Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals.&nbsp;

Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power, all over the world.

This week, the capitals of China, European Union, Israel, Uganda, Bulgaria and Rwanda witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Beijing, China<img alt="Xi-Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="066cc8e7-e980-4d5f-af34-b4533998cc23" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2837%29_14.jpg" /></h2>

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;arrive for the official welcoming ceremony in Beijing on April 6, 2023 | AFP

In Beijing, French President Emmanuel Macron found what he might be missing in Paris these days: Pomp and pageantry.&nbsp;

Macron was welcomed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's charm offensive. The French leader called on Beijing to help make "lasting peace" in Ukraine. But it remains unclear how China's "no-limits" friendship with Russia would stand the test of bringing peace in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian offensive.&nbsp;

After being back in Paris, Macron <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-eu-must-not-take-us-china-side-on-taiwan-issue-after-beijing-visit-580767">warned</a> European Union must resist pressure to become "America's followers". Beijing effect on Paris? One wonders.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Brussels, European Union<img alt="Finland NATO " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f16b667-36c4-4c91-9a0b-ccdb5aa84511" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2838%29_14.jpg" /></h2>

Finland's flag (R) at the headquarters of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels, Belgium on April 4, 2023 | Screengrab from Reuters video

Finland's flag was raised at NATO headquarters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finland-now-under-the-nato-cover-will-sweden-join-soon-579281">Brussels this week</a>. The Scandinavian nation became the 31st member of the US-led military alliance. Russia has called it an assault on its security, and has warned Finland of "countermeasures".&nbsp;Blocking the expansion of NATO&nbsp; has long remained a goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership. It remains to be seen how Finland getting into NATO will pan out for war in Ukraine.

<h2 dir="ltr">Jerusalem, Israel<img alt="Al-Aqsa mosque standoff" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85a3c758-7b7a-4d94-9e52-d5b2d9dc9e2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-04-09T204310.162.png" /></h2>

Israeli security forces are seen during the expulsion of worshipers from Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem | AFP

This week, Israel's self-proclaimed contested capital yet again saw an escalation of country's existential conflict with Palestine.&nbsp;

It began when Israeli police clashed with Muslim worshipers in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-again-at-jerusalems-al-aqsa-mosque-six-injured-579598">compound of holy Al-Aqsa mosque</a>, defying long-standing compromise on compound's management. Hours after Israeli police pushed back worshipers at the mosque, a barrage of rockets from Gaza strip set off air sirens in southern Israel. The cross-border exchange of fire in Gaza has stoked fears of further violence in the volatile West Asian region.

<h2 dir="ltr">Kampala, Uganda<img alt="Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="098413e0-f3f7-46a0-8075-df4fb877e7a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_12.jpg" /></h2>

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni | AFP

In Uganda's capital Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni called on African leaders to "reject the promotion of homosexuality". The Ugandan president is set to sign a bill that will impose death penalty against same-sex activities.

But Kampala's anti-LGBTQ move has not gone unchallenged.

Protests broke out this week in South Africa's administrative capital Pretoria against Ugandan president Museveni, as activists marched to Ugandan High Commission and called on South African government to speak out against the proposed law. Meanwhile, the UN high commissioner for human rights has urged President Museveni to not sign the regressive bill. A request Museveni does not appear very keen to follow up.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Sofia, Bulgaria<img alt="Bulgaria election" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d91f2967-b7d9-4b80-ba70-c517deea14f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2848%29_9.jpg" /></h2>

Bulgaria's former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov (L) speaks to a citizen as he leaves a polling station after casting his ballot during the country's parliamentary elections in Sofia on April 2, 2023 | AFP

This week, the eastern European country had its fifth election in last two years. But like the results of previous four, the latest election is also expected to fade into a political deadlock. The leaders of two parties with most votes have ruled out a coalition. Following this, another temporary cabinet or election is likely to be Bulgaria's next moment of political reckoning.&nbsp;

<h2>Kigale, Rwanda<img alt="Paul Rusesabagina" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="723979c7-4d04-4ce2-a7e2-3ef21aa085ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2849%29_6.jpg" /></h2>

Paul Rusesabagina alongside an official poster of 2004 film 'Hotel Rwanda' | Reuters

This week, Paul Rusesabagina, Rwanda's most famous political prisoner, and hero of the film 'Hotel Rwanda', was freed from a prison in Kigale. Paul was depicted in the 2004 film about genocide in his country in which hundreds of thousands were killed. The film showed him as savior of more than 1,200 people at the luxury hotel he managed during the genocide. Paul was arrested in Kigale and subsequently charged with terrorism in 2020 after a trial.&nbsp;

Paul reunited with his tearful family at a U.S. Army base in Texas this week.

His freedom marks an end to months of campaign for his release from the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Don Cheadle, the actor who portrayed Paul's role in Hotel Rwanda.&nbsp;

That's all for The Capitals now. See you next weekend.&nbsp;

