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<p>Monday (Mar 11) is the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is the worst health crisis in more than a century. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, millions died and even millions more are facing aftereffects of having&nbsp;been infected with the virus. The health infrastructure of almost all countries collapsed in combating the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lockdowns, social distancing, isolation, and hand sanitisation became the news words of caution. Schools, colleges and most workplaces were shut at the peak of the pandemic. Various business sectors were affected which led to severe economic crises in major countries. People lost their loved ones, friends and acquaintances to the virus.</p>

<p>So what went wrong - government response (in combating COVID-19), people's ignorance in adhering to safety measures, or a delay in declaring COVID-19 a health crisis?</p>

<h2><strong>A rewind</strong></h2>

<p>Let's go back in time to December 2019.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>People in China's Wuhan were getting infected with a mysterious type of pneumonia. These infections were later found to be cases of the suspected SARS Coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Li Wenliang, a Chinese ophthalmologist, warned his colleagues about early COVID-19 cases in the city. Dr Li became the whistleblower of this pandemic but unfortunately died after getting infected with the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;COVID pandemic anniversary: How a virus led to collapse of global health system | WION Decodes</strong></p>

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<p>Most of the early cases in Wuhan were linked to the Huanan seafood market. The market became the epicentre of the virus which first started spreading outside China and then to the rest of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, riding respiratory droplets in the air, killing some victims but leaving most to bounce back without much harm. At any moment, the virus can change to become more transmissible, more able to sidestep the immune system or more deadly.</p>

<h2><strong>Initial response of countries</strong></h2>

<p>When infections first started<strong>&nbsp;</strong>spreading outside China, a majority of the countries responded quickly through non-pharmaceutical interventions such as sanitising hands, maintaining social distancing and seeking medical help in case of any symptoms.</p>

<p>Despite these interventions, there was a lack of public health infrastructure to treat the infected patients - hospital beds to accommodate patients, machinery to treat them, and medicines.</p>

<p>Trust eroded in public health agencies. At the peak of the pandemic, medical workers including doctors, nurses and other staff were working round-the-clock, sometimes staying in hospitals for days.</p>

<p>Massive protests were held in several countries due to their government's handling of the health crisis. Several ministers and political advisors were forced to step down. There was also growing anger over countries underreporting the number of deaths and cases.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China faces global backlash</strong></h2>

<p>China, where the pandemic originated, faced huge global backlash for not informing the world about the virus on time. The WHO sent a team of experts to Beijing to investigate the source of the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For a long time, China resisted demands from other countries to allow independent investigators on&nbsp;its soil to study COVID-19 origins. China already had deteriorated relations with the West over trade, technology, military and human rights. And the pandemic further worsened the relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-study-reveals-2-very-rare-covid-19-vaccine-side-effects-previously-unknown-692993">Pharma company AstraZeneca sued in UK for deaths due to vaccine-induced blood clots, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>A report by the New York Times (NYT) in 2021 said that Chinese officials also provided little data from samples that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention took in December 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. Perhaps the provision of complete data here could have prevented COVID-19 from becoming the health crisis it is today.</p>

<h2><strong>Vaccination and profiteering behind it</strong></h2>

<p>Vaccination has become one of the most important aspects of combating COVID-19. Pharma giants started manufacturing vaccines of single and double doses. As vaccine manufacturing ramped up, developed and developing countries started delivering jabs to the poorest of countries.</p>

<p>However, these consignments were not enough due to limited government budgets. Pharma giants including Pfizer, Moderna and BioNTech were accused of profiteering from vaccine manufacturing.</p>

<p>A report by Oxfam International in 2021 said that Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna were making combined profits of $65,000 every minute while the world's poorest countries remained unvaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-finds-connection-between-long-covid-brain-fog-and-leaky-blood-vessels-692837">Research finds connection between long Covid brain fog and leaky blood vessels</a></strong></p>

