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The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-largest-leak-of-offshore-data-in-history-explained-417996" hreflang="en">Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained</a>

Here's what you need to know about the famous names mentioned in the Pandora papers: 
 
According to the Indian Express, cricket star Sachin Tendulkar was among those who requested the dissolution of his offshore firm following the Panama leak.

Tendulkar's attorney, according to DW News, claimed the cricketer's investment is lawful and has been reported to tax authorities.

Shakira, a Colombian artist, is another name tied to offshore assets. Shakira's lawyer claimed that her offshore accounts had been disclosed and that they provided no tax benefits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pandora-papers-why-is-sachin-tendulkars-name-mentioned-in-report-that-reveals-financial-secrets-418001">Also read | Pandora Papers: Why is Sachin Tendulkar's name mentioned in report that reveals financial secrets?</a>

The King of Jordan, the Presidents of Ukraine, Kenya, and Ecuador, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are all named in the Pandora Papers.

According to the report, over 300 Indians have been exposed as a result of the leaked papers, including individuals suspected of economic crimes, former members of Parliament, and those under investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Despite declaring bankruptcy in a UK court, billionaire Anil Ambani owns 18 asset holding offshore entities, according to the Indian Express, which was part of the consortium.&nbsp;

The papers indicate that Jordan's King Abdullah II covertly acquired $100 million in property in the US and UK, including luxurious beach view houses in Malibu, according to the Guardian.

Several members of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's close circle, including cabinet ministers and their families, are said to have covertly owned firms and trusts worth millions of dollars, according to the Dawn newspaper. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, his family, and Waqar Masood Khan, the son of Prime Minister Imran's previous finance and revenue adviser, are among them.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-members-of-imran-khans-inner-circle-secretly-moved-millions-offshore-417997">Also read | Members of Imran Khan's inner circle secretly moved millions offshore</a>

The files also indicate that when former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife acquired a London office, they saved £312,000 in stamp duty.

While the transaction was not unlawful and did not directly connect the Blairs, the agreement did expose a gap that allowed rich property owners to avoid paying taxes, according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the leak.

While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart.&nbsp;

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions. Also Read | Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained Here's what you need to know about the famous names mentioned in the Pandora papers: According to the Indian Express, cricket star Sachin Tendulkar was among those who requested the dissolution of his offshore firm following the Panama leak. Tendulkar's attorney, according to DW News, claimed the cricketer's investment is lawful and has been reported to tax authorities. Shakira, a Colombian artist, is another name tied to offshore assets. Shakira's lawyer claimed that her offshore accounts had been disclosed and that they provided no tax benefits. Also read | Pandora Papers: Why is Sachin Tendulkar's name mentioned in report that reveals financial secrets? The King of Jordan, the Presidents of Ukraine, Kenya, and Ecuador, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are all named in the Pandora Papers. According to the report, over 300 Indians have been exposed as a result of the leaked papers, including individuals suspected of economic crimes, former members of Parliament, and those under investigation by law enforcement authorities. Despite declaring bankruptcy in a UK court, billionaire Anil Ambani owns 18 asset holding offshore entities, according to the Indian Express, which was part of the consortium. The papers indicate that Jordan's King Abdullah II covertly acquired $100 million in property in the US and UK, including luxurious beach view houses in Malibu, according to the Guardian. Several members of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's close circle, including cabinet ministers and their families, are said to have covertly owned firms and trusts worth millions of dollars, according to the Dawn newspaper. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, his family, and Waqar Masood Khan, the son of Prime Minister Imran's previous finance and revenue adviser, are among them. Also read | Members of Imran Khan's inner circle secretly moved millions offshore The files also indicate that when former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife acquired a London office, they saved £312,000 in stamp duty. While the transaction was not unlawful and did not directly connect the Blairs, the agreement did expose a gap that allowed rich property owners to avoid paying taxes, according to the Guardian. Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the leak. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart.

Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers

In one of the biggest leaks of financial documents in the world, the secret wealth and dealings of world leaders, politicians and billionaires have been exposed. &nbsp;

Dubbed as the Pandora Papers, around 35 current and former leaders and more than 300 public officials have been featured in the files from offshore companies. &nbsp;

Following FinCen Files, Paradise Papers, Panama Papers and LuxLeaks, it is the latest in a string of leaks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-largest-leak-of-offshore-data-in-history-explained-417996" hreflang="en">Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has secret assets in Monaco, and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis failed to declare an offshore investment company used for purchasing two villas for £12 million in the south of France, the leak revealed. &nbsp;

It shows the King of Jordan secretly amassed £70m in properties in the UK and the US. Former UK PM Tony Blair and his wife also saved £312,000 in stamp duty while buying a London office, these papers showed. &nbsp;

With more than 650 reporters taking part, the examination of the files was the largest organised by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-members-of-imran-khans-inner-circle-secretly-moved-millions-offshore-417997" hreflang="en">Pandora Papers: Members of Imran Khan's inner circle secretly moved millions offshore</a>

In a joint investigation with several media partners, journalists had access to 12 million documents from 14 financial services companies in many countries. These included the British Virgin Islands, Belize, Panama, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Switzerland. &nbsp;

Some people are facing allegations of money laundering, corruption and global tax avoidance. &nbsp;

One of the biggest revelations is how wealthy people have been legally setting up companies to secretly buy property in the UK. As per the documents, the owners of some 95,000 offshore firms are behind the purchases. It also shows the British government's failure to introduce a register of offshore property owners despite repeated promises to do so. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In one of the biggest leaks of financial documents in the world, the secret wealth and dealings of world leaders, politicians and billionaires have been exposed.

In one of the biggest leaks of financial documents in the world, the secret wealth and dealings of world leaders, politicians and billionaires have been exposed. Dubbed as the Pandora Papers, around 35 current and former leaders and more than 300 public officials have been featured in the files from offshore companies. Following FinCen Files, Paradise Papers, Panama Papers and LuxLeaks, it is the latest in a string of leaks. Also Read: Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained Russian President Vladimir Putin has secret assets in Monaco, and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis failed to declare an offshore investment company used for purchasing two villas for £12 million in the south of France, the leak revealed. It shows the King of Jordan secretly amassed £70m in properties in the UK and the US. Former UK PM Tony Blair and his wife also saved £312,000 in stamp duty while buying a London office, these papers showed. With more than 650 reporters taking part, the examination of the files was the largest organised by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Also Read: Pandora Papers: Members of Imran Khan's inner circle secretly moved millions offshore In a joint investigation with several media partners, journalists had access to 12 million documents from 14 financial services companies in many countries. These included the British Virgin Islands, Belize, Panama, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Switzerland. Some people are facing allegations of money laundering, corruption and global tax avoidance. One of the biggest revelations is how wealthy people have been legally setting up companies to secretly buy property in the UK. As per the documents, the owners of some 95,000 offshore firms are behind the purchases. It also shows the British government's failure to introduce a register of offshore property owners despite repeated promises to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

It's Pandora papers or box? Secret wealth, dealings of world leaders unearthed

Afghanistan's ambassador to the United Nations pulled out of delivering an address to world leaders at the General Assembly later Monday, a UN spokesperson said.

Ghulam Isaczai, who represented president Ashraf Ghani's regime that was ousted last month, had been due to defy the Taliban with a speech but his name was removed from the list of speakers early Monday.

"The country withdraws its participation in the general debate," Monica Grayley, a spokeswoman for the assembly's president, confirmed to AFP. 
 
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She added that Afghanistan's mission to the UN had not cited a reason for the withdrawal.

The Taliban wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week requesting that its new foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, be allowed to "participate."

The letter insisted that Isaczai "no longer represents" Afghanistan at the global body.

The letter said that the Taliban had nominated their Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan's permanent representative to the UN. 
 
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The note came after Guterres had received a separate letter from Isaczai, dated September 15, containing the list of Afghanistan's delegation for the session.

That letter listed Isaczai as Afghanistan's permanent representative.

The UN still considers Isaczai the head of Afghanistan's mission.

"Only the mission can withdraw," from addressing the assembly, a UN official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Afghan mission was not immediately available for comment.

A nine-member credentials committee that included the United States, Russia and China, has to approve the Taliban's request but it did not meet in time.

Afghanistan's ambassador to the United Nations pulled out of delivering an address to world leaders at the General Assembly later Monday, a UN spokesperson said.

