Russia Ukraine News Live: Russia Ukraine War News Live Updates: Ukraine governor says Russia preparing big attack in the east

Zelensky tells Romania European peace at stake

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday called on the West to unite to prevent a “genocide” by Russia in Europe, saying the continent’s security depended on the outcome of Moscow’s aggression against his country. “Together we can stop those who want genocide in Europe,” Zelensky said in a speech to the Romanian parliament, after showing images of bodies in civilian clothes littering the streets of Bucha.

Ukraine governor says Russia preparing big attack in the east

Russian troops are preparing for a big attack in the Lugansk region of eastern Ukraine, the local governor Sergiy Gaiday said on Telegram Monday, urging a mass evacuation. “We see that equipment is coming from different directions, they are bringing manpower, they are bringing fuel,” Gaiday said in a video statement.

Moscow to respond to expulsion of its diplomats from France -Interfax

Moscow will respond to France’s decision to expel Russian diplomats, Interfax news agency reported on Monday, citing the Russian foreign ministry. France has decided to expel many Russian diplomatic staff, echoing a similar action taken by Germany, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Russia prepares bill seeking jail terms for adhering to sanctions

Russian lawmakers submitted a draft bill to the lower house of parliament, or the Duma, that envisages a prison term of up to 10 years and fines for adhering to Western sanctions in Russia, Interfax state news agency reported on Monday. The bill, if passed, would mark further tightening of Russian laws after Moscow launched what it calls “a special military operation” in Ukraine on Feb. 24, prompting an unprecedented wave of Western economic sanctions in response.

Lok Sabha to discuss Ukraine crisis under Rule 193 on Tuesday

Lok Sabha will discuss the issue of the Ukraine crisis on Tuesday under Rule 193. Earlier in the Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla had agreed to allow a discussion for a short term on the same after demand from several political parties.

Ukraine foreign minister says Bucha killings are just the “tip of the iceberg”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday the evidence of civilian killings from the town of Bucha are just the “tip of the iceberg” and show the need for tougher sanctions on Moscow. Ukrainian authorities said on Sunday they were investigating possible war crimes by Russia after images from Bucha showed the bodies of civilians lying on the ground and makeshift graves.

Germany expels 40 Russian envoys over the killings in Bucha, Ukraine; says further measures with allies being prepared, reports AP

India’s wheat exports hit record 7.85 million tonnes in 2021-22: Traders

India’s wheat exports hit 7.85 million tonnes in the fiscal year to March, an all-time high and a sharp increase from 2.1 million tonnes in the previous year, traders said, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cuts off rival Black Sea supplies. Earlier this month, a top government official said India would export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat in the 2021-22 fiscal year as a rally in global prices gave the world’s second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share.

Germany expelling ‘substantial number’ of Russian diplomats: minister

Germany on Monday expelled a “significant number” of Russian diplomats in what Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called a response to the “unbelievable brutality” the Kremlin had unleashed in Ukraine. The move, AFP has learned, involves 40 envoys and follows similar moves by European partners in recent days as a reaction to Russia’s war on its neighbour.

Mumbai logs 18 COVID-19 cases – lowest since Mar 2020

Mumbai on Monday reported 18 new coronavirus cases, the lowest daily count since March 2020 when the pandemic started, but no fresh death linked to the infection, while 50 more patients were discharged following recovery, the city civic body said.

5 Arab foreign ministers in Moscow for talks

Five Arab foreign ministers have travelled to Moscow for talks with Russia’s top diplomat on the war in Ukraine. The Arab League says the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan and Sudan will meet Monday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Spain seizes Russian oligarch Vekselberg’s superyacht on behalf of U.S.

Spanish police on Monday impounded a superyacht belonging to Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg on behalf of U.S. authorities, the first time the United States has seized property belonging to a Russian oligarch since its invasion of Ukraine in February. Valued at more than 90 million euros ($99 million), the 78-metre-long “Tango” (255 ft) was seized in a shipyard on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, the Guardia Civil police and the U.S. Justice Department said in parallel statements.

Households with income in top 10% emit up to 45% of carbon pollution: UN

Governor of Ukraine’s Zhytomyr says no Russian troops remain in region

The governor of Ukraine’s northern region of Zhytomyr said there were no longer any Russian troops in the region, which lies west of Kyiv on the border with Belarus. “They left, leaving part of their vehicles, leaving part of their munitions,” Governor Vitaliy Bunechko said in an online post.

Delhi reports 82 new COVID cases today; Active cases are 468

Lithuania expels Russian ambassador over Ukraine war

Lithuania on Monday said it was expelling Russia’s ambassador over Russian aggression in Ukraine, including the “horrific massacre” in the town of Bucha near the capital. Dozens of bodies were found in mass graves or littering the streets near Kyiv over the weekend. The Kremlin has rejected Western accusations that Russian forces were responsible.

