President Joe Biden on Wednesday invoked the Defense Production Act to speed production of infant formula and authorized flights to import supply from overseas, as he faces mounting political pressure over a domestic shortage caused by the safety-related closure of the country's largest formula manufacturing plant.
The Defense Production Act order requires suppliers of formula manufacturers to fulfill orders from those companies before other customers, in an effort to eliminate production bottlenecks. Biden is also authorizing the Defense Department to use commercial aircraft to fly formula supplies that meet federal standards from overseas to the U.S., in what the White House is calling “Operation Fly Formula.”
"This is really an attempt by the Biden administration to show that it is pulling out all the stops to address the shortage," said Zeke Miller of the Associated Press.
Supplies of baby formula across the country have been severely curtailed in recent weeks after a February recall by Abbott Nutrition exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions among formula makers, leaving fewer options on store shelves and increasingly anxious parents struggling to find nutrition for their children.
The announcement comes two days after the Food and Drug Administration said it was streamlining its review process to make it easier for foreign manufacturers to begin shipping more formula into the U.S.
In a letter Wednesday to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, Biden directed the agencies to work with the Pentagon to identify overseas supply of formula that meets U.S. standards over the next week, so that chartered Defense Department flights can swiftly fly it to the U.S.
“Imports of baby formula will serve as a bridge to this ramped-up production,” Biden wrote.
Regulators said Monday that they’d reached a deal to allow Abbott Nutrition to restart its Sturgis, Michigan, plant, the nation's largest formula plant, which has been closed since February due to contamination issues. The company must overhaul its safety protocols and procedures before resuming production.

Why is there shortage of baby formula in US and why has Biden invoked Defense Production Act 

Why is there shortage of baby formula in US and why has Biden invoked Defense Production Act

President Joe Biden on Wednesday invoked the Defense Production Act to speed production of infant formula and authorized flights to import supply from overseas, as he faces mounting political pressure over a domestic shortage caused by the safety-related closure of the country's largest formula manufacturing plant.
The Defense Production Act order requires suppliers of formula manufacturers to fulfill orders from those companies before other customers, in an effort to eliminate production bottlenecks. Biden is also authorizing the Defense Department to use commercial aircraft to fly formula supplies that meet federal standards from overseas to the U.S., in what the White House is calling &ldquo;Operation Fly Formula.&rdquo;
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/good-news-for-indians-seeking-green-card-us-panel-tells-biden-to-process-applications-within-6-months-1652760406953">Good news for Indians seeking green card: US panel tells Biden to process applications within 6 months</a>
&nbsp;
"This is really an attempt by the Biden administration to show that it is pulling out all the stops to address the shortage," said Zeke Miller of the Associated Press.
Supplies of baby formula across the country have been severely curtailed in recent weeks after a February recall by Abbott Nutrition exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions among formula makers, leaving fewer options on store shelves and increasingly anxious parents struggling to find nutrition for their children.
The announcement comes two days after the Food and Drug Administration said it was streamlining its review process to make it easier for foreign manufacturers to begin shipping more formula into the U.S.
In a letter Wednesday to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, Biden directed the agencies to work with the Pentagon to identify overseas supply of formula that meets U.S. standards over the next week, so that chartered Defense Department flights can swiftly fly it to the U.S.
&ldquo;Imports of baby formula will serve as a bridge to this ramped-up production,&rdquo; Biden wrote.
Regulators said Monday that they&rsquo;d reached a deal to allow Abbott Nutrition to restart its Sturgis, Michigan, plant, the nation's largest formula plant, which has been closed since February due to contamination issues. The company must overhaul its safety protocols and procedures before resuming production.

In a horrible crime in Pakistan, a son allegedly killed and beheaded his father. The alleged murderer chopped his father's body into various pieces, and dumped them in different parts of Karachi.
The crime came to light when police discovered a bag with human body parts, but no head and legs. Pakistan police worked hard to identify the victim, and found out that it was a man named Saleem Khilji.
The victim's relatives were then questioned, and during interrogation, the son confessed to his crime, police said. The alleged killer claimed that his father used to beat him up and abuse him.
The crime took place on April 21. The victim was killed with hammer blows to the head, before being beheaded and dismembered.

Pakistan: son kills, beheads father, then throws body parts in different parts of Karachi, say police

Murdered was allegedly abused by victim, his father&nbsp;

In a horrible crime in Pakistan, a son allegedly killed and beheaded his father. The alleged murderer chopped his father's body into various pieces, and dumped them in different parts of Karachi.
The crime came to light when police discovered a bag with human body parts, but no head and legs. Pakistan police worked hard to identify the victim, and found out that it was a man named Saleem Khilji.
The victim's relatives were then questioned, and during interrogation, the son confessed to his crime, police said. The alleged killer claimed that his father used to beat him up and abuse him.
The crime took place on April 21. The victim was killed with hammer blows to the head, before being beheaded and dismembered.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/crime-news/public-apathy-on-cam-man-killed-on-a-busy-road-people-just-walk-by-1650859567700" target="_blank">Public apathy on cam: man killed on a busy road, people just walk by</a>

9 months after the Taliban captured power in Afghanistan, the group has made a major diplomatic outreach to India. The timing is interesting given that relations between Taliban and its long-time patron Pakistan have been souring.
In an interview to news outlet Wion, Afghan foreign ministry's spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said that Taliban has open communication channels with India. India had also sent wheat as food aid to Afghanistan amid the political turmoil after Taliban's takeover. Balkhi appreciated the move, saying, "We will always remember those that helped Afghanistan in times of our need."
Amid reports that India might reopen low-level diplomatic offices in Afghanistan, the Taliban leader supported the idea. Balkhi said that Delhi should restart consular services in Afghanistan.
He also said that Indian projects in Afghanistan are being maintained. India had invested heavily in development work in Afghanistan when elected governments were in power. These included building of the Afghan parliament building.
Meanwhile, ties between Taliban and Islamabad has going through a rough patch, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of not doing enough to control terrorism from Afghan soil. Islamabad claims that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which carries out attacks in Pakistan, has been aided by the Afghan Taliban.

Taliban praises India amid tension with Pakistan, invites Delhi to reopen diplomatic offices

Amid reports that India might reopen low-level diplomatic offices in Afghanistan, a Taliban leader supported the idea.

