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<p>Volkswagen employees in Tennessee on&nbsp;Friday (April 19) voted decisively to unionise, marking a historic day for organised labour in the American South.&nbsp;The voting results, announced by the corporation on Friday, show an overwhelming 73 per cent support for union representation by the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Chattanooga plant, which has been open for 13 years. Over three days, more than 3,600 of the 4,326 workers who were entitled to vote cast their votes.</p>

<p>"Volkswagen workers just made history!" said a UAW post on X accompanied by a celebratory video applauding the employees&nbsp;for their decision.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Volkswagen workers just made history!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandUpUAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandUpUAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/hRFaiFlPtq">pic.twitter.com/hRFaiFlPtq</a></p>
— UAW (@UAW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1781510382953058510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This victory adds to the string of successes for UAW President Shawn Fain, who took office in March 2023. Fain's leadership was instrumental in securing significant salary increases for members following the "Stand Up Strike" at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis last fall.</p>

<p>“Many of the talking heads and the pundits have&nbsp;said to me repeatedly, before we announced, that you can’t win in the South. But you all said, watch this.&nbsp;You all moved the mountain,” Fain told the crowd&nbsp;according&nbsp;to media reports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/senate-renews-surveillance-bill-despite-privacy-concerns-713251" target="_blank">Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: US Senate renews surveillance bill despite privacy&nbsp;concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>In November 2023, President Fain announced an ambitious campaign aimed at unionizing 13 companies, encompassing nearly 150,000 workers,&nbsp;with a focus&nbsp;on southern states like Tennessee. Chattanooga became the first plant to undergo an election under this initiative.</p>

<p>"Let me be clear to the Republican governors that tried to undermine this vote: there is nothing to fear from American workers using their voice and their legal right to form a union if they so choose," Biden said in a statement after the victory was announced.</p>

<p>Following the Chattanooga vote, attention now turns to the upcoming election at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Vance, Alabama. Scheduled to take place from May 13-17, this vote will be closely watched as another potential milestone for organised labour in the region, as announced by the National Labor Relations Board earlier this week.</p>


Volkswagen employees in Tennessee on Friday (April 19) voted decisively to unionise, marking a historic day for organised labour in the American South. The voting results, announced by the corporation on Friday, show an overwhelming 73 per cent support for union representation by the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Chattanooga plant, which has been open for 13 years.

Volkswagen employees in Tennessee on Friday (April 19) voted decisively to unionise, marking a historic day for organised labour in the American South. The voting results, announced by the corporation on Friday, show an overwhelming 73 per cent support for union representation by the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Chattanooga plant, which has been open for 13 years. Over three days, more than 3,600 of the 4,326 workers who were entitled to vote cast their votes. "Volkswagen workers just made history!" said a UAW post on X accompanied by a celebratory video applauding the employees for their decision. Volkswagen workers just made history!#StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/hRFaiFlPtq — UAW (@UAW) April 20, 2024 × This victory adds to the string of successes for UAW President Shawn Fain, who took office in March 2023. Fain's leadership was instrumental in securing significant salary increases for members following the "Stand Up Strike" at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis last fall. “Many of the talking heads and the pundits have said to me repeatedly, before we announced, that you can’t win in the South. But you all said, watch this. You all moved the mountain,” Fain told the crowd according to media reports. Also read: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: US Senate renews surveillance bill despite privacy concerns In November 2023, President Fain announced an ambitious campaign aimed at unionizing 13 companies, encompassing nearly 150,000 workers, with a focus on southern states like Tennessee. Chattanooga became the first plant to undergo an election under this initiative. "Let me be clear to the Republican governors that tried to undermine this vote: there is nothing to fear from American workers using their voice and their legal right to form a union if they so choose," Biden said in a statement after the victory was announced. Following the Chattanooga vote, attention now turns to the upcoming election at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Vance, Alabama. Scheduled to take place from May 13-17, this vote will be closely watched as another potential milestone for organised labour in the region, as announced by the National Labor Relations Board earlier this week.

Volkswagen workers in Tennessee vote overwhelmingly for unionisation

<p>Iranian state media on Friday (Apr 19) reported that Israel carried out a military strike inside the country - a move that has escalated tensions in the Middle East region. Israel hasn't claimed responsibility, but source-based media reports noted that Israel currently is assessing its effectiveness and the damage it caused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath, state media reported that Iran's air defence systems were activated in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz. Explosions were heard close to a major military airbase near Isfahan, which is a city of historic and strategic importance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>What led to this escalation?</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, an attack levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of whom were senior commanders. A few days after that, the Iranian army launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel in retaliation, with Tehran claiming that all objectives were achieved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the drone and missile attack, Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces chief of staff, told state TV: "Operation Honest Promise... was completed successfully from last night to this morning and achieved all its objectives".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-not-planning-retaliation-against-israel-after-attack-near-isfahan-713015">West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>What's the current situation?</strong></h2>

<p>The latest alleged attack comes amid fears of major spillover of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian militants looming over the region. Meanwhile, world leaders have again appealed for de-escalation and urged all parties to opt for diplomatic channels to resolve conflicts... a scenario that doesn't appear to happen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The question is, why Isfahan was targeted? What's the significance of this city?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>If Israel actually aimed at Isfahan, it could have been a signal or warning to tell the world that it could strike deep inside Iran. Especially, on targets such as Isfahan, which is an Iranian military airbase housing multiple squadrons of f-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. Isfahan also has significant sites including military research and development facilities and bases. Natanz, a nearby city, is home to one of the country's nuclear enrichment sites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The senior military officer in Isfahan, Brigadier General Siavash Mihandoost, told state TV that people had heard defence systems shooting at a target in the air, not an explosion on the ground.</p>

