation-has-already-started-in-the-east-ukrainian-officials-say-560461">Russia hits critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; explosions heard in Kyiv</a>

Moldova has already seen debris of Russian missiles during the nearly year-long Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained battlefield advances in initial months, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. Russia then chose&nbsp;to carry out devastating missile attacks in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukraine on Friday (February 10) claimed that two Russian missiles violated the airspace of Romania on their way to Ukraine. Romania is a NATO member. Ukrainian claim was, however, refuted by Romania. Ukraine's armed forces chief said that Russian missiles crossed Romania and Moldova's airspace as they charted their course to Ukraine. Romania detected an "aerial target launched from the Black Sea from a ship of the Russian Federation" but "at no point did it intersect with Romania's airspace," the ministry of defence said.  "The closest point of the target's trajectory from Romania's airspace was registered by the radar systems at approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) north-east of the border," the statement added. Two Romanian Air Force MiG-21 LanceR aircraft on air policing duty under NATO command were sent towards the north of Romania "to supplement our reaction options," the statement added. In spite of official denials, if it comes to light in future that the airspace was indeed violated, it would mark first such instance involving Romania. In NATO alliance, attack against one member is considered to be attack against all others as well. Neighbouring Moldova has confirmed it detected "a missile that crossed the airspace of Moldova" and has summoned the Russian ambassador. Also Read | Russia hits critical infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; explosions heard in Kyiv Moldova has already seen debris of Russian missiles during the nearly year-long Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained battlefield advances in initial months, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. Russia then chose to carry out devastating missile attacks in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine claims Russian missiles entered Romanian airspace, Romania denies

A NATO surveillance plane reached Romania on Tuesday to monitor Russian military activity. NATO has taken this step to help strengthen the eastern flank of the military alliance.

NATO planes arrive in Romania to monitor Russian activity

Authorities in Romania confiscated a number of high-end vehicles from social media star Andrew Tate's Bucharest home. On Saturday, 11 vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, were reportedly observed being removed from the Tate complex outside of Bucharest in order to be transported to a storage facility.

Romanian authorities seize Tate's luxury car collection which costs upto $300,000

A Romanian court on Tuesday dismissed an appeal filed by controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate against his 30-day detention. The court noted that “the possibility of them [Tate and his associates] evading investigations cannot be ignored,” and that they could leave Romania to settle in countries that do not allow extradition.

A Romanian court on Tuesday dismissed an appeal filed by controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate against his 30-day detention. The court noted that “the possibility of them [Tate and his associates] evading investigations cannot be ignored,” and that they could leave Romania to settle in countries that do not allow extradition. Ramona Bolla, spokesperson of Romania's anti-organised crime agency DIICOT said the prosecutors were now looking to extend Tate's detention period to 180 days. Shortly after the court’s decision, Tate's lawyer Eugen Constantin Vidineac told reporters that there was no evidence to indict his client. "There is not a single piece of evidence to suggest that a crime of rape has been committed." However, according to the prosecutors, six potential victims have been identified so far. Read more: Controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate sent to detention centre for 30 days The 36-year-old former kickboxer alongside his younger brother Tristan and two Romanian women have been sentenced to 30-day detention following the arrest last month on charges of human trafficking, rape, and creating an organised crime syndicate. The authorities have since seized 15 luxury cars and more than 10 properties owned by Tate. The luxury cars became a focal point after Tate, a couple of days before the arrest started an online feud with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. On December 27, Tate asked Thunberg to send her email address so that he could send a detailed list of his automobile collection and their respective massive emissions. However, Thunberg retorted sarcastically and tweeted, "Yes, please do enlighten me. Email me at Smalld***energy@getalife.com." yes, please do enlighten me. email me at smalldickenergy@getalife.com https://t.co/V8geeVvEvg — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) December 28, 2022 × WATCH | Gravitas: Social Media: a breeding ground for misogyny × Tate has gained a massive following in the social media echo chambers through his highly misogynistic and controversial statements. Such has been Tate's toxic influence that teachers in the United Kingdom are creating lesson plans to re-educate children who are “brainwashed” by him. Read more: UK schools developing special lessons to re-educate teens ‘brainwashed’ by Andrew Tate Some schools have even started holding special assemblies, or using personal social and health education lessons to encourage students to question the misogynistic content he puts out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Romanian court rejects Andrew Tate's appeal to end 30-day detention

U.S. Army soldiers of 101st Airborne Division train in Romania. This is only seven-minute rocket flight from where Russia. Watch further to know more.

U.S' 101 Airborne Division deployed in Romania

The controversial social media influencer, Andrew Tate, was sent to a detention centre for 30 days by the Romanian court a day after he was arrested in connection with human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime syndicate.&nbsp;The former professional kickboxer was arrested along with&nbsp;his brother and two other suspects on Thursday following a raid at their luxury villa in Bucharest.

On Friday, prosecutors sought to extend their detention, following which the court agreed. He was earlier detained for 24 hours.

Shortly after the court’s decision, Tate's lawyer Eugen Constantin Vidineac told reporters, "From our perspective, there are no grounds... for taking this most drastic preventive measure, but it is the judge's prerogative."

Romania's Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism issued a statement on Thursday night that Tate, his brother and others are suspected of being part of a human trafficking group.

The statement said six people who were allegedly "sexually exploited" by the "organised criminal group" have been identified.

<h2>Romania detains ex-boxer Andrew Tate over human trafficking case</h2>

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Without mentioning the Tate brothers, police claimed that the victims were "recruited" by British citizens, who they said had misrepresented their intention to enter into a relationship with the victims. The police called it "the loverboy method", reported BBC.

It was further alleged that the victims were forced to perform in pornographic content under threat of violence.

Tate, once a successful kickboxer, gained notoriety for misogynistic comments and hate speech. He has made statements blaming women for rape and claiming that they belong to men.

Though mostly shunned in major social media handles, Tate is active on TikTok and his Twitter account was restored once Elon Musk took over.

Most of his posts on TikTok pertains to promotional videos of his ultra-masculine, luxurious lifestyle, which garner massive online following, mostly young men.

He has often appeared in videos with expensive sports cars, on private jets and on exotic holidays.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The controversial social media influencer, Andrew Tate, was sent to a detention centre for 30 days by the Romanian court a day after he was arrested in connection with human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime syndicate.

The controversial social media influencer, Andrew Tate, was sent to a detention centre for 30 days by the Romanian court a day after he was arrested in connection with human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime syndicate. The former professional kickboxer was arrested along with his brother and two other suspects on Thursday following a raid at their luxury villa in Bucharest. On Friday, prosecutors sought to extend their detention, following which the court agreed. He was earlier detained for 24 hours. Shortly after the court’s decision, Tate's lawyer Eugen Constantin Vidineac told reporters, "From our perspective, there are no grounds... for taking this most drastic preventive measure, but it is the judge's prerogative." Romania's Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism issued a statement on Thursday night that Tate, his brother and others are suspected of being part of a human trafficking group. The statement said six people who were allegedly "sexually exploited" by the "organised criminal group" have been identified. Romania detains ex-boxer Andrew Tate over human trafficking case Without mentioning the Tate brothers, police claimed that the victims were "recruited" by British citizens, who they said had misrepresented their intention to enter into a relationship with the victims. The police called it "the loverboy method", reported BBC. It was further alleged that the victims were forced to perform in pornographic content under threat of violence. Tate, once a successful kickboxer, gained notoriety for misogynistic comments and hate speech. He has made statements blaming women for rape and claiming that they belong to men. Though mostly shunned in major social media handles, Tate is active on TikTok and his Twitter account was restored once Elon Musk took over. Most of his posts on TikTok pertains to promotional videos of his ultra-masculine, luxurious lifestyle, which garner massive online following, mostly young men. He has often appeared in videos with expensive sports cars, on private jets and on exotic holidays. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate sent to detention centre for 30 days

Media personality Andrew Tate who was detained by the Romanian prosecutors has now being given a 30-day detention. According to the prosecutor's statement his brother have been under investigation since April this year.

Romania court extends definition of Andrew Tate, house raided in Bucharest

Controversial social media influencer and former kickboxer Andrew Tate was arrested along with his brother in Romania in a human trafficking case.

According to reports, Tate, 36, and his brother Tristan, 34, along with two other suspects, were arrested in Bucharest for allegedly abducting two girls.

They were under the lens of the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) since April on the suspicion of forming an organised crime group which used girls in adult videos.

Tate, who is known for his sexist and misogynistic views, was seen being taken away from his luxury villa by police following a raid on Thursday.

"The four suspects... appear to have created an organised crime group with the purpose of recruiting, housing and exploiting women by forcing them to create pornographic content meant to be seen on specialised websites for a cost," prosecutors said, according to Sky News.

"They would have gained important sums of money."

According to the investigators, this organised criminal group allegedly sexually exploited six women and they have been identified.

<h2>Cuban exodus to US&nbsp;is the largest in the Island's history</h2>

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Tate is banned from various social media platforms for his misogynistic views and hate speech. But he still enjoys a massive fan following on TikTok.

A spokesperson for Tate told&nbsp;the Daily Mirror did not provide further details regarding the arrest. “However, Andrew and Tristan Tate have the utmost respect for the Romanian authorities and will always assist and help in any way they can.”

Earlier this week, he was involved in a spat with climate activist Greta Thunberg with Tate boasting of his supercar collection and asking for Thunberg's email address to "send a complete list of my car collection and their respective enormous emissions".

The climate activist hit back in a tweet saying, "Yes, please do enlighten me. Email me at smalld***energy@getalife.com."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Controversial social media influencer and former kickboxer Andrew Tate was arrested along with his brother in Romania in a human trafficking case. According to reports, Tate, 36, and his brother Tristan, 34, along with two other suspects, were arrested in Bucharest for allegedly abducting two girls.