Lok Sabha passes Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill by voice vote

Heatwave in parts of Delhi, no relief likely soon

Parts of Delhi sweltered under a heatwave on Monday with the maximum temperature hovering above the 40-degree mark at four places, the India Meteorological Department said. The Safdarjung Observatory, considered the official marker for the city, recorded a maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. The minimum temperature settled at 19 degrees Celsius.

Special CBI Court sent Sanjeev Palande, Kundan Shinde & Sachin Waze to CBI custody till April 11

Anil Deshmukh is admitted to JJ Hospital, Mumbai; CBI demanded a report from hospital admin & jail authority in the court, to tell under which circumstance was he admitted.

Nearly entire global population breathing polluted air: WHO

A full 99 percent of people on Earth breathe air containing too many pollutants, the World Health Organization said Monday, blaming poor air quality for millions of deaths each year. Fresh data from the UN health agency showed that every corner of the globe is dealing with air pollution, although the problem is much worse in poorer countries.

PM Modi, Bennett discuss global events, India-Israel cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Israeli counterpart Naftali Bennett, whose visit to India was postponed after he contracted Covid-19, to enquire about his health and also discussed recent global events. Modi tweeted that he looked forward to welcoming Bennett to India for his first visit to the country.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to lead Islamabad rally tonight to ‘expose turncoats’

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he will lead the PTI’s protest rally in Islamabad on Monday night against the “turncoats” who are involved in the “foreign conspiracy” allegedly hatched against his government.

Amit Shah on Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022

Those who are citing human rights should also think about human rights of rape victims. They (Opposition) only worry about rapists, looters…But the Centre does worry about human rights of law-abiding citizens: Home Min Amit Shah

India’s trade deficit rises 88 pc in FY22: Govt data

India’s trade deficit rose 87.5 per cent to USD 192.41 billion in 2021-22 as against USD 102.63 billion in the previous year, the government data showed on Monday. While total exports during last fiscal year increased to a record high of USD 417.81 billion, imports too soared to USD 610.22 billion, leaving a trade gap of USD 192.41 billion.

Deepak Parekh to step aside after HDFC-HDFC Bank merger is consummated

HDFC Ltd Chairman Deepak Parekh will step aside, after having led India’s mortgage-lending pioneer for more than four decades, once the proposed merger between the home-financier and HDFC Bank is consummated. His lieutenant, HDFC Chief Executive Keki Mistry, would also step down, although he may choose to become an independent director in the merged entity, helping the bank navigate the complexities of the mortgage lending business in its initial years.

Residents should delay return to Ukraine’s capital – mayor

Kyiv residents who evacuated to safer regions should wait several more days before returning to Ukraine’s capital, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said on Monday. “Firstly, there is currently a round-the-clock curfew in Kyiv region. Secondly, in certain … towns near Kyiv, its likely that Russian occupiers left landmines, and there are (likely) a lot of unexploded munitions,” Klitschko said.

IAF’S UAV crashes in Jaisalmer

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) of the Indian Air Force crashed today during a sortie in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The cause of crash to be ascertained through an inquiry: Government officials

Kerala reports 256 new Covid19 cases today

Active caseload stands at 2,502

India antitrust body orders investigation of Zomato, Swiggy into alleged competition law violation: Order

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to leave office

Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam announced Monday that she will step down in June, ending a divisive term that saw democracy protests squashed and strict pandemic curbs plunge the business hub into international isolation. Ending months of speculation, Lam confirmed she would not seek a second term when a committee made up of the city’s political elite chooses a new leader next month.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India on COVID-19 booster dose

We’ve appealed to the govt as everyone who needs to travel needs to take the booster dose. They’re here having an internal discussion & should announce very soon in next few days on the booster policy: Adar Poonawalla

Japan foreign minister: 20 Ukrainians will fly to Japan on official govt plane

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Monday that 20 Ukrainians will accompany him back to Japan on the official government plane, one part of Japan’s efforts to provide humanitarian relief to Ukrainians fleeing their nation. Hayashi, in Poland, said the 20 Ukrainians were those who expressed a wish to go to Japan but could not manage it on their own, adding that further support once in Japan would be tailored to their individual needs.

Shanghai to extend lockdown of 26 million people as it reviews test results

Shanghai will remain under lockdown as it reviews results of an exercise to test all of its 26 million residents for COVID-19, authorities said on Monday. The city began its two-stage lockdown on March 28, initially in Shanghai’s eastern districts, and later expanded to cover the whole city.