<p>Nuclear facilities in Isfahan were reported to be "completely secure", Tasnim said, and the UN's atomic watchdog confirmed "no damage" to Iran's nuclear sites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Confusion over the attack?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>So far, Israeli or Iranian officials have not given any reaction to the attack. Also, there's no clarity over the extent of the damage. But Iranian media aired conflicting reports, with Tasnim news agency, citing "informed sources," denying that Iran had been attacked from outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tasnim said that "contrary to the rumours and claims" made in foreign media, "there are no reports of an attack from abroad on Iran's central city of Isfahan or any other part of the country".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three Iranian officials told The New York Times that small drones carried out the attack, possibly launched from inside Iran. The officials also claimed that the radar systems had not detected unidentified aircraft entering Iranian airspace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Fars news agency reported "three explosions" close to Qahjavarestan, near Isfahan airport and the 8th Shekari Army airbase. Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian, meanwhile, said "several" drones had been "successfully shot down".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dalirian said on social media platform X there were "no reports of a missile attack".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official IRNA news agency said that the "reports indicate there was no major damage or large explosions caused by the impact of any air threat".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Iranian state media on Friday (Apr 19) reported that Israel carried out a military strike inside the country - a move that has escalated tensions in the Middle East region.

Iranian state media on Friday (Apr 19) reported that Israel carried out a military strike inside the country - a move that has escalated tensions in the Middle East region. Israel hasn't claimed responsibility, but source-based media reports noted that Israel currently is assessing its effectiveness and the damage it caused. In the aftermath, state media reported that Iran's air defence systems were activated in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz. Explosions were heard close to a major military airbase near Isfahan, which is a city of historic and strategic importance. Also read: US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran What led to this escalation? Recently, an attack levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of whom were senior commanders. A few days after that, the Iranian army launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel in retaliation, with Tehran claiming that all objectives were achieved. After the drone and missile attack, Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces chief of staff, told state TV: "Operation Honest Promise... was completed successfully from last night to this morning and achieved all its objectives". Also read: West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan What's the current situation? The latest alleged attack comes amid fears of major spillover of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian militants looming over the region. Meanwhile, world leaders have again appealed for de-escalation and urged all parties to opt for diplomatic channels to resolve conflicts... a scenario that doesn't appear to happen. The question is, why Isfahan was targeted? What's the significance of this city? If Israel actually aimed at Isfahan, it could have been a signal or warning to tell the world that it could strike deep inside Iran. Especially, on targets such as Isfahan, which is an Iranian military airbase housing multiple squadrons of f-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. Isfahan also has significant sites including military research and development facilities and bases. Natanz, a nearby city, is home to one of the country's nuclear enrichment sites. The senior military officer in Isfahan, Brigadier General Siavash Mihandoost, told state TV that people had heard defence systems shooting at a target in the air, not an explosion on the ground. Nuclear facilities in Isfahan were reported to be "completely secure", Tasnim said, and the UN's atomic watchdog confirmed "no damage" to Iran's nuclear sites. Watch this report: × Confusion over the attack? So far, Israeli or Iranian officials have not given any reaction to the attack. Also, there's no clarity over the extent of the damage. But Iranian media aired conflicting reports, with Tasnim news agency, citing "informed sources," denying that Iran had been attacked from outside. Tasnim said that "contrary to the rumours and claims" made in foreign media, "there are no reports of an attack from abroad on Iran's central city of Isfahan or any other part of the country". Three Iranian officials told The New York Times that small drones carried out the attack, possibly launched from inside Iran. The officials also claimed that the radar systems had not detected unidentified aircraft entering Iranian airspace. Meanwhile, Fars news agency reported "three explosions" close to Qahjavarestan, near Isfahan airport and the 8th Shekari Army airbase. Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian, meanwhile, said "several" drones had been "successfully shot down". Dalirian said on social media platform X there were "no reports of a missile attack". The official IRNA news agency said that the "reports indicate there was no major damage or large explosions caused by the impact of any air threat". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

What’s the significance of Isfahan? Why did Israel ‘target’ this Iranian city?

<p>Global military spending is at an all-time high, revealed a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released on Monday (Apr 22).</p>

<p>In 2023, military spending lodged its steepest increase in over a decade, rising to an "all-time" high of $2.4 trillion. As per the report, the military-related expenditure rose by 6.8 per cent in 2023, which it says is the "steepest year-on-year increase since 2009."</p>

<h2><strong>All-time high</strong></h2>

<p>In conversation with news agency AFP, Nan Tian, a senior researcher at SIPRI, disclosed that "total military spending is at an all-time high … and for the first time since 2009, we saw spending increase across all five geographical regions."</p>

<p>This, Tian said, was "a reflection of the deterioration of peace and security around the world. There's really not a region in the world where things have gotten better."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deaths-due-to-heat-at-all-time-high-heatwaves-in-europe-linked-to-30-increase-in-fatalities-713795">Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities</a></strong></p>

<p>Globally, the five biggest spenders were the United States, China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>However, due to the continuation of the war, Europe also recorded particularly large increases, especially in Ukraine, Russia and "a whole host" of European countries, said Tian.</p>

<h2><strong>Europe's military spending</strong></h2>

<p>Overall, in Europe, Poland increased its military spending by the largest margin — 75 per cent to $31.6 billion.</p>

<p>In 2023, Russia also boosted its spending by 24 per cent, reaching $109 billion. On the other hand, Ukraine's military spending rose by 51 per cent, reaching $64.8 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-military-intelligence-chief-quits-over-failure-to-prevent-oct-7-attack-713805">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, war-torn Kyiv also received $35 billion in military aid, of which the majority came from the US. However, despite that, the combined aid and spending only equalled just over nine-tenths of Russia's spending.</p>

<p>Tian noted that the two nations' overall budget was relatively close in 2023. Nevertheless, for Ukraine, it was 37 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and 58 per cent of all government spending, while for Russia it amounted to just 5.9 per cent of its GDP.</p>

<p>"So the room for Ukraine to increase its spending is now very limited," noted Tian.</p>

<h2><strong>Middle East</strong></h2>

<p>Driven by the Israel-Hamas war, spending also rose in the Middle East, where Israel saw a 24-per cent increase, to $27.5 billion in 2023.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, the region's biggest spender, increased its military expenditure by 4.3 per cent to an estimated $75.8 billion.</p>

<h2><strong>Asia and the world&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China, as per the report, boosted its spending for the 29th straight year, raising it by six per cent to an estimated $296 billion.</p>

<p>Japan and Taiwan, meanwhile, spent $50.2 billion and $16.6 billion respectively, an increase of 11 per cent for both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, the world's fourth-largest spender, hiked spending by 4.3 per cent, to $83.6 billion. The US, which is the world's biggest spender, increased its military spending by 2.3 per cent to $916 billion.</p>

<p>Because of the situation in Ukraine&nbsp;and the Middle East, and heightened tensions in Asia, countries, as per Tian, would continue boosting their militaries. "The expectation is that this increasing trend will continue for at least a few years to come," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Global military spending is at an all-time high, revealed a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released on Monday (Apr 22).