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power, all over the world. This week, the capitals of China, European Union, Israel, Uganda, Bulgaria and Rwanda witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power, all over the world. This week, the capitals of China, European Union, Israel, Uganda, Bulgaria and Rwanda witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning. Beijing, China Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron arrive for the official welcoming ceremony in Beijing on April 6, 2023 | AFP In Beijing, French President Emmanuel Macron found what he might be missing in Paris these days: Pomp and pageantry. Macron was welcomed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's charm offensive. The French leader called on Beijing to help make "lasting peace" in Ukraine. But it remains unclear how China's "no-limits" friendship with Russia would stand the test of bringing peace in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian offensive. After being back in Paris, Macron warned European Union must resist pressure to become "America's followers". Beijing effect on Paris? One wonders. Brussels, European Union Finland's flag (R) at the headquarters of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels, Belgium on April 4, 2023 | Screengrab from Reuters video Finland's flag was raised at NATO headquarters in Brussels this week. The Scandinavian nation became the 31st member of the US-led military alliance. Russia has called it an assault on its security, and has warned Finland of "countermeasures". Blocking the expansion of NATO has long remained a goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership. It remains to be seen how Finland getting into NATO will pan out for war in Ukraine. Jerusalem, Israel Israeli security forces are seen during the expulsion of worshipers from Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem | AFP This week, Israel's self-proclaimed contested capital yet again saw an escalation of country's existential conflict with Palestine. It began when Israeli police clashed with Muslim worshipers in the compound of holy Al-Aqsa mosque, defying long-standing compromise on compound's management. Hours after Israeli police pushed back worshipers at the mosque, a barrage of rockets from Gaza strip set off air sirens in southern Israel. The cross-border exchange of fire in Gaza has stoked fears of further violence in the volatile West Asian region. Kampala, Uganda Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni | AFP In Uganda's capital Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni called on African leaders to "reject the promotion of homosexuality". The Ugandan president is set to sign a bill that will impose death penalty against same-sex activities. But Kampala's anti-LGBTQ move has not gone unchallenged. Protests broke out this week in South Africa's administrative capital Pretoria against Ugandan president Museveni, as activists marched to Ugandan High Commission and called on South African government to speak out against the proposed law. Meanwhile, the UN high commissioner for human rights has urged President Museveni to not sign the regressive bill. A request Museveni does not appear very keen to follow up. Sofia, Bulgaria Bulgaria's former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov (L) speaks to a citizen as he leaves a polling station after casting his ballot during the country's parliamentary elections in Sofia on April 2, 2023 | AFP This week, the eastern European country had its fifth election in last two years. But like the results of previous four, the latest election is also expected to fade into a political deadlock. The leaders of two parties with most votes have ruled out a coalition. Following this, another temporary cabinet or election is likely to be Bulgaria's next moment of political reckoning. Kigale, Rwanda Paul Rusesabagina alongside an official poster of 2004 film 'Hotel Rwanda' | Reuters This week, Paul Rusesabagina, Rwanda's most famous political prisoner, and hero of the film 'Hotel Rwanda', was freed from a prison in Kigale. Paul was depicted in the 2004 film about genocide in his country in which hundreds of thousands were killed. The film showed him as savior of more than 1,200 people at the luxury hotel he managed during the genocide. Paul was arrested in Kigale and subsequently charged with terrorism in 2020 after a trial. Paul reunited with his tearful family at a U.S. Army base in Texas this week. His freedom marks an end to months of campaign for his release from the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Don Cheadle, the actor who portrayed Paul's role in Hotel Rwanda. That's all for The Capitals now. See you next weekend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Capitals: Beijing's charm offensive, Jerusalem on the boil, and more

Scientists at a research institute in India's Hyderabad discovered light rare earth elements (REE) in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, about 2,000 km south of national capital New Delhi. All these elements are deemed essential components in the manufacturing of electronic devices, medical technology, clean energy, aerospace, automotive, and defence industries.

The discovery was made by Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute.

<h2>India rare earth elements discovery: What are they?</h2>

The light rare earth element minerals found in Ananthapur district include allanite, ceriate, thorite, columbite, tantalite, apatite, zircon, monazite, pyrochlore euxenite and fluorite.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The discovery of these elements has implications for the country's electronics and clean energy sectors. This will reduce India's reliance on foreign imports of these critical minerals.

Rare earths are 15 elements referred in the lanthanide and Actinide series of the periodic table of elements.

<h2>How the discovery was made?</h2>

NGRI scientists were conducting a survey for non-traditional rocks like syenites when they made the significant discovery of the minerals in the lanthanide series.&nbsp;

NGRI scientist PV Sunder Raju said, "Zircon of varying shapes was observed in Reddypalle and Peddavadaguru villages."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nsYYxXPoak">Gravitas Plus: New Lithium reserve in J&amp;K | What does it mean for India?</a>

"The monazite grains showed high-order multiple colours with radial cracks within grains, suggestive of the presence of radioactive elements," he added.

Raju said that more feasibility studies will be conducted by deep drilling to learn more about these REEs.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-discovers-huge-deposits-of-lithium-critical-for-electric-mobility-560432">India discovers huge deposits of Lithium critical for electric mobility</a>

Earlier in February, India discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in Electric Vehicle batteries.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Scientists at a research institute in India's Hyderabad discovered light rare earth elements (REE) in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, about 2,000 km south of national capital New Delhi.

Scientists at a research institute in India's Hyderabad discovered light rare earth elements (REE) in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, about 2,000 km south of national capital New Delhi. All these elements are deemed essential components in the manufacturing of electronic devices, medical technology, clean energy, aerospace, automotive, and defence industries. The discovery was made by Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute. India rare earth elements discovery: What are they? The light rare earth element minerals found in Ananthapur district include allanite, ceriate, thorite, columbite, tantalite, apatite, zircon, monazite, pyrochlore euxenite and fluorite. What does it mean? The discovery of these elements has implications for the country's electronics and clean energy sectors. This will reduce India's reliance on foreign imports of these critical minerals. Rare earths are 15 elements referred in the lanthanide and Actinide series of the periodic table of elements. How the discovery was made? NGRI scientists were conducting a survey for non-traditional rocks like syenites when they made the significant discovery of the minerals in the lanthanide series. NGRI scientist PV Sunder Raju said, "Zircon of varying shapes was observed in Reddypalle and Peddavadaguru villages." ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: New Lithium reserve in J&K | What does it mean for India? "The monazite grains showed high-order multiple colours with radial cracks within grains, suggestive of the presence of radioactive elements," he added. Raju said that more feasibility studies will be conducted by deep drilling to learn more about these REEs. ALSO READ | India discovers huge deposits of Lithium critical for electric mobility Earlier in February, India discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir. Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in Electric Vehicle batteries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India discovers rare earth elements critical for self-reliance in defence, aerospace

In pics | How Taj Mahal was  built? Artificial Intelligence reveals

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group claimed responsibility for an attack on Pakistani soldiers that killed two and injured an unspecified number of people in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan gave a higher death toll in Saturday's attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, claiming that eight Pakistani soldiers died. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy.

