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Colonies of emperor penguin chicks were wiped out last year as global warming eroded their icy homes, a study published Thursday found, despite the birds' attempts to adapt to the shrinking landscape.

The study by the British Antarctic Survey found that record-low sea ice levels in 2023 contributed to the second-worst year for emperor penguin chick mortality since observations began in 2018.&nbsp;

It follows a "catastrophic breeding failure" in 2022, signalling long-term implications for the population, the study's author Peter Fretwell told AFP.

Emperor penguins breed on sea-ice platforms, with chicks hatching in the winter between late July and mid-August.&nbsp;

The chicks are reared until they develop waterproof feathers, typically in December ahead of the summer melt.&nbsp;

But if the ice melts too early, the chicks risk drowning and freezing.

Fourteen of 66 penguin colonies, which can each produce several hundred to several thousand chicks in a year, were affected by early sea-ice loss in 2023, said the study published in the Journal of Antarctic Science.

The result is "high if not total levels of mortality", Fretwell said.&nbsp;

Yet 2023 "wasn't as bad as we feared", he said.&nbsp;

A record 19 colonies were affected the year before.&nbsp;

<h2>On the move</h2>

The study also found that several colonies, particularly those ravaged the previous year, had moved in search of better conditions onto icebergs, ice shelves or more stable sea ice.&nbsp;

While such moves offer a hopeful sign that the birds can adapt to the changing environment, Fretwell warned it was a "temporary solution".&nbsp;

"Penguins are limited in the amount of adaptation they can do. There are only so many places they can go," he said.

Instead, Fretwell said humans needed to adapt by reduce planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to ice melt to mitigate the main threat facing the species.&nbsp;

Both 2022 and 2023 were the first years to see the area of sea-ice fall below two million square kilometres (770,000 square miles) since the beginning of satellite records.&nbsp;

That marks a decine of about 30 percent from the 1981-2010 average.

There are about a quarter of a million breeding emperor penguin pairs, all in Antarctica, according to a 2020 study.&nbsp;

"If you get multiple bad years, it is going to start to drive the population down over time," Fretwell said.&nbsp;

The study noted that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at current levels, the penguin population is expected to decline by 99 percent by the end of the century.&nbsp;

Colonies of emperor penguin chicks were wiped out last year as global warming eroded their icy homes, a study published Thursday found, despite the birds' attempts to adapt to the shrinking landscape.

Colonies of emperor penguin chicks were wiped out last year as global warming eroded their icy homes, a study published Thursday found, despite the birds' attempts to adapt to the shrinking landscape. The study by the British Antarctic Survey found that record-low sea ice levels in 2023 contributed to the second-worst year for emperor penguin chick mortality since observations began in 2018. It follows a "catastrophic breeding failure" in 2022, signalling long-term implications for the population, the study's author Peter Fretwell told AFP. Emperor penguins breed on sea-ice platforms, with chicks hatching in the winter between late July and mid-August. The chicks are reared until they develop waterproof feathers, typically in December ahead of the summer melt. But if the ice melts too early, the chicks risk drowning and freezing. Fourteen of 66 penguin colonies, which can each produce several hundred to several thousand chicks in a year, were affected by early sea-ice loss in 2023, said the study published in the Journal of Antarctic Science. The result is "high if not total levels of mortality", Fretwell said. Yet 2023 "wasn't as bad as we feared", he said. A record 19 colonies were affected the year before. On the move The study also found that several colonies, particularly those ravaged the previous year, had moved in search of better conditions onto icebergs, ice shelves or more stable sea ice. While such moves offer a hopeful sign that the birds can adapt to the changing environment, Fretwell warned it was a "temporary solution". "Penguins are limited in the amount of adaptation they can do. There are only so many places they can go," he said. Instead, Fretwell said humans needed to adapt by reduce planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to ice melt to mitigate the main threat facing the species. Both 2022 and 2023 were the first years to see the area of sea-ice fall below two million square kilometres (770,000 square miles) since the beginning of satellite records. That marks a decine of about 30 percent from the 1981-2010 average. There are about a quarter of a million breeding emperor penguin pairs, all in Antarctica, according to a 2020 study. "If you get multiple bad years, it is going to start to drive the population down over time," Fretwell said. The study noted that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at current levels, the penguin population is expected to decline by 99 percent by the end of the century.

Emperor penguins perish as ice melts to new lows: Study

Study by World Health Organization shows more than half of children in Britain had drunk alcohol by age 13. Watch to know more.

UK: Child alcohol use tops global chart: WHO report

Israel appears to be readying to send troops into Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah. Watch the video to know more.

Israel prepares to send troops into Rafah, IDF preparing to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah

Iran on Wednesday (Apr 24) rejected Argentina's request to arrest Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi over his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured over 300 others.