Global military spending is at an all-time high, revealed a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released on Monday (Apr 22). In 2023, military spending lodged its steepest increase in over a decade, rising to an "all-time" high of $2.4 trillion. As per the report, the military-related expenditure rose by 6.8 per cent in 2023, which it says is the "steepest year-on-year increase since 2009." All-time high In conversation with news agency AFP, Nan Tian, a senior researcher at SIPRI, disclosed that "total military spending is at an all-time high … and for the first time since 2009, we saw spending increase across all five geographical regions." This, Tian said, was "a reflection of the deterioration of peace and security around the world. There's really not a region in the world where things have gotten better." Also read | Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities Globally, the five biggest spenders were the United States, China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia. However, due to the continuation of the war, Europe also recorded particularly large increases, especially in Ukraine, Russia and "a whole host" of European countries, said Tian. Europe's military spending Overall, in Europe, Poland increased its military spending by the largest margin — 75 per cent to $31.6 billion. In 2023, Russia also boosted its spending by 24 per cent, reaching $109 billion. On the other hand, Ukraine's military spending rose by 51 per cent, reaching $64.8 billion. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack Additionally, war-torn Kyiv also received $35 billion in military aid, of which the majority came from the US. However, despite that, the combined aid and spending only equalled just over nine-tenths of Russia's spending. Tian noted that the two nations' overall budget was relatively close in 2023. Nevertheless, for Ukraine, it was 37 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and 58 per cent of all government spending, while for Russia it amounted to just 5.9 per cent of its GDP. "So the room for Ukraine to increase its spending is now very limited," noted Tian. Middle East Driven by the Israel-Hamas war, spending also rose in the Middle East, where Israel saw a 24-per cent increase, to $27.5 billion in 2023. Saudi Arabia, the region's biggest spender, increased its military expenditure by 4.3 per cent to an estimated $75.8 billion. Asia and the world China, as per the report, boosted its spending for the 29th straight year, raising it by six per cent to an estimated $296 billion. Japan and Taiwan, meanwhile, spent $50.2 billion and $16.6 billion respectively, an increase of 11 per cent for both countries. India, the world's fourth-largest spender, hiked spending by 4.3 per cent, to $83.6 billion. The US, which is the world's biggest spender, increased its military spending by 2.3 per cent to $916 billion. Because of the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, and heightened tensions in Asia, countries, as per Tian, would continue boosting their militaries. "The expectation is that this increasing trend will continue for at least a few years to come," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Driven by war and conflicts, global military spending rose to all-time high in 2023: SIPRI report

<p>North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Monday (April 22) towards the sea off its east coast, South Korea's military said in an official statement. The Japanese coast guard issued an alert and said North Korea had fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NHK broadcaster said that the projectile appeared to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.</p>

<p>The two countries' governments did not immediately provide any further details.</p>

<p>North Korea claimed last week that it test-launched a strategic cruise missile to test an unnamed large warhead and a new anti-aircraft missile. The development comes amid growing Chinese belligerence around Japanese waters as well as larger maritime tensions in East Asia, largely attributed to Beijing's spree of maritime expansionism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pyongyang's missile programmes are clandestinely supported by Beijing. The West claims that Moscow's support for North Korea's missile programme has been crucial to its defence posture in the region vis-a-vis American presence in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, North Korea fired a new hypersonic missile as part of its development of solid-fuelled missiles for all ranges of its arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pyongyang openly defies a ban imposed by the United Nations Security Council on developing ballistic missiles. North Korea considers international objections against its missile programmes as an infringement of its sovereign right to defend itself.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Monday (April 22) towards the sea off its east coast, South Korea's military said in an official statement. The Japanese coast guard issued an alert and said North Korea had fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile.

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Monday (April 22) towards the sea off its east coast, South Korea's military said in an official statement. The Japanese coast guard issued an alert and said North Korea had fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile. The NHK broadcaster said that the projectile appeared to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The two countries' governments did not immediately provide any further details. North Korea claimed last week that it test-launched a strategic cruise missile to test an unnamed large warhead and a new anti-aircraft missile. The development comes amid growing Chinese belligerence around Japanese waters as well as larger maritime tensions in East Asia, largely attributed to Beijing's spree of maritime expansionism. Pyongyang's missile programmes are clandestinely supported by Beijing. The West claims that Moscow's support for North Korea's missile programme has been crucial to its defence posture in the region vis-a-vis American presence in the region. Earlier this month, North Korea fired a new hypersonic missile as part of its development of solid-fuelled missiles for all ranges of its arsenal. Pyongyang openly defies a ban imposed by the United Nations Security Council on developing ballistic missiles. North Korea considers international objections against its missile programmes as an infringement of its sovereign right to defend itself. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan issues alert after North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea

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<p>The Japanese military&nbsp;on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people&nbsp;missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. The two SH-60K helicopters, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) were each carrying four people on board. Addressing a press conference, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters that rescuers "spotted what are believed to be parts of the aircraft in the sea."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Kihara said that the cause of the crash was unknown, adding the helicopters were doing drills to counter submarines at night. Meanwhile, a military spokesperson told AFP that one of the eight people on board had been rescued, but the person died.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Search for missing people on</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Japanese broadcaster NHK said that a search for the seven missing people was on. Defence ministry officials said that communication with one of the helicopters was lost off Torishima Island at around 10.38 pm local time, and one minute later an emergency signal was received from this chopper.</p>