<p>"These companies have sold the majority of doses to rich countries, leaving low-income countries out in the cold. Pfizer and BioNTech have delivered less than one per cent of their total vaccine supplies to low-income countries, while Moderna has delivered just 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of people in low-income countries have not been fully vaccinated," the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Still a health crisis</strong></h2>

<p>In May last year,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).</p>

<p>“For more than a year, the pandemic has been on a downward trend, with population immunity increasing from vaccination and infection, mortality decreasing and the pressure on health systems easing,” Ghebreyesus said on May 5, adding, "It is therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency."</p>

<p>It has been more than four years since the pandemic began. COVID-19 is still a health crisis and can worsen at any point in time. So will governments, and citizens be better prepared for such a health crisis in future?</p>

<p>Or will this cycle of traumatic events start all over again?</p>


Monday (Mar 11) is the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is the worst health crisis in more than a century. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Monday (Mar 11) is the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is the worst health crisis in more than a century. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, millions died and even millions more are facing aftereffects of having been infected with the virus. The health infrastructure of almost all countries collapsed in combating the pandemic. Lockdowns, social distancing, isolation, and hand sanitisation became the news words of caution. Schools, colleges and most workplaces were shut at the peak of the pandemic. Various business sectors were affected which led to severe economic crises in major countries. People lost their loved ones, friends and acquaintances to the virus. So what went wrong - government response (in combating COVID-19), people's ignorance in adhering to safety measures, or a delay in declaring COVID-19 a health crisis? A rewind Let's go back in time to December 2019. People in China's Wuhan were getting infected with a mysterious type of pneumonia. These infections were later found to be cases of the suspected SARS Coronavirus. Dr Li Wenliang, a Chinese ophthalmologist, warned his colleagues about early COVID-19 cases in the city. Dr Li became the whistleblower of this pandemic but unfortunately died after getting infected with the virus. Also watch | COVID pandemic anniversary: How a virus led to collapse of global health system | WION Decodes × Most of the early cases in Wuhan were linked to the Huanan seafood market. The market became the epicentre of the virus which first started spreading outside China and then to the rest of the world. COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, riding respiratory droplets in the air, killing some victims but leaving most to bounce back without much harm. At any moment, the virus can change to become more transmissible, more able to sidestep the immune system or more deadly. Initial response of countries When infections first started spreading outside China, a majority of the countries responded quickly through non-pharmaceutical interventions such as sanitising hands, maintaining social distancing and seeking medical help in case of any symptoms. Despite these interventions, there was a lack of public health infrastructure to treat the infected patients - hospital beds to accommodate patients, machinery to treat them, and medicines. Trust eroded in public health agencies. At the peak of the pandemic, medical workers including doctors, nurses and other staff were working round-the-clock, sometimes staying in hospitals for days. Massive protests were held in several countries due to their government's handling of the health crisis. Several ministers and political advisors were forced to step down. There was also growing anger over countries underreporting the number of deaths and cases. China faces global backlash China, where the pandemic originated, faced huge global backlash for not informing the world about the virus on time. The WHO sent a team of experts to Beijing to investigate the source of the virus. For a long time, China resisted demands from other countries to allow independent investigators on its soil to study COVID-19 origins. China already had deteriorated relations with the West over trade, technology, military and human rights. And the pandemic further worsened the relations. Also read | Pharma company AstraZeneca sued in UK for deaths due to vaccine-induced blood clots, says report A report by the New York Times (NYT) in 2021 said that Chinese officials also provided little data from samples that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention took in December 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. Perhaps the provision of complete data here could have prevented COVID-19 from becoming the health crisis it is today. Vaccination and profiteering behind it Vaccination has become one of the most important aspects of combating COVID-19. Pharma giants started manufacturing vaccines of single and double doses. As vaccine manufacturing ramped up, developed and developing countries started delivering jabs to the poorest of countries. However, these consignments were not enough due to limited government budgets. Pharma giants including Pfizer, Moderna and BioNTech were accused of profiteering from vaccine manufacturing. A report by Oxfam International in 2021 said that Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna were making combined profits of $65,000 every minute while the world's poorest countries remained unvaccinated. Also read | Research finds connection between long Covid brain fog and leaky blood vessels "These companies have sold the majority of doses to rich countries, leaving low-income countries out in the cold. Pfizer and BioNTech have delivered less than one per cent of their total vaccine supplies to low-income countries, while Moderna has delivered just 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of people in low-income countries have not been fully vaccinated," the report said. Still a health crisis In May last year, WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). “For more than a year, the pandemic has been on a downward trend, with population immunity increasing from vaccination and infection, mortality decreasing and the pressure on health systems easing,” Ghebreyesus said on May 5, adding, "It is therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency." It has been more than four years since the pandemic began. COVID-19 is still a health crisis and can worsen at any point in time. So will governments, and citizens be better prepared for such a health crisis in future? Or will this cycle of traumatic events start all over again?

