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A group of military horses went astray in London, resulting in disorder on Wednesday (Apr 24). Reports indicated that up to five people had been injured, prompting British authorities to take&nbsp;the assistance of the military and police in locating the animals.

Footage shared on social media showed a white horse, seemingly&nbsp;wounded, galloping alongside a black one.

According The Telegraph newspaper, these horses are from the Household Cavalry, a division of the British Army, and they broke free during a training session at Horse Guards Parade, a ceremonial venue in central London.

The horses were spotted running on the road around Aldwych, with one of them looking like it had blood on it.

A taxi driver, parked outside the Clermont hotel on Buckingham Palace Road, had his car windows broken when a frightened horse hit the Mercedes people carrier.

Another horse collided with a parked double-decker tour bus, breaking the its windshield.

Watch the video here:

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⚡️CURRENT Scenes in London | 🇬🇧 
 
Two (2) horses on the loose; one covered in blood. <a href="https://t.co/aUsaZIEVD4">pic.twitter.com/aUsaZIEVD4</a>
— Sphithiphithi Evaluator (@_AfricanSoil) <a href="https://twitter.com/_AfricanSoil/status/1783066763585847551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Authorities at work</h2>

An army spokesperson cited by the Guardian said: “A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.”

"We are aware of a number of horses that are currently loose in central London and are working with colleagues, including the Army, to locate them," London's Metropolitan Police said on X.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-passes-controversial-rwanda-migrant-bill-after-two-years-of-tussle-714012">Also read |&nbsp;UK Parliament passes controversial Rwanda migrant&nbsp;bill after a two-year tussle</a>

The London Ambulance Service received a call at 8:25 a.m. local time (0725 GMT) about someone being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road in central London, according to a spokesperson for the service.

Two horses were captured by officers from the City of London police. The force said on X: “At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City.

Also watch |&nbsp;Horse Festival in Bulgaria &amp; Art in Paris

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ramadan-celebrations-worldwide-horse-festival-in-bulgaria-art-in-paris-708373/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Our officers have contained two horses on the highway near Limehouse. An army horsebox collected the horses and transported them to veterinary care.”

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A group of military horses went astray in London, resulting in disorder on Wednesday (Apr 24). Reports indicated that up to five people had been injured, prompting British authorities to take the assistance of the military and police in locating the animals.

A group of military horses went astray in London, resulting in disorder on Wednesday (Apr 24). Reports indicated that up to five people had been injured, prompting British authorities to take the assistance of the military and police in locating the animals. Footage shared on social media showed a white horse, seemingly wounded, galloping alongside a black one. According The Telegraph newspaper, these horses are from the Household Cavalry, a division of the British Army, and they broke free during a training session at Horse Guards Parade, a ceremonial venue in central London. The horses were spotted running on the road around Aldwych, with one of them looking like it had blood on it. A taxi driver, parked outside the Clermont hotel on Buckingham Palace Road, had his car windows broken when a frightened horse hit the Mercedes people carrier. Another horse collided with a parked double-decker tour bus, breaking the its windshield. Watch the video here: ⚡️CURRENT Scenes in London | 🇬🇧 Two (2) horses on the loose; one covered in blood. pic.twitter.com/aUsaZIEVD4 — Sphithiphithi Evaluator (@_AfricanSoil) April 24, 2024 × Authorities at work An army spokesperson cited by the Guardian said: “A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.” "We are aware of a number of horses that are currently loose in central London and are working with colleagues, including the Army, to locate them," London's Metropolitan Police said on X. Also read | UK Parliament passes controversial Rwanda migrant bill after a two-year tussle The London Ambulance Service received a call at 8:25 a.m. local time (0725 GMT) about someone being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road in central London, according to a spokesperson for the service. Two horses were captured by officers from the City of London police. The force said on X: “At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City. Also watch | Horse Festival in Bulgaria & Art in Paris “Our officers have contained two horses on the highway near Limehouse. An army horsebox collected the horses and transported them to veterinary care.” (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: British Army horses run loose in central London; later caught by police

Lawmakers in Tennessee passed a bill Tuesday that would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns on school grounds, sending the bill to the governor a year after a shooter opened fire and killed six people at a Nashville school.