<p>The officials added that 25 minutes after this, they realised that communication with the other aircraft was also lost in the same area. The MSDF said that there were no other aircraft or vessels in nearby waters, and involvement of another country in the incident was unlikely.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous incidents</strong></h2>

<p>In April last year, a Japanese army helicopter with 10 people on board crashed off Miyako island in southern Okinawa. There were no survivors. In January 2022, a Japanese fighter jet crashed in waters off the central Ishikawa region, killing two pilots on board.</p>

<p>In 2019, an F-35A stealth jet crashed into the sea after taking off from northeastern Japan on a training mission, killing the pilot.&nbsp;</p>


The Japanese military on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. The two SH-60K helicopters, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) were each carrying four people on board.

The Japanese military on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. The two SH-60K helicopters, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) were each carrying four people on board. Addressing a press conference, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters that rescuers "spotted what are believed to be parts of the aircraft in the sea." Defence Minister Kihara said that the cause of the crash was unknown, adding the helicopters were doing drills to counter submarines at night. Meanwhile, a military spokesperson told AFP that one of the eight people on board had been rescued, but the person died. Search for missing people on A report by Japanese broadcaster NHK said that a search for the seven missing people was on. Defence ministry officials said that communication with one of the helicopters was lost off Torishima Island at around 10.38 pm local time, and one minute later an emergency signal was received from this chopper. The officials added that 25 minutes after this, they realised that communication with the other aircraft was also lost in the same area. The MSDF said that there were no other aircraft or vessels in nearby waters, and involvement of another country in the incident was unlikely. Previous incidents In April last year, a Japanese army helicopter with 10 people on board crashed off Miyako island in southern Okinawa. There were no survivors. In January 2022, a Japanese fighter jet crashed in waters off the central Ishikawa region, killing two pilots on board. In 2019, an F-35A stealth jet crashed into the sea after taking off from northeastern Japan on a training mission, killing the pilot.

Japan confirms one person dead, seven missing after two military helicopters crash

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<p>Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip which has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians so far.</p>

<p>Major General Haliva became the first senior Israeli figure to step down following the war. He said shortly after the attack in October last year that he shouldered the blame for not preventing the assault.</p>

<p>In a statement, the Israeli military said that the military chief of staff accepted Haliva’s request to resign and thanked him for his service. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that Haliva's resignation could set the stage for more of the country's top security brass to accept blame for not being able to prevent the attack and step down.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel indicts Hamas chief's sister</strong></h2>

<p>Haliva's resignation came a day after Israel's state attorney indicted the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on charges of incitement and showing solidarity with a terror group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-22-killed-mostly-children-in-strikes-on-southern-gaza-as-us-prepares-aid-package-713678">Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package</a></strong></p>

<p>Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh, 57, had allegedly praised the October 7 attack. She lives in the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva. Police footage from April 1 showed policemen raiding Haniyeh's home and speaking to her before she was detained, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday.</p>

<p>According to the indictment, in the days after Hamas' October 7 killing spree in southern Israel, Sabah sent messages to dozens of contacts, including her brother Ismail, praising the cross-border assault and calling for further "slaughter".</p>

<p>One of her messages mentioned in the indictment includes the line: "Oh God, count them and kill them and don't leave any of them, Oh God."</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza Strip crosses 34,000</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest news from the conflict, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 34,097, according to the health ministry in the war-ravaged region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Thousands of pro-Gazans demonstrate in New York and Sanaa</strong></p>

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<p>The tally includes at least 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,980 people have been wounded since the conflict started.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip which has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians so far. Major General Haliva became the first senior Israeli figure to step down following the war. He said shortly after the attack in October last year that he shouldered the blame for not preventing the assault. In a statement, the Israeli military said that the military chief of staff accepted Haliva’s request to resign and thanked him for his service. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that Haliva's resignation could set the stage for more of the country's top security brass to accept blame for not being able to prevent the attack and step down. Israel indicts Hamas chief's sister Haliva's resignation came a day after Israel's state attorney indicted the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on charges of incitement and showing solidarity with a terror group. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh, 57, had allegedly praised the October 7 attack. She lives in the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva. Police footage from April 1 showed policemen raiding Haniyeh's home and speaking to her before she was detained, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday. According to the indictment, in the days after Hamas' October 7 killing spree in southern Israel, Sabah sent messages to dozens of contacts, including her brother Ismail, praising the cross-border assault and calling for further "slaughter". One of her messages mentioned in the indictment includes the line: "Oh God, count them and kill them and don't leave any of them, Oh God." Death toll in Gaza Strip crosses 34,000 In the latest news from the conflict, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 34,097, according to the health ministry in the war-ravaged region. Also watch | Thousands of pro-Gazans demonstrate in New York and Sanaa × The tally includes at least 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,980 people have been wounded since the conflict started. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack

Ukraine is thrilled after a $60 billion aid bill was passed in the US Lower house for Ukraine's ongoing war against Russia. How will this aid Ukraine's fate on the front-line? Will this spark Ukraine's counter-offensive 2.0? WION's Shivan Chanana discusses with Dmitry Babich, political analyst at Sputnik international.

Russia-Ukraine war: Will the arrival of US Weapons spark counter-offensive 2.0?

If reports of US mulling sanctions on IDF units were not enough trouble for Israel to deal with. Local media agencies have revealed that fresh tensions have erupted during a recent War cabinet session. This after the PM Netanyahu accused the security minister Yoav Gallant of security leaks.

Israel war | Netanyahu vs Gallant: Netanyahu accuses Gallant over leaking info

The UK government heads for a showdown with peers over its law to send asylum seekers to Africa. Watch to know more.

