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<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President, JP Nadda on Sunday (Apr 21) met Karnataka Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath, whose daughter Neha was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Fayaz. Neha was stabbed to death by Fayaz on&nbsp;her college campus in Hubballi. After meeting her father, JP Nadda told reporters, "I offered condolences to the family and came here to stand with them in this hour of grief."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hitting out at the state government, Nadda said that the statements (on the incident) made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara were objectionable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP national president also said that the state government could hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The murder</strong></h2>

<p>Neha Hiremath, 23, was stabbed to death by her ex-lover and former classmate Fayaz on April 18. CCTV footage from Hubballi's BVB college showed Fayaz stabbing Neha several times. The man was subsequently arrested by the police.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hubballi | BJP National President JP Nadda visits the residence of Congress Councillor of Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, Niranjan Hiremath. Hiremath's daughter was murdered in her college premises. <a href="https://t.co/OVq3njI9r0">pic.twitter.com/OVq3njI9r0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1782025995060752532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP termed the murder a case of "love jihad" while the Congress denied this. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the murder was not love jihad, adding, the BJP was using the killing of a woman for political purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Demands for capital punishment for Fayaz have led to protests across Karnataka.</p>

<h2><strong>Victim's father demands CBI probe</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, Niranjan&nbsp;Hiremath alleged that the police were trying to divert the case and demanded a CBI investigation. Hiremath demanded the transfer of the police commissioner in charge of the case for alleged negligence.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | ABVP organises protest in Karnataka's Hubballi against the murder of college student Neha Hiremath <a href="https://t.co/SoBx48w6Ny">pic.twitter.com/SoBx48w6Ny</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1782300252189380943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I have given the names of eight people openly. They (the police) have not even caught one person. I am losing faith now. They are trying to divert my case. Give it to the CBI if you cannot do it," he told the news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President, JP Nadda on Sunday (Apr 21) met Karnataka Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath, whose daughter Neha was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Fayaz.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President, JP Nadda on Sunday (Apr 21) met Karnataka Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath, whose daughter Neha was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Fayaz. Neha was stabbed to death by Fayaz on her college campus in Hubballi. After meeting her father, JP Nadda told reporters, "I offered condolences to the family and came here to stand with them in this hour of grief." Hitting out at the state government, Nadda said that the statements (on the incident) made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara were objectionable. The BJP national president also said that the state government could hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The murder Neha Hiremath, 23, was stabbed to death by her ex-lover and former classmate Fayaz on April 18. CCTV footage from Hubballi's BVB college showed Fayaz stabbing Neha several times. The man was subsequently arrested by the police. #WATCH | Hubballi | BJP National President JP Nadda visits the residence of Congress Councillor of Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, Niranjan Hiremath. Hiremath's daughter was murdered in her college premises. pic.twitter.com/OVq3njI9r0 — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2024 × The BJP termed the murder a case of "love jihad" while the Congress denied this. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the murder was not love jihad, adding, the BJP was using the killing of a woman for political purposes. Demands for capital punishment for Fayaz have led to protests across Karnataka. Victim's father demands CBI probe On Sunday, Niranjan Hiremath alleged that the police were trying to divert the case and demanded a CBI investigation. Hiremath demanded the transfer of the police commissioner in charge of the case for alleged negligence. #WATCH | ABVP organises protest in Karnataka's Hubballi against the murder of college student Neha Hiremath pic.twitter.com/SoBx48w6Ny — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024 × "I have given the names of eight people openly. They (the police) have not even caught one person. I am losing faith now. They are trying to divert my case. Give it to the CBI if you cannot do it," he told the news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Neha Hiremath murder: BJP chief offers condolences to Niranjan Hiremath over daughter's killing

<p>Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has no major health issues, doctors said in the wake of claims that the former first lady was being given food mixed with poison.</p>

<p>Bibi is imprisoned at the Bani Gala residence that had been turned into a sub-jail. In January, she and Khan were sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana corruption case.</p>

<p>Following the verdict, she arrived at Rawalpandi's Adiala Jail to surrender and was subsequently taken into custody.</p>

<p>Later, she was moved to her Bani Gala residence after it was declared a sub-jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pak-pm-imran-khan-alleges-his-wife-bushra-bibi-was-given-food-mixed-with-toilet-cleaner-report-713263">Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan alleges his wife Bushra Bibi was given food mixed with toilet cleaner: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Bibi and Khan claimed that the former first lady's food was poisoned.</p>

<p>But a report by Geo News on Saturday (Apr 20) said that a thorough medical examination of Bibi in the presence of Khan's trusted family physician Dr Asim Yousuf revealed that she only had a minor gastric issue.</p>