Iran on Wednesday (Apr 24) rejected Argentina's request to arrest Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi over his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured over 300 others. Argentina had sought Vahidi's arrest in recent weeks and it escalated efforts to condemn Iran and its overseas militant network for the alleged involvement in the bombing, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. Without mentioning Vahidi's name, Iran's foreign ministry on Wednesday warned Argentina against making baseless accusations against citizens of other countries. On Tuesday, Argentina demanded that Pakistan should act on an Interpol red notice to arrest Vahidi during an official visit to Islamabad. Also read | Argentina's new President Milei to dismiss 70,000 government employees On Wednesday, the Iranian interior minister cut short his government trip to Southeast Asia, making an unexpected return to Tehran. Vahidi is wanted by the Interpol. Iran plotted the 1994 bombing: Argentina court Till now, no one has been convicted for the 1994 bombing. However, earlier this month, Argentina's highest criminal court ruled that Iran plotted the bombing. Judges had singled out three former Iranian officials for their involvement in the Jewish community centre attack, including Vahidi who at the time led the Revolutionary Guard’s expeditionary Quds Force. The court also said Tehran was behind the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 people. Also watch | Argentina: Thousands on streets after anger over budget cuts in public education × Both these decisions were hailed by Israel. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani urged Argentina “not to be influenced by those who are enemies of our bilateral relations.” Iran has repeatedly denied any connection to the 1994 bombing. Argentina requests Vahidi's extradition On Tuesday, Argentina said it had coordinated with diplomats in Pakistan and India to request Vahidi’s detention and extradition to Buenos Aires. “They continue to hold positions of power with total impunity,” a government statement said. Hitting back, Kanani accused Argentina of making “illegal and false requests” to defame Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

1994 Jewish centre bombing: Iran rejects Argentina's request to arrest minister Ahmad Vahidi

South Korea's 'first-ever' sex festival was cancelled hours before it was about to get started, as performers backed out fearing that they would be stabbed. The event, which was called '2024 KFX The Fashion', was organised by 'Play Joker', as per the announcements.

South Korea's 'first-ever' sex festival was cancelled hours before it was about to get started, as performers backed out fearing that they would be stabbed. The event, which was called '2024 KFX The Fashion', was organised by 'Play Joker', as per the announcements. The event was organised aboard a ship at Jamwon Hangang Park in Seoul on April 21 and 22. The organisers, however, faced pressure from councils and women's groups because of which they had to change the location of the event three times. The event, which featured Japanese porn stars, cost the head of Play Joker Lee Hee Tae thousands of dollars. Also Read: South Korea successfully launches second military spy satellite amid race with North Korea Finally, the organisers decided to host the event in secret at a bar in the Gangnam neighbourhood in Seoul, in their last effort to make the festival happen. Gangnam council adopts extreme measures to stop sex festival The council, however, did not budge and took extreme measures to stop the event from happening. As reported by the BBC, Gangnam council wrote letters to hundreds of restaurants in their neighbourhood and warned them that they would be shut down if they were caught hosting the event, which the council called "morally harmful". The bar decided not to back out from hosting the event, however, the programme stumbled upon a rock when the Japanese stars of the show pulled out while citing fears of violence, as well as stabbing. The performers' agency stated that backlash "reached fever pitch". Speaking to the BBC, Lee said that he failed to believe "such an unthinkable turn" had happened and added that death threats were sent to him. "I have been treated like a criminal without doing anything illegal", he added. He further claimed that the event was not violating any law since there were to be no sexual acts or nudity. Watch: South Korean environmentalists celebrate Earth Day in Seoul According to the BBC, the festival was to comprise a bondage fashion show, some adult games and a sex toy exhibition. "Virtually every developed country has a sex festival, but here in South Korea we don't even have an adult entertainment culture. I want to take the first steps towards creating one," Lee Hee Tae said. He added, "The authorities are hypocrites. If you go online everyone is sharing pornography, then people log off and pretend they are innocent. How much longer are we going to keep up this pretence?" (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's 'first' sex festival gets cancelled. Here's what changed its fate

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The Tibetan government in exile has officially confirmed engaging in back-channel talks with the Chinese government. President Penpa Tsering has said, "I have always admitted to having back channel, keep communication ongoing but at the same time if you look the Chinese leadership policies and programme inside Tibet which are all aims at eradication of National Identity from language to religion to political space." It has been over a year since these back-channel talks have started between the two sides.

President Tsering further emphasised, "We have to find some solution through the middle way policy which His Holiness proposed majority of the Tibetan support and is passed by the Tibetan parliament in exiled." The Middle Way Policy advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama seeks meaningful autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese political system.

However, President Tsering tempered expectations regarding the talks, stating, "We keep engaging with them but we don't have all expectations,"&nbsp;reflecting the uncertainties surrounding talks with the Chinese government.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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The history of direct talks between the two sides dates back to 2002, with a total of nine rounds of talks conducted until 2010. In 2008, the Tibetan government in exile presented its proposals for autonomy, but they were summarily dismissed by the Chinese side.

Norzin Dolma, Minister with the Tibetan government in exile, affirmed the existence of back-channel communications, stating, "There have been back-channel communications and activities happening but I am unsure as to how hope we can place on the outcome of these activities and how substantive and concrete those activities."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Tibetan government in exile has officially confirmed engaging in back-channel talks with the Chinese government. President Penpa Tsering has said, "I have always admitted to having back channel, keep communication ongoing but at the same time if you look the Chinese leadership policies and programme inside Tibet which are all aims at eradication of National Identity from language to religion to political space.