Explained | Four years of Covid crisis: What did we learn from the pandemic?

<p>Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday (March 10) said that Donald Trump will not provide funds to Ukraine for its fight against Russia if he gets elected as US president in this year's elections.</p>

<p>This he said would further expedite an end to the war between the two sides.</p>

<p>Nationalist premier Orban lent his support to long-time ally Trump's bid to return to the White House after meeting the former US president in Florida late on Friday (March 8).</p>

<p>"He will not give a penny into the Ukraine-Russia war and therefore the war will end," Orban told state television late on Sunday (March 10). "As it is obvious that Ukraine on its own cannot stand on its feet."</p>

<p>"If the Americans do not give money and weapons, and also the Europeans, then this war will be over. And if the Americans do not give money the Europeans are unable to finance this war on their own, and then the war will end."</p>

<p>Orban stated that it was "another matter" how the conflict would come to an end with peace negotiations following a truce and how a secure and stable Europe would be established, however, first and foremost peace must be achieved and "he (Trump) has the means for that."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-jittery-as-russia-starts-using-powerful-gliding-bombs-on-frontlines-698797">Ukrainian troops jittery as Russia starts using powerful, gliding bombs on frontlines</a></p>

<h2><strong>We need leaders who can bring peace, Trump is one of them: Orban&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Orban, after meeting with his long-time ally Trump, took to his official X account and wrote, "We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> was a president of peace. He commanded respect in the world, and created the conditions for peace. During his presidency there was peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine. We need him back more than ever! Thank you for the invitation, Mr.… <a href="https://t.co/4nSqwoYxMV">pic.twitter.com/4nSqwoYxMV</a></p>
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1766842889529704554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two, according to a statement from Trump's campaign, discussed "a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was a pleasure to visit President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> today. We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President! <a href="https://t.co/rbCYvygzNy">pic.twitter.com/rbCYvygzNy</a></p>
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1766305639595119060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Orban, who is admired by many American conservatives for his tough immigration policies, family support schemes and vocal stance on national sovereignty, said in a video on his Facebook page that there was peace in the Middle East and also Ukraine during Trump's 2017-2021 presidency.</p>

<p>"Viktor is a Great Leader, respected all over the World," Trump said on Saturday in a post on his Truth Social messaging platform, saying it had been an honour to host Orban.</p>

<p>"Hungary is a Safe Country because of his Strong Immigration Policies, and as long as he is in charge, it always will be!" Trump added.</p>

<p>Orban has refused to provide arms to Kyiv and has maintained close economic ties with Moscow since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine in 2022.</p>