<p>The report said that Bibi stayed at a private hospital in Islamabad for six hours for diagnostic tests, including endoscopy.</p>

<p>She refused to undergo a blood test but underwent ultrasound, ECHO, and ECG tests.</p>

<p>The doctors cleared all the medical reports of the former first lady, sources from the hospital told the network.</p>

<p>The sources also said &nbsp;Bibi’s refusal to provide a blood sample would be mentioned in the final report, and the reports will be provided to Dr Yousuf, the jail superintendent, and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).</p>

<p>Earlier, Imran Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that his wife's food was laced with toilet cleaner.</p>

<p>Khan told a court that Dr Yousuf had recommended conducting Bibi's tests at the Shifa International Hospital.</p>

<p>However, he added that the jail administration was adamant about conducting the tests at PIMS.</p>

<p>The former prime minister also pointed out that mixing toilet cleaner with his wife's food was causing her health to deteriorate with daily stomach irritation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has no major health issues, doctors said in the wake of claims that the former first lady was being given food mixed with poison.

Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has no major health issues, doctors said in the wake of claims that the former first lady was being given food mixed with poison. Bibi is imprisoned at the Bani Gala residence that had been turned into a sub-jail. In January, she and Khan were sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana corruption case. Following the verdict, she arrived at Rawalpandi's Adiala Jail to surrender and was subsequently taken into custody. Later, she was moved to her Bani Gala residence after it was declared a sub-jail. Also read | Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan alleges his wife Bushra Bibi was given food mixed with toilet cleaner: Report Both Bibi and Khan claimed that the former first lady's food was poisoned. But a report by Geo News on Saturday (Apr 20) said that a thorough medical examination of Bibi in the presence of Khan's trusted family physician Dr Asim Yousuf revealed that she only had a minor gastric issue. The report said that Bibi stayed at a private hospital in Islamabad for six hours for diagnostic tests, including endoscopy. She refused to undergo a blood test but underwent ultrasound, ECHO, and ECG tests. The doctors cleared all the medical reports of the former first lady, sources from the hospital told the network. The sources also said Bibi’s refusal to provide a blood sample would be mentioned in the final report, and the reports will be provided to Dr Yousuf, the jail superintendent, and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Earlier, Imran Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that his wife's food was laced with toilet cleaner. Khan told a court that Dr Yousuf had recommended conducting Bibi's tests at the Shifa International Hospital. However, he added that the jail administration was adamant about conducting the tests at PIMS. The former prime minister also pointed out that mixing toilet cleaner with his wife's food was causing her health to deteriorate with daily stomach irritation. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi's health is fine, say doctors after claims her food was poisoned

Thousands of demonstrators came to the streets demanding Israeli PM Netanyahu's resignation in Tel Aviv. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: 'Bibi Go Home' - Thousands demand deal for release of hostages

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<p>The US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the decision by House Republicans to include TikTok as part of a larger foreign aid package fast-tracked the ban after an earlier version had stalled in the Senate.</p>

<p>A standalone bill with a shorter deadline passed the House in March by an overwhelming bipartisan vote as both Democrats and Republicans voiced national security concerns about ByteDance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The modified measure, passed by a 360-58 vote, now goes to the Senate after negotiations that lengthens&nbsp;the timeline for the company to sell to nine months, with a possible additional three months if a sale is in progress, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-opposes-tiktok-ban-in-us-citing-free-speech-713204">Elon Musk opposes TikTok ban in US, citing free speech</a></strong></p>

<p>Legal challenges could extend that timeline even further, and TikTok is not expected to go away anytime soon.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden to sign legislation</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden has stated that he would sign Saturday's legislation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, President Biden reiterated his concerns about TikTok in a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.</p>

<h2><strong>TikTok reacts to legislation</strong></h2>

<p>TikTok was quick to react to Saturday's legislation, saying a ban would trample free speech, and devastate businesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;TikTok remains popular despite US lawmakers flagging concerns</strong></p>

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<p>"It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the US economy, annually," TikTok said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year.

