Scientists have submitted Australia's Cavendish banana — a genetically modified fruit that has been created keeping in view its safety against the deadly fungus that is a threat to banana growers globally, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The Cavendish industry faces a huge threat globally because of a fungus known as Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4), but to tackle this issue, the experts have introduced the genetically modified version, known as QCAV-4.&nbsp;

Australia-based The National Tribune reported that the QCAV-4 banana is the first Australian GM fruit to be submitted for assessment, in order to provide a safety net to the world's US$20 billion banana industry.&nbsp;

<h2>How is it made?</h2>

The reports mentioned that QCAV-4 is a Cavendish Grand Nain banana, which has been bio-engineered with a single gene, RGA2, from the wild, south-east Asian banana, Musa acuminata ssp malaccensis.&nbsp;

Australian Government regulatory authorities, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) are assessing QCAV-4 is currently, and if approved, it will become Australia's first GM fruit to be approved for cultivation and consumption. It will also become the first GM banana to be approved worldwide. &nbsp;

<h2>What is Panama Disease TR4?&nbsp;</h2>

In an article by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, it is mentioned that the Panama disease tropical race 4, or Panama TR4, is a serious disease of bananas.&nbsp;

It is caused by a fungus that lives in the soil and travels up the stem of the plant before blocking the tissues that carry water and nutrients. Panama TR4 will kill the plant.&nbsp;

The disease has already impacted the Cavendish banana production in Asia and now it is showing its presence in South America, and Australia in the Northern Territory and North Queensland.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, professor James Dale of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), said, "The devastating Panama Disease TR4 is caused by a soil-borne fungus that stays in the ground for more than 50 years, wiping out banana crops and destroys farms for generations."&nbsp;

"It is a huge problem. It has devastated Cavendish plantations in many parts of the world and could cripple the Cavendish banana export industry worldwide," he added.&nbsp;

Notably, Dale and his team have been working on developing and growing genetically modified Cavendish bananas for more than 20 years.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.x

Scientists have submitted Australia's Cavendish banana — a genetically modified fruit that has been created keeping in view its safety against the deadly fungus that is a threat to banana growers globally, The Guardian reported.

Scientists have submitted Australia's Cavendish banana — a genetically modified fruit that has been created keeping in view its safety against the deadly fungus that is a threat to banana growers globally, The Guardian reported. The Cavendish industry faces a huge threat globally because of a fungus known as Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4), but to tackle this issue, the experts have introduced the genetically modified version, known as QCAV-4. Australia-based The National Tribune reported that the QCAV-4 banana is the first Australian GM fruit to be submitted for assessment, in order to provide a safety net to the world's US$20 billion banana industry. How is it made? The reports mentioned that QCAV-4 is a Cavendish Grand Nain banana, which has been bio-engineered with a single gene, RGA2, from the wild, south-east Asian banana, Musa acuminata ssp malaccensis. Australian Government regulatory authorities, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) are assessing QCAV-4 is currently, and if approved, it will become Australia's first GM fruit to be approved for cultivation and consumption. It will also become the first GM banana to be approved worldwide. What is Panama Disease TR4? In an article by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, it is mentioned that the Panama disease tropical race 4, or Panama TR4, is a serious disease of bananas. It is caused by a fungus that lives in the soil and travels up the stem of the plant before blocking the tissues that carry water and nutrients. Panama TR4 will kill the plant. The disease has already impacted the Cavendish banana production in Asia and now it is showing its presence in South America, and Australia in the Northern Territory and North Queensland. As quoted by the report, professor James Dale of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), said, "The devastating Panama Disease TR4 is caused by a soil-borne fungus that stays in the ground for more than 50 years, wiping out banana crops and destroys farms for generations." "It is a huge problem. It has devastated Cavendish plantations in many parts of the world and could cripple the Cavendish banana export industry worldwide," he added. Notably, Dale and his team have been working on developing and growing genetically modified Cavendish bananas for more than 20 years. 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.x

This genetically modified banana is immune to deadly fungus, and may soon enter market

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is putting his two-decade rule on the line on May 14 when he faces opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Turkey's landmark elections.

Surveys put Kilicdaroglu ahead of Erdogan in the first round of voting. If no candidate secures more than half of the votes in the first round, a May 28 runoff will be held between the two leading candidates.

Erdogan's Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party&nbsp;(AK Party) counts the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) as its main ally. The secularist CHP and five other parties form an opposition alliance that is expected to get support from the main Kurdish party Peoples' Democratic Party&nbsp;(HDP), giving it an edge in some polls.

Only three candidates remain in the race for president after Muharrem Ince, representing a small party, withdrew.

Following are the key figures in the presidential and parliamentary elections:

<h2>PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:</h2>

PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN

Erdogan, 69, rose to power 20 years ago as Turkey emerged from a period of rampant inflation, promising sound government after the coalition of the time was accused of mismanagement. At the height of his success, Turkey enjoyed a protracted economic boom with rising living standards for its 85 million people.

Turkey's longest-serving leader logged more than a dozen election victories and survived an attempted coup in 2016. He has shaped the country to his vision of a pious, conservative society and assertive regional player, even as critics say he has used the courts to crack down on dissent.

On the campaign trail, Erdogan has sought to sway voters by promoting big infrastructure and construction projects, showcasing Turkey's industrial milestones, and warning of chaos in government in the event of an opposition win.

CHP LEADER KEMAL KILICDAROGLU

Kilicdaroglu, 74, head of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was named the six-party opposition alliance's presidential candidate in March. Long stuck in Erdogan's shadow, he has failed to close the gap with the AKP in parliamentary elections since he took the centre-left CHP's reins in 2010.

A former civil servant, Kilicdaroglu entered parliament in 2002 with the CHP, which was established by modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and has since struggled to reach beyond its secularist grassroots towards conservatives.

He has struck an inclusive tone as sought to attract voters disillusioned by Erdogan's rhetoric and perceived economic mismanagement, promising economic prosperity as well as greater respect for human rights and rule of law.

SINAN OGAN

Sinan Ogan, 55, has little prospect of victory. A former academic who established the think tank TURKSAM, he entered parliament in 2011 with the far-right MHP. He launched an unsuccessful bid for leadership of the MHP in 2015 and was subsequently expelled from the party.

<h2>ERDOGAN’S ALLIES:</h2>

MHP LEADER DEVLET BAHCELI

Ultra-nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, 75, has helped Erdogan keep his grip on power after supporting his bid to switch to an executive presidency in a 2017 referendum. Previously a staunch opponent of Erdogan, Bahceli's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) began to work with the president and his AKP after the failed 2016 coup. A hatred of the the Kurdish PKK and a hardline stance against pro-Kurdish parties is a key part of Bahceli's discourse.