The Tibetan government in exile has officially confirmed engaging in back-channel talks with the Chinese government. President Penpa Tsering has said, "I have always admitted to having back channel, keep communication ongoing but at the same time if you look the Chinese leadership policies and programme inside Tibet which are all aims at eradication of National Identity from language to religion to political space." It has been over a year since these back-channel talks have started between the two sides. President Tsering further emphasised, "We have to find some solution through the middle way policy which His Holiness proposed majority of the Tibetan support and is passed by the Tibetan parliament in exiled." The Middle Way Policy advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama seeks meaningful autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese political system. However, President Tsering tempered expectations regarding the talks, stating, "We keep engaging with them but we don't have all expectations," reflecting the uncertainties surrounding talks with the Chinese government. Watch this report: × The history of direct talks between the two sides dates back to 2002, with a total of nine rounds of talks conducted until 2010. In 2008, the Tibetan government in exile presented its proposals for autonomy, but they were summarily dismissed by the Chinese side. Norzin Dolma, Minister with the Tibetan government in exile, affirmed the existence of back-channel communications, stating, "There have been back-channel communications and activities happening but I am unsure as to how hope we can place on the outcome of these activities and how substantive and concrete those activities." (With inputs from agencies)

Tibetan government-in-exile confirms back-channel talks with Chinese government

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's welcome in China was a bit unusual. Notably, the top Diplomat did not receive a red carpet welcome and there were only a few officers to greet him. On his second day of the visit, he met with China's top official in Shanghai on Thursday as Beijing and Washington are trying to iron out wrinkles in their ties.

No carpet welcome for Blinken in China, holds meeting with top Shanghai official

Israel war: IDF preparing to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah

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Russia on Wednesday (Apr 24) announced a deal with Ukraine to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's 'special military invasion' on neighbour Kyiv.

This comes as Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that 16 Ukrainian children who had been "forcibly deported to Russia" were "in Qatar for medical, mental, and social recovery".&nbsp;

"All of them had previously been forcibly deported to Russia, but thanks to our friendly Qatar's mediation efforts, they have been released," said Zelensky. However, he did not address Russian claims about 48 children being exchanged.

<h2>48 children to go home</h2>

In a statement, Kremlin official Maria Lvova-Belova announced that "for the first time in a face-to-face format, we held talks with the Ukrainian side. Twenty-nine children are due to go to Ukraine and 19 to Russia".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-deputy-defence-minister-timur-ivanov-arrested-for-alleged-bribery-faces-15-years-in-jail-if-convicted-714641">Russia Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov arrested for alleged bribery, faces 15 years in jail if convicted</a>

However, as per AFP, when asked to confirm the agreement, Ukraine parliament's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said he "can't confirm the information".

As Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Doha, Dmytro Lubinets, declining to confirm the exchange of children, said the two countries "don't have any direct communication on this case".

<h2>Kidnapped or protected?</h2>

This comes as more than two years into the Russia-Ukraine war, Kyiv has repeatedly accused Moscow of forcibly taking children into Russian territory. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has even issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lvova-Belova over this.

Since July of last year, Qatar has enabled the return of dozens of Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-start-sending-military-aid-to-ukraine-within-hours-joe-biden-714635">US secretly sent long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine</a>

Ukraine, as per reports, believes Russia has illegally deported more than 19,000 Ukrainian children since the start of the 2022 invasion. Of this, the country says less than 400 have been returned.

Moscow has however denied the charge and instead claims it has transferred children away from fighting zones for their safety.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday (Apr 24) announced a deal with Ukraine to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's 'special military invasion' on neighbour Kyiv. This comes as Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that 16 Ukrainian children who had been "forcibly deported to Russia" were "in Qatar for medical, mental, and social recovery".

Russia on Wednesday (Apr 24) announced a deal with Ukraine to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's 'special military invasion' on neighbour Kyiv. This comes as Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that 16 Ukrainian children who had been "forcibly deported to Russia" were "in Qatar for medical, mental, and social recovery". "All of them had previously been forcibly deported to Russia, but thanks to our friendly Qatar's mediation efforts, they have been released," said Zelensky. However, he did not address Russian claims about 48 children being exchanged. 48 children to go home In a statement, Kremlin official Maria Lvova-Belova announced that "for the first time in a face-to-face format, we held talks with the Ukrainian side. Twenty-nine children are due to go to Ukraine and 19 to Russia". Also read | Russia Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov arrested for alleged bribery, faces 15 years in jail if convicted However, as per AFP, when asked to confirm the agreement, Ukraine parliament's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said he "can't confirm the information". As Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Doha, Dmytro Lubinets, declining to confirm the exchange of children, said the two countries "don't have any direct communication on this case". Kidnapped or protected? This comes as more than two years into the Russia-Ukraine war, Kyiv has repeatedly accused Moscow of forcibly taking children into Russian territory. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has even issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lvova-Belova over this. Since July of last year, Qatar has enabled the return of dozens of Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia. Also read | US secretly sent long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine Ukraine, as per reports, believes Russia has illegally deported more than 19,000 Ukrainian children since the start of the 2022 invasion. Of this, the country says less than 400 have been returned. Moscow has however denied the charge and instead claims it has transferred children away from fighting zones for their safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine refuses to confirm Russia claims of exchange of 48 children

McKinsey's report has tallied up the entertainment industry’s opportunity cost of continuing to diminish Black, Latino and Asian Pacific Islander colleagues and audiences.

