The Iranian ambassador to India Iraj Elahi has said that the Indian nationals onboard MSC Aries are free to go. The Israel-linked Portuguese flag ship was seized by Iran over the weekend and had 17 Indian crew members on board. In other news, acting in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, US has targeted individuals and entities aiding Iran’s drone production, as per a release by the Department of the Treasury.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-onboard-msc-aries-free-to-go-iran-ambassador-iraj-elahi-712632">EXCLUSIVE: Indians onboard MSC Aries free to go, says Iran Ambassador Elahi</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/18/425959-iraj-elahi-2.png?imwidth=400" />

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the ambassador said, "From the Iranian side, they are free and not detained. Yesterday, the lady was handed over to the consulate. Consulate got access to other crew."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-at-iran-with-sanctions-on-entities-linked-to-its-drone-production-712656">US sanctions Iranian entities linked to its drone production</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/13/424847-wion-images-2024-04-13t155805308.png?imwidth=400" />

Acting in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, US has targeted individuals and entities aiding Iran’s drone production, as per a release by the Department of the Treasury.&nbsp;This comes a day after the White House said that US President Joe Biden and allies will discuss imposing sanctions on the West Asian nation that has been engulfed in tensions with Israel after the latter attacked Tehran's consulate in Syria.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juror-excused-from-trump-hush-money-trial-due-to-fear-of-influence-what-you-need-to-know-712675">Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/16/425545-wion-images-2024-04-16t230821050.png?imwidth=400" />

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial said on Thursday (April 17) that a juror had been excused from Donald Trump's criminal trial because she claimed to be terrified by the disclosure of some details of her identification.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cabinet-minister-atishi-accuses-bjp-of-plotting-to-kill-kejriwal-712651">Delhi cabinet minister Atishi accuses BJP of plotting to kill Kejriwal</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/06/423340-succession-2024-04-06t174617280.jpg?imwidth=400" />

As Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal continues to languish behind bars due to his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam, his cabinet minister Atishi has claimed that the ruling BJP is plotting to&nbsp;kill the CM, a news agency reported.&nbsp;"From past few days, Kejriwal's sugar level is over 300 mg/dl, but he has been denied insulin by Tihar jail authorities. There's a conspiracy to kill Kejriwal by stopping his home cooked food supply," she reportedly said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-successfully-flight-tests-indigenous-technology-cruise-missile-712647">WATCH: India successfully flight-tests Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/18/425962-drdo.png?imwidth=400" />

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prisons-were-covid-hotbed-where-inmates-nearly-35-times-more-likely-died-than-those-outside-712629">US prisons were Covid hotbed, inmates died nearly 3.5 times more than those outside</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/04/397131-new-wion-2023-12-04t144605459.jpg?imwidth=400" />

State and federal prisons emerged as hotbeds for the COVID-19 virus in the wake of its outbreak in the US as there was a heightened risk faced by incarcerated individuals. Research&nbsp;from the University of California, Irvine, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital highlighted the staggering toll and revealed that at the pandemic's zenith in 2020, those inside prisons were nearly three-and-a-half times more likely to have died from the virus compared to the general population outside.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-woman-returns-home-as-india-seeks-release-of-other-17-crew-members-aboard-msc-aries-seized-by-iran-712607">Kerala woman returns home as India seeks release of other 16 crew members aboard MSC Aries seized by Iran</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/18/425935-ann-tessa-joseph.png?imwidth=400" />

Days after Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Amir Abdollahian, a Kerala native and the sole woman among 17 Indians aboard an Israeli-affiliated container ship seized by Iran's military&nbsp;safely landed at the&nbsp;Cochin International Airport on Thursday (Apr 18).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mangoes-and-more-arvind-kejriwal-accused-of-eating-high-carb-food-to-raise-blood-sugar-level-712599">Mangoes and more: ED claims Arvind Kejriwal deliberately consuming sweets for THIS reason</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/18/425938-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-2.png?imwidth=400" />

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Apr 18) said in a Delhi court that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was deliberately eating mangoes, sweets, and other high-carb food to raise his blood sugar level to build a case for bail.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-debunks-claims-of-top-tier-meeting-with-dravid-agarkar-regarding-t20-world-cup-squad-712680">Rohit Sharma debunks claims of top-tier meeting with Dravid, Agarkar regarding T20 World Cup squad</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/18/425989-rohit-sharma-debunks-claims-of-top-tier-meeting-regarding-t20-world-cup-squad.jpg?imwidth=400" />