<h2>OPPOSITION FIGURES:</h2>

IYI PARTY LEADER MERAL AKSENER

Former interior minister Meral Aksener, 66, leads the second-largest party in the opposition alliance, the centrist and nationalist IYI Party. She has risen to greater prominence since 2016, when she was expelled from the MHP after mounting an unsuccessful bid to oust Bahceli. She appeals to conservative voters and those disenchanted with the MHP's alliance with the AKP.

FORMER HDP LEADER SELAHATTIN DEMIRTAS

Former leader of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas, 49, remains a key political figure despite being in jail since 2016. Demirtas faces a potential life sentence in a case in which he has been charged with instigating 2014 protests in which dozens died.

HDP, which announced it will support Kilicdaroglu's candidacy, will run under the Green Left Party in the parliamentary vote to circumvent its potential closure ahead of elections.

DEVA PARTY LEADER ALI BABACAN

Babacan, 55, is an ex-deputy prime minister and former close ally of Erdogan who quit the AKP in 2019 over differences about its direction. He formed the Deva (Remedy) Party and urged reforms to boost the rule of law and democracy. A former economy and foreign minister, he was well regarded by foreign investors.

FUTURE PARTY LEADER AHMET DAVUTOGLU

Davutoglu, 64, a former prime minister and foreign minister, broke with the AKP in 2019 and established the Gelecek (Future) Party. In the first decade of AKP rule, he championed a less confrontational foreign policy with the mantra "zero problems with neighbours", and has since criticised what he describes as a lurch towards authoritarianism under the executive presidency.

ISTANBUL MAYOR EKREM IMAMOGLU

After five years as CHP mayor of an Istanbul district, former businessman Ekrem Imamoglu, 52, rose to prominence in 2019 when he defeated the AKP's candidate in the Istanbul municipal election. He was sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2022 for insulting public officials and faces a political ban if the ruling is upheld.

ANKARA MAYOR MANSUR YAVAS

Nationalist politician and lawyer Mansur Yavas, 67, defeated the AKP's Ankara mayoral candidate 2019 as the CHP candidate backed by an opposition alliance. He served for 10 years as the nationalist MHP mayor of an Ankara district until 2009. He left the MHP and joined CHP in 2013. 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is putting his two-decade rule on the line on May 14 when he faces opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Turkey's landmark elections.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is putting his two-decade rule on the line on May 14 when he faces opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Turkey's landmark elections. Surveys put Kilicdaroglu ahead of Erdogan in the first round of voting. If no candidate secures more than half of the votes in the first round, a May 28 runoff will be held between the two leading candidates. Erdogan's Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party (AK Party) counts the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) as its main ally. The secularist CHP and five other parties form an opposition alliance that is expected to get support from the main Kurdish party Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), giving it an edge in some polls. Only three candidates remain in the race for president after Muharrem Ince, representing a small party, withdrew. Following are the key figures in the presidential and parliamentary elections: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN Erdogan, 69, rose to power 20 years ago as Turkey emerged from a period of rampant inflation, promising sound government after the coalition of the time was accused of mismanagement. At the height of his success, Turkey enjoyed a protracted economic boom with rising living standards for its 85 million people. Turkey's longest-serving leader logged more than a dozen election victories and survived an attempted coup in 2016. He has shaped the country to his vision of a pious, conservative society and assertive regional player, even as critics say he has used the courts to crack down on dissent. On the campaign trail, Erdogan has sought to sway voters by promoting big infrastructure and construction projects, showcasing Turkey's industrial milestones, and warning of chaos in government in the event of an opposition win. CHP LEADER KEMAL KILICDAROGLU Kilicdaroglu, 74, head of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was named the six-party opposition alliance's presidential candidate in March. Long stuck in Erdogan's shadow, he has failed to close the gap with the AKP in parliamentary elections since he took the centre-left CHP's reins in 2010. A former civil servant, Kilicdaroglu entered parliament in 2002 with the CHP, which was established by modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and has since struggled to reach beyond its secularist grassroots towards conservatives. He has struck an inclusive tone as sought to attract voters disillusioned by Erdogan's rhetoric and perceived economic mismanagement, promising economic prosperity as well as greater respect for human rights and rule of law. SINAN OGAN Sinan Ogan, 55, has little prospect of victory. A former academic who established the think tank TURKSAM, he entered parliament in 2011 with the far-right MHP. He launched an unsuccessful bid for leadership of the MHP in 2015 and was subsequently expelled from the party. ERDOGAN’S ALLIES: MHP LEADER DEVLET BAHCELI Ultra-nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, 75, has helped Erdogan keep his grip on power after supporting his bid to switch to an executive presidency in a 2017 referendum. Previously a staunch opponent of Erdogan, Bahceli's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) began to work with the president and his AKP after the failed 2016 coup. A hatred of the the Kurdish PKK and a hardline stance against pro-Kurdish parties is a key part of Bahceli's discourse. OPPOSITION FIGURES: IYI PARTY LEADER MERAL AKSENER Former interior minister Meral Aksener, 66, leads the second-largest party in the opposition alliance, the centrist and nationalist IYI Party. She has risen to greater prominence since 2016, when she was expelled from the MHP after mounting an unsuccessful bid to oust Bahceli. She appeals to conservative voters and those disenchanted with the MHP's alliance with the AKP. FORMER HDP LEADER SELAHATTIN DEMIRTAS Former leader of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas, 49, remains a key political figure despite being in jail since 2016. Demirtas faces a potential life sentence in a case in which he has been charged with instigating 2014 protests in which dozens died. HDP, which announced it will support Kilicdaroglu's candidacy, will run under the Green Left Party in the parliamentary vote to circumvent its potential closure ahead of elections. DEVA PARTY LEADER ALI BABACAN Babacan, 55, is an ex-deputy prime minister and former close ally of Erdogan who quit the AKP in 2019 over differences about its direction. He formed the Deva (Remedy) Party and urged reforms to boost the rule of law and democracy. A former economy and foreign minister, he was well regarded by foreign investors. FUTURE PARTY LEADER AHMET DAVUTOGLU Davutoglu, 64, a former prime minister and foreign minister, broke with the AKP in 2019 and established the Gelecek (Future) Party. In the first decade of AKP rule, he championed a less confrontational foreign policy with the mantra "zero problems with neighbours", and has since criticised what he describes as a lurch towards authoritarianism under the executive presidency. ISTANBUL MAYOR EKREM IMAMOGLU After five years as CHP mayor of an Istanbul district, former businessman Ekrem Imamoglu, 52, rose to prominence in 2019 when he defeated the AKP's candidate in the Istanbul municipal election. He was sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2022 for insulting public officials and faces a political ban if the ruling is upheld. ANKARA MAYOR MANSUR YAVAS Nationalist politician and lawyer Mansur Yavas, 67, defeated the AKP's Ankara mayoral candidate 2019 as the CHP candidate backed by an opposition alliance. He served for 10 years as the nationalist MHP mayor of an Ankara district until 2009. He left the MHP and joined CHP in 2013. 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.