Afghanistan's ambassador to the United Nations pulled out of delivering an address to world leaders at the General Assembly later Monday, a UN spokesperson said. Ghulam Isaczai, who represented president Ashraf Ghani's regime that was ousted last month, had been due to defy the Taliban with a speech but his name was removed from the list of speakers early Monday. "The country withdraws its participation in the general debate," Monica Grayley, a spokeswoman for the assembly's president, confirmed to AFP. Also read | WION exclusive: Life under Taliban- ‘Living in the land of zombies’ She added that Afghanistan's mission to the UN had not cited a reason for the withdrawal. The Taliban wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week requesting that its new foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, be allowed to "participate." The letter insisted that Isaczai "no longer represents" Afghanistan at the global body. The letter said that the Taliban had nominated their Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan's permanent representative to the UN. WION exclusive | Afghan actor Warina Hussain: I don't blame women who have taken up arms in Afghanistan The note came after Guterres had received a separate letter from Isaczai, dated September 15, containing the list of Afghanistan's delegation for the session. That letter listed Isaczai as Afghanistan's permanent representative. The UN still considers Isaczai the head of Afghanistan's mission. "Only the mission can withdraw," from addressing the assembly, a UN official told AFP on condition of anonymity. The Afghan mission was not immediately available for comment. A nine-member credentials committee that included the United States, Russia and China, has to approve the Taliban's request but it did not meet in time.

Silence after violence: Afghanistan, most important country right now, won't have a voice at UNGA

President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the United States is doubling its purchase of Pfizer’s COVID-19 shots to share with the world to 1 billion doses as he embraces the goal of vaccinating 70% of the global population within the next year. Watch this report for more details.

US President Joe Biden sets 2022 vaccination goals for the world

In Pics | World leaders arrive at New York for UNGA

After discussing collective steps to prevent another pandemic, G7 leaders launched a plan to build infrastructure in poorer nations in what can be a counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative on Day 2.

G7 Summit 2021: Collective steps to prevent another pandemic

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government.&nbsp;

Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. &nbsp;

"What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics."&nbsp;

"Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added.&nbsp;

"For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said.&nbsp;

An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide.&nbsp;

Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail.&nbsp;

"I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority. US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government. Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. "What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics." "Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added. "For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said. An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail. "I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics 

From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US President, world leaders paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passes away at the age of 99.

World leaders pay tribute to Prince Philip

US President Donald Trump is not the only COVID denier who ended up testing positive for coronavirus there are two other world leaders. Watch Video

When COVID deniers caught the virus

World leaders will come together, albeit virtually, on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations even as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the 193-member world body.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters that the pandemic has exposed the world's fragilities. He plans to tell world leaders on Monday that they need to work together at a time when there is a surplus of multilateral challenges and deficit of solutions.

The 15-member Security Council took months to back a call by Guterres for a global ceasefire -- to allow countries to focus on fighting COVID-19 -- due to bickering between the world's biggest powers: China and the United States.

The 193-member General Assembly only adopted an omnibus resolution on a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the pandemic earlier this month and it was not by consensus. The United States and Israel voted no.

A $10.3 billion UN appeal to fund fighting the pandemic in vulnerable and low-income countries is only a quarter funded. Guterres now has taken a lead in pushing to make sure any vaccine for the coronavirus is made available to everyone globally.

The United Nations headquarters is in New York, which was hit hard by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

UN member states had to decide how to work virtually, which they did for several months before resuming some in-person meetings recently.

A UN report released on Monday found that six out of ten people believe the United Nations has made the world a better place, but looking ahead three-quarters see the world body as essential in tackling global challenges.

The one-day special event on Monday comes ahead of the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, which starts on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict. While there has not been World War Three, leaders will adopt a statement on Monday acknowledging "moments of disappointment."

"Our world is not yet the world that our founders envisaged 75 years ago. It is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change and pandemics," the statement says.

"All this calls for greater action, not less," it says.

World leaders will come together, albeit virtually, on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations even as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the 193-member world body.

World leaders will come together, albeit virtually, on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations even as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the 193-member world body. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters that the pandemic has exposed the world's fragilities. He plans to tell world leaders on Monday that they need to work together at a time when there is a surplus of multilateral challenges and deficit of solutions. The 15-member Security Council took months to back a call by Guterres for a global ceasefire -- to allow countries to focus on fighting COVID-19 -- due to bickering between the world's biggest powers: China and the United States. The 193-member General Assembly only adopted an omnibus resolution on a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the pandemic earlier this month and it was not by consensus. The United States and Israel voted no. A $10.3 billion UN appeal to fund fighting the pandemic in vulnerable and low-income countries is only a quarter funded. Guterres now has taken a lead in pushing to make sure any vaccine for the coronavirus is made available to everyone globally. The United Nations headquarters is in New York, which was hit hard by the coronavirus. UN member states had to decide how to work virtually, which they did for several months before resuming some in-person meetings recently. A UN report released on Monday found that six out of ten people believe the United Nations has made the world a better place, but looking ahead three-quarters see the world body as essential in tackling global challenges. The one-day special event on Monday comes ahead of the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, which starts on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict. While there has not been World War Three, leaders will adopt a statement on Monday acknowledging "moments of disappointment." "Our world is not yet the world that our founders envisaged 75 years ago. It is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change and pandemics," the statement says. "All this calls for greater action, not less," it says.