<p>He last met Russian President Vladimir Putin in China in October last year despite efforts by the European Union to isolate Moscow. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday (March 10) said that Donald Trump will not provide funds to Ukraine for its fight against Russia if he gets elected as US president in this year's elections.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday (March 10) said that Donald Trump will not provide funds to Ukraine for its fight against Russia if he gets elected as US president in this year's elections. This he said would further expedite an end to the war between the two sides. Nationalist premier Orban lent his support to long-time ally Trump's bid to return to the White House after meeting the former US president in Florida late on Friday (March 8). "He will not give a penny into the Ukraine-Russia war and therefore the war will end," Orban told state television late on Sunday (March 10). "As it is obvious that Ukraine on its own cannot stand on its feet." "If the Americans do not give money and weapons, and also the Europeans, then this war will be over. And if the Americans do not give money the Europeans are unable to finance this war on their own, and then the war will end." Orban stated that it was "another matter" how the conflict would come to an end with peace negotiations following a truce and how a secure and stable Europe would be established, however, first and foremost peace must be achieved and "he (Trump) has the means for that." Also read: Ukrainian troops jittery as Russia starts using powerful, gliding bombs on frontlines We need leaders who can bring peace, Trump is one of them: Orban Orban, after meeting with his long-time ally Trump, took to his official X account and wrote, "We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President!" President @realDonaldTrump was a president of peace. He commanded respect in the world, and created the conditions for peace. During his presidency there was peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine. We need him back more than ever! Thank you for the invitation, Mr.… pic.twitter.com/4nSqwoYxMV — Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) March 10, 2024 × The two, according to a statement from Trump's campaign, discussed "a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation." It was a pleasure to visit President @realDonaldTrump today. We need leaders in the world who are respected and can bring peace. He is one of them! Come back and bring us peace, Mr. President! pic.twitter.com/rbCYvygzNy — Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) March 9, 2024 × Orban, who is admired by many American conservatives for his tough immigration policies, family support schemes and vocal stance on national sovereignty, said in a video on his Facebook page that there was peace in the Middle East and also Ukraine during Trump's 2017-2021 presidency. "Viktor is a Great Leader, respected all over the World," Trump said on Saturday in a post on his Truth Social messaging platform, saying it had been an honour to host Orban. "Hungary is a Safe Country because of his Strong Immigration Policies, and as long as he is in charge, it always will be!" Trump added. Orban has refused to provide arms to Kyiv and has maintained close economic ties with Moscow since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine in 2022. He last met Russian President Vladimir Putin in China in October last year despite efforts by the European Union to isolate Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Donald Trump won’t give funds to Ukraine if elected,’ says Hungarian PM Orban

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<p>The Japanese government is actively exploring the possibility of exporting naval ship communication antennas to India, the Nikkei publication reported. The antennas, known as NORA-50 and nicknamed "UNICORN", were collaboratively developed by a consortium of Japanese companies, including Nippon Electric Company and Yokohama Rubber.</p>

<p>Japanese government insiders cited by Nikkei suggest that the decision on the number of antennas to be sold and the contract costs are still under consideration.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>If the deal materialises, it would mark the second instance of Japan exporting defence equipment since the lifting of a ban on such transfers in 2014 during the prime ministerial tenure of Shinzo Abe.</p>

<p>The first such instance of export from Japan occurred last year when radar systems were exported to the Philippines.</p>

<p>The potential antenna deal between the two Quad partners signifies an expansion of Indo-Japanese ties in the security realm in addition to enhanced deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the 'UNICORN' antenna?</strong></h2>

<p>The UNICORN antenna, currently deployed on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force FFM escort vessels, is renowned for its stealth design, housing multiple antennas in a distinctive horn-shaped structure.</p>

<p>Its capabilities include detecting the movement of missiles and drones through the sensing of radio waves across a wide area.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Rise of the Indian Defence Industry | Exports cross ₹130 Billion, imports down 11 per cent</strong></p>

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<p>Japanese law prohibits the export of lethal defence equipment. But the UNICORN, due to its categorisation as&nbsp;a communication tool, does not violate this&nbsp;law.</p>

<p>The move to export fully assembled defence equipment, as opposed to parts, is a significant step for Japan.</p>

<h2><strong>UNICORN deal expected during Quad summit: Report</strong></h2>

<p>The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, including Japan, Australia, the United States, and India, is expected to hold a summit in India later this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495">India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>Sources cited by Nikkei indicate that plans are underway to finalise the UNICORN deal during a meeting between leaders of Japan and India at the summit.</p>