Controversial social media influencer and former kickboxer Andrew Tate was arrested along with his brother in Romania in a human trafficking case. According to reports, Tate, 36, and his brother Tristan, 34, along with two other suspects, were arrested in Bucharest for allegedly abducting two girls. They were under the lens of the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) since April on the suspicion of forming an organised crime group which used girls in adult videos. Tate, who is known for his sexist and misogynistic views, was seen being taken away from his luxury villa by police following a raid on Thursday. "The four suspects... appear to have created an organised crime group with the purpose of recruiting, housing and exploiting women by forcing them to create pornographic content meant to be seen on specialised websites for a cost," prosecutors said, according to Sky News. "They would have gained important sums of money." According to the investigators, this organised criminal group allegedly sexually exploited six women and they have been identified. Cuban exodus to US is the largest in the Island's history Tate is banned from various social media platforms for his misogynistic views and hate speech. But he still enjoys a massive fan following on TikTok. A spokesperson for Tate told the Daily Mirror did not provide further details regarding the arrest. “However, Andrew and Tristan Tate have the utmost respect for the Romanian authorities and will always assist and help in any way they can.” Earlier this week, he was involved in a spat with climate activist Greta Thunberg with Tate boasting of his supercar collection and asking for Thunberg's email address to "send a complete list of my car collection and their respective enormous emissions". The climate activist hit back in a tweet saying, "Yes, please do enlighten me. Email me at smalld***energy@getalife.com." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former kickboxer Andrew Tate arrested in Romania over human trafficking case

American-British media personality and former kickboxer Andrew Tate has been detained by Romanian prosecutors on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and forming an organized crime group. He was arrested along with his brother and two more Romanian suspects.

Romania detains ex-boxer Andrew Tate over human trafficking case

Croatia will become the latest European country to enter the continent’s check-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. The European Union agreed on Thursday to let Croatia join the bloc but the wait continued for Bulgaria and Romania as their requests will be considered in the next official meeting.&nbsp;

“The&nbsp;Schengen area&nbsp;is growing for the first time in more than a decade,” the Czech Republic, which holds the EU presidency at the moment, tweeted from their official government handle.&nbsp;

“Ministers approved&nbsp;Croatia’s&nbsp;membership as of 1 January 2023!” the tweet further stated.&nbsp;

The Schengen area allows any person to travel freely within the member countries. It comprises of 26 countries — 22 EU states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-on-her-way-home-confirms-joe-biden-541338">US basketball star Brittney Griner released in prisoner swap for arms dealer</a>

“When it comes to the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, we are not united and that makes us very weak and that makes me also sad,” Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told reporters.&nbsp;

“You deserve to be full members of Schengen, you deserve to have access to the free movement in the Schengen area,” Johansson said before adding that a number of ministers supported the two nations.&nbsp;

Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 while Croatia became a part in 2013. However, a lack of unity in the decision between the two nations has resulted in Croatia gaining access ahead of them.&nbsp;

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and other members of the cabinet took to social media to express their pleasure. "Croatia is in Schengen!" Deputy Prime Minister Davor Božinović tweeted.&nbsp;

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Croatia will become the latest European country to enter the continent’s check-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. The European Union agreed on Thursday to let Croatia join the bloc but the wait continued for Bulgaria and Romania as their requests will be considered in the next official meeting.

Croatia will become the latest European country to enter the continent’s check-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. The European Union agreed on Thursday to let Croatia join the bloc but the wait continued for Bulgaria and Romania as their requests will be considered in the next official meeting. “The Schengen area is growing for the first time in more than a decade,” the Czech Republic, which holds the EU presidency at the moment, tweeted from their official government handle. “Ministers approved Croatia’s membership as of 1 January 2023!” the tweet further stated. The Schengen area allows any person to travel freely within the member countries. It comprises of 26 countries — 22 EU states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Also read | US basketball star Brittney Griner released in prisoner swap for arms dealer “When it comes to the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, we are not united and that makes us very weak and that makes me also sad,” Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told reporters. “You deserve to be full members of Schengen, you deserve to have access to the free movement in the Schengen area,” Johansson said before adding that a number of ministers supported the two nations. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 while Croatia became a part in 2013. However, a lack of unity in the decision between the two nations has resulted in Croatia gaining access ahead of them. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and other members of the cabinet took to social media to express their pleasure. "Croatia is in Schengen!" Deputy Prime Minister Davor Božinović tweeted.

Croatia to join Schengen zone but Bulgaria, Romania bids rejected by EU

NATO is building a new military base in Romania. The aim is to secure NATO's 'eastern flank'. Over 1,000 troops will be stationed at this base. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: NATO is building a military base in Romania

Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the United Kingdom has been supporting Volodymyr Zelensky and his troops with arms and ammunition. While UK's military aid to Ukraine has reached $2.8 billion so far, a rather secret military route appears to have opened up to allegedly supply arms, and it involves Pakistan. 
 
Curiously enough, the reports in this regard came out even as Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited UK, as part of a global trip that also includes stops at Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. He is also expected to visit the US.

A Twitter handle by the name of 'The Intel Consortium' recently <a href="https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1559420896456097792.html">published </a>a tweet thread using open source intelligence, where it was revealed that Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) was supplying some kind of military equipment to the war-torn country via a running air bridge. The original tweet appears to have disappeared, but screenshots and tweet thread are still available online.

The running air bridge has three points which RAF's C-17A Globemaster III (call sign: ZZ173) has been using to make daily trips. According to the thread, the Globemaster is using the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Romania via RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus.

According to data sourced from commercially available flight tracking software, the aircraft made daily trips on this route from August 6 to August 15, till the report was published.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that while entering Pakistan, the Globemaster avoided Iran and Afghanistan airspace and used the air route through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman.&nbsp;

Moreover, the military aircraft spent an average of one hour and 30 minutes at the Romanian Airport, about three-four hours in Cyprus and almost 12-20 hours at the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-now-britain-to-send-multiple-launch-rocket-systems-to-ukraine-485401">After US, now Britain to send multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine</a>

However, no official word has been released by the authorities of the three countries regarding this rather secretive air route. It is also not clear what kind of equipment the cargo plane was carrying.

The Twitter account, however, had its own theory regarding the military piece of equipment being ferried.&nbsp;

“Ukrainian war planners have said the best aid they can get is 155mm artillery ammunition. The US recently sent 75,000 rounds of it to Ukraine. Guess who else makes that ammunition: Pakistan Ordinance Factory,” 'the Intel Consortium said in a tweet.

“Pakistan also has over 320 Ukrainian T-80UD tanks in service, and a completely developed ecosystem of their maintenance, operation, ammunition, and spare parts,” the account further claimed.

The account noted that the Globemaster can carry C-17A can carry 77,500 kilogrammes of cargo in one trip and so far, with six round trips, it had carried almost 465,000 kilogrammes of 'something' to Romania and beyond.&nbsp;

Officially, the UK has sent&nbsp;three M270 multiple-launch rocket systems with M31A1 precision munitions,&nbsp;5,000&nbsp;light anti-tank weapons, hundreds of&nbsp;Brimstone missiles,&nbsp;120 armoured vehicles,&nbsp;heavy lift T-150 unmanned aerial vehicle (drones),&nbsp;six air defence systems, including Starstreak missiles and&nbsp;six Stormer vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the United Kingdom has been supporting Volodymyr Zelensky and his troops with arms and ammunition. While UK's military aid to Ukraine has reached $2.

Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the United Kingdom has been supporting Volodymyr Zelensky and his troops with arms and ammunition. While UK's military aid to Ukraine has reached $2.8 billion so far, a rather secret military route appears to have opened up to allegedly supply arms, and it involves Pakistan. Curiously enough, the reports in this regard came out even as Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited UK, as part of a global trip that also includes stops at Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. He is also expected to visit the US. A Twitter handle by the name of 'The Intel Consortium' recently published a tweet thread using open source intelligence, where it was revealed that Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) was supplying some kind of military equipment to the war-torn country via a running air bridge. The original tweet appears to have disappeared, but screenshots and tweet thread are still available online. The running air bridge has three points which RAF's C-17A Globemaster III (call sign: ZZ173) has been using to make daily trips. According to the thread, the Globemaster is using the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Romania via RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus. According to data sourced from commercially available flight tracking software, the aircraft made daily trips on this route from August 6 to August 15, till the report was published. It is pertinent to note that while entering Pakistan, the Globemaster avoided Iran and Afghanistan airspace and used the air route through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Moreover, the military aircraft spent an average of one hour and 30 minutes at the Romanian Airport, about three-four hours in Cyprus and almost 12-20 hours at the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi. Read more: After US, now Britain to send multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine However, no official word has been released by the authorities of the three countries regarding this rather secretive air route. It is also not clear what kind of equipment the cargo plane was carrying. The Twitter account, however, had its own theory regarding the military piece of equipment being ferried. “Ukrainian war planners have said the best aid they can get is 155mm artillery ammunition. The US recently sent 75,000 rounds of it to Ukraine. Guess who else makes that ammunition: Pakistan Ordinance Factory,” 'the Intel Consortium said in a tweet. “Pakistan also has over 320 Ukrainian T-80UD tanks in service, and a completely developed ecosystem of their maintenance, operation, ammunition, and spare parts,” the account further claimed. The account noted that the Globemaster can carry C-17A can carry 77,500 kilogrammes of cargo in one trip and so far, with six round trips, it had carried almost 465,000 kilogrammes of 'something' to Romania and beyond. Officially, the UK has sent three M270 multiple-launch rocket systems with M31A1 precision munitions, 5,000 light anti-tank weapons, hundreds of Brimstone missiles, 120 armoured vehicles, heavy lift T-150 unmanned aerial vehicle (drones), six air defence systems, including Starstreak missiles and six Stormer vehicles to Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan may be helping UK ferry military equipment to Ukraine via Cyprus, Romania

French Open 2022 edition has kept the tennis fans engaged across the globe with plenty happening on and off the court at regular intervals. On Thursday (May 26), Romania's&nbsp;Irina-Camelia Begu made heads turn for all the wrong reasons during her second-round match, where she locked horns with Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova. In frustration, Irina had thrown her racquet into the crowd, which hit a child's face. Thus, she issued an apology and play was delayed for five minutes due to the incident.

"It's an embarrassing moment for me, so I don't want to talk too much about it. I just want to apologise," reported news agency AFP quoting Begu as saying. The world no. 63 further added that she felt bad for what she did. "My whole career I didn't do something like this, and I feel really bad and sorry. So I'm just going to say again, sorry for the incident and it was just an embarrassing moment for me,"&nbsp;Begu added.

Here's the video of the unfortunate incident:

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Irina-Camelia Begu just bounced her racket into the crowd, supervisor has been called. <a href="https://t.co/EiIBNDAH2I">pic.twitter.com/EiIBNDAH2I</a>
— Damian Kust (@damiankust) <a href="https://twitter.com/damiankust/status/1529781776532525057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-champion-simona-halep-knocked-out-by-chinese-teen-sensation-zheng-qinwen-482585">Former champion Simona Halep knocked out by Chinese teen sensation Zheng Qinwen</a>

The 31-year-old Romanian player had thrown her&nbsp;racquet at her chair. However, it bounced and hit the young kid who sat&nbsp;close to umpire Anis Ressaissi's chair. As the boy started crying, the tournament referee had to join in to cool things down between his parents and Begu.&nbsp;The world no. 63 had taken the child in her arms after the entire episode.

