Hashtags #Bucha And #Buchamassacare No Longer Trending On Facebook And Instagram

Hashtags related to civilian deaths in northern Ukraine will no longer feature on Facebook and Instagram according to Meta Platforms, the owner of two social media platforms. While Meta Platforms has justified reasons for the action, humanitarian organizations are criticizing the deletion of data.

Highlights:

• Meta Platforms removes violent Ukraine war content from Facebook and Instagram
• Automated systems are activated to block hashtags related to civilian killings
• Facebook and Instagram allow the publication of violent content only to raise awareness but explicit images are deleted
• Meta Platforms stores data only for 90 days but it is looking for ways to preserve the important data

Why Are Hashtags Related To Northern Ukraine Civilian Killings Blocked?

Bodies of civilians shot at close range were discovered in a town seized back from Russian forces. The city is Bucha and the images are titled killings in Bucha. The images are so disturbing that the people have started demanding further sanctions against Moscow. But Russia has clearly denied any accusations of killing the civilian population in Ukraine.

Giving the reason for removal, Meta spokesman Ando Stone wrote on Twitter that the company initiated the process of deleting disturbing images after it came to know about the hashtags #bucha and #buchamassacre.

Northern Ukraine Civilian Killings Blocked

Ando Stone said that Meta Platforms allow the publication of images on its social media sites only for raising public awareness. But the images found disturbing are removed automatically from the platforms. The company owns automated scanning systems that scan Facebook and Instagram for violent images and remove the images that celebrate suffering.

Meta Platforms has also added warning levels to explicit graphic posts containing violent … Read the rest

Imran Khan Loses Key Ally MQM-P To Joint Opposition

Imran Khan-led Tehreek-e-Insaf government of Pakistan lost the majority after its key ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) last night.

Highlights:

• Imran Khan lost the majority before the no-trust vote on April 3
• MQM-P left the government to join hands with the opposition PPP
• PTI government is reduced to only 164 MNAs (Members of National Assembly)
• Imran Khan alleged that his government was topped with foreign funds

Why Did MQM-P Left The Government?

The united opposition and MQM-P reached an agreement last night bringing the Imran Khan government to minority status. The PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted “congratulations Pakistan” after the agreement. He further tweeted that Rabta committee MQM and PPP CEC would ratify the said agreement.

MQM-P leader Faisal Subzwari confirmed that an agreement had been drafted and MQM-P had decided to stand with the opposition. An MQM-P spokesperson said that Rabta committee would meet at the party’s Bahadurabad office, at 2 pm on Wednesday to discuss the draft.

What Is That Draft?

Prepared by Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab, the draft details aren’t made public yet. It will first be ratified by the concerned parties and then revealed to the world. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari are … Read the rest

What Volodymyr Zelenskiy Wants Moscow To Hear?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy released a video address in the early hours of Saturday to send his peace message to Russia. He called for comprehensive peace talks with Moscow to end the war. Also, he warned Russia of consequences that Moscow would need generations to cover.

What Was The Video Message Of Volodymyr Zelenskiy?

Zelenskiy said that he wanted everyone, especially in Moscow, to hear him. He further maintained that the time had come for a meeting and start negotiations to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Also, there was a hidden warning for the Russians in the message.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned Russia of unprecedented consequences. The losses suffered in the war would be so high that Russia would need generations to cover those losses.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of deliberately blocking humanitarian supplies to cities under attack. He called it a deliberate tactic and a war crime for which Russia would be answerable. He said that he was 100% certain that Moscow would be made to answer for the war crimes.

He maintained that Ukraine had always offered solutions for peace and favored meaningful negotiations on the security of the region.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy Accuses Russia Of Bombing Civilians

Volodymyr Zelenskiy Accuses Russia Of Bombing Civilians

Russian forces bombed a theatre in the city of Mariupol that had sheltered hundreds of civilians. The news of the attack on the theatre came on Wednesday. Zelenskiy said that more than 130 people had been rescued so far and the exact number of casualties would be known after the rescue operation.

Ukrainian Invasion Of Russia

Russian forces started what they call a “special military operation” in Ukraine on 24 February 2022. They are … Read the rest

The US Fears Use Bioweapons In Ukraine

The US warned that Russia could use bioweapons against Ukraine in the ongoing war while rejecting the assumptions that the US was supporting a bioweapons program in Ukraine.

Russia has alleged that Ukraine was working on a bioweapons program with the support of the US. But America has rejected the allegation saying that Moscow could use the bioweapons themselves.

Highlights:

• The US denied that it was supporting any bioweapons program in Ukraine
• America called the allegation a conspiracy theory for using bioweapons by Russia
• White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the disinformation by Russia was a sign that Russians could use the biological weapons
• Psaki hinted that Russia had a track record of accusing the west

Did Russia Find Bioweapons In Ukraine?