9 months after the Taliban captured power in Afghanistan, the group has made a major diplomatic outreach to India. The timing is interesting given that relations between Taliban and its long-time patron Pakistan have been souring.
In an interview to news outlet Wion, Afghan foreign ministry's spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said that Taliban has open communication channels with India. India had also sent wheat as food aid to Afghanistan amid the political turmoil after Taliban's takeover. Balkhi appreciated the move, saying, "We will always remember those that helped Afghanistan in times of our need."
Amid reports that India might reopen low-level diplomatic offices in Afghanistan, the Taliban leader supported the idea. Balkhi said that Delhi should restart consular services in Afghanistan.
He also said that Indian projects in Afghanistan are being maintained. India had invested heavily in development work in Afghanistan when elected governments were in power. These included building of the Afghan parliament building.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/is-modi-govt-planning-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-1652764505058" target="_blank">Is Modi govt planning to reopen embassy in Kabul?</a>
Meanwhile, ties between Taliban and Islamabad has going through a rough patch, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of not doing enough to control terrorism from Afghan soil. Islamabad claims that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which carries out attacks in Pakistan, has been aided by the Afghan Taliban.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Lucknow recently, he gave the example of one of America's founding fathers Benjamin Franklin to UP ministers. PM Modi was advising UP ministers on the importance of time management, and also pointed out that 'karya' or work should come before 'karyakram', or events, according to an Indian Express report.
While telling the lawmakers about time management, PM Modi suggested that they read about Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, whose face adorns the US $100 note, was an author, inventor, philosopher, diplomat, and a journalist and publisher. One of the most famous aspects of his life is his strict daily routine which he mentioned in his autobiography.
Here is what it was.
5 to 7 AM: Rise, wash, and address Powerful Goodness! Contrive day&rsquo;s business, and take the resolution of the day: prosecute the present study, and breakfast. Ask the morning question - what good shall I do this day?
8 to 11 AM: Work.
12 to1 PM: Read, or overlook my accounts, and dine.
2 to 5 PM: Work.
6 to 9 PM: Put things in their places. Supper. Music or diversion, or conversation. Examination of the day. Ask the evening question - what good have I done today?
10 PM to 4 AM: Sleep.

PM Modi recommends US founding father Benjamin Franklin's daily timetable to UP ministers: see what it is

PM Modi is an admirer of Benjamin Franklin, whose face adorns the US $100 note. He was was an author, inventor, philosopher, diplomat, and a journalist and publisher.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Lucknow recently, he gave the example of one of America's founding fathers Benjamin Franklin to UP ministers. PM Modi was advising UP ministers on the importance of time management, and also pointed out that 'karya' or work should come before 'karyakram', or events, according to an Indian Express report.
While telling the lawmakers about time management, PM Modi suggested that they read about Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, whose face adorns the US $100 note, was an author, inventor, philosopher, diplomat, and a journalist and publisher. One of the most famous aspects of his life is his strict daily routine which he mentioned in his autobiography.
Here is what it was.
5 to 7 AM: Rise, wash, and address Powerful Goodness! Contrive day&rsquo;s business, and take the resolution of the day: prosecute the present study, and breakfast. Ask the morning question - what good shall I do this day?
8 to 11 AM: Work.
12 to1 PM: Read, or overlook my accounts, and dine.
2 to 5 PM: Work.
6 to 9 PM: Put things in their places. Supper. Music or diversion, or conversation. Examination of the day. Ask the evening question - what good have I done today?
10 PM to 4 AM: Sleep.

American intelligence officials showed videos of UFOs or unidentified flying objects during a Congressional hearing on such inexplicable phenomena. At the hearing, Pentagon officials did not disclose new information about what they have labelled "unidentified aerial phenomena" or UAPs.
However, some videos were presented to show the limited amount of information that authorities possess. In one of the videos, triangular shapes were witnessed by personnel from a Navy ship.
Scott Bray of US Naval Intelligence said that the shapes were drones which appeared as triangles because the recording was done through night-vision devices. However, the intelligence official could not explain the other video recorded from an aircraft.
US authorities had also released some UFO videos in 2020. Fleeting glimpses of objects with no apparent propulsion systems have baffled experts and spawned various conspiracy theories. But there's still no conclusive proof of alien life.

US spies show UFO videos at Congressional hearing on increasing encounters. Watch what Pentagon revealed

A US Congressional committee held an open hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena where intelligence officials showed UAV videos to explain the challenge of understanding such objects.

American intelligence officials showed videos of UFOs or unidentified flying objects during a Congressional hearing on such inexplicable phenomena. At the hearing, Pentagon officials did not disclose new information about what they have labelled "unidentified aerial phenomena" or UAPs.
However, some videos were presented to show the limited amount of information that authorities possess. In one of the videos, triangular shapes were witnessed by personnel from a Navy ship.
Scott Bray of US Naval Intelligence said that the shapes were drones which appeared as triangles because the recording was done through night-vision devices. However, the intelligence official could not explain the other video recorded from an aircraft.
US authorities had also released some UFO videos in 2020. Fleeting glimpses of objects with no apparent propulsion systems have baffled experts and spawned various conspiracy theories. But there's still no conclusive proof of alien life.

India intends to deploy the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system by next month to defend itself from Pakistani and Chinese threats as it is pursuing an extensive military modernisation effort encompassing air, ground, naval and strategic nuclear forces, Pentagon's top intelligence official has said during a Congressional hearing.
India started receiving the delivery of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia in December last year, Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, Director of Defence Intelligence Agency, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a recent Congressional hearing.
As of October 2021, India’s military was seeking to procure advanced surveillance systems to strengthen its land and sea borders and boost its offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.
“In December, India received its initial delivery of the Russian S-400 air defence system, and it intends to operate the system to defend against Pakistani and Chinese threats by June 2022,” Berrier said.
“India continued to develop its own hypersonic, ballistic, cruise and air defence missile capabilities, conducting multiple tests in 2021. India has a growing number of satellites in orbit, and is expanding its use of space assets, likely pursuing offensive space capabilities,” he said.
Berrier told the lawmakers that New Delhi is pursuing an extensive military modernisation effort encompassing air, ground, naval and strategic nuclear forces with an emphasis on domestic defence production.
India is taking steps to establish Integrated Theatre Commands that will improve its joint capability among its three military services.
Since 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given priority to strengthen India’s economy by expanding its domestic defence industry and establishing a negative import list to curtail defence purchases from foreign suppliers.
“India’s long-standing defence relationship with Russia remains strong, holding their first ‘2+2’ format talks in December — a joint foreign and defence ministerial that India previously only held with the United States, Japan and Australia.
“India has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and continues to call for peace,” Berrier told the lawmakers.
According to Berrier, throughout 2021, New Delhi continued to implement a foreign policy aimed at demonstrating India’s role as a leading power and net provider of security in the Indian Ocean region.
India seeks to promote prosperity and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region by seeking strategic partnerships to build influence through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he said.
“New Delhi seeks to deepen intelligence and operational cooperation on cybersecurity, protect critical information infrastructure, prevent adversary manipulation of public opinion, and to create standards and norms that protect and secure data governance,” Berrier said.
Following the collapse of the Afghan government, New Delhi is increasingly concerned about potential attacks against India by Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed - empowered by a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, he said.
The evacuation of Indian personnel from Afghanistan degraded its resources to monitor potential threats and cultivate influence over regional stability, he said.
Despite recommitting to the 2003 ceasefire, India remains postured to respond to perceived militant threats, and has continued counterterrorism operations in Kashmir, Berrier said.
“Occasional skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani troops will continue, and a high-profile attack in India by Pakistan-based terrorists risks an Indian military response,” he said.
Berrier said that Chinese-Indian relations remain strained following the fatal clashes in summer 2020 between their respective forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
During 2021, both sides held multiple rounds of high-level diplomatic and military talks that resulted in a mutual pullback of forces from several standoff points.
However, both sides maintain close to 50,000 troops along with artillery, tanks and multiple rocket launchers, and both are building infrastructure along the LAC, Berrier added.

