Now The Echoes of the past rang out as the Spectre of nuclear brinkmanship loomed over Europe again. Just as the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the precipice of nuclear war in 1962 a new standoff is brewing this time with Poland at the centre.

Poland's bold offer to host NATO missiles

Moscow says that the Russian military will analyse any move by Poland to host US nuclear weapons. Polish president Andrzej Duda was quoted as saying that Poland was ready to talk to the United States about hosting nuclear weapons to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. Take a look at the story on how the world is teetering closer to a nuclear crisis reminiscent of the Cuban missile crisis.

Poland ready to host NATO nuclear weapons, says President Duda

Poland's bold offer to host NATO nuclear missiles

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999.

This action led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The 1,000-kilogramme (2,200-pound) bomb was safely extracted from a construction site in the Nis neighborhood, as confirmed by an official from the interior ministry.

"It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed,"&nbsp;official Luka Causic told reporters.

He added that prior to the bomb's removal, 1,300 residents from the area where it was discovered were evacuated to ensure their safety.

Police, firefighters, and medical teams were on site to guarantee its safe transportation.

Causic mentioned that the MK-84 bomb contains an explosive charge of 430 kilogrammes.

Also watch |&nbsp;IDF bombs Hezbollah in Lebanon | US house passes $95 billion aid bill

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NATO initiated its bombing campaign against Serbia on March 24, 1999, without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and it continued for 78 days.

The objective was to halt the violent suppression of ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

One of the deadliest incidents during the campaign occurred in Nis on May 7, 1999. Over a dozen people lost their lives when NATO aircraft dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market. This event was later acknowledged as a "mistake."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-arrested-from-denmark-airport-after-bomb-threat-triggers-evacuation-probe-on-713418">Also read |&nbsp;Man arrested from Denmark airport after bomb threat triggers evacuation, probe on</a>

Additionally, the city experienced another bombing on May 12 of that year, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians due to cluster bombs.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999.

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999. This action led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The 1,000-kilogramme (2,200-pound) bomb was safely extracted from a construction site in the Nis neighborhood, as confirmed by an official from the interior ministry. "It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed," official Luka Causic told reporters. He added that prior to the bomb's removal, 1,300 residents from the area where it was discovered were evacuated to ensure their safety. Police, firefighters, and medical teams were on site to guarantee its safe transportation. Causic mentioned that the MK-84 bomb contains an explosive charge of 430 kilogrammes. Also watch | IDF bombs Hezbollah in Lebanon | US house passes $95 billion aid bill NATO initiated its bombing campaign against Serbia on March 24, 1999, without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and it continued for 78 days. The objective was to halt the violent suppression of ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic. One of the deadliest incidents during the campaign occurred in Nis on May 7, 1999. Over a dozen people lost their lives when NATO aircraft dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market. This event was later acknowledged as a "mistake." Also read | Man arrested from Denmark airport after bomb threat triggers evacuation, probe on Additionally, the city experienced another bombing on May 12 of that year, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians due to cluster bombs. (With inputs from agencies)

1,000 kg NATO bomb excavated from Serbian city; thousands evacuated

NATO is conducting maritime and air drills with participants from 13 countries well. Watch to know more.

NATO holds air and sea exercises along it's Eastern flak

#Gravitas | A top NATO commander has warned that Russia's hybrid warfare threatens vital undersea cables and pipelines. He warned that the vast underwater infrastructure on which Europe’s power and communications depend were not built to withstand Russia's “hybrid warfare”

NATO Commander's Big Russia Warning, Says Undersea ‘Hybrid Warfare’ Threatens Security of 1 Billion

Germany has started deploying troops to NATO ally Lithuania, with the country's defence minister calling it an "important step". It is the first time since World War II that German soldiers are stationed outside the country on a permanent basis.

First German troops arrive in Lithuania; Kremlin issues warning

First German soldiers arrive in Lithuania for permanent force

Israel has been accused of targeting Gaza aid workers "systematically" by World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andres. Amid the damage and destruction from a recent 7.