The TTP also claimed responsibility for a hand grenade attack on a police van in the Swabi area of the province that killed a police officer and injured two others on Saturday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-overtakes-afghanistan-as-country-with-most-terror-attacks-report-572748">Pakistan overtakes Afghanistan as country with most terror attacks</a>

Pakistan is continuing to face an increased number of attacks on security forces after the TTP ended a ceasefire with Islamabad last November. The government on Friday said that it intends to carry out a massive anti-militant operation across the country in the immediate future.&nbsp;

Islamabad recently claimed success after it arrested the leader and founder of the banned Baloch National Army (BNA), Gulzar Imam alias Shambay. Balochistan,

Pakistan's southwestern province, has been demanding freedom from Islamabad for decades and it remains a battleground between Pakistan's security forces and Baloch separatists.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Rising terrorism in Pakistan: 58 attacks in 28 days

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Meanwhile, Pakistan's National Security Committee, comprising the prime minister and the military’s top brass, agreed to re-launch their anti-terrorusm operation this month under a national action plan.

The plan involves military and intelligence operations, death sentences for militants, setting up special military courts for trials, and the deployment of anti-extremist forces in vulnerable areas.

The country previously launched a counter-militancy plan in 2014, after 132 children were massacred in a Peshawar school in an attack claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group claimed responsibility for an attack on Pakistani soldiers that killed two and injured an unspecified number of people in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group claimed responsibility for an attack on Pakistani soldiers that killed two and injured an unspecified number of people in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan gave a higher death toll in Saturday's attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, claiming that eight Pakistani soldiers died. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy. The TTP also claimed responsibility for a hand grenade attack on a police van in the Swabi area of the province that killed a police officer and injured two others on Saturday. ALSO READ | Pakistan overtakes Afghanistan as country with most terror attacks Pakistan is continuing to face an increased number of attacks on security forces after the TTP ended a ceasefire with Islamabad last November. The government on Friday said that it intends to carry out a massive anti-militant operation across the country in the immediate future. Islamabad recently claimed success after it arrested the leader and founder of the banned Baloch National Army (BNA), Gulzar Imam alias Shambay. Balochistan, Pakistan's southwestern province, has been demanding freedom from Islamabad for decades and it remains a battleground between Pakistan's security forces and Baloch separatists. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas | Rising terrorism in Pakistan: 58 attacks in 28 days × Meanwhile, Pakistan's National Security Committee, comprising the prime minister and the military’s top brass, agreed to re-launch their anti-terrorusm operation this month under a national action plan. The plan involves military and intelligence operations, death sentences for militants, setting up special military courts for trials, and the deployment of anti-extremist forces in vulnerable areas. The country previously launched a counter-militancy plan in 2014, after 132 children were massacred in a Peshawar school in an attack claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Islamabad-Rawalpindi vow to act as terror targets Pakistan army in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

About 140 people were evacuated in the German city of Hamburg after a fire broke out in a storage facility. The storage facility is suspected to be housing chemicals, following which the toxins in the air due to smoke from the fire site is not yet ruled out.&nbsp;The fire is said to be the largest firefighting operation in the past ten years. No casualties have currently been reported.

The Police have warned locals of possible toxins in the air. It is not yet clear how dangerous the situation is, according to a police spokesperson. Authorities said the fire was in Rothenburgsort, just a few kilometres southeast of central Hamburg, and that the smoke cloud was moving in the direction of the city centre.&nbsp;

The police spokesperson said the sky had darkened as a result but the weather made it difficult to determine how much was smoke and how much was clouds. Police and fire authorities were currently assessing the situation, the spokesperson said.

Reports in the German media suggest that hydrogen sulphide is leaking on the site. WION cannot independently verify the claim.

In an official statement, Hamburg Fire Brigade said: "The population in the Hamburg [HH-Rothenburgsort] area can be affected by smoke gases and chemical components in breathing the air due to a fire."

"The cloud of smoke is moving in the direction of the city."

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About 140 people were evacuated in the German city of Hamburg after a fire broke out in a storage facility. The storage facility is suspected to be housing chemicals, following which the toxins in the air due to smoke from the fire site is not yet ruled out.

About 140 people were evacuated in the German city of Hamburg after a fire broke out in a storage facility. The storage facility is suspected to be housing chemicals, following which the toxins in the air due to smoke from the fire site is not yet ruled out. The fire is said to be the largest firefighting operation in the past ten years. No casualties have currently been reported. The Police have warned locals of possible toxins in the air. It is not yet clear how dangerous the situation is, according to a police spokesperson. Authorities said the fire was in Rothenburgsort, just a few kilometres southeast of central Hamburg, and that the smoke cloud was moving in the direction of the city centre. The police spokesperson said the sky had darkened as a result but the weather made it difficult to determine how much was smoke and how much was clouds. Police and fire authorities were currently assessing the situation, the spokesperson said. Reports in the German media suggest that hydrogen sulphide is leaking on the site. WION cannot independently verify the claim. In an official statement, Hamburg Fire Brigade said: "The population in the Hamburg [HH-Rothenburgsort] area can be affected by smoke gases and chemical components in breathing the air due to a fire." "The cloud of smoke is moving in the direction of the city." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hamburg fire: German police warns of possible fatal toxins in air, alert issued

Pope Francis reportedly called for a temporary peace in Ukraine and urged both the warring nations to halt the fighting in the run-up to Easter and Orthodox Easter week. The religious leader&nbsp;called for a two-week truce in the zone of hostilities in Ukraine, Russian news agency TASS reported on Friday, citing a conversation between&nbsp;Leonid Sevastyanov, the leader of the World Union of Old Believers, and Pope Francis.

"Next week is the Catholic Easter week, and then there will follow the Orthodox Easter week. The Pope has just told me that in honour of this, he suggests that all hostilities in the special military operation zone in Ukraine be stopped for two weeks: for the Catholic and Orthodox Easter weeks. Starting from this Sunday and for two weeks there would be no offensives at all, everyone would stop shooting at each other and a truce would be declared," Sevastyanov was quoted as saying by TASS.