Will India deploy Russian S-400 missile defence next month: here's what US intelligence thinks

According to Berrier, throughout 2021, New Delhi continued to implement a foreign policy aimed at demonstrating India’s role as a leading power (PAL)

S-400 missile defence

According to Berrier, throughout 2021, New Delhi continued to implement a foreign policy aimed at demonstrating India&rsquo;s role as a leading power

India intends to deploy the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system by next month to defend itself from Pakistani and Chinese threats as it is pursuing an extensive military modernisation effort encompassing air, ground, naval and strategic nuclear forces, Pentagon's top intelligence official has said during a Congressional hearing.
India started receiving the delivery of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia in December last year, Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, Director of Defence Intelligence Agency, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a recent Congressional hearing.
As of October 2021, India&rsquo;s military was seeking to procure advanced surveillance systems to strengthen its land and sea borders and boost its offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.
&ldquo;In December, India received its initial delivery of the Russian S-400 air defence system, and it intends to operate the system to defend against Pakistani and Chinese threats by June 2022,&rdquo; Berrier said.
&ldquo;India continued to develop its own hypersonic, ballistic, cruise and air defence missile capabilities, conducting multiple tests in 2021. India has a growing number of satellites in orbit, and is expanding its use of space assets, likely pursuing offensive space capabilities,&rdquo; he said.
Berrier told the lawmakers that New Delhi is pursuing an extensive military modernisation effort encompassing air, ground, naval and strategic nuclear forces with an emphasis on domestic defence production.
India is taking steps to establish Integrated Theatre Commands that will improve its joint capability among its three military services.
Since 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given priority to strengthen India&rsquo;s economy by expanding its domestic defence industry and establishing a negative import list to curtail defence purchases from foreign suppliers.
&ldquo;India&rsquo;s long-standing defence relationship with Russia remains strong, holding their first &lsquo;2+2&rsquo; format talks in December &mdash; a joint foreign and defence ministerial that India previously only held with the United States, Japan and Australia.
&ldquo;India has maintained a neutral stance on Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine and continues to call for peace,&rdquo; Berrier told the lawmakers.
According to Berrier, throughout 2021, New Delhi continued to implement a foreign policy aimed at demonstrating India&rsquo;s role as a leading power and net provider of security in the Indian Ocean region.
India seeks to promote prosperity and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region by seeking strategic partnerships to build influence through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he said.
&ldquo;New Delhi seeks to deepen intelligence and operational cooperation on cybersecurity, protect critical information infrastructure, prevent adversary manipulation of public opinion, and to create standards and norms that protect and secure data governance,&rdquo; Berrier said.
Following the collapse of the Afghan government, New Delhi is increasingly concerned about potential attacks against India by Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed - empowered by a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, he said.
The evacuation of Indian personnel from Afghanistan degraded its resources to monitor potential threats and cultivate influence over regional stability, he said.
Despite recommitting to the 2003 ceasefire, India remains postured to respond to perceived militant threats, and has continued counterterrorism operations in Kashmir, Berrier said.
&ldquo;Occasional skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani troops will continue, and a high-profile attack in India by Pakistan-based terrorists risks an Indian military response,&rdquo; he said.
Berrier said that Chinese-Indian relations remain strained following the fatal clashes in summer 2020 between their respective forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
During 2021, both sides held multiple rounds of high-level diplomatic and military talks that resulted in a mutual pullback of forces from several standoff points.
However, both sides maintain close to 50,000 troops along with artillery, tanks and multiple rocket launchers, and both are building infrastructure along the LAC, Berrier added.

''It will be bad without McDonald's. I celebrated all of my birthdays here during the 1990s'', that's what a Moscow resident had to say ahead of McDonald's nationwide exit. More than three decades after it became the first American fast food restaurant to open in the Soviet Union, McDonald's is selling its business to a Russian fast-food chain called Uncle Vanya, another symbol of the country’s increasing isolation over its war in Ukraine.
The Chicago burger giant confirmed that it is selling its 850 restaurants in Russia. McDonald's said it will seek a buyer who will employ its 62,000 workers in Russia, and will continue to pay those workers until the deal closes.
McDonald's said in early March that it was temporarily closing its stores in Russia but would continue to pay its employees. It was a costly decision. Late last month, the company said it was losing $55 million each month due to the restaurant closures. It also lost $100 million worth of inventory.Western companies have wrestled with extricating themselves from Russia, enduring the hit to their bottom lines from pausing or closing operations in the face of sanctions. 

Watch: Russians queue up at McDonald's outlets as it exits the country

More than three decades after it became the first American fast food restaurant to open in the Soviet Union, McDonald's exits Russia 

Maharaja Mc exits Russia! 