<p>India is gradually diversifying its sources by engaging in agreements with the US, France, and Israel. As part of this shift, negotiations with Japan involve discussions on potential technology transfers and local production of the communication antennas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Japanese government is actively exploring the possibility of exporting naval ship communication antennas to India, the Nikkei publication reported. The antennas, known as NORA-50 and nicknamed "UNICORN", were collaboratively developed by a consortium of Japanese companies, including Nippon Electric Company and Yokohama Rubber.

The Japanese government is actively exploring the possibility of exporting naval ship communication antennas to India, the Nikkei publication reported. The antennas, known as NORA-50 and nicknamed "UNICORN", were collaboratively developed by a consortium of Japanese companies, including Nippon Electric Company and Yokohama Rubber. Japanese government insiders cited by Nikkei suggest that the decision on the number of antennas to be sold and the contract costs are still under consideration. What does it mean? If the deal materialises, it would mark the second instance of Japan exporting defence equipment since the lifting of a ban on such transfers in 2014 during the prime ministerial tenure of Shinzo Abe. The first such instance of export from Japan occurred last year when radar systems were exported to the Philippines. The potential antenna deal between the two Quad partners signifies an expansion of Indo-Japanese ties in the security realm in addition to enhanced deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. What is the 'UNICORN' antenna? The UNICORN antenna, currently deployed on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force FFM escort vessels, is renowned for its stealth design, housing multiple antennas in a distinctive horn-shaped structure. Its capabilities include detecting the movement of missiles and drones through the sensing of radio waves across a wide area. Also watch | Rise of the Indian Defence Industry | Exports cross ₹130 Billion, imports down 11 per cent × Japanese law prohibits the export of lethal defence equipment. But the UNICORN, due to its categorisation as a communication tool, does not violate this law. The move to export fully assembled defence equipment, as opposed to parts, is a significant step for Japan. UNICORN deal expected during Quad summit: Report The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, including Japan, Australia, the United States, and India, is expected to hold a summit in India later this year. Also read | India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi Sources cited by Nikkei indicate that plans are underway to finalise the UNICORN deal during a meeting between leaders of Japan and India at the summit. India is gradually diversifying its sources by engaging in agreements with the US, France, and Israel. As part of this shift, negotiations with Japan involve discussions on potential technology transfers and local production of the communication antennas. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Japan expected to finalise 'UNICORN' antennas deal during Quad summit

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<p>Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance was set to finish first in Sunday's parliamentary election but fall short of an outright majority with 92 per cent of ballots counted, suggesting tough negotiations ahead with the far-right that made huge gains.</p>

<p>The populist, far-right Chega party came third with nearly 19 per cent of the vote, almost tripling its result in the last election in early 2022, when it won 7.2 per cent. It campaigned on an anti-establishment message, vows to sweep away corruption and hostility to what it sees as "excessive" immigration.</p>

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<p>Pending the final tally, the Democratic Alliance (AD) garnered 29.8 per cent of votes, slightly ahead of the incumbent Socialist Party (PS) that had earned 28.7 per cent.</p>

<p>The provisional results were in line with exit polls published after polling stations closed at 8 pm&nbsp;(2000 GMT). Turnout was almost 65 per cent, up sharply from 51.5 per cent in 2022.</p>

<p>"It's the end of the two-party system," Chega leader Andre Ventura told reporters, referring to the PS and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which helms the newly created AD. The two have alternated in power since the end of a fascist dictatorship five decades ago.</p>

<p>Sunday's vote clearly shows the Portuguese want a coalition government between the AD and Chega, Ventura added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-in-talks-with-hamas-and-israel-to-restart-ceasefire-talks-report-698685">Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the AD has so far ruled out any deal with Chega, which could make for an unstable minority government that far-right lawmakers could topple at any point.</p>