India captain Rohit Sharma has debunked claims of a top-tier meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to decide on the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Per Rohit, all three concerned names are in different parts of the world and have not spoken on this, let alone meeting. While Rohit is playing IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians, Agarkar is said to be in Dubai, and Dravid is busy with his family in his hometown in Bengaluru.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/taylor-swift-fans-scamed-for-ovber-12-million-for-eras-tour-tickets-bank-says-712552">Taylor Swift fans scammed for over $1.2 million for Eras Tour tickets: Reports</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/02/422526-wion-images-2024-04-02t233040732.png?imwidth=400" />

Not all is hunky dory for Swifties it seems. For many in the United Kingdom seeking Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert, it may be a 'cruel summer'. According to Lloyds Bank, many of Swift's fans have been scammed for over $1.2 million trying to purchase concert tickets, mostly through Facebook.&nbsp;This has prompted the bank, which is among the United Kingdom's largest, to issue an "urgent warning".

The Iranian ambassador to India Iraj Elahi has said that the Indian nationals onboard MSC Aries are free to go. The Israel-linked Portuguese flag ship was seized by Iran over the weekend and had 17 Indian crew members on board.

The Iranian ambassador to India Iraj Elahi has said that the Indian nationals onboard MSC Aries are free to go. The Israel-linked Portuguese flag ship was seized by Iran over the weekend and had 17 Indian crew members on board. In other news, acting in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, US has targeted individuals and entities aiding Iran’s drone production, as per a release by the Department of the Treasury. EXCLUSIVE: Indians onboard MSC Aries free to go, says Iran Ambassador Elahi Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the ambassador said, "From the Iranian side, they are free and not detained. Yesterday, the lady was handed over to the consulate. Consulate got access to other crew." US sanctions Iranian entities linked to its drone production Acting in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, US has targeted individuals and entities aiding Iran’s drone production, as per a release by the Department of the Treasury. This comes a day after the White House said that US President Joe Biden and allies will discuss imposing sanctions on the West Asian nation that has been engulfed in tensions with Israel after the latter attacked Tehran's consulate in Syria. Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial said on Thursday (April 17) that a juror had been excused from Donald Trump's criminal trial because she claimed to be terrified by the disclosure of some details of her identification. Delhi cabinet minister Atishi accuses BJP of plotting to kill Kejriwal As Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal continues to languish behind bars due to his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam, his cabinet minister Atishi has claimed that the ruling BJP is plotting to kill the CM, a news agency reported. "From past few days, Kejriwal's sugar level is over 300 mg/dl, but he has been denied insulin by Tihar jail authorities. There's a conspiracy to kill Kejriwal by stopping his home cooked food supply," she reportedly said. WATCH: India successfully flight-tests Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha. US prisons were Covid hotbed, inmates died nearly 3.5 times more than those outside State and federal prisons emerged as hotbeds for the COVID-19 virus in the wake of its outbreak in the US as there was a heightened risk faced by incarcerated individuals. Research from the University of California, Irvine, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital highlighted the staggering toll and revealed that at the pandemic's zenith in 2020, those inside prisons were nearly three-and-a-half times more likely to have died from the virus compared to the general population outside. Kerala woman returns home as India seeks release of other 16 crew members aboard MSC Aries seized by Iran Days after Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Amir Abdollahian, a Kerala native and the sole woman among 17 Indians aboard an Israeli-affiliated container ship seized by Iran's military safely landed at the Cochin International Airport on Thursday (Apr 18). Mangoes and more: ED claims Arvind Kejriwal deliberately consuming sweets for THIS reason The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Apr 18) said in a Delhi court that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was deliberately eating mangoes, sweets, and other high-carb food to raise his blood sugar level to build a case for bail. Rohit Sharma debunks claims of top-tier meeting with Dravid, Agarkar regarding T20 World Cup squad India captain Rohit Sharma has debunked claims of a top-tier meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to decide on the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Per Rohit, all three concerned names are in different parts of the world and have not spoken on this, let alone meeting. While Rohit is playing IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians, Agarkar is said to be in Dubai, and Dravid is busy with his family in his hometown in Bengaluru. Taylor Swift fans scammed for over $1.2 million for Eras Tour tickets: Reports Not all is hunky dory for Swifties it seems. For many in the United Kingdom seeking Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert, it may be a 'cruel summer'. According to Lloyds Bank, many of Swift's fans have been scammed for over $1.2 million trying to purchase concert tickets, mostly through Facebook. This has prompted the bank, which is among the United Kingdom's largest, to issue an "urgent warning".