US: Tennessee passes bill allowing teachers to carry guns in school

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Gaza mass graves: UN calls for probe - Iran's President Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka - Antony Blinken arrives in China - Ukraine strikes Russian oil facilities - Russian official detained for alleged bribe-taking - UK: Big jump in defence spending

Antony Blinken arrives in China | UK: Big jump in defence spending | WION Headlines

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to inaugurate a hydropower and irrigation project that was long delayed. Raisi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe are to witness the signing of five memoranda of understanding. Watch in for more details!

Iranian President Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka to inaugurate hydropower project

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

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In the latest honours list the Princess of Wales has been named as a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour, Watch to know more.

UK's new princess of Wales gets new title

UK PM Rishi Sunak said recently military spending would rise to 2.5% of national income by 2030, in a move that hardens a previous spending pledge. Watch to know more.

UK PM Rishi Sunak unveils biggest military spending

Former US Representative George Santos on Tuesday (Apr 23) announced that he has decided against returning to Congress. This comes a month after he was expelled from the House after an ethics report on his conduct accused him of converting campaign donations for his use.

Santos, who at the time represented New York's 3rd congressional district, was expelled in December 2023 by a&nbsp;311-114 vote. He was only the sixth member in the chamber's history to be expelled, the first to be kicked out without being convicted of a federal crime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-vows-will-personally-hold-trump-accountable-for-his-role-in-restricting-abortion-rights-714372">Biden vows to hold Trump 'accountable' for his role in restricting abortion rights</a>

He has pleaded not guilty to charges including deceiving Congress about his wealth, stealing from his campaign and obtaining unemployment benefits he didn't deserve.&nbsp;

<h2>Withdrawal of Congress bid</h2>

Santos, who was running as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York, posted on X, "I have decided to withdraw from my independent run".

As per the news agency AP, Santos' announcement comes after the disgraced congressman's campaign committee reported zero fundraising or expenditures last month (March). This, as per the report, led to speculations that his campaign has failed to get off the ground.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-profit-slump-and-layoffs-musk-says-tesla-may-start-selling-humanoid-robot-optimus-by-next-year-714399">Amid profit slump and layoffs, Musk says Tesla may start selling humanoid robot 'Optimus' by next year</a>

However, in his X post, Santos said, "I don’t want my run to be portrayed as&nbsp;reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems…"&nbsp;

"Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race," he added.

Nick LaLota is&nbsp;the GOP primary candidate for the eastern Long Island congressional district or New York's 1st congressional district.

However, Santos, in his post, made clear that the withdrawal is only for "THIS YEAR!".

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🚨Announcement! 
 
I have decided to withdraw from my independent run for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NY1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NY1</a>… 
 
I don’t want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the…
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"The future holds countless possibilities, and I am ready willing and able to step up to the plate and go fight for my country at any time," he said.

"I will continue to participate in the public policy discussion and will do my part… I will always strive to stand on the right side of history."

"It's only goodbye for now, I'll be back," he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US Representative George Santos on Tuesday (Apr 23) announced that he has decided against returning to Congress. This comes a month after he was expelled from the House after an ethics report on his conduct accused him of converting campaign donations for his use.

