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The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, on Sunday (Apr 20), staged a protest near the border, calling for a deal to secure the release of the 59 hostages believed to still be in Hamas' captivity.
The families of the hostages used a stack of speakers pointed towards the besieged Palestinian enclave and shouted messages of love and support, holding onto the slim hope that their loved ones might hear them.
Hostage Bar Kupershtein's father, Tal Kupershtein, who struggled to speak due to a medical condition, also shouted the name of his son.
Banners featuring hostage Elkana Bohbot's picture conveyed a sense of urgency, coming just a day after Hamas released an undated and edited video of him, fueling concerns for his safety and the safety of other Israeli hostages.
Hostage Nimrod Cohen's mother, Vicky Cohen said that the families gathered at the border, beg the Israeli government to stop the war and bring the ones held captive home.
&ldquo;I'm here in Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border of Gaza. To shout to Nimrod, maybe my voice will enter the tunnels and he will hear me. I want to tell him how much I love him and I miss him and we are waiting for him. We will do everything to bring him back home. I miss him so much and I feel so worried and upset to be here and to beg to our government to stop the war and to bring all of the hostages back home, this is what they need to do now,&rdquo; Cohen said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9pre3cj-32s8dz08-jf0uzwnb">
The families of hostages are gathered at the Gaza border, calling out to their loved ones who have been held captive by Hamas for 562 days. Imagine how unbearably painful it must be to know your child is in hell, just a few hours away by car, yet you&rsquo;re unable to go and bring&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/PhlZNxzujn">pic.twitter.com/PhlZNxzujn</a>
&mdash; Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) <a href="https://twitter.com/HenMazzig/status/1913905986613501963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Hostages' parents express frustration over Netanyahu's 'lack of efforts'</h2>
Earlier, the parents of two hostages, on Tuesday (Apr 15), expressed their frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that the Israeli Prime Minister wasn't doing enough to secure the release of their sons from Hamas' captivity.&nbsp;
One father even compared Netanyahu's apparent lack of effort to the more emotionally invested approach of US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.&nbsp;
Twenty-two-year-old soldier Matan Angrest was abducted from a burning tank while battling militants on October 7, 2023, whereas 24-year-old civilian musician Alon Ohel was kidnapped from the Nova music festival.
They have both been held captive by Hamas for nearly 500 days and were not released in previous sets of hostage releases.
Matan's mother, Anat Angrest, wore her son&rsquo;s army uniform on Tuesday and said that "the prime minister of Israel isn&rsquo;t fighting for him.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m wearing his uniform to call attention to the fact that the soldiers haven&rsquo;t been included in any deal &mdash; neither the wounded soldiers nor the bodies of soldiers, including Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held there for 10 and a half years,&rdquo; she said at a demonstration, according to The Times of Israel.
&ldquo;We demand from the Israeli government that in the next release of hostages, the soldiers will be returned &mdash; not because of US citizenship,&rdquo; she said, referring to soldier hostage Edan Alexander, who is a dual Israeli-American citizen, &ldquo;but because of their blue-and-white citizenship. They belong in Israel and need to be returned here.&rdquo;
<h2>'He cried when I showed him the video'</h2>
Matan&rsquo;s father, Hagai Angrest, compared US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff's reaction to that of Netanyahu, saying that the Donald Trump adviser "cried" on watching the video of lynching that Matan went through on the day he was abducted.
&ldquo;He cried when I showed him the video of the lynching that Matan went through on the day of his abduction,&rdquo; Hagai said, referring to Witkoff.
&ldquo;We know that Matan has also gone through aggressive interrogations, with electric shocks, but when we spoke with Netanyahu, he didn&rsquo;t even know that Matan was wounded,&rdquo; he said.

World news: Banners featuring hostage Elkana Bohbot's picture conveyed a sense of urgency, coming just a day after Hamas released an undated and edited video of him, fueling concerns for his safety and the safety of other Israeli hostages.

The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, on Sunday (Apr 20), staged a protest near the border, calling for a deal to secure the release of the 59 hostages believed to still be in Hamas' captivity. The families of the hostages used a stack of speakers pointed towards the besieged Palestinian enclave and shouted messages of love and support, holding onto the slim hope that their loved ones might hear them. Hostage Bar Kupershtein's father, Tal Kupershtein, who struggled to speak due to a medical condition, also shouted the name of his son. Banners featuring hostage Elkana Bohbot's picture conveyed a sense of urgency, coming just a day after Hamas released an undated and edited video of him, fueling concerns for his safety and the safety of other Israeli hostages. Hostage Nimrod Cohen's mother, Vicky Cohen said that the families gathered at the border, beg the Israeli government to stop the war and bring the ones held captive home. “I'm here in Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border of Gaza. To shout to Nimrod, maybe my voice will enter the tunnels and he will hear me. I want to tell him how much I love him and I miss him and we are waiting for him. We will do everything to bring him back home. I miss him so much and I feel so worried and upset to be here and to beg to our government to stop the war and to bring all of the hostages back home, this is what they need to do now,” Cohen said. The families of hostages are gathered at the Gaza border, calling out to their loved ones who have been held captive by Hamas for 562 days. Imagine how unbearably painful it must be to know your child is in hell, just a few hours away by car, yet you’re unable to go and bring… pic.twitter.com/PhlZNxzujn — Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) April 20, 2025 Hostages' parents express frustration over Netanyahu's 'lack of efforts' Earlier, the parents of two hostages, on Tuesday (Apr 15), expressed their frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that the Israeli Prime Minister wasn't doing enough to secure the release of their sons from Hamas' captivity. One father even compared Netanyahu's apparent lack of effort to the more emotionally invested approach of US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Twenty-two-year-old soldier Matan Angrest was abducted from a burning tank while battling militants on October 7, 2023, whereas 24-year-old civilian musician Alon Ohel was kidnapped from the Nova music festival. They have both been held captive by Hamas for nearly 500 days and were not released in previous sets of hostage releases. Matan's mother, Anat Angrest, wore her son’s army uniform on Tuesday and said that "the prime minister of Israel isn’t fighting for him.” “I’m wearing his uniform to call attention to the fact that the soldiers haven’t been included in any deal — neither the wounded soldiers nor the bodies of soldiers, including Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held there for 10 and a half years,” she said at a demonstration, according to The Times of Israel. “We demand from the Israeli government that in the next release of hostages, the soldiers will be returned — not because of US citizenship,” she said, referring to soldier hostage Edan Alexander, who is a dual Israeli-American citizen, “but because of their blue-and-white citizenship. They belong in Israel and need to be returned here.” 'He cried when I showed him the video' Matan’s father, Hagai Angrest, compared US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff's reaction to that of Netanyahu, saying that the Donald Trump adviser "cried" on watching the video of lynching that Matan went through on the day he was abducted. “He cried when I showed him the video of the lynching that Matan went through on the day of his abduction,” Hagai said, referring to Witkoff. “We know that Matan has also gone through aggressive interrogations, with electric shocks, but when we spoke with Netanyahu, he didn’t even know that Matan was wounded,” he said.

'Beg our government to stop war': Families of hostages take to Gaza border, plead for safe return of loved ones

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), on Sunday (Apr 20), acknowledged a failure in reporting an incident where its troops killed 15 Gaza medics and rescuers last month.&nbsp;
Taking disciplinary action, the army is dismissing the commander in charge at the time of the incident.&nbsp;
"The examination identified several professional failures, breaches of orders, and a failure to fully report the incident," the army said in a summary of the probe, adding a deputy commander "will be dismissed from his position due to his responsibilities as the field commander... and for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief".
The military further said that the investigation into the killing of the medics last month found that six of the victims were Hamas militants and expressed grief over the loss of civilian lives in the incident.
"Fifteen Palestinians were killed, six of whom were identified in a retrospective examination as Hamas terrorists," the army said, referring to the incident on March 23. "The IDF (military) regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians," it added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-backtracks-on-account-of-killing-15-palestinian-medics-in-gaza-admits-mistake-8935734">Also read: Israeli army backtracks on account of killing 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza, admits 'mistake'</a>
<h2>Incident 'under thorough examination'</h2>
Initially, Israeli forces stated they opened fire because the medics' vehicles were advancing suspiciously without headlights or emergency signals. However, video evidence obtained from a phone found in the pocket of one of the slain medics shows the vehicles had their emergency lights flashing and logos clearly visible before coming under fire, according to the Associated Press.
An Israeli army official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, earlier this month, said that the account was "mistaken".
The video showed the Red Crescent and Civil Defense teams driving at a slow speed with their logos visible, emergency lights flashing as they pulled up to assist an ambulance that had earlier come under fire.
Following this, their vehicles immediately come under attack, continuing for over five minutes. In the footage, the owner can be heard praying.
&ldquo;Forgive me, mother. This is the path I chose, mother, to help people,&rdquo; he cried, with his voice weak.
Eight Red Crescent personnel, six Civil Defense workers and a UN staffer were killed by Israeli armed forces in the shooting that took place before dawn on March 23 in Tel al-Sultan, a district of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society's vice president, Marwan Jilani, said that the phone with the video in question was found in the pocket of one of its slain staffers, according to the Associated Press.
Earlier, the Israeli military, on being asked about the video, said that the incident was &ldquo;under thorough examination.&rdquo;

World news: The Israeli military said that the investigation into the killing of the medics last month found that six of the victims were Hamas militants and expressed grief over the loss of civilian lives in the incident.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), on Sunday (Apr 20), acknowledged a failure in reporting an incident where its troops killed 15 Gaza medics and rescuers last month. Taking disciplinary action, the army is dismissing the commander in charge at the time of the incident. "The examination identified several professional failures, breaches of orders, and a failure to fully report the incident," the army said in a summary of the probe, adding a deputy commander "will be dismissed from his position due to his responsibilities as the field commander... and for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief". The military further said that the investigation into the killing of the medics last month found that six of the victims were Hamas militants and expressed grief over the loss of civilian lives in the incident. "Fifteen Palestinians were killed, six of whom were identified in a retrospective examination as Hamas terrorists," the army said, referring to the incident on March 23. "The IDF (military) regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians," it added. Also read: Israeli army backtracks on account of killing 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza, admits 'mistake' Incident 'under thorough examination' Initially, Israeli forces stated they opened fire because the medics' vehicles were advancing suspiciously without headlights or emergency signals. However, video evidence obtained from a phone found in the pocket of one of the slain medics shows the vehicles had their emergency lights flashing and logos clearly visible before coming under fire, according to the Associated Press. An Israeli army official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, earlier this month, said that the account was "mistaken". The video showed the Red Crescent and Civil Defense teams driving at a slow speed with their logos visible, emergency lights flashing as they pulled up to assist an ambulance that had earlier come under fire. Following this, their vehicles immediately come under attack, continuing for over five minutes. In the footage, the owner can be heard praying. “Forgive me, mother. This is the path I chose, mother, to help people,” he cried, with his voice weak. Eight Red Crescent personnel, six Civil Defense workers and a UN staffer were killed by Israeli armed forces in the shooting that took place before dawn on March 23 in Tel al-Sultan, a district of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society's vice president, Marwan Jilani, said that the phone with the video in question was found in the pocket of one of its slain staffers, according to the Associated Press. Earlier, the Israeli military, on being asked about the video, said that the incident was “under thorough examination.”

Israeli military accepts 'failure in fully' reporting on Gaza medics' killing

Russia and Ukraine on Sunday (Ap 20) accused each other of violating the fragile 30-hour Easter truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day.
<h2>He said, she said?</h2>
On one hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces continued to shell positions and launch drone attacks despite the supposed halt in hostilities, calling it a "false ceasefire." He reported 387 instances of shelling and 290 drone strikes in the first six hours alone.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-accuses-russia-of-trying-to-create-an-impression-of-a-ceasefire-in-latest-jibe-8981806">Zelensky accuses Russia of 'trying to create an impression of a ceasefire&rsquo;</a>
Russia, meanwhile, claimed that it was Kyiv which violated the ceasefire. Moscow's defence ministry, as per AFP, insisted it had adhered to the ceasefire, but that it "repelled" repeated attacks, including drone strikes and artillery fire by Ukrainian forces.
The alleged strikes caused civilian casualties, it said, adding that "despite the announcement of the Easter truce, Ukrainian units at night made attempts to attack" its positions in the Donetsk region.&nbsp;
<h2>Zelensky wants to extend ceasefire</h2>
Even as he said that Ukraine would respond "symmetrically" to any Russian attacks, the president of the war-torn nation proposed extending the truce by 30 days.
"30 days could give peace a chance," he said while urging Russia to fully comply.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-dismisses-vladimir-putins-easter-truce-labels-it-another-attempt-to-play-with-human-lives-russia-ukraine-war-8980598">Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives'</a>
"Russia must fully comply with the conditions of the ceasefire. Ukraine's proposal to implement and extend the ceasefire for 30 days after midnight tonight remains on the table," Zelensky's said on Sunday.
Putin had announced the truce from Saturday evening until midnight Sunday for "humanitarian reasons" but said Russian forces "must be ready to resist possible breaches of the truce and provocations by the enemy".
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2004_WION_KYIV_3PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2004_WION_KYIV_3PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=149&amp;tags=Russia, Ukraine, World News, WION" title="Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine issues air-raid warnings across east" id="PL_iframe_block-m9pn2u8s-n27g3kq1-ttymoe9u"></iframe>
This attempt marks the third failed truce effort during major religious holidays since the Russia Ukraine war began in 2022. Previously, similar truces were proposed for Easter in April 2022 and Orthodox Christmas in January 2023, but were not implemented after both sides failed to agree on them.

Trending | World | Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating the Easter truce, marking the third failed ceasefire during religious holidays since the conflict began in 2022.

Russia and Ukraine on Sunday (Ap 20) accused each other of violating the fragile 30-hour Easter truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day. He said, she said? On one hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces continued to shell positions and launch drone attacks despite the supposed halt in hostilities, calling it a "false ceasefire." He reported 387 instances of shelling and 290 drone strikes in the first six hours alone. Also read | Zelensky accuses Russia of 'trying to create an impression of a ceasefire’ Russia, meanwhile, claimed that it was Kyiv which violated the ceasefire. Moscow's defence ministry, as per AFP, insisted it had adhered to the ceasefire, but that it "repelled" repeated attacks, including drone strikes and artillery fire by Ukrainian forces. The alleged strikes caused civilian casualties, it said, adding that "despite the announcement of the Easter truce, Ukrainian units at night made attempts to attack" its positions in the Donetsk region. Zelensky wants to extend ceasefire Even as he said that Ukraine would respond "symmetrically" to any Russian attacks, the president of the war-torn nation proposed extending the truce by 30 days. "30 days could give peace a chance," he said while urging Russia to fully comply. Also read | Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives' "Russia must fully comply with the conditions of the ceasefire. Ukraine's proposal to implement and extend the ceasefire for 30 days after midnight tonight remains on the table," Zelensky's said on Sunday. Putin had announced the truce from Saturday evening until midnight Sunday for "humanitarian reasons" but said Russian forces "must be ready to resist possible breaches of the truce and provocations by the enemy". This attempt marks the third failed truce effort during major religious holidays since the Russia Ukraine war began in 2022. Previously, similar truces were proposed for Easter in April 2022 and Orthodox Christmas in January 2023, but were not implemented after both sides failed to agree on them.

Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of violating Putin's Easter truce; third religious holiday ceasefire failure in three years?