The Old Believers’ leader reportedly went on to say&nbsp;that this issue was very important to the head of the Catholic church.

"Please let everyone know this," Sevastyanov quoted Pope Francis as saying, TASS report added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'</a>

The Catholic Church celebrates Easter this year next Sunday, April 9; Orthodox Christians celebrate it a week later, on April 16.

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war: Attempts for ceasefire in recent past</h2>

On March 31, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for an immediate ceasefire between the two warring sides.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia declares two-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas

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"In terms of Ukraine, nothing is changing, the special military operation is continuing because today that is the only means in front of us to achieve our goals," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said.&nbsp;

He said parts of a plan proposed by China for peace in Ukraine were "unrealisable at the moment, due to the unwillingness — or rather the inability — of the Ukrainian side to disobey their supervisors and commanders". 
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Pope Francis reportedly called for a temporary peace in Ukraine and urged both the warring nations to halt the fighting in the run-up to Easter and Orthodox Easter week.

Pope Francis reportedly called for a temporary peace in Ukraine and urged both the warring nations to halt the fighting in the run-up to Easter and Orthodox Easter week. The religious leader called for a two-week truce in the zone of hostilities in Ukraine, Russian news agency TASS reported on Friday, citing a conversation between Leonid Sevastyanov, the leader of the World Union of Old Believers, and Pope Francis. "Next week is the Catholic Easter week, and then there will follow the Orthodox Easter week. The Pope has just told me that in honour of this, he suggests that all hostilities in the special military operation zone in Ukraine be stopped for two weeks: for the Catholic and Orthodox Easter weeks. Starting from this Sunday and for two weeks there would be no offensives at all, everyone would stop shooting at each other and a truce would be declared," Sevastyanov was quoted as saying by TASS. The Old Believers’ leader reportedly went on to say that this issue was very important to the head of the Catholic church. "Please let everyone know this," Sevastyanov quoted Pope Francis as saying, TASS report added. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' The Catholic Church celebrates Easter this year next Sunday, April 9; Orthodox Christians celebrate it a week later, on April 16. Russia-Ukraine war: Attempts for ceasefire in recent past On March 31, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for an immediate ceasefire between the two warring sides. ALSO WATCH | Russia declares two-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas × "In terms of Ukraine, nothing is changing, the special military operation is continuing because today that is the only means in front of us to achieve our goals," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said. He said parts of a plan proposed by China for peace in Ukraine were "unrealisable at the moment, due to the unwillingness — or rather the inability — of the Ukrainian side to disobey their supervisors and commanders". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war heading for Easter ceasefire? Pope Francis conveys big message

Unidentified Flying Object (UFOs) were encountered by a US Navy squadron, almost on a daily basis for months, according to a former US Navy fighter pilot. These sightings also translated into a near collision, at least once, the former pilot added.

According to Lt Ryan Graves, in 2014, his squadron the VFA-11 "Red Rippers", began picking up the presence of unexplained objects in the training area off the coast of Virginia.

"It was almost as if the sun was shining a flashlight (on the UAPs)," Lt Graves was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.&nbsp;

"We were trying to figure out what the heck these things were. We were seeing them pretty much daily. We would go out there and they would be out there in the morning, they would be out there in the evening," he told the paper.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ufo-in-ireland-the-town-of-ballymahon-reports-an-unusual-sighting-in-the-night-sky-567428">UFO in Ireland? The town of Ballymahon reports an unusual sighting in the night sky</a>

"These things were pretty much always out there. That would range from two to three of them, to six or seven."

Lt Ryan Graves, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot, is now leading an effort to encourage reporting of sightings, and advocating for scientific study of what the military calls Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).

Last year, Congress held its first hearing into UAPs for 50 years, and the Pentagon has received 350 new reports in the last two years, 171 of which remain unexplained.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: U.S. shoots down 3 UFOs in 3 days

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During the hearing at the House Intelligence Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee, top Pentagon intelligence official Ronald Moultrie said that through "rigorous" analysis, most&nbsp;UAPs can be identified.

"Any object we encounter can likely be isolated, characterised, identified and, if necessary, mitigated," Moultrie said.

One&nbsp;such incident from 2004 which has no explanation involves the fighter pilots operating from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. They reportedly encountered an object that appeared to have descended tens of thousands of feet before stopping and hovering.

In another incident, shown publicly for the first time on Tuesday, an object can be seen on camera flying past a US Navy fighter jet. The object remains unexplained.

"There are a small handful [of events] in which there are flight characteristics or signature management that we can't explain with the data we have available," said Scott Bray, the deputy director of naval intelligence at the hearing. "Those are obviously the ones that are of most interest to us."

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Unidentified Flying Object (UFOs) were encountered by a US Navy squadron, almost on a daily basis for months, according to a former US Navy fighter pilot. These sightings also translated into a near collision, at least once, the former pilot added.