Western companies have wrestled with extricating themselves from Russia, enduring the hit to their bottom lines from pausing or closing operations in the face of sanctions

''It will be bad without McDonald's. I celebrated all of my birthdays here during the 1990s'', that's what a&nbsp;Moscow resident had to say&nbsp;ahead of&nbsp;McDonald's nationwide exit.&nbsp; More than three decades after it became the first American fast food restaurant to open in the Soviet Union, McDonald's is selling its business to a Russian fast-food chain called Uncle Vanya, another symbol of the country&rsquo;s increasing isolation over its war in Ukraine.
Also read/watch|&nbsp;<a title="Biometric payments are here! Mastercard will soon let you pay with your face" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/biotmeric-payments-are-here-mastercard-will-soon-let-you-pay-with-your-face-1652843304815">Biometric payments are here! Mastercard will soon let you pay with your face</a>
The Chicago burger giant confirmed that it is selling its 850 restaurants in Russia. McDonald's said it will seek a buyer who will employ its 62,000 workers in Russia, and will continue to pay those workers until the deal closes.
McDonald's said in early March that it was temporarily closing its stores in Russia but would continue to pay its employees. It was a costly decision. Late last month, the company said it was losing $55 million each month due to the restaurant closures. It also lost $100 million worth of inventory. Western companies have wrestled with extricating themselves from Russia, enduring the hit to their bottom lines from pausing or closing operations in the face of sanctions.&nbsp;

A news report citing preliminary findings by American officials notes that Black box data of a Chinese airliner that crashed on March 21 killing all 132 people on board indicates indicates that someone in the cockpit intentionally crashed the plane.
China Eastern flight MU5735 went into a near vertical nosedive less than an hour before it was meant to arrive at Guangzhou, with flight tracking showing the plane plummeting to the ground at an almost 90-degree angle.
The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed officials as saying that the flight information recorded in the black box suggested inputs were made to cockpit controls that put the plane in a fatal plunge.The Boeing 737-800 jet, data recorded by flight tracking service FlightRadar showed, dropped from 29,000 feet to the ground in less than two minutes.
A preliminary report by China’s aviation regulator released on April 20 found no problems with the aircraft or the cargo. The Chinese report did not establish a cause for the crash.
The WSJ cited its sources as saying that there is also a possibility that someone else on the plane could have broken into the cockpit and deliberately caused the crash. 

Someone in cockpit intentionally crashed Chinese plane: WSJ report

Chinese investigation revealed that there was no problem with the aircraft or the cargo&nbsp;

A news report citing preliminary findings by American officials notes that&nbsp;Black box data of a&nbsp;Chinese airliner that crashed on March 21 killing all 132 people on board indicates that someone in the cockpit intentionally crashed the plane.
China Eastern flight MU5735 went into a near vertical nosedive less than an hour before it was meant to arrive at Guangzhou, with flight tracking showing the plane plummeting to the ground at an almost 90-degree angle.
The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed officials as saying that the flight information recorded in the black box suggested inputs were made to cockpit controls that put the plane in a fatal plunge. The Boeing 737-800 jet, data recorded by flight tracking service FlightRadar showed, dropped from 29,000 feet to the ground in less than two minutes.
A preliminary report by China&rsquo;s aviation regulator released on April 20 found no problems with the aircraft or the cargo. The Chinese report did not establish a cause for the crash.
The WSJ cited its sources as saying that there is also a possibility that someone else on the plane could have broken into the cockpit and deliberately caused the crash.&nbsp;
Also Watch|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/china-crash-boeing-in-trouble-again-after-earlier-737-max-controversy-1647943773140" target="_blank">China crash: Boeing in trouble again after earlier 737 MAX controversy?</a>

A seven-year-old Ukrainian figure skater has returned to the ice in the UK after fleeing the war in his country.
Gosha Mandziuk, who now lives in Bristol with his mother Iryna, has competed nationally and was also part of an ice hockey team in Ukraine.
Gosha's mother Iryna told British broadcaster Sky News that skating is Gosha's "biggest passion" and that he wants to keep up his training regime while he's in Britain.
But the cost of coaching and having somewhere to train is considerably higher in the UK, she said.
"Now it is minimum five times more expensive and it's not affordable at the moment," she told Sky.
Gosha and his mother arrived in the UK last month and have been staying with host Caroline Drugan and her family.
Drugan said the "perilous journey" Gosha's father made back to Kyiv just to get his skating equipment showed how important it was to them as a family.

Watch: 7-year-old Ukrainian skater creates magic as he returns to the ice in UK

Gosha&nbsp;Mandziuk&nbsp;has participated in national competitions in Ukraine&nbsp;

A seven-year-old Ukrainian figure skater has returned to the ice in the UK after fleeing the war in his country.
Gosha Mandziuk, who now lives in Bristol with his mother Iryna, has competed nationally and was also part of an ice hockey team in Ukraine.
Gosha's mother Iryna told British broadcaster Sky News that skating is Gosha's "biggest passion" and that he wants to keep up his training regime while he's in Britain.
But the cost of coaching and having somewhere to train is considerably higher in the UK, she said.
"Now it is minimum five times more expensive and it's not affordable at the moment," she told Sky.
Gosha and his mother arrived in the UK last month and have been staying with host Caroline Drugan and her family.
Drugan said the "perilous journey" Gosha's father made back to Kyiv just to get his skating equipment showed how important it was to them as a family.
Also Watch|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/ukrainian-grandma-bakes-cake-for-orthodox-easter-amid-rubble-1650788293819" target="_blank">Ukrainian grandma bakes cake for Orthodox Easter amid rubble</a>