China, in a move to dominate the future of aerial warfare, recently unveiled two sixth-generation stealth fighter prototypes.&nbsp;
These advanced aircraft, believed to be developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, showcase Beijing's growing ambitions in military aviation.
The first jet, a new stealth fighter prototype, likely the J-36, was spotted flying over Chengdu on December 26. Developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, this advanced jet features a unique tailless design and a rare three-engine configuration
On the same day, another prototype, possibly called the J-50, was spotted near a Shenyang Aircraft Corporation plant in northern China. This jet features distinctive V-shaped wings and twin engines
Analysts believe China's recent stealth fighter test flights send a strong message that the country is rapidly closing the technology gap with the United States.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9pmwswp-mz4xunmm-3eei69ln">
J-36 <a href="https://t.co/PJ1Thqt4tZ">pic.twitter.com/PJ1Thqt4tZ</a>
&mdash; Sweet Clay (@Clay_PLAPAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Clay_PLAPAP/status/1909137360706843026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Key features of China's sixth-generation fighters:</h2>
- Advanced Stealth Capabilities: Reduced radar and infrared signatures to evade detection - Artificial Intelligence Integration: AI-driven systems for enhanced pilot assistance or autonomous operations - Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Coordination with drone swarms for collaborative missions - Enhanced Range and Payload: Variable-cycle engines for extended missions and heavy payloads - Electronic Warfare Dominance: Superior capabilities to disrupt enemy systems
Military aviation expert David Cenciotti, a former Italian Air Force officer, analysed a six-second video of China's new stealth fighter prototype, likely the J-36. On his website, The Aviationist, Cenciotti noted that the brief footage provides a detailed look at the aircraft's design, offering valuable insights into China's advancements in stealth technology.
&ldquo;The trijet engine arrangement, with two engine intakes under the wings and a dorsally-mounted intake behind the cockpit, is a departure from conventional twin-engine setups seen in many contemporary fighters. This configuration may offer advantages in terms of thrust and redundancy,&rdquo; Cenciotti wrote.
"What is perhaps more interesting is that China decided to make these test flights public, and the timing of those releases," Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centre, told the South China Morning Post. "Coming on the heels of [Donald] Trump's re-election win, these public demonstrations seem an attempt to signal to Washington that China is a modern military power."

World news: Military aviation expert David Cenciotti, a former Italian Air Force officer, analysed a six-second video of China's new stealth fighter prototype, likely the J-36.

China, in a move to dominate the future of aerial warfare, recently unveiled two sixth-generation stealth fighter prototypes. These advanced aircraft, believed to be developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, showcase Beijing's growing ambitions in military aviation. The first jet, a new stealth fighter prototype, likely the J-36, was spotted flying over Chengdu on December 26. Developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, this advanced jet features a unique tailless design and a rare three-engine configuration On the same day, another prototype, possibly called the J-50, was spotted near a Shenyang Aircraft Corporation plant in northern China. This jet features distinctive V-shaped wings and twin engines Analysts believe China's recent stealth fighter test flights send a strong message that the country is rapidly closing the technology gap with the United States. J-36 pic.twitter.com/PJ1Thqt4tZ — Sweet Clay (@Clay_PLAPAP) April 7, 2025 Key features of China's sixth-generation fighters: - Advanced Stealth Capabilities: Reduced radar and infrared signatures to evade detection - Artificial Intelligence Integration: AI-driven systems for enhanced pilot assistance or autonomous operations - Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Coordination with drone swarms for collaborative missions - Enhanced Range and Payload: Variable-cycle engines for extended missions and heavy payloads - Electronic Warfare Dominance: Superior capabilities to disrupt enemy systems Military aviation expert David Cenciotti, a former Italian Air Force officer, analysed a six-second video of China's new stealth fighter prototype, likely the J-36. On his website, The Aviationist, Cenciotti noted that the brief footage provides a detailed look at the aircraft's design, offering valuable insights into China's advancements in stealth technology. “The trijet engine arrangement, with two engine intakes under the wings and a dorsally-mounted intake behind the cockpit, is a departure from conventional twin-engine setups seen in many contemporary fighters. This configuration may offer advantages in terms of thrust and redundancy,” Cenciotti wrote. "What is perhaps more interesting is that China decided to make these test flights public, and the timing of those releases," Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centre, told the South China Morning Post. "Coming on the heels of [Donald] Trump's re-election win, these public demonstrations seem an attempt to signal to Washington that China is a modern military power."

Three engines, no tail: New video showing China’s mysterious tailless, triple-engine fighter jet fuels speculation

A Hindu minister in Pakistan, Kheal Das Kohistani, was attacked in Sindh by protesters opposing the government&rsquo;s irrigation canal projects. Kheal Das Kohistani, a state minister for religious affairs in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s cabinet, was attacked with tomatoes and potatoes in Sindh on Saturday by protesters opposing the federal government&rsquo;s proposed canal projects, which critics say will reduce the southern province&rsquo;s share of irrigation water.&nbsp;
A group of demonstrators in the Thatta district had targeted Kohistani, who luckily was not harmed. The assault on the minister amid rising tensions over the Green Pakistan Initiative was condemned by both federal and provincial authorities.&nbsp;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a> PM Shehbaz Sharif termed the assault on Kohistani &ldquo;unacceptable&rdquo; and assured of &ldquo;a thorough investigation&rdquo; into the incident.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The attack on public representatives is unacceptable. The persons involved in the incident would be given exemplary punishment,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
Federal information minister Atta Tarar also condemned the attack and sought a report from the Sindh Inspector General of Police and the federal interior secretary.&nbsp;
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah instructed Hyderabad&rsquo;s deputy inspector general to arrest the culprits immediately and issued a strict warning to those taking the law into their own hands.&nbsp;
Kohistani, a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), hails from Sindh&rsquo;s Jamshoro district and won his first election to parliament in 2018. He returned to the National Assembly in 2024 and was appointed as a state minister.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-dismisses-vladimir-putins-easter-truce-labels-it-another-attempt-to-play-with-human-lives-russia-ukraine-war-8980598" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives'</a>
The protestors shouted slogans against the PML-N-led federal government, accusing it of threatening Sindh&rsquo;s agricultural livelihood. They are against the controversial canal projects in Punjab under the Green Pakistan Initiative, supported by the federal government, Punjab authorities, and the military. The federal government&rsquo;s proposal includes the construction of six new canals in the Punjab province to irrigate land in the Cholistan region.&nbsp;
Those opposing the canal project contend that it will cut downriver water flow to Sindh and further worsen irrigation issues in the province.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-greets-crowds-delegates-easter-mass-service-to-high-ranking-cardinal-8982447">Pope Francis greets crowds, delegates Easter Mass service to high-ranking cardinal</a> Political tensions flared up after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a strong warning to the PML-N at a rally in Hyderabad. He said the PPP would withdraw support from the federal government if the canal plan wasn&rsquo;t shelved.&nbsp; Reacting to the threat, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif directed the federal government to initiate talks with the PPP to resolve the dispute amicably.&nbsp; Rana Sanaullah, a senior PML-N leader and adviser to the prime minister, later stated, &ldquo;Politics should not be played over the issue of water. Matters must be resolved through dialogue.&rdquo;&nbsp; He reiterated that the 1991 Water Accord and 1992 IRSA Act protect interprovincial water rights.
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&nbsp;

World | Pakistan: Kheal Das Kohistani, state minister for religious affairs, was attacked in Sindh on Saturday by protesters opposing the federal government’s proposed canal projects, which they say will reduce their share of irrigation water.

A Hindu minister in Pakistan, Kheal Das Kohistani, was attacked in Sindh by protesters opposing the government’s irrigation canal projects. Kheal Das Kohistani, a state minister for religious affairs in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet, was attacked with tomatoes and potatoes in Sindh on Saturday by protesters opposing the federal government’s proposed canal projects, which critics say will reduce the southern province’s share of irrigation water. A group of demonstrators in the Thatta district had targeted Kohistani, who luckily was not harmed. The assault on the minister amid rising tensions over the Green Pakistan Initiative was condemned by both federal and provincial authorities. Also Read | Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting PM Shehbaz Sharif termed the assault on Kohistani “unacceptable” and assured of “a thorough investigation” into the incident. “The attack on public representatives is unacceptable. The persons involved in the incident would be given exemplary punishment,” he said. Federal information minister Atta Tarar also condemned the attack and sought a report from the Sindh Inspector General of Police and the federal interior secretary. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah instructed Hyderabad’s deputy inspector general to arrest the culprits immediately and issued a strict warning to those taking the law into their own hands. Kohistani, a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), hails from Sindh’s Jamshoro district and won his first election to parliament in 2018. He returned to the National Assembly in 2024 and was appointed as a state minister. Also read: Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives' The protestors shouted slogans against the PML-N-led federal government, accusing it of threatening Sindh’s agricultural livelihood. They are against the controversial canal projects in Punjab under the Green Pakistan Initiative, supported by the federal government, Punjab authorities, and the military. The federal government’s proposal includes the construction of six new canals in the Punjab province to irrigate land in the Cholistan region. Those opposing the canal project contend that it will cut downriver water flow to Sindh and further worsen irrigation issues in the province. Also Read | Pope Francis greets crowds, delegates Easter Mass service to high-ranking cardinal Political tensions flared up after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a strong warning to the PML-N at a rally in Hyderabad. He said the PPP would withdraw support from the federal government if the canal plan wasn’t shelved. Reacting to the threat, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif directed the federal government to initiate talks with the PPP to resolve the dispute amicably. Rana Sanaullah, a senior PML-N leader and adviser to the prime minister, later stated, “Politics should not be played over the issue of water. Matters must be resolved through dialogue.” He reiterated that the 1991 Water Accord and 1992 IRSA Act protect interprovincial water rights.

Hindu minister in Pakistan attacked during protest in Sindh; govt vows probe, action

Qatar's chief negotiator voiced frustration over talks for a truce in Gaza in an interview with AFP, a month after Israel resumed its strikes on the Palestinian territory and another round of negotiations ended without a deal.
"We're definitely frustrated by the slowness, sometimes, of the process in the negotiation. This is an urgent matter. There are lives at stake here if this military operation continues day by day," Mohammed Al-Khulaifi said on Friday.
Qatar, with the United States and Egypt, brokered a truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas which came into force on January 19 and largely halted over a year of war triggered by Palestinian militants' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The initial phase of the truce ended in early March, with the two sides unable to agree on the next steps.
Hamas has insisted that negotiations be held for a second phase to the truce, leading to a permanent end to the war, as outlined in the January framework.
Israel, which had called for an extension to the opening phase, resumed air and ground attacks across the Gaza Strip on March 18 after earlier halting the entry of aid.
Late on Thursday, Hamas signalled the group would not accept Israel's newest proposal for a 45-day ceasefire. Israel had wanted the release of 10 living hostages held by the Palestinian group, the militant group said.
<h2>'Noise' </h2>
"We've been working continuously in the last days to try to bring the parties together and revive the agreement that has been endorsed by the two sides," the Qatari minister of state said.
"And we will remain committed to this, in spite of the difficulties," he added.
During the long mediation process, Qatar has been the target of direct criticism from Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At least two of Netanyahu's aides are suspected of receiving payments from the Qatari government to promote Doha's interests in Israel, prompting an Israeli criminal probe. Qatar has dismissed the attacks as a "smear campaign".
Earlier in March, an investigation by Israel's domestic security agency attributed funds from the Gulf state to an increase in Hamas's military strength before the October 7 attack. Qatar has rebuffed the accusation as "false".
"We've been receiving those types of criticism and negative comments since the early times of our involvement," Al-Khulaifi said.
"Critiques without any context, such as the ones that we keep hearing from Netanyahu himself, are often just noise," he added.
Al-Khulaifi rejected recent remarks from Netanyahu to the US-based evangelical Christian channel Daystar that Qatar had promoted "anti-Americanism and anti-Zionism" on US college campuses.
<h2>'De-escalation' </h2>
"His claims about Qatar's educational partnerships have been repeatedly disproven. Everything we do is transparent," the Qatari official added.
Qatar, with Al-Khulaifi as its lead negotiator, has emerged as a facilitator in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has flared in recent months, with the armed M23 group making a series of rapid gains in the country's resource-rich east.
In early March, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, who is accused of backing the M23, held surprise meetings in Doha and later expressed their support for a ceasefire.
"This meeting happened to really find a pathway towards de-escalation and more of an agreement on an implementation mechanism," Al-Khulaifi said.
"We've managed to create this flexible line of communication between the two sides, and we're hoping there are more successes than you can hear within the next days," the Qatari minister added.
Al-Khulaifi said following the meetings between the leaders that Qatar had convinced the M23, Rwanda and the DRC to "de-escalate" near the strategic mining hub of Walikale.
This allowed "a process of withdrawing from Walikale to the eastern sides, to Goma. That movement by itself was, in our view, a positive development," he added, referring to the M23-held capital of DR Congo's North Kivu Province.
Al-Khulaifi said the United States had been "a reliable partner" in DR Congo and he hoped to discuss the conflict with the US envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos, in Washington in the coming days.
In the United States, Khulaifi said he would also raise the issue of ongoing sanctions on Syria following the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad.
Along with Qatari funding for gas supplies to Syria, Qatar is discussing with regional partners an increase in public sector salaries in the country.
"We're discussing it very closely with our US colleagues to see, how can we move on within this project," Al-Khulaifi said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Qatar's chief negotiator, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, expresses frustration over the slow pace of Gaza truce talks, stressing the urgency due to ongoing military operations.

Qatar's chief negotiator voiced frustration over talks for a truce in Gaza in an interview with AFP, a month after Israel resumed its strikes on the Palestinian territory and another round of negotiations ended without a deal. "We're definitely frustrated by the slowness, sometimes, of the process in the negotiation. This is an urgent matter. There are lives at stake here if this military operation continues day by day," Mohammed Al-Khulaifi said on Friday. Qatar, with the United States and Egypt, brokered a truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas which came into force on January 19 and largely halted over a year of war triggered by Palestinian militants' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The initial phase of the truce ended in early March, with the two sides unable to agree on the next steps. Hamas has insisted that negotiations be held for a second phase to the truce, leading to a permanent end to the war, as outlined in the January framework. Israel, which had called for an extension to the opening phase, resumed air and ground attacks across the Gaza Strip on March 18 after earlier halting the entry of aid. Late on Thursday, Hamas signalled the group would not accept Israel's newest proposal for a 45-day ceasefire. Israel had wanted the release of 10 living hostages held by the Palestinian group, the militant group said. 'Noise' "We've been working continuously in the last days to try to bring the parties together and revive the agreement that has been endorsed by the two sides," the Qatari minister of state said. "And we will remain committed to this, in spite of the difficulties," he added. During the long mediation process, Qatar has been the target of direct criticism from Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At least two of Netanyahu's aides are suspected of receiving payments from the Qatari government to promote Doha's interests in Israel, prompting an Israeli criminal probe. Qatar has dismissed the attacks as a "smear campaign". Earlier in March, an investigation by Israel's domestic security agency attributed funds from the Gulf state to an increase in Hamas's military strength before the October 7 attack. Qatar has rebuffed the accusation as "false". "We've been receiving those types of criticism and negative comments since the early times of our involvement," Al-Khulaifi said. "Critiques without any context, such as the ones that we keep hearing from Netanyahu himself, are often just noise," he added. Al-Khulaifi rejected recent remarks from Netanyahu to the US-based evangelical Christian channel Daystar that Qatar had promoted "anti-Americanism and anti-Zionism" on US college campuses. 'De-escalation' "His claims about Qatar's educational partnerships have been repeatedly disproven. Everything we do is transparent," the Qatari official added. Qatar, with Al-Khulaifi as its lead negotiator, has emerged as a facilitator in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has flared in recent months, with the armed M23 group making a series of rapid gains in the country's resource-rich east. In early March, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, who is accused of backing the M23, held surprise meetings in Doha and later expressed their support for a ceasefire. "This meeting happened to really find a pathway towards de-escalation and more of an agreement on an implementation mechanism," Al-Khulaifi said. "We've managed to create this flexible line of communication between the two sides, and we're hoping there are more successes than you can hear within the next days," the Qatari minister added. Al-Khulaifi said following the meetings between the leaders that Qatar had convinced the M23, Rwanda and the DRC to "de-escalate" near the strategic mining hub of Walikale. This allowed "a process of withdrawing from Walikale to the eastern sides, to Goma. That movement by itself was, in our view, a positive development," he added, referring to the M23-held capital of DR Congo's North Kivu Province. Al-Khulaifi said the United States had been "a reliable partner" in DR Congo and he hoped to discuss the conflict with the US envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos, in Washington in the coming days. In the United States, Khulaifi said he would also raise the issue of ongoing sanctions on Syria following the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad. Along with Qatari funding for gas supplies to Syria, Qatar is discussing with regional partners an increase in public sector salaries in the country. "We're discussing it very closely with our US colleagues to see, how can we move on within this project," Al-Khulaifi said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel-Hamas war: Qatar's chief negotiator says 'frustrated' by pace of Gaza talks