The government of India appoints IFS Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the Foreign Secretary.

He is currently serving as India’s envoy to Nepal.

Biological E. Limited (BE) announces that it has been selected as a recipient of mRNA technology from the World Health Organisation (WHO) technology transfer hub.

Russia imposes visa restrictions on citizens of ‘unfriendly countries’

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday to introduce visa restrictions for citizens of countries that Moscow deems “unfriendly” in response to sanctions over Ukraine. The decree, which comes into force on Monday, suspends Russia’s simplified visa issuance regime with some European Union countries as well as Norway, Switzerland, Denmark and Iceland.

India’s MRPL buys 1 mln barrels of Russian Urals crude for May loading – traders

India’s state-run Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd has bought 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude for May loading via a tender, three trade sources familiar with the deal said, a rare purchase driven by the discount offered. Refiners in India, the world’s third biggest oil importer and consumer, have been snapping up Russian oil through spot tenders since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, taking advantage of deep discounts as other buyers back away.

U.S. pushes to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council

The United States will ask the U.N. General Assembly to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Monday, after Ukraine accused Russian troops of killing dozens of civilians in the town of Bucha. Russia is in its second year of a three-year term on the Geneva-based council.

A message from Sri Lanka

Colombo | “Please try and help Sri Lanka to the maximum possible extent. This is our motherland, we need to save our motherland,” Sajith Premadasa, LoP in Sri Lanka gives a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

HDFC Bank merger to create entity twice the size of ICICI Bank: S&P

HDFC Bank’s planned merger with its parent HDFC will make the bank twice the size of ICICI Bank, while bolstering market share and diversifying revenues, S&P Global Ratings said on Monday. In the biggest merger in the corporate history, India’s largest housing finance company HDFC will merge with the country’s largest private lender HDFC Bank to create a banking behemoth.

Government sanctions Rs 3.65 crore for international exposure trips of athletics, yatching teams

The government has sanctioned assistance to the tune of Rs 3.65 crore for international exposure trips of Indian athletics and yatching teams this month. Indian track and field athletes are set for international exposure tours ahead of a packed schedule this year that constitutes the World Athletics Championship, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games 2022. The Indian athletics’ middle and long-distance teams comprising 12 athletes, two coaches and one support staff will undergo training-cum-competition in Colorado Spring, USA from April 15 to June 6.

Elon Musk takes 9.2% stake in Twitter

Tesla CEO Elon Musk purchased approximately 73.5 million shares, according to a regulatory filing Monday. Musk has been raising questions about the ability to communicate freely on Twitter, tweeting last month about free speech and the social media platform. “Free speech is essential to a functioning democracy. Do you believe Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle?“ he tweeted. In a separate tweet, Musk said that he was “giving serious thought“ to creating a new social media platform. Also last month, Musk asked a federal judge to nullify a subpoena from securities regulators and throw out a 2018 court agreement in which Musk had to have someone pre-approve his posts on Twitter.

No impact of WHO action on Covaxin, have not supplied to any UN agency, says Bharat Biotech

With WHO announcing the suspension of Covaxin supply through UN procurement agencies, Bharat Biotech sources said on Monday the pharma company has not supplied the COVID-19 vaccine to any UN agency and no impact of the suspension would be felt. So far, sources said, the firm has supplied vaccines to the Indian government and nine countries under the Centre’s Vaccine Maitri programme, and has made direct commercial supply under emergency use authorisation. Covaxin has received emergency use approvals from over 25 countries. “We have not received any orders from any UN agency so far,” a source said. Gavi Covax, the international vaccine alliance, has also not placed any orders for Covaxin.

Japan slams ‘exceptionally cruel’ civilian deaths near Kyiv

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Monday condemned the “exceptionally cruel” violence against civilians near Kyiv in an apparent reference to killings in the town of Bucha. “I am deeply shocked by news of the exceptionally cruel acts of violence against civilians near Kyiv. The murder of innocent civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law and is unacceptable and I strongly condemn these acts,” he told reporters during a visit to Warsaw.

J&K | A terrorist attack at Maisuma in Lal Chowk, Srinagar, led to the injury of 2 CRPF jawans.

Reports ANI

Germany says will agree more sanctions on Russia in coming days

Germany and its international partners will agree further sanctions on Russia in the coming days, a government spokesperson said on Monday, adding that he was confident the European Union would remain united on fresh measures. “We will decide further measures in the coming days, consulting our allies beforehand,” the spokesperson told reporters. “(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin and his supporters will feel the consequences of these further sanctions.”