The US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the decision by House Republicans to include TikTok as part of a larger foreign aid package fast-tracked the ban after an earlier version had stalled in the Senate. A standalone bill with a shorter deadline passed the House in March by an overwhelming bipartisan vote as both Democrats and Republicans voiced national security concerns about ByteDance. The modified measure, passed by a 360-58 vote, now goes to the Senate after negotiations that lengthens the timeline for the company to sell to nine months, with a possible additional three months if a sale is in progress, the report said. Also read | Elon Musk opposes TikTok ban in US, citing free speech Legal challenges could extend that timeline even further, and TikTok is not expected to go away anytime soon. Joe Biden to sign legislation US President Joe Biden has stated that he would sign Saturday's legislation. Earlier this month, President Biden reiterated his concerns about TikTok in a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. TikTok reacts to legislation TikTok was quick to react to Saturday's legislation, saying a ban would trample free speech, and devastate businesses. Also watch | TikTok remains popular despite US lawmakers flagging concerns × "It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the US economy, annually," TikTok said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US House votes to ban TikTok, but the app won't go away anytime soon

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<p>Voting for the parliamentary elections in Maldives began on Sunday (Apr 21). The elections are crucial for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are being keenly watched by India and China. Both countries are seeking a foothold in the Maldives, which has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Muizzu's election as president last year has sharpened the rivalry between New Delhi and Beijing.</p>

<p>According to the Maldivian Election Commission, a voter turnout of 39.92 per cent was recorded till 1 pm local time. President Muizzu and several other top leaders were seen casting their votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results of the elections are expected to be announced later on Sunday.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the latest updates:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The voter turnout as of 1 pm stands at 39.92&nbsp;per cent.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>A report by the news agency Associated Press said that six political parties and independent groups are fielding 368 candidates for 93 seats in parliament. This is six more seats than the previous parliament following adjustments for population growth.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="dv">ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލިސް އިންތިޚާބުގެ ވޯޓް ލައްވައިފި <a href="https://t.co/Akasp6KwE1">pic.twitter.com/Akasp6KwE1</a></p>
— PNC Secretariat (@pnc_secretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/pnc_secretariat/status/1781923201817477538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Around 284,000 people are eligible to vote in these elections, and more than 100,000 people have voted so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Muizzu's post as president is not affected by Sunday's vote.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Earlier, the president's People's National Congress (PNC) asked voters to elect a majority that would swiftly fulfil his presidential campaign pledges.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>The main contenders in these elections are the PNC and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="dv">މިޕާޓީގެ ރައީސް <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a> ރައްޔިތުން މަޖިލީހުގެ އިންތިޚާބު 2024 ގައި ވޯޓު ލައްވައިފި. <a href="https://t.co/aSpqkeyAhz">pic.twitter.com/aSpqkeyAhz</a></p>
— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDPSecretariat/status/1781943243133034700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Opposition parties, criticising Muizzu's government in areas including foreign policy and the economy, are seeking a majority that can hold his government accountable.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Voting for the parliamentary elections in Maldives began on Sunday (Apr 21). The elections are crucial for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are being keenly watched by India and China.

Voting for the parliamentary elections in Maldives began on Sunday (Apr 21). The elections are crucial for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are being keenly watched by India and China. Both countries are seeking a foothold in the Maldives, which has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Muizzu's election as president last year has sharpened the rivalry between New Delhi and Beijing. According to the Maldivian Election Commission, a voter turnout of 39.92 per cent was recorded till 1 pm local time. President Muizzu and several other top leaders were seen casting their votes. The results of the elections are expected to be announced later on Sunday. Here's a look at the latest updates: > The voter turnout as of 1 pm stands at 39.92 per cent. > A report by the news agency Associated Press said that six political parties and independent groups are fielding 368 candidates for 93 seats in parliament. This is six more seats than the previous parliament following adjustments for population growth. ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ @MMuizzu ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލިސް އިންތިޚާބުގެ ވޯޓް ލައްވައިފި pic.twitter.com/Akasp6KwE1 — PNC Secretariat (@pnc_secretariat) April 21, 2024 × > Around 284,000 people are eligible to vote in these elections, and more than 100,000 people have voted so far. > Muizzu's post as president is not affected by Sunday's vote. > Earlier, the president's People's National Congress (PNC) asked voters to elect a majority that would swiftly fulfil his presidential campaign pledges. > The main contenders in these elections are the PNC and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). މިޕާޓީގެ ރައީސް @abdulla_shahid ރައްޔިތުން މަޖިލީހުގެ އިންތިޚާބު 2024 ގައި ވޯޓު ލައްވައިފި. pic.twitter.com/aSpqkeyAhz — MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) April 21, 2024 × > Opposition parties, criticising Muizzu's government in areas including foreign policy and the economy, are seeking a majority that can hold his government accountable. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives votes in election key to its India, China relations

A flash point emerges between the US and Israel amid reports of intense violence in the West Bank. The Biden administration is slated to impose sanctions against the IDF's Netzah Yehuda Battalion for alleged human rights abuses directed towards the Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: US expected to sanction IDF unit for violations in West Bank