Turkey elections 2023: These are top candidates for president, other key players you should know

Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), on Friday (May 12) asked Maharashtra's Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to take a decision on the disqualification of 16 MLAs as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Thackeray said, "The gift of life to the 16 MLAs is temporary because the Supreme Court has given a reasonable time' and it has limitations. The Speaker must take his decision at the earliest."&nbsp;

Thackeray's comments came a day after the Supreme Court gave its verdict on last year's political crisis that resulted in the collapse of the three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by him.&nbsp;

The conflict began when after a rebellion by Eknath Shinde, who later became the chief minister of the state post joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;

News agencies reported that Thackeray's party colleague Anil Parab said they will urge Speaker Nawerkar to take a call on the matter at the earliest.&nbsp;

Thackeray referred to the same judgement to say that actions of the governor, like calling upon him for a floor test, were illegal as the SC's verdict mentioned that he could have been reinstated as chief minister had he not resigned.&nbsp;

"This means the existing government is illegal. I am satisfied with my decision because I resigned out of morality," Thackeray said.&nbsp;

As a warning to the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janta Party, he also asked them to face elections in the "final court" — the people of the state.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Parab said, "We have been saying that this government is illegal. The important role is of the whip. The whip of that time was Sunil Prabhu (MLA from the Thackeray camp) and it was violated which has been well established. The Speaker should not take much time to decide on it."&nbsp;

"There is no escape for the rebel MLAs and there is little time left for them," Parab added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), on Friday (May 12) asked Maharashtra's Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to take a decision on the disqualification of 16 MLAs as soon as possible.

Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), on Friday (May 12) asked Maharashtra's Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to take a decision on the disqualification of 16 MLAs as soon as possible. Thackeray said, "The gift of life to the 16 MLAs is temporary because the Supreme Court has given a reasonable time' and it has limitations. The Speaker must take his decision at the earliest." Thackeray's comments came a day after the Supreme Court gave its verdict on last year's political crisis that resulted in the collapse of the three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by him. The conflict began when after a rebellion by Eknath Shinde, who later became the chief minister of the state post joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). News agencies reported that Thackeray's party colleague Anil Parab said they will urge Speaker Nawerkar to take a call on the matter at the earliest. Thackeray referred to the same judgement to say that actions of the governor, like calling upon him for a floor test, were illegal as the SC's verdict mentioned that he could have been reinstated as chief minister had he not resigned. "This means the existing government is illegal. I am satisfied with my decision because I resigned out of morality," Thackeray said. As a warning to the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janta Party, he also asked them to face elections in the "final court" — the people of the state. Meanwhile, Parab said, "We have been saying that this government is illegal. The important role is of the whip. The whip of that time was Sunil Prabhu (MLA from the Thackeray camp) and it was violated which has been well established. The Speaker should not take much time to decide on it." "There is no escape for the rebel MLAs and there is little time left for them," Parab added. (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.

Uddhav Thackeray: Speaker must decide on disqualification of 16 MLAs soon

The largest explosion in space has been witnessed by a team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton. Experts said that the observed explosion is more than 10 times brighter than any known supernova (exploding star) and around three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event — a cosmic event in which the star falls into a supermassive black hole. The explosion lasted for three years.&nbsp;

The results were published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, which presented the multiwavelength observations of the explosive event dubbed as AT2021lwx - which is the most luminous of such flares ever detected and traced to eight billion years away from Earth and occurred when the universe was just six billion years old.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Philip Wiseman, who is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, "We came upon this by chance, as it was flagged by our search algorithm when we were searching for a type of supernova."&nbsp;

Dr Wiseman, who led the research, said "We've estimated it’s a fireball 100 times the size of the solar system with a brightness about 2tn times the sun's. In three years, this event has released about 100 times as much energy as the sun will in its 10bn-year lifetime."&nbsp;

The conclusion of the study noted that AT2021lwx is an "extraordinary event" that does not fit into any common class of transient. It is one of the most luminous transients ever discovered with a total radiated energy greater than 1053 erg. The conclusion was made after collecting and analysing multiwavelength photometry and spectroscopy of the transient.&nbsp;

The team of astronomers think that AT2021lwx may be the result of a black hole violently disrupting a cloud of gas, but they also mentioned that further mentioned that they need to follow it up to reveal more about the scenario that caused the flare, and the community is strongly encouraged to search for similar events in both the future and in archival data.&nbsp;

The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) based in Hawaii picked AT2021lwx after it was first spotted by the Zwicky Transient Facility in California in 2020.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The largest explosion in space has been witnessed by a team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton. Experts said that the observed explosion is more than 10 times brighter than any known supernova (exploding star) and around three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event — a cosmic event in which the star falls into a supermassive black hole.

The largest explosion in space has been witnessed by a team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton. Experts said that the observed explosion is more than 10 times brighter than any known supernova (exploding star) and around three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event — a cosmic event in which the star falls into a supermassive black hole. The explosion lasted for three years. The results were published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, which presented the multiwavelength observations of the explosive event dubbed as AT2021lwx - which is the most luminous of such flares ever detected and traced to eight billion years away from Earth and occurred when the universe was just six billion years old. As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Philip Wiseman, who is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, "We came upon this by chance, as it was flagged by our search algorithm when we were searching for a type of supernova." Dr Wiseman, who led the research, said "We've estimated it’s a fireball 100 times the size of the solar system with a brightness about 2tn times the sun's. In three years, this event has released about 100 times as much energy as the sun will in its 10bn-year lifetime." The conclusion of the study noted that AT2021lwx is an "extraordinary event" that does not fit into any common class of transient. It is one of the most luminous transients ever discovered with a total radiated energy greater than 1053 erg. The conclusion was made after collecting and analysing multiwavelength photometry and spectroscopy of the transient. The team of astronomers think that AT2021lwx may be the result of a black hole violently disrupting a cloud of gas, but they also mentioned that further mentioned that they need to follow it up to reveal more about the scenario that caused the flare, and the community is strongly encouraged to search for similar events in both the future and in archival data. The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) based in Hawaii picked AT2021lwx after it was first spotted by the Zwicky Transient Facility in California in 2020. 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.