US Fears Use Bioweapons In Ukraine

Russian foreign ministry claimed to find evidence of the presence of biological weapons in Ukraine in its 6th March tweet. It said that Russian forces caught Ukrainians erasing traces of a military-biological program allegedly funded by the US.

The US Rejected The Allegation

State Department spokesman Ned Price issued a statement soon after the allegation was made against the US. Ned Price said that the Kremlin was intentionally spreading outright lies that the US and Ukraine were conducting any such activities in Ukraine. The Russians were looking for excuses to justify their horrific actions in Ukraine maintained Ned Price.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called the claim preposterous. He also said that they had also seen Chinese officials echoing those conspiracy theories. Since Russia had made such claims, it could possibly use bioweapons in the war or create a false flag operation to use those weapons, maintained … Read the rest

Russia-Ukraine War: 10 Big Developments Of The Day

With Russian troops now targeting major Ukrainian cities, the numbers of residents fleeing neighboring countries have increased. The world is seeing an unprecedented refugee crisis as the number of refugees has already crossed 1.5 million.

10 Developments Of the Russia-Ukraine war:

• Residents of the besieged city of Mariupol are trapped without water and electricity as all attempts to evacuate the civilians have failed due to repeated ceasefire violations by Russian forces.

• Vinnytsia airport in central Ukraine was destroyed by Russian missiles said President Volodymyr Zelensky.

• Mortar fire killed three civilians trying to flee Irpin reported BBC.

• Pope Francis rejected the “military operation” term used by Russia for justifying its actions saying that rivers of blood and tears were flowing in Ukraine. Pope also said that the war was leading only to death, destruction, and misery.

• Top global firms including the streaming giant Netflix, accounting firms KPMG, PWC, and financial service company American Express cut ties with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war.

Russia-Ukraine war

• Russia asks its merchants to limit sales of essential items to counter black marketing of necessary items. There is fear that western sanctions could trigger hoarding of essential goods for black marketing.

• Approximately 4,600 people were detained for protesting against Russian President Vladimir Putin for starting the Ukraine war according to an independent protest monitoring group.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to achieve his goals in Ukraine by peaceful negotiations or through war.

• The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is expected to start on Monday.

• On Monday, Ukraine will approach the United Nation’s top court to urge the court … Read the rest

Ukraine Asks For Help As Russia Shells Government And Residential Targets

As Russia mounted its attack on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky asks the US to help. Zelensky said that it was important to stop the aggressor at the earliest.

10 Latest Developments Of Russia-Ukraine War:

Russia-Ukraine War
  1. Following Canada and other European countries, the US also closes its airspace for Russian airplanes.
  2. The World Bank announced a $3 billion aid package including $350 million in immediate funds for Ukraine.
  3. Russian defense minister urged Ukrainian residents to flee as their forces have started targeting administrative units and residential areas of major Ukrainian cities.
  4. A total of 18 people including a 21-year-old Indian student, Naveen Shekharappa, are killed in Russian shelling on Kharkiv, the second major city of Ukraine. Indian PM Modi offered his condolences to the deceased student.
  5. India will operate 26 flights from the neighboring countries of Romania, Hungary, Poland, and the Slovak Republic to bring back the stranded Indian students in Ukraine.
  6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called US President Biden for help and asked the European Union to prove that it was accepting Ukraine as its member. Ukraine has just joined the European Union.
  7. The European Union removed certain Russian banks from the SWIFT bank messaging system. It also banned Russian media RT and Sputnik from broadcasting their programs in the European Union bloc.
  8. The UN International Court of Justice will hear Ukraine’s allegation of “genocide” by Russia on March 7 and 8. It will be a public hearing.
  9. The UN refugee agency said that the war had displaced over 677,000 people and more people were expected to flee the country.
  10. Russian players are barred from international tournaments including World Athletics, Davis Cup, and Billie Jean King Cup. Also, the Cannes Film Festival won’t invite the Russian
Read the rest

Mahashivratri 2022: Significance, Observance, And Quotes For Blessings

Mahashivratri is the biggest celebration of Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar. Devotees of Lord Shiva observe visit Shiva temples to offer fruits and milk to the Shiva Lingum. Mahashivratri is celebrated as a festival with educational institutions and offices remaining close to allow people to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm.

When Is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

The festival falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the New Moon. According to the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri 2022 will be celebrated on the 1st of March. Shiva temples are decorated to celebrate the “Great Night of Shiva” as devotees would start visiting temples early in the morning to offer their prayers.

How Is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

The celebration starts with taking a ritual bath followed by a visit to a temple and offering seasonal fruits and milk to Lord Shiva. Milk mixed with water, Ganga Jal, honey, and sugar is poured over Shiva Lingum. It is the ritual bath offered to Lord Shiva. Also, devotees offer Bel Patri, Bel Patthar, and Dhatoora fruits to Shiva Lingum.