Unidentified Flying Object (UFOs) were encountered by a US Navy squadron, almost on a daily basis for months, according to a former US Navy fighter pilot. These sightings also translated into a near collision, at least once, the former pilot added. According to Lt Ryan Graves, in 2014, his squadron the VFA-11 "Red Rippers", began picking up the presence of unexplained objects in the training area off the coast of Virginia. "It was almost as if the sun was shining a flashlight (on the UAPs)," Lt Graves was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "We were trying to figure out what the heck these things were. We were seeing them pretty much daily. We would go out there and they would be out there in the morning, they would be out there in the evening," he told the paper. ALSO READ | UFO in Ireland? The town of Ballymahon reports an unusual sighting in the night sky "These things were pretty much always out there. That would range from two to three of them, to six or seven." Lt Ryan Graves, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot, is now leading an effort to encourage reporting of sightings, and advocating for scientific study of what the military calls Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). Last year, Congress held its first hearing into UAPs for 50 years, and the Pentagon has received 350 new reports in the last two years, 171 of which remain unexplained. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: U.S. shoots down 3 UFOs in 3 days × During the hearing at the House Intelligence Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee, top Pentagon intelligence official Ronald Moultrie said that through "rigorous" analysis, most UAPs can be identified. "Any object we encounter can likely be isolated, characterised, identified and, if necessary, mitigated," Moultrie said. One such incident from 2004 which has no explanation involves the fighter pilots operating from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. They reportedly encountered an object that appeared to have descended tens of thousands of feet before stopping and hovering. In another incident, shown publicly for the first time on Tuesday, an object can be seen on camera flying past a US Navy fighter jet. The object remains unexplained. "There are a small handful [of events] in which there are flight characteristics or signature management that we can't explain with the data we have available," said Scott Bray, the deputy director of naval intelligence at the hearing. "Those are obviously the ones that are of most interest to us." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former US fighter pilot says his squadron saw UFOs 'pretty much daily'

Russia lost elections to three United Nations bodies as country continues to lose its diplomatic capital amid war in Ukraine. In Asia, reports emerged which revealed how people in Beijing and Taipei reacted after China launched a determined intrusion of waterways around Taiwan this week. In West Asia, mysterious poisonings of girls continue, puzzling authorities.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-moscow-faces-defeat-at-un-loses-three-elections-over-its-invasion-of-ukraine-580433">Russia-Ukraine war&nbsp;| Moscow faces defeat at UN, loses three elections over its invasion of Ukraine<img alt="Russia-Ukraine war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="033f399d-5224-49c1-8e35-835b3b6426a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2833%29_12.jpg" /></a>

Over a year since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine a.k.a.,&nbsp;the Russia-Ukraine war, the disapproval Moscow faces from the international community remains strong. This week, Russia lost elections to three United Nations bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-people-in-beijing-and-taipei-have-reacted-to-chinas-military-drills-580445">Explained | How people in Beijing and Taipei have reacted to China’s military drills</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344057-weekend-banner-1.png?imwidth=1920" />

China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-schoolgirl-poisonings-continue-across-iran-puzzling-authorities-580489">Mysterious schoolgirl poisonings continue across Iran, puzzling authorities</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/08/337332-untitled-design-2023-03-07t235700898.png?imwidth=1920" />

A mysterious phenomenon that started last year in Iran is continuing. On Saturday, at least 60 schoolgirls were poisoned in the town of Haftkel&nbsp;in the oil-rich southwestern province of Khuzestan, local media reports informed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-underwater-nuclear-powered-drones-what-they-are-and-which-other-countries-have-them-580499">North Korea's underwater nuclear-powered drones: What are they and which other countries have them?</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344080-untitled-design-31.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-french-president-macron-gets-rockstar-welcome-at-top-chinese-university-mobbed-by-students-580450">Watch | French President Macron gets rockstar welcome at top Chinese university, mobbed by students</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344061-macron.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

French President Emmanuel Macron was given a rousing reception at a top university in southern China on the last day of his trip where scores of students made a beeline to take selfies and shake hands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-consider-ban-on-cosmetic-products-containing-forever-chemicals-580443">US states consider ban on cosmetic products containing ‘forever chemicals’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344056-copy-of-untitled.png?imwidth=1920" />

A number of US states are mulling banning cosmetic products that contain potentially harmful substances known as PFAS or "forever chemicals". The state Senate of Vermont approved a legislation earlier this week which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, as well as several other chemicals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-nigerias-benue-state-armed-gangs-kill-74-in-two-separate-attacks-president-buhari-condemns-attacks-580508">In Nigeria's Benue state, armed gangs kill 74 in two separate shootings; President Buhari condemns attacks</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344084-new-wion-55.png?imwidth=1920" />

In Nigeria's Benue state, 74 people have been killed in two separate attacks by gunmen this week. As per Reuters, the clashes happened in an area where violence between pastoralists and farmers is common. The news agency reports that Benue State police spokesperson Catherine Anene said that between Friday evening and Saturday morning, 28 bodies were recovered from a camp for internally displaced people in the Mgban local government area. The motive behind the attack is still unknown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-landmark-moment-india-gives-nod-to-ligo-observatory-in-maharashtra-to-study-gravitational-waves-580387">In landmark move, India gives nod to LIGO observatory in Maharashtra to study gravitational waves</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344027-untitled-design-2023-04-08t134111591.png?imwidth=1920" />

The Indian government gave a go-ahead to Rs 2,600-crore project on Thursday for setting up a Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory-India (LIGO-India) in the Aundha area of Hingol district in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-20-migrants-missing-after-boat-drowns-off-tunisian-coast-17-rescued-580513">At least 20 migrants missing after boat drowns off Tunisian coast, 17 rescued</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/09/337690-untitled-design-3.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

At least 20 migrants have gone missing off the coast of Tunisia, as they tried to cross the treacherous Mediterranean to Italy, the judicial officials informed on Saturday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-crutches-of-aid-from-friendly-nation-as-imf-bailout-hope-dwindles-580518">Pakistan claims crutches of aid from 'friendly' nation as IMF bailout hope dwindles</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344090-untitled-design-32.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Dar, however, assured that the much-delayed ninth review of $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on track.

John Legend, Chrissy Teigen now own $5.1 Million estate in Los Angeles: Report

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"All of Me" star John Legend and his socialite wife Chrissy Teigen have reportedly spent $5.1 million on a property situated in the West Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles. They reportedly closed the deal last week and are yet to confirm the same via an official statement.

Russia lost elections to three United Nations bodies as country continues to lose its diplomatic capital amid war in Ukraine. In Asia, reports emerged which revealed how people in Beijing and Taipei reacted after China launched a determined intrusion of waterways around Taiwan this week.