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Antony Blinken holds meeting with top Shanghai official

A 21-year-old Indian student died in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in a frozen waterfall. Dasari Chandu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, was studying medicine there and was a second-year student.

A 21-year-old Indian student died in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in a frozen waterfall. Dasari Chandu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, was studying medicine there and was a second-year student. Chandu went to the waterfall on Sunday (Apr 21) with four other students, also from Andhra. The MBBS student died after he got trapped in the ice. His body was later recovered from the site. The family members of the victim have now reached out to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to bring their son's body home. The relevant authorities are believed to be in contact with Kyrgyzstan officials and arrangements have been made to transport the body to Chandu’s home town. According to media reports, Chandu was the second son of a halwa seller, named Bhima Raju. Also read: EXCLUSIVE | UK visa policy revisions stir anxiety; WION speaks to Indian students and professionals The Union Minister reportedly spoke to officials in the Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan and requested them for assistance in sending Chandu's remains to India. Two Indian students die in US In a separate event, two Indian students, Nivesh Mukka (19) and Goutham Parsi (19), both from Telangana and studying at Arizona State University, lost their lives in a head-on traffic collision near Lake Pleasant in Arizona, USA. The incident occurred on April 20, according to the Peoria Police. Also read: Two Indian students found dead at popular tourist spot in Scotland The fatal accident involved a white 2024 Kia Forte and a red 2022 Ford F150, resulting in a multiple-vehicle collision. Mukka and Parsi, who were in the Kia Forte, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Meanwhile, the driver of the Kia Forte was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries and has since been discharged. The driver of the Ford F150, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was also taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and has been released. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian MBBS student dies in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in frozen waterfall

A health alarm was raised across the United States after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday (April 23) said that they had found fragments of the bird flu virus in a few samples of pasteurised milk in the United States.

A health alarm was raised across the United States after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday (April 23) said that they had found fragments of the bird flu virus in a few samples of pasteurised milk in the United States. Although the agency has maintained that the milk is safe for consumption, it emphasised that it is still waiting for the results of the test to confirm this. The findings of the FDA emerged less than a month after the H5N1 strain of bird flu was discovered for the first time in dairy cows in several states. Since then, the flu has been detected in herds in eight states. Also Read: Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid' The FDA has been working to investigate the outbreak with the US Department of Agriculture and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Commercial milk supply is safe, says FDA The FDA said that the fragments of the virus were discovered when the pasteurised milk samples were tested. The testing method used is called PCR testing which looks for bits of genetic material. If the result is positive, that doesn't mean they have found a live, infectious virus. Watch: USDA reveals bird flu updates, Cattle movement implicated in bird flu outbreak “Based on available information, pasteurisation is likely to inactivate the virus, however, the process is not expected to remove the presence of viral particles,” said the agency in a release that it plans to make public on Tuesday. “To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe. Results from multiple studies will be made available in the next few days to weeks,” added the agency. Specifically, the FDA is looking at whether bird flu in cow milk is inactivated by pasteurisation. The findings will be available in the “next few days to weeks,” it stated. The FDA in its testing will use egg inoculation tests, which are seen as the gold standard to determine if a sample is infectious. In this test, they inject a chicken egg with a small amount of infected milk and observe if the active virus starts to replicate. (With inputs from agencies)

FDA traces fragments of bird flu virus in pasteurised milk, detailed report awaited

Former US President Donald Trump brushed off warnings that he could be charged for keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. This was revealed after the judge presiding over Trump's classified documents case unsealed a slew of files the documents are related to the FBI's investigation into the former president.

'Plasmic Echo' was FBI code name Donald Trump's classified documents case

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Apr 24) signed legislation authorising military aid for Ukraine for its fight against Ukraine. Biden said that Washington would start sending military aid to the war-torn nation within hours. In other news, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon."&nbsp;

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427191-us-president-joe-biden.png?imwidth=400" />

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Apr 24) signed legislation authorising military aid for Ukraine for its fight against Ukraine. Biden said that Washington would start sending military aid to the war-torn nation within hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-forces-carrying-out-offensive-action-in-south-lebanon-714598">Israel claims forces carrying out ‘offensive action’ in south Lebanon</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427171-strikes-in-lebanon.png?imwidth=400" />

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-story/dalai-lama-emphasizes-on-indian-link-to-tibetan-buddhism-714595">Dalai Lama emphasises on Indian link to Tibetan Buddhism</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427169-succession-2024-04-24t190255303.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to Indian philosophical traditions. Reflecting on life's journey, the Dalai Lama said, "Physically, I am Tibetan, but mentally I am nourished by the timeless wisdom of the Nalanda tradition."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-union-minister-nitin-gadkari-faints-on-stage-during-rally-in-maharashtra-714546">Video: Minister Nitin Gadkari faints on stage during poll rally in Maharashtra</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427138-succession-2024-04-24t164703589.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted on stage on Wednesday (Apr 24) afternoon during an election rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal city.&nbsp;As per news agency reports, the senior BJP leader was campaigning for Rajashree Patil when he collapsed on the stage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-antony-vs-antony-faceoff-in-keralas-pathanamthitta-714512">Battle of the Bastions: Antony Vs Antony faceoff in Kerala's Pathanamthitta</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427115-pathanamthitta-4.png?imwidth=400" />