<p>At the AD election night party, supporter Paula Madeiro said there was "no doubt that instability will be constant".</p>

<p>Alexandra Ferreira, a 21-year-old law student and member of the Socialist Party, said she was "very sad" with the results because of the far-right's growth. She said it showed that "we have a society with no memory", in reference to the dictatorship that ended in 1974.</p>

<p>AD supporter Joao Cunha, also 21, said the country's situation was bad after eight years of the PS in power, with young people still emigrating in search of better opportunities. He hoped a change in government would bring about reforms in healthcare and higher education. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunday's ballot was triggered by Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa's resignation amid a graft investigation four months ago.</p>

<p>Issues dominating the campaign in Western Europe's poorest country include a crippling housing crisis, low wages, sagging healthcare and corruption, seen by many as endemic to the mainstream parties.&nbsp;</p>


Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance was set to finish first in Sunday's parliamentary election but fall short of an outright majority with 92 per cent of ballots counted, suggesting tough negotiations ahead with the far-right that made huge gains.

Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance was set to finish first in Sunday's parliamentary election but fall short of an outright majority with 92 per cent of ballots counted, suggesting tough negotiations ahead with the far-right that made huge gains. The populist, far-right Chega party came third with nearly 19 per cent of the vote, almost tripling its result in the last election in early 2022, when it won 7.2 per cent. It campaigned on an anti-establishment message, vows to sweep away corruption and hostility to what it sees as "excessive" immigration. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi's 'watershed moment' with European EFTA bloc Pending the final tally, the Democratic Alliance (AD) garnered 29.8 per cent of votes, slightly ahead of the incumbent Socialist Party (PS) that had earned 28.7 per cent. The provisional results were in line with exit polls published after polling stations closed at 8 pm (2000 GMT). Turnout was almost 65 per cent, up sharply from 51.5 per cent in 2022. "It's the end of the two-party system," Chega leader Andre Ventura told reporters, referring to the PS and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which helms the newly created AD. The two have alternated in power since the end of a fascist dictatorship five decades ago. Sunday's vote clearly shows the Portuguese want a coalition government between the AD and Chega, Ventura added. Also read | Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report However, the AD has so far ruled out any deal with Chega, which could make for an unstable minority government that far-right lawmakers could topple at any point. At the AD election night party, supporter Paula Madeiro said there was "no doubt that instability will be constant". Alexandra Ferreira, a 21-year-old law student and member of the Socialist Party, said she was "very sad" with the results because of the far-right's growth. She said it showed that "we have a society with no memory", in reference to the dictatorship that ended in 1974. AD supporter Joao Cunha, also 21, said the country's situation was bad after eight years of the PS in power, with young people still emigrating in search of better opportunities. He hoped a change in government would bring about reforms in healthcare and higher education. Sunday's ballot was triggered by Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa's resignation amid a graft investigation four months ago. Issues dominating the campaign in Western Europe's poorest country include a crippling housing crisis, low wages, sagging healthcare and corruption, seen by many as endemic to the mainstream parties.

Portugal elections: Centre-right set to win, far-right soars

China nearly halved its arms imports over the past five years as it replaced foreign weapons with its own technology but Russia still accounted for the bulk of Beijing's overseas purchases, according to a Swedish think tank.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach, coupled with diplomatic efforts from various countries, played a pivotal role in preventing Russia from a "potential nuclear attack" on Ukraine, a CNN report claimed.

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Microsoft claims Russian hackers are trying to break into its system again with data they stole from corporate emails in an attack in January. Understand that this January 12th Microsoft revealed that a Russian state-sponsored group breached its systems to access staff emails and documents.

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Even before beginning his role as Islamophobia adviser to the UK government, the front-runner for the post - Fiyaz Mughal, has decided to step out as he claimed that he was threatened.

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North Korea is strongly suspected of using joint research with China to develop missile and other military technologies. Watch in for more details!

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The US military said on Sunday it has carried out an operation in Haiti to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from the country and added American forces to bolster embassy security.