Russia lost elections to three United Nations bodies as country continues to lose its diplomatic capital amid war in Ukraine. In Asia, reports emerged which revealed how people in Beijing and Taipei reacted after China launched a determined intrusion of waterways around Taiwan this week. In West Asia, mysterious poisonings of girls continue, puzzling authorities. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia-Ukraine war | Moscow faces defeat at UN, loses three elections over its invasion of Ukraine Over a year since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine a.k.a., the Russia-Ukraine war, the disapproval Moscow faces from the international community remains strong. This week, Russia lost elections to three United Nations bodies. Explained | How people in Beijing and Taipei have reacted to China’s military drills China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.” Mysterious schoolgirl poisonings continue across Iran, puzzling authorities A mysterious phenomenon that started last year in Iran is continuing. On Saturday, at least 60 schoolgirls were poisoned in the town of Haftkel in the oil-rich southwestern province of Khuzestan, local media reports informed. North Korea's underwater nuclear-powered drones: What are they and which other countries have them? North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles. Watch | French President Macron gets rockstar welcome at top Chinese university, mobbed by students French President Emmanuel Macron was given a rousing reception at a top university in southern China on the last day of his trip where scores of students made a beeline to take selfies and shake hands. US states consider ban on cosmetic products containing ‘forever chemicals’ A number of US states are mulling banning cosmetic products that contain potentially harmful substances known as PFAS or "forever chemicals". The state Senate of Vermont approved a legislation earlier this week which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, as well as several other chemicals. In Nigeria's Benue state, armed gangs kill 74 in two separate shootings; President Buhari condemns attacks In Nigeria's Benue state, 74 people have been killed in two separate attacks by gunmen this week. As per Reuters, the clashes happened in an area where violence between pastoralists and farmers is common. The news agency reports that Benue State police spokesperson Catherine Anene said that between Friday evening and Saturday morning, 28 bodies were recovered from a camp for internally displaced people in the Mgban local government area. The motive behind the attack is still unknown. In landmark move, India gives nod to LIGO observatory in Maharashtra to study gravitational waves The Indian government gave a go-ahead to Rs 2,600-crore project on Thursday for setting up a Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory-India (LIGO-India) in the Aundha area of Hingol district in Maharashtra. At least 20 migrants missing after boat drowns off Tunisian coast, 17 rescued At least 20 migrants have gone missing off the coast of Tunisia, as they tried to cross the treacherous Mediterranean to Italy, the judicial officials informed on Saturday. Pakistan claims crutches of aid from 'friendly' nation as IMF bailout hope dwindles Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Dar, however, assured that the much-delayed ninth review of $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on track. John Legend, Chrissy Teigen now own $5.1 Million estate in Los Angeles: Report "All of Me" star John Legend and his socialite wife Chrissy Teigen have reportedly spent $5.1 million on a property situated in the West Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles. They reportedly closed the deal last week and are yet to confirm the same via an official statement.

Top 10 world news: Russia loses elections to UN bodies, Iranian schoolgirls poisoned, and more

Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Dar, however, assured that the much-delayed ninth review of $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on track.

India's neighbour at its west continues to be under the grip of severe economic crisis. Coupled with political crisis that began in the country shortly after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government was scrapped with a no-trust-vote, Pakistan is continuing to struggle in its efforts to prevent a state of bankruptcy.

Dar said he would attend important attend bilateral and multilateral meetings virtually and a Pakistani delegation would be present in Washington.&nbsp;

Earlier, reports indicated that the Pakistani finance minister canceled his Washington trip on accounts of poor optics for Islamabad that may emerge if it once again fails to remove the deadlock related to the holdup of Pakistan's IMF bailout programme.

Pakistani finance minister downplayed these reports.

<h2>Pakistan's tryst of aid from 'friendly' countries</h2>

Pakistan's finance minister, while not specifying any country by name, said that one of Islamabad's friendly nations gave IMF "the confirmation (of its commitment to help Pakistan) with $2 billion".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jammu-and-kashmirs-budget-twice-the-size-of-pakistans-imf-bailout-request-578174">Jammu and Kashmir’s budget twice the size of Pakistan’s IMF bailout request, documents show</a>

"We are now only awaiting the confirmation of a USD 1 billion commitment from one friendly country. After that, all their requirements to conclude the staff-level agreement will be complete. Following that, it takes two more weeks to take the matter into the board meeting," Dar said.

Reports in Pakistani media said Saudi Arabia had given the commitment to the IMF on helping Pakistan.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Pakistan's Economic Crisis Explained

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Dar was expected to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF that are scheduled from April 10 to 16 in Washington.

In February this year, IMF officials and the Pakistan government held discussions, which remained inconclusive.

Pakistan remains under the grip of a major economic crisis, consisting of high external debt, a weak local currency and dwindling foreign exchange reserves enough to shore up for barely one month's imports.

The consumer price inflation in Pakistan jumped to a record 35.37 per cent in March this year, as food, beverage and transport prices surged to an astonishing 50 per cent year-on-year.

At least 22 people have been killed in stampedes at government-sponsored food distribution outlets across the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday.