The 75th Cannes Film Festival kicked off Tuesday with an eye turned to Russia's war in Ukraine and a live satellite video address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called on a new generation of filmmakers to confront dictators as Charlie Chaplin satirised Adolf Hitler.
After tributes and musical numbers, Zelenskyy was streamed live for the formally attired audience who had gathered for the premiere of Michel Hazanavicius' zombie comedy “Final Cut." Zelenskyy, dressed in his signature olive green shirt, drew a thunderous standing ovation and spoke at length about the connection between cinema and reality. He referenced films like Francis Ford Coppola's “Apocalypse Now” and Charlie Chaplin's “The Great Dictator” as not unlike Ukraine's present circumstances.
Zelenskyy quoted Chaplin's final speech in “The Great Dictator,” which was released in 1940, in the early days of World War II: “The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people.” “We need a new Chaplin who will demonstrate that the cinema of our time is not silent,” implored Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president pushed filmmakers not to “stay silent” while hundreds continue to die in Ukraine, the largest war in Europe since WWII, and show that cinema “is always on the side of freedom.” The war is to be a regular presence in Cannes, where the festival has barred Russians with ties to the government from attending this year.
Set to screen are several films from prominent Ukrainian filmmakers, including Sergei Loznitsa's documentary “The Natural History of Destruction.” Footage shot by Lithuanian filmmaker Mantas Kvedaravicius before he was killed in Mariupol in April will also be shown by his fiancée, Hanna Bilobrova.
Even “Final Cut," the latest film from “The Artist” filmmaker Hazanavicius, was renamed from its original title, “Z,” after Ukrainian protesters noted that the letter Z to some symbolizes support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Formally attired stars including Eva Longoria, Julianne Moore, Bérénice Bejo and “No Time to Die” star Lashana Lynch were among those who streamed down Cannes' famous red carpet Tuesday.
More star-studded premieres — “Top Gun: Maverick!" “Elvis!" — await over the next 12 days, during which 21 films will vie for the festival's prestigious top award, the Palme d'Or.
But Tuesday's opening and the carefully choreographed red-carpet parade leading up the steps to the Grand Théâtre Lumiére again restored one of the movies' grandest pageants after two years of pandemic that have challenged the exalted stature Cannes annually showers on cinema.
“Dear friends, let's come out of this dark together,” said opening ceremony host Virginie Efira.
After last year requiring regular COVID-19 testing and masks in theatres — and no kisses on the red carpet — Cannes has largely done away with pandemic protocols. Masks are recommended inside but are rarely worn.
Cannes presented an honorary Palme d'Or to Forest Whitaker, who received a standing ovation. Whitaker, who won best actor at Cannes 34 years ago for his performance as Charlie Parker in Clint Eastwood's “Bird,” said that while ascending the steps to the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday, he could still hear chants of “Clint! Clint!” ringing in his ears.
Eastwood is one of few others who have been awarded an honorary Palme.
On Tuesday, Cannes also unveiled the jury that will award the Palme d'Or. French actor Vincent Lindon is leading a jury that includes Deepika Padukone, Rebecca Hall, Asghar Farhadi, Trinca, Ladj Ly, Noomi Rapace, Jeff Nichols, and Joachim Trier.
Questions of gender equality have long surrounded the Cannes Film Festival, where no more than five female filmmakers have ever been a part of the Palme competition lineup and only two women directors have won it.
On Monday, Fremaux defended the festival, arguing that it selects films purely on the basis of quality. Hall, who last year made her directorial debut with the film “Passing,” was asked about her opinion on Cannes' record.
“I believe that it is a work in progress. I mean for the whole film industry, not just the Cannes Film Festival," replied Hall. “The way of dealing with these things needs to be addressed on a grassroots level as well. It's not just the festivals or public-facing situations. It's about all the minutiae of what goes into the industry at large." Farhadi, the Oscar-winning Iranian director, also spoke for the first time about an ongoing plagiarism suit regarding his previous film, “A Hero,” which won the Grand Prix in Cannes last year. A former film student of Farhadi's, Azadeh Masihzadeh, has accused him of stealing the idea of the film from a 2018 documentary she made in a workshop taught by Farhadi.
Speaking at length, Farhadi said “A Hero” was not based on the documentary.
“It was based on a current event so this documentary and this film are based on an event that happened two years prior to the workshop,” said Farhadi. "When an event takes place and is covered by the press, then it becomes public knowledge and you can do what you like about the event. You can write a story or make a film about the event. You can look up the information on this event. A Hero' is just one interpretation of this event.”

Cannes 2022: Zelenskyy opens film festival, invokes Charlie Chaplin to slam Putin

Zelenskyy, dressed in his signature olive green shirt, drew a thunderous standing ovation and spoke at length about the connection between cinema and reality. (PAL)

Zelenskyy quoted Chaplin's final speech in &ldquo;The Great Dictator,&rdquo; which was released in 1940, in the early days of World War II.

The 75th Cannes Film Festival kicked off Tuesday with an eye turned to Russia's war in Ukraine and a live satellite video address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called on a new generation of filmmakers to confront dictators as Charlie Chaplin satirised Adolf Hitler.
After tributes and musical numbers, Zelenskyy was streamed live for the formally attired audience who had gathered for the premiere of Michel Hazanavicius' zombie comedy &ldquo;Final Cut." Zelenskyy, dressed in his signature olive green shirt, drew a thunderous standing ovation and spoke at length about the connection between cinema and reality. He referenced films like Francis Ford Coppola's &ldquo;Apocalypse Now&rdquo; and Charlie Chaplin's &ldquo;The Great Dictator&rdquo; as not unlike Ukraine's present circumstances.
Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/underground-city-to-escape-nuclear-attack-finland-s-swanky-bunkers-in-news-amid-nato-move-russia-war-1652793700533">Underground city to escape nuclear attack: Finland's swanky bunkers in news amid NATO move | Russia war</a>
Zelenskyy quoted Chaplin's final speech in &ldquo;The Great Dictator,&rdquo; which was released in 1940, in the early days of World War II: &ldquo;The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people.&rdquo; &ldquo;We need a new Chaplin who will demonstrate that the cinema of our time is not silent,&rdquo; implored Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president pushed filmmakers not to &ldquo;stay silent&rdquo; while hundreds continue to die in Ukraine, the largest war in Europe since WWII, and show that cinema &ldquo;is always on the side of freedom.&rdquo; The war is to be a regular presence in Cannes, where the festival has barred Russians with ties to the government from attending this year.
Set to screen are several films from prominent Ukrainian filmmakers, including Sergei Loznitsa's documentary &ldquo;The Natural History of Destruction.&rdquo; Footage shot by Lithuanian filmmaker Mantas Kvedaravicius before he was killed in Mariupol in April will also be shown by his fianc&eacute;e, Hanna Bilobrova.
Even &ldquo;Final Cut," the latest film from &ldquo;The Artist&rdquo; filmmaker Hazanavicius, was renamed from its original title, &ldquo;Z,&rdquo; after Ukrainian protesters noted that the letter Z to some symbolizes support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Formally attired stars including Eva Longoria, Julianne Moore, B&eacute;r&eacute;nice Bejo and &ldquo;No Time to Die&rdquo; star Lashana Lynch were among those who streamed down Cannes' famous red carpet Tuesday.
More star-studded premieres &mdash; &ldquo;Top Gun: Maverick!" &ldquo;Elvis!" &mdash; await over the next 12 days, during which 21 films will vie for the festival's prestigious top award, the Palme d'Or.
But Tuesday's opening and the carefully choreographed red-carpet parade leading up the steps to the Grand Th&eacute;&acirc;tre Lumi&eacute;re again restored one of the movies' grandest pageants after two years of pandemic that have challenged the exalted stature Cannes annually showers on cinema.
&ldquo;Dear friends, let's come out of this dark together,&rdquo; said opening ceremony host Virginie Efira.
After last year requiring regular COVID-19 testing and masks in theatres &mdash; and no kisses on the red carpet &mdash; Cannes has largely done away with pandemic protocols. Masks are recommended inside but are rarely worn.
Cannes presented an honorary Palme d'Or to Forest Whitaker, who received a standing ovation. Whitaker, who won best actor at Cannes 34 years ago for his performance as Charlie Parker in Clint Eastwood's &ldquo;Bird,&rdquo; said that while ascending the steps to the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday, he could still hear chants of &ldquo;Clint! Clint!&rdquo; ringing in his ears.
Eastwood is one of few others who have been awarded an honorary Palme.
On Tuesday, Cannes also unveiled the jury that will award the Palme d'Or. French actor Vincent Lindon is leading a jury that includes Deepika Padukone, Rebecca Hall, Asghar Farhadi, Trinca, Ladj Ly, Noomi Rapace, Jeff Nichols, and Joachim Trier.
Questions of gender equality have long surrounded the Cannes Film Festival, where no more than five female filmmakers have ever been a part of the Palme competition lineup and only two women directors have won it.
On Monday, Fremaux defended the festival, arguing that it selects films purely on the basis of quality. Hall, who last year made her directorial debut with the film &ldquo;Passing,&rdquo; was asked about her opinion on Cannes' record.
&ldquo;I believe that it is a work in progress. I mean for the whole film industry, not just the Cannes Film Festival," replied Hall. &ldquo;The way of dealing with these things needs to be addressed on a grassroots level as well. It's not just the festivals or public-facing situations. It's about all the minutiae of what goes into the industry at large." Farhadi, the Oscar-winning Iranian director, also spoke for the first time about an ongoing plagiarism suit regarding his previous film, &ldquo;A Hero,&rdquo; which won the Grand Prix in Cannes last year. A former film student of Farhadi's, Azadeh Masihzadeh, has accused him of stealing the idea of the film from a 2018 documentary she made in a workshop taught by Farhadi.
Speaking at length, Farhadi said &ldquo;A Hero&rdquo; was not based on the documentary.
&ldquo;It was based on a current event so this documentary and this film are based on an event that happened two years prior to the workshop,&rdquo; said Farhadi. "When an event takes place and is covered by the press, then it becomes public knowledge and you can do what you like about the event. You can write a story or make a film about the event. You can look up the information on this event. A Hero' is just one interpretation of this event.&rdquo;