<p>At least two people were killed and six others injured in a block party shooting in Memphis on Saturday (Apr 20). In a post on X, the Memphis police said, "During the follow-up investigation, we learned that there were 8 total victims, with two of those being deceased on the scene." Earlier, police had said that a total of 16 victims were shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, the police said that the shooting happened at the party where up to 300 people were gathered. One of the injured remains in critical condition, while one has been released, the police added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">***INVESTIGATION UPDATE*** <a href="https://t.co/cYMUB4mPpX">pic.twitter.com/cYMUB4mPpX</a></p>
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEM_PoliceDept/status/1781902546799325594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We are working tirelessly tonight to identify the individuals who were involved in this shooting. We believe there are at least two individuals that fired weapons during this incident," Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, police official Cerelyn Davis told reporters, “MPD officers responded to the 2400 block of Carnes Avenue regarding an issue regarding a shooting. Officers located five victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds on the scene, three of whom were transported to area hospitals in critical condition and two males were pronounced deceased on the scene.”</p>

<p>“Right now, we don't have any suspects in custody. However, as I said, the Memphis Police Department and our partners are working tirelessly to identify these individuals. We already have received some video footage and we are looking for those responsible,” Davis added.&nbsp;</p>


At least two people were killed and six others injured in a block party shooting in Memphis on Saturday (Apr 20). In a post on X, the Memphis police said, "During the follow-up investigation, we learned that there were 8 total victims, with two of those being deceased on the scene.

At least two people were killed and six others injured in a block party shooting in Memphis on Saturday (Apr 20). In a post on X, the Memphis police said, "During the follow-up investigation, we learned that there were 8 total victims, with two of those being deceased on the scene." Earlier, police had said that a total of 16 victims were shot. Addressing a press conference, the police said that the shooting happened at the party where up to 300 people were gathered. One of the injured remains in critical condition, while one has been released, the police added. ***INVESTIGATION UPDATE*** pic.twitter.com/cYMUB4mPpX — Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) April 21, 2024 × "We are working tirelessly tonight to identify the individuals who were involved in this shooting. We believe there are at least two individuals that fired weapons during this incident," Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said. Meanwhile, police official Cerelyn Davis told reporters, “MPD officers responded to the 2400 block of Carnes Avenue regarding an issue regarding a shooting. Officers located five victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds on the scene, three of whom were transported to area hospitals in critical condition and two males were pronounced deceased on the scene.” “Right now, we don't have any suspects in custody. However, as I said, the Memphis Police Department and our partners are working tirelessly to identify these individuals. We already have received some video footage and we are looking for those responsible,” Davis added.

Two killed, six others injured in block party shooting in US' Memphis

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<p>The United Kingdom (UK) has around 77,000 former troops liable for call-out in case of emergencies, British media reported on Saturday (Apr 20). A report by Express said that in a recent parliamentary written question, former defence secretary Ben Wallace sought information from the current Secretary of State for Defence over the number of former regular army members with regular reserve call-out liability as of April 1 this year.</p>

<p>It was revealed that the country has around 55,000 former regular army members liable for recall under the Reserve Forces Act, of 1996. As of January 1 2024, there were 22,676 Army Regular Reservists with recall liability under Section 22 of the act, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Andrew Murrison said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-countries-to-give-more-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine-says-stoltenberg-713126">NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg</a></strong></p>

<p>Also, around 55,000 former regular personnel, as of March, were eligible for recall under Section 68 of the act, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why the need for callout?</strong></h2>

<p>The report further said that amid an increase in global conflicts (for example the Russia-Ukraine war and the Gaza war), British military leaders have been openly talking about the necessity of greatly growing if a third world war was to happen.</p>

<p>In January, Defence Minister Grant Shapps said that the year 2024 must mark an "inflection point" to decide the future of British defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Trouble mounts for UK PM Rishi Sunak</strong></p>

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<p>"In five years' time, we could be looking at multiple theatres including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Ask yourself ... is it more likely that that number grows or reduces? I suspect we all know the answer. It's likely to grow," Shapps said on January 15.</p>

<p>He added that the government was spending more money in cash terms on defence than it ever had, adding the government was increasing funds for modernising its nuclear deterrent and replenishing stocks and should continue to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Kingdom (UK) has around 77,000 former troops liable for call-out in case of emergencies, British media reported on Saturday (Apr 20). A report by Express said that in a recent parliamentary written question, former defence secretary Ben Wallace sought information from the current Secretary of State for Defence over the number of former regular army members with regular reserve call-out liability as of April 1 this year.