World leaders to mark 75th anniversary of UN as pandemic challenges organisation

Greetings poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turns 70 today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing him good health, happiness, well-being and success. Putin said he values the kind, friendly relations that have developed between the two over the last few years.&nbsp;

“Kindly accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 70th birth anniversary,” he wrote.

“Under your leadership, India is successfully moving along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development,” he said.

Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli also conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday.

Oli said that the two leaders will continue to work closely together towards strengthening relations between India and Nepal.

"Warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji on the auspicious occasion of your birthday. I wish you good health and happiness. We will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations between our two countries," Oli said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Apart from the wishes, 70,000 samplings, 70 kg laddoo have been offered in a Coimbatore temple and BJP is targetting to create a million selfie videos, all to wish the Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 70th birthday. Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, marks a personal milestone during his tenure as the Prime Minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greetings poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turns 70 today. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing him good health, happiness, well-being and success.

Greetings poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turns 70 today. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing him good health, happiness, well-being and success. Putin said he values the kind, friendly relations that have developed between the two over the last few years. “Kindly accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 70th birth anniversary,” he wrote. “Under your leadership, India is successfully moving along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development,” he said. Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli also conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. Oli said that the two leaders will continue to work closely together towards strengthening relations between India and Nepal. "Warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji on the auspicious occasion of your birthday. I wish you good health and happiness. We will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations between our two countries," Oli said in a tweet. Meanwhile, Apart from the wishes, 70,000 samplings, 70 kg laddoo have been offered in a Coimbatore temple and BJP is targetting to create a million selfie videos, all to wish the Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 70th birthday. Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, marks a personal milestone during his tenure as the Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi’s 70th birthday: Wishes pour in from world leaders

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth joined world leaders including Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end.

The queen, Prince Charles, presidents and prime ministers rose to applaud veterans, their coats heavy with medals, as they stood on a giant stage beside a guard of honour after a film of the Normandy landings was shown.

"We all had a part to play - I wasn't nervous - I was apprehensive like everybody else was," said Bert Edwards, recounting his role 75 years ago as an able seaman on the Royal Navy's HMS Bellona.

"It's something that happens once in a lifetime - makes you proud a little bit for taking part," he said during the film.

Prime Minister Theresa May was joined for the commemorative events in Portsmouth by US&nbsp;President Trump, who is on the final day of a state visit to Britain, and his wife, Melania.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Merkel, and leaders and senior figures from 10 other countries also attended.

"As we unite to pay tribute to those whose bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy marked a turning point in the Second World War, we will vow never to forget the debt we owe them," May said.

"Their solidarity and determination in the defence of our freedom remains a lesson to us all."

In the early hours of June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 allied troops set off from Portsmouth and the surrounding area to begin the air, sea and land attack on Normandy that ultimately led to the liberation of western Europe from the Nazi regime.

By the time of the Normandy landings, Soviet forces had been fighting Germany in the east for almost three years and Kremlin chief Josef Stalin had urged British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to open a second front as far back as August 1942.

The invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord and commanded by US&nbsp;General Dwight D. Eisenhower, remains the largest amphibious assault in history and involved almost 7,000 ships and landing craft along a 50-mile (80-km) stretch of the French coast.

Shortly after midnight, thousands of paratroopers were dropped. Then came the naval bombardment of German positions overlooking the shore. Then the infantry arrived on the beaches.

Mostly American, British and Canadian men, some just boys, waded ashore as German soldiers tried to kill them with machine guns and artillery. Survivors say the sea was red with blood and the air boiling with the thunder of explosions.

Thousands were killed on both sides. Line upon line of white crosses honour the dead in cemeteries across northern France. Even the codenames of the sectors of the invasion - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword - can draw tears from veterans.

"Never repeat"

"Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this island towards history's most important battle," Trump told a news conference in London on Tuesday.

"They stormed forward out of ships and aeroplanes risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free."

Sixteen countries attended the commemorations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Those countries agreed a proclamation to "ensure that the unimaginable horror of these years is never repeated".

"We will act resolutely, with courage and tenacity, to protect our people against threats to our values and challenges to peace and stability," the proclamation said.

The commemorations will feature an hour-long performance recounting the story of D-Day and a flypast by historic and military aircraft.

On Wednesday evening, some 300 veterans who took part on D-Day, all now older than 90, will leave Portsmouth on a specially commissioned ship, MV Boudicca, and retrace their 1944 journey across the English Channel, accompanied by Royal Navy vessels and a lone wartime Spitfire fighter plane.