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Wheat Export Ban

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton has said that the United States is eager to make a trade deal with Britain post-Brexit. Speaking to Broadcaster Sky News on Friday, Bolton told reporters that the UK is going to "crash right into the United States," after it leaves the European Union. British lawmakers on Friday rejected the government's Brexit deal for a third time. 

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton has said that the United States is eager to make a trade deal with Britain post-Brexit. Speaking to Broadcaster Sky News on Friday, Bolton told reporters that the UK is going to "crash right into the United States," after it leaves the European Union. British lawmakers on Friday rejected the government's Brexit deal for a third time. 

After the US confirmed a single case of Monkeypox on Wednesday, there are fresh concerns emerging amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, reports of the disease being present in some parts of Europe also increased tension.
What is Monkeypox?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Monkeypox as a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus belongng to the same family of viruses which causes smallpox.
What are the origins of the virus and how common is it?
As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Hence the name ‘monkeypox.’
In humans, the first case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in Congo. Since then, the virus has remained majorly restricted to African nations.
Though, occasional cases have been reported in the US, UK, Singapore and Israel.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms of monkeypox are similar but milder than that of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.
How is Monkeypox transmitted?
Infection spreads from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids of the infected animals. Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor.
Human-to-human, transmission is relatively limited. Infection can result from close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person or recently contaminated objects. Transmission via droplet respiratory particles usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact
Source of infection
In Africa, evidence of monkeypox virus infection has been found in many animals including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, different species of monkeys. The natural reservoir of monkeypox has not yet been identified, though rodents are the most likely source of infection.
Who are at most risk of the disease?
In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 persons who contract the disease. The fatality has been observed to be higher among young children.
Prevention and Treatment
Curently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus however, the smallpox vaccine has been demonstrated to be about 85% effective in preventing the disease.
Avoiding direct contact with infected humans or animals, isolation, good hand hygiene and using personal protective gears are some of the preventive measures.

Explained: what is monkeypox, its symptoms and chances of human transmission

After the US confirmed a single case of monkeypox on Wednesday, there are fresh concerns emerging amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

After the US confirmed a single case of Monkeypox on Wednesday, there are fresh concerns emerging amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Cases of the disease have been reported in Europe as well
What is Monkeypox?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Monkeypox as a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus belongng to the same family of viruses which causes smallpox.
What are the origins of the virus and how common is it?
As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Hence the name &lsquo;monkeypox.&rsquo;
In humans, the first case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in Congo. Since then, the virus has remained majorly restricted to African nations.
Though, occasional cases have been reported in the US, UK, Singapore and Israel.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms of monkeypox are similar but milder than that of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The illness typically lasts for 2&minus;4 weeks.
How is Monkeypox transmitted?
Infection spreads from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids of the infected animals. Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor.
Human-to-human transmission is relatively limited. Infection can result from close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person or recently contaminated objects. Transmission via droplet respiratory particles usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact
Source of infection
In Africa, evidence of monkeypox virus infection has been found in many animals including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, different species of monkeys. The natural reservoir of monkeypox has not yet been identified, though rodents are the most likely source of infection.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/us-confirms-monkeypox-infection-in-man-who-travelled-to-canada-1652939001352" target="_blank">US confirms monkeypox infection in man who travelled to Canada</a>
Who are at most risk of the disease?
In Africa, monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 persons who contract the disease. The fatality has been observed to be higher among young children.
Prevention and Treatment
Curently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus however, the smallpox vaccine has been demonstrated to be about 85% effective in preventing the disease.
Avoiding direct contact with infected humans or animals, isolation, good hand hygiene and using personal protective gears are some of the preventive measures.

Multiple news reports quoting unnamed intelligence sources suggest that a ground assessment by the security establishment has pointed out that the Chinese army is building a second bridge on the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh.
The People’s Liberation Army had constructed the first one in January this year.
An unnamed security official attached to the Union home ministry told The Telegraph that the latest ground assessment has revealed increased infrastructure activity by China along the Line of Actual Control, including the construction of a second bridge on the Pangong Lake.
Sources told the newspaper that China was also ramping up its infrastructure within India-claimed lines on the strategic Depsang Plains and elsewhere, building roads and settlements for its troops.
Corroboration of the claims about a second bridge came from Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher at the Intel Lab, and Ladakh councillor Konchok Stanzin who on on Wednesday tweeted satellite images of what he said was the under-development second bridge.
In January, satellite images had suggested that the Chinese army was building an eight-metre-wide bridge within India-claimed lines over the Pangong Lake, which security experts had said would give China “a strategic edge”.

Is China building a second bridge on the Pangong Lake in Ladakh? See these satellite images

In January, satellite images had suggested that the Chinese army was building an eight-metre-wide bridge within India-claimed lines over the Pangong Lake, which security experts had said would give China “a strategic edge”.

In January, satellite images had suggested that the Chinese army was building an eight-metre-wide bridge within India-claimed lines over the Pangong Lake.