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Portugal is holding a snap parliamentary election, voting is currently underway in the country polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 7:00 p.m. local time. Results are expected around midnight. More than 10 million citizens are eligible to vote in this election. The choice is between Center left Socialist Party Center right Social Democratic party and a far right Chega party. Watch to know more!

Portugal Elections 2024: Far-right set to win  Portugal elections

The BJP accounted for more than half of the expenditure incurred by 10 political parties in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, according to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms.

India elections 2024 | Cost of poll campaigning in 2019-2020: Private charter costs per hour

Haiti’s state of emergency, with gangs threatening civil war, widespread violence and no elected officials, the country faces an unprecedented crisis. Watch to know more!

Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: Gun battles rage in Haiti as gangs push for PM`s ouster

<p>Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the recent comments by United States President Joe Biden that the Israeli prime minister is hurting the nation more than he is helping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to Politico during an interview conducted Sunday (Mar 10), Netanyahu said "the overwhelming majority of Israelis," support his policies in Gaza and the actions being taken to destroy the militant group Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know what the president (Biden) meant, but if he meant that I lead a policy against the majority of the Israeli public and that it harms Israel's interests, he is wrong on both counts," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli PM further added, "This is not just my private policy, it is a policy supported by the vast majority of Israelis".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-in-talks-with-hamas-and-israel-to-restart-ceasefire-talks-report-698685">Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Netanyahu further added that most of the Israelis understand that "if we don't do this, we will return to the October 7 massacre".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ongoing war started after Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and official Israeli figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas had also taken some 250 people as hostages, some of them were later returned as part of a deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the October 7 attack, Israel responded with several strikes on Gaza that have killed more than 30,000 people, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu underlined Israeli sentiments regarding the Palestinian Authority's involvement in Gaza. He stated, "Once we have eliminated Hamas, the last thing we should do is bring the Palestinian Authority into Gaza, which educates its children in terrorism and finances terrorism."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US President Biden says 'Israel can't have 30,000 more Palestinians dead'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-canada-sweden-to-resume-funding-to-unrwa-but-still-taking-terror-allegations-seriously-698589">Canada, Sweden to resume funding to UNRWA but still taking terror allegations seriously</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Delegation of Israeli hostages' families heads to New York</strong></h2>

<p>A special delegation of families of hostages will attend the UN Security Council Discussion in New York at the directive of PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu spoke with Katz and wished him success ahead of his trip to New York this evening for the UNSC discussion on the findings of the report on Hamas's severe sex crimes on October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the recent comments by United States President Joe Biden that the Israeli prime minister is hurting the nation more than he is helping.

Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the recent comments by United States President Joe Biden that the Israeli prime minister is hurting the nation more than he is helping. While speaking to Politico during an interview conducted Sunday (Mar 10), Netanyahu said "the overwhelming majority of Israelis," support his policies in Gaza and the actions being taken to destroy the militant group Hamas. "I don't know what the president (Biden) meant, but if he meant that I lead a policy against the majority of the Israeli public and that it harms Israel's interests, he is wrong on both counts," he said. The Israeli PM further added, "This is not just my private policy, it is a policy supported by the vast majority of Israelis". Also read: Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report Netanyahu further added that most of the Israelis understand that "if we don't do this, we will return to the October 7 massacre". The ongoing war started after Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and official Israeli figures. Hamas had also taken some 250 people as hostages, some of them were later returned as part of a deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. In the aftermath of the October 7 attack, Israel responded with several strikes on Gaza that have killed more than 30,000 people, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Netanyahu underlined Israeli sentiments regarding the Palestinian Authority's involvement in Gaza. He stated, "Once we have eliminated Hamas, the last thing we should do is bring the Palestinian Authority into Gaza, which educates its children in terrorism and finances terrorism." Watch: US President Biden says 'Israel can't have 30,000 more Palestinians dead' × Also read: Canada, Sweden to resume funding to UNRWA but still taking terror allegations seriously Delegation of Israeli hostages' families heads to New York A special delegation of families of hostages will attend the UN Security Council Discussion in New York at the directive of PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz. Netanyahu spoke with Katz and wished him success ahead of his trip to New York this evening for the UNSC discussion on the findings of the report on Hamas's severe sex crimes on October 7. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu rebuffs Biden’s remarks, says ‘majority of Israelis’ support his Gaza policy