Former US Representative George Santos on Tuesday (Apr 23) announced that he has decided against returning to Congress. This comes a month after he was expelled from the House after an ethics report on his conduct accused him of converting campaign donations for his use. Santos, who at the time represented New York's 3rd congressional district, was expelled in December 2023 by a 311-114 vote. He was only the sixth member in the chamber's history to be expelled, the first to be kicked out without being convicted of a federal crime. Also read | Biden vows to hold Trump 'accountable' for his role in restricting abortion rights He has pleaded not guilty to charges including deceiving Congress about his wealth, stealing from his campaign and obtaining unemployment benefits he didn't deserve. Withdrawal of Congress bid Santos, who was running as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York, posted on X, "I have decided to withdraw from my independent run". As per the news agency AP, Santos' announcement comes after the disgraced congressman's campaign committee reported zero fundraising or expenditures last month (March). This, as per the report, led to speculations that his campaign has failed to get off the ground. Also read | Amid profit slump and layoffs, Musk says Tesla may start selling humanoid robot 'Optimus' by next year However, in his X post, Santos said, "I don’t want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems…" "Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race," he added. Nick LaLota is the GOP primary candidate for the eastern Long Island congressional district or New York's 1st congressional district. However, Santos, in his post, made clear that the withdrawal is only for "THIS YEAR!". 🚨Announcement! I have decided to withdraw from my independent run for #NY1… I don’t want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota… Although Nick and I don’t have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don’t want to split the… — George Santos (@MrSantosNY) April 23, 2024 × "The future holds countless possibilities, and I am ready willing and able to step up to the plate and go fight for my country at any time," he said. "I will continue to participate in the public policy discussion and will do my part… I will always strive to stand on the right side of history." "It's only goodbye for now, I'll be back," he concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

George Santos abandons his independent bid for Congress

The UK's busiest airport has stressed it has robust contingency measures in place to deal with industrial action. Watch to know more.

UK: Hundreds of Heathrow Airport staff announce week-long strike

UK's childcare scheme is struggling to meet its welfare targets as per Whitehall's spending watchdog. The $43 million plan to test free childcare hours have been cancelled ahead of the national rollouts.

Childcare expansion to cost $18 bn in 3 years

Will UK's childcare ambitions increase gaps in society?

Israeli strikes has intensified across Gaza with some really heavy shelling in weeks. The army has ordered fresh evacuations in the North of the strip warning civilians that they are in a dangerous combat zone. Watch to know more.

Israel war: 200 days of war in West Asia, Residents rummage for belongings through piles of rubble

Taiwan's government has said that it will remove nearly 800 statues of Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese&nbsp;military dictator who ruled the island for decades under martial law and supported 'One China Policy', a Chinese strategic euphemism that denies Taiwan its right of sovereign existence.

In 2018, Taipei established a transitional justice committee to probe the rule of the former generalissimo, who was president of the Republic of China (ROC) – in China and then in Taiwan – until his death in 1975. 
 
The transnational justice committee recommended to remove the thousands of statues from public spaces.

Speaking to Taiwan’s legislature on Monday (April 21), cabinet official Shih Pu said that the ministry of interior would remove the 760 still remaining statues.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-taiwan-elections-2024-beyond-xi-jinpings-unification-threat-679049">Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat</a>

The response came amid criticism that the government was not moving fast enough to remove the Chinese military dictator's statues.

<h2>Chiang Kai-Shek statues in Taiwan</h2>

Taiwan is filled with statues of Chiang. For several decades now, the self-ruled island nation that China claims as its own is embroiled in debate over what to do with them, particularly the largest inside Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall.&nbsp;

Many of them have been moved to a park in northern Taipei, a spot now famous for the thousands of Chiang likenesses arranged around the grounds.

"The defence ministry has said it needs to take into account the military tradition,” Shih told the legislature.

But Chiang also founded present-day Taiwan's military training academies. So it's a military tradition to honour Chiang.

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan's pursuit of democracy is not a crime: Tsai Ing-Wen

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At the end of China's civil war in 1949, Chiang, the KMT (Kuomintang) party and millions of supporters fled to Taiwan in defeat. He established the Republic of China government in exile, and ruled Taiwan's population under a brutal martial law for decades until his death in 1975, when power was transferred to his son. By the end of martial law in 1987 as many as 140,000 people were estimated to have been imprisoned and another 3,000 to 4,000 executed for opposition to the KMT.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's government has said that it will remove nearly 800 statues of Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese military dictator who ruled the island for decades under martial law and supported 'One China Policy', a Chinese strategic euphemism that denies Taiwan its right of sovereign existence.

Taiwan's government has said that it will remove nearly 800 statues of Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese military dictator who ruled the island for decades under martial law and supported 'One China Policy', a Chinese strategic euphemism that denies Taiwan its right of sovereign existence. In 2018, Taipei established a transitional justice committee to probe the rule of the former generalissimo, who was president of the Republic of China (ROC) – in China and then in Taiwan – until his death in 1975. The transnational justice committee recommended to remove the thousands of statues from public spaces. Speaking to Taiwan’s legislature on Monday (April 21), cabinet official Shih Pu said that the ministry of interior would remove the 760 still remaining statues. Also read | Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat The response came amid criticism that the government was not moving fast enough to remove the Chinese military dictator's statues. Chiang Kai-Shek statues in Taiwan Taiwan is filled with statues of Chiang. For several decades now, the self-ruled island nation that China claims as its own is embroiled in debate over what to do with them, particularly the largest inside Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall. Many of them have been moved to a park in northern Taipei, a spot now famous for the thousands of Chiang likenesses arranged around the grounds. "The defence ministry has said it needs to take into account the military tradition,” Shih told the legislature. But Chiang also founded present-day Taiwan's military training academies. So it's a military tradition to honour Chiang. Also watch | Taiwan's pursuit of democracy is not a crime: Tsai Ing-Wen × At the end of China's civil war in 1949, Chiang, the KMT (Kuomintang) party and millions of supporters fled to Taiwan in defeat. He established the Republic of China government in exile, and ruled Taiwan's population under a brutal martial law for decades until his death in 1975, when power was transferred to his son. By the end of martial law in 1987 as many as 140,000 people were estimated to have been imprisoned and another 3,000 to 4,000 executed for opposition to the KMT. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to remove all statues of Chinese dictator Chiang Kai-Shek who stood for 'One China' policy

The United Nations has called for an international investigation into reports of mass graves at two of Gaza's hospitals that were destroyed in Israeli raids. The United Nations rights officer said that it is simply horrified by the scale of destruction Gaza's biggest Hospital Al Shifa in the main Gaza City and also its second largest hospital the Al Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis.

Gaza mass graves: UN body calls for probe

Top American diplomat Anthony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

Blinken heads to china amid wave of issues

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is celebrating his 37th birthday today, April 24, 2024.

Indian actor Varun Dhawan turns 37

The Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in Sri Lanka for a one-day official visit. The brief State visit is aimed at strengthening ties between Tehran and Colombo. This is the first visit by an Iranian president to Sri Lanka since 2008.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's one-day visit to Sri Lanka

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 China-based parent company ByteDance doesn't 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 China-based parent company ByteDance doesn't sell it. The bill will now reach the table of US President Joe Biden who has already said that he will sign it into law as soon as it is cleared by Congress. Once the bill is signed by President Biden, ByteDance will have to get its Chinese officials's approval to complete a forced sale, something which China has vowed to oppose. Also Read: European Union warns of TikTok Lite ban over ‘addictive’ reward-to-watch feature The measure against TikTok was included in the $95 billion worth of foreign aid package which includes military assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that has been cleared by the Congress. It received massive support from the lawmakers as 79 Senators voted for it and 18 voted against it. TikTok came under unwanted scrutiny not only because it is addictive for users but also because of its Chinese owner ByteDance. Why does the US Senate want to ban TikTok? The US lawmakers have been pressurising ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok since they fear that TikTok or ByteDance can share data about the users of the United States with the government of China. The chances of TikTok becoming a trove of data of about millions of US users has left lawmakers worried. TikTok, in a statement, said that it is "unfortunate" that lawmakers are "using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually." When does TikTok's endgame clock start? After the bill is signed by Biden, ByteDance will have 270 days to sell TikTok. In this case, if it appears that ByteDance is near divestment at the end of its nine-month period, an additional 90 days can be authorised by the president to finalise the deals. What is the Biden administration's take on the TikTok bill? In a statement, President Biden said that he will approve the bill once it is passed by the Senate. "I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," said Biden. "The need is urgent: for Ukraine, facing unrelenting bombardment from Russia; for Israel, which just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran; for refugees and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti; and for our partners seeking security and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he added. Who are the likely buyers of TikTok? Microsoft, Oracle or private equity groups are to be the likely bidders, said Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, as reported by CBS News. Meanwhile, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin informed CNBC that he wishes to assemble an investment group to bid for TikTok. Watch: Malaysia urges Meta and TikTok to tackle harmful content on platforms Ives, however, hinted that ByteDance is not likely to sell TikTok with its core algorithms as well as the important software that gives video recommendations to users based on their interests. "The value of TikTok would dramatically change without the algorithms and makes the ultimate sale/divestiture of TikTok a very complex endeavour, with many potential strategic/financial bidders waiting anxiously for this process to kick off," said Ives, in a research note. How will other social media platforms benefit from the ban? If the bill becomes a law, TikTok's rivals like Meta are likely to benefit from it. According to Wedbush Securities analyst, nearly 60 per cent of TikTok users are likely to shift to Meta's Instagram and Facebook if a ban is imposed on TikTok. Google is also likely to benefit from this ban. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senate passes bill to ban TikTok if its owner ByteDance fails to sell it

Norzin Dolma, a Minister with the Tibetan Government in Exile, has confirmed that there have been back-channel communications between Tibetan authorities in exile and Chinese officials. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Dharmshala, Dolma stated, "There have been back-channel communications and activities happening but I am unsure as to how much hope we can place on the outcome of these activities and how substantive and concrete those activities [are]." Dolma further elaborated on the history of official dialogue between Tibet and China, noting that "we had the opportunity to submit the memorandum on general autonomy of Tibetan people with the subsequent submission of clarifying note to the Chinese counterpart-explaining and explicating our understanding position on the framework and concept of middle way policy."

Tibet Govt in Exile Confirms Back Channel Talks with China

Former cameraman Emilio Garcia seeks justice in court against Megan Thee Stallion for alleged labour violations and harassment. Watch to know more.

Megan Thee Stallion accused of harassment, sued by former cameraman

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday (Apr 23) warned Israel that an attack on Iranian territory would lead to a radical change in regional dynamics.&nbsp;

He also cautioned that such an attack would result in there being nothing left of the "Zionist regime",&nbsp;as per Iran's official news agency IRNA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-president-raisi-to-visit-pakistan-to-mend-ties-following-cross-border-strikes-713646">Iranian President Raisi to visit Pakistan for mending ties following cross-border strikes</a>

"If the Zionist regime once again makes a mistake and attacks the sacred land of Iran, the situation will be different, and it is not clear whether anything will remain of this regime," said Raisi&nbsp;during his three-day visit of Pakistan.

Raisi, as per Reuters news agency, visited Pakistan's eastern city Lahore and the southern city of Karachi on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Support of 'Palestinian resistance'</h2>

The Iranian leader, who began his three-day visit on Monday (Apr 22), also vowed continued support for the Palestinian resistance.

"The people of Iran and Pakistan both defend the oppressed Palestinian nation. The Islamic Republic of Iran will honourably continue to support the Palestinian resistance," he added in his speech in Lahore.

Raisi stated that his nation's counterstrike on Israel on April 13 was retaliation of Tel Aviv's April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria's Damascus, and said this was how Tehran punished the Jewish state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-intensifies-strikes-across-gaza-amid-new-evacuation-orders-in-north-714392">Israel&nbsp;intensifies strikes across Gaza amid new evacuation orders in North</a>

"The great Iranian nation punished the Zionist regime for the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which was against all international laws," he said.

Slamming the West for claiming to defend human rights while Israel continues its assault on Gaza, he said "Today, the biggest violators of human rights are Americans and Westerners as supporters of the Zionist regime in its child-killing and genocide."

"The liberation of Quds is the number one question of humankind. The resistance of the people of Gaza will lead to the liberation of the Holy Quds and Palestine."

<h2>Iran- Pakistan relations</h2>

The neighbouring nations are seeking to mend ties after unprecedented tit-for-tat cross-border military strikes earlier this year, Reuters said in a report.

Raisi has vowed to boost trade between Iran and Pakistan to $10 billion a year.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office in a statement said that he and Raisi had a "vibrant discussion" on advancing bilateral relations -- specifically in trade and communication.

The duo also "agreed on the necessity for joint efforts by both countries to combat terrorism," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday (Apr 23) warned Israel that an attack on Iranian territory would lead to a radical change in regional dynamics. He also cautioned that such an attack would result in there being nothing left of the "Zionist regime", as per Iran's official news agency IRNA.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday (Apr 23) warned Israel that an attack on Iranian territory would lead to a radical change in regional dynamics. He also cautioned that such an attack would result in there being nothing left of the "Zionist regime", as per Iran's official news agency IRNA. Also read | Iranian President Raisi to visit Pakistan for mending ties following cross-border strikes "If the Zionist regime once again makes a mistake and attacks the sacred land of Iran, the situation will be different, and it is not clear whether anything will remain of this regime," said Raisi during his three-day visit of Pakistan. Raisi, as per Reuters news agency, visited Pakistan's eastern city Lahore and the southern city of Karachi on Tuesday. Support of 'Palestinian resistance' The Iranian leader, who began his three-day visit on Monday (Apr 22), also vowed continued support for the Palestinian resistance. "The people of Iran and Pakistan both defend the oppressed Palestinian nation. The Islamic Republic of Iran will honourably continue to support the Palestinian resistance," he added in his speech in Lahore. Raisi stated that his nation's counterstrike on Israel on April 13 was retaliation of Tel Aviv's April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria's Damascus, and said this was how Tehran punished the Jewish state. Also read | Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza amid new evacuation orders in North "The great Iranian nation punished the Zionist regime for the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which was against all international laws," he said. Slamming the West for claiming to defend human rights while Israel continues its assault on Gaza, he said "Today, the biggest violators of human rights are Americans and Westerners as supporters of the Zionist regime in its child-killing and genocide." "The liberation of Quds is the number one question of humankind. The resistance of the people of Gaza will lead to the liberation of the Holy Quds and Palestine." Iran- Pakistan relations The neighbouring nations are seeking to mend ties after unprecedented tit-for-tat cross-border military strikes earlier this year, Reuters said in a report. Raisi has vowed to boost trade between Iran and Pakistan to $10 billion a year. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office in a statement said that he and Raisi had a "vibrant discussion" on advancing bilateral relations -- specifically in trade and communication. The duo also "agreed on the necessity for joint efforts by both countries to combat terrorism," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli attack on Iran territory would mean end of 'Zionist regime': Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Few European countries could lose more than 30 days of comfortable weather a year by 2100. Watch to know more.

How climate change can impact travel

Athens turned orange on Tuesday (April 24) as a rare haze enveloped the Greek capital city due to a Sahara dust storm. Greek authorities warned that sunlight and visibility are likely to be reduced due to dust concentrations, while levels of fine pollution particles can increase and pose health risks.

Athens turned orange on Tuesday (April 24) as a rare haze enveloped the Greek capital city due to a Sahara dust storm. Greek authorities warned that sunlight and visibility are likely to be reduced due to dust concentrations, while levels of fine pollution particles can increase and pose health risks. Athens was not the only city which was covered by the orange haze. Other Greek cities were also covered in clouds of dust which blew from the Sahara. As per the officials, this is one of the worst such sandstorms to have hit the country since 2018. Several regions were smothered by a yellow-orange haze after strong winds blew for days from the south and caused limited visibility. The conditions also prompted warnings of breathing risks from the authorities. Also Read: Greece prepares for ‘population collapse’ amid rising deaths, potentially 1st country to face such crisis Athens Observatory weather research director Kostas Lagouvardos said, “It’s one of the most serious episodes of dust and sand concentrations from the Sahara since March 21-22, 2018, when the clouds invaded the island of Crete in particular." Sahara dust clouds particles to travel to Europe In late March and early April, Greece was struck by Sahara dust clouds which also hit parts of southern France and Switzerland. Every year, the Sahara releases mineral dust of 60 to 200 million tonnes. Even though the largest particles rapidly settle down on earth, the smallest particles are likely to travel thousands of kilometres and may also reach Europe. The Greek weather service stated that it is likely that the skies will become clearer on Wednesday (Apr 24). Unseasonal early wildfires have also been fanned by the strong southerly winds in the past few days in the country’s south. Watch: World marks 54th Earth Day: A call to action against climate change On Tuesday (Apr 23), the fire service stated that a total of 25 wildfires broke out in the past 24 hours across the country. Police have arrested three people on the Aegean Sea resort island of Paros after they were suspected of accidentally starting a scrub blaze on Monday (Apr 22), said the officials. No injuries or significant damage was reported so far and the firefighters quickly contained the fire. Meanwhile, the firefighters also brought under control another blaze which broke out on Crete near a naval base on Tuesday (Apr 23). (With inputs from agencies)

Athens turns orange! Haze envelops city as Sahara dust storm blocks sunlight

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Tuesday announced additional funding for Ukraine and pledged to increase Britain's own&nbsp;defence&nbsp;budget, during a visit to the Polish capital Warsaw.

Sunak said Britain was giving £500 million ($617 million) in additional military funding for Kyiv as he held talks with Polish premier Donald Tusk and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

Sunak said London would gradually boost&nbsp;defence&nbsp;spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030.

"In a world that is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the Cold War, we cannot be complacent," Sunak told reporters in Warsaw.

The increase in spending from 2.3 percent will see the UK become one of the top spenders on&nbsp;defence&nbsp;in the 32-member NATO&nbsp;defence&nbsp;alliance after the United States, the British government said.&nbsp;

NATO countries are facing pressure to raise&nbsp;defence&nbsp;expenditure in the face of global threats, particularly from Russia and the possibility of an escalation in the Middle East.

Announcing the move, Sunak spoke of "an axis of authoritarian states", singling out Russia, Iran, North Korea and China.&nbsp;

"I believe we must do more to defend our country, our interests, and our values," Sunak said, adding the increase in spending would be "the biggest strengthening of national&nbsp;defence&nbsp;for a generation".

It means the UK is expected to spend £87 billion on&nbsp;defence&nbsp;in 2030-31, an increase of £23 billion over current levels.&nbsp;

Missiles, armoured vehicles&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Sunak also announced £500 million additional funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia.

Ukraine has for months faced a growing shortage of ammunition, with Europe struggling to provide weaponry as Ukrainian forces get pushed back along the front line.

US lawmakers eased the pressure last weekend by unblocking a $61-billion military aid package for Kyiv following six months of political wrangling.

EU&nbsp;defence&nbsp;and foreign ministers insist that Europe must speed up its deliveries of arms to Ukraine.

Germany has answered Kyiv's call in recent days by saying it would send an extra Patriot air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;system to Ukraine.

Stoltenberg said last week that he expected more NATO countries to make announcements on fresh air defences for Kyiv "soon".

During his trip, Sunak announced the UK's "largest-ever single package of equipment" for Ukraine's war effort, including more than 1,600 strike and air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;missiles and additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles.

He also pledged more than 400 vehicles, including armoured ones, and nearly four million rounds of small arms ammunition.

Sky Shield&nbsp;

Ukraine has asked especially for seven more advanced Patriot systems capable of shooting down Russia's hypersonic missiles -- but is keen to get any help it can.

Six nations in the EU -- Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain -- have the US-designed systems.

Sunak will now travel to Germany where he will meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Wednesday.

The German government has led a push to bolster NATO's air defences in Europe amid Russia's relentless missile strikes on Ukraine.

Berlin has urged allies to buy deterrence systems together and the UK is among some 20 countries to have signed up to Germany's common air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;project, the European Sky Shield Initiative.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen recently warned EU leaders to boost&nbsp;defence&nbsp;spending.

Brussels is set to come up with more proposals for financing the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;push by a summit of EU leaders in June.

It has put forward a 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) strategy to step up&nbsp;defence&nbsp;production, but officials say this is nowhere near sufficient.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Tuesday announced additional funding for Ukraine and pledged to increase Britain's own defence budget, during a visit to the Polish capital Warsaw.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Tuesday announced additional funding for Ukraine and pledged to increase Britain's own defence budget, during a visit to the Polish capital Warsaw. Sunak said Britain was giving £500 million ($617 million) in additional military funding for Kyiv as he held talks with Polish premier Donald Tusk and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. Sunak said London would gradually boost defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030. "In a world that is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the Cold War, we cannot be complacent," Sunak told reporters in Warsaw. The increase in spending from 2.3 percent will see the UK become one of the top spenders on defence in the 32-member NATO defence alliance after the United States, the British government said. NATO countries are facing pressure to raise defence expenditure in the face of global threats, particularly from Russia and the possibility of an escalation in the Middle East. Announcing the move, Sunak spoke of "an axis of authoritarian states", singling out Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. "I believe we must do more to defend our country, our interests, and our values," Sunak said, adding the increase in spending would be "the biggest strengthening of national defence for a generation". It means the UK is expected to spend £87 billion on defence in 2030-31, an increase of £23 billion over current levels. Missiles, armoured vehicles On Tuesday, Sunak also announced £500 million additional funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia. Ukraine has for months faced a growing shortage of ammunition, with Europe struggling to provide weaponry as Ukrainian forces get pushed back along the front line. US lawmakers eased the pressure last weekend by unblocking a $61-billion military aid package for Kyiv following six months of political wrangling. EU defence and foreign ministers insist that Europe must speed up its deliveries of arms to Ukraine. Germany has answered Kyiv's call in recent days by saying it would send an extra Patriot air defence system to Ukraine. Stoltenberg said last week that he expected more NATO countries to make announcements on fresh air defences for Kyiv "soon". During his trip, Sunak announced the UK's "largest-ever single package of equipment" for Ukraine's war effort, including more than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles and additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles. He also pledged more than 400 vehicles, including armoured ones, and nearly four million rounds of small arms ammunition. Sky Shield Ukraine has asked especially for seven more advanced Patriot systems capable of shooting down Russia's hypersonic missiles -- but is keen to get any help it can. Six nations in the EU -- Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain -- have the US-designed systems. Sunak will now travel to Germany where he will meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Wednesday. The German government has led a push to bolster NATO's air defences in Europe amid Russia's relentless missile strikes on Ukraine. Berlin has urged allies to buy deterrence systems together and the UK is among some 20 countries to have signed up to Germany's common air defence project, the European Sky Shield Initiative. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen recently warned EU leaders to boost defence spending. Brussels is set to come up with more proposals for financing the defence push by a summit of EU leaders in June. It has put forward a 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) strategy to step up defence production, but officials say this is nowhere near sufficient.

UK's Sunak announces raised defence spending, new Ukraine aid

Winter-like weather surprisingly returned to Finland on Tuesday (April 23), with heavy snow falling in and around the capital Helsinki. Watch to know more.

Winter returns to Finland: Heavy snow blankets capital Helsinki

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

Poland's bold offer to host NATO missiles

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