Pakistan's volatile political situation amid government's tussle with Opposition leader Imran Khan led Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stop his cabinet's finance minister to visit Washington, country's finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Dar, however, assured that the much-delayed ninth review of $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on track. India's neighbour at its west continues to be under the grip of severe economic crisis. Coupled with political crisis that began in the country shortly after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government was scrapped with a no-trust-vote, Pakistan is continuing to struggle in its efforts to prevent a state of bankruptcy. Dar said he would attend important attend bilateral and multilateral meetings virtually and a Pakistani delegation would be present in Washington. Earlier, reports indicated that the Pakistani finance minister canceled his Washington trip on accounts of poor optics for Islamabad that may emerge if it once again fails to remove the deadlock related to the holdup of Pakistan's IMF bailout programme. Pakistani finance minister downplayed these reports. Pakistan's tryst of aid from 'friendly' countries Pakistan's finance minister, while not specifying any country by name, said that one of Islamabad's friendly nations gave IMF "the confirmation (of its commitment to help Pakistan) with $2 billion". ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir’s budget twice the size of Pakistan’s IMF bailout request, documents show "We are now only awaiting the confirmation of a USD 1 billion commitment from one friendly country. After that, all their requirements to conclude the staff-level agreement will be complete. Following that, it takes two more weeks to take the matter into the board meeting," Dar said. Reports in Pakistani media said Saudi Arabia had given the commitment to the IMF on helping Pakistan. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Pakistan's Economic Crisis Explained × Dar was expected to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF that are scheduled from April 10 to 16 in Washington. In February this year, IMF officials and the Pakistan government held discussions, which remained inconclusive. Pakistan remains under the grip of a major economic crisis, consisting of high external debt, a weak local currency and dwindling foreign exchange reserves enough to shore up for barely one month's imports. The consumer price inflation in Pakistan jumped to a record 35.37 per cent in March this year, as food, beverage and transport prices surged to an astonishing 50 per cent year-on-year. At least 22 people have been killed in stampedes at government-sponsored food distribution outlets across the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan claims crutches of aid from 'friendly' nation as IMF bailout hope dwindles

North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles.&nbsp;

<h2>What are underwater drones?</h2>

Underwater drones are Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). They can be operated underwater without a human occupant and have been deemed the war-machines for future warfare. The first underwater drones surfaced from humanity's scientific prowess in the 1950s. In 1957, the first unmanned underwater vehicle was created in the United States to research the Arctic waters.&nbsp;

<h2>Underwater drones and nuclear warheads: How do they operate?</h2>

The US Navy first deployed underwater drones from submarines in 2015. The Russian-origin Poseidon, is world's most talked-about underwater drone and is one of the six Russian strategic weapons announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test

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In January 2023, it was reported that the first batch of the Poseidon weapons had been manufactured.

Typical depth of the drone may be about 50–100 metres (160–330 ft) for increased stealth features in low-speed stealth mode. Low depth in stealth mode is preferred because sound waves move to the ocean floor and reduce radius of detection. Submarines use the same strategy in silent running mode.

<h2>Which countries have underwater drones with nuclear warheads?</h2>

North Korea's recent demonstration of its underwater drones with nuclear warheads is yet to be decisively verified. The United States, and by extension all 31 NATO countries, possess underwater nuclear-powered drones. The Russian Federation, too, possesses underwater drones with nuclear warheads.

<h2>North Korea's recent demonstrations</h2>

The North Korean drone is named “Haeil,” a Korean word meaning tidal waves or tsunamis.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-another-nuclear-capable-underwater-drone-580303">North Korea claims to have tested another nuclear-capable underwater attack drone</a>

The state media reported that the drone was deployed Tuesday off the North’s eastern coast. It reportedly travelled underwater for nearly 60 hours, and detonated a test warhead at a target standing for an enemy port. North Korean state media added that the attack drone can be “deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation.” 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles.

North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles. What are underwater drones? Underwater drones are Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). They can be operated underwater without a human occupant and have been deemed the war-machines for future warfare. The first underwater drones surfaced from humanity's scientific prowess in the 1950s. In 1957, the first unmanned underwater vehicle was created in the United States to research the Arctic waters. Underwater drones and nuclear warheads: How do they operate? The US Navy first deployed underwater drones from submarines in 2015. The Russian-origin Poseidon, is world's most talked-about underwater drone and is one of the six Russian strategic weapons announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018. ALSO WATCH | North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test × In January 2023, it was reported that the first batch of the Poseidon weapons had been manufactured. Typical depth of the drone may be about 50–100 metres (160–330 ft) for increased stealth features in low-speed stealth mode. Low depth in stealth mode is preferred because sound waves move to the ocean floor and reduce radius of detection. Submarines use the same strategy in silent running mode. Which countries have underwater drones with nuclear warheads? North Korea's recent demonstration of its underwater drones with nuclear warheads is yet to be decisively verified. The United States, and by extension all 31 NATO countries, possess underwater nuclear-powered drones. The Russian Federation, too, possesses underwater drones with nuclear warheads. North Korea's recent demonstrations The North Korean drone is named “Haeil,” a Korean word meaning tidal waves or tsunamis. ALSO READ | North Korea claims to have tested another nuclear-capable underwater attack drone The state media reported that the drone was deployed Tuesday off the North’s eastern coast. It reportedly travelled underwater for nearly 60 hours, and detonated a test warhead at a target standing for an enemy port. North Korean state media added that the attack drone can be “deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea's underwater nuclear-powered drones: What are they and which other countries have them?

Spanish people in Menorca, about 204 km southeast of Barcelona, were consuming hallucinogenic drugs about three millennia ago, new research has found. This was around 2,900 years before the birth of Spanish-speaking drug lord Pablo Escobar in South American nation Colombia.

According to a report published in the journal Scientific Reports, signs of human activity at the Es Càrritx cave on the south-western side of Menorca showed that ancient human civilisation there consumed drugs derived from plants and bushes.&nbsp;

The Es Càrritx cave has more than 200 human graves, and is believed to be a funeral site for about six centuries until 800 BCE.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-caves-holding-first-evidence-of-humans-taking-hallucinogens-345109">Scientists discover caves holding first evidence of humans taking hallucinogens</a>

The research found that the substances had the potential to be quite strong. They were likely used as part of rituals held at the cave. These may have involved shamans "who were capable of controlling the side-effects of the plant drugs".

The scientific analysis of the hair locks, dyed red during the ancient rituals which could have come from more than one person, reportedly detected three psychoactive substances.

Along with hallucination-inducing atropine and scopolamine, scientists found ephedrine, which boosts energy and alertness.

The research also noted that containers found in the cave had spiral motifs carved on the lids. The way these motifs were created represent a person's "altered states of consciousness" while under the influence of hallucinogens.