Post the incident, Begu was only given a warning and&nbsp;not defaulted with the tournament. "It was a difficult moment. You hit the clay with the racquet, but you never expect to fly that much," reported the news agency quoting the Romanian player as saying.

Despite all the unwanted chaos, Begu beat her opposition to win&nbsp;the match 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.

French Open 2022 edition has kept the tennis fans engaged across the globe with plenty happening on and off the court at regular intervals. On Thursday (May 26), Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu made heads turn for all the wrong reasons during her second-round match, where she locked horns with Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova.

French Open 2022 edition has kept the tennis fans engaged across the globe with plenty happening on and off the court at regular intervals. On Thursday (May 26), Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu made heads turn for all the wrong reasons during her second-round match, where she locked horns with Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova. In frustration, Irina had thrown her racquet into the crowd, which hit a child's face. Thus, she issued an apology and play was delayed for five minutes due to the incident. "It's an embarrassing moment for me, so I don't want to talk too much about it. I just want to apologise," reported news agency AFP quoting Begu as saying. The world no. 63 further added that she felt bad for what she did. "My whole career I didn't do something like this, and I feel really bad and sorry. So I'm just going to say again, sorry for the incident and it was just an embarrassing moment for me," Begu added. Here's the video of the unfortunate incident: Irina-Camelia Begu just bounced her racket into the crowd, supervisor has been called. pic.twitter.com/EiIBNDAH2I — Damian Kust (@damiankust) May 26, 2022 × ALSO READ | Former champion Simona Halep knocked out by Chinese teen sensation Zheng Qinwen The 31-year-old Romanian player had thrown her racquet at her chair. However, it bounced and hit the young kid who sat close to umpire Anis Ressaissi's chair. As the boy started crying, the tournament referee had to join in to cool things down between his parents and Begu. The world no. 63 had taken the child in her arms after the entire episode. Post the incident, Begu was only given a warning and not defaulted with the tournament. "It was a difficult moment. You hit the clay with the racquet, but you never expect to fly that much," reported the news agency quoting the Romanian player as saying. Despite all the unwanted chaos, Begu beat her opposition to win the match 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.

French Open: Romanian star Irina-Camelia Begu apologises after throwing racquet on a young kid - WATCH

US first lady Jill Biden has arrived in Romania where she will meet with Ukrainian refugees. She is currently on a 4-day tour of Eastern European nations.

US first lady Jill Biden arrives in Romania, will meet with Ukrainian refugees

A driver died ramming his car into the gate of the Russian embassy in Bucharest early on Wednesday, police in the Romanian capital said in a statement.

A video recorded before firefighters arrived showed the front of the car in flames as it remained wedged in the gate.

It was unclear whether the crash was an accident or deliberate.

During recent weeks, several Russian embassies elsewhere in Europe have been targeted by protesters angered by the invasion of Ukraine.

Police said they were investigating and did not release the identity of the driver.

Romania said on Tuesday it would expel 10 Russian diplomats who are not acting in accordance with international rules, joining other European countries to have done so in recent days.

Nearly 624,860 Ukrainians have fled to Romania since Russia invaded their country on Feb. 24, and around 80,000 are still in Romania.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;'How can UNSC act with Russia in it?' Asks President Zelensky

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A driver died ramming his car into the gate of the Russian embassy in Bucharest early on Wednesday, police in the Romanian capital said in a statement. A video recorded before firefighters arrived showed the front of the car in flames as it remained wedged in the gate.

A driver died ramming his car into the gate of the Russian embassy in Bucharest early on Wednesday, police in the Romanian capital said in a statement. A video recorded before firefighters arrived showed the front of the car in flames as it remained wedged in the gate. It was unclear whether the crash was an accident or deliberate. During recent weeks, several Russian embassies elsewhere in Europe have been targeted by protesters angered by the invasion of Ukraine. Police said they were investigating and did not release the identity of the driver. Romania said on Tuesday it would expel 10 Russian diplomats who are not acting in accordance with international rules, joining other European countries to have done so in recent days. Nearly 624,860 Ukrainians have fled to Romania since Russia invaded their country on Feb. 24, and around 80,000 are still in Romania. WATCH | 'How can UNSC act with Russia in it?' Asks President Zelensky ×

Man dies crashing car into Russian embassy in Romanian capital

World number four Iga Swiatek reached her first Indian Wells final on Friday after overpowering former champion Simona Halep 7-6(6) 6-4 in just under two hours.

Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener.

Halep swung the momentum back in her favour in the second set but was unable to fight past the 20-year-old Swiatek, who rallied from 4-2 down before winning 16 of the final 21 points to seal the semi-final result.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-england-open-lakshya-sen-and-doubles-pair-of-gayatri-gopichand-and-treesa-jolly-advance-to-semis-463604">All England Open: Lakshya Sen and doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly advance to semis</a>

After being pushed to three sets in her first three matches this week, Swiatek picked up her second straight-sets win in a row, following up her 6-1 6-0 dismissal of Madison Keys with victory over Halep.

The win means Swiatek has reached her second straight final, and extended her winning streak to 10 matches, having claimed the WTA 1000 title in Doha last month.

"It is insane, honestly," Swiatek said. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think of it, especially after winning in Doha... It's really over my expectations so I'm really happy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roman-abramovich-handed-chelsea-director-control-of-firm-on-day-of-ukraine-invasion-463598">Roman Abramovich handed Chelsea director control of firm on day of Ukraine invasion</a>

"In my previous matches against Simona, I always felt like I had nothing to lose because I was always not the favourite, but this one, I felt like my ranking is higher and obviously I've been playing well.

"It was stressful for sure but I wanted to fight until the end and be mentally stronger because Simona is a really strong player, mentally. She's not giving up so I wanted to do that better. I'm pretty proud that I did that."

Swiatek will face either sixth seed Maria Sakkari or reigning Indian Wells champion Paula Badosa, who will play their semi-final later on Friday.

World number four Iga Swiatek reached her first Indian Wells final on Friday after overpowering former champion Simona Halep 7-6(6) 6-4 in just under two hours. Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener.

World number four Iga Swiatek reached her first Indian Wells final on Friday after overpowering former champion Simona Halep 7-6(6) 6-4 in just under two hours. Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, prevailed in a topsy-turvy first set, saving two set points and hitting 19 winners to Halep's five to close out the opener. Halep swung the momentum back in her favour in the second set but was unable to fight past the 20-year-old Swiatek, who rallied from 4-2 down before winning 16 of the final 21 points to seal the semi-final result. ALSO READ: All England Open: Lakshya Sen and doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly advance to semis After being pushed to three sets in her first three matches this week, Swiatek picked up her second straight-sets win in a row, following up her 6-1 6-0 dismissal of Madison Keys with victory over Halep. The win means Swiatek has reached her second straight final, and extended her winning streak to 10 matches, having claimed the WTA 1000 title in Doha last month. "It is insane, honestly," Swiatek said. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think of it, especially after winning in Doha... It's really over my expectations so I'm really happy. ALSO READ: Roman Abramovich handed Chelsea director control of firm on day of Ukraine invasion "In my previous matches against Simona, I always felt like I had nothing to lose because I was always not the favourite, but this one, I felt like my ranking is higher and obviously I've been playing well. "It was stressful for sure but I wanted to fight until the end and be mentally stronger because Simona is a really strong player, mentally. She's not giving up so I wanted to do that better. I'm pretty proud that I did that." Swiatek will face either sixth seed Maria Sakkari or reigning Indian Wells champion Paula Badosa, who will play their semi-final later on Friday.

Indian Wells: World No. 4 Iga Swiatek beats Simona Halep to book final berth

Prime Minister Yair Lapid met with Romania's prime minister on Sunday to discuss the situation in Ukraine before moving on to Slovakia for further discussions, our correspondent Jodie Cohen brings you this report.

Israel, Romania meet on Russia-Ukraine crisis

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused terror and fear among thousands of Indian parents whose children have been left stranded in a country where air raid sirens are blaring and Russian forces are dropping bombs and missiles.

India's efforts to evacuate its citizens from the crisis zone were severely hampered when Ukraine barred its airspace. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/stop-criticising-indian-students-stuck-in-ukraine-they-need-to-be-appreciated-457069">Also read | Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated</a> 
 
Let's try to figure out why there are so many Indian students studying medicine in Ukraine, what the benefits are, and what is going on with them right now.&nbsp;

Number of Indian students:

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science, there are around 18,095 Indian students in the country.In 2020, 24 per cent of its overseas students were from India. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-wipes-out-bloodthirsty-chechen-special-forces-sent-to-zelensky-457107">Also read | Ukraine wipes out 'bloodthirsty' Chechen special forces sent to assassinate Zelensky</a>

Quality medical education

Ukraine ranks fourth in Europe for having the largest number of graduate and post-graduate specialisations in the field of medicine.

Some of Ukraine's state-run universities are well-known for providing high-quality education, and Indian parents choose to send their children to these institutions rather than pay a high cost for a lesser-known private medical college in India.&nbsp;

Fees are lower than in India

Ukrainian medical colleges are a godsend for students who are unable to get seats in government colleges or afford the hefty prices charged by private institutions in India.&nbsp;

A six-year medical degree in Ukraine costs Rs 1.7 million, less than private medical colleges in India, and is a popular choice for those who do not have the grades to enter publicly-funded Indian institutions.

Licence to practice in India

When students return to India with foreign MBBS degrees, they must take the National Board of Examinations' Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) to receive a licence to practise medicine in India.

Nearly 4,000 students with medical degrees from Ukraine take the FMGE each year, but only about 700 pass.

However, the lower pass rate does not dissuade students from enrolling in Ukrainian universities.&nbsp;

No entrance exam, and instruction is in English only

Another reason why Indian students choose Ukraine to study medicine is that there are no entrance exams to pass in order to gain admission to medical schools.