Sabarimala Temple, Erumeli Mosque, Parumala Church&nbsp;— Kerala's Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency is home to some of India's most revered shrines from across the faiths. It's these&nbsp;religious landmarks that forced advertising icon&nbsp;Walter Mendez to come up with the 'God's own country' catchphrase for Kerala Tourism in 1989.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-attacked-two-russian-oil-depots-714600">Ukraine claims to have attacked two Russian oil depots</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427160-russia-ukraine-war-2.png?imwidth=400" />

A Ukrainian intelligence source on Wednesday (Apr 24) said that drones sent by Ukraine's SBU security service struck two Rosneft-owned oil depots in Russia's Smolensk region in an overnight attack.&nbsp;The news agency Reuters reported citing a source that the depots contained 26,000 cubic metres of fuel and that the attack caused major fires and evacuation of personnel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-to-exchange-displaced-children-after-rare-talks-714629">Russia, Ukraine to exchange displaced children after rare talks</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427189-succession-2024-04-24t211120872.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Russia and Ukraine have agreed in a Qatari-brokered deal to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's invasion, the Kremlin's children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova announced in Doha Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-and-pakistan-call-on-un-security-council-to-take-stern-action-against-israel-714625">Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take stern action against Israel</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427187-succession-2024-04-24t170055253.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Iran and Pakistan released a joint statement on Wednesday (Apr 24) urging the United Nations Security Council to take stern action against Israel stating that the country had targeted neighbouring countries and foreign diplomatic facilities "illegally".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-unveils-olympic-champion-usain-bolt-as-2024-t20-world-cup-ambassador-714621">ICC unveils Olympic champion Usain Bolt as 2024 T20 World Cup ambassador</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/24/427185-icc-unveils-olympic-champion-usain-bolt-as-2024-t20-world-cup-ambassador.jpg?imwidth=400" />

A multi-time Olympic gold medallist in track and field, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1, the ICC said in a statement on Wednesday (April 24). Bolt believes an ICC tournament in America can change the game’s landscape and help it prosper, only for it to boom and peak for its comeback at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-alec-baldwin-alleges-stunning-abuse-of-prosecutorial-power%E2%80%99-in-halyna-hutchins-death-case-714404">Alec Baldwin alleges 'stunning abuse of prosecutorial power’ in Rust case</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/21/353293-untitled-design-2023-05-21t172027366.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Alec Baldwin would agree that his life has seen a total flip since the Rust case where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot with live rounds while filming. The actor has since then been charged with several cases since he is also the producer of the project. Alec currently faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting and death of Halyna Hutchins.&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Apr 24) signed legislation authorising military aid for Ukraine for its fight against Ukraine. Biden said that Washington would start sending military aid to the war-torn nation within hours.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Apr 24) signed legislation authorising military aid for Ukraine for its fight against Ukraine. Biden said that Washington would start sending military aid to the war-torn nation within hours. In other news, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon." US will start sending military aid to Ukraine within hours: Joe Biden United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Apr 24) signed legislation authorising military aid for Ukraine for its fight against Ukraine. Biden said that Washington would start sending military aid to the war-torn nation within hours. Israel claims forces carrying out ‘offensive action’ in south Lebanon Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon." Dalai Lama emphasises on Indian link to Tibetan Buddhism The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to Indian philosophical traditions. Reflecting on life's journey, the Dalai Lama said, "Physically, I am Tibetan, but mentally I am nourished by the timeless wisdom of the Nalanda tradition." Video: Minister Nitin Gadkari faints on stage during poll rally in Maharashtra Union Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted on stage on Wednesday (Apr 24) afternoon during an election rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal city. As per news agency reports, the senior BJP leader was campaigning for Rajashree Patil when he collapsed on the stage. Battle of the Bastions: Antony Vs Antony faceoff in Kerala's Pathanamthitta Sabarimala Temple, Erumeli Mosque, Parumala Church — Kerala's Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency is home to some of India's most revered shrines from across the faiths. It's these religious landmarks that forced advertising icon Walter Mendez to come up with the 'God's own country' catchphrase for Kerala Tourism in 1989. Ukraine claims to have attacked two Russian oil depots A Ukrainian intelligence source on Wednesday (Apr 24) said that drones sent by Ukraine's SBU security service struck two Rosneft-owned oil depots in Russia's Smolensk region in an overnight attack. The news agency Reuters reported citing a source that the depots contained 26,000 cubic metres of fuel and that the attack caused major fires and evacuation of personnel. Russia, Ukraine to exchange displaced children after rare talks Russia and Ukraine have agreed in a Qatari-brokered deal to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's invasion, the Kremlin's children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova announced in Doha Wednesday. Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take stern action against Israel Iran and Pakistan released a joint statement on Wednesday (Apr 24) urging the United Nations Security Council to take stern action against Israel stating that the country had targeted neighbouring countries and foreign diplomatic facilities "illegally". ICC unveils Olympic champion Usain Bolt as 2024 T20 World Cup ambassador A multi-time Olympic gold medallist in track and field, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has been unveiled as the ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1, the ICC said in a statement on Wednesday (April 24). Bolt believes an ICC tournament in America can change the game’s landscape and help it prosper, only for it to boom and peak for its comeback at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Alec Baldwin alleges 'stunning abuse of prosecutorial power’ in Rust case Alec Baldwin would agree that his life has seen a total flip since the Rust case where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot with live rounds while filming. The actor has since then been charged with several cases since he is also the producer of the project. Alec currently faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting and death of Halyna Hutchins.