Israel has been accused of targeting Gaza aid workers "systematically" by World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andres. Amid the damage and destruction from a recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan, security footage from a hospital shows the courageous efforts of nurses in the newborn unit. WION's Science correspondent Sidharth MP explains the significance of nighttime testing of the Agni Prime missile and what it means for India's nuclear arsenal. Israel targeted aid convoy 'systematically, car by car' and killed his staff members, alleges WCK founder Days after six foreign aid workers were killed by the Israeli army in Gaza in a "grave mistake", World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andres accused the country of targeting his aid workers "systematically". WATCH | Heroic nurses protect neonatal unit babies during Taiwan quake Amid the damage and destruction by a recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan, surveillance footage from a hospital has come to light that shows the heroic efforts of nurses in the neonatal unit. Thailand: Ferry passengers jump into sea to save their life from fire on board A ferry in the Gulf of Thailand caught fire causing panicked passengers to jump into the sea. All 108 individuals on the vessel, Ko Jaroen 2 survived according to media reports. NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed? Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded a political and military alliance of European and North American countries. Steel Ball savior: How Taipei 101, Taiwan's tallest skyscraper survived a massive quake? The recent earthquake, measuring 7.4 magnitude on the Richter scale, rocked the island nation of Taiwan. While many buildings collapsed due to the tremors, Taipei 101, once the world's tallest skyscraper, survived and the secret of it lies in its innovative design elements. Explained: What is Agni Prime, the new-generation ballistic missile test-fired by India The Indian Defence Ministry announced the successful test firing of the country's New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime, from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast. This test was carried out at 7 pm Indian Standard Time on Wednesday (Apr 3). Son-in-law after son's 2019 loss? Robert Vadra reacts to 'chances' of contesting Lok Sabha polls from Amethi Weeks after the Uttar Pradesh unit of the Congress party unanimously passed a resolution for a candidature from the Gandhi family in Amethi and Raebareli seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra reacted to the possibility of stepping into the electoral race. NASA's Perseverance rover spots thousands of 'unusual' white rocks on Mars NASA's Perseverance rover which has been exploring Mars' Jezero Crater since early 2021 has discovered thousands of white rocks strewn across its surface. Recently delivered images by the rover show over 4,000 light-toned, pebble-sized "unusual" rocks scattered throughout the crater floor. Ukraine hands out awards to vigilante hackers for cyber-attacks against Russia A team of vigilante hackers known as One Fist has been recognised by Ukraine's military for their cyber-attacks against Russia. The group that has been involved in stealing data from Russian military firms and hacking cameras to spy on troops has reportedly been sent awards of gratitude for its efforts. Around 10 million people in Pakistan at risk of slipping into poverty, says World Bank The World Bank has painted a grim economic picture of Pakistan in its biannual report, cautioning that over 10 million more people are at risk of descending into poverty in the cash-strapped country.

Top 10 world news: Israel accused of intentionally targeting Gaza aid convoy; NATO enters 76th year; and more

Russia now in 'direct confrontation' with NATO as it continues to move towards its borders, says kremlin. NATO contends that its support for Ukraine stems from aiding the country’s fight for survival against Russian aggression, offering Kyiv advanced weaponry, training, and intelligence.

75 years of NATO: How is military alliance faring; Foreign Ministers gather at NATO headquarters

UK defense secretary Grant Shapps has warned NATO countries that do not spend 2% of GDP on defense spending and that they are playing Russian roulette with the West's future. Watch to know more!

NATO and the politics of 2% spending goal: Explained

NATO marks 75 anniversary in face of Ukraine war

NATO celebrated the alliance's 75th anniversary. As per reports, Kremlin responded by saying that Russia and NATO are now in "direct confrontation".

Russia and NATO are now in 'direct confrontation', says Kremlin

Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded&nbsp;a political and military alliance of European and North American countries. Since its inception, NATO has added 20 new member countries.

<h2>How much is NATO's budget?</h2>

NATO's budget for 2023 was $1.26 trillion. The annual NATO budget is funded by all 32 member countries. Instead of making direct payments, member nations contribute to national defense spending, such as domestic personnel expenses, equipment purchases, and infrastructure investments, to support NATO's operational preparedness and strategic efforts across the world.

NATO signed&nbsp;the Defense Investment Pledge in 2014, encouraging member nations to invest at least 2% of their GDP on defense.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/ukraine-hands-out-awards-to-vigilante-hackers-for-cyber-attacks-against-russia-707485" hreflang="en">Ukraine hands out awards to vigilante hackers for cyber-attacks against Russia</a>

<h2>How much did the United States spend on NATO in 2024?</h2>

The United States has long been an important contributor to NATO. Last year, it contributed $860 billion, accounting for 68 percent of NATO's overall budget. This equals 3.49 percent of America's overall GDP.&nbsp;

<h2>How much did other NATO members contribute?</h2>

Canada offered 1.38 percent of its GDP, or $28.95 billion (2.29 percent of overall contributions), whereas the European allies combined accounted for $375.1 billion (29.68 percent) of the entire budget.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/nato-chief-weighs-in-on-multi-year-commitments-to-support-ukraine-for-long-haul-707327" hreflang="en">NATO chief weighs in on ‘multi-year’ commitments to support Ukraine for ‘long haul’</a>

Last year, Poland allocated 3.9% of its GDP, outpacing the United States in terms of GDP percentage. Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia all contributed more than the 2% guideline last year.