'Extraordinary event': Astronomers witness largest cosmic explosion in space

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar on Friday (May 12) said that the parties to the Black Sea grain deal are approaching an agreement on extending it after two days of talks in Istanbul between Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and UN officials.&nbsp;

Akar said in a statement, "We are heading toward an agreement on the extension of the grain deal." The deal is to expire on 18 May.&nbsp;

But Russia has it needs guarantees that its demands would be met by the deadline of May 18, otherwise, the&nbsp;deal would expire.&nbsp;

Cindy McCain, the executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), told the BBC on Sunday that the Ukraine grain deal must be renewed otherwise it will become difficult to feed the world.&nbsp;

Moscow has been accused of exploiting global hunger to take advantage in the ongoing war against Kyiv as the United States and Britain recently asked Russia to extend again a deal to export grain from war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US ambassador accuses South Africa of supplying arms to Russia&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ambassador-accuse-south-africa-of-supplying-arms-to-russia-591481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Russia exploiting hunger with grain deal delay&nbsp;</h2>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Tuesday, "In recent days, Russia has once again returned to blocking ships from sailing to Ukraine's ports to pick up the grain, in a cynical action that directly results in less food getting to global markets and to human beings in Africa, the Middle East and around the world."&nbsp;

He added that the "world shouldn't need to remind Moscow every few weeks to stop using people's hunger as a weapon in their war against Ukraine."&nbsp;

On the other hand, British Secretary James Cleverly, speaking alongside Blinken, said Russia "should re-sign the Black Sea Green Initiative and do so immediately" and "it is completely wrong that Russia uses the hunger of some of the poorest people in the world to pursue leverage during this conflict".&nbsp;

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war led to a food grain crisis globally in the past year — ever since it was launched on February 24. But the UN-brokered deal emerged as a ray of hope as it allowed Ukraine to export millions of tonnes of grain through the Black Sea but some of the ports were blocked due to invasion.&nbsp;

The blockade caused large quantities of Ukrainian grain to stay in Central European states due to logistical bottlenecks. It hit prices and sales for local farmers. Ukrainian grain is cheaper than that produced in the European Union.&nbsp;

This was one of the reasons why Poland and Hungary recently announced bans on grain and other food imports from Ukraine in order to protect their local agricultural sectors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar on Friday (May 12) said that the parties to the Black Sea grain deal are approaching an agreement on extending it after two days of talks in Istanbul between Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and UN officials.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar on Friday (May 12) said that the parties to the Black Sea grain deal are approaching an agreement on extending it after two days of talks in Istanbul between Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and UN officials. Akar said in a statement, "We are heading toward an agreement on the extension of the grain deal." The deal is to expire on 18 May. But Russia has it needs guarantees that its demands would be met by the deadline of May 18, otherwise, the deal would expire. Cindy McCain, the executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), told the BBC on Sunday that the Ukraine grain deal must be renewed otherwise it will become difficult to feed the world. Moscow has been accused of exploiting global hunger to take advantage in the ongoing war against Kyiv as the United States and Britain recently asked Russia to extend again a deal to export grain from war-torn Ukraine. WATCH | US ambassador accuses South Africa of supplying arms to Russia × Russia exploiting hunger with grain deal delay US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Tuesday, "In recent days, Russia has once again returned to blocking ships from sailing to Ukraine's ports to pick up the grain, in a cynical action that directly results in less food getting to global markets and to human beings in Africa, the Middle East and around the world." He added that the "world shouldn't need to remind Moscow every few weeks to stop using people's hunger as a weapon in their war against Ukraine." On the other hand, British Secretary James Cleverly, speaking alongside Blinken, said Russia "should re-sign the Black Sea Green Initiative and do so immediately" and "it is completely wrong that Russia uses the hunger of some of the poorest people in the world to pursue leverage during this conflict". The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war led to a food grain crisis globally in the past year — ever since it was launched on February 24. But the UN-brokered deal emerged as a ray of hope as it allowed Ukraine to export millions of tonnes of grain through the Black Sea but some of the ports were blocked due to invasion. The blockade caused large quantities of Ukrainian grain to stay in Central European states due to logistical bottlenecks. It hit prices and sales for local farmers. Ukrainian grain is cheaper than that produced in the European Union. This was one of the reasons why Poland and Hungary recently announced bans on grain and other food imports from Ukraine in order to protect their local agricultural sectors. (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.

Turkey says approaching agreement on extending Black Sea grain deal

Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced on Wednesday (May 10) that she and her husband have filed for divorce. After a setback in the recent general election, Marin had said that she would step down as Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader in September.&nbsp;

In Instagram stories, Marin and her husband of three years Markus Raikkonen, wrote: "We have jointly filed for divorce. We are grateful for the 19 years together and our beloved daughter. We will remain best friends, close to each other and loving parents."&nbsp;

"We will continue to spend time together as a family and with each other. We hope that you respect our privacy. We will not comment further on the matter," the post added.&nbsp;

Marin and Raikkonen have a five-year-old daughter and were married in 2020 — a period when she was in office dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Until recently, they worked at a venture capital firm.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old became the world's youngest prime minister when she took office in 2019. She is often considered by fans around the globe as a millennial role model for progressive new leaders. In the recent election, Marin conceded defeat as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo claimed victory.&nbsp;

Marin hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today".&nbsp;

From her role in Finland becoming a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member to outstanding leadership qualities during the coronavirus pandemic, she emerged as Finland's most popular prime minister in decades.&nbsp;

However, there were some downfalls. She faced criticism from a certain section of society and opposition when last year some of her personal videos were leaked on social media platforms, in which she was seen partying with a group of Finnish celebrities. She even had to take a drug test to clear suspicions of wrongdoing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced on Wednesday (May 10) that she and her husband have filed for divorce. After a setback in the recent general election, Marin had said that she would step down as Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader in September.

Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced on Wednesday (May 10) that she and her husband have filed for divorce. After a setback in the recent general election, Marin had said that she would step down as Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader in September. In Instagram stories, Marin and her husband of three years Markus Raikkonen, wrote: "We have jointly filed for divorce. We are grateful for the 19 years together and our beloved daughter. We will remain best friends, close to each other and loving parents." "We will continue to spend time together as a family and with each other. We hope that you respect our privacy. We will not comment further on the matter," the post added. Marin and Raikkonen have a five-year-old daughter and were married in 2020 — a period when she was in office dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Until recently, they worked at a venture capital firm. The 37-year-old became the world's youngest prime minister when she took office in 2019. She is often considered by fans around the globe as a millennial role model for progressive new leaders. In the recent election, Marin conceded defeat as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo claimed victory. Marin hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today". From her role in Finland becoming a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member to outstanding leadership qualities during the coronavirus pandemic, she emerged as Finland's most popular prime minister in decades. However, there were some downfalls. She faced criticism from a certain section of society and opposition when last year some of her personal videos were leaked on social media platforms, in which she was seen partying with a group of Finnish celebrities. She even had to take a drug test to clear suspicions of wrongdoing. (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.

Finland's outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin files for divorce

Pokhran is a remote location in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district.

With the approval of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, the Test Range in Pokhran hosted the detonation of India's first nuclear device in 1974.&nbsp;

The test was known as a "Peaceful Nuclear Explosive" among government officials.&nbsp;

After the detonation, it came to be known as Operation Smiling Buddha while the MEA called it " Pokhran I".&nbsp;

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre preferred to conduct the tests in the remote desert of Rajasthan due to the topography and the weather of the region.&nbsp;

The test was conducted during the month of May when the wind in the region created serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstruct&nbsp;a clear view to &nbsp;American spy satellites.&nbsp;

Also, the infrared sensors do not pick up such activity due to the temperature that increases over 50 degrees during the daytime.&nbsp;

To maintain the secrecy of the test the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre conducted the nuclear test in Pokhran.

After conducting the test, the government announced that it did not intend to manufacture nuclear weapons but just wanted to make India self-reliant in nuclear technology.&nbsp;

Twenty-four years after the first test was conducted, the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation and Atomic Energy Commission conducted five more nuclear tests on May 11, 1998.&nbsp;

Pokhran is a remote location in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district. With the approval of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, the Test Range in Pokhran hosted the detonation of India's first nuclear device in 1974.

Pokhran is a remote location in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district. With the approval of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, the Test Range in Pokhran hosted the detonation of India's first nuclear device in 1974. The test was known as a "Peaceful Nuclear Explosive" among government officials. After the detonation, it came to be known as Operation Smiling Buddha while the MEA called it " Pokhran I". The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre preferred to conduct the tests in the remote desert of Rajasthan due to the topography and the weather of the region. The test was conducted during the month of May when the wind in the region created serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstruct a clear view to American spy satellites. Also, the infrared sensors do not pick up such activity due to the temperature that increases over 50 degrees during the daytime. To maintain the secrecy of the test the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre conducted the nuclear test in Pokhran. After conducting the test, the government announced that it did not intend to manufacture nuclear weapons but just wanted to make India self-reliant in nuclear technology. Twenty-four years after the first test was conducted, the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation and Atomic Energy Commission conducted five more nuclear tests on May 11, 1998.

American spy satellites & sandstorms: Why Pokhran was chosen as the test site for India's nukes

The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said on Thursday (May 11) that one of its military leaders was killed in a pre-dawn strike launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

A statement from the Al-Quds Brigades, which is the armed branch of the group, read: "Ali Ghali... commander of the rocket launch unit... was assassinated in the south of the Gaza Strip along with other martyrs." Besides the announcement by the Palestinian group, the Israeli army also said that it targeted Ghali in the strike.&nbsp;

More than 22 Palestinians were reportedly killed over two days as Israel's army and Gaza militants exchanged heavy cross-border fire. This is the worst escalation of violence to hit the coastal territory in months.&nbsp;

Palestinian health officials claimed that among the total fatalities, at least five women and five children, as well as three senior Islamic Jihad commanders and four gunmen have been killed since the fighting began.&nbsp;

Israeli officials have said Egypt was working on a possible truce with the militant group Islamic Jihad as blaring sirens warned of incoming rockets in the Tel Aviv area and Israel's south.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad spokesman Dawoud Shehab said that Cairo had begun brokering a ceasefire. Egypt previously mediated in previous rounds of fighting.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israeli missile strikes continue across Gaza border, Islamic Jihadists retaliate over 100 rockets&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-missile-strikes-continue-across-gaza-border-islamic-jihadists-retaliate-over-100-rockets-591164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told public broadcaster Kan that the government was examining Egypt's proposals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in broadcast remarks that Islamic Jihad had sustained a serious blow. However, the prime minister cautioned: "The campaign is not over yet."&nbsp;

More than 130 targets were hit, including rocket-launching sites, the Israeli military said. Netanyahu said that more than 400 rockets were fired, but a quarter of which fell short in Gaza.&nbsp;

As rockets streaked through the sky, Israeli TV showed air defence systems intercepting rockets above Tel Aviv skies.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said that for the first time, an air-defense system known as David's Sling intercepted a rocket. The system, developed with the US, is meant to intercept medium-range threats and is part of a multi-layered air defence that also includes the better-known Iron Dome anti-rocket system. Israeli media said a previous attempt to use the system several years ago had failed.&nbsp;

The army said that schools would remain closed and restrictions on large gatherings would remain in place in southern Israel until at least till Friday. Residents were instructed to stay near bomb shelters.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, in a move that could further raise tensions, Israeli police said they would permit a Jewish ultranationalist parade to take place next week. The parade, meant to celebrate Israel's capture of east Jerusalem and its Jewish holy sites, marches through the heart of the Old City's Muslim Quarter and often leads to friction with local Palestinians.&nbsp;

<h2>Urgent calls for de-escalation&nbsp;</h2>

The White House said that national security advisor Jake Sullivan emphasised the need for de-escalation during a call on Wednesday with the head of Israel's National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi.&nbsp;

"Sullivan ... noted continued regional efforts to broker a ceasefire, and emphasized the need to deescalate tensions and prevent further loss of life," according to a White House readout.