Top 10 world news: Biden says US will start sending military aid to Ukraine; West Asia crisis; and more

A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the “Sex and the City” TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.

Celebrity designer Nancy Gonzalez  sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags

At least three people, two teachers and a student, were injured in a stabbing incident at a school in South Wales on Wednesday (Apr 24). The school was reportedly put into lockdown. Those who received injuries were receiving treatment.&nbsp;

Local reports mentioned that police and air ambulances were seen at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Amman Valley School) in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.&nbsp;

A teenage girl was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, which occurred just before midday, police said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-and-pakistan-call-on-un-security-council-to-take-stern-action-against-israel-714625">Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take stern action against Israel</a>&nbsp;

Local reports mentioned that the officials said that they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. The school is about 96 kilometres northwest of Cardiff. The school has 1,450 students aged between 11 and 18.&nbsp;

"Three people - two teachers and a teenage pupil - have been taken to hospital with stab wounds," police spokesman Ross Evans said.&nbsp;

"A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody," Evans added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-arrest-three-after-migrant-deaths-off-france-714649">UK police arrest three after migrant deaths off France</a>&nbsp;

Families of children and staff in the school said they have been told to stay in classrooms, with students reportedly asked not to use their phones.&nbsp;

Police said they are aware of footage of the incident circulating on social media. One video purports to show the aftermath of a stabbing.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was "shocked at the news". "I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least three people, two teachers and a student, were injured in a stabbing incident at a school in South Wales on Wednesday (Apr 24). The school was reportedly put into lockdown.

At least three people, two teachers and a student, were injured in a stabbing incident at a school in South Wales on Wednesday (Apr 24). The school was reportedly put into lockdown. Those who received injuries were receiving treatment. Local reports mentioned that police and air ambulances were seen at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Amman Valley School) in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire. A teenage girl was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, which occurred just before midday, police said. Also read: Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take stern action against Israel Local reports mentioned that the officials said that they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. The school is about 96 kilometres northwest of Cardiff. The school has 1,450 students aged between 11 and 18. "Three people - two teachers and a teenage pupil - have been taken to hospital with stab wounds," police spokesman Ross Evans said. "A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody," Evans added. Also read: UK police arrest three after migrant deaths off France Families of children and staff in the school said they have been told to stay in classrooms, with students reportedly asked not to use their phones. Police said they are aware of footage of the incident circulating on social media. One video purports to show the aftermath of a stabbing. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was "shocked at the news". "I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Wales school stabbing: Teen arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni prison. Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran confirmed that the mother-daughter duo met at the jail in Sana'a, Yemen, in&nbsp;the afternoon hours of Wednesday. He said that the jail authorities had permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises.

Since 2017, India strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen, for others it is a punishable offence.

Hopeful of meeting her daughter who is on death row in a prison in Houthi-controlled Sana'a, Premakumari travelled from Kochi in Kerala to Aden, Yemen, during the weekend. She is being accompanied by Samuel Jones, who has been helping the family in getting access to Priya and attempting to get her released from jail.

On Monday, 22nd April, Premakumari and Samuel undertook an overnight car journey from Aden to Sana'a and reached the Houthi-controlled region on Tuesday. With the support from Indian diplomatic representatives, they completed the formalities that were required to meet Priya, which eventually led to their meeting on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In a huge relief for Premakumari from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palakkad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#palakkad</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, she has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya at the jail in Sana'a, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yemen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yemen</a> 
 
Priya is in a Yemeni jail on death row, for alleged murder of her local sponsor (who had harassed her, seizer her passport) <a href="https://t.co/xGwiBe4gD2">pic.twitter.com/xGwiBe4gD2</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1783119341879427094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran told WION that they are making attempts to meet the family of Talal (the victim) and plead for mercy. This is a possibility, owing to the concept of 'Diyah' or 'Blood Money', which is practised in Islamic Sharia Law. 'Diyah' is the compensation paid by the perpetrator's family, as demanded by the victim's family.

Recently, thousands of people from Kerala and even non-resident Keralites crowdfunded Rs. 34 crores or around USD 4 million, to pay 'Diyah' and free Keralite Abdul Rahim who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia. Rahim is said to have accidentally caused the death of a differently-abled child that he was taking care of.&nbsp;

Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic.

Priya's lawyer maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Talal, who had later subjected them to physical and mental abuse and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.&nbsp;

After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni prison.