Imran to continue as Pakistan PM until caretaker premier’s appointment, says Pak Prez Alvi

Imran Khan will continue to be the Prime Minister of Pakistan until the appointment of a caretaker premier, according to a notification issued by President Arif Alvi on Monday. The incumbent Prime Minister shall continue to hold office till appointment of the caretaker premier, the notification said. President Alvi has also written a letter to Prime Minister Khan and Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, asking them to propose names of suitable persons for appointment as the caretaker premier, the Dawn newspaper reported. The letter said that the National Assembly (NA) and the federal Cabinet had been dissolved on Sunday as per the Constitution.

Pakistan political crisis | Five-member larger bench of apex court hears suo-motu notice and presidential reference. “Speaker has discretion to reject dissolution,” says SC judge

Reports Pakistan’s Geo English

Russian wheat down sharply with stronger rouble

Russian wheat prices fell sharply last week, both for export and domestic deals, reflecting strengthening of the rouble against the dollar on capital controls imposed by Moscow, analysts said on Monday. Russia, one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, has managed to continue exporting through its Black Sea ports despite the Western sanctions that have complicated trade logistics and payment. “There are some fresh deals,” said Dmitry Rylko, the head of the IKAR agriculture consultancy. Prices for wheat with 12.5% protein content from the Black Sea ports fell last week by $22 to $368 free on board (FOB), he added.

Home Minister Amit Shah addresses the Lok Sabha on the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022

This bill will replace the Identification of Prisoners Act of 1920, in terms of time and science… after we formed our govt, we discussed this with other states… it should be compared with the Model Prison Manual, says Amit Shah, in Lok Sabha.

PM Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of PTI Parliamentary Board on Tuesday (tomorrow). According to sources privy to the matter, he’ll chair the meeting of the parliamentary board which would consult over ticket distribution in the next election: Pakistan’s The Nation

Kremlin denies Ukrainian allegations its forces killed civilians near Kyiv

The Kremlin said on Monday it categorically denied any accusations related to the murder of civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha and said Ukrainian allegations on the matter should be treated with doubt. Ukrainian authorities said on Sunday they were investigating possible crimes by Russian forces after finding hundreds of bodies strewn around towns outside the capital Kyiv after the Russian withdrawal from the area. Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the facts and chronology of the events in Bucha did not support Ukraine’s version of events and urged international leaders not to rush to judgment.

Odisha Covid cases plunge to single-digit

The daily fresh COVID-19 cases in Odisha on Monday were the lowest in nearly two years as it dropped to single-digit for the first time since May 2020, the Health Department said. The state registered no new fatality in the last 24 hours. Two children were among the five more people who were afflicted with the disease, according to a bulletin. The active COVID-19 cases dropped to 298, while 37 more patients have recuperated. The daily positivity rate was 0.02 per cent and the infections were detected out of 20,640 sample tests, it added.

Czechs send 250 soldiers to Slovakia to set up NATO battlegroup, reports AFP

A total of 250 Czech army paratroopers on Monday left for Slovakia, which neighbours war-ravaged Ukraine, to build a NATO battlegroup there, the defence ministry said. The battlegroup will comprise up to 2,100 soldiers from Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States. The Czechs will be in command of the battlegroup.

Hong Kong suspends poultry from U.S., citing bird flu

The Hong Kong government has suspended imports of poultry meat and products from some parts of the United States because of an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, it said on Monday.

61 cases of Dengue in Delhi this year

Six fresh cases of dengue have been reported in the last one week in Delhi, taking the tally to 61, according to a civic report released on Monday. Till March 26 this year, 55 cases of dengue were recorded in the city. Six fresh cases have been reported in the last one week, it said. According to the civic report on vector-borne diseases, at least 61 dengue cases have been recorded this year.

PM Modi has spoken thrice to Russian President Putin and twice with Ukraine President Zelensky is a good thing because it shows that India wants to try and resolve these issues

– Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell

Eight dead in Russian shelling in south Ukraine: Kyiv administration, reports AFP

Sri Lanka opposition leader urges PM Modi to help nation

Undergoing a huge economic crisis and turmoil, Sri Lankan Opposition leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Sajith Premadasa on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help their nation to the maximum possible extent. Speaking to ANI, the Opposition leader said, “Please try and help Sri Lanka to the maximum possible extent. This is our motherland and we need to save it.”

Puducherry continues to remain coronavirus-free

With no fresh coronavirus cases being reported in the last 24 hours and nil active cases, the union territory of Puducherry remained Covid-19-free for a fifth straight day, a senior official of the Department of Health said on Monday. Twelve samples were tested during the last 24 hours ending 10 AM on Monday and no fresh infections were detected, Director of Health G Sriramulu said in a release here. The number of active cases remained nil for a fifth straight day meaning the union territory remained coronavirus-free, he said.