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Global airlines suspendedflights across the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, plunging the region into a renewed military confrontation, Reuters reported. 

Flight maps showed the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain virtually empty as Israel said it struck Iran and the U.S. military initiated a series of strikes against targets in the country. Iran retaliated with a salvo of missiles.

Airlines have cancelled almost 40% of flights to Israel and 6.7% of flights to the broader region on Saturday, according to preliminary Cirium data, according to Reuters. 

At least 20 people have been killed and others injured after a Bolivian air force cargo plane crashed in the western city of El Alto, the country's authorities say, BBC reported. 

The incident happened at 18:15 local time (22:15 GMT) on Friday as the plane was arriving at El Alto's airport from the city of Santa Cruz, aviation officials said. It reportedly skidded off the runway and hit nearby vehicles.

The defence ministry later confirmed its C-130 Hercules was involved and that it had been transporting banknotes to the Central Bank of Bolivia. There were eight people aboard the plane, the air force commander said, according to BBC. 

British planes "are in the sky" in the Middle East "to protect our people, our interests and our allies," Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said, BBC reported. 

In a pre-recorded statement televised on Saturday afternoon, Starmer said protections for British bases and personnel had been stepped up to their highest level.

The US and Israel launched strikes across multiple Iranian cities including capital Tehran on Saturday morning, after negotiations to limit Iran's nuclear programme ended without an agreement. The UK did not participate in the strikes, according to BBC.

Earlier, the PM released a statement along with the leaders of France and Germany, calling for Iran to "refrain from indiscriminate military strikes".

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-China relations. 

According to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, the Prime Minister congratulated Zhang on the assumption of the post, wishing him a successful term. 

She hoped that the Ambassador would successfully carry out his duties, thereby contributing to take the friendly relations between the two countries to a new height. 

The Chinese Ambassador congratulated the Prime Minister for building an atmosphere conducive to House of Representatives election by maintaining peace, security and a rule of law. 

He added that China's support and cooperation would always be there in such a process. 

The Prime Minister thanked China for its goodwill and support for the election, a significant part of Nepal's democratic process. 

She also, on behalf of Nepal and Nepali citizens, expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for its support to various development projects in Nepal. 

The Prime Minister and the Chinese Ambassador exchanged best wishes on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. 

Stating that the two nations are closely connected by culture, geography and historic ties, Prime Minister Karki reiterated Nepal's commitment to the Panchasheel Principles (The Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence). 

She affirmed Nepal adheres to the 'One-China Policy', and made it clear that no activities against its close neighbour would be entertained in its territory. 

Instability in one nation may cause issues in another nation, she reminded, underlining the need for strengthening mutual cooperation for having regional peace and stability. 

In response, the Chinese Envoy, on behalf of the people and President of China, expressed gratitude to the Nepal government for its policy and stance regarding China.