Meanwhile, in Normandy, British air assault troops, French army paratroopers and D-Day veterans will recreate the airborne landings. There will be further D-Day memorial events on Thursday in northern France.

Wednesday's event coincides with the last day of Trump's state visit to Britain, where he has lavished praise on the U.S. ally and said the wartime bonds forged the "greatest alliance the world has ever known".

He also called for NATO allies to spend more on defence, saying they had no choice but to meet NATO's target of at least 2% of GDP. Trump has repeatedly complained that Germany and others are not pulling their weight and need to do more to ease the burden on the United States.

Britain is one of the few NATO members that does meet the target and May said the D-Day events should serve as an important marker for unity for the future.

"As I host leaders from around the world today to mark this significant moment in our shared history, we will together reflect on the continued importance of the western alliance for all our countries' security and prosperity," she said.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth joined world leaders including Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth joined world leaders including Donald Trump and Angela Merkel to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history and a feat that helped bring World War Two to an end. The queen, Prince Charles, presidents and prime ministers rose to applaud veterans, their coats heavy with medals, as they stood on a giant stage beside a guard of honour after a film of the Normandy landings was shown. "We all had a part to play - I wasn't nervous - I was apprehensive like everybody else was," said Bert Edwards, recounting his role 75 years ago as an able seaman on the Royal Navy's HMS Bellona. "It's something that happens once in a lifetime - makes you proud a little bit for taking part," he said during the film. Prime Minister Theresa May was joined for the commemorative events in Portsmouth by US President Trump, who is on the final day of a state visit to Britain, and his wife, Melania. French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Merkel, and leaders and senior figures from 10 other countries also attended. "As we unite to pay tribute to those whose bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy marked a turning point in the Second World War, we will vow never to forget the debt we owe them," May said. "Their solidarity and determination in the defence of our freedom remains a lesson to us all." In the early hours of June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 allied troops set off from Portsmouth and the surrounding area to begin the air, sea and land attack on Normandy that ultimately led to the liberation of western Europe from the Nazi regime. By the time of the Normandy landings, Soviet forces had been fighting Germany in the east for almost three years and Kremlin chief Josef Stalin had urged British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to open a second front as far back as August 1942. The invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord and commanded by US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, remains the largest amphibious assault in history and involved almost 7,000 ships and landing craft along a 50-mile (80-km) stretch of the French coast. Shortly after midnight, thousands of paratroopers were dropped. Then came the naval bombardment of German positions overlooking the shore. Then the infantry arrived on the beaches. Mostly American, British and Canadian men, some just boys, waded ashore as German soldiers tried to kill them with machine guns and artillery. Survivors say the sea was red with blood and the air boiling with the thunder of explosions. Thousands were killed on both sides. Line upon line of white crosses honour the dead in cemeteries across northern France. Even the codenames of the sectors of the invasion - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword - can draw tears from veterans. "Never repeat" "Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this island towards history's most important battle," Trump told a news conference in London on Tuesday. "They stormed forward out of ships and aeroplanes risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free." Sixteen countries attended the commemorations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Those countries agreed a proclamation to "ensure that the unimaginable horror of these years is never repeated". "We will act resolutely, with courage and tenacity, to protect our people against threats to our values and challenges to peace and stability," the proclamation said. The commemorations will feature an hour-long performance recounting the story of D-Day and a flypast by historic and military aircraft. On Wednesday evening, some 300 veterans who took part on D-Day, all now older than 90, will leave Portsmouth on a specially commissioned ship, MV Boudicca, and retrace their 1944 journey across the English Channel, accompanied by Royal Navy vessels and a lone wartime Spitfire fighter plane. Meanwhile, in Normandy, British air assault troops, French army paratroopers and D-Day veterans will recreate the airborne landings. There will be further D-Day memorial events on Thursday in northern France. Wednesday's event coincides with the last day of Trump's state visit to Britain, where he has lavished praise on the U.S. ally and said the wartime bonds forged the "greatest alliance the world has ever known". He also called for NATO allies to spend more on defence, saying they had no choice but to meet NATO's target of at least 2% of GDP. Trump has repeatedly complained that Germany and others are not pulling their weight and need to do more to ease the burden on the United States. Britain is one of the few NATO members that does meet the target and May said the D-Day events should serve as an important marker for unity for the future. "As I host leaders from around the world today to mark this significant moment in our shared history, we will together reflect on the continued importance of the western alliance for all our countries' security and prosperity," she said.

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