Pope Francis made a brief appearance for Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican&rsquo;s St. Peter&rsquo;s Square, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from a serious bout of double pneumonia that led to an extended stay in the hospital. The pope had been expected to deliver the &lsquo;Urbi et Orbi&rsquo; blessing from a balcony, but that role was passed to another cardinal. Francis had delegated the reading of his Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica. Ahead of Sunday&rsquo;s event, the Vatican&rsquo;s press service said that Pope Francis would likely be present at the open-air service but that his participation would depend on his health. The Easter Mass commemorates the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. An hour after Cardinal Comastri presided over the Mass in front of tens of thousands of Catholic Church followers, Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica to the delight of the crowd.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a> Francis, the leader of the world&rsquo;s more than 1.4 billion Catholics, missed most of the Holy Week events for the first time since his election in 2013. He delegated his duties at Friday&rsquo;s Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum and Saturday&rsquo;s Easter vigil at Saint Peter&rsquo;s Basilica to cardinals. He also missed the traditional foot-washing ritual on Thursday, which is meant to imitate Jesus Christ washing his disciples&rsquo; feet.
The pontiff had left Rome&rsquo;s Gemelli Hospital four weeks ago after spending more than a month in the hospital, but doctors say he still needs more time to recover following his life-threatening illness. The pope&rsquo;s voice remains weak, but he has appeared in public twice over the last week without the nasal cannula that delivered oxygen, signifying an improvement in breathing.
<h2>Jubilee Year&nbsp;</h2>
The Easter festival holds even more significance this year because the Catholic Church has declared 2025 a Jubilee or holy year, when pilgrims are encouraged to travel to Rome and pass through the doors of the four major basilicas &mdash; St. Peter&rsquo;s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in Rome for Easter mass during this special jubilee year, which takes place every 25 years and sees millions of pilgrims descend on the city.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-dismisses-vladimir-putins-easter-truce-labels-it-another-attempt-to-play-with-human-lives-russia-ukraine-war-8980598" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives'</a> The jubilee year kicked off with the Pope opening the usually bricked-up Holy Door at St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica on 24 December. Catholics believe passing through the door will relieve them of their sins.
As per estimates, there are 1 million visitors in the city this weekend.
<h2>US VP J D Vance meets pope</h2>
US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to the Catholic faith in 2019, is also in the Vatican to attend Easter Mass with his family. Vance briefly met with Francis on Sunday at the Domus Santa Marta to exchange Easter greetings, the Vatican said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9pzbv16-astwsv2q-gqh0pnqo">
Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health. Happy Easter! <a href="https://t.co/SIhU9gYQl2">pic.twitter.com/SIhU9gYQl2</a>
&mdash; Vice President JD Vance (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1913977824739729459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
 The vice president held talks on Saturday with the Vatican&rsquo;s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. &ldquo;The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave the opportunity to exchange greetings on Easter Sunday,&rdquo; wrote the Vatican in a brief statement, saying the encounter took place at the pope&rsquo;s residence shortly before 11:30 local time (930 GMT). The meeting followed a spat between Francis and the Trump administration over its efforts to deport undocumented migrants en masse from the US.

World: Ahead of Sunday’s event, the Vatican’s press service said that Pope Francis would likely be present at the open-air service but that his participation would depend on his health.

Pope Francis made a brief appearance for Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from a serious bout of double pneumonia that led to an extended stay in the hospital. The pope had been expected to deliver the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing from a balcony, but that role was passed to another cardinal. Francis had delegated the reading of his Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. Ahead of Sunday’s event, the Vatican’s press service said that Pope Francis would likely be present at the open-air service but that his participation would depend on his health. The Easter Mass commemorates the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. An hour after Cardinal Comastri presided over the Mass in front of tens of thousands of Catholic Church followers, Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the delight of the crowd. Also Read | Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting Francis, the leader of the world’s more than 1.4 billion Catholics, missed most of the Holy Week events for the first time since his election in 2013. He delegated his duties at Friday’s Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum and Saturday’s Easter vigil at Saint Peter’s Basilica to cardinals. He also missed the traditional foot-washing ritual on Thursday, which is meant to imitate Jesus Christ washing his disciples’ feet. The pontiff had left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital four weeks ago after spending more than a month in the hospital, but doctors say he still needs more time to recover following his life-threatening illness. The pope’s voice remains weak, but he has appeared in public twice over the last week without the nasal cannula that delivered oxygen, signifying an improvement in breathing. Jubilee Year The Easter festival holds even more significance this year because the Catholic Church has declared 2025 a Jubilee or holy year, when pilgrims are encouraged to travel to Rome and pass through the doors of the four major basilicas — St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in Rome for Easter mass during this special jubilee year, which takes place every 25 years and sees millions of pilgrims descend on the city. Also read: Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives' The jubilee year kicked off with the Pope opening the usually bricked-up Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on 24 December. Catholics believe passing through the door will relieve them of their sins. As per estimates, there are 1 million visitors in the city this weekend. US VP J D Vance meets pope US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to the Catholic faith in 2019, is also in the Vatican to attend Easter Mass with his family. Vance briefly met with Francis on Sunday at the Domus Santa Marta to exchange Easter greetings, the Vatican said. Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health. Happy Easter! pic.twitter.com/SIhU9gYQl2 — Vice President JD Vance (@VP) April 20, 2025 The vice president held talks on Saturday with the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. “The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave the opportunity to exchange greetings on Easter Sunday,” wrote the Vatican in a brief statement, saying the encounter took place at the pope’s residence shortly before 11:30 local time (930 GMT). The meeting followed a spat between Francis and the Trump administration over its efforts to deport undocumented migrants en masse from the US.

Pope Francis greets crowds, delegates Easter Mass service to high-ranking cardinal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian President Vladimir Putin of "trying to create an impression of a ceasefire".&nbsp;In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday (April 20), Zelensky said, "In general, as of Easter morning, we can say that the Russian army is trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-easter-truce-kyiv-saw-one-hour-attack-ukrainian-mp-says-putins-announcement-attempt-to-appease-us-8980620">Despite 'Easter truce' Kyiv saw 'one-hour attack': Ukrainian MP says Putin's announcement 'attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;appease&nbsp;US'</a>
"Russia must fully comply with the conditions of the ceasefire. Ukraine&rsquo;s proposal to implement and extend the ceasefire for 30 days after midnight tonight remains on the table. We will act in accordance with the actual situation on the ground," the Ukrainian president added in the post.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-dismisses-vladimir-putins-easter-truce-labels-it-another-attempt-to-play-with-human-lives-russia-ukraine-war-8980598">Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives'</a>
He accused in the post that "Russian forces conducted artillery strikes and used drones".&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9pcfa1l-hq1s883i-gd404bb0">
A report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline as of 6:00 a.m. Across various frontline directions, there have already been 59 cases of Russian shelling and 5 assaults by Russian units. In the sector of the Starobilsk Operational Tactical Group, one combat engagement&hellip;
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1913807239871111169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-us-president-donald-trumps-warning-scare-off-vladimir-putin-heres-how-russian-president-lived-up-to-trumps-easter-truce-promise-ukraine-8980401">Did Trump's warning scare off Putin? Here's how Russian president lived up to Trump's 'Easter truce' promise</a>
"Between 6:00 p.m. yesterday and midnight today, there were 387 instances of shelling and 19 assaults by Russian forces. Drones were used by Russians 290 times," Zelensky said.&nbsp;
On Saturday (April 19), the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, announced the surprise one-day ceasefire, ordering his forces to "stop all military activity" along the front line in the three-year-old war.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tech-absorption-in-indian-army-ai-robotics-quantum-computing-and-advanced-materials-8979264">Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials</a>
&nbsp;

World | Ukrainian President Zelensky noted that despite a general impression of a ceasefire, Russian forces are still making attempts to advance in certain areas, causing concerns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian President Vladimir Putin of "trying to create an impression of a ceasefire". In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday (April 20), Zelensky said, "In general, as of Easter morning, we can say that the Russian army is trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine." Also read: Despite 'Easter truce' Kyiv saw 'one-hour attack': Ukrainian MP says Putin's announcement 'attempt to appease US' "Russia must fully comply with the conditions of the ceasefire. Ukraine’s proposal to implement and extend the ceasefire for 30 days after midnight tonight remains on the table. We will act in accordance with the actual situation on the ground," the Ukrainian president added in the post. Also read: Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives' He accused in the post that "Russian forces conducted artillery strikes and used drones". A report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline as of 6:00 a.m. Across various frontline directions, there have already been 59 cases of Russian shelling and 5 assaults by Russian units. In the sector of the Starobilsk Operational Tactical Group, one combat engagement… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 20, 2025 Also read: Did Trump's warning scare off Putin? Here's how Russian president lived up to Trump's 'Easter truce' promise "Between 6:00 p.m. yesterday and midnight today, there were 387 instances of shelling and 19 assaults by Russian forces. Drones were used by Russians 290 times," Zelensky said. On Saturday (April 19), the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, announced the surprise one-day ceasefire, ordering his forces to "stop all military activity" along the front line in the three-year-old war. Also read: Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials

Zelensky accuses Russia of 'trying to create an impression of a ceasefire’

Minnesota Governor and former VP candidate Tim Walz's daughter, Hope has come under fire from Trump supporters for appearing to compare Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the trump administration 'mistakenly deported' to El Salvador, to Jesus ahead of Easter Sunday.
In a video shared on social media and gone viral now, the 24-year-old said that if Jesus &lsquo;were alive today&rsquo;, President Donald Trump would deport him too.
"If Jesus were alive today and in the United States, this administration would have already taken him and removed him from this country without due process," Hope said in the video adding that the Trump admin would have linked Jesus to the MS-13 gang, too.
Urging people to speak about the deportation issue she further said, "Some people don't want to talk about that. It truly is baffling how clear and laid out everything is and there is still people standing by it. I believe in the good of people and like humanity, humans, you know...deep down at our core, like we care about each other... but that's really being tested. Because how anyone is okay with this is terrifying to me."
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Tim Walz&rsquo;s daughter appears to compare alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Jesus, says Trump would have deported Jesus for being a gang member. I see the apple doesn&rsquo;t fall far from the tree. &ldquo;I believe in the good of people and like humanity, humans you know deep&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/zxjXJmlwFb">pic.twitter.com/zxjXJmlwFb</a>
&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1913599911918211264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Row surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia&nbsp;</h2>
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was 'mistakenly deported' to El Salvador by the Donald Trump administration but White House is now unwilling to bring him back, claiming he is an MS-13 gang member.
Trump Corroborated his claim Friday saying that the 29-year-old's knuckles with Ms-13 tattooed on them proved he is a gang member, though it was later told to be fake. He also brought up a 2019 complaint about him beating his wife.
"This is the hand of the man that the Democrats feel should be brought back to the United States, because he is such "a fine and innocent person", Trump posted.

In a video shared on social media and gone viral now, the 24-year-old said that if Jesus ‘were alive today’, President Donald Trump would deport him too | Trending World

Minnesota Governor and former VP candidate Tim Walz's daughter, Hope has come under fire from Trump supporters for appearing to compare Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the trump administration 'mistakenly deported' to El Salvador, to Jesus ahead of Easter Sunday. In a video shared on social media and gone viral now, the 24-year-old said that if Jesus ‘were alive today’, President Donald Trump would deport him too. "If Jesus were alive today and in the United States, this administration would have already taken him and removed him from this country without due process," Hope said in the video adding that the Trump admin would have linked Jesus to the MS-13 gang, too. Urging people to speak about the deportation issue she further said, "Some people don't want to talk about that. It truly is baffling how clear and laid out everything is and there is still people standing by it. I believe in the good of people and like humanity, humans, you know...deep down at our core, like we care about each other... but that's really being tested. Because how anyone is okay with this is terrifying to me." Tim Walz’s daughter appears to compare alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Jesus, says Trump would have deported Jesus for being a gang member. I see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. “I believe in the good of people and like humanity, humans you know deep… pic.twitter.com/zxjXJmlwFb — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 19, 2025 Row surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia Kilmar Abrego Garcia was 'mistakenly deported' to El Salvador by the Donald Trump administration but White House is now unwilling to bring him back, claiming he is an MS-13 gang member. Trump Corroborated his claim Friday saying that the 29-year-old's knuckles with Ms-13 tattooed on them proved he is a gang member, though it was later told to be fake. He also brought up a 2019 complaint about him beating his wife. "This is the hand of the man that the Democrats feel should be brought back to the United States, because he is such "a fine and innocent person", Trump posted.

If Jesus ‘were alive today’ Trump would have deported him, says Tim Walz's daughter on Kilmar Abrego Garcia row

A gurudwara in Canada's Vancouver was desecrated with pro-Khalistan graffiti on Saturday (April 19), and the management has accused the "extremist forces" of the vandalism.&nbsp;
Vandalisers sprayed pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti on the walls and poles of the Khalsa Diwan Society or KDS gurdwara in Vancouver, better known as the Ross Street gurdwara, Hindustan Times reported.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/happy-passia-responsible-for-terror-attack-in-punjab-arrested-by-fbi-who-is-he-8974935">Happy Passia, accused of collaborating with ISI and Khalistan, arrested by FBI: Who is he?</a>
Taking to the social media platform X, KDS shared photos of the vandalism in which pro-Khalistan slogans were sprayed on walls.&nbsp;
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During Sikh Heritage Month &amp; Khalsa Sanja Diwas - a time for celebration &amp; unity - it is sad to see that elements of extremism continue to rear their ugly heads. Read our press release on the heels of a disturbing act, by cowardly people. Let's stand united against fanaticism🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/J6XwEHsuyA">pic.twitter.com/J6XwEHsuyA</a>
&mdash; Khalsa Diwan Society (@kdsross) <a href="https://twitter.com/kdsross/status/1913704556527255842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-tulsi-gabbard-hours-after-india-raises-concerns-with-us-over-khalistani-terror-8862690">PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard hours after India raises concerns with US over Khalistani terror</a>
"During Sikh Heritage Month &amp; Khalsa Sanja Diwas - a time for celebration &amp; unity - it is sad to see that elements of extremism continue to rear their ugly heads," the post read.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rings-alarm-bells-over-growing-khalistan-issue-to-new-zealand-8862638">India flags growing activities of anti-India Khalistani elements in New Zealand</a>
The organisation also released a statement in which it said, "The act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community."&nbsp;
&ldquo;A small group of Sikh separatists, advocating for Khalistan, defaced our sacred walls with divisive slogans like &lsquo;Khalistan Zindabad&rsquo;," it said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-video-indian-eam-dr-s-jaishankar-faces-security-scare-in-london-pro-khalistani-heckler-attacks-car-tears-indian-flag-8821363">Watch | Indian EAM Dr S Jaishankar faces security breach in London; pro-Khalistani heckler attacks car, tears Indian flag</a>
"Their actions undermine the values of inclusivity, respect and mutual support that are foundational to both Sikkhism and Canadian society. What occurred on April 19th is not only an attack on our Gurudwara but also an assault on the legacy our ancestors built," the statement added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World | India News | A gurudwara in Canada's Vancouver was desecrated with pro-Khalistan graffiti on Saturday (April 19), and the management has accused the "extremist forces" of the vandalism.