North Korea develop missiles with China's help

<p>In a shocking development, a woman, originally hailing from India's Hyderabad, was found dead in Australia's Victoria state.</p>

<p>The body of the deceased,&nbsp;identified as Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani, was found in a wheelie bin on Mount Pollock Road in Buckley, near the town of Winchelsea on Saturday (March 9), according to The Herald Sun.</p>

<p>As per the local media reports, the authorities point towards a potential link to Swetha's husband Ashok Raj's involvement in the incident who abruptly flew to India with their three-year-old son shortly before the victim's body was found.</p>

<p>The local residents in Buckley immediately informed the police after spotting the bin that was dumped alongside the dirt road.</p>

<p>A probe has been launched into the incident. The investigators believe that Shwetha was first murdered at her home where she lived with her husband and son and her dead body was later disposed off in the bin.</p>

<p>A police spokesperson released a statement saying that the authorities believed Shwetha knew who her killer was, however, they were still working to ascertain the circumstances that led to her death, according to The Age.</p>

<p>"At this stage in the investigation, it is believed the parties involved are known to one another and the offender may have fled overseas," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>"There is no immediate threat to the community and no arrests have been made."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-two-women-charged-for-driving-dead-body-to-bank-and-withdrawing-900-from-his-account-698582">US: Two women charged for driving dead body to bank and withdrawing $900 from his account</a></p>

<h2><strong>Tributes flow for Shwetha</strong></h2>

<p>Tributes flowed for the young woman since her death was confirmed.</p>

<p>"She was one of the sweetest girls ever. Everyone would want to have Swetha in their lives," one of her neighbours said.</p>

<p>"She was full of life — I can't believe she's gone. A life is lost it's worse she was found somewhere else we all deserve dignity."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking development, a woman, originally hailing from India's Hyderabad, was found dead in Australia's Victoria state. The body of the deceased, identified as Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani, was found in a wheelie bin on Mount Pollock Road in Buckley, near the town of Winchelsea on Saturday (March 9), according to The Herald Sun.

In a shocking development, a woman, originally hailing from India's Hyderabad, was found dead in Australia's Victoria state. The body of the deceased, identified as Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani, was found in a wheelie bin on Mount Pollock Road in Buckley, near the town of Winchelsea on Saturday (March 9), according to The Herald Sun. As per the local media reports, the authorities point towards a potential link to Swetha's husband Ashok Raj's involvement in the incident who abruptly flew to India with their three-year-old son shortly before the victim's body was found. The local residents in Buckley immediately informed the police after spotting the bin that was dumped alongside the dirt road. A probe has been launched into the incident. The investigators believe that Shwetha was first murdered at her home where she lived with her husband and son and her dead body was later disposed off in the bin. A police spokesperson released a statement saying that the authorities believed Shwetha knew who her killer was, however, they were still working to ascertain the circumstances that led to her death, according to The Age. "At this stage in the investigation, it is believed the parties involved are known to one another and the offender may have fled overseas," the spokesperson said. "There is no immediate threat to the community and no arrests have been made." Also read: US: Two women charged for driving dead body to bank and withdrawing $900 from his account Tributes flow for Shwetha Tributes flowed for the young woman since her death was confirmed. "She was one of the sweetest girls ever. Everyone would want to have Swetha in their lives," one of her neighbours said. "She was full of life — I can't believe she's gone. A life is lost it's worse she was found somewhere else we all deserve dignity." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian woman found dead in Australia, body discovered in wheelie bin; husband abruptly flew to India

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