Top 10 world news: West Asia crisis, Juror excused from Trump hush money trial, and more

Some group of seven nations are considering fresh sanctions on Iran's national carrier, Iran Air, in response to Tehran’s april 13 attack on Israel. Such a move is likely to further curb the Iranian carrier’s flights to Europe.

Some G7 countries mull sanctions on Iran's flag carrier

Six individuals were arrested in connection to last year's multi-million dollar gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport, informed the authorities.

Three other suspects are still at large with warrants issued for their arrest. All nine individuals face a combined total of over 19 charges.

An arrest warrants for three others was issued in what they described as an ‘inside job.’&nbsp;

On April 17, 2023, over $22 million in gold bars and foreign currency vanished from a secure storage facility at Toronto Pearson Airport. Police suspect the theft involved fraudulent paperwork.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-indonesias-ruang-volcano-erupts-forces-evacuation-of-800-to-nearby-islands-712263">WATCH | Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts, forces evacuation of 800 to nearby islands</a>

The valuables had just arrived on an Air Canada flight originating in Zurich, Switzerland.

At least two former Air Canada employees allegedly helped in the heist, police say. One is now in custody and an arrest warrant has been issued for the other.

Detective Sgt. Mike Mavity of Peel Regional Police said, “this was an inside job, they needed people inside Air Canada to facilitate this theft.”

Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesperson for Air Canada, expressed gratitude for the diligent efforts of the police.

He said, “Air Canada commends the police for their thorough investigation into the recent incident at Toronto Pearson Airport. While the matter is now before the courts, we can confirm that two individuals identified by law enforcement were employed in our cargo division at the time. One individual left the company before today's arrests, and the other has been suspended.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-woman-wheels-corpse-of-an-elderly-man-into-bank-to-sign-for-loan-712419">Brazil woman wheels corpse of an elderly man into bank to sign for loan</a>

In September 2023, Pennsylvania authorities pulled over a rental car for a traffic violation. The driver who was from Canadian and was illegally in US, fled on foot. A search of the vehicle revealed firearms, and investigators later linked the man to the stolen cargo container from the Toronto gold heist, according to the ATF.

“A court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle led to the recovery of those firearms that were allegedly destined to be smuggled into Canada,” said Eric DeGree, an ATF special agent who spoke at the Peel Regional Police news conference, adding that 65 firearms were prevented from “being used in any number of violent crimes.”

Authorities have recovered a small portion of the stolen gold and cash after a search warrant executed in Ontario. Five crudely melted gold bangles, valued at approximately $90,000 were found during the search.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six individuals were arrested in connection to last year's multi-million dollar gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport, informed the authorities. Three other suspects are still at large with warrants issued for their arrest.

Six individuals were arrested in connection to last year's multi-million dollar gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport, informed the authorities. Three other suspects are still at large with warrants issued for their arrest. All nine individuals face a combined total of over 19 charges. An arrest warrants for three others was issued in what they described as an ‘inside job.’ On April 17, 2023, over $22 million in gold bars and foreign currency vanished from a secure storage facility at Toronto Pearson Airport. Police suspect the theft involved fraudulent paperwork. Also read: WATCH | Indonesia’s Ruang volcano erupts, forces evacuation of 800 to nearby islands The valuables had just arrived on an Air Canada flight originating in Zurich, Switzerland. At least two former Air Canada employees allegedly helped in the heist, police say. One is now in custody and an arrest warrant has been issued for the other. Detective Sgt. Mike Mavity of Peel Regional Police said, “this was an inside job, they needed people inside Air Canada to facilitate this theft.” Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesperson for Air Canada, expressed gratitude for the diligent efforts of the police. He said, “Air Canada commends the police for their thorough investigation into the recent incident at Toronto Pearson Airport. While the matter is now before the courts, we can confirm that two individuals identified by law enforcement were employed in our cargo division at the time. One individual left the company before today's arrests, and the other has been suspended.” Also read: Brazil woman wheels corpse of an elderly man into bank to sign for loan In September 2023, Pennsylvania authorities pulled over a rental car for a traffic violation. The driver who was from Canadian and was illegally in US, fled on foot. A search of the vehicle revealed firearms, and investigators later linked the man to the stolen cargo container from the Toronto gold heist, according to the ATF. “A court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle led to the recovery of those firearms that were allegedly destined to be smuggled into Canada,” said Eric DeGree, an ATF special agent who spoke at the Peel Regional Police news conference, adding that 65 firearms were prevented from “being used in any number of violent crimes.” Authorities have recovered a small portion of the stolen gold and cash after a search warrant executed in Ontario. Five crudely melted gold bangles, valued at approximately $90,000 were found during the search. (With inputs from agencies)