Students also remark that because English is the medium of instruction, it is simple for them and that they do not have to worry about learning a foreign language, as they would if they were in another nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused terror and fear among thousands of Indian parents whose children have been left stranded in a country where air raid sirens are blaring and Russian forces are dropping bombs and missiles.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused terror and fear among thousands of Indian parents whose children have been left stranded in a country where air raid sirens are blaring and Russian forces are dropping bombs and missiles. India's efforts to evacuate its citizens from the crisis zone were severely hampered when Ukraine barred its airspace. Also read | Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated Let's try to figure out why there are so many Indian students studying medicine in Ukraine, what the benefits are, and what is going on with them right now. Number of Indian students: According to Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science, there are around 18,095 Indian students in the country.In 2020, 24 per cent of its overseas students were from India. Also read | Ukraine wipes out 'bloodthirsty' Chechen special forces sent to assassinate Zelensky Quality medical education Ukraine ranks fourth in Europe for having the largest number of graduate and post-graduate specialisations in the field of medicine. Some of Ukraine's state-run universities are well-known for providing high-quality education, and Indian parents choose to send their children to these institutions rather than pay a high cost for a lesser-known private medical college in India. Fees are lower than in India Ukrainian medical colleges are a godsend for students who are unable to get seats in government colleges or afford the hefty prices charged by private institutions in India. A six-year medical degree in Ukraine costs Rs 1.7 million, less than private medical colleges in India, and is a popular choice for those who do not have the grades to enter publicly-funded Indian institutions. Licence to practice in India When students return to India with foreign MBBS degrees, they must take the National Board of Examinations' Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) to receive a licence to practise medicine in India. Nearly 4,000 students with medical degrees from Ukraine take the FMGE each year, but only about 700 pass. However, the lower pass rate does not dissuade students from enrolling in Ukrainian universities. No entrance exam, and instruction is in English only Another reason why Indian students choose Ukraine to study medicine is that there are no entrance exams to pass in order to gain admission to medical schools. Students also remark that because English is the medium of instruction, it is simple for them and that they do not have to worry about learning a foreign language, as they would if they were in another nation. (With inputs from agencies)

Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said.

At least 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the EU so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions more, they said. EU members Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have land borders with Ukraine.

"It is our duty to take in those who flee war," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 TV on Monday, saying EU interior minister had on Sunday tasked the European Commission with preparing draft proposals to grant them protection.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-sceptical-but-say-will-try-dialogue-with-russia-457239">&nbsp;Zelensky sceptical, but says will 'try' dialogue with Russia</a>

Ministers will meet again on Thursday to agree on the details.

The EU temporary protection directive, drawn up after the 1990s war in the Balkans, but never used so far, provides for the same level of protection, for one to three years, in all EU states, including a residence permit, access to employment, social welfare and medical treatment.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said most ministers had brought their support to the move on Sunday, with just some questioning if now was the time to do it or if it was best to wait a bit.

The issue, she said, concerns all of the EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-mayor-proud-of-citizens-spirit-anxious-about-future-457348">Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future</a>

"We already see a lot of Ukrainians leaving the countries of first entry and go to other member states, especially those that have a big Ukrainian population already," she told a news conference on Sunday. "Poland is one of them but also Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic."

"All EU member states are prepared to accept refugees from Ukraine," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

"This is a strong response by Europe to the terrible suffering that Putin inflicts with his criminal war of aggression: Together, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Watch |&nbsp;EU will finance purchase of weapons for Ukraine amid Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-will-finance-purchase-of-weapons-for-ukraine-amid-russian-invasion-457236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Citing U.N. estimates, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said four million Ukrainians are expected to flee the country as refugees.

With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children are arriving at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania.

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said.

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said. At least 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the EU so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions more, they said. EU members Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have land borders with Ukraine. "It is our duty to take in those who flee war," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 TV on Monday, saying EU interior minister had on Sunday tasked the European Commission with preparing draft proposals to grant them protection. Also read | Zelensky sceptical, but says will 'try' dialogue with Russia Ministers will meet again on Thursday to agree on the details. The EU temporary protection directive, drawn up after the 1990s war in the Balkans, but never used so far, provides for the same level of protection, for one to three years, in all EU states, including a residence permit, access to employment, social welfare and medical treatment. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said most ministers had brought their support to the move on Sunday, with just some questioning if now was the time to do it or if it was best to wait a bit. The issue, she said, concerns all of the EU. Also read | Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future "We already see a lot of Ukrainians leaving the countries of first entry and go to other member states, especially those that have a big Ukrainian population already," she told a news conference on Sunday. "Poland is one of them but also Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic." "All EU member states are prepared to accept refugees from Ukraine," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. "This is a strong response by Europe to the terrible suffering that Putin inflicts with his criminal war of aggression: Together, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine." Watch | EU will finance purchase of weapons for Ukraine amid Russian invasion Citing U.N. estimates, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said four million Ukrainians are expected to flee the country as refugees. With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children are arriving at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania.

EU plans to grant Ukrainians right to stay for up to 3 years

I am a migrant who moved from my home town of Gorakhpur, first for my studies and then for my job. 
 
Why do we migrate?

Our best and brightest go to the United States, many people from Punjab&nbsp;to Canada, people from Kerala&nbsp;to the Middle East, and poor labourers to wherever they can find work.

We migrate for better opportunities, something that the local milieu does not provide us with.

Simply put, it's for a better life, to be what we would rather be, rather than be content with circumstances.

If you understand this, then you will understand why Indian students go to places like Ukraine to study medicine, engineering, etc.

The online, and often offline, chatter that I hear against Indian students who are stuck in Ukraine due to the war with Russia reminds me of the same outrage I heard when poor migrants made the arduous journey back home during the first COVID lockdown. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-ukraine-such-a-popular-choice-for-indian-medical-students-456990">Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?</a> 
 
The 'Why did they migrate' preaching, looking down upon them without having walked a few steps in their shoes. 
 
More than 20,000 Indian students were in Ukraine before the start of this conflict. Why were they there in the first place? Because Ukraine offers good education at affordable rates, approximately INR 2 million for a 6-year course, whereas similar courses in India would set you back by INR 5 million or more.

Most of these colleges in Ukraine are good, recognised by WHO, Indian and other reputed agencies. 
 
Also, these doctors will have to pass the screening test administered by Medical Council of India (MCI) after their degree to practice medicine in India. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-witness-account-indian-medical-student-sheltering-in-bunker-speaks-of-her-fears-456973">Also read | Ukraine war witness account: Indian medical student sheltering in bunker speaks of her fears</a> 
 
Every year, 14 million students in India sit for class 12 exams, with over 1.4 million students aspiring for a medical seat constituting even a good percentage of this total. This is an extremely consequential number. So, we have to scoff at the 20,000 or so students who have the privilege to go study abroad and add to medical professionals in India? On what basis? 
 
Indian colleges have approximately 1,18,316 MBBS seats per year. Where is the 1,18, 317th aspirant to go? 
 
Is she any less worthy than the 20-odd thousand aspirants above her in the merit list? I would say no, because if one in 10 is going to be selected, these exams are programmed as elimination tests, not selection tests. 
 
So where are these 'rejects', with perfectly decent intellects, supposed to go? 
 
If they are able to afford it, they go to places like Ukraine, if not much more expensive places. There is never an outrage if you hear someone go and attend an American college for any degree that will cost you way, way more than in places like Ukraine. Hence, students go there and will continue to go there even after this tragic war is over. 
 
So, why the hypocrisy? 
 
We see these students as the privileged lot. They are out there to buy their degrees, people think, with no proof whatsoever that they work any less hard than any medical student in India. Yes, their family money is paying for their education. That is true for most of our middle class and upper class households. Heck, even a poor migrant would rather send her daughter to an English-medium school if she could, and she should! What's criminal about this aspiration? What makes them the villains in our eyes? 
 
Oh, why did they not leave before the Russian attack on Ukraine?

Yes, of course, you expect that, when the whole world was caught off guard with this war, these 20 somethings should have been able to predict what was going to happen!

They may have had their exams, but they just believed when everyone said, "Arey, war nahi hogi." (There won't be any war).

But the government asked them to return!! Have you seen some of the advisories that western nations have given to India from time to time? When was the last time you checked the travel advisory when you planned a foreign trip?

The most legitimate criticism that I have seen is that this was the Indian "chalta hai, kuch nahi hoga" (nothing will happen) approach in full action. Then, by that standard, we are all guilty of so many things. 
 
So, stop this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble.

We, as Indians, should put an end to the poisonous culture of belittling individuals who are in difficulty.

Higher education needs to be democratised.

Higher fees and paid seats are the lifeblood of private colleges. Government intervention is required to make medical education more accessible. 
 
And what is this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble? Social media has empowered us, but we abuse that power by hiding behind Twitter handles and spreading hatred and ill-will. 
Most Indian families argue that meritorious students don't need to pay their way to a degree. That can be a principled stand or just the fact that most people can't afford a private version of such degrees, in India or anywhere.

This is not to say the poor can suck it. Let the rich study. No, no, no....I am just pointing out the fact that in India, PhDs and students with masters degrees would rather apply to be constables or janitors in the name of government service than actually make better use of the privilege they have had of a degree and education they have obtained.

The failure rates both in numbers and years lost by our young for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), many state PSCs, Railway jobs or any government job than doing something else is genocidal, that is where our population dividend has gone to die!

I would rather appreciate these 20,000 or so students who had the opportunity to do something better and took it, and for that I support them.

I am a migrant who moved from my home town of Gorakhpur, first for my studies and then for my job. Why do we migrate? Our best and brightest go to the United States, many people from Punjab to Canada, people from Kerala to the Middle East, and poor labourers to wherever they can find work.