After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni prison. Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran confirmed that the mother-daughter duo met at the jail in Sana'a, Yemen, in the afternoon hours of Wednesday. He said that the jail authorities had permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises. Since 2017, India strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen, for others it is a punishable offence. Hopeful of meeting her daughter who is on death row in a prison in Houthi-controlled Sana'a, Premakumari travelled from Kochi in Kerala to Aden, Yemen, during the weekend. She is being accompanied by Samuel Jones, who has been helping the family in getting access to Priya and attempting to get her released from jail. On Monday, 22nd April, Premakumari and Samuel undertook an overnight car journey from Aden to Sana'a and reached the Houthi-controlled region on Tuesday. With the support from Indian diplomatic representatives, they completed the formalities that were required to meet Priya, which eventually led to their meeting on Wednesday afternoon. In a huge relief for Premakumari from #palakkad in #kerala #India, she has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya at the jail in Sana'a, #yemen Priya is in a Yemeni jail on death row, for alleged murder of her local sponsor (who had harassed her, seizer her passport) pic.twitter.com/xGwiBe4gD2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 24, 2024 × Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran told WION that they are making attempts to meet the family of Talal (the victim) and plead for mercy. This is a possibility, owing to the concept of 'Diyah' or 'Blood Money', which is practised in Islamic Sharia Law. 'Diyah' is the compensation paid by the perpetrator's family, as demanded by the victim's family. Recently, thousands of people from Kerala and even non-resident Keralites crowdfunded Rs. 34 crores or around USD 4 million, to pay 'Diyah' and free Keralite Abdul Rahim who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia. Rahim is said to have accidentally caused the death of a differently-abled child that he was taking care of. Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic. Priya's lawyer maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Talal, who had later subjected them to physical and mental abuse and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.

Nimisha Priya case: Kerala mother reunites with nurse daughter on death row in Yemen jail

The US Senate passed legislation which proposed a potential ban on the social media app TikTok in the country if its Chinese owner Bytedance fails to sell its stake.

The US Senate passed legislation which proposed a potential ban on the social media app TikTok in the country if its Chinese owner Bytedance fails to sell its stake. The bill will now reach US President Joe Biden who has vowed to sign it as soon as it is cleared by Congress. The strikes by the Israeli army have intensified across Gaza as the heaviest shelling continued throughout the week. The Israeli army ordered fresh evacuations in the north of the enclave, as it warned the citizens that they were in a "dangerous combat zone". Meanwhile, a Dominica court overturned a ban imposed on consensual same-sex relations in the country. The ban was part of a colonial British-era law, parts of which criminalised same-sex activity that went against the country's constitution. Click on the headlines to read more: US Senate passes bill to ban TikTok if its owner ByteDance fails to sell it The United States Senate passed controversial legislation on Wednesday (April 24) which can lead to the banning of the massively popular social media app TikTok in the country if its Chinese parent company ByteDance doesn't sell its stake. The bill gives six months to TikTok's Chinese owner Bytedance to sell its stake or let the application get banned in the United States. Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza amid new evacuation orders in North The Israeli army intensified its strikes across Gaza on Tuesday (April 23) as it continued to carry out some of the heaviest shelling in weeks. Meanwhile, fresh evacuations were ordered by the army in the north of the enclave, as it warned civilians that they were in a "dangerous combat zone". 'We are showing Putin...,' US Senate clears $95bn aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan The US Senate voted on Tuesday (April 23) to approve $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan — the first two are in a conventional state of war with Russia and Palestinian militant groups, respectively. Taiwan continues to face China's expansionist belligerence amid its consistent assertion that the self-ruled island nation is its own. Big win for LGBTQ+: Dominica court strikes down ban on same sex relations A court in Dominica has overturned a ban on consensual same-sex relations in the Caribbean island nation. The ban was imposed by a colonial British-era law. The Dominica High Court said that parts of the British-era law criminalised same-sex activity and went against the country's constitution. Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv suspends consular services for men

Morning brief: US passes bill to ban TikTok; Israel intensifies strikes in Gaza; and more

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heatwave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country.

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heatwave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country. Extensive scientific research has found climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent, and more intense. Bangladesh's weather bureau says that average maximum temperatures in the capital Dhaka over the past week have been 4-5 degrees Celsius (7.2-9 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the 30-year average for the same period. Muslim worshippers gathered in city mosques and rural fields to pray for relief from the scorching heat, which forecasters expect to continue for at least another week. "Praying for rains is a tradition of our prophet. We repented for our sins and prayed for his blessings for rains," Muhammad Abu Yusuf, an Islamic cleric who led a morning prayer service for 1,000 people in central Dhaka, told AFP. "Life has become unbearable due to lack of rains," he said. "Poor people are suffering immensely." Police said similarly sized prayer services were held in several other parts of Bangladesh. The country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, issued a statement calling its members to join the prayer services planned for Wednesday and Thursday. Authorities ordered all schools last week to cancel classes until the end of the month. The UN children's agency said it was "urging parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated and safe" through the heatwave. "The severity of this heatwave underscores the urgent need for action to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change," UNICEF said in a statement. Temperatures across Bangladesh have reached more than 42C (108F) in the past week. "April is usually the hottest month in Bangladesh. But this April has been one of the hottest since the country's independence (in 1971)," government forecaster Tariful Newaz Kabir told AFP. Kabir said fewer rainstorms than average for the period had contributed to the heat. "We expect the high temperature will remain until the end of this month," he said. Hospitals in the southern coastal district of Patuakhali had recorded local outbreaks of diarrhoea due to higher temperatures and the resulting increased salinity of local water sources, state medical officer Bhupen Chandra Mondal told AFP. "The number of diarrhoea patients is very high this year," he said. "This is all linked to climate change."

Thousands in heatwave-hit Bangladesh pray for rain

The Israeli army intensified its strikes across Gaza on Tuesday (April 23) as it carried out some of the heaviest shelling in weeks. Meanwhile, fresh evacuations were ordered by the army in the north of the enclave, as it warned civilians that they were in a "dangerous combat zone".