Watch:&nbsp;Grant Shapps: NATO countries are playing "Russian roulette" with insufficient defense spending

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<h2>How much has the United States spent&nbsp;on NATO over the past 75 years?</h2>

According to its annual military Expenditure of NATO Countries report, the United States has contributed $21.9 trillion to NATO's military budget over the last 75 years, far outspending its 31 counterparts.

NATO stated that by the end of this year, 18 allies are likely to have met the criteria, a six-fold increase since the promise was inked in 2014.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded a political and military alliance of European and North American countries.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded a political and military alliance of European and North American countries. Since its inception, NATO has added 20 new member countries. How much is NATO's budget? NATO's budget for 2023 was $1.26 trillion. The annual NATO budget is funded by all 32 member countries. Instead of making direct payments, member nations contribute to national defense spending, such as domestic personnel expenses, equipment purchases, and infrastructure investments, to support NATO's operational preparedness and strategic efforts across the world. NATO signed the Defense Investment Pledge in 2014, encouraging member nations to invest at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Also read | Ukraine hands out awards to vigilante hackers for cyber-attacks against Russia How much did the United States spend on NATO in 2024? The United States has long been an important contributor to NATO. Last year, it contributed $860 billion, accounting for 68 percent of NATO's overall budget. This equals 3.49 percent of America's overall GDP. How much did other NATO members contribute? Canada offered 1.38 percent of its GDP, or $28.95 billion (2.29 percent of overall contributions), whereas the European allies combined accounted for $375.1 billion (29.68 percent) of the entire budget. Also read | NATO chief weighs in on ‘multi-year’ commitments to support Ukraine for ‘long haul’ Last year, Poland allocated 3.9% of its GDP, outpacing the United States in terms of GDP percentage. Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia all contributed more than the 2% guideline last year. Watch: Grant Shapps: NATO countries are playing "Russian roulette" with insufficient defense spending × How much has the United States spent on NATO over the past 75 years? According to its annual military Expenditure of NATO Countries report, the United States has contributed $21.9 trillion to NATO's military budget over the last 75 years, far outspending its 31 counterparts. NATO stated that by the end of this year, 18 allies are likely to have met the criteria, a six-fold increase since the promise was inked in 2014.

NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed?

NATO foreign ministers meet on Wednesday to discuss how to put military support for Ukraine on a long-term footing, including a proposal for a $107 billion five-year fund and a plan seen as a way to "Trump-proof" aid for Kyiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO plans $100 bn 'Trump-proof' military fund for Kyiv

NATO marks 75 years in face of Ukraine war

As #NATO marks 75 years of its existence on April 4, we tell you about its challenges and relevance With the Russia-Ukraine war intensifying, What's at stake for the alliance? Can #Ukraine ever join NATO? What will happen to NATO if Donald Trump is re-elected as the U.S. President Watch #WIONWideangle

NATO at 75: What's at stake? | WION Wideangle

NATO members not spending 2% of their GDP on defense are playing “Russian roulette” with the West's future, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has claimed. Watch in for more details!

Grant Shapps: NATO countries are playing "Russian roulette" with insufficient defense spending

Grant Shapps: Can't afford to play Russian roulette with our future

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps: We can't play Russian roulette with NATO funds

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with France's Minister of Defense in Paris. Both the leaders discussed the ongoing collaboration with Europe in supporting Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken drives to Brussels for NATO meeting as aircraft grounded

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has warned NATO countries that do not spend 2% of GDP on defense spending and that they are playing Russian roulette with the West's future. Watch to know more!