I am a migrant who moved from my home town of Gorakhpur, first for my studies and then for my job. Why do we migrate? Our best and brightest go to the United States, many people from Punjab to Canada, people from Kerala to the Middle East, and poor labourers to wherever they can find work. We migrate for better opportunities, something that the local milieu does not provide us with. Simply put, it's for a better life, to be what we would rather be, rather than be content with circumstances. If you understand this, then you will understand why Indian students go to places like Ukraine to study medicine, engineering, etc. The online, and often offline, chatter that I hear against Indian students who are stuck in Ukraine due to the war with Russia reminds me of the same outrage I heard when poor migrants made the arduous journey back home during the first COVID lockdown. Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students? The 'Why did they migrate' preaching, looking down upon them without having walked a few steps in their shoes. More than 20,000 Indian students were in Ukraine before the start of this conflict. Why were they there in the first place? Because Ukraine offers good education at affordable rates, approximately INR 2 million for a 6-year course, whereas similar courses in India would set you back by INR 5 million or more. Most of these colleges in Ukraine are good, recognised by WHO, Indian and other reputed agencies. Also, these doctors will have to pass the screening test administered by Medical Council of India (MCI) after their degree to practice medicine in India. Also read | Ukraine war witness account: Indian medical student sheltering in bunker speaks of her fears Every year, 14 million students in India sit for class 12 exams, with over 1.4 million students aspiring for a medical seat constituting even a good percentage of this total. This is an extremely consequential number. So, we have to scoff at the 20,000 or so students who have the privilege to go study abroad and add to medical professionals in India? On what basis? Indian colleges have approximately 1,18,316 MBBS seats per year. Where is the 1,18, 317th aspirant to go? Is she any less worthy than the 20-odd thousand aspirants above her in the merit list? I would say no, because if one in 10 is going to be selected, these exams are programmed as elimination tests, not selection tests. So where are these 'rejects', with perfectly decent intellects, supposed to go? If they are able to afford it, they go to places like Ukraine, if not much more expensive places. There is never an outrage if you hear someone go and attend an American college for any degree that will cost you way, way more than in places like Ukraine. Hence, students go there and will continue to go there even after this tragic war is over. So, why the hypocrisy? We see these students as the privileged lot. They are out there to buy their degrees, people think, with no proof whatsoever that they work any less hard than any medical student in India. Yes, their family money is paying for their education. That is true for most of our middle class and upper class households. Heck, even a poor migrant would rather send her daughter to an English-medium school if she could, and she should! What's criminal about this aspiration? What makes them the villains in our eyes? Oh, why did they not leave before the Russian attack on Ukraine? Yes, of course, you expect that, when the whole world was caught off guard with this war, these 20 somethings should have been able to predict what was going to happen! They may have had their exams, but they just believed when everyone said, "Arey, war nahi hogi." (There won't be any war). But the government asked them to return!! Have you seen some of the advisories that western nations have given to India from time to time? When was the last time you checked the travel advisory when you planned a foreign trip? The most legitimate criticism that I have seen is that this was the Indian "chalta hai, kuch nahi hoga" (nothing will happen) approach in full action. Then, by that standard, we are all guilty of so many things. So, stop this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble. We, as Indians, should put an end to the poisonous culture of belittling individuals who are in difficulty. Higher education needs to be democratised. Higher fees and paid seats are the lifeblood of private colleges. Government intervention is required to make medical education more accessible. And what is this toxic culture of mocking people in trouble? Social media has empowered us, but we abuse that power by hiding behind Twitter handles and spreading hatred and ill-will. Most Indian families argue that meritorious students don't need to pay their way to a degree. That can be a principled stand or just the fact that most people can't afford a private version of such degrees, in India or anywhere. This is not to say the poor can suck it. Let the rich study. No, no, no....I am just pointing out the fact that in India, PhDs and students with masters degrees would rather apply to be constables or janitors in the name of government service than actually make better use of the privilege they have had of a degree and education they have obtained. The failure rates both in numbers and years lost by our young for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), many state PSCs, Railway jobs or any government job than doing something else is genocidal, that is where our population dividend has gone to die! I would rather appreciate these 20,000 or so students who had the opportunity to do something better and took it, and for that I support them.

Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated

Romania's envoy to Delhi Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane has said that her country will be providing food and accommodation to students who are being evacuated from war-torn Ukraine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Daniela said, "Romanian govt offered support for a couple of days with food and accommodation to students and not only students but also Indian citizens coming from Ukraine". &nbsp;

Earlier today, the first batch of Indian students crossed the Indian evacuees from Ukraine and reached Romania via the Suceava border crossing. The Ministry of external affairs' teams at Suceava will now facilitate travel to Bucharest for their onward journey to India.&nbsp;

Indian government-chartered flights are expected to reach the country to ferry them back home.

She also expressed her worry over the refugee influx saying, "There is a crisis cell in Romania preparing for refugees. We don't know how many they will be."&nbsp;

The Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday had spoken to several eastern European foreign ministers including Romanian FM about the unfolding crisis in Ukraine and the evacuation of Indian nationals. 
&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How worried is Romania when it comes to the ongoing Russian invasion of Poland?

Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane: I think everybody is worried, not only my government but also the Indian govt, EU countries all worried. Frontline countries, neighbouring countries, like Romania, Poland, also Hungary which may have to face a big influx of refugees, we are worried, we have to prepare for that.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-it-happened-eu-freezes-vladimir-putins-assets-in-response-to-ukraine-invasion-455211">Also read |&nbsp;As it happened: EU freezes Vladimir Putin's assets in response to Ukraine invasion</a>

There is a crisis cell in Romania preparing for refugees. We don't know, how many they will be. It is very difficult to predict, it is impossible for the time being to know what will unfold. What we hope is that in the 12th hour, diplomacy will prevail and Putin will stop his attacks. As you may know, the EU stands together, we have a common position, a very strong common position of the 27 EU member countries against the Russian aggression calling to halt for the cessation of hostilities and announcing very strong sanction measures against Russia if this situation continues.

Sidhant Sibal: In India, both foreign ministers have spoken to each other, there are plans to bring Indian students to your country, if you can give us the details?

Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane: Yes it is right, yesterday evening minister Jaishankar spoke to minister Bogdan Aurescu and Romania will give its full support to the Indian students crossing the border into our country. There are consular teams from India, which probably have reached the border with Ukraine in the north of the country and they will help the students reach Bucharest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-might-be-the-last-time-you-see-me-alive-ukraine-president-zelensky-to-european-union-leaders-456568">Also read |&nbsp;'This might be the last time you see me alive': Ukraine President Zelensky to European Union leaders</a>

From Bucharest, there will be flights to India organised by the Indian govt. Romanian govt offered support for a couple of days with food and accommodation to students and not only students but also Indian citizens coming from Ukraine but we also have to prepare for a longer stay of refugees from Ukraine. Indian citizens will be taken care of by the Indian government, we are in full support of them and as I have said, we will help them for a couple of days but in the long term, we will have to prepare for support and humanitarian assistance for the Ukrainian refugees. If the crisis will continue, they might have to stay longer in our countries.&nbsp;

Romania's envoy to Delhi Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane has said that her country will be providing food and accommodation to students who are being evacuated from war-torn Ukraine.

Romania's envoy to Delhi Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane has said that her country will be providing food and accommodation to students who are being evacuated from war-torn Ukraine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Daniela said, "Romanian govt offered support for a couple of days with food and accommodation to students and not only students but also Indian citizens coming from Ukraine". Earlier today, the first batch of Indian students crossed the Indian evacuees from Ukraine and reached Romania via the Suceava border crossing. The Ministry of external affairs' teams at Suceava will now facilitate travel to Bucharest for their onward journey to India. Indian government-chartered flights are expected to reach the country to ferry them back home. She also expressed her worry over the refugee influx saying, "There is a crisis cell in Romania preparing for refugees. We don't know how many they will be." The Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday had spoken to several eastern European foreign ministers including Romanian FM about the unfolding crisis in Ukraine and the evacuation of Indian nationals. Sidhant Sibal: How worried is Romania when it comes to the ongoing Russian invasion of Poland? Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane: I think everybody is worried, not only my government but also the Indian govt, EU countries all worried. Frontline countries, neighbouring countries, like Romania, Poland, also Hungary which may have to face a big influx of refugees, we are worried, we have to prepare for that. Also read | As it happened: EU freezes Vladimir Putin's assets in response to Ukraine invasion There is a crisis cell in Romania preparing for refugees. We don't know, how many they will be. It is very difficult to predict, it is impossible for the time being to know what will unfold. What we hope is that in the 12th hour, diplomacy will prevail and Putin will stop his attacks. As you may know, the EU stands together, we have a common position, a very strong common position of the 27 EU member countries against the Russian aggression calling to halt for the cessation of hostilities and announcing very strong sanction measures against Russia if this situation continues. Sidhant Sibal: In India, both foreign ministers have spoken to each other, there are plans to bring Indian students to your country, if you can give us the details? Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane: Yes it is right, yesterday evening minister Jaishankar spoke to minister Bogdan Aurescu and Romania will give its full support to the Indian students crossing the border into our country. There are consular teams from India, which probably have reached the border with Ukraine in the north of the country and they will help the students reach Bucharest. Also read | 'This might be the last time you see me alive': Ukraine President Zelensky to European Union leaders From Bucharest, there will be flights to India organised by the Indian govt. Romanian govt offered support for a couple of days with food and accommodation to students and not only students but also Indian citizens coming from Ukraine but we also have to prepare for a longer stay of refugees from Ukraine. Indian citizens will be taken care of by the Indian government, we are in full support of them and as I have said, we will help them for a couple of days but in the long term, we will have to prepare for support and humanitarian assistance for the Ukrainian refugees. If the crisis will continue, they might have to stay longer in our countries.

Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy

A message by Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from Ukraine has gone viral.

During a last-minute announcement before the evacuation flight took off from Bucharest, he said, "I know you have come through a very long and arduous road journey. So the last thing in your mind is an announcement by an ambassador. You are in the last leg of the journey back home where your friend and families will be waiting with an open arm... Remember your friends who are still here. And when you talk to your friends who are still waiting for the evacuation, you should tell them, assure them that the entire government of India team is working day and night to evacuate everyone. And our mission is not complete until we take the last Indian out of Ukraine."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "...Entire GoI is working day &amp; night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day 26th Feb in your life...," Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ro4pBGrB76">pic.twitter.com/Ro4pBGrB76</a>
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''The government of India is working day &amp; night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day, 26th February, whenever you feel difficulty in life. Everything will be fine," the ambassador said.

The aircraft, AI1943, took off from the Mumbai airport around 3.40 AM (Indian Standard Time) and landed at the Bucharest airport around 10.45 AM (Indian Standard Time), senior government officials said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-abstains-on-unsc-resolution-against-russia-calls-for-cessation-of-violence-in-ukraine-456809/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian nationals, who reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road, have been taken to Bucharest by the Indian government officials so that they can be evacuated in the Air India flight, they noted.

AI1943, which is being operated on Boeing 787 aircraft, can carry 256 passengers at a time, they said.

Air India will operate more flights on Saturday to Bucharest and Hungarian capital Budapest to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24 and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest.

Around 20,000 Indians, mainly students, are currently stranded in Ukraine, the officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukrainian-president-dials-indian-pm-modi-seeks-political-support-in-un-security-council-456824" hreflang="en">Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN</a>

Before the closure of the Ukrainian airspace, Air India had operated a flight to Ukraine's capital Kyiv on February 22 that brought 240 people back to India.

It had planned to operate two more flights on February 24 and February 26 but it could not do so as the Russian offensive began on February 24 and the Ukrainian airspace was consequently shut down.

Air India said on Twitter on Friday night that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest and Budapest on Saturday as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens.

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Friday said it is working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-advises-nationals-stranded-in-ukraine-to-exercise-caution-not-move-without-coordination-with-officials-456653" hreflang="en">India advises nationals stranded in Ukraine to exercise caution</a>

"At present, teams are getting in place at the following check points: Chop-Zahony Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, Porubne-Siret Romanian border near Chernivtsi," it said.

Indian nationals, especially students, living closest to these border checkpoints are advised to depart in an organised manner in coordination with teams from the Ministry of External Affairs to actualise this option, the embassy said.