UK: Rwanda bill showdown in Parliament, House of lords blocks govt's Rwanda's plan

In a miraculous event, doctors delivered a baby girl from the womb of a Palestinian woman. The woman was killed along with her daughter and husband during an attack by Israel on the Gaza City of Rafah in which 19 people died during intensified strikes.

Israel war | Baby in Gaza saved from dead mother's womb

The 97th Netzah Yehuda Battalion, previously known as Nahal Haredi, is a battalion in the Kfir Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. Watch to know more.

Netzah Yehuda: Israel's controversial ultra-orthodox battalion

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister says his Nation does not deserve to be labelled cannibals and urged the United States to clear up the remnants of World War II littered across the Pacific this comes after US President Joe Biden's comments regarding his missing serviceman.

Papua New Guinea's PM dismisses Biden's claim

<p>Europe, as per a recent report, is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body is unable to cope, and subsequently, deaths related to heat have increased by 30 per cent in the last 20 years.</p>

<p>On Monday (Apr 22), the EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that extreme heat poses particular health risks to outdoor workers, the elderly, and people with existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.</p>

<h2><strong>Last year's extreme heatwave</strong></h2>

<p>In its report, Copernicus and WMO noted that in 2023, heatwaves pushed almost half — 41 per cent — of Southern Europe into strong, very strong or extreme heat stress. This, AFP reports, was the biggest area of Europe under such conditions in any day on record.</p>

<p>Last year, as far as the records go, was the hottest year globally, and Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tiny-moon-big-ocean-this-is-how-a-huge-ocean-was-created-on-saturns-death-star-moon-mimas-712562">Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas</a></strong></p>

<p>In July 2023, parts of Italy recorded a seven per cent increase in deaths. The victims included a 44-year-old man who, while painting road markings in the northern town of Lodi, collapsed and died.</p>

<h2><strong>'Feels like' temperature</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, parts of Spain, France, Italy, and Greece experienced up to ten days of extreme heat stress. This, as per AFP, is defined as "feels like" temperature of more than 46 degrees Celsius, at which point immediate action must be taken to avoid heat stroke and other health issues.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mp-responds-to-musks-global-censorship-remark-calls-x-a-factory-for-trolls-and-misinformation-713688">Australian MP responds to Musk's 'global censorship' remark, calls X a 'factory for trolls and misinformation'</a></strong></p>

<p>Heat stress measures the environment's impact on the human body, combining factors like temperature, humidity, and the body's response to establish&nbsp;"feels like" temperature.</p>

<p>As per researchers, the extreme heat was majorly fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions, the El Niño weather pattern also played a role.</p>

<p>Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said, "Some of the events of 2023 took the scientific community by surprise because of their intensity, their speed of onset, extent, and duration".</p>

<p>Last month, the EU's environment agency urged governments to prepare healthcare systems for climate change and called for EU rules to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Europe, as per a recent report, is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body is unable to cope, and subsequently, deaths related to heat have increased by 30 per cent in the last 20 years.

Europe, as per a recent report, is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body is unable to cope, and subsequently, deaths related to heat have increased by 30 per cent in the last 20 years. On Monday (Apr 22), the EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that extreme heat poses particular health risks to outdoor workers, the elderly, and people with existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Last year's extreme heatwave In its report, Copernicus and WMO noted that in 2023, heatwaves pushed almost half — 41 per cent — of Southern Europe into strong, very strong or extreme heat stress. This, AFP reports, was the biggest area of Europe under such conditions in any day on record. Last year, as far as the records go, was the hottest year globally, and Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent. Also read | Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas In July 2023, parts of Italy recorded a seven per cent increase in deaths. The victims included a 44-year-old man who, while painting road markings in the northern town of Lodi, collapsed and died. 'Feels like' temperature Last year, parts of Spain, France, Italy, and Greece experienced up to ten days of extreme heat stress. This, as per AFP, is defined as "feels like" temperature of more than 46 degrees Celsius, at which point immediate action must be taken to avoid heat stroke and other health issues. Also read | Australian MP responds to Musk's 'global censorship' remark, calls X a 'factory for trolls and misinformation' Heat stress measures the environment's impact on the human body, combining factors like temperature, humidity, and the body's response to establish "feels like" temperature. As per researchers, the extreme heat was majorly fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions, the El Niño weather pattern also played a role. Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said, "Some of the events of 2023 took the scientific community by surprise because of their intensity, their speed of onset, extent, and duration". Last month, the EU's environment agency urged governments to prepare healthcare systems for climate change and called for EU rules to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. (With inputs from agencies)

Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi commenced his three-day visit to Pakistan on Monday, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Watch to know more.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Pakistan, to hold meetings with counterpart

Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip which killed more than 34,000 Palestinians so far.

<p>Israel is set to summon ambassadors from several countries that voted in favour of granting full UN membership to Palestine. Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, said in a statement, "As instructed by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, tomorrow (Sunday), the Foreign Ministry will summon for a protest talk the ambassadors of the countries that voted in the Security Council in favour of upgrading the status of the Palestinians in the UN."</p>

<p>The countries whose ambassadors will be summoned include France, Malta, Japan, South Korea, Slovenia, and Ecuador. The protest is in response to their support for the Algerian proposal, which sought&nbsp;to upgrade the status of Palestine in the UN but was ultimately rejected.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-has-77000-former-troops-liable-for-callout-in-emergencies-report-713517">UK has 77,000 former troops liable for callout in emergencies: Report</a></p>

<p>Marmorstein highlighted Israel's stance against recognising Palestine as a full UN member state stating, "A political gesture to the Palestinians and a call to recognise a Palestinian state – six months after the October 7 massacre – is a prize for terrorism."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-faces-new-normal-of-medication-shortages-post-brexit-report-713486">UK faces 'new normal' of medicine supply shortage post-Brexit: Report</a></p>