Airport workers among those arrested in $22 million Toronto airport gold heist

Dubai received a year's worth of rain in a day. Dubai International Airport runway submerged.

Travel chaos in Dubai, floods turn Dubai airport into a lake

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Ben GVIR: Disband war cabinet - IDF deploys extra weapons for Rafah assault? - US House to vote on Ukraine, Israel aid - Chaos at Dubai airport after deadly storms

PM Netanyahu: Israel will make its own decisions | US House to vote on Ukraine aid

The international monetary fund (imf) has announced a significant reform to its lending policy, aimed at accelerating debt relief for countries in crisis. This move comes amid growing concerns about delays in debt restructuring negotiations, particularly with china, the world's largest official creditor.

IMF's new approach addresses rising global public debt levels

Digital innovation has the potential to change the way we do business, it can foster inclusivity but can it go one step further and help acheive sustainability goals? Take a look at this next report to find out.

The big debate: Is AI a carbon culprit?

Israeli PM Netanyahu thanked British, German foreign ministers for their countries' support in Israel's defence against the Iranian missile attack.

Iran marks National Army Day with parade | PM Netanyahu says 'Israel will defend itself'

Iran attacks Israel: PM Netanyahu says, 'Israel will defend itself'; Western nations urge restraint

Lebanon's Hezbollah said it launched missiles and drones at a military facility in Northern Israel in retaliation for strikes that killed member of the group. Earlier on April 17, airstrikes by Israel in southern Lebanon killed three individuals, including a commander from Hezbollah, as per Lebanese security sources. Watch to know more.

Hezbollah launches drones & missiles on Israel after Commander killed, 14 Israeli soldiers hurt

WION talks to the former United States National Security Advisor John Bolton on the various important issues, including Israel-Iran crisis. Watch this interview for more details.

Ex-US NSA John Bolton discusses response from Israel; says 'Israel has plan to hit back at Iran'

West Asia is tense at the moment the rivalry between Iran and Israel is growing by the day with the two Nations engaging in a high stakes cat and mouse game. Israel has vowed to retaliate despite its Western allies urging restraint. WION's report highlights how Israel may use a more covert and effective weapon at its disposal instead of launching a traditional military strike.

Decoding the hybrid nature of cyber threats, Israel's retaliation could enter cyber realm

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16).

US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine.

According to the Pentagon, Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun spoke about "defence relations" and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's unjustified conflict in Ukraine. "Respect for high seas freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea," was another point made by the US Defense Secretary.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405" hreflang="en">Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation</a>

Conversely, Beijing said that it would not hesitate to employ force to get access to the South China Sea and seize control of Taiwan. China has employed underwater barriers, a military-grade laser, and collision and ramming methods to thwart Philippine patrol and resupply operations amid escalating tensions with the Philippines.

A senior defence official, &nbsp;ahead of the talks, said the call between Austin and Dong was an “important step” in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers.

“These engagements provide us with opportunities to prevent competition from veering into conflict by speaking candidly about our concerns. That includes the People’s Republic of China's behaviour in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” a senior defence official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Dong, who has been China's minister of national defence since December, had never before talked to Austin before the call on Tuesday. The conversation between Austin and Dong is the latest in a string of recent discussions between US and Chinese defence officials. In December, US General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked with his Chinese military counterpart.

&nbsp;

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16). US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine.