The Arab League also condemned the "aggressive (and) barbaric Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip, which targeted civilians, children and women in residential neighbourhoods".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said on Thursday (May 11) that one of its military leaders was killed in a pre-dawn strike launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said on Thursday (May 11) that one of its military leaders was killed in a pre-dawn strike launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. A statement from the Al-Quds Brigades, which is the armed branch of the group, read: "Ali Ghali... commander of the rocket launch unit... was assassinated in the south of the Gaza Strip along with other martyrs." Besides the announcement by the Palestinian group, the Israeli army also said that it targeted Ghali in the strike. More than 22 Palestinians were reportedly killed over two days as Israel's army and Gaza militants exchanged heavy cross-border fire. This is the worst escalation of violence to hit the coastal territory in months. Palestinian health officials claimed that among the total fatalities, at least five women and five children, as well as three senior Islamic Jihad commanders and four gunmen have been killed since the fighting began. Israeli officials have said Egypt was working on a possible truce with the militant group Islamic Jihad as blaring sirens warned of incoming rockets in the Tel Aviv area and Israel's south. Islamic Jihad spokesman Dawoud Shehab said that Cairo had begun brokering a ceasefire. Egypt previously mediated in previous rounds of fighting. WATCH | Israeli missile strikes continue across Gaza border, Islamic Jihadists retaliate over 100 rockets × Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told public broadcaster Kan that the government was examining Egypt's proposals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in broadcast remarks that Islamic Jihad had sustained a serious blow. However, the prime minister cautioned: "The campaign is not over yet." More than 130 targets were hit, including rocket-launching sites, the Israeli military said. Netanyahu said that more than 400 rockets were fired, but a quarter of which fell short in Gaza. As rockets streaked through the sky, Israeli TV showed air defence systems intercepting rockets above Tel Aviv skies. The Israeli military said that for the first time, an air-defense system known as David's Sling intercepted a rocket. The system, developed with the US, is meant to intercept medium-range threats and is part of a multi-layered air defence that also includes the better-known Iron Dome anti-rocket system. Israeli media said a previous attempt to use the system several years ago had failed. The army said that schools would remain closed and restrictions on large gatherings would remain in place in southern Israel until at least till Friday. Residents were instructed to stay near bomb shelters. Meanwhile, in a move that could further raise tensions, Israeli police said they would permit a Jewish ultranationalist parade to take place next week. The parade, meant to celebrate Israel's capture of east Jerusalem and its Jewish holy sites, marches through the heart of the Old City's Muslim Quarter and often leads to friction with local Palestinians. Urgent calls for de-escalation The White House said that national security advisor Jake Sullivan emphasised the need for de-escalation during a call on Wednesday with the head of Israel's National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi. "Sullivan ... noted continued regional efforts to broker a ceasefire, and emphasized the need to deescalate tensions and prevent further loss of life," according to a White House readout. The Arab League also condemned the "aggressive (and) barbaric Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip, which targeted civilians, children and women in residential neighbourhoods". (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.

Islamic Jihad says military leader killed in Israeli strike in Gaza

Republicans alleged Wednesday that President Joe Biden's family has earned more than $10 million from shady business deals crafted while he was vice president.

With Biden ramping up his bid for a second term as president in the 2024 election, the Republican-controlled&nbsp;House&nbsp;Oversight&nbsp;Committee alleged that the family took in $1 million tied to a business deal with a Romanian tycoon when the the-vice-president oversaw relations with the country in 2014-2015.

The deal was allegedly done by Rob Walker, a business partner of Biden's son Hunter.&nbsp;

In a detailed report, committee Republicans said Walker began receiving money from Romanian tycoon Gabriel Popoviciu shortly after Biden welcomed Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to the White&nbsp;House&nbsp;in September 2015.

A Cyprus company allegedly owned by Popoviciu, Bladon Enterprises, paid a private company owned by Walker over $3 million from November 2015 to May 2017.&nbsp;

The Republicans alleged that after the transfers came in from Bladon, Walker's company paid more than $1 million into accounts controlled by Hunter Biden, his sister-in-law Hallie Biden, and James Gilliar, another business partner of Hunter.

They said the pattern matches that of an already well-reported business deal Hunter Biden and Walker had with an energy company in China.&nbsp;

After receiving money from that company in 2017, the committee said Walker distributed more than $1 million to Gilliar and the Bidens.

Oversight&nbsp;Committee Chair James Comer said the Romanian funds were part of more than $10 million that Hunter Biden, his family and business associates had received from deals with foreigners in China, Ukraine, and elsewhere while Joe Biden was vice president from 2009 to 2017.

"Hunter Biden and his associates courted business in countries that correlated directly with Joe Biden's work as vice president. This is also not normal. It is not ethical," Comer said in a press conference.

The Republicans showed no evidence that Joe Biden directly benefitted from or even knew of the business deals and money transfers.

But they said he must have been aware of all of the companies set up by Hunter and his associates to conduct the business.

"Nobody in this room can logically sit here and say that the president of the United States had no idea that these companies were being formed while he was vice president of the United States," said Republican Representative Byron Reynolds.

Biden has repeatedly denied impropriety with regard to his son's deals and defended Hunter's business practices.

"My son has done nothing wrong. I trust him. I have faith in him," he said last week.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Republicans alleged Wednesday that President Joe Biden's family has earned more than $10 million from shady business deals crafted while he was vice president. With Biden ramping up his bid for a second term as president in the 2024 election, the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee alleged that the family took in $1 million tied to a business deal with a Romanian tycoon when the the-vice-president oversaw relations with the country in 2014-2015.

Republicans alleged Wednesday that President Joe Biden's family has earned more than $10 million from shady business deals crafted while he was vice president. With Biden ramping up his bid for a second term as president in the 2024 election, the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee alleged that the family took in $1 million tied to a business deal with a Romanian tycoon when the the-vice-president oversaw relations with the country in 2014-2015. The deal was allegedly done by Rob Walker, a business partner of Biden's son Hunter. In a detailed report, committee Republicans said Walker began receiving money from Romanian tycoon Gabriel Popoviciu shortly after Biden welcomed Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to the White House in September 2015. A Cyprus company allegedly owned by Popoviciu, Bladon Enterprises, paid a private company owned by Walker over $3 million from November 2015 to May 2017. The Republicans alleged that after the transfers came in from Bladon, Walker's company paid more than $1 million into accounts controlled by Hunter Biden, his sister-in-law Hallie Biden, and James Gilliar, another business partner of Hunter. They said the pattern matches that of an already well-reported business deal Hunter Biden and Walker had with an energy company in China. After receiving money from that company in 2017, the committee said Walker distributed more than $1 million to Gilliar and the Bidens. Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said the Romanian funds were part of more than $10 million that Hunter Biden, his family and business associates had received from deals with foreigners in China, Ukraine, and elsewhere while Joe Biden was vice president from 2009 to 2017. "Hunter Biden and his associates courted business in countries that correlated directly with Joe Biden's work as vice president. This is also not normal. It is not ethical," Comer said in a press conference. The Republicans showed no evidence that Joe Biden directly benefitted from or even knew of the business deals and money transfers. But they said he must have been aware of all of the companies set up by Hunter and his associates to conduct the business. "Nobody in this room can logically sit here and say that the president of the United States had no idea that these companies were being formed while he was vice president of the United States," said Republican Representative Byron Reynolds. Biden has repeatedly denied impropriety with regard to his son's deals and defended Hunter's business practices. "My son has done nothing wrong. I trust him. I have faith in him," he said last week. 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.