<p>The move comes after the Security Council on Thursday (Apr 18) rejected Palestine’s request for UN membership as Israel's ally, the United States vetoed the proposal. Ambassador Robert A. Wood of the United States voted against the draft resolution in the UNSC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The draft resolution, one of the shortest in the Council’s history, recommended the admission of Palestine to the United Nations as a full member.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-us-expected-to-sanction-idf-unit-for-violations-in-west-bank-713542">Israel-Hamas war: US expected to sanction IDF unit for violations in West Bank</a></strong></p>

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<p>Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine submitted its request for reconsideration of its 2011 application. The Security Council had previously considered the request but failed to reach a consensus.</p>

<p>The Security Council's Committee on the Admission of Member States discussed the matter earlier this month on 8 and 11 April.&nbsp;However, when the draft resolution was taken up US ultimately vetoed it. Palestine has been a Permanent Observer at the UN since 2012.</p>

<h2><strong>Reaction from Palestinian authorities&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the US veto, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas termed the move as “unfair, unethical and unjustified” and said that it was a “blatant aggression … which pushes the region ever further to the edge of the abyss”.</p>

<p>“The fact that this resolution did not pass will not break our will, and it will not defeat our determination,” Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said following the vote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel is set to summon ambassadors from several countries that voted in favour of granting full UN membership to Palestine. Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, said in a statement, "As instructed by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, tomorrow (Sunday), the Foreign Ministry will summon for a protest talk the ambassadors of the countries that voted in the Security Council in favour of upgrading the status of the Palestinians in the UN.

Israel is set to summon ambassadors from several countries that voted in favour of granting full UN membership to Palestine. Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, said in a statement, "As instructed by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, tomorrow (Sunday), the Foreign Ministry will summon for a protest talk the ambassadors of the countries that voted in the Security Council in favour of upgrading the status of the Palestinians in the UN." The countries whose ambassadors will be summoned include France, Malta, Japan, South Korea, Slovenia, and Ecuador. The protest is in response to their support for the Algerian proposal, which sought to upgrade the status of Palestine in the UN but was ultimately rejected. Also Read | UK has 77,000 former troops liable for callout in emergencies: Report Marmorstein highlighted Israel's stance against recognising Palestine as a full UN member state stating, "A political gesture to the Palestinians and a call to recognise a Palestinian state – six months after the October 7 massacre – is a prize for terrorism." Also Read | UK faces 'new normal' of medicine supply shortage post-Brexit: Report The move comes after the Security Council on Thursday (Apr 18) rejected Palestine’s request for UN membership as Israel's ally, the United States vetoed the proposal. Ambassador Robert A. Wood of the United States voted against the draft resolution in the UNSC. The draft resolution, one of the shortest in the Council’s history, recommended the admission of Palestine to the United Nations as a full member. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: US expected to sanction IDF unit for violations in West Bank × Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine submitted its request for reconsideration of its 2011 application. The Security Council had previously considered the request but failed to reach a consensus. The Security Council's Committee on the Admission of Member States discussed the matter earlier this month on 8 and 11 April. However, when the draft resolution was taken up US ultimately vetoed it. Palestine has been a Permanent Observer at the UN since 2012. Reaction from Palestinian authorities Reacting to the US veto, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas termed the move as “unfair, unethical and unjustified” and said that it was a “blatant aggression … which pushes the region ever further to the edge of the abyss”. “The fact that this resolution did not pass will not break our will, and it will not defeat our determination,” Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said following the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to summon envoys of nations that voted in favour of Palestine’s full UN membership

<p>Chinese state media reported on Sunday (April 21) that certain regions of southern China are bracing for severe floods, described as occurring approximately once every hundred years, due to heavy rainfall.</p>

<p>The downpours have affected large&nbsp;areas of Guangdong province since Thursday, causing rivers in the Pearl River Delta, a key manufacturing hub in China, to swell.</p>

<p>Weather advisories have been issued for significant portions of central Guangdong, with the national meteorological agency cautioning about severe storms along the coast until Monday evening.</p>

<p>On Sunday, aerial footage captured by state broadcaster CCTV showed murky floodwaters reaching close to street level in certain towns, submerging low-lying buildings and revealing a towering pagoda amidst the deluge.</p>

<p>According to CCTV, citing the provincial hydrology bureau, three locations within the Bei River basin are expected to witness flooding of a magnitude occurring approximately once every century, attributed to heavy precipitation. These areas are projected to experience floods reaching up to 5.8 metres&nbsp;(19 feet) above the designated warning level starting early Monday morning.</p>

<p>Additionally, several other regions are anticipated to encounter floods of a magnitude typically seen once every 50 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China: Xi Jinping decrees expansion of cyberwarfare capabilities</strong></p>

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<p>The Pearl River Delta, housing approximately 127 million people in Guangdong alone, stands as one of China's most densely populated regions.</p>

<p>Despite the unfolding situation, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or widespread evacuations.</p>

<p>In response to the crisis, authorities have initiated a level-three emergency response in Guangdong, which is the second lowest level in a four-tier system, as per CCTV reports.</p>

<p>Parts of neighbouring provinces such as Jiangxi and Fujian are also expected to face severe rainstorms on Sunday evening.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-dragons-to-rescue-china-here-is-why-beijing-is-counting-on-2024-to-fix-its-population-woes-681243">Also read |&nbsp;'Baby dragons' to rescue China? Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes - Here's Why</a></p>

<p>While extreme weather events are not uncommon in China, recent years have witnessed the nation grappling with severe floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking heat. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events can be attributed to climate change driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, with China being the world's largest emitter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese state media reported on Sunday (April 21) that certain regions of southern China are bracing for severe floods, described as occurring approximately once every hundred years, due to heavy rainfall.