The United Kingdom (UK) has around 77,000 former troops liable for call-out in case of emergencies, British media reported on Saturday (Apr 20). A report by Express said that in a recent parliamentary written question, former defence secretary Ben Wallace sought information from the current Secretary of State for Defence over the number of former regular army members with regular reserve call-out liability as of April 1 this year. It was revealed that the country has around 55,000 former regular army members liable for recall under the Reserve Forces Act, of 1996. As of January 1 2024, there were 22,676 Army Regular Reservists with recall liability under Section 22 of the act, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Andrew Murrison said. Also read | NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg Also, around 55,000 former regular personnel, as of March, were eligible for recall under Section 68 of the act, the report added. Why the need for callout? The report further said that amid an increase in global conflicts (for example the Russia-Ukraine war and the Gaza war), British military leaders have been openly talking about the necessity of greatly growing if a third world war was to happen. In January, Defence Minister Grant Shapps said that the year 2024 must mark an "inflection point" to decide the future of British defence. Also watch | Trouble mounts for UK PM Rishi Sunak × "In five years' time, we could be looking at multiple theatres including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Ask yourself ... is it more likely that that number grows or reduces? I suspect we all know the answer. It's likely to grow," Shapps said on January 15. He added that the government was spending more money in cash terms on defence than it ever had, adding the government was increasing funds for modernising its nuclear deterrent and replenishing stocks and should continue to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

UK has 77,000 former troops liable for callout in emergencies: Report

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<p>Gunmen killed 22 pro-government fighters in central Syria on Thursday (Apr 18)&nbsp;night. A report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday said that the gunmen attacked a bus carrying members of the Quds Brigade near the&nbsp;town of Sukhna. There was no immediate claim of responsibility&nbsp;but&nbsp;both the&nbsp;Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and pro-government media said that the Islamic State (ISIS) was behind the attack.</p>

<p>While pro-media said that all the fighters killed were&nbsp;Quds Brigade members, the&nbsp;Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that&nbsp;the majority belonged to the group. The Quds Brigade&nbsp;fought on the side of Syrian government forces during the&nbsp;country’s&nbsp;13-year conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-execute-eight-syrian-soldiers-in-bid-to-revive-reign-of-terror-706512">Islamic State 'executes' eight Syrian soldiers in desert ambush, reports war monitor</a></strong></p>

<p>The brigade is different from&nbsp;the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which uses the same name.</p>

<p>Thursday&nbsp;night's&nbsp;attack came weeks after ISIS executed eight Syrian regime soldiers following an ambush in late March. The Syrian troops were headed for&nbsp;Sukhna towards the city of Deir Ezzor when they&nbsp;were attacked.</p>

<p>Despite the&nbsp;ISIS'&nbsp;defeat in Syria in March 2019, the terrorist&nbsp;group's&nbsp;sleeper cells&nbsp;have&nbsp;been blamed&nbsp;for deadly attacks against both Syrian government forces and against members of the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, a report released by the United Nations (UN) said that&nbsp;ISIS'&nbsp;combined strength&nbsp;in Iraq and Syria&nbsp;"was assessed at between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters."&nbsp;The report&nbsp;said&nbsp;that the ISIS intensified attacks since November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gunmen killed 22 pro-government fighters in central Syria on Thursday (Apr 18) night. A report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday said that the gunmen attacked a bus carrying members of the Quds Brigade near the town of Sukhna.

Gunmen killed 22 pro-government fighters in central Syria on Thursday (Apr 18) night. A report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday said that the gunmen attacked a bus carrying members of the Quds Brigade near the town of Sukhna. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and pro-government media said that the Islamic State (ISIS) was behind the attack. While pro-media said that all the fighters killed were Quds Brigade members, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the majority belonged to the group. The Quds Brigade fought on the side of Syrian government forces during the country’s 13-year conflict. Also read | Islamic State 'executes' eight Syrian soldiers in desert ambush, reports war monitor The brigade is different from the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which uses the same name. Thursday night's attack came weeks after ISIS executed eight Syrian regime soldiers following an ambush in late March. The Syrian troops were headed for Sukhna towards the city of Deir Ezzor when they were attacked. Despite the ISIS' defeat in Syria in March 2019, the terrorist group's sleeper cells have been blamed for deadly attacks against both Syrian government forces and against members of the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Earlier this year, a report released by the United Nations (UN) said that ISIS' combined strength in Iraq and Syria "was assessed at between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters." The report said that the ISIS intensified attacks since November last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen kill 22 pro-government fighters in central Syria, attack blamed on ISIS

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