The Israeli army intensified its strikes across Gaza on Tuesday (April 23) as it carried out some of the heaviest shelling in weeks. Meanwhile, fresh evacuations were ordered by the army in the north of the enclave, as it warned civilians that they were in a "dangerous combat zone". The residents in central and southern areas of the Gaza Strip also reported strikes by air and shelling from tanks on the ground late on Tuesday (April 23). Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, in a post on social media platform X, appealed to the residents of four zones in Beit Lahiya, located on the northern edge of Gaza, to shift to two designated areas. He stated that the military "will work with extreme force against terrorist infrastructure and subversive elements" in the region. In a statement, which was issued later on Tuesday (April 23), the military said it "follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm." Also Read: Satellite photos show extent of damage in Iran during alleged Israeli attack Israel renewed its bombing and shelling of northern Gaza almost four months after its army announced that it was moving down troops there and claimed that Hamas no longer controlled those areas. Israel this month also drew down most of its forces in southern Gaza. The bombardment took place on Tuesday after alerts were sounded regarding incoming rockets in two southern Israeli border towns, even though no casualties were reported. The responsibility for the attacks on Sderot and Nir Am was claimed by the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, which is a group allied to Hamas. Hezbollah launches 'dozens' of rockets at Israel Iran-backed Hezbollah group fired dozens of rockets at northern Israel on Tuesday (April 23) while responding to the killing of two civilians in Lebanon's south in a strike which was blamed on Israel. Israel has been exchanging regular fire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in the south of Lebanon since October. Hezbollah fighters fired "dozens of Katyusha rockets" at northern Israel "as part of the response to the Israeli enemy's attacks on... civilian homes, specifically the horrific massacre in Hanin and the killing and injuring of civilians," said the group in a statement. The local officials and rescuers stated that two members of the same family were killed in an Israeli strike on a house in Hanin, close to the Israeli border. Watch: Israel war: 200 days of perpetual attacks reduce Gaza to wastelands Speaking to AFP, a civil defence source said that "a woman in her 50s and a 12-year-old girl have been killed" in the strike, while many others were injured and admitted to the hospital. The deaths were confirmed by Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) which stated that six others were wounded in the strike. "Enemy warplanes carried out a raid on a two-storey house, firing two air-to-surface missiles and completely destroying it," stated the NNA, further reporting that the building housed "a family that had not left... since Israeli attacks started". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza amid new evacuation orders in North

Three men have been arrested in the UK after five migrants, including a child, died this week trying to cross the Channel from&nbsp;France, police said on Wednesday.

The National Crime Agency said two Sudanese nationals aged 19 and 22, and a South Sudan national, also 22, were detained on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Three men, a woman and a seven-year-old girl lost their lives in the early hours of Tuesday in the sea near the northern French town of Wimereux.

They had been in a packed boat that set off before dawn but whose engine stopped a few hundred metres from the beach.&nbsp;

Several people then fell into the water. About 50 people were rescued and brought ashore but emergency services were unable to resuscitate the five.

The tragedy happened just hours after UK lawmakers approved plans to deport undocumented migrants crossing to Rwanda.

The NCA said the three suspects were arrested on suspicion of "facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally".

They were taken to a police station in Kent, southeast England, for questioning, it added.

The NCA, which investigates serious, organised and trans-national crime, said it was supporting a French police investigation.

Fifteen people have died this year trying to cross the busy shipping lane from northern&nbsp; France&nbsp;to southern England, according to an AFP tally. That is already more than the 12 who died in the whole of last year.

"This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and bring into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them," said NCA deputy director of investigations Craig Turner.&nbsp;

"We will do all we can with partners in the UK and&nbsp;France&nbsp;to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice," he added in a statement.

Three men have been arrested in the UK after five migrants, including a child, died this week trying to cross the Channel from France, police said on Wednesday. The National Crime Agency said two Sudanese nationals aged 19 and 22, and a South Sudan national, also 22, were detained on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Three men have been arrested in the UK after five migrants, including a child, died this week trying to cross the Channel from France, police said on Wednesday. The National Crime Agency said two Sudanese nationals aged 19 and 22, and a South Sudan national, also 22, were detained on Tuesday and Wednesday. Three men, a woman and a seven-year-old girl lost their lives in the early hours of Tuesday in the sea near the northern French town of Wimereux. They had been in a packed boat that set off before dawn but whose engine stopped a few hundred metres from the beach. Several people then fell into the water. About 50 people were rescued and brought ashore but emergency services were unable to resuscitate the five. The tragedy happened just hours after UK lawmakers approved plans to deport undocumented migrants crossing to Rwanda. The NCA said the three suspects were arrested on suspicion of "facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally". They were taken to a police station in Kent, southeast England, for questioning, it added. The NCA, which investigates serious, organised and trans-national crime, said it was supporting a French police investigation. Fifteen people have died this year trying to cross the busy shipping lane from northern France to southern England, according to an AFP tally. That is already more than the 12 who died in the whole of last year. "This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and bring into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them," said NCA deputy director of investigations Craig Turner. "We will do all we can with partners in the UK and France to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice," he added in a statement.

UK police arrest three after migrant deaths off France

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