Once the above-mentioned routes are operational, the Indian nationals travelling on their own would be advised to proceed to the border checkpoints, it noted.

The embassy advised Indian travellers to carry their passports, cash (preferably in US dollars), other essential items and COVID-19 vaccination certificates to the border checkpoints.

"Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it said.

The distance between Kyiv and the Romanian border checkpoint is approximately 600 kilometres and it takes anywhere between eight-and-a-half hours to 11 hours to cover it by road.

Bucharest is located approximately 500 kilometres from the Romanian border checkpoint and it takes anywhere between seven to nine hours by road.

The distance between Kyiv and the Hungarian border checkpoint is around 820 kilometres and it takes 12-13 hours to cover it by road.

(With inputs from agencies)

A message by Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from Ukraine has gone viral. During a last-minute announcement before the evacuation flight took off from Bucharest, he said, "I know you have come through a very long and arduous road journey.

A message by Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from Ukraine has gone viral. During a last-minute announcement before the evacuation flight took off from Bucharest, he said, "I know you have come through a very long and arduous road journey. So the last thing in your mind is an announcement by an ambassador. You are in the last leg of the journey back home where your friend and families will be waiting with an open arm... Remember your friends who are still here. And when you talk to your friends who are still waiting for the evacuation, you should tell them, assure them that the entire government of India team is working day and night to evacuate everyone. And our mission is not complete until we take the last Indian out of Ukraine." #WATCH | "...Entire GoI is working day & night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day 26th Feb in your life...," Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Ro4pBGrB76 — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2022 × ''The government of India is working day & night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day, 26th February, whenever you feel difficulty in life. Everything will be fine," the ambassador said. The aircraft, AI1943, took off from the Mumbai airport around 3.40 AM (Indian Standard Time) and landed at the Bucharest airport around 10.45 AM (Indian Standard Time), senior government officials said. Indian nationals, who reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road, have been taken to Bucharest by the Indian government officials so that they can be evacuated in the Air India flight, they noted. AI1943, which is being operated on Boeing 787 aircraft, can carry 256 passengers at a time, they said. Air India will operate more flights on Saturday to Bucharest and Hungarian capital Budapest to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine. The Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24 and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest. Around 20,000 Indians, mainly students, are currently stranded in Ukraine, the officials said. Also read | Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN Before the closure of the Ukrainian airspace, Air India had operated a flight to Ukraine's capital Kyiv on February 22 that brought 240 people back to India. It had planned to operate two more flights on February 24 and February 26 but it could not do so as the Russian offensive began on February 24 and the Ukrainian airspace was consequently shut down. Air India said on Twitter on Friday night that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest and Budapest on Saturday as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens. The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Friday said it is working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary. Also read | India advises nationals stranded in Ukraine to exercise caution "At present, teams are getting in place at the following check points: Chop-Zahony Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, Porubne-Siret Romanian border near Chernivtsi," it said. Indian nationals, especially students, living closest to these border checkpoints are advised to depart in an organised manner in coordination with teams from the Ministry of External Affairs to actualise this option, the embassy said. Once the above-mentioned routes are operational, the Indian nationals travelling on their own would be advised to proceed to the border checkpoints, it noted. The embassy advised Indian travellers to carry their passports, cash (preferably in US dollars), other essential items and COVID-19 vaccination certificates to the border checkpoints. "Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it said. The distance between Kyiv and the Romanian border checkpoint is approximately 600 kilometres and it takes anywhere between eight-and-a-half hours to 11 hours to cover it by road. Bucharest is located approximately 500 kilometres from the Romanian border checkpoint and it takes anywhere between seven to nine hours by road. The distance between Kyiv and the Hungarian border checkpoint is around 820 kilometres and it takes 12-13 hours to cover it by road. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: 'Remember this day during difficulty', envoy's heartwarming words to Indians evacuated from Ukraine

Visitors are back to Dracula's Transylvanian castle to celebrate Halloween, despite a surge of COVID-19 infections in the country. The famous castle is located in Bran, 200 km north of the Romanian capital Bucharest. It is one of the main touristic attractions not only for locals but also for thousands of foreign tourists every year.

Despite surge of Covid cases, visitors flock to Dracula's castle for Halloween in Romania

Nine people died on Friday when a fire broke out in an intensive care unit at a Romanian hospital treating COVID-19 patients, officials said, the country`s third deadly hospital fire in less than a year.

Firefighters extinguished the fire at the hospital in the eastern city of Constanta at around 0755 GMT, having brought in additional teams from nearby counties.

Video footage showed patients jumping out of windows from the hospital`s lower levels and firefighters carrying people out.

Interim Health Minister Cseke Attila said 113 patients were in the hospital at the time of the fire, including 10 in the intensive care unit.

Emergency response teams have installed a mobile triage unit near the hospital and 50 patients have so far been evacuated and transferred to other hospitals.

There were more than 12,100 COVID-19 patients, including 315 children, being treated in Romanian hospitals as of Thursday, including 1,364 in intensive care units.

The number of new COVID-19 infections in Romania reached 12,032 on Thursday, a new record high, and intensive care units across the country were running out of space. Romania has the second-lowest vaccination rate in the 27-nation European Union.

In February, a fire killed four patients at a COVID-19 hospital in the capital Bucharest. Last November 10 people died in an intensive care unit at the Piatra Neamt county hospital.

Even before the pandemic, Romania`s health care system had been under pressure, dogged by corruption, inefficiencies and politicised management. The country has one of the EU`s least developed healthcare infrastructures.

The state has built one hospital in the last three decades, spends the least on healthcare in the EU and tens of thousands of doctors and nurses have emigrated.

Nine people died on Friday when a fire broke out in an intensive care unit at a Romanian hospital treating COVID-19 patients, officials said, the country`s third deadly hospital fire in less than a year.

Nine people died on Friday when a fire broke out in an intensive care unit at a Romanian hospital treating COVID-19 patients, officials said, the country`s third deadly hospital fire in less than a year. Firefighters extinguished the fire at the hospital in the eastern city of Constanta at around 0755 GMT, having brought in additional teams from nearby counties. Video footage showed patients jumping out of windows from the hospital`s lower levels and firefighters carrying people out. Interim Health Minister Cseke Attila said 113 patients were in the hospital at the time of the fire, including 10 in the intensive care unit. Emergency response teams have installed a mobile triage unit near the hospital and 50 patients have so far been evacuated and transferred to other hospitals. There were more than 12,100 COVID-19 patients, including 315 children, being treated in Romanian hospitals as of Thursday, including 1,364 in intensive care units. The number of new COVID-19 infections in Romania reached 12,032 on Thursday, a new record high, and intensive care units across the country were running out of space. Romania has the second-lowest vaccination rate in the 27-nation European Union. In February, a fire killed four patients at a COVID-19 hospital in the capital Bucharest. Last November 10 people died in an intensive care unit at the Piatra Neamt county hospital. Even before the pandemic, Romania`s health care system had been under pressure, dogged by corruption, inefficiencies and politicised management. The country has one of the EU`s least developed healthcare infrastructures. The state has built one hospital in the last three decades, spends the least on healthcare in the EU and tens of thousands of doctors and nurses have emigrated.

Fire at COVID-19 hospital in Romania kills nine people

With "Socialist Republic of Romania" once emblazoned on its side, a Rombac plane, part of ex-dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's fleet, went under the hammer on Thursday and was finally sold for 120,000 euros (146,000 dollars).

Some 150 collectors and aviation enthusiasts were expected to compete -- online and by phone -- for what auction house Artmark called the sale's "gem", which carried a starting price of 25,000 euros ($30,500), spokeswoman Alina Panico told AFP.

At the same auction, a luxury car model Paykan Hillman Hunter given to Ceausescu by the Shah of Iran in 1974 was sold for 95,000 euros (115,000 dollars) to a Romanian collector.

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The medium-haul Rombac Super One-Eleven was made in Bucharest under licence from the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), making the country the first in eastern Europe to produce air planes.&nbsp;

Rolled out in 1986, it was part of Ceausescu's fleet until December 1989, when he was overthrown and, together with his wife Elena, executed.

'Crowning achievement'

Seen by Ceausescu "as a crowning achievement of Romanian industry", according to Artmark, it was the fifth of nine built under a 300-million-pound contract.

"We were proud of this type of aircraft, which at the time included cutting-edge solutions," said Gheorghe Marica, a retired military pilot who has flown the plane.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-jaime-lerner-urban-transport-pioneer-dies-at-83-387988" hreflang="en">Brazil's Jaime Lerner, urban transport pioneer, dies at 83</a>

Ceausescu had demanded that his planes include a bedroom and an office, where he and his wife could play their favourite game backgammon, according to a former Boeing pilot of the couple, who requested anonymity.

This Boeing pilot and several others told AFP that Ceausescu didn't travel in the Rombac itself, as Artmark has said, but instead preferred a Boeing 707.

After Ceausescu's fall, the aircraft was included in state aviation company Romavia's fleet. It was lent to Pakistan's Aero Asia for some time before being left in a hangar.

Romavia went bankrupt in 2014, and its assets were put up for sale.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-jaime-lerner-urban-transport-pioneer-dies-at-83-387988">Brazil's Jaime Lerner, urban transport pioneer, dies at 83</a>

To prevent it from being sold for scrap, a handful of enthusiasts secured the Rombac's "national heritage" status from the current government in March.

"The device cannot be dismembered or modified, and above all cannot leave Romanian territory," Adrian Ciutan, the former Rombac technician behind the campaign, told AFP.

But it could be exhibited or -- with a significant investment -- be revived.

"It's hard to revive it. It should be re-motorised as its current motors are not authorised because of the noise they make. Also, its parts have expired," Marica said.

Royal welcome

The plane's history dates back to Ceausescu's state visit to the UK in 1978, the first of its kind for a communist leader.

Seen at the time as a dissident within the Soviet bloc, the dictator -- who ruled Romania from 1965 -- was feted with a ride in a gilded carriage to Buckingham Palace alongside Queen Elizabeth II and a state banquet held in his honour.

The British wanted to "break the ice with the communist countries and had chosen to do so through someone who had distanced himself from Moscow," Marica told AFP.

BAC also welcomed the project as it was finding it increasingly difficult to sell its planes, which were deemed too noisy, according to the Boeing pilot.

Although Romania had committed to manufacturing 80 planes under the BAC licence, with the first Rombac taking to the skies in 1982, the government abandoned the project in 1990 after Ceausescu's fall.

Of the nine built, some flew under the colours of a small company, LAR, created by the communist regime with the sole destination of Tel Aviv.

Romania was the only country in the former communist bloc to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel after the 1967 Six-Day War.

Others were leased in the 1980s by national company Tarom to the low-cost company Ryanair.

Today all that remains is the presidential plane and a second Rombac, also put up for sale in Thursday's auction at the same price of 25,000 euros and which sold for 160,000 euros (195,000 dollars).

The others have been dismembered or abandoned at airports around the world.

With "Socialist Republic of Romania" once emblazoned on its side, a Rombac plane, part of ex-dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's fleet, went under the hammer on Thursday and was finally sold for 120,000 euros (146,000 dollars).

With "Socialist Republic of Romania" once emblazoned on its side, a Rombac plane, part of ex-dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's fleet, went under the hammer on Thursday and was finally sold for 120,000 euros (146,000 dollars). Some 150 collectors and aviation enthusiasts were expected to compete -- online and by phone -- for what auction house Artmark called the sale's "gem", which carried a starting price of 25,000 euros ($30,500), spokeswoman Alina Panico told AFP. At the same auction, a luxury car model Paykan Hillman Hunter given to Ceausescu by the Shah of Iran in 1974 was sold for 95,000 euros (115,000 dollars) to a Romanian collector. Also read | Albert Einstein's letter with famous E=mc2 equation sold for $1.3 million The medium-haul Rombac Super One-Eleven was made in Bucharest under licence from the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), making the country the first in eastern Europe to produce air planes. Rolled out in 1986, it was part of Ceausescu's fleet until December 1989, when he was overthrown and, together with his wife Elena, executed. 'Crowning achievement' Seen by Ceausescu "as a crowning achievement of Romanian industry", according to Artmark, it was the fifth of nine built under a 300-million-pound contract. "We were proud of this type of aircraft, which at the time included cutting-edge solutions," said Gheorghe Marica, a retired military pilot who has flown the plane. Also read | Brazil's Jaime Lerner, urban transport pioneer, dies at 83 Ceausescu had demanded that his planes include a bedroom and an office, where he and his wife could play their favourite game backgammon, according to a former Boeing pilot of the couple, who requested anonymity. This Boeing pilot and several others told AFP that Ceausescu didn't travel in the Rombac itself, as Artmark has said, but instead preferred a Boeing 707. After Ceausescu's fall, the aircraft was included in state aviation company Romavia's fleet. It was lent to Pakistan's Aero Asia for some time before being left in a hangar. Romavia went bankrupt in 2014, and its assets were put up for sale. Also read | Brazil's Jaime Lerner, urban transport pioneer, dies at 83 To prevent it from being sold for scrap, a handful of enthusiasts secured the Rombac's "national heritage" status from the current government in March. "The device cannot be dismembered or modified, and above all cannot leave Romanian territory," Adrian Ciutan, the former Rombac technician behind the campaign, told AFP. But it could be exhibited or -- with a significant investment -- be revived. "It's hard to revive it. It should be re-motorised as its current motors are not authorised because of the noise they make. Also, its parts have expired," Marica said. Royal welcome The plane's history dates back to Ceausescu's state visit to the UK in 1978, the first of its kind for a communist leader. Seen at the time as a dissident within the Soviet bloc, the dictator -- who ruled Romania from 1965 -- was feted with a ride in a gilded carriage to Buckingham Palace alongside Queen Elizabeth II and a state banquet held in his honour. The British wanted to "break the ice with the communist countries and had chosen to do so through someone who had distanced himself from Moscow," Marica told AFP. BAC also welcomed the project as it was finding it increasingly difficult to sell its planes, which were deemed too noisy, according to the Boeing pilot. Although Romania had committed to manufacturing 80 planes under the BAC licence, with the first Rombac taking to the skies in 1982, the government abandoned the project in 1990 after Ceausescu's fall. Of the nine built, some flew under the colours of a small company, LAR, created by the communist regime with the sole destination of Tel Aviv. Romania was the only country in the former communist bloc to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel after the 1967 Six-Day War. Others were leased in the 1980s by national company Tarom to the low-cost company Ryanair. Today all that remains is the presidential plane and a second Rombac, also put up for sale in Thursday's auction at the same price of 25,000 euros and which sold for 160,000 euros (195,000 dollars). The others have been dismembered or abandoned at airports around the world.

Plane of Romania's ex-dictator's fleet sold at auction

On Oct. 30, 2015, a fire ripped through a nightclub in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, leaving 64 people dead. Almost six years later, a documentary about the fire and its tragic aftermath has been nominated for two Oscars.

It would be the first Oscar win for the Eastern European country, but the film’s success is bittersweet for many Romanians, given its painful subject matter — particularly since many believe not enough has changed since 2015.

“Collective,” which has been nominated for best documentary feature and best foreign film, follows a group of investigative journalists from a sports newspaper as they uncover painful truths about the Romanian health care system.

“The situation was so appalling that basically it should have been a big scandal in the whole of Europe,” said Alexander Nanau, the film’s director.

Events on the night of the fire and its immediate aftermath ricocheted across Romania, toppling the government at the time — led by the Social Democratic Party — and mobilizing civil society into large-scale protests.

In the years since, however, there have been further political scandals, and few health care overhauls. The coronavirus pandemic has also put huge new demands on the struggling Romanian health care system. Two fires in COVID-19 wards in the last six months have left at least 20 people dead.

Many Romanians wonder how much has really changed since “Collective.”

While tragic, the nightclub fire is just the film’s starting point. The blaze claimed 27 lives in its immediate aftermath, but 64 people would ultimately die, many victims of a health care system awash with corruption and willing to hide painful truth from the victims and their families.

Standing outside one of Bucharest’s main hospitals, Nanau recalled: “It was basically in front of this hospital where the minister of health always stood flanked by doctors saying ‘We can treat the burn victims at the highest standards.’”

However, as the journalists found out, the burn unit was not even operational at the time, Nanau said. “It’s incredible that they have the guts to lie to all these people that their kids are being given surgery in the most modern burn unit when in fact this was closed.”

The journalists also discovered that the disinfectant used in hospitals across the country was being watered down, to the extent that it was largely ineffectual, probably resulting in many more deaths. The owner of the company involved drove his car into a tree after the truth was brought to light, killing himself.

The documentary shows in real time the reaction of the journalists after a whistleblower sends them footage from a hospital of maggots crawling in the wound of a burn victim.

The film has been compared to both “Spotlight” and “All the President’s Men,” and in a review for The New York Times late last year, Manohla Dargis described “Collective” as a “staggering documentary” that offered “no moment when you can take an easy breath, assured that the terrible things you’ve been watching onscreen are finally over.”

For people in Romania, however, much of what is shown onscreen is painfully familiar.

Catalin Tolontan, then editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor, is one of the main protagonists of “Collective.” Before the documentary, “We used to receive 10 or 15 messages per day from the public, with scoops or information,” he said in an interview. “After the movie we received 70 to 80 a day.”

Tedy Ursuleanu, who suffered severe burns across her head and body, and had her fingers amputated as a result of the fire, is one of the strongest characters in the film.

In an interview, she said that it was not a hard decision to let the filmmakers follow her, but that seeing the film was a painful experience. “When I saw some of the scenes, the impact was as if I lived those moments again,” Ursuleanu said. “I started to cry. I needed to go outside to compose myself.”

Ursuleanu said she believed that not enough progress had been made in the years since the documentary was filmed. “Changes have taken place, but they are few compared to the needs we have here,” she said. “Sadly, tragedies like this could easily happen again, because even now measures are not respected.”

Partway through the documentary, “Collective” introduces a young, reform-minded health minister, Vlad Voiculescu, who is brought in as part of a short-lived technocrat government.

Voiculescu and his team face strong resistance as they try to bring greater transparency to the health care system, while having to accept that the system was culpable in many deaths.

In a recent interview, Voiculescu, who was reappointed as health minister late last year, said that what frustrated him most was that on his return he found an institution that was “even more collapsed than before.” Now, Voiculescu is more focused on dealing with the coronavirus than overhauling the Romanian health care system.

“Collective,” which appeared on streaming platforms late last year, has resonated strongly with audiences around the world, especially at a time when the pandemic has made health care a central issue globally.

Nanau, a Romanian director who spent much of his life in Germany before moving back to his home country in 2015, has a track record of producing powerful documentaries. His previous film, “Toto and His Sisters,” followed the lives of three teenagers left to fend largely for themselves in one of the poorest areas of Bucharest, after their mother was sent to prison on drug charges.

But with “Collective,” he seems to have found a subject that hit at a perfect moment.

The film’s impact has also been felt outside Romania. Earlier this year in Mongolia, when a woman with COVID-19 was transferred from the hospital in freezing temperatures just days after giving birth, journalists began asking tough questions of the government, apparently encouraging one another on Facebook by referencing “Collective,” which a local television station had shown days earlier. Protests followed, and the government ultimately resigned.

“If you are a journalist in a small country and saw ‘Spotlight,’ you could say, ‘Well, this is the U.S., they have a lot of resources, they have a strong democracy, they have a bond between the public and government,’” Tolontan, the newspaper editor, said. “But if you are in Mongolia or the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and you saw this movie, you think ‘They’re like us.’”

Romanian movies like “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” “Beyond the Hills” and “Child’s Pose” have received top awards at international festivals over the years, but none has won an Oscar.

Andrei Gorzo, a Romanian film critic, said that it was harder for Romanian viewers to see “Collective” as a morally clear-cut tale of a few good people fighting to change the rotten system. Instead, he said, it captures a specific moment in Romania, when urban, middle-class voters believed in a new breed of politician, young and unsullied, who could clean up Romanian politics. “It is impossible for me to watch the film without acknowledging that a lot of that romanticism has turned sour since then,” he said.

Others are more optimistic. “The generation that will change things here is not the generation that is 35-plus,” Nanau said. “It’s the younger generation, and these are the people that write to us, that we have met in the cinemas.”

Tolontan said he saw “Collective” as “a point of no return” for Romanian society.

Whether the film wins at the Oscars ceremony next month, many Romanians still hope that the film’s biggest impact will be at home, and that they can leave its content in the past.

On Oct. 30, 2015, a fire ripped through a nightclub in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, leaving 64 people dead. Almost six years later, a documentary about the fire and its tragic aftermath has been nominated for two Oscars.