A gurudwara in Canada's Vancouver was desecrated with pro-Khalistan graffiti on Saturday (April 19), and the management has accused the "extremist forces" of the vandalism. Vandalisers sprayed pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti on the walls and poles of the Khalsa Diwan Society or KDS gurdwara in Vancouver, better known as the Ross Street gurdwara, Hindustan Times reported. Also read: Happy Passia, accused of collaborating with ISI and Khalistan, arrested by FBI: Who is he? Taking to the social media platform X, KDS shared photos of the vandalism in which pro-Khalistan slogans were sprayed on walls. During Sikh Heritage Month & Khalsa Sanja Diwas - a time for celebration & unity - it is sad to see that elements of extremism continue to rear their ugly heads. Read our press release on the heels of a disturbing act, by cowardly people. Let's stand united against fanaticism🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/J6XwEHsuyA — Khalsa Diwan Society (@kdsross) April 19, 2025 Also read: PM Modi meets Tulsi Gabbard hours after India raises concerns with US over Khalistani terror "During Sikh Heritage Month & Khalsa Sanja Diwas - a time for celebration & unity - it is sad to see that elements of extremism continue to rear their ugly heads," the post read. Also read: India flags growing activities of anti-India Khalistani elements in New Zealand The organisation also released a statement in which it said, "The act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community." “A small group of Sikh separatists, advocating for Khalistan, defaced our sacred walls with divisive slogans like ‘Khalistan Zindabad’," it said. Also read: Watch | Indian EAM Dr S Jaishankar faces security breach in London; pro-Khalistani heckler attacks car, tears Indian flag "Their actions undermine the values of inclusivity, respect and mutual support that are foundational to both Sikkhism and Canadian society. What occurred on April 19th is not only an attack on our Gurudwara but also an assault on the legacy our ancestors built," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Extremist forces' vandalise Gurdwara in Canada's Vancouver with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti

After Donald Trump's deportation saga, three Indian and two Chinese students in the US have sued the Department of Homeland Security and other immigration officials for &ldquo;unilaterally terminating the F-1 student status of hundreds, if not thousands, of international students".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-temporarily-halts-deportations-of-venezuelans-under-wartime-law-8978651">US Supreme Court temporarily halts deportations of Venezuelans under wartime law</a>
'The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of the students before the US District Court in New Hampshire. The lawsuit claimed that the &ldquo;unilateral and unlawful termination&rdquo; of the F-1 status of the petitioners had put them out of lawful student status.&nbsp;
The lawsuit alleged that due to Trump's ongoing deportation crackdown, students are not only facing immigration detention and deportation, but also going through &ldquo;severe financial and academic hardship".&nbsp;
Students alleged that they are facing issues in their academics and are not able to obtain their degrees and work in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme after graduation.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvadors-garcia-healthy-in-first-photo-after-mistaken-deportation-by-trump-heres-the-curious-case-of-the-maryland-man-8975172">El Salvador's Garcia 'healthy' in first photo after 'mistaken' deportation by Trump. Here's the curious case of the Maryland man</a>
<h2>Who are the students?</h2>
Three Indian students: Linkhith Babu Gorrela, Thanuj Kumar Gummadavelli, and Manikanta Pasula are the students are among the petitioners of the lawsuit. Gorrela has claimed in the lawsuit that his graduation date for the master's programme is May 20, and without a valid F-1 student status, he can neither obtain his degree nor participate in the OPT programme.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deportation-of-indian-student-with-less-than-30-days-for-graduation-temporarily-blocked-by-us-judge-8967167">Deportation of Indian student&nbsp;with less than 30 days for graduation temporarily blocked by US judge</a>
Gummadavelli and Pasula have just one semester left before they can complete their Master&rsquo;s degrees, but it now seems uncertain.&nbsp;
Further, two Chinese students, Hangrui Zhang and Haoyang An are among the petitioners who are struggling with similar issues.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-viral-sensation-arshad-chaiwala-not-pakistani-as-passport-id-card-blocked-over-afghan-father-what-to-know-8959336">Pakistan viral sensation Arshad 'chaiwala' is not Pakistani? Passport, ID card blocked, Khan faces deportation for being...</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of the students before the US District Court in New Hampshire.

After Donald Trump's deportation saga, three Indian and two Chinese students in the US have sued the Department of Homeland Security and other immigration officials for “unilaterally terminating the F-1 student status of hundreds, if not thousands, of international students". Also read: US Supreme Court temporarily halts deportations of Venezuelans under wartime law 'The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of the students before the US District Court in New Hampshire. The lawsuit claimed that the “unilateral and unlawful termination” of the F-1 status of the petitioners had put them out of lawful student status. The lawsuit alleged that due to Trump's ongoing deportation crackdown, students are not only facing immigration detention and deportation, but also going through “severe financial and academic hardship". Students alleged that they are facing issues in their academics and are not able to obtain their degrees and work in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme after graduation. Also read: El Salvador's Garcia 'healthy' in first photo after 'mistaken' deportation by Trump. Here's the curious case of the Maryland man Who are the students? Three Indian students: Linkhith Babu Gorrela, Thanuj Kumar Gummadavelli, and Manikanta Pasula are the students are among the petitioners of the lawsuit. Gorrela has claimed in the lawsuit that his graduation date for the master's programme is May 20, and without a valid F-1 student status, he can neither obtain his degree nor participate in the OPT programme. Also read: Deportation of Indian student with less than 30 days for graduation temporarily blocked by US judge Gummadavelli and Pasula have just one semester left before they can complete their Master’s degrees, but it now seems uncertain. Further, two Chinese students, Hangrui Zhang and Haoyang An are among the petitioners who are struggling with similar issues. Also read: Pakistan viral sensation Arshad 'chaiwala' is not Pakistani? Passport, ID card blocked, Khan faces deportation for being... (With inputs from agencies)

5 Indian and Chinese students sue Trump administration for 'unilaterally terminating the F-1 student status'

The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police has submitted a request to the Interpol seeking a red notice against 12 individuals, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a media report said Saturday.
Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5 last year when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League's (AL) 16-year regime.
The NCB processes such requests based on appeals from courts, public prosecutors, or investigating agencies, The Daily Star said, quoting Enamul Haque Sagor, assistant inspector general (media).
Confirming the development, Sagor said at the Police Headquarters: "These applications are filed in connection with allegations that emerge during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings." A red notice is used by Interpol to help locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition or similar legal action. Interpol assists in tracking the whereabouts of fugitives living abroad, and once confirmed, the information is shared with relevant authorities, the newspaper said.
Weeks after Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser of the Interim government on August 8, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide".
In November last year, the Chief Prosecutor's Office of the ICT formally asked the Police Headquarters to seek Interpol's help in arresting Hasina and others identified as fugitives.
On January 21, Bangladesh's interim government said it will continue its efforts to bring deposed Hasina back from India and will seek international intervention if necessary.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The National Central Bureau (NCB) processes such requests based on appeals from courts, public prosecutors, or investigating agencies | World

The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police has submitted a request to the Interpol seeking a red notice against 12 individuals, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a media report said Saturday. Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5 last year when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League's (AL) 16-year regime. The NCB processes such requests based on appeals from courts, public prosecutors, or investigating agencies, The Daily Star said, quoting Enamul Haque Sagor, assistant inspector general (media). Confirming the development, Sagor said at the Police Headquarters: "These applications are filed in connection with allegations that emerge during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings." A red notice is used by Interpol to help locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition or similar legal action. Interpol assists in tracking the whereabouts of fugitives living abroad, and once confirmed, the information is shared with relevant authorities, the newspaper said. Weeks after Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Adviser of the Interim government on August 8, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide". In November last year, the Chief Prosecutor's Office of the ICT formally asked the Police Headquarters to seek Interpol's help in arresting Hasina and others identified as fugitives. On January 21, Bangladesh's interim government said it will continue its efforts to bring deposed Hasina back from India and will seek international intervention if necessary. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bangladesh police seek red corner notice for ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina

Thousands of people took to the streets in London to protest a Supreme Court ruling that defined a woman. The court said that a woman is someone who is assigned female at birth.&nbsp;Activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community held rallies against the definition in support of trans rights.
<h2>Definition of woman&nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-passes-constitutional-amendment-to-limit-rights-of-dual-nationals-ban-lgbtq-events-8962699">Hungary passes constitutional amendment to limit rights of dual nationals, ban LGBTQ events</a>
The Supreme Court issued a ruling on Wednesday (April 16) on major implications for single-sex spaces and services such as toilets, changing rooms, and hospital wards. The court said these services will function "properly only if sex is interpreted as biological sex".&nbsp;
While ruling, the judge said that &ldquo;the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman&rdquo;. In the law, &ldquo;the words &lsquo;sex&rsquo;, &lsquo;woman&rsquo; and &lsquo;man&rsquo; &hellip; mean (and were always intended to mean) biological sex, biological woman and biological man."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-condoms-worth-15mn-for-taliban-to-1mn-for-lgbtq-propaganda-shocking-spending-by-usaid-under-biden-8698860">From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ 'propaganda', 'shocking spending by USAID under Biden</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9p400kb-c79h8chn-65crzz26">
Thousands of people marching for trans rights through London right now. <a href="https://t.co/SURU3vVMnK">pic.twitter.com/SURU3vVMnK</a>
&mdash; cez (@cezthesocialist) <a href="https://twitter.com/cezthesocialist/status/1913597791252730165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
UCU was proud to stand in solidarity at today&rsquo;s emergency protest for trans rights in London. ✊ Today, and every day, UCU stands with the trans community. We will never stop fighting for trans rights and equality. 🏳️&zwj;⚧️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TransRightsAreHumanRights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TransRightsAreHumanRights</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Solidarity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Solidarity</a> <a href="https://t.co/1xelCnSQYn">pic.twitter.com/1xelCnSQYn</a>
&mdash; UCU (@ucu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ucu/status/1913649214036340747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-revises-policies-to-permit-mentally-ill-labels-for-lgbtq-people-8602519">Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people</a>
People from the transgender community said that the ruling is a threat to their identity. Demonstrators were seen holding LGBTQ flags and placards reading: &ldquo;trans women are women&rdquo; and &ldquo;trans rights are human rights.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The London Police have said that multiple statues near the protest area were vandalised, including one of suffragette Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lgbtq-people-across-us-arming-themselves-over-this-concern-under-trump-20-8595775">LGBTQ people across US arming themselves over concern of being placed in concentration camps under Trump 2.0</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Thousands of people took to the streets in London to protest a Supreme Court ruling that defined a woman. The court said that a woman is someone who is assigned female at birth.

Thousands of people took to the streets in London to protest a Supreme Court ruling that defined a woman. The court said that a woman is someone who is assigned female at birth. Activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community held rallies against the definition in support of trans rights. Definition of woman Also read: Hungary passes constitutional amendment to limit rights of dual nationals, ban LGBTQ events The Supreme Court issued a ruling on Wednesday (April 16) on major implications for single-sex spaces and services such as toilets, changing rooms, and hospital wards. The court said these services will function "properly only if sex is interpreted as biological sex". While ruling, the judge said that “the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman”. In the law, “the words ‘sex’, ‘woman’ and ‘man’ … mean (and were always intended to mean) biological sex, biological woman and biological man." Also read: From condoms worth $15mn for Taliban to $1mn for LGBTQ 'propaganda', 'shocking spending by USAID under Biden Thousands of people marching for trans rights through London right now. pic.twitter.com/SURU3vVMnK — cez (@cezthesocialist) April 19, 2025 UCU was proud to stand in solidarity at today’s emergency protest for trans rights in London. ✊ Today, and every day, UCU stands with the trans community. We will never stop fighting for trans rights and equality. 🏳️‍⚧️#TransRightsAreHumanRights #UCU #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/1xelCnSQYn — UCU (@ucu) April 19, 2025 Also read: Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people People from the transgender community said that the ruling is a threat to their identity. Demonstrators were seen holding LGBTQ flags and placards reading: “trans women are women” and “trans rights are human rights.” The London Police have said that multiple statues near the protest area were vandalised, including one of suffragette Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square. Also read: LGBTQ people across US arming themselves over concern of being placed in concentration camps under Trump 2.0 (With inputs from agencies)

Who is 'woman'? Massive protest in UK after Supreme Court's definition of the term

Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister of State for Interior, Tallal Chaudhry, on Saturday, strongly condemned the recent incidents of vandalism at international fast-food outlets in the country and warned that the government would take strict action against the attackers.
Chaudhry told reporters in Faisalabad that the state would deal &ldquo;strictly&rdquo; with anyone involved in damaging public or private property, saying such acts would be treated as &ldquo;no different than a terrorist attack&rdquo;.
Chaudhry made the remark after recent attacks on outlets of international fast-food chains across Sindh and Punjab &mdash; as a form of protest and boycott against Israeli atrocities in Gaza. In one incident, a worker was fatally shot when armed men attacked a restaurant in Sheikhupura on April 14.
Protesters have been urging a boycott of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) chain, claiming it to be a symbol of the US and its ally Israel.
There were at least 20 attacks on KFC outlets across Pakistan in the past week.
Several videos on social media show mobs armed with iron rods entering KFC stores and threatening to burn them down. In Karachi, two KFC stores were set on fire.
A video also shows a man shouting, &ldquo;They are buying bullets with the money you make.&rdquo;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a>
&ldquo;These franchises invest over $100 million in Pakistan, employ more than 25,000 people, pay 100% taxes, and buy from local vendors,&rdquo; said Chaudhry. &ldquo;The entire profit stays in Pakistan. What excuse is there for such attacks?&rdquo;
Chaudhry said, &ldquo;The state has a responsibility to protect the lives and properties, whether they are of Pakistani businesses or foreigners investing here.&rdquo; &ldquo;And any such individual who would attack [such outlets] would be dealt with strictly,&rdquo; Chaudhry asserted.
&ldquo;The recent few attacks on KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken); around 20 such incidents took place in various locations across Pakistan,&rdquo; he stated.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/scientists-stretch-colour-palette-identify-a-new-unseen-hue-name-it-olo-8980038" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scientists stretch colour palette, identify a new, unseen hue, name it &lsquo;olo&rsquo;</a>
He said 145 people were arrested and 12 first information reports (FIRs) were registered over the attacks in Punjab.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The franchise owner is a Pakistani and a Muslim. The entire management of this [food chain] is from Pakistan. Whatever items they use, they buy them from Pakistani vendors, shopkeepers, and markets. [&hellip;] Its entire profit also remains within Pakistan,&rdquo; he added.
Calling investors Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;crown&rdquo;, Chaudhry reiterated that their protection was the government&rsquo;s responsibility and it was fulfilling it.
Such attacks would be dealt with in the &ldquo;same manner as a terrorist attack&rdquo;, he added.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organised-crime-in-canada-worse-than-punjabs-say-kin-of-indian-student-killed-in-ontario-8980479">Organised crime in Canada worse than Punjab&rsquo;s, say kin of Indian student killed in Ontario</a>
The attacks were suspected to be actions under the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, that targets corporations and institutions in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.
The BDS movement targets companies that play a clear and direct role in Israel&rsquo;s crimes by targeted boycotts. People boycott all products and services of companies tied in any way to Israel.
Some companies are targeted by grassroots organic boycott campaigns, not initiated by the BDS movement. However, BDS supports these boycott campaigns as these companies, or their branches or franchisees in Israel openly support Israel and/or provide donations to the Israeli military. BDS thus supports grassroots organic boycott action against McDonald&rsquo;s, Coca-Cola, Burger King, Papa John&rsquo;s, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, and WIX. However, KFC is not on the list.
&nbsp;