In a first since 2022, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Chinese Admiral Dong Jun on Tuesday (April 16). US Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart talked about “defence relations” and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's war with Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, Austin and Chinese Admiral Dong Jun spoke about "defence relations" and international security concerns ranging from North Korea's recent provocations to Russia's unjustified conflict in Ukraine. "Respect for high seas freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea," was another point made by the US Defense Secretary. Also read: Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation Conversely, Beijing said that it would not hesitate to employ force to get access to the South China Sea and seize control of Taiwan. China has employed underwater barriers, a military-grade laser, and collision and ramming methods to thwart Philippine patrol and resupply operations amid escalating tensions with the Philippines. A senior defence official, ahead of the talks, said the call between Austin and Dong was an “important step” in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers. “These engagements provide us with opportunities to prevent competition from veering into conflict by speaking candidly about our concerns. That includes the People’s Republic of China's behaviour in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” a senior defence official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Dong, who has been China's minister of national defence since December, had never before talked to Austin before the call on Tuesday. The conversation between Austin and Dong is the latest in a string of recent discussions between US and Chinese defence officials. In December, US General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked with his Chinese military counterpart.

US defence secretary and Chinese counterpart hold first talks since 2022

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe.

Rafah assault looms, Gaza suffering persists | Explained: Egypt-Israel ties

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space.

"China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request.

"We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme. And I think, in effect, we are in a race."

Nelson also stressed that it was "incumbent on us" get to the moon, first as he warned: "my concern is if China got there first and suddenly said 'ok this is our territory, you stay out'."

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid9VEXVM7C4oiS" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/science/nasas-juno-captures-erupting-volcanoes-on-jupiters-moon-io-watch-712172" target="_blank">NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch!</a>

The NASA chief said that the US was not going to lose its "global edge" in space, "but you got to be realistic that China is really throwing a lot of money at it and they've got a lot of room in their budget to grow."

"I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added.

The NASA chief said he hoped "the Chinese space programme would come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses," but added: "We have not seen that demonstrated by China."

With the Artemis programme NASA wants to put humans on the moon again after more than 50 years. The moon landing mission Artemis 3 was recently postponed to September 2026.

The long-term goal of Artemis is to establish a permanent lunar base as a foundation for missions to Mars.

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. "China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request.

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. "China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request. "We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme. And I think, in effect, we are in a race." Nelson also stressed that it was "incumbent on us" get to the moon, first as he warned: "my concern is if China got there first and suddenly said 'ok this is our territory, you stay out'." Also read: NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch! The NASA chief said that the US was not going to lose its "global edge" in space, "but you got to be realistic that China is really throwing a lot of money at it and they've got a lot of room in their budget to grow." "I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added. The NASA chief said he hoped "the Chinese space programme would come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses," but added: "We have not seen that demonstrated by China." With the Artemis programme NASA wants to put humans on the moon again after more than 50 years. The moon landing mission Artemis 3 was recently postponed to September 2026. The long-term goal of Artemis is to establish a permanent lunar base as a foundation for missions to Mars.

NASA chief warns of China's secretive space militarisation, urges accelerated moon mission

Ex-NSA John Bolton advisor on WION: Iran can buy nukes from North Korea

The Iran-Israel conflict threatens to destabilise countries in West Asia, like Jordan, a country that is often called an 'island of stability' in a sea of chaos. Watch this video to find out more.

Iran attacks Israel: Raisi warns of response if Israel launches 'tiniest invasion'

Iran attacks Israel: Jordan flags risk of regional conflagration

Sunny skies returned to dubai and people are clearing the wet debris, after heavy downpour brought dubai to a standstill and paralysed other parts of UAE and Oman.

Dubai floods: Dubai roads, airport reel from floods after record rains

US agrees to Israel's Rafah plan | Chernigiv: At least 18 killed in Russian strike

Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy after Sydney was rocked by yet another stabbing incident on Monday (Apr 15), this time in a church. Footage of the incident showed a man walking up to the alter in the ‘Christ The Good Shepherd Church’ in Wakeley and then brutally stabbing a bishop and several worshippers. Watch in for more details!

Sydney Church Attack: Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel calls attacker his son, forgives him

#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

A war between Israel and Iran appears increasingly inevitable. Iran is preparing for the worst- it has temporarily closed down all nuclear facilities. But is Iran capable of defending its nuclear assets? What defence systems does Iran have?

Iran attacks Israel: Can Iran defend its nuclear assets from Israel's firepower?

#Gravitas | The US Is boosting its Defence capabilities in the Indo-pacific region. It has deployed a new mid-range missile launcher in the Philippines' Luzon island. Is this a warning for China?

Gravitas: New threat for China: US' new missile launcher in the Indo-Pacific

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