Mahashivratri 2022

Devotees observe fast on Mahashivratri. They eat only fruits and drink milk. The fast is broken at dawn after offering prayers to Lord Shiva. In this fast, devotees are allowed to eat vegetarian food of their choice.

What Is The Significance Of Mahashivratri?

According to mythology, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri and performed Tandava dance in the night. Unmarried women worship Goddess Parvati also called Gaura to get blessings of a healthy and prosperous married life. Gaura is the Goddess of Grants and she pleases with whatever devotees offer to her.

Mahashivratri Quotes And Messages

Devotees also send best wishes … Read the rest

The US Administration Expressed Its Displeasure Over India’s Stand On The Ukrainian Crisis

Biden administration has been trying to reach India at various levels – White House, the State Department, and the National Security Council – to seek full support of India on the Ukraine crisis.

During a White House news conference on the Ukraine crisis, President Joe Biden said that they were going to have consultations with India. They hadn’t resolved that fully. But the US officials have expressed their displeasure at India’s stand.

Indo-Russia Relations V/S Indo-US Strategic Partnership

Indo-Russia Relations V/S Indo-US Strategic Partnership

India has a historic relationship with Russia dating back to the Soviet era. At the same time, it has improved its strategic partnership with the US in the last decade and a half. Individually India has maintained its strategic independence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi Called President Putin

PM Modi appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the violence to return to the path of dialogue through diplomatic negotiations. PM Modi also reiterated India’s belief that differences could be resolved only through dialogue.

Russian President Putin Answers The World

Russian President Putin Answers The World

Putin announced that Moscow had no plans to occupy Ukrainian territories and that he was acting at the behest of the head of the Donbas republic who had appealed to Putin to save the people of Donbas republic from the abuse and genocide by Ukraine for eight years. He further said that the Russian military was only targeting the Ukrainian military infrastructure using precision weapons.

In the televised interview, Putin also warned the world of the consequences never seen before, if anyone tried to interfere with the Russian military operation.

Reaction Of The US To Russian Threat

The US has cut Russia from Western financial … Read the rest

Putin Said He Had Made The Decision Of A Military Operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin started a military operation in Ukraine but his foreign minister said that a full-scale invasion was underway. Russia has already deployed between 150,000 to 200,000 troops along the Ukraine borders and they have started bombing targets in Ukraine.

Putin’s Message For Ukrainian Soldiers

Lay your arms roared the Russian President in his first address to the Ukraine army. Putin also assured the soldiers that they could leave the battlefield without hindrance.

Putin Justifies The Action

The Russian President claimed that he was approached by rebel leaders for military help. Also, he couldn’t see genocide in Ukraine. Earlier Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov updated the world through media that the separatist leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk asked Moscow to help them repel Ukraine’s aggression in separate letters. The Russian state media published the letters dated 22 February.

Putin Ignored Ukraine’s Appeal

Putin Ignored Ukraine's Appeal

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Moscow to avoid a major war in Europe in an emotional appeal on late Wednesday night. He said that Russian people were being lied to about Ukraine. He further maintained that he tried to call Putin but his calls went unanswered.

But Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called it the worst-case scenario and that Ukraine would defend itself and win the war of aggression. He also said that the world leaders could stop Putin.

Putin Sets Conditions

Russian President made it clear that Ukraine must drop its ambitions to join NATO if the west wanted to de-escalate the tension. Moscow wants Ukraine to remain neutral between NATO and Russia.

Ukraine Defending Itself

US and UK have announced multiple sanctions on Russia to deter it from military action. … Read the rest

Technology Is The Theme of International Mother Language Day 2022

The world observes International Mother Language Day on February 21 every year. The day signifies the role of languages in advancing inclusion and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of leaving no one behind.

Highlights:

• Bangladesh took the initiative of starting International Mother Language Day
• UNESCO recognized the need to preserve native languages to prevent them from disappearing
• It highlights the use of technology for learning languages in the theme for 2022

Who Started The First International Mother Language Day?

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) adopted a resolution to observe International Mother Language Day on February 21 every year in its General Conference in 1999. And the initiative was taken by Bangladesh. The world observed the first International Mother Language Day in 2000 and since then February 21 has been celebrated as this day.

What Message The International Mother Language Day Gives?

International Mother Language Day

UNESCO believes in cultural and linguistic diversity as it is important for sustainable societies. The intergovernmental world body further states that preserving cultures and languages despite their differences is necessary to make the society respect diversity.

UNESCO recognized the threat to linguistic diversity by highlighting the disappearance of languages from the world. According to a UN report, approximately 40% of people don’t have access to education in the language they speak and understand. And the world body believes that it is only through International Mother Language Day that native languages can be preserved and promoted.

Also, the world body stresses the importance and need of education in native languages, particularly in early schooling to make progress in mother-tongue-based multilingual education.

What Is The Theme For 2022?

Using technology … Read the rest