World | Pakistan: Chaudhry made the remark after recent attacks on outlets of international fast-food chains across Sindh and Punjab — as a form of protest and boycott against Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Tallal Chaudhry, on Saturday, strongly condemned the recent incidents of vandalism at international fast-food outlets in the country and warned that the government would take strict action against the attackers. Chaudhry told reporters in Faisalabad that the state would deal “strictly” with anyone involved in damaging public or private property, saying such acts would be treated as “no different than a terrorist attack”. Chaudhry made the remark after recent attacks on outlets of international fast-food chains across Sindh and Punjab — as a form of protest and boycott against Israeli atrocities in Gaza. In one incident, a worker was fatally shot when armed men attacked a restaurant in Sheikhupura on April 14. Protesters have been urging a boycott of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) chain, claiming it to be a symbol of the US and its ally Israel. There were at least 20 attacks on KFC outlets across Pakistan in the past week. Several videos on social media show mobs armed with iron rods entering KFC stores and threatening to burn them down. In Karachi, two KFC stores were set on fire. A video also shows a man shouting, “They are buying bullets with the money you make.” Also Read | Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting “These franchises invest over $100 million in Pakistan, employ more than 25,000 people, pay 100% taxes, and buy from local vendors,” said Chaudhry. “The entire profit stays in Pakistan. What excuse is there for such attacks?” Chaudhry said, “The state has a responsibility to protect the lives and properties, whether they are of Pakistani businesses or foreigners investing here.” “And any such individual who would attack [such outlets] would be dealt with strictly,” Chaudhry asserted. “The recent few attacks on KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken); around 20 such incidents took place in various locations across Pakistan,” he stated. Also Read | Scientists stretch colour palette, identify a new, unseen hue, name it ‘olo’ He said 145 people were arrested and 12 first information reports (FIRs) were registered over the attacks in Punjab. “The franchise owner is a Pakistani and a Muslim. The entire management of this [food chain] is from Pakistan. Whatever items they use, they buy them from Pakistani vendors, shopkeepers, and markets. […] Its entire profit also remains within Pakistan,” he added. Calling investors Pakistan’s “crown”, Chaudhry reiterated that their protection was the government’s responsibility and it was fulfilling it. Such attacks would be dealt with in the “same manner as a terrorist attack”, he added. Also Read | Organised crime in Canada worse than Punjab’s, say kin of Indian student killed in Ontario The attacks were suspected to be actions under the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, that targets corporations and institutions in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. The BDS movement targets companies that play a clear and direct role in Israel’s crimes by targeted boycotts. People boycott all products and services of companies tied in any way to Israel. Some companies are targeted by grassroots organic boycott campaigns, not initiated by the BDS movement. However, BDS supports these boycott campaigns as these companies, or their branches or franchisees in Israel openly support Israel and/or provide donations to the Israeli military. BDS thus supports grassroots organic boycott action against McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Burger King, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, and WIX. However, KFC is not on the list.

Pak minister condemns vandalism of fast-food outlets, warns attackers of strict action

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin announced "Easter truce" in the ongoing Ukraine war, a Kyiv-based MP said that air raid sirens sounded in the Ukrainian capital.&nbsp;
MP Lisa Yasko said that the drones were entering Kyiv, adding that the city witnessed a "one-hour" attack.&nbsp;
"So it doesn't feel like a ceasefire," she told BBC.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-dismisses-vladimir-putins-easter-truce-labels-it-another-attempt-to-play-with-human-lives-russia-ukraine-war-8980598">Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce, labels it 'another attempt to play with human lives'</a>
<h2>"It is like a joke"</h2>
Ukrainian MP Yasko said that even if a ceasefire happens, it is like a joke.&nbsp;"A ceasefire for one day, even if it happens, is like a joke," she told BBC News Channel.
She further suggested that the surprise announcement could be a manoeuvre by Putin to appease the US.&nbsp;
"We need a real ceasefire, with real conditions met by Putin," she added.
Putin on Saturday (April 19) announced an Easter truce, ceasing "all military operations" in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a>
The Russian president, in televised comments, said that the temporary ceasefire will last from 6pm today (4pm UK time) until Monday.
"Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to midnight from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to be stopped for this period," Putin said while speaking to Russian chief of staff Valery Gerasimov.
Reacting to Putin's announcement, Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha said that Putin's words "cannot be trusted", adding that "Russia can agree at any time to the proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire".
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"Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a cease-fire. 30 hours instead of 30 days,&rdquo; Sybiha said. "Unfortunately, we have had a long history of his statements not matching his actions."
However, Sybiha did not give a clear "yes" or "no" to Russia's proposal.&nbsp;
"We want to see Russian forces actually ceasefire in all directions. We also urge all of our partners and the international community to be vigilant," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-us-president-donald-trumps-warning-scare-off-vladimir-putin-heres-how-russian-president-lived-up-to-trumps-easter-truce-promise-ukraine-8980401">Did Trump's warning scare off Putin? Here's how Russian president lived up to Trump's 'Easter truce' promise</a>

Ukrainian MP said that even if a ceasefire happens, it is like a joke. "A ceasefire for one day, even if it happens, is like a joke," she told BBC News Channel. WORLD

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin announced "Easter truce" in the ongoing Ukraine war, a Kyiv-based MP said that air raid sirens sounded in the Ukrainian capital. MP Lisa Yasko said that the drones were entering Kyiv, adding that the city witnessed a "one-hour" attack. "So it doesn't feel like a ceasefire," she told BBC. Also read: Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce, labels it 'another attempt to play with human lives' "It is like a joke" Ukrainian MP Yasko said that even if a ceasefire happens, it is like a joke. "A ceasefire for one day, even if it happens, is like a joke," she told BBC News Channel. She further suggested that the surprise announcement could be a manoeuvre by Putin to appease the US. "We need a real ceasefire, with real conditions met by Putin," she added. Putin on Saturday (April 19) announced an Easter truce, ceasing "all military operations" in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Also read: Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting The Russian president, in televised comments, said that the temporary ceasefire will last from 6pm today (4pm UK time) until Monday. "Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to midnight from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to be stopped for this period," Putin said while speaking to Russian chief of staff Valery Gerasimov. Reacting to Putin's announcement, Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha said that Putin's words "cannot be trusted", adding that "Russia can agree at any time to the proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire". WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Trump threatens to exit talks as global pressure mounts on Zelensky "Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a cease-fire. 30 hours instead of 30 days,” Sybiha said. "Unfortunately, we have had a long history of his statements not matching his actions." However, Sybiha did not give a clear "yes" or "no" to Russia's proposal. "We want to see Russian forces actually ceasefire in all directions. We also urge all of our partners and the international community to be vigilant," he added. Also read: Did Trump's warning scare off Putin? Here's how Russian president lived up to Trump's 'Easter truce' promise

Despite 'Easter truce' Kyiv saw 'one-hour attack': Ukrainian MP says Putin's announcement 'attempt to appease US'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Apr 19) slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed Easter truce, accusing him of trying to "play with human lives".
This comes as Putin earlier on Saturday ordered a 30-hour halt in fighting from 1800 (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight on Sunday, citing "humanitarian reasons."
"We are going on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow our example, while our troops must be ready to resist possible breaches of the truce and provocations by the enemy, any aggressive actions," he added. If implemented, this would be the longest pause in fighting in the three-year war.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-easter-truce-kyiv-saw-one-hour-attack-ukrainian-mp-says-putins-announcement-attempt-to-appease-us-8980620">Despite 'Easter truce' Kyiv saw 'one-hour attack': Ukrainian MP says Putin's announcement 'attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;appease&nbsp;US'</a>
<h2>What did Zelensky say?</h2>
Taking to X, the Ukrainian president claimed: "As for yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives -- at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine"
"Shahed (attack) drones in our skies reveal Putin's true attitude toward Easter and toward human life," he added, without saying if his nation would observe the proposed truce.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a>
<h2>'Actions, not words'</h2>
Ukraine&rsquo;s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga said Kyiv was waiting to see if Russia would follow through.
Taking to social media, he said: "We know his words cannot be trusted, and we will look at actions, not words."
In the frontline city of Kramatorsk, Ukrainian soldiers were similarly sceptical. Putin "might do it to give some hope or to show his humanity. But either way, of course, we don't trust (Russia)," Dmitry, a 40-year-old soldier, told AFP.&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1904_WION_putin_breaking_8pm/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1904_WION_putin_breaking_8pm.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=54&amp;tags=russia, ukraine, war, news, world news, international" title="Russia Has Retaken Over 99% of Kursk Region Territory Seized By Ukraine: Army Chief | Breaking" id="PL_iframe_block-m9ohs6uj-npoolv9s-236vds8x"></iframe>
"These 30 hours will lead to nothing," he claimed, adding "The killings of our people and theirs will 100 percent continue".
Earlier on Saturday, around afternoon, as per AFP, air alerts sounded in Kyiv and across Ukraine. However, they stopped just minutes before the ceasefire was due to begin.
The temporary truce follows months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been urging both sides to agree to a ceasefire. Last month, Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a 30-day halt &mdash; but Russia rejected it.
(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized Putin's proposed Easter truce, calling it a dangerous ploy amidst ongoing conflict, highlighting air raid alerts across Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Apr 19) slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed Easter truce, accusing him of trying to "play with human lives". This comes as Putin earlier on Saturday ordered a 30-hour halt in fighting from 1800 (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight on Sunday, citing "humanitarian reasons." "We are going on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow our example, while our troops must be ready to resist possible breaches of the truce and provocations by the enemy, any aggressive actions," he added. If implemented, this would be the longest pause in fighting in the three-year war. Also read | Despite 'Easter truce' Kyiv saw 'one-hour attack': Ukrainian MP says Putin's announcement 'attempt to appease US' What did Zelensky say? Taking to X, the Ukrainian president claimed: "As for yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives -- at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine" "Shahed (attack) drones in our skies reveal Putin's true attitude toward Easter and toward human life," he added, without saying if his nation would observe the proposed truce. Also read | Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting 'Actions, not words' Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga said Kyiv was waiting to see if Russia would follow through. Taking to social media, he said: "We know his words cannot be trusted, and we will look at actions, not words." In the frontline city of Kramatorsk, Ukrainian soldiers were similarly sceptical. Putin "might do it to give some hope or to show his humanity. But either way, of course, we don't trust (Russia)," Dmitry, a 40-year-old soldier, told AFP. "These 30 hours will lead to nothing," he claimed, adding "The killings of our people and theirs will 100 percent continue". Earlier on Saturday, around afternoon, as per AFP, air alerts sounded in Kyiv and across Ukraine. However, they stopped just minutes before the ceasefire was due to begin. The temporary truce follows months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been urging both sides to agree to a ceasefire. Last month, Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a 30-day halt — but Russia rejected it. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky dismisses Putin's Easter truce as 'another attempt to play with human lives'

The family of 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa from Dhunda village in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab, who was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting in Hamilton, Ontario, is in deep shock and battling grief following the tragic loss of their daughter.
The family had spoken to Harsimrat just two hours before her untimely death. The family has appealed to the central government to facilitate the return of her body to India.
Harsimrat, hailing from a prosperous family in the Tarn Taran district, was caught in crossfire and sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to the hospital but succumbed.
She had moved to Canada on a student permit two years ago to pursue her education.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a>
Her grandfather, Sukhwinder Singh, 65, said the incident has left the family devastated. &ldquo;The family is in complete shock that my granddaughter has left us like this. It is very hard to react to the demise of my beloved granddaughter. I could only say that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Organised crime is everywhere, and whatever the situation is here in Punjab, it&rsquo;s worse in Canada,&rdquo; he added. Harsimrat, a Mohawk College student, was waiting at a bus stand and was on her way to work when she was hit by the stray bullet.
The grieving granddad added that the family had spoken with Harsimrat on Thursday afternoon. &ldquo;She told us that she was going back home from college via bus and would call after reaching home. However, after a few hours, we received the fateful news of her demise. We would never have thought that she would leave us with no fault of her own,&rdquo; said an HT report, citing Sukhvinder Singh.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/scientists-stretch-colour-palette-identify-a-new-unseen-hue-name-it-olo-8980038" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scientists stretch colour palette, identify a new, unseen hue, name it &lsquo;olo&rsquo;</a>
Harsimrat&rsquo;s anguished father, Vikram Singh Randhawa, said, &ldquo;Had we known about such a law and order situation, I would have never sent my daughter to Canada. We thought our children were secure in foreign land, but it is the other way around. We demand stringent punishment for the accused involved in the incident.&rdquo;
Jagtar Singh, the erstwhile sarpanch of the village, appealed to the Indian government for assistance in the repatriation of Harsimrat&rsquo;s body to India.
The Indian Embassy in Canada acknowledged the tragedy on &lsquo;X&rsquo;, stating, &ldquo;We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario. As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles. A homicide investigation is currently underway. We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.&rdquo;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/researchers-breach-brain-blood-barrier-deliver-medicine-precisely-via-nanoparticles-8957682" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Researchers breach brain-blood barrier, deliver medicine precisely via nanoparticles</a>
A statement from the Hamilton Police on Friday said, &ldquo;Investigators believe the female was an innocent bystander struck by a stray bullet during a shooting in the area.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9ofyd4w-txmiiuco-z4q29bup">
Hamilton Police are investigating after an innocent bystander was tragically killed by a stray bullet while standing at a bus stop on Upper James in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamOnt</a>. Read More: <a href="https://t.co/TApLRQpxt9">https://t.co/TApLRQpxt9</a>
&mdash; Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/HamiltonPolice/status/1913306821676106145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
Through video evidence, investigators have determined that the passenger of a black Mercedes SUV discharged a firearm at the occupants of a white sedan. The white sedan subsequently fled the scene.

World | India News: The deceased Indian student Harsimrat Kaur, a Mohawk College student, was waiting at a bus stand and was on her way to work when she was hit by the stray bullet.