Multiple news reports quoting unnamed intelligence sources suggest that a ground assessment by the security establishment has pointed out that the Chinese army is building a second bridge on the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh.
The People&rsquo;s Liberation Army had constructed the first one in January this year.
An unnamed security official attached to the Union home ministry told The Telegraph that the latest ground assessment has revealed increased infrastructure activity by China along the Line of Actual Control, including the construction of a second bridge on the Pangong Lake.
Sources told the newspaper that China was also ramping up its infrastructure within India-claimed lines on the strategic Depsang Plains and elsewhere, building roads and settlements for its troops.
Corroboration of the claims about a second bridge came from Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher at the Intel Lab, and Ladakh councillor Konchok Stanzin who on on Wednesday tweeted satellite images of what he said was the under-development second bridge.
In January, satellite images had suggested that the Chinese army was building an eight-metre-wide bridge within India-claimed lines over the Pangong Lake, which security experts had said would give China &ldquo;a strategic edge&rdquo;.

Calling out the West, India has said that food grains should not go the way of the Covid-19 vaccines as it voiced concern over hoarding, discrimination and the “unjustified increase” in food prices that pose a threat to the food security of many vulnerable countries amidst the war in Ukraine.
India also stressed that its decision to restrict wheat exports will ensure it can truly respond to those most in need.
“A number of low-income societies are today confronted with the twin challenges of rising costs and difficulty in access to food grains. Even those like India, which have adequate stocks, have seen an unjustified increase in food prices. It is clear that hoarding and speculation are at work. We cannot allow this to pass unchallenged,” Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said here on Wednesday.
Muraleedharan was speaking at the ministerial meeting on ‘Global Food Security Call to Action’ chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken under the US Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May.
The meeting came days after India’s decision last Friday to ban wheat exports in a bid to check high prices amid a shortage of wheat due to a scorching heatwave.
The decision is aimed at controlling the retail prices of wheat and wheat flour -- which have risen by an average of 14-20 per cent in the last year -- and meeting the foodgrain requirement of neighbouring and vulnerable countries.
At the meeting, India called out the West and cautioned that the issue of food grains should not go the way of Covid-19 vaccines, which were purchased by the rich nations in quantities excess of what they needed, leaving the poor and less developed nations scrambling to administer even the initial doses to their people.
“It is necessary for all of us to adequately appreciate the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility when it comes to food grains.
“We have already seen to our great cost how these principles were disregarded in the case of Covid-19 vaccines. Open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination,” Muraleedharan said, making a strong statement.
Although India is the world's second-biggest wheat producer, it has not previously been a major exporter as most of its crop is sold on domestic markets.
But Ukraine's wheat exports plunged after the Russian invasion. And with droughts and floods threatening crops in other major producers, commodity traders were expecting supplies from India to make up for part of the shortfall.
Before the ban, India had aimed to ship a record 10 million tonnes of wheat this year.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had in the last week's notification said that wheat exports will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the central government.
At the high-level meeting, India spoke about the issue of the wheat export ban for the first time in the UN since its May 13 announcement.
Muraleedharan said the Indian government has recognised the sudden spike in global prices of wheat which put “our food security and those of our neighbours and other vulnerable countries at risk.” “We are committed to ensuring that such adverse impact on food security is effectively mitigated and the vulnerable cushioned against sudden changes in the global market.
"In order to manage our own overall food security and support the needs of neighbouring and other vulnerable developing countries, we have announced some measures regarding wheat exports on May 13, 2022,” he said.
“Let me make it clear that these measures allow for export on the basis of approvals to those countries which are required to meet their food security demands. This will be done at the request of the concerned governments. Such a policy will ensure that we will truly respond to those who are most in need,” he said.
The minister emphasised that India will play its due role in advancing global food security and it will do so in a manner in which it upholds equity, displays compassion, and promotes social justice.
Ahead of Washington’s signature events on food security, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “We have seen the report of India’s decision. We’re encouraging countries not to restrict exports because we think any restrictions on exports will exacerbate the food shortages." "But you’ve – again, India will be one of the countries participating in our meeting at the Security Council, and we hope that they can, as they hear the concerns being raised by other countries, they would reconsider that position,” said the US ambassador to the UN.
Muraleedharan highlighted India’s “track record” of helping its partners in distress, saying that even in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, India has never been found wanting.
“We have provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tonnes of wheat, rice, pulses, and lentils to several countries, including our neighbourhood and Africa, to strengthen their food security,” he said, adding that in view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India is donating 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the people of the war-torn country.
India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat, he said.
“We are also assisting Sri Lanka, including with food assistance, during these difficult times,” he said.
“In keeping with our ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, (the world is one family) and our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, we will continue to assist our neighbours, in their hour of need, and stand by them, always,” he said.
India underlined that the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, including in Ukraine, has impacted the lives of ordinary people adversely, particularly in the developing countries, with spiralling energy and commodity prices and disruptions in global logistical supply chains.

India calls out West, says food grains shouldn’t go the way of Covid vaccine

The meeting came days after India’s decision last Friday to ban wheat exports in a bid to check high prices amid a shortage of wheat due to a scorching heatwave.

The meeting came days after India&rsquo;s decision last Friday to ban wheat exports in a bid to check high prices amid a shortage of wheat due to a scorching heatwave.