On Oct. 30, 2015, a fire ripped through a nightclub in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, leaving 64 people dead. Almost six years later, a documentary about the fire and its tragic aftermath has been nominated for two Oscars. It would be the first Oscar win for the Eastern European country, but the film’s success is bittersweet for many Romanians, given its painful subject matter — particularly since many believe not enough has changed since 2015. “Collective,” which has been nominated for best documentary feature and best foreign film, follows a group of investigative journalists from a sports newspaper as they uncover painful truths about the Romanian health care system. “The situation was so appalling that basically it should have been a big scandal in the whole of Europe,” said Alexander Nanau, the film’s director. Events on the night of the fire and its immediate aftermath ricocheted across Romania, toppling the government at the time — led by the Social Democratic Party — and mobilizing civil society into large-scale protests. In the years since, however, there have been further political scandals, and few health care overhauls. The coronavirus pandemic has also put huge new demands on the struggling Romanian health care system. Two fires in COVID-19 wards in the last six months have left at least 20 people dead. Many Romanians wonder how much has really changed since “Collective.” While tragic, the nightclub fire is just the film’s starting point. The blaze claimed 27 lives in its immediate aftermath, but 64 people would ultimately die, many victims of a health care system awash with corruption and willing to hide painful truth from the victims and their families. Standing outside one of Bucharest’s main hospitals, Nanau recalled: “It was basically in front of this hospital where the minister of health always stood flanked by doctors saying ‘We can treat the burn victims at the highest standards.’” However, as the journalists found out, the burn unit was not even operational at the time, Nanau said. “It’s incredible that they have the guts to lie to all these people that their kids are being given surgery in the most modern burn unit when in fact this was closed.” The journalists also discovered that the disinfectant used in hospitals across the country was being watered down, to the extent that it was largely ineffectual, probably resulting in many more deaths. The owner of the company involved drove his car into a tree after the truth was brought to light, killing himself. The documentary shows in real time the reaction of the journalists after a whistleblower sends them footage from a hospital of maggots crawling in the wound of a burn victim. The film has been compared to both “Spotlight” and “All the President’s Men,” and in a review for The New York Times late last year, Manohla Dargis described “Collective” as a “staggering documentary” that offered “no moment when you can take an easy breath, assured that the terrible things you’ve been watching onscreen are finally over.” For people in Romania, however, much of what is shown onscreen is painfully familiar. Catalin Tolontan, then editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor, is one of the main protagonists of “Collective.” Before the documentary, “We used to receive 10 or 15 messages per day from the public, with scoops or information,” he said in an interview. “After the movie we received 70 to 80 a day.” Tedy Ursuleanu, who suffered severe burns across her head and body, and had her fingers amputated as a result of the fire, is one of the strongest characters in the film. In an interview, she said that it was not a hard decision to let the filmmakers follow her, but that seeing the film was a painful experience. “When I saw some of the scenes, the impact was as if I lived those moments again,” Ursuleanu said. “I started to cry. I needed to go outside to compose myself.” Ursuleanu said she believed that not enough progress had been made in the years since the documentary was filmed. “Changes have taken place, but they are few compared to the needs we have here,” she said. “Sadly, tragedies like this could easily happen again, because even now measures are not respected.” Partway through the documentary, “Collective” introduces a young, reform-minded health minister, Vlad Voiculescu, who is brought in as part of a short-lived technocrat government. Voiculescu and his team face strong resistance as they try to bring greater transparency to the health care system, while having to accept that the system was culpable in many deaths. In a recent interview, Voiculescu, who was reappointed as health minister late last year, said that what frustrated him most was that on his return he found an institution that was “even more collapsed than before.” Now, Voiculescu is more focused on dealing with the coronavirus than overhauling the Romanian health care system. “Collective,” which appeared on streaming platforms late last year, has resonated strongly with audiences around the world, especially at a time when the pandemic has made health care a central issue globally. Nanau, a Romanian director who spent much of his life in Germany before moving back to his home country in 2015, has a track record of producing powerful documentaries. His previous film, “Toto and His Sisters,” followed the lives of three teenagers left to fend largely for themselves in one of the poorest areas of Bucharest, after their mother was sent to prison on drug charges. But with “Collective,” he seems to have found a subject that hit at a perfect moment. The film’s impact has also been felt outside Romania. Earlier this year in Mongolia, when a woman with COVID-19 was transferred from the hospital in freezing temperatures just days after giving birth, journalists began asking tough questions of the government, apparently encouraging one another on Facebook by referencing “Collective,” which a local television station had shown days earlier. Protests followed, and the government ultimately resigned. “If you are a journalist in a small country and saw ‘Spotlight,’ you could say, ‘Well, this is the U.S., they have a lot of resources, they have a strong democracy, they have a bond between the public and government,’” Tolontan, the newspaper editor, said. “But if you are in Mongolia or the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and you saw this movie, you think ‘They’re like us.’” Romanian movies like “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” “Beyond the Hills” and “Child’s Pose” have received top awards at international festivals over the years, but none has won an Oscar. Andrei Gorzo, a Romanian film critic, said that it was harder for Romanian viewers to see “Collective” as a morally clear-cut tale of a few good people fighting to change the rotten system. Instead, he said, it captures a specific moment in Romania, when urban, middle-class voters believed in a new breed of politician, young and unsullied, who could clean up Romanian politics. “It is impossible for me to watch the film without acknowledging that a lot of that romanticism has turned sour since then,” he said. Others are more optimistic. “The generation that will change things here is not the generation that is 35-plus,” Nanau said. “It’s the younger generation, and these are the people that write to us, that we have met in the cinemas.” Tolontan said he saw “Collective” as “a point of no return” for Romanian society. Whether the film wins at the Oscars ceremony next month, many Romanians still hope that the film’s biggest impact will be at home, and that they can leave its content in the past.

Since the Oscar-nominated ‘Collective,’ much and little has changed

The Orthodox Church is facing severe backlash after a Romanian child died following a baptism ceremony that involves immersing a child three times in holy water.&nbsp;

The six-year-old was rushed to a hospital on Monday as he was hit by a cardiac arrest.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-9000-babies-dead-in-irish-church-homes-356533/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A few hours post the hospitalisation, the child died with the autopsy revealing that liquid was found in his lungs. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/9000-baby-deaths-at-church-run-homes-irish-pm-sorry-for-profound-wrong-356523">9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong'</a>

Prosecutors have launched a manslaughter probe against the priest who performed the ritual in the Romanian city of Suceava.&nbsp;

More than 56,000 people backed an online petition by Thursday evening that called for changes in the way the ritual is conducted.&nbsp;

"The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy," a message with the petition said.&nbsp;

"This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph."

A netizen described the ritual as "brutality" and another said it reflects the "stubbornness of those who think that it is the will of God".&nbsp;

Local media reported similar cases in recent years.&nbsp;

Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said a little water on the baby's forehead could be poured instead of complete immersion.

However, Archbishop Teodosie, leader of the Church's traditionalist wing, said the ritual would not alter.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Orthodox Church is facing severe backlash after a Romanian child died following a baptism ceremony that involves immersing a child three times in holy water.

The Orthodox Church is facing severe backlash after a Romanian child died following a baptism ceremony that involves immersing a child three times in holy water. The six-year-old was rushed to a hospital on Monday as he was hit by a cardiac arrest. Watch | A few hours post the hospitalisation, the child died with the autopsy revealing that liquid was found in his lungs. Also read | 9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong' Prosecutors have launched a manslaughter probe against the priest who performed the ritual in the Romanian city of Suceava. More than 56,000 people backed an online petition by Thursday evening that called for changes in the way the ritual is conducted. "The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy," a message with the petition said. "This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph." A netizen described the ritual as "brutality" and another said it reflects the "stubbornness of those who think that it is the will of God". Local media reported similar cases in recent years. Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said a little water on the baby's forehead could be poured instead of complete immersion. However, Archbishop Teodosie, leader of the Church's traditionalist wing, said the ritual would not alter.

Orthodox Church faces backlash after child dies following baptism

A fire broke out in Romania's main hospital for coronavirus patients on Friday, killing five in the second such incident in three months.

Emergency responders in capital Bucharest found three patients dead at the Matei Bals hospital and could not resuscitate a fourth. The body of a fifth victim was later found in one of the bathrooms, Interior Minister Lucian Bode said.

Fire broke out on the hospital's ground floor around 5 am (0300 GMT) and soon reached four wards, while 102 patients had to be evacuated to other hospitals, fire chief Orlando Schiopu said.

Visiting the scene some hours after the blaze was put out, President Klaus Iohannis called the fire a "tragedy".

"We are dealing with a structural problem in Romanian hospitals and I asked the health minister to come up with a reform plan," Iohannis told reporters.

Earlier in November, a fire in an intensive care unit of a hospital in the northeastern town of Piatra Neamt killed 15 people being treated for Covid-19.&nbsp;

The two hospital fires recalled Romania's previous deadliest blaze, which killed 64 at Bucharest's Colectiv nightclub in October 2015 and itself prompted angry questions.

Romania has so far registered 18,105 Covid deaths, 721,513 cases and 666,001 recoveries.

A fire broke out in Romania's main hospital for coronavirus patients on Friday, killing five in the second such incident in three months. Emergency responders in capital Bucharest found three patients dead at the Matei Bals hospital and could not resuscitate a fourth.

A fire broke out in Romania's main hospital for coronavirus patients on Friday, killing five in the second such incident in three months. Emergency responders in capital Bucharest found three patients dead at the Matei Bals hospital and could not resuscitate a fourth. The body of a fifth victim was later found in one of the bathrooms, Interior Minister Lucian Bode said. Fire broke out on the hospital's ground floor around 5 am (0300 GMT) and soon reached four wards, while 102 patients had to be evacuated to other hospitals, fire chief Orlando Schiopu said. Visiting the scene some hours after the blaze was put out, President Klaus Iohannis called the fire a "tragedy". "We are dealing with a structural problem in Romanian hospitals and I asked the health minister to come up with a reform plan," Iohannis told reporters. Earlier in November, a fire in an intensive care unit of a hospital in the northeastern town of Piatra Neamt killed 15 people being treated for Covid-19. The two hospital fires recalled Romania's previous deadliest blaze, which killed 64 at Bucharest's Colectiv nightclub in October 2015 and itself prompted angry questions. Romania has so far registered 18,105 Covid deaths, 721,513 cases and 666,001 recoveries.

Five Covid-19 patients die in Romania hospital fire

Hundreds of Orthodox Christian worshippers in eastern Romania celebrated an ancient Epiphany tradition on Wednesday. But the event - in the village of Facaieni - was cut back because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Epiphany tradition on Danube cut short by restrictions

A Romanian cobbler who made giant shoes to help keep people apart during the first wave of COVID-19 has come up with a new line of huge winter boots to stamp out the second onslaught of the disease.

Romanian cobbler hopes to stamp out COVID with giant-sized winter boots

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