The family of 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa from Dhunda village in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab, who was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting in Hamilton, Ontario, is in deep shock and battling grief following the tragic loss of their daughter. The family had spoken to Harsimrat just two hours before her untimely death. The family has appealed to the central government to facilitate the return of her body to India. Harsimrat, hailing from a prosperous family in the Tarn Taran district, was caught in crossfire and sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to the hospital but succumbed. She had moved to Canada on a student permit two years ago to pursue her education. Also Read | Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting Her grandfather, Sukhwinder Singh, 65, said the incident has left the family devastated. “The family is in complete shock that my granddaughter has left us like this. It is very hard to react to the demise of my beloved granddaughter. I could only say that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” “Organised crime is everywhere, and whatever the situation is here in Punjab, it’s worse in Canada,” he added. Harsimrat, a Mohawk College student, was waiting at a bus stand and was on her way to work when she was hit by the stray bullet. The grieving granddad added that the family had spoken with Harsimrat on Thursday afternoon. “She told us that she was going back home from college via bus and would call after reaching home. However, after a few hours, we received the fateful news of her demise. We would never have thought that she would leave us with no fault of her own,” said an HT report, citing Sukhvinder Singh. Also Read | Scientists stretch colour palette, identify a new, unseen hue, name it ‘olo’ Harsimrat’s anguished father, Vikram Singh Randhawa, said, “Had we known about such a law and order situation, I would have never sent my daughter to Canada. We thought our children were secure in foreign land, but it is the other way around. We demand stringent punishment for the accused involved in the incident.” Jagtar Singh, the erstwhile sarpanch of the village, appealed to the Indian government for assistance in the repatriation of Harsimrat’s body to India. The Indian Embassy in Canada acknowledged the tragedy on ‘X’, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario. As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles. A homicide investigation is currently underway. We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.” Also Read | Researchers breach brain-blood barrier, deliver medicine precisely via nanoparticles A statement from the Hamilton Police on Friday said, “Investigators believe the female was an innocent bystander struck by a stray bullet during a shooting in the area.” Hamilton Police are investigating after an innocent bystander was tragically killed by a stray bullet while standing at a bus stop on Upper James in #HamOnt. Read More: https://t.co/TApLRQpxt9 — Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) April 18, 2025 Through video evidence, investigators have determined that the passenger of a black Mercedes SUV discharged a firearm at the occupants of a white sedan. The white sedan subsequently fled the scene.

Organised crime in Canada worse than Punjab’s, say kin of Indian student killed in Ontario

The US Supreme Court, in a dramatic nighttime intervention Saturday, paused President Donald Trump's unprecedented use of an obscure law to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process.
The emergency ruling, delivered in two terse paragraphs, noted that two of the most conservative of the nine justices had dissented.
The order temporarily prevents the government from continuing to expel migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act -- last used to round up Japanese-American citizens during World War II.
Trump invoked the law last month to deport Venezuelans to a notorious prison in El Salvador.
The unusual decision was triggered by imminent plans late Friday to expel dozens more Venezuelans under the Act, meaning they would have been deported with next to no ability to hear evidence against them or challenge their cases.
The court said "the government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order."
Trump justifies summary expulsions -- and the detention of people in El Salvador -- by insisting that he is cracking down on violent Venezuelan criminal gangs now classified by the US government as terrorists.
But the policy is fueling opposition concerns that the Republican is ignoring the US constitution in a broader bid to amass power.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-using-tattoos-to-identify-gang-members-justify-deporting-migrants-experts-slam-method-as-too-simplistic-8979758">Trump admin using tattoos to 'identify' gang members, justify deporting migrants; experts slam method as 'too simplistic'</a>
The row over the Alien Enemies Act comes amid muscular assaults by the administration on big law firms, Harvard and other universities, and major independent media outlets.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which took the lead in seeking to halt Friday's planned deportations, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling.
"These men were in imminent danger of spending their lives in a horrific foreign prison without ever having had a chance to go to court. We are relieved that the Supreme Court has not permitted the administration to whisk them away the way others were just last month," lead attorney Lee Gelernt said.
<h2><hl2>Tattoos and due process&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
Trump's election last November was won in large part on his aggressive promises to combat what he has repeatedly claimed is an "invasion" of violent migrants.
While there is no evidence to support the narrative of the United States being "invaded," Trump's rhetoric about rapists and murderers descending on suburban homes resonated with swaths of voters who have long been concerned about high levels of illegal immigration.
Trump has sent troops to the Mexican border, imposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada for allegedly not doing enough to stop illegal crossings, and designated narco-gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorist groups.
However, Democrats and civil rights groups have expressed alarm at an erosion of constitutional rights.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-slammed-over-wrongful-deportation-of-abrego-garcia-8971391">Trump administration slammed over wrongful deportation of Abrego Garcia</a>
Under Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act -- previously seen only during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II -- migrants have been accused of gang membership and sent to El Salvador without ability to go before a judge or being charged with a crime.
Attorneys for several of the Venezuelans already deported had said their clients were targeted largely on the basis of their tattoos.
In the most publicized case, Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported last month to the infamous El Salvador mega-prison without charge.
The Trump administration said he had been included in a bigger batch of deportees due to an "administrative error" and a court ruled that it must facilitate his return.
However, Trump has since doubled down, insisting that Abrego Garcia is in fact a gang member, including posting an apparently doctored photo on social media Friday that showed MS-13 on his knuckles.
Most of the deported migrants are currently held in El Salvador's maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a mega-prison southeast of the capital San Salvador with capacity for 40,000 prisoners.
Inmates are packed in windowless cells, sleep on metal beds with no mattresses, and are forbidden visitors.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The court said "the government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order." WORLD

The US Supreme Court, in a dramatic nighttime intervention Saturday, paused President Donald Trump's unprecedented use of an obscure law to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process. The emergency ruling, delivered in two terse paragraphs, noted that two of the most conservative of the nine justices had dissented. The order temporarily prevents the government from continuing to expel migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act -- last used to round up Japanese-American citizens during World War II. Trump invoked the law last month to deport Venezuelans to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The unusual decision was triggered by imminent plans late Friday to expel dozens more Venezuelans under the Act, meaning they would have been deported with next to no ability to hear evidence against them or challenge their cases. The court said "the government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order." Trump justifies summary expulsions -- and the detention of people in El Salvador -- by insisting that he is cracking down on violent Venezuelan criminal gangs now classified by the US government as terrorists. But the policy is fueling opposition concerns that the Republican is ignoring the US constitution in a broader bid to amass power. Also read: Trump admin using tattoos to 'identify' gang members, justify deporting migrants; experts slam method as 'too simplistic' The row over the Alien Enemies Act comes amid muscular assaults by the administration on big law firms, Harvard and other universities, and major independent media outlets. The American Civil Liberties Union, which took the lead in seeking to halt Friday's planned deportations, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling. "These men were in imminent danger of spending their lives in a horrific foreign prison without ever having had a chance to go to court. We are relieved that the Supreme Court has not permitted the administration to whisk them away the way others were just last month," lead attorney Lee Gelernt said. Tattoos and due process Trump's election last November was won in large part on his aggressive promises to combat what he has repeatedly claimed is an "invasion" of violent migrants. While there is no evidence to support the narrative of the United States being "invaded," Trump's rhetoric about rapists and murderers descending on suburban homes resonated with swaths of voters who have long been concerned about high levels of illegal immigration. Trump has sent troops to the Mexican border, imposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada for allegedly not doing enough to stop illegal crossings, and designated narco-gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorist groups. However, Democrats and civil rights groups have expressed alarm at an erosion of constitutional rights. WATCH | Trump administration slammed over wrongful deportation of Abrego Garcia Under Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act -- previously seen only during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II -- migrants have been accused of gang membership and sent to El Salvador without ability to go before a judge or being charged with a crime. Attorneys for several of the Venezuelans already deported had said their clients were targeted largely on the basis of their tattoos. In the most publicized case, Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported last month to the infamous El Salvador mega-prison without charge. The Trump administration said he had been included in a bigger batch of deportees due to an "administrative error" and a court ruled that it must facilitate his return. However, Trump has since doubled down, insisting that Abrego Garcia is in fact a gang member, including posting an apparently doctored photo on social media Friday that showed MS-13 on his knuckles. Most of the deported migrants are currently held in El Salvador's maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a mega-prison southeast of the capital San Salvador with capacity for 40,000 prisoners. Inmates are packed in windowless cells, sleep on metal beds with no mattresses, and are forbidden visitors. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Supreme Court temporarily prevents Trump admin to expel migrants under Alien Enemies Act

For the first time in its history, the remote Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has just got its first ATM, making a big milestone.&nbsp;
Now, the smallest and remotest island nation, located some 5,000km from Australia, will have access to electronic banking, making it easier for its citizens.&nbsp;
The officials called it a "transformative" era of modern banking in the remote archipelago.&nbsp;
Till date, the nation's 12,000 citizens have done all their banking in cash, with workers enduring long lines to withdraw their wages from the bank each payday.&nbsp;
But now, citizens will be able to withdraw money at the swipe of a card, and not stand in the long queues outside the banks, to withdraw cash.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-12-year-old-boy-following-the-trending-tiktok-challenge-chroming-suffered-a-cardiac-arrest-755926">12-year-old boy attempts &lsquo;chroming&rsquo; challenge trending on TikTok, suffers cardiac arrest</a>
General manager of the National Bank of Tuvalu, Siose Teo, called it a "great achievement" and "transformative switch" that was many years in the making.
"Today not only marks a momentous occasion, but it is also historic as the bank moves into a totally new era, not just in terms of its services but also in terms of its strategic direction," Teo said during his keynote speech.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Feleti Teo said it was a "significant milestone" with a "noble objective".
Following the launch of the first ATM, dignitaries gathered in front of the ATM, on the main island of Funafuti, to mark the occasion with a cake.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mysterious-object-cruising-at-scary-speed-inside-our-galaxy-baffles-scientists-trending-on-wion-751707">Mysterious object cruising at scary speed inside our galaxy baffles scientists | Trending on WION</a>
"It will definitely break the barriers and introduce the people to modern and reliable banking services," said Nisar Ali from Pacific Technology Limited, which helped design the machine.
The total cost of the ATM and point-of-sale rollout exceeded A$3 million, which was initiated in 2021, Teo said.
"We've been in an analogue space all along; these were dreams for us," Teo said. "These machines don't come cheap. But with government support and sheer determination, we were able to roll out this service for our people."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-says-india-us-trade-ties-trending-positive-in-meeting-with-top-indian-executives-8631739">Musk says India-US trade ties &lsquo;trending positive&rsquo; in meeting with top Indian executives</a>
&nbsp;

The smallest and remotest island nation, located some 5,000km from Australia, will have access to electronic banking, making it easier for citizens. WORLD TRENDING

For the first time in its history, the remote Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has just got its first ATM, making a big milestone. Now, the smallest and remotest island nation, located some 5,000km from Australia, will have access to electronic banking, making it easier for its citizens. The officials called it a "transformative" era of modern banking in the remote archipelago. Till date, the nation's 12,000 citizens have done all their banking in cash, with workers enduring long lines to withdraw their wages from the bank each payday. But now, citizens will be able to withdraw money at the swipe of a card, and not stand in the long queues outside the banks, to withdraw cash. Also read: 12-year-old boy attempts ‘chroming’ challenge trending on TikTok, suffers cardiac arrest General manager of the National Bank of Tuvalu, Siose Teo, called it a "great achievement" and "transformative switch" that was many years in the making. "Today not only marks a momentous occasion, but it is also historic as the bank moves into a totally new era, not just in terms of its services but also in terms of its strategic direction," Teo said during his keynote speech. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Feleti Teo said it was a "significant milestone" with a "noble objective". Following the launch of the first ATM, dignitaries gathered in front of the ATM, on the main island of Funafuti, to mark the occasion with a cake. WATCH | Mysterious object cruising at scary speed inside our galaxy baffles scientists | Trending on WION "It will definitely break the barriers and introduce the people to modern and reliable banking services," said Nisar Ali from Pacific Technology Limited, which helped design the machine. The total cost of the ATM and point-of-sale rollout exceeded A$3 million, which was initiated in 2021, Teo said. "We've been in an analogue space all along; these were dreams for us," Teo said. "These machines don't come cheap. But with government support and sheer determination, we were able to roll out this service for our people." Also read: Musk says India-US trade ties ‘trending positive’ in meeting with top Indian executives

'HISTORIC MILESTONE': THIS nation has just got its first ATM, a 'dream' for its 11,000 citizens

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary Easter truce in the Ukraine conflict, halting military operations from Saturday evening until midnight Sunday.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the second round of Iran-US nuclear talks concluded in Rome after four hours of what was described as "constructive" discussions.&nbsp;
In the US, the Trump administration faces backlash for using tattoos as evidence to identify and deport alleged gang members, a method experts call overly simplistic.&nbsp;
In India, CPI(M) MP John Brittas has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address the revocation of Indian student visas by the US.&nbsp;
On the sporting front, Pakistan has announced it will not send its women's cricket team to India for the 2025 ODI World Cup.
Finally, Actress Nicola Coughlan has publicly criticised JK Rowling for celebrating a UK court ruling that trans women are not legally considered women.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135" aria-label="Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/14/Lr5O7GeJ20h27kobRy2k.png" alt=" Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared an Easter truce, the Kremlin press service reported on Saturday. &ldquo;The Russian President declared an Easter truce,&rdquo; the release said. The truce will come into effect today from 18:00 hours and will last till midnight on Sunday.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-nuclear-talks-second-round-of-vital-negotiations-concludes-after-four-hours-of-discussions-8980057" aria-label="Iran-US nuclear talks: Second round of vital negotiations concludes after four hours of discussions">Iran-US nuclear talks: Second round of vital negotiations concludes after four hours of discussions</a>
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The second round of Iran-United States nuclear talks has concluded after four hours of negotiations on Saturday (Apr 19) in Rome. Iranian media reports suggest that the Iran-US talks were held in 'constructive atmosphere'.
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US President Donald Trump's administration released long-awaited assassination files of US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, revealing multiple secrets and controversies around the killing of the brother of former US President John F. Kennedy.&nbsp;
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US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 18) slammed Democrats for trying to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador. Posting a supposed picture of Garcia's "MS-13 tattooed" knuckles, claiming that he was a member of the international criminal gang MS-13.
<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cpim-writes-to-jaishankar-urges-him-to-raise-student-visa-revocation-issue-with-us-8980339" aria-label="CPI(M) writes to Jaishankar, urges him to raise student visa revocation issue with US">CPI(M) writes to Jaishankar, urges him to raise student visa revocation issue with US</a>
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In Texas, a red state, a school district has taken the concept of modesty a bit far, banning the Virgina state flag and seal online &mdash; all because of a boob.
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There has been a dramatic twist of turn in the ongoing Trump vs Harvard row after a Trump administration official said that the letter sent by the White House&rsquo;s antisemitism task force was a "mistake", and "should not have been sent", the New York Times reported.&nbsp;
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Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan publicly criticised JK Rowling after the author celebrated the UK Supreme Court's ruling that determined trans women are not legally considered women. The decision sparked widespread debate but got approval from Rowling, who shared a photo of herself on X holding a drink and smoking a cigar with a caption.
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Earth's geographic North and South poles are at risk of shifting from their position by as much as 90 feet due to climate change. This revelation was made in a study that states that the melting of the ice sheets will lead to the ocean mass getting redistributed around the planet. This scenario is likely to unfold by the year 2100. This shift is expected to be of a whopping 89 feet and will happen as the planet's axis of rotation changes.