Republicans allege Biden family earned millions from shady overseas deals

Around 27 people, most of them children, were injured in Finland on Thursday (May 11) when a temporary footbridge by a construction site collapsed and they fell several metres onto a road.&nbsp;

The Western Uusimaa rescue department in Espoo, near the capital Helsinki, said in a statement: "Approximately 27 youths, mostly minors, have been injured, to varying degrees."&nbsp;

The Helsinki Hospital Authority said in a statement that many of the injured were part of a group of schoolchildren, and the injuries were not life-threatening.&nbsp;

Finland-based Helsingin Sanomat, quoting a student, reported that the children were part of a group of eighth-grade students returning from a field trip. The student, who spoke to the Finnish daily, had participated in the trip.&nbsp;

News agency Reuters reported, citing local police, that the temporary bridge had been built from plywood while construction was ongoing in the area.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇫🇮 Finland. Espoo 
 
In Espoo Tapiola, there was an accident with a collapsed pedestrian bridge. 
 
The majority of patients with injuries are associated with fractures of the limbs. 27 victims, most of them minors. <a href="https://t.co/B2lZLyNXBy">pic.twitter.com/B2lZLyNXBy</a>
— marina alikantes (@Marianna9110) <a href="https://twitter.com/Marianna9110/status/1656603371799805952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to a report by the news agency AFP, the accident happened around 9:20 am (0620 GMT) when wooden planks are believed to have given way.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Twitter: "Shocking news from Espoo. Our strength to those injured in the accident and their loved ones. You are in our thoughts."&nbsp;

In the images and videos shared from the accident site, rescue workers could be seen treating multiple people laying injured on the road.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Around 27 people, most of them children, were injured in Finland on Thursday (May 11) when a temporary footbridge by a construction site collapsed and they fell several metres onto a road.

Around 27 people, most of them children, were injured in Finland on Thursday (May 11) when a temporary footbridge by a construction site collapsed and they fell several metres onto a road. The Western Uusimaa rescue department in Espoo, near the capital Helsinki, said in a statement: "Approximately 27 youths, mostly minors, have been injured, to varying degrees." The Helsinki Hospital Authority said in a statement that many of the injured were part of a group of schoolchildren, and the injuries were not life-threatening. Finland-based Helsingin Sanomat, quoting a student, reported that the children were part of a group of eighth-grade students returning from a field trip. The student, who spoke to the Finnish daily, had participated in the trip. News agency Reuters reported, citing local police, that the temporary bridge had been built from plywood while construction was ongoing in the area. 🇫🇮 Finland. Espoo In Espoo Tapiola, there was an accident with a collapsed pedestrian bridge. The majority of patients with injuries are associated with fractures of the limbs. 27 victims, most of them minors. pic.twitter.com/B2lZLyNXBy — marina alikantes (@Marianna9110) May 11, 2023 × According to a report by the news agency AFP, the accident happened around 9:20 am (0620 GMT) when wooden planks are believed to have given way. Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Twitter: "Shocking news from Espoo. Our strength to those injured in the accident and their loved ones. You are in our thoughts." In the images and videos shared from the accident site, rescue workers could be seen treating multiple people laying injured on the road. (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.

Finland: Around 27, mostly children, injured in bridge collapse

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being criticised for using a helicopter for a short trip from Southampton to London and back — a distance that according to people could have been covered in just over an hour on the train, UK-based media outlets reported.&nbsp;

The recent splurge of a £1,000-an-hour journey funded by the taxpayer has been labelled a "photo opportunity" as Sunak travelled to Southampton to promote a policy.&nbsp;

Media reports mentioned the flight records that showed that the copter left from RAF Northolt at around 8:53 am (local time) reportedly on May 9, before landing at Wellington Barracks in Westminster to pick up Sunak. Later, it returned to Battersea Heliport in London around 1:00 pm (local time).

As quoted by The Mirror, a Labour source said: "While Keir Starmer was working with 20 new Labour councils to bring in new cost of living action plans, Rishi Sunak was gallivanting around in a helicopter for a journey which would have taken an hour on the train. Last week, the British public told the Prime Minister to get his head out of the clouds - it seems he just isn't listening."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the prime minister's spokesman defended the trip, saying: "His transport will vary depending on his time and where he's going to make the best use of both his time and in the interest of the taxpayer. Obviously, there's a lot of pressure on his time and he wants to make the most effective use of that time. Sometimes being able to get to and from places quickly is useful."&nbsp;

<h2>Cost of living crisis in UK</h2>

Such incidents have previously happened in Sunak's tenure in office, as citizens and members of the opposition pointed out his taste for luxury. He used a taxpayer-funded private jet to Scotland to launch "green" tax breaks in January, then he also used the plane to make short trips to Blackpool and Leeds.&nbsp;

The controversy regarding the trip has emerged amid a cost-of-living crisis, which is expected to worsen further as the Bank of England on Thursday (May 11) lifted its key interest rate to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The inflation remained stubbornly high but the economy would now avoid recession this year. The BoE hiked the rate by a quarter-point to 4.5 per cent -- its 12th increase in a row with UK annual inflation stuck above 10 per cent, fuelling a cost-of-living crisis across Britain.&nbsp;