In the history of ancient civilisations, evidence has been detected in the past, which indicates the human consumption of drugs and alcohol among others.&nbsp;

Ancient Egyptians used alcohol in 3500 BCE, while ancient Chinese people consumed cannabis (the source of marijuana) around 3000 BCE.&nbsp;

Ancient people in what is present-day Switzerland ate poppy seeds (the source of opium) in 2500 BCE.&nbsp;

Coca leaves (the source of cocaine), too, have been chewed for thousands of years by ancient Homo sapiens&nbsp;around the world.

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Spanish people in Menorca, about 204 km southeast of Barcelona, were consuming hallucinogenic drugs about three millennia ago, new research has found. This was around 2,900 years before the birth of Spanish-speaking drug lord Pablo Escobar in South American nation Colombia.

Spanish people in Menorca, about 204 km southeast of Barcelona, were consuming hallucinogenic drugs about three millennia ago, new research has found. This was around 2,900 years before the birth of Spanish-speaking drug lord Pablo Escobar in South American nation Colombia. According to a report published in the journal Scientific Reports, signs of human activity at the Es Càrritx cave on the south-western side of Menorca showed that ancient human civilisation there consumed drugs derived from plants and bushes. The Es Càrritx cave has more than 200 human graves, and is believed to be a funeral site for about six centuries until 800 BCE. ALSO READ | Scientists discover caves holding first evidence of humans taking hallucinogens The research found that the substances had the potential to be quite strong. They were likely used as part of rituals held at the cave. These may have involved shamans "who were capable of controlling the side-effects of the plant drugs". The scientific analysis of the hair locks, dyed red during the ancient rituals which could have come from more than one person, reportedly detected three psychoactive substances. Along with hallucination-inducing atropine and scopolamine, scientists found ephedrine, which boosts energy and alertness. The research also noted that containers found in the cave had spiral motifs carved on the lids. The way these motifs were created represent a person's "altered states of consciousness" while under the influence of hallucinogens. In the history of ancient civilisations, evidence has been detected in the past, which indicates the human consumption of drugs and alcohol among others. Ancient Egyptians used alcohol in 3500 BCE, while ancient Chinese people consumed cannabis (the source of marijuana) around 3000 BCE. Ancient people in what is present-day Switzerland ate poppy seeds (the source of opium) in 2500 BCE. Coca leaves (the source of cocaine), too, have been chewed for thousands of years by ancient Homo sapiens around the world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

People in Spain were taking drugs about 3,000 years before Pablo Escobar

A Chinese fighter jet and an anti-submarine helicopter&nbsp;violated Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone while a number of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships&nbsp;sailed in waters surrounding the self-ruled island, the Taiwanese defence ministry said. The developments occurred hours&nbsp;before Taiwanese President&nbsp;Tsai Ing-wen&nbsp;met US House speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

China's Shandong aircraft carrier sailed through Taiwan's southeastern waters on its way to the western Pacific, Taiwanese defence ministry said.

Tsai told reporters her government was committed to ensuring "the free and democratic way of life of the people of Taiwan" before she left Los Angeles where she was stopping on her way back from Latin America.

"We also hope to do our best to maintain peace and stability between the two sides," she added.

Beijing said on Friday that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China", after repeatedly warning against the meeting.

"China's sovereignty and territorial integrity will never be divided," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

"The future of Taiwan lies in reunification with the motherland."

The cross-strait violation by the Chinese forces fall in line with a pattern Beijing has been adopting every time Taiwan is seen maintaining and strengthening its bilateral ties with the United States.&nbsp;

Since September 2020, when Taiwan began renewing its US outreach, China started regular incursions in self-ruled island's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) on a regular basis.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a>

Meanwhile, China slapped sanctions on Taipei's de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, banning her from entering China and accusing her of "deliberately inciting cross-strait confrontation".

Taiwan condemned the sanctions, saying Beijing was attempting to "further suppress our country's international space".

"Coercion and suppression will not change the objective facts, but will only strengthen our government's belief in upholding freedom and democracy," Taiwan's foreign office said in a statement.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;United States-China faceoff over Taiwan strait

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Beijing also announced sanctions against the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based conservative think tank, as well as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which hosted the meeting.

The two organisations are now barred from engaging in transactions and cooperation with Chinese entities.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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A Chinese fighter jet and an anti-submarine helicopter violated Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone while a number of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships sailed in waters surrounding the self-ruled island, the Taiwanese defence ministry said.

A Chinese fighter jet and an anti-submarine helicopter violated Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone while a number of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships sailed in waters surrounding the self-ruled island, the Taiwanese defence ministry said. The developments occurred hours before Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met US House speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. China's Shandong aircraft carrier sailed through Taiwan's southeastern waters on its way to the western Pacific, Taiwanese defence ministry said. Tsai told reporters her government was committed to ensuring "the free and democratic way of life of the people of Taiwan" before she left Los Angeles where she was stopping on her way back from Latin America. "We also hope to do our best to maintain peace and stability between the two sides," she added. Beijing said on Friday that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China", after repeatedly warning against the meeting. "China's sovereignty and territorial integrity will never be divided," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing. "The future of Taiwan lies in reunification with the motherland." The cross-strait violation by the Chinese forces fall in line with a pattern Beijing has been adopting every time Taiwan is seen maintaining and strengthening its bilateral ties with the United States. Since September 2020, when Taiwan began renewing its US outreach, China started regular incursions in self-ruled island's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) on a regular basis. ALSO READ | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping Meanwhile, China slapped sanctions on Taipei's de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, banning her from entering China and accusing her of "deliberately inciting cross-strait confrontation". Taiwan condemned the sanctions, saying Beijing was attempting to "further suppress our country's international space". "Coercion and suppression will not change the objective facts, but will only strengthen our government's belief in upholding freedom and democracy," Taiwan's foreign office said in a statement. ALSO WATCH | United States-China faceoff over Taiwan strait × Beijing also announced sanctions against the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based conservative think tank, as well as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which hosted the meeting. The two organisations are now barred from engaging in transactions and cooperation with Chinese entities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese warships, fighter jets encircled Taiwan before Tsai-McCarthy meet

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Zee News Rajasthan

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