Stay ahead of the day's events with WION's Top 10 news brief, providing a quick yet comprehensive overview of the most important news from around the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary Easter truce in the Ukraine conflict, halting military operations from Saturday evening until midnight Sunday. Meanwhile, the second round of Iran-US nuclear talks concluded in Rome after four hours of what was described as "constructive" discussions. In the US, the Trump administration faces backlash for using tattoos as evidence to identify and deport alleged gang members, a method experts call overly simplistic. In India, CPI(M) MP John Brittas has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address the revocation of Indian student visas by the US. On the sporting front, Pakistan has announced it will not send its women's cricket team to India for the 2025 ODI World Cup. Finally, Actress Nicola Coughlan has publicly criticised JK Rowling for celebrating a UK court ruling that trans women are not legally considered women. Click on the headlines for more Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared an Easter truce, the Kremlin press service reported on Saturday. “The Russian President declared an Easter truce,” the release said. The truce will come into effect today from 18:00 hours and will last till midnight on Sunday. Iran-US nuclear talks: Second round of vital negotiations concludes after four hours of discussions The second round of Iran-United States nuclear talks has concluded after four hours of negotiations on Saturday (Apr 19) in Rome. Iranian media reports suggest that the Iran-US talks were held in 'constructive atmosphere'. 'RFK must be killed like his brother JFK': Assassination files reveal assassin’s 'unshakeable obsession' US President Donald Trump's administration released long-awaited assassination files of US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, revealing multiple secrets and controversies around the killing of the brother of former US President John F. Kennedy. Trump admin using tattoos to 'identify' gang members, justify deporting migrants; experts slam method as 'too simplistic' US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 18) slammed Democrats for trying to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador. Posting a supposed picture of Garcia's "MS-13 tattooed" knuckles, claiming that he was a member of the international criminal gang MS-13. CPI(M) writes to Jaishankar, urges him to raise student visa revocation issue with US Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Saturday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to raise the issue of the revocation of visas of Indian students with the US government at the “highest appropriate levels”. In a letter addressed to the minister, Brittas also urged him to ensure that legal and consular assistance is provided to those affected by Indian missions in the US. Texas pretending Virginia doesn't exist, bans mentions of US state for elementary students... all because of a bare boob In Texas, a red state, a school district has taken the concept of modesty a bit far, banning the Virgina state flag and seal online — all because of a boob. Did Trump vs Harvard row begin due to a 'mistake'? White House official reveals There has been a dramatic twist of turn in the ongoing Trump vs Harvard row after a Trump administration official said that the letter sent by the White House’s antisemitism task force was a "mistake", and "should not have been sent", the New York Times reported. Pakistan will not travel to India for 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup: PCB’s Mohsin Naqvi The India-Pakistan cricket dispute is back in the headlines. After a tiring two and fro during the first showpiece event of the year – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, where the BCCI denied sending its team across the border for the eight-team tournament due to security concerns, forcing the PCB to adopt the hybrid model and ensuring India’s participation, the PCB has done the same this time. Nicola Coughlan slams author JK Rowling for celebrating the UK's ruling against trans women Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan publicly criticised JK Rowling after the author celebrated the UK Supreme Court's ruling that determined trans women are not legally considered women. The decision sparked widespread debate but got approval from Rowling, who shared a photo of herself on X holding a drink and smoking a cigar with a caption. North Pole can shift 90 feet by 2100 because of humans Earth's geographic North and South poles are at risk of shifting from their position by as much as 90 feet due to climate change. This revelation was made in a study that states that the melting of the ice sheets will lead to the ocean mass getting redistributed around the planet. This scenario is likely to unfold by the year 2100. This shift is expected to be of a whopping 89 feet and will happen as the planet's axis of rotation changes.

Top 10 world news: Putin announces Easter truce; Second round of US-Iran nuclear talks concludes, and more

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (April 19) announced an Easter truce, ceasing "all military operations" in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135">Russia-Ukraine war</a>.
Putin, in televised comments, said that the temporary ceasefire will last from 6pm today (4pm UK time) until Monday.
"Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to midnight from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to be stopped for this period," Putin said while speaking to Russian chief of staff Valery Gerasimov.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-win-for-russian-president-putin-us-may-recognise-crimea-as-part-of-russia-ukraine-peace-deal-8977745">BIG win for Russian president Putin? US may recognise Crimea as part of Russia-Ukraine peace deal</a>
Earlier in March, US President Donald Trump hoped a "broad ceasefire" could happen weeks before Easter.&nbsp;
The White House aimed for a "truce agreement by April 20," according to Bloomberg. The date is significant because this year both Western and Orthodox churches mark Easter on the same day.
&ldquo;We are working for a ceasefire and a lasting peace,&rdquo; White House spokesman Brian Hughes said. &ldquo;We won&rsquo;t have the terms of discussions or timing be played out in the media.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/youre-fools-horrible-people-trump-warns-us-may-take-a-pass-if-russia-ukraine-stall-on-peace-deal-8977413">'You're fools, horrible people': Trump warns US may 'take a pass' if Russia, Ukraine stall peace deal</a>
On Friday, Trump also warned that he will "take a pass" on brokering further Ukraine peace talks unless there is "quick progress" from the two nations.
Getting a little more blunt, Trump said, "Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say: 'You're foolish. You're fools. You're horrible people -- and we're going to just take a pass."
Coming to Putin's announcement of Easter truce, Russia further assumes that the Ukrainian side "will follow our example". However, it did not hesitate to warn Ukraine, in case it repels the "possible violations of truce".&nbsp;
"At the same time, our troops must be ready to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy, any of its aggressive actions," it added.
Trump, before returning to the White House in January, said that he can end the war in 24 hours, which he has recently claimed that he was being sarcastic.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-has-retaken-over-99-of-kursk-region-territory-seized-by-ukraine-army-chief-breaking-8980310">Russia Has Retaken Over 99% of Kursk Region Territory Seized By Ukraine: Army Chief | Breaking</a>
&nbsp;

White House aimed for a "truce agreement by April 20." The date is significant because this year both Western and Orthodox churches mark Easter on the same day. WORLD

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (April 19) announced an Easter truce, ceasing "all military operations" in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Putin, in televised comments, said that the temporary ceasefire will last from 6pm today (4pm UK time) until Monday. "Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to midnight from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to be stopped for this period," Putin said while speaking to Russian chief of staff Valery Gerasimov. Also read: BIG win for Russian president Putin? US may recognise Crimea as part of Russia-Ukraine peace deal Earlier in March, US President Donald Trump hoped a "broad ceasefire" could happen weeks before Easter. The White House aimed for a "truce agreement by April 20," according to Bloomberg. The date is significant because this year both Western and Orthodox churches mark Easter on the same day. “We are working for a ceasefire and a lasting peace,” White House spokesman Brian Hughes said. “We won’t have the terms of discussions or timing be played out in the media.” Also read: 'You're fools, horrible people': Trump warns US may 'take a pass' if Russia, Ukraine stall peace deal On Friday, Trump also warned that he will "take a pass" on brokering further Ukraine peace talks unless there is "quick progress" from the two nations. Getting a little more blunt, Trump said, "Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say: 'You're foolish. You're fools. You're horrible people -- and we're going to just take a pass." Coming to Putin's announcement of Easter truce, Russia further assumes that the Ukrainian side "will follow our example". However, it did not hesitate to warn Ukraine, in case it repels the "possible violations of truce". "At the same time, our troops must be ready to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy, any of its aggressive actions," it added. Trump, before returning to the White House in January, said that he can end the war in 24 hours, which he has recently claimed that he was being sarcastic. WATCH | Russia Has Retaken Over 99% of Kursk Region Territory Seized By Ukraine: Army Chief | Breaking

Did Trump's warning scare off Putin? Here's how Russian president lived up to Trump's 'Easter truce' promise

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Saturday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to raise the issue of the revocation of visas of Indian students with the US government at the &ldquo;highest appropriate levels&rdquo;. In a letter addressed to the minister, Brittas also urged him to ensure that legal and consular assistance is provided to those affected by Indian missions in the US. The CPI(M) MP claimed that a deeply distressing and increasingly alarming situation was being faced by hundreds of Indian students in the United States, whose visas have been revoked without prior notice or sufficient explanation. &ldquo;What deepens the distress is the nature of the reasons cited for these visa revocations &mdash; many of which are astonishingly petty, disproportionate, and wholly incongruous with the gravity of the action taken,&rdquo; he alleged.&nbsp; Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-easter-truce-in-ukraine-conflict-orders-military-to-halt-fighting-8980135">Putin announces &lsquo;Easter truce&rsquo; in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting</a> He said students have reportedly faced cancellations for minor traffic violations such as speeding or misdemeanours, inadvertent lapses in documentation, unintentional academic infractions without formal inquiry, social media expressions or journalistic writings-especially on issues like the Palestinian conflict as well as minor incidents such as inadvertently failing to scan or catalogue items correctly while using self-checkout kiosks in stores. Brittas also said denial of an opportunity to be heard is creating a &ldquo;chilling atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among thousands of Indian students striving for legitimate academic pursuits in the United States&rdquo;. &ldquo;What is particularly troubling is the opaque and arbitrary nature of these actions, which appear to lack both procedural fairness and proportionality,&rdquo; he said. He said the gravity and magnitude of the issue demand a robust and coordinated diplomatic response by the Government of India.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/scientists-stretch-colour-palette-identify-a-new-unseen-hue-name-it-olo-8980038" rel="dofollow">Scientists stretch colour palette, identify a new, unseen hue, name it &lsquo;olo&rsquo;</a> &ldquo;We must not allow our youth to be subjected to indignities and jeopardy on foreign soil. We need to stand firmly by them in their hour of crisis.&rdquo; Brittas urged the External Affairs Minister to immediately take up the matter with the US Government &ldquo;at the highest appropriate levels, seeking clarity, reversal of unfair visa cancellations, and an assurance of non-discriminatory and transparent treatment of Indian students.&rdquo; &ldquo;I also request your goodself to give instructions to our Missions to provide all possible legal and consular assistance to those affected, including representation and welfare support,&rdquo; he added. Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/researchers-breach-brain-blood-barrier-deliver-medicine-precisely-via-nanoparticles-8957682" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Researchers breach brain-blood barrier, deliver medicine precisely via nanoparticles</a> Amid instances of Indian students in the US receiving communications from local authorities on possible revocation of their visas, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday that Indian missions in the United States are in touch with Indian students facing issues.

World | India News: The CPI(M) MP claimed that a deeply distressing and increasingly alarming situation was being faced by hundreds of Indian students in the United States, whose visas have been revoked without prior notice or sufficient explanation.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Saturday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to raise the issue of the revocation of visas of Indian students with the US government at the “highest appropriate levels”. In a letter addressed to the minister, Brittas also urged him to ensure that legal and consular assistance is provided to those affected by Indian missions in the US. The CPI(M) MP claimed that a deeply distressing and increasingly alarming situation was being faced by hundreds of Indian students in the United States, whose visas have been revoked without prior notice or sufficient explanation. “What deepens the distress is the nature of the reasons cited for these visa revocations — many of which are astonishingly petty, disproportionate, and wholly incongruous with the gravity of the action taken,” he alleged. Also Read | Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting He said students have reportedly faced cancellations for minor traffic violations such as speeding or misdemeanours, inadvertent lapses in documentation, unintentional academic infractions without formal inquiry, social media expressions or journalistic writings-especially on issues like the Palestinian conflict as well as minor incidents such as inadvertently failing to scan or catalogue items correctly while using self-checkout kiosks in stores. Brittas also said denial of an opportunity to be heard is creating a “chilling atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among thousands of Indian students striving for legitimate academic pursuits in the United States”. “What is particularly troubling is the opaque and arbitrary nature of these actions, which appear to lack both procedural fairness and proportionality,” he said. He said the gravity and magnitude of the issue demand a robust and coordinated diplomatic response by the Government of India. Also Read | Scientists stretch colour palette, identify a new, unseen hue, name it ‘olo’ “We must not allow our youth to be subjected to indignities and jeopardy on foreign soil. We need to stand firmly by them in their hour of crisis.” Brittas urged the External Affairs Minister to immediately take up the matter with the US Government “at the highest appropriate levels, seeking clarity, reversal of unfair visa cancellations, and an assurance of non-discriminatory and transparent treatment of Indian students.” “I also request your goodself to give instructions to our Missions to provide all possible legal and consular assistance to those affected, including representation and welfare support,” he added. Also Read | Researchers breach brain-blood barrier, deliver medicine precisely via nanoparticles Amid instances of Indian students in the US receiving communications from local authorities on possible revocation of their visas, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday that Indian missions in the United States are in touch with Indian students facing issues.

CPI(M) writes to Jaishankar, urges him to raise student visa revocation issue with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared an Easter truce, the Kremlin press service reported on Saturday. &ldquo;The Russian President declared an Easter truce,&rdquo; the release said. The truce will come into effect today from 18:00 hours and will last till midnight on Sunday.
The head of state ordered a halt to all military actions for the duration of the Easter truce, reported Ria Novosti, a Russian state-owned domestic news agency.
Putin ordered the Russian military to halt fighting until the end of the Easter holidays, the Kremlin announced on Saturday.
&ldquo;Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to midnight from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to be stopped for this period,&rdquo; Putin was quoted as saying.&nbsp; However, he insisted that Russian &ldquo;troops must be ready to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy, any of its aggressive actions&rdquo;. The Kremlin added that Russia assumes that the Ukrainian side will follow its example and stop hostilities, and the course of the truce will show the readiness of the Kyiv regime to desire and be able to resolve the issue peacefully.
Putin made the announcement during a televised meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov.&nbsp; Briefing Putin on the situation, Gerasimov said the &lsquo;North&rsquo; group of troops is conducting an offensive to liberate areas of the Kursk region. He added that 1,260 square kilometres, i.e., 99.5% of the area occupied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has been liberated and military action is taking place in just two areas: around the settlements of Oleshnya and Gornal. The Russian Ministry of Defence released a statement confirming that Russia will stop all military operations from 18:00 Moscow time (16:00 BST) today until midnight on 21 April (22:00 BST). 
<h2>&lsquo;You&rsquo;re foolish, you&rsquo;re fools&hellip;, we&rsquo;re going to take a pass&rsquo;: Trump warned on Friday</h2>
 The truce comes after President Donald Trump shared his despondency over the stalemate on Friday and said that the United States will walk away from efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon. &ldquo;Quickly, we want to get it done,&rdquo; Trump told reporters at the White House.&nbsp; &ldquo;Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we&rsquo;re just going to say, &lsquo;you&rsquo;re foolish, you&rsquo;re fools, you&rsquo;re horrible people, and we&rsquo;re going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won&rsquo;t have to do that.&rdquo; Trump&rsquo;s comments followed remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the sides had just days to show progress or Washington would walk. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I&rsquo;m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks,&rdquo; Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders. &ldquo;If it&rsquo;s not possible, if we&rsquo;re so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president is probably at a point where he&rsquo;s going to say, &lsquo;Well, we&rsquo;re done&rsquo;.&rdquo;
 However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not share any reaction to the Easter truce announcement. The Ukrainian president has just posted an update on X about the Kursk region.
Zelensky said Ukrainian troops were &ldquo;holding their positions&rdquo;.
He wrote, "I have just received a report from commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Today, our forces continued their activity on the territory of the Kursk region and are holding their positions. In the Belgorod region, our warriors have advanced and expanded our zone of control. As for yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives &mdash; at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine. At 17:15, Russian attack drones were detected in our skies. Ukrainian air defense and aviation have already begun working to protect us. Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin&rsquo;s true attitude toward Easter and toward human life."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9ody1sz-n1nvnmyb-x3duoy8n">
I have just received a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Today, our forces continued their activity on the territory of the Kursk region and are holding their positions. In the Belgorod region, our warriors have advanced and expanded our zone of control. As for&hellip;
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1913604278729560151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds of prisoners in the war&rsquo;s largest exchange, according to Russia&rsquo;s Ministry of Defence.
Zelensky also shared that 277 Ukrainian soldiers have returned home from Russian captivity&nbsp;as part of the swap mediated by the UAE.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9oe83bu-wostrnj7-7fmzscda">
Our people are home&mdash;one of the best pieces of news that can be. Another 277 warriors have returned home from Russian captivity. The warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, and the border guards. They defended&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/bm4OF80o7o">pic.twitter.com/bm4OF80o7o</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1913610218023313676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>