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps says, 'NATO allies must pay 2%'

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s aircraft encountered a mechanical issue in Paris, on Wednesday (Apr 3) reported Reuters, forcing him and his delegation to drive to Brussels.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to Blinken’s aircraft?</h2>

Washington’s top diplomat got stuck in another country yet again due to his aircraft, this time in the French capital. He was later forced to drive to Brussels, Belgium for a meeting of NATO alliance foreign ministers, a State Department spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the US Air Force jet that had brought Blinken to France on Tuesday (Apr 2) experienced some mechanical issue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-weighs-in-on-multi-year-commitments-to-support-ukraine-for-long-haul-707327">NATO chief weighs in on 'multi-year' commitments to support Ukraine for 'long haul'</a>

Blinken’s delegation was forced to drive from Paris to the NATO headquarters in Brussels after his aircraft, an older model of the Boeing 737, which had been modified to be used by the US government was grounded, reported Bloomberg.

The distance between the two capitals is more than 300 kilometres. The details about the mechanical issue that Blinken’s aircraft encountered this time were not immediately known.&nbsp;

<h2>Not the first time</h2>

In January, Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak. At the time, a separate plane was sent to bring Washington’s top diplomat and his aides back to the US.&nbsp;

The technical issues with Blinken’s aircraft also come at a time when Boeing is facing intense scrutiny, particularly since the near-catastrophic mid-air blowout involving its Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines.&nbsp;

<h2>Blinken in Paris</h2>

Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of a European tour and arrived in Paris on Tuesday. In the French capital, he held talks with senior officials of the country, including President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Blinken also arrived hours after members of the Washington-based NGO, World Central Kitchen (WCK) were struck by an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-diplomat-antony-blinken-briefly-stuck-in-davos-after-plane-faces-critical-failure-681081">&nbsp;Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’</a>

“We’ve spoken directly to the Israeli government about this particular incident. We’ve urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation,” said Washington’s top diplomat during a press conference in Paris, adding that humanitarian workers have to be protected.

However, he stopped short of directly condemning the attack, unlike his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne who voiced France’s “firm condemnation” of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-netanyahu-speaks-on-aid-workers-death-in-gaza-after-getting-discharged-in-excellent-condition-706934"> Israeli airstrike</a>. He added, “Nothing can justify such a tragedy.”&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden and his administration is facing pressure from the international community, human rights groups and some of his fellow Democrats over their support for Israel amid the ongoing war and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s aircraft encountered a mechanical issue in Paris, on Wednesday (Apr 3) reported Reuters, forcing him and his delegation to drive to Brussels.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s aircraft encountered a mechanical issue in Paris, on Wednesday (Apr 3) reported Reuters, forcing him and his delegation to drive to Brussels. What happened to Blinken’s aircraft? Washington’s top diplomat got stuck in another country yet again due to his aircraft, this time in the French capital. He was later forced to drive to Brussels, Belgium for a meeting of NATO alliance foreign ministers, a State Department spokesperson said. According to the spokesperson, the US Air Force jet that had brought Blinken to France on Tuesday (Apr 2) experienced some mechanical issue. Also Read | NATO chief weighs in on 'multi-year' commitments to support Ukraine for 'long haul' Blinken’s delegation was forced to drive from Paris to the NATO headquarters in Brussels after his aircraft, an older model of the Boeing 737, which had been modified to be used by the US government was grounded, reported Bloomberg. The distance between the two capitals is more than 300 kilometres. The details about the mechanical issue that Blinken’s aircraft encountered this time were not immediately known. Not the first time In January, Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak. At the time, a separate plane was sent to bring Washington’s top diplomat and his aides back to the US. The technical issues with Blinken’s aircraft also come at a time when Boeing is facing intense scrutiny, particularly since the near-catastrophic mid-air blowout involving its Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. Blinken in Paris Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of a European tour and arrived in Paris on Tuesday. In the French capital, he held talks with senior officials of the country, including President Emmanuel Macron. Blinken also arrived hours after members of the Washington-based NGO, World Central Kitchen (WCK) were struck by an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Also Read | Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’ “We’ve spoken directly to the Israeli government about this particular incident. We’ve urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation,” said Washington’s top diplomat during a press conference in Paris, adding that humanitarian workers have to be protected. However, he stopped short of directly condemning the attack, unlike his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne who voiced France’s “firm condemnation” of the Israeli airstrike. He added, “Nothing can justify such a tragedy.” US President Joe Biden and his administration is facing pressure from the international community, human rights groups and some of his fellow Democrats over their support for Israel amid the ongoing war and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken’s aircraft faces mechanical issue in Paris

NATO foreign ministers meet on Wednesday to discuss how to put military support for Ukraine on a long-term footing, including a proposal for a $107 billion five-year fund and a plan seen as a way to "Trump-proof" aid for Kyiv.

NATO plans $100 bn 'Trump-proof' fund for Ukraine

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