Calling out the West, India has said that food grains should not go the way of the Covid-19 vaccines as it voiced concern over hoarding, discrimination and the &ldquo;unjustified increase&rdquo; in food prices that pose a threat to the food security of many vulnerable countries amidst the war in Ukraine.
India also stressed that its decision to restrict wheat exports will ensure it can truly respond to those most in need.
&nbsp;
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pak-allows-use-of-space-to-transport-indian-wheat-aid-to-afghanistan-1637771905802">Pak allows use of space to transport Indian wheat, aid to Afghanistan</a>
&ldquo;A number of low-income societies are today confronted with the twin challenges of rising costs and difficulty in access to food grains. Even those like India, which have adequate stocks, have seen an unjustified increase in food prices. It is clear that hoarding and speculation are at work. We cannot allow this to pass unchallenged,&rdquo; Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said here on Wednesday.
Muraleedharan was speaking at the ministerial meeting on &lsquo;Global Food Security Call to Action&rsquo; chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken under the US Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May.
The meeting came days after India&rsquo;s decision last Friday to ban wheat exports in a bid to check high prices amid a shortage of wheat due to a scorching heatwave.
The decision is aimed at controlling the retail prices of wheat and wheat flour -- which have risen by an average of 14-20 per cent in the last year -- and meeting the foodgrain requirement of neighbouring and vulnerable countries.
At the meeting, India called out the West and cautioned that the issue of food grains should not go the way of Covid-19 vaccines, which were purchased by the rich nations in quantities excess of what they needed, leaving the poor and less developed nations scrambling to administer even the initial doses to their people.
&ldquo;It is necessary for all of us to adequately appreciate the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility when it comes to food grains.
&ldquo;We have already seen to our great cost how these principles were disregarded in the case of Covid-19 vaccines. Open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination,&rdquo; Muraleedharan said, making a strong statement.
Although India is the world's second-biggest wheat producer, it has not previously been a major exporter as most of its crop is sold on domestic markets.
But Ukraine's wheat exports plunged after the Russian invasion. And with droughts and floods threatening crops in other major producers, commodity traders were expecting supplies from India to make up for part of the shortfall.
Before the ban, India had aimed to ship a record 10 million tonnes of wheat this year.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had in the last week's notification said that wheat exports will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the central government.
At the high-level meeting, India spoke about the issue of the wheat export ban for the first time in the UN since its May 13 announcement.
Muraleedharan said the Indian government has recognised the sudden spike in global prices of wheat which put &ldquo;our food security and those of our neighbours and other vulnerable countries at risk.&rdquo; &ldquo;We are committed to ensuring that such adverse impact on food security is effectively mitigated and the vulnerable cushioned against sudden changes in the global market.
"In order to manage our own overall food security and support the needs of neighbouring and other vulnerable developing countries, we have announced some measures regarding wheat exports on May 13, 2022,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Let me make it clear that these measures allow for export on the basis of approvals to those countries which are required to meet their food security demands. This will be done at the request of the concerned governments. Such a policy will ensure that we will truly respond to those who are most in need,&rdquo; he said.
The minister emphasised that India will play its due role in advancing global food security and it will do so in a manner in which it upholds equity, displays compassion, and promotes social justice.
Ahead of Washington&rsquo;s signature events on food security, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, &ldquo;We have seen the report of India&rsquo;s decision. We&rsquo;re encouraging countries not to restrict exports because we think any restrictions on exports will exacerbate the food shortages." "But you&rsquo;ve &ndash; again, India will be one of the countries participating in our meeting at the Security Council, and we hope that they can, as they hear the concerns being raised by other countries, they would reconsider that position,&rdquo; said the US ambassador to the UN.
Muraleedharan highlighted India&rsquo;s &ldquo;track record&rdquo; of helping its partners in distress, saying that even in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, India has never been found wanting.
&ldquo;We have provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tonnes of wheat, rice, pulses, and lentils to several countries, including our neighbourhood and Africa, to strengthen their food security,&rdquo; he said, adding that in view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India is donating 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the people of the war-torn country.
India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat, he said.
&ldquo;We are also assisting Sri Lanka, including with food assistance, during these difficult times,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;In keeping with our ethos of &lsquo;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&rsquo;, (the world is one family) and our &lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo; policy, we will continue to assist our neighbours, in their hour of need, and stand by them, always,&rdquo; he said.
India underlined that the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, including in Ukraine, has impacted the lives of ordinary people adversely, particularly in the developing countries, with spiralling energy and commodity prices and disruptions in global logistical supply chains.

The battle that turned Mariupol into a worldwide symbol of defiance and suffering drew toward a close as Russia said nearly 1,000 last-ditch Ukrainian fighters who held out inside a pulverized steel plant had surrendered.
Meanwhile, the first captured Russian soldier to be put on trial by Ukraine on war-crimes charges pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing a civilian and could get life in prison.
Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO, abandoning generations of neutrality for fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian fighters who emerged from the ruined Azovstal steelworks after being ordered by their military to abandon the last stronghold of resistance in the now-flattened port city face an uncertain fate.
Some were taken by the Russians to a former penal colony in territory controlled by Moscow-backed separatists.
While Ukraine said it hopes to get the soldiers back in a prisoner swap, Russia threatened to put some of them on trial for war crimes.
Amnesty International said the Red Cross should be given immediate access to the fighters.

Battle for Mariupol draws toward close after Ukraine troops' mass surrender

While Ukraine said it hopes to get the soldiers back in a prisoner swap, Russia threatened to put some of them on trial for war crimes.

While Ukraine said it hopes to get the soldiers back in a prisoner swap, Russia threatened to put some of them on trial for war crimes.

The battle that turned Mariupol into a worldwide symbol of defiance and suffering drew toward a close as Russia said nearly 1,000 last-ditch Ukrainian fighters who held out inside a pulverized steel plant had surrendered.
Meanwhile, the first captured Russian soldier to be put on trial by Ukraine on war-crimes charges pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing a civilian and could get life in prison.
Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO, abandoning generations of neutrality for fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop with Ukraine.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/ukraine-forces-claim-to-have-reached-russia-border-see-this-video-1652677508903" target="_blank">Ukraine forces claim to have reached Russia border | See this video</a>
The Ukrainian fighters who emerged from the ruined Azovstal steelworks after being ordered by their military to abandon the last stronghold of resistance in the now-flattened port city face an uncertain fate.
Some were taken by the Russians to a former penal colony in territory controlled by Moscow-backed separatists.
While Ukraine said it hopes to get the soldiers back in a prisoner swap, Russia threatened to put some of them on trial for war crimes.
Amnesty International said the Red Cross should be given immediate access to the fighters.

In United States, the Massachusetts health department  has confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man who had recently travelled to Canada.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC said its labs confirmed the infection to be monkeypox on Wednesday afternoon.
The Public Health Agency of Canada late on Wednesday issued a statement saying it is aware of the monkeypox cases in Europe and is closely monitoring the current situation, adding no cases have been reported at this time.Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox, though milder. It was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s.

US confirms first monkeypox infection in person who travelled to Canada

Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox, though milder. 

US confirms monkeypox infection in man who travelled to Canada

Canada's Public Health Agency issued a statement that no cases of Monkeypox&nbsp;have been detected in the country yet&nbsp;

In United States, the Massachusetts health department has confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a man who had recently travelled to Canada.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or&nbsp;CDC&nbsp;said its labs confirmed the infection to be monkeypox on Wednesday afternoon.
The Public Health Agency of Canada late on Wednesday issued a statement saying it is aware of the monkeypox cases in Europe and is closely monitoring the current situation, adding no cases have been reported at this time. Monkeypox, which mostly occurs in west and central Africa, is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox, though milder. It was first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/hepatitis-in-children-what-s-causing-the-disease-could-covid-have-a-role-to-play-1650709375741" target="_blank">Hepatitis in children: what's causing the disease &ndash; could Covid have a role to play?</a>

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