World: The truce will come into effect today from 18:00 hours. The head of state ordered a halt to all military actions for the duration of the Easter truce, reported Ria Novosti, a Russian state-owned domestic news agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared an Easter truce, the Kremlin press service reported on Saturday. “The Russian President declared an Easter truce,” the release said. The truce will come into effect today from 18:00 hours and will last till midnight on Sunday. The head of state ordered a halt to all military actions for the duration of the Easter truce, reported Ria Novosti, a Russian state-owned domestic news agency. Putin ordered the Russian military to halt fighting until the end of the Easter holidays, the Kremlin announced on Saturday. “Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to midnight from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to be stopped for this period,” Putin was quoted as saying. However, he insisted that Russian “troops must be ready to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy, any of its aggressive actions”. The Kremlin added that Russia assumes that the Ukrainian side will follow its example and stop hostilities, and the course of the truce will show the readiness of the Kyiv regime to desire and be able to resolve the issue peacefully. Putin made the announcement during a televised meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov. Briefing Putin on the situation, Gerasimov said the ‘North’ group of troops is conducting an offensive to liberate areas of the Kursk region. He added that 1,260 square kilometres, i.e., 99.5% of the area occupied by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has been liberated and military action is taking place in just two areas: around the settlements of Oleshnya and Gornal. The Russian Ministry of Defence released a statement confirming that Russia will stop all military operations from 18:00 Moscow time (16:00 BST) today until midnight on 21 April (22:00 BST). ‘You’re foolish, you’re fools…, we’re going to take a pass’: Trump warned on Friday The truce comes after President Donald Trump shared his despondency over the stalemate on Friday and said that the United States will walk away from efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon. “Quickly, we want to get it done,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say, ‘you’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people, and we’re going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won’t have to do that.” Trump’s comments followed remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the sides had just days to show progress or Washington would walk. “We’re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks,” Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders. “If it’s not possible, if we’re so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president is probably at a point where he’s going to say, ‘Well, we’re done’.” However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not share any reaction to the Easter truce announcement. The Ukrainian president has just posted an update on X about the Kursk region. Zelensky said Ukrainian troops were “holding their positions”. He wrote, "I have just received a report from commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Today, our forces continued their activity on the territory of the Kursk region and are holding their positions. In the Belgorod region, our warriors have advanced and expanded our zone of control. As for yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives — at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine. At 17:15, Russian attack drones were detected in our skies. Ukrainian air defense and aviation have already begun working to protect us. Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human life." I have just received a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Today, our forces continued their activity on the territory of the Kursk region and are holding their positions. In the Belgorod region, our warriors have advanced and expanded our zone of control. As for… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 19, 2025 Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds of prisoners in the war’s largest exchange, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defence. Zelensky also shared that 277 Ukrainian soldiers have returned home from Russian captivity as part of the swap mediated by the UAE. Our people are home—one of the best pieces of news that can be. Another 277 warriors have returned home from Russian captivity. The warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, and the border guards. They defended… pic.twitter.com/bm4OF80o7o — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 19, 2025

Putin announces ‘Easter truce’ in Ukraine conflict, orders military to halt fighting

The second round of Iran-United States nuclear talks has concluded after four hours of negotiations on Saturday (Apr 19) in Rome. Iranian media reports suggest that the Iran-US talks were held in 'constructive atmosphere'.
The Oman-mediated talks between delegates from the US and Iran began around 0930 GMT. This subsequent round of the vital talks came a week after the first round was held in Oman.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-fm-abbas-araqchi-says-nuclear-deal-with-us-possible-if-demands-are-not-unrealistic-8978853">Iran's FM Abbas Araqchi says nuclear deal with US possible if demands are not 'unrealistic'</a>
"The atmosphere of these talks was constructive," reported Iranian state TV said, adding that further discussions could be held "in the coming days".&nbsp;
For Washington, the top priority remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The latest IAEA report revealed that Iran possesses 274.8 kg of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity &mdash; dangerously close to weapons-grade of 90 per cent.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-hold-second-round-of-high-stakes-nuclear-talks-in-rome-8979853">Iran, US hold second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome</a>
AFP reports that Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the delegations were "in two different rooms" at the Omani ambassador's residence, with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi passing messages between them.
<h2>First round of talks</h2>
The first round of the important negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement &mdash; a decade after the landmark 2015 deal and nearly six years after its US pulled out of the earlier agreement during President Donald Trump's first term - were held in Oman on Saturday (Apr 12). The talks, facilitated by Oman, saw Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff engage both indirectly and in brief face-to-face moments.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-confirms-us-wants-nuclear-deal-asap-after-landmark-talks-in-oman-8956440">Iran confirms US wants nuclear deal 'ASAP' after landmark talks in Oman</a>
It marked the highest-level contact between the two countries since the US pulled out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The discussions were largely conducted through Omani intermediaries, and following the talks both sides reported a constructive tone. The White House described them as "very positive and constructive", with Witkoff's direct outreach framed as "a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome."
(With inputs from agencies)

Discover the progress made in the Iran-US nuclear negotiations as delegates met in Rome, aiming to address key issues and build on talks held the previous week.

The second round of Iran-United States nuclear talks has concluded after four hours of negotiations on Saturday (Apr 19) in Rome. Iranian media reports suggest that the Iran-US talks were held in 'constructive atmosphere'. The Oman-mediated talks between delegates from the US and Iran began around 0930 GMT. This subsequent round of the vital talks came a week after the first round was held in Oman. Also read | Iran's FM Abbas Araqchi says nuclear deal with US possible if demands are not 'unrealistic' "The atmosphere of these talks was constructive," reported Iranian state TV said, adding that further discussions could be held "in the coming days". For Washington, the top priority remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The latest IAEA report revealed that Iran possesses 274.8 kg of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity — dangerously close to weapons-grade of 90 per cent. Also read | Iran, US hold second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome AFP reports that Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the delegations were "in two different rooms" at the Omani ambassador's residence, with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi passing messages between them. First round of talks The first round of the important negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement — a decade after the landmark 2015 deal and nearly six years after its US pulled out of the earlier agreement during President Donald Trump's first term - were held in Oman on Saturday (Apr 12). The talks, facilitated by Oman, saw Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff engage both indirectly and in brief face-to-face moments. Also read | Iran confirms US wants nuclear deal 'ASAP' after landmark talks in Oman It marked the highest-level contact between the two countries since the US pulled out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The discussions were largely conducted through Omani intermediaries, and following the talks both sides reported a constructive tone. The White House described them as "very positive and constructive", with Witkoff's direct outreach framed as "a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran-US nuclear talks: Second round of vital negotiations concludes after four hours of discussions

The United States and Iran on Saturday resumed high-stakes talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, a week after an initial round of discussions that both sides described as "constructive".
The Oman-mediated talks in Rome began at around 0930 GMT, according to a US official and Iranian state television.
Images broadcast by Iranian state television showed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arriving in the Italian capital, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff also set to participate in the talks.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the "two delegations are in two different rooms" at the Omani ambassador's residence, with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi passing messages between them.
The meeting comes a week after the two sides had what Iran called indirect talks in Muscat. Those were the first discussions at such a high level between the foes since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear accord in 2018.
Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting that its programme is for peaceful civilian purposes.
Tehran and Washington have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution.
Following his return to office in January, Trump revived his "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions against Iran.
In March he sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging renewed nuclear talks while also warning of military action if diplomacy failed.
"I'm not in a rush" to use the military option, Trump said Thursday. "I think Iran wants to talk."
On Friday, Araghchi said Iran "observed a degree of seriousness" on the US side during the first round but questioned their "intentions and motivations".
In a social media post early Saturday, Baqaei said Tehran was "aware that it is not a smooth path but we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences".
The leader of mediator Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, is due in Moscow in the coming days, according to his office and the Kremlin, which said he would discuss with President Vladimir Putin "current questions on the international and regional agenda" and other issues.
<h2>'Crucial stage' </h2>
In an interview published on Wednesday by French newspaper Le Monde, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said Iran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb.
During Trump's first term, Washington withdrew from the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers which offered Iran relief from international sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.
Tehran complied with the agreement for a year after Trump's withdrawal before scaling back its compliance.
Araghchi was a negotiator of the 2015 deal. His US counterpart in Rome, Witkoff, is a real estate magnate Trump has also tasked with talks on Ukraine.
Iran currently enriches uranium up to 60 percent, far above the 3.67 limit in the deal but still below the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European countries to decide on whether to trigger the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 agreement, which would automatically reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its non-compliance.
The option to trigger the mechanism expires in October this year.
Iran has previously warned it could withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the mechanism were triggered.
Grossi, who met Iranian officials in Tehran this week, said the US and Iran were "at a very crucial stage" in the talks and "don't have much time" to secure a deal.
<h2>'Non-negotiable'</h2>
Iranian officials have insisted that the talks focus only on its nuclear programme and lifting of sanctions.
Araghchi said a deal with the US was "likely" if Washington refrained from "making unreasonable and unrealistic demands", without elaborating.
Analysts had said the United States would push to include discussions over Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for militants in the Middle East.
Araghchi said Iran's right to enrich uranium was "non-negotiable", after Witkoff called for its complete halt. Witkoff had previously demanded only that Iran return to the ceiling set by the 2015 deal.
On Friday US ally Israel affirmed its commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, saying it had a "clear course of action" to prevent this.
Khamenei on Tuesday said Iranians should not pin hopes on progress in the negotiations, which "may or may not yield results".

The United States and Iran on Saturday resumed high-stakes talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, a week after an initial round of discussions that both sides described as "constructive".

The United States and Iran on Saturday resumed high-stakes talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, a week after an initial round of discussions that both sides described as "constructive". The Oman-mediated talks in Rome began at around 0930 GMT, according to a US official and Iranian state television. Images broadcast by Iranian state television showed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arriving in the Italian capital, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff also set to participate in the talks. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the "two delegations are in two different rooms" at the Omani ambassador's residence, with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi passing messages between them. The meeting comes a week after the two sides had what Iran called indirect talks in Muscat. Those were the first discussions at such a high level between the foes since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear accord in 2018. Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting that its programme is for peaceful civilian purposes. Tehran and Washington have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. Following his return to office in January, Trump revived his "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions against Iran. In March he sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging renewed nuclear talks while also warning of military action if diplomacy failed. "I'm not in a rush" to use the military option, Trump said Thursday. "I think Iran wants to talk." On Friday, Araghchi said Iran "observed a degree of seriousness" on the US side during the first round but questioned their "intentions and motivations". In a social media post early Saturday, Baqaei said Tehran was "aware that it is not a smooth path but we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences". The leader of mediator Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, is due in Moscow in the coming days, according to his office and the Kremlin, which said he would discuss with President Vladimir Putin "current questions on the international and regional agenda" and other issues. 'Crucial stage' In an interview published on Wednesday by French newspaper Le Monde, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said Iran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb. During Trump's first term, Washington withdrew from the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers which offered Iran relief from international sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Tehran complied with the agreement for a year after Trump's withdrawal before scaling back its compliance. Araghchi was a negotiator of the 2015 deal. His US counterpart in Rome, Witkoff, is a real estate magnate Trump has also tasked with talks on Ukraine. Iran currently enriches uranium up to 60 percent, far above the 3.67 limit in the deal but still below the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material. On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European countries to decide on whether to trigger the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 agreement, which would automatically reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its non-compliance. The option to trigger the mechanism expires in October this year. Iran has previously warned it could withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the mechanism were triggered. Grossi, who met Iranian officials in Tehran this week, said the US and Iran were "at a very crucial stage" in the talks and "don't have much time" to secure a deal. 'Non-negotiable' Iranian officials have insisted that the talks focus only on its nuclear programme and lifting of sanctions. Araghchi said a deal with the US was "likely" if Washington refrained from "making unreasonable and unrealistic demands", without elaborating. Analysts had said the United States would push to include discussions over Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for militants in the Middle East. Araghchi said Iran's right to enrich uranium was "non-negotiable", after Witkoff called for its complete halt. Witkoff had previously demanded only that Iran return to the ceiling set by the 2015 deal. On Friday US ally Israel affirmed its commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, saying it had a "clear course of action" to prevent this. Khamenei on Tuesday said Iranians should not pin hopes on progress in the negotiations, which "may or may not yield results".

Iran, US hold second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots evolve in this fast-paced world, twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of humans at the Yizhuang half-marathon in China on Saturday (April ).&nbsp;
This marks the first time, these <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musks-eerie-declaration-robots-will-overpower-humanity-8920525">robot</a>&nbsp;machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-kilometre course.&nbsp;
The robots from Chinese manufacturers such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics came in all shapes and sizes, some shorter than 120cm (3ft 9in), while others are as tall as 1.8m (5ft 9in).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing just started! <a href="https://t.co/8vr2nXQwuR">pic.twitter.com/8vr2nXQwuR</a>
&mdash; The Humanoid Hub (@TheHumanoidHub) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHumanoidHub/status/1913395610138579143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tech-absorption-in-indian-army-ai-robotics-quantum-computing-and-advanced-materials-8979264">Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials</a>
One of these Chinese companies said that their robots looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile.&nbsp;
Chinese officials said that the marathon event was more similar to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The robots are running very well, very stable &hellip; I feel I&rsquo;m witnessing the evolution of robots and AI,&rdquo; Spectator He Sishu, who works in artificial intelligence, said.&nbsp;
These robots were accompanied by human trainers, while some of them had physical support via machines, during the race.&nbsp;
This isn't it, some of the robots also wore running shoes, with one donning boxing gloves and another wearing a red headband with the words &ldquo;Bound to Win&rdquo; in Chinese.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-humanoid-robots-race-alongside-humans-in-beijing-half-marathon-8978208">China: Humanoid robots race alongside humans in Beijing half-marathon</a>
Amongst the all, the winning robot was Tiangong Ultra, from the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the men's winner of the race had a time of 1 hour 2 minutes.&nbsp;
Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the robotics centre, said Tiangong Ultra&rsquo;s performance was aided by long legs and an algorithm allowing it to imitate how humans run a marathon.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong&rsquo;s sporting achievements,&rdquo; Tang said.&nbsp;
He added that his robot switched batteries just three times during the race.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/ai-cops-to-robots-on-mars-gemini-chatgpt-and-grok-ignite-an-ai-innovation-wave-releasing-new-updates-8929944">'AI cops to robots on Mars': Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok ignite an AI innovation wave, releasing new updates</a>

Chinese officials said that the marathon event was more similar to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams. WORLD | TRENDING

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots evolve in this fast-paced world, twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of humans at the Yizhuang half-marathon in China on Saturday (April ). This marks the first time, these robot machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-kilometre course. The robots from Chinese manufacturers such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics came in all shapes and sizes, some shorter than 120cm (3ft 9in), while others are as tall as 1.8m (5ft 9in). The humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing just started! pic.twitter.com/8vr2nXQwuR — The Humanoid Hub (@TheHumanoidHub) April 19, 2025 Also read: Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials One of these Chinese companies said that their robots looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile. Chinese officials said that the marathon event was more similar to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams. “The robots are running very well, very stable … I feel I’m witnessing the evolution of robots and AI,” Spectator He Sishu, who works in artificial intelligence, said. These robots were accompanied by human trainers, while some of them had physical support via machines, during the race. This isn't it, some of the robots also wore running shoes, with one donning boxing gloves and another wearing a red headband with the words “Bound to Win” in Chinese. WATCH | China: Humanoid robots race alongside humans in Beijing half-marathon Amongst the all, the winning robot was Tiangong Ultra, from the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the men's winner of the race had a time of 1 hour 2 minutes. Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the robotics centre, said Tiangong Ultra’s performance was aided by long legs and an algorithm allowing it to imitate how humans run a marathon. “I don’t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements,” Tang said. He added that his robot switched batteries just three times during the race. Also read: 'AI cops to robots on Mars': Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok ignite an AI innovation wave, releasing new updates

Robots now running in marathons? Chinese humanoid robots compete with humans amid AI evolution | WATCH

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