Chinese state media reported on Sunday (April 21) that certain regions of southern China are bracing for severe floods, described as occurring approximately once every hundred years, due to heavy rainfall. The downpours have affected large areas of Guangdong province since Thursday, causing rivers in the Pearl River Delta, a key manufacturing hub in China, to swell. Weather advisories have been issued for significant portions of central Guangdong, with the national meteorological agency cautioning about severe storms along the coast until Monday evening. On Sunday, aerial footage captured by state broadcaster CCTV showed murky floodwaters reaching close to street level in certain towns, submerging low-lying buildings and revealing a towering pagoda amidst the deluge. According to CCTV, citing the provincial hydrology bureau, three locations within the Bei River basin are expected to witness flooding of a magnitude occurring approximately once every century, attributed to heavy precipitation. These areas are projected to experience floods reaching up to 5.8 metres (19 feet) above the designated warning level starting early Monday morning. Additionally, several other regions are anticipated to encounter floods of a magnitude typically seen once every 50 years. Also watch | China: Xi Jinping decrees expansion of cyberwarfare capabilities The Pearl River Delta, housing approximately 127 million people in Guangdong alone, stands as one of China's most densely populated regions. Despite the unfolding situation, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or widespread evacuations. In response to the crisis, authorities have initiated a level-three emergency response in Guangdong, which is the second lowest level in a four-tier system, as per CCTV reports. Parts of neighbouring provinces such as Jiangxi and Fujian are also expected to face severe rainstorms on Sunday evening. Also read | 'Baby dragons' to rescue China? Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes - Here's Why While extreme weather events are not uncommon in China, recent years have witnessed the nation grappling with severe floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking heat. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events can be attributed to climate change driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, with China being the world's largest emitter. (With inputs from agencies)

China gears up for ‘once a century’ floods amid heavy rainfall

Papua New Guinea's PM dismisses Biden's cannibalism claim

<p>According to a report, the missile employed in the suspected Israeli strike on a military facility near Isfahan in Iran was identified as 'Rampage'. The Rampage missile is an advanced air-to-surface missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems. Designed to be highly precise and versatile, the Rampage is capable of striking a variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. It is one of the most powerful weapons in modern warfare.</p>

<p>The identification of the purported missile was based on photographic evidence and the extent of damage inflicted during the attack, the report from a Hebrew media outlet Kan&nbsp;pointed out.</p>

<p>Measuring 4.7 metres&nbsp;(15 feet) in length, Rampage boasts supersonic speed. To reduce the likelihood of detection and interception by enemy air defences, the Rampage has stealthiness as one of its important features that enables it to penetrate defended airspace and strike targets with reduced risk of detection. Rampage was unveiled in 2018 and weighs over half a tonne. It is specifically engineered to penetrate and eliminate fortified structures such as bunkers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-jets-hit-hezbollah-targets-in-southern-lebanon-overnight-713558">IDF jets hit Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight</a></p>

<p>Iran has downplayed the incident claiming only the involvement of three small drones. Tehran refuted claims of any missile strikes by the Jewish nation and the Iranian foreign minister even went on to say that they were not drones but toys our children play with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-summon-envoys-for-voting-in-favour-of-palestines-full-un-membership-713565">Israel to summon envoys for voting in favour of Palestine's full UN membership</a></p>

<p>An earlier report said that Israel used the missile&nbsp;in alleged strike on Iranian air defences near the Natanz nuclear site. However, Iranian news agencies said that no nuclear site was hit in the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-gantz-slam-us-plan-to-sanction-idf-unit-713571">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu, Gantz slam US plan to sanction IDF unit</a></strong></p>

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<p>The report said that these actions taken by Israel were intended to deter Iran from future direct assaults on Israel, the country that has been involved in a war with Hamas in Gaza for over six months. Reports also suggested that Israel had plans for a broader strike on Iran however the war cabinet later dropped the idea because of the small damage the Iranian strikes incurred on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation between Iran and Israel escalated earlier when Israel hit the Iranian consulate in the city of Damascus in Syria on April 1. The muted response reported post-Israeli strikes on Isfahan, experts say, could be a sign of de-escalation from both the parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


According to a report, the missile employed in the suspected Israeli strike on a military facility near Isfahan in Iran was identified as 'Rampage'. The Rampage missile is an advanced air-to-surface missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems.

According to a report, the missile employed in the suspected Israeli strike on a military facility near Isfahan in Iran was identified as 'Rampage'. The Rampage missile is an advanced air-to-surface missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems. Designed to be highly precise and versatile, the Rampage is capable of striking a variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. It is one of the most powerful weapons in modern warfare. The identification of the purported missile was based on photographic evidence and the extent of damage inflicted during the attack, the report from a Hebrew media outlet Kan pointed out. Measuring 4.7 metres (15 feet) in length, Rampage boasts supersonic speed. To reduce the likelihood of detection and interception by enemy air defences, the Rampage has stealthiness as one of its important features that enables it to penetrate defended airspace and strike targets with reduced risk of detection. Rampage was unveiled in 2018 and weighs over half a tonne. It is specifically engineered to penetrate and eliminate fortified structures such as bunkers. Also Read | IDF jets hit Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight Iran has downplayed the incident claiming only the involvement of three small drones. Tehran refuted claims of any missile strikes by the Jewish nation and the Iranian foreign minister even went on to say that they were not drones but toys our children play with. Also Read | Israel to summon envoys for voting in favour of Palestine's full UN membership An earlier report said that Israel used the missile in alleged strike on Iranian air defences near the Natanz nuclear site. However, Iranian news agencies said that no nuclear site was hit in the strike. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu, Gantz slam US plan to sanction IDF unit × The report said that these actions taken by Israel were intended to deter Iran from future direct assaults on Israel, the country that has been involved in a war with Hamas in Gaza for over six months. Reports also suggested that Israel had plans for a broader strike on Iran however the war cabinet later dropped the idea because of the small damage the Iranian strikes incurred on Israel. The situation between Iran and Israel escalated earlier when Israel hit the Iranian consulate in the city of Damascus in Syria on April 1. The muted response reported post-Israeli strikes on Isfahan, experts say, could be a sign of de-escalation from both the parties. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel used air-to-surface missile ‘Rampage’ in alleged attack on Iran: Report

<p>Poland is ready to host nuclear arms if NATO decides to deploy the weapons in the face of Russia reinforcing its armaments in Belarus and Kaliningrad, President Andrzej Duda said in an interview published on Monday.</p>

<p>"If our allies decide to deploy nuclear arms on our territory as part of nuclear sharing, to reinforce NATO's eastern flank, we are ready to do so," Duda said in an interview published by the Fakt daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Poland is ready to host nuclear arms if NATO decides to deploy the weapons in the face of Russia reinforcing its armaments in Belarus and Kaliningrad, President Andrzej Duda said in an interview published on Monday.