The issue of the cost of living crisis in the UK has been highlighted by a survey which shows that 10 per cent of young adults admit to shoplifting. According to Office for National Statistics (ONS), the prices for basic necessities started rising more quickly than household earnings, which is encouraging young individuals to shoplift.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being criticised for using a helicopter for a short trip from Southampton to London and back — a distance that according to people could have been covered in just over an hour on the train, UK-based media outlets reported.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being criticised for using a helicopter for a short trip from Southampton to London and back — a distance that according to people could have been covered in just over an hour on the train, UK-based media outlets reported. The recent splurge of a £1,000-an-hour journey funded by the taxpayer has been labelled a "photo opportunity" as Sunak travelled to Southampton to promote a policy. Media reports mentioned the flight records that showed that the copter left from RAF Northolt at around 8:53 am (local time) reportedly on May 9, before landing at Wellington Barracks in Westminster to pick up Sunak. Later, it returned to Battersea Heliport in London around 1:00 pm (local time). As quoted by The Mirror, a Labour source said: "While Keir Starmer was working with 20 new Labour councils to bring in new cost of living action plans, Rishi Sunak was gallivanting around in a helicopter for a journey which would have taken an hour on the train. Last week, the British public told the Prime Minister to get his head out of the clouds - it seems he just isn't listening." Meanwhile, the prime minister's spokesman defended the trip, saying: "His transport will vary depending on his time and where he's going to make the best use of both his time and in the interest of the taxpayer. Obviously, there's a lot of pressure on his time and he wants to make the most effective use of that time. Sometimes being able to get to and from places quickly is useful." Cost of living crisis in UK Such incidents have previously happened in Sunak's tenure in office, as citizens and members of the opposition pointed out his taste for luxury. He used a taxpayer-funded private jet to Scotland to launch "green" tax breaks in January, then he also used the plane to make short trips to Blackpool and Leeds. The controversy regarding the trip has emerged amid a cost-of-living crisis, which is expected to worsen further as the Bank of England on Thursday (May 11) lifted its key interest rate to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The inflation remained stubbornly high but the economy would now avoid recession this year. The BoE hiked the rate by a quarter-point to 4.5 per cent -- its 12th increase in a row with UK annual inflation stuck above 10 per cent, fuelling a cost-of-living crisis across Britain. The issue of the cost of living crisis in the UK has been highlighted by a survey which shows that 10 per cent of young adults admit to shoplifting. According to Office for National Statistics (ONS), the prices for basic necessities started rising more quickly than household earnings, which is encouraging young individuals to shoplift. 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.

Rishi Sunak faces flak for taking VIP helicopter trip for short distance

Big Ben, the famous Great Bell of the Great Clock in London, failed to bong on Wednesday (May 10) when the dials of the clock atop Elizabeth Tower briefly stopped at 12.55pm (local time).&nbsp;

Local media reports have mentioned that the clock hands were moved forward after 30 minutes but the issue persisted as the clock was running about five minutes late. However, the authorities moved the hand again and by 1.47pm, the right time appeared.

As quoted by The Guardian, a spokesperson for the House of Commons said: "We are aware that the clock dials on the Elizabeth Tower were temporarily displaying incorrect time on Wednesday afternoon." The spokesperson added that clock mechanics worked quickly to rectify the issue and the clock is now "functioning as normal".&nbsp;

Big Ben is one of the most popular tourist spots in London, and people take selfies and photos in front of the iconic landmark. But just a few know that Big Ben is not its official name as for hundreds of years, it was called the Clock Tower, which was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.&nbsp;

<h2>Big Ben during the coronation ceremony&nbsp;</h2>

The Elizabeth Tower was lit up with special royal imagery during the recent coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The colourful designs were projected during the ceremony period. Local reports said that the design was inspired by the coronation emblem of the national flowers of the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Words of the country’s National Anthem 'God Save The King' appear across the building and red, white and blue flowers were seen around the clock tower. The projection had the Coronation emblem, which was designed by Sir Jony Ive.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tonight, the Elizabeth Tower is lit up to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, to be held tomorrow. 👑 
 
If you're in London, take a photo of the Houses of Parliament lit up in colour. Share it at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigBen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigBen</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HousesOfParliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HousesOfParliament</a>. 📸 <a href="https://t.co/6kVH6gf8sC">pic.twitter.com/6kVH6gf8sC</a>
— UK Parliament (@UKParliament) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKParliament/status/1654554049696636928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigBen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigBen</a> never looked this good🤩🌈 
Got lucky catching a glimpse of pre Coronation projection testing 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElizabethTower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElizabethTower</a> <a href="https://t.co/YyrKIo3V1A">pic.twitter.com/YyrKIo3V1A</a>
— London Viewpoints (@londonviewpts) <a href="https://twitter.com/londonviewpts/status/1653881964158484480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While explaining the design, Ive said: "The design was inspired by King Charles’ love of the planet, nature, and his deep concern for the natural world. The emblem speaks to the happy optimism of spring and celebrates the beginning of this new Carolean era for the United Kingdom."&nbsp;

"The gentle modesty of these natural forms combine to define an emblem that acknowledges both the joyful and profound importance of this occasion," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Big Ben, the famous Great Bell of the Great Clock in London, failed to bong on Wednesday (May 10) when the dials of the clock atop Elizabeth Tower briefly stopped at 12.

Big Ben, the famous Great Bell of the Great Clock in London, failed to bong on Wednesday (May 10) when the dials of the clock atop Elizabeth Tower briefly stopped at 12.55pm (local time). Local media reports have mentioned that the clock hands were moved forward after 30 minutes but the issue persisted as the clock was running about five minutes late. However, the authorities moved the hand again and by 1.47pm, the right time appeared. As quoted by The Guardian, a spokesperson for the House of Commons said: "We are aware that the clock dials on the Elizabeth Tower were temporarily displaying incorrect time on Wednesday afternoon." The spokesperson added that clock mechanics worked quickly to rectify the issue and the clock is now "functioning as normal". Big Ben is one of the most popular tourist spots in London, and people take selfies and photos in front of the iconic landmark. But just a few know that Big Ben is not its official name as for hundreds of years, it was called the Clock Tower, which was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Big Ben during the coronation ceremony The Elizabeth Tower was lit up with special royal imagery during the recent coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The colourful designs were projected during the ceremony period. Local reports said that the design was inspired by the coronation emblem of the national flowers of the United Kingdom. Words of the country’s National Anthem 'God Save The King' appear across the building and red, white and blue flowers were seen around the clock tower. The projection had the Coronation emblem, which was designed by Sir Jony Ive. Tonight, the Elizabeth Tower is lit up to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, to be held tomorrow. 👑 If you're in London, take a photo of the Houses of Parliament lit up in colour. Share it at #BigBen or #HousesOfParliament. 📸 pic.twitter.com/6kVH6gf8sC — UK Parliament (@UKParliament) May 5, 2023 × #BigBen never looked this good🤩🌈 Got lucky catching a glimpse of pre Coronation projection testing 😁#ElizabethTower pic.twitter.com/YyrKIo3V1A — London Viewpoints (@londonviewpts) May 3, 2023 × While explaining the design, Ive said: "The design was inspired by King Charles’ love of the planet, nature, and his deep concern for the natural world. The emblem speaks to the happy optimism of spring and celebrates the beginning of this new Carolean era for the United Kingdom." "The gentle modesty of these natural forms combine to define an emblem that acknowledges both the joyful and profound importance of this occasion," he added. (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.

London's famous Big Ben bell fails to chime when dials of clock briefly stopped

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Srishti Sisodia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.