Poland is ready to host nuclear arms if NATO decides to deploy the weapons in the face of Russia reinforcing its armaments in Belarus and Kaliningrad, President Andrzej Duda said in an interview published on Monday. "If our allies decide to deploy nuclear arms on our territory as part of nuclear sharing, to reinforce NATO's eastern flank, we are ready to do so," Duda said in an interview published by the Fakt daily.

Poland 'ready' to have nuclear weapons on its territory: President Andrzej Duda

Israeli media reported over weekend that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of security leaks following which tensions erupted over the meeting of the country's war cabinet that's leading country's unprecedented military response to October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel.

Israel: Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of pushing 'false leaks' amid hostage crisis

Watch Headlines of the hour: - 2 Japanese Defence choppers crash - US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit - Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys - Maldives Elections 2024: Voting underway - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move

2 Japanese Defence choppers crash | Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys

<p data-reactid=".2cob9zi6ofo.0.2.0.0.1.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6623e872683d9934d25c6c19.0.6.0.0:$post_0">US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour&nbsp;of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences. The House also passed a funding of $26.4bn for Israel as the country fights Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-reactid=".2cob9zi6ofo.0.2.0.0.1.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6623e872683d9934d25c6c19.0.6.0.0:$post_0">Moreover, the House of Representatives also passed a bill that would compel TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, or else face a nationwide prohibition in the United States as well as a a bill to aid Taiwan while countering China in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US House was set to vote on a $95 billion foreign aid package targeted at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan but Republicans oppose the bill arguing that the funds instead of foreign aid should be redirected toward addressing immigration challenges at the borders.</p>

<p>Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, defied opposition within his party and has placed his leadership position on the line to push forward this legislation.</p>

<p>The legislation would allocate $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel with additional humanitarian aid for conflict zones like Gaza, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

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<p>There are three separate bills for each of these funds. The funding allocation for the third bill earmarks $3.3 billion for the development of submarine infrastructure and $2 billion for foreign military financing for Taiwan and its allied nations.</p>

<p>A fourth bill contains foreign policy proposals on confiscating Russian assets, sale&nbsp;of Chinese video hosting app TikTok, and imposing sanctions on Iran, China, Russia, and firms that traffic the fentanyl that has been responsible for a concerning rise in overdoses and deaths in recent years in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Johnson garnered support but is risking a potential ouster due to Republicans and hard-liner Democrats in the House. The Senate will take up the bill, and send the legislation to President Biden.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Johnson earlier while showing urgency in aiding Ukraine, warned of potential ramifications if Russia were to prevail in the conflict. He stated he "would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys"&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My son is going to begin at the Naval Academy this fall,” Mr. Johnson reportedly said at the Capitol earlier adding, “This is a live-fire exercise for me as it is for so many American families. This is not a game. It’s not a joke. We can’t play politics on this. We have to do the right thing, and I’m going to allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences.

US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences. The House also passed a funding of $26.4bn for Israel as the country fights Hamas in Gaza. Moreover, the House of Representatives also passed a bill that would compel TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, or else face a nationwide prohibition in the United States as well as a a bill to aid Taiwan while countering China in the Indo-Pacific region. US House was set to vote on a $95 billion foreign aid package targeted at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan but Republicans oppose the bill arguing that the funds instead of foreign aid should be redirected toward addressing immigration challenges at the borders. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, defied opposition within his party and has placed his leadership position on the line to push forward this legislation. The legislation would allocate $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel with additional humanitarian aid for conflict zones like Gaza, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Also Read | Florida man, who set himself ablaze near NY court during Trump trial, dies There are three separate bills for each of these funds. The funding allocation for the third bill earmarks $3.3 billion for the development of submarine infrastructure and $2 billion for foreign military financing for Taiwan and its allied nations. A fourth bill contains foreign policy proposals on confiscating Russian assets, sale of Chinese video hosting app TikTok, and imposing sanctions on Iran, China, Russia, and firms that traffic the fentanyl that has been responsible for a concerning rise in overdoses and deaths in recent years in the United States. Also Read | US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project Johnson garnered support but is risking a potential ouster due to Republicans and hard-liner Democrats in the House. The Senate will take up the bill, and send the legislation to President Biden. Watch | Final Jury seated for Donald Trump's hush money case trial × Johnson earlier while showing urgency in aiding Ukraine, warned of potential ramifications if Russia were to prevail in the conflict. He stated he "would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys" “My son is going to begin at the Naval Academy this fall,” Mr. Johnson reportedly said at the Capitol earlier adding, “This is a live-fire exercise for me as it is for so many American families. This is not a game. It’s not a joke. We can’t play politics on this. We have to do the right thing, and I’m going to allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will.” (With inputs from agencies)

US House votes in favour of $95bn aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

Afghan Olympian Friba Rezayee has called on the International Olympic Committee to ban Afghanistan from the upcoming Paris Olympics scheduled in July this year due to the Taliban's human rights record. Has the IOC turned a blind eye to Taliban violations?

Paris Olympics 2024: Will IOC ban Afghanistan from Paris Olympics?

Authorities in the region of Kurgan in Russia's Ural Mountains ordered evacuation from several districts on Saturday due to rising River levels after huge melting of snow and heavy rainfall in the area. The Kurgan region continues to suffer due to floods. Watch in for more details!

Russia Floods: Authorities in Kurgan region ask residents to evacuate

Watch Headlines of the hour: - US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit - Maldives Elections 2024: Voting underway - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move - Tel Aviv: Protests grow against Netanyahu

TikTok told to snap links with China | US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit

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TikTok told to snap links with China | US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit