President Joe Biden touted a "transformative approach" to address migration at the Summit of the Americas on Thursday (June 9).

During the opening speech at the Summit, Biden talked of a "shared responsibility" in the region to tackle the issue.

“Each one of our countries has been impacted by unprecedented migration, and I believe it is our shared responsibility to meet this challenge. I emphasize shared," he said.

Biden announced at the Summit a number of nations will join the United States in announcing a Los Angeles declaration on migration and protection.

According to a draft document seen by Reuters which was dated both June 6 and June 7, included commitments to work on convening banks to review their financial instruments for migrant-hosting countries, as well as improving migrants' access to public and private services.

It also lists pledges by Western Hemisphere countries to work together to boost regional law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and visa regimes, while attempting to strengthen and expand temporary labor opportunities.

The White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether the draft was final.

A government official from a country at the U.S.-hosted summit said the migration pledges and all the other declarations had been approved by the participating countries on Wednesday (June 8).

U.S. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, took office in January 2021 pledging to reverse many of the hardline immigration policies of his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. But he has struggled to contain record numbers of border crossings.

Immigration has been high on the agenda at the summit in Los Angeles. However, the absence of leaders from Mexico and other countries that send many migrants north has raised questions about how much progress would be made on it.

Washington chose to exclude Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua from the summit, prompting some leaders to stay away.

In recent months, the Biden administration has sought to portray migration as a challenge for all of the Americas, calling on other countries to strengthen protection systems for migrants and expand their access to legal pathways.

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President Joe Biden touted a "transformative approach" to address migration at the Summit of the Americas on Thursday (June 9). During the opening speech at the Summit, Biden talked of a "shared responsibility" in the region to tackle the issue.

President Joe Biden touted a "transformative approach" to address migration at the Summit of the Americas on Thursday (June 9). During the opening speech at the Summit, Biden talked of a "shared responsibility" in the region to tackle the issue. “Each one of our countries has been impacted by unprecedented migration, and I believe it is our shared responsibility to meet this challenge. I emphasize shared," he said. Biden announced at the Summit a number of nations will join the United States in announcing a Los Angeles declaration on migration and protection. According to a draft document seen by Reuters which was dated both June 6 and June 7, included commitments to work on convening banks to review their financial instruments for migrant-hosting countries, as well as improving migrants' access to public and private services. It also lists pledges by Western Hemisphere countries to work together to boost regional law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and visa regimes, while attempting to strengthen and expand temporary labor opportunities. The White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether the draft was final. A government official from a country at the U.S.-hosted summit said the migration pledges and all the other declarations had been approved by the participating countries on Wednesday (June 8). U.S. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, took office in January 2021 pledging to reverse many of the hardline immigration policies of his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. But he has struggled to contain record numbers of border crossings. Immigration has been high on the agenda at the summit in Los Angeles. However, the absence of leaders from Mexico and other countries that send many migrants north has raised questions about how much progress would be made on it. Washington chose to exclude Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua from the summit, prompting some leaders to stay away. In recent months, the Biden administration has sought to portray migration as a challenge for all of the Americas, calling on other countries to strengthen protection systems for migrants and expand their access to legal pathways. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden touts 'transformative approach' on migration at Americas summit

Maryland, on Thursday (June 9), joined the list of places in the USA with recent incidents of shootouts. A shooter opened fire at a factory in northern Maryland. Authorities said that at least three people were dead.

The suspect was not immediately identified. The shooter opened fire at Columbia Machine Inc's factory in Smithsburg, Maryland, Fox News reported. It was not immediately clear what was the motive behind the shooting.

Aerial footage showed police vehicles at the scene of the shooting.

"We are actively monitoring the mass shooting in #Smithsburg right now, and our office is in contact with officials on the ground," US Representative David Trone of Maryland said on Twitter.

"If you're local, please stay away from the area as law enforcement responds," Trone said.

Columbia Machine supplies concrete manufacturing equipment to customers in over 100 countries, according to its website.

The USA has been rattled by a spate of shootouts recently. The shootout at Robb Elementary School in Texas claimed lives of 19 children and two teachers. Oklahoma and New York were two more places where shootings took place.

Gun rights are enshrined in US Constitution and any attempt to control wide and easy availability of guns meets heavy political opposition, particularly from Republican Party.

US House of Representatives on June 8 passed a gun control bill but chances of the the bill passing in US Senate are slim since Democratic Party would need support from Republican lawmakers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Maryland, on Thursday (June 9), joined the list of places in the USA with recent incidents of shootouts. A shooter opened fire at a factory in northern Maryland.

Maryland, on Thursday (June 9), joined the list of places in the USA with recent incidents of shootouts. A shooter opened fire at a factory in northern Maryland. Authorities said that at least three people were dead. The suspect was not immediately identified. The shooter opened fire at Columbia Machine Inc's factory in Smithsburg, Maryland, Fox News reported. It was not immediately clear what was the motive behind the shooting. Aerial footage showed police vehicles at the scene of the shooting. "We are actively monitoring the mass shooting in #Smithsburg right now, and our office is in contact with officials on the ground," US Representative David Trone of Maryland said on Twitter. "If you're local, please stay away from the area as law enforcement responds," Trone said. Columbia Machine supplies concrete manufacturing equipment to customers in over 100 countries, according to its website. The USA has been rattled by a spate of shootouts recently. The shootout at Robb Elementary School in Texas claimed lives of 19 children and two teachers. Oklahoma and New York were two more places where shootings took place. Gun rights are enshrined in US Constitution and any attempt to control wide and easy availability of guns meets heavy political opposition, particularly from Republican Party. US House of Representatives on June 8 passed a gun control bill but chances of the the bill passing in US Senate are slim since Democratic Party would need support from Republican lawmakers. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Maryland: Shooter opens fire at factory, at least three killed

The interior minister of Ukraine said on Thursday that there was 'no danger' of a Russian attack on Kyiv but preparations were on for defence.

"There is no danger of an attack on Kyiv today," Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said.

"There is no concentration of troops near the Belarusian border, but we understand that any scenarios are possible tomorrow," he told AFP, dressed in a black military sweater, a Ukrainian flag on its right sleeve.

"Therefore, serious training is under way -- preparation of the line of defence, training of troops who will remain" in Kyiv and around the city.

However, the minister noted that danger of Russian air strikes was present.

"Any place in Ukraine can be a target for rocket fire, including Kyiv," he said.

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He further said that the targets can include "the government quarter" and "historic centre of the capital.

Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24. Initially, Russia had set its eye on the Ukrainian capital. They had even captured several towns around the city. However, Russian forces withdrew a month later. Russia has since concentrated its firepower in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.

Monastyrsky said Ukraine would continue to prosecute captured Russian soldiers for alleged war crimes.

"These crimes have no statute of limitations. Whenever these monsters are found, they will be held accountable," he said.&nbsp;

Up to "288 people have been suspected so far."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-britons-one-moroccan-fighter-in-ukraine-sentenced-to-death-by-russian-separatist-court-486680">Two Britons, Moroccan fighter in Ukraine sentenced to death by Russian separatist court</a>

He added that negotiations were underway to bring home Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia or Moscow-backed separatists.

"It is vital to bring them back here today, to save the boys from imminent death," he said.

"We are working to return the wounded first."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The interior minister of Ukraine said on Thursday that there was 'no danger' of a Russian attack on Kyiv but preparations were on for defence. "There is no danger of an attack on Kyiv today," Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said.

The interior minister of Ukraine said on Thursday that there was 'no danger' of a Russian attack on Kyiv but preparations were on for defence. "There is no danger of an attack on Kyiv today," Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said. "There is no concentration of troops near the Belarusian border, but we understand that any scenarios are possible tomorrow," he told AFP, dressed in a black military sweater, a Ukrainian flag on its right sleeve. "Therefore, serious training is under way -- preparation of the line of defence, training of troops who will remain" in Kyiv and around the city. However, the minister noted that danger of Russian air strikes was present. "Any place in Ukraine can be a target for rocket fire, including Kyiv," he said. He further said that the targets can include "the government quarter" and "historic centre of the capital. Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24. Initially, Russia had set its eye on the Ukrainian capital. They had even captured several towns around the city. However, Russian forces withdrew a month later. Russia has since concentrated its firepower in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. Monastyrsky said Ukraine would continue to prosecute captured Russian soldiers for alleged war crimes. "These crimes have no statute of limitations. Whenever these monsters are found, they will be held accountable," he said. Up to "288 people have been suspected so far." Also Read | Two Britons, Moroccan fighter in Ukraine sentenced to death by Russian separatist court He added that negotiations were underway to bring home Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia or Moscow-backed separatists. "It is vital to bring them back here today, to save the boys from imminent death," he said. "We are working to return the wounded first." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kyiv in 'no danger', but we are preparing: Ukraine minister

A prosecutor in Michigan said that a white police officer was charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting a Black man during a traffic stop two months ago. The incident took place in Grand Rapids.

Christopher Becker, Kent County prosecuting attorney, announced the decision to charge Chritopher Schurr (policeman) with murder during a news conference. Schurr is charged with murder of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee.

Lyoya's family has protested against his killing which was recorded in the body camera Schurr was wearing. Lyoya's killing also sparked protests by activists who condemned the shooting as an example of unjustified deadly force by police against young Black men.

"We have a duty to enforce the law, be it on the police or the public," Becker, the Kent County prosecuting attorney, told reporters.

Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump welcomed the decision to charge Schurr with second-degree murder.&nbsp;

"While the road to justice for Patrick and his family has just begun, this decision is a crucial step in the right direction," Crump said. He was quoted by AFP.

"Officer Schurr must be held accountable for his decision to pursue an unarmed Patrick, ultimately shooting him in the back of the head and killing him -- for nothing more than a traffic stop."

US civil rights leader Al Sharpton spoke at the funeral in April of Lyoya, whose family came to the United States in 2014 from the Democratic Republic of Congo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A prosecutor in Michigan said that a white police officer was charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting a Black man during a traffic stop two months ago.

A prosecutor in Michigan said that a white police officer was charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting a Black man during a traffic stop two months ago. The incident took place in Grand Rapids. Christopher Becker, Kent County prosecuting attorney, announced the decision to charge Chritopher Schurr (policeman) with murder during a news conference. Schurr is charged with murder of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee. Lyoya's family has protested against his killing which was recorded in the body camera Schurr was wearing. Lyoya's killing also sparked protests by activists who condemned the shooting as an example of unjustified deadly force by police against young Black men. "We have a duty to enforce the law, be it on the police or the public," Becker, the Kent County prosecuting attorney, told reporters. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump welcomed the decision to charge Schurr with second-degree murder. "While the road to justice for Patrick and his family has just begun, this decision is a crucial step in the right direction," Crump said. He was quoted by AFP. "Officer Schurr must be held accountable for his decision to pursue an unarmed Patrick, ultimately shooting him in the back of the head and killing him -- for nothing more than a traffic stop." US civil rights leader Al Sharpton spoke at the funeral in April of Lyoya, whose family came to the United States in 2014 from the Democratic Republic of Congo. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Michigan: White policeman charged with murder of a Black man

Portugal fired two goals in five minutes to beat the Czech Republic in UEFA Nations League on Thursday (June 9). The victory has allowed Portugal to open a two-point lead at the top of Group A2. Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Guedes scored the winning goals in 33rd and 38th minutes respectively. This win in Lisbon has underlined Portugal's strong start in the tournament.

Portugal is now two points clear of Spain. They have won two and drawn one of their first three games.

The Czech Republic started the match level on points with their opponents but drop to third, after Spain defeated Switzerland 1-0 in Geneva.

The Czech team will travel to Spain on Sunday while Portugal will play away match in&nbsp;Switzerland.

Portugal had to go through the play-offs to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, beating Turkey and North Macedonia to avoid an embarrassing exit.

But this convincing win came after they claimed a 1-1 draw away against Spain in their opening fixture before thrashing Switzerland 4-0 in the second, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.

Cancelo also got on the scoresheet there and the Manchester City defender made it two goals in as many matches by scoring just after the half-hour against the Czechs.&nbsp;

It came from some brilliant work by Bernardo Silva, who wriggled free on the right and found his City teammate inside him, who fired in.

Five minutes later, it was two and again Bernardo was at the heart of it, sliding through Guedes, who swept a superb finish beyond Jindrich Stanek.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Portugal fired two goals in five minutes to beat the Czech Republic in UEFA Nations League on Thursday (June 9). The victory has allowed Portugal to open a two-point lead at the top of Group A2.

Portugal fired two goals in five minutes to beat the Czech Republic in UEFA Nations League on Thursday (June 9). The victory has allowed Portugal to open a two-point lead at the top of Group A2. Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Guedes scored the winning goals in 33rd and 38th minutes respectively. This win in Lisbon has underlined Portugal's strong start in the tournament. Portugal is now two points clear of Spain. They have won two and drawn one of their first three games. The Czech Republic started the match level on points with their opponents but drop to third, after Spain defeated Switzerland 1-0 in Geneva. The Czech team will travel to Spain on Sunday while Portugal will play away match in Switzerland. Portugal had to go through the play-offs to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, beating Turkey and North Macedonia to avoid an embarrassing exit. But this convincing win came after they claimed a 1-1 draw away against Spain in their opening fixture before thrashing Switzerland 4-0 in the second, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice. Cancelo also got on the scoresheet there and the Manchester City defender made it two goals in as many matches by scoring just after the half-hour against the Czechs. It came from some brilliant work by Bernardo Silva, who wriggled free on the right and found his City teammate inside him, who fired in. Five minutes later, it was two and again Bernardo was at the heart of it, sliding through Guedes, who swept a superb finish beyond Jindrich Stanek. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UEFA Nations League: Portugal thrash Czechs with two goals in five minutes

Gone are the days when music directors only had movies and albums to showcase their talent. With companies spending more, video games with brilliant soundtracks have been around for at least a decade. The aural treat surely adds a lot to the immersive gaming experience. Now, these music directors can aim for a Grammy as the academy will feature new honours including for the year's best video game soundtrack and Songwriter of the Year. The awards will begin to be given from 2023 Grammies onwards.

Additionally, the Songwriter of the Year prize will not be open to performing or producing artists, but rather focus on working songwriters who often receive little recognition for their contributions, and have lobbied for years for such a tweak to the prestigious music awards

Artists will also be able to submit their work for Best Alternative Music Performance, Best Americana Performance and Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, a field that will now be separate from the always eccentric audiobook category.

The academy will also give a special merit award. The winners will be chosen by a designated committee and will be honoured for Best Song For Change Change. The academy said that this category will seek to celebrate tracks that "contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy."

Rework of Grammy categories has been going on for several years following criticism that the categories are not inclusive and they do not represent evolutions and changes in music industry.

"We're so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration," said Harvey Mason Jr., the academy's CEO, in a statement.

In 2020, the Los Angeles-based institution made a number of category name swaps, including changing the controversial "urban contemporary" to "progressive R&amp;B."

The move came amid growing concern in the music industry that "urban" was far too general to encompass the genres including hip-hop and R&amp;B that it came to describe, and belittled the innovations of Black musicians.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Gone are the days when music directors only had movies and albums to showcase their talent. With companies spending more, video games with brilliant soundtracks have been around for at least a decade.

Gone are the days when music directors only had movies and albums to showcase their talent. With companies spending more, video games with brilliant soundtracks have been around for at least a decade. The aural treat surely adds a lot to the immersive gaming experience. Now, these music directors can aim for a Grammy as the academy will feature new honours including for the year's best video game soundtrack and Songwriter of the Year. The awards will begin to be given from 2023 Grammies onwards. Additionally, the Songwriter of the Year prize will not be open to performing or producing artists, but rather focus on working songwriters who often receive little recognition for their contributions, and have lobbied for years for such a tweak to the prestigious music awards Artists will also be able to submit their work for Best Alternative Music Performance, Best Americana Performance and Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, a field that will now be separate from the always eccentric audiobook category. The academy will also give a special merit award. The winners will be chosen by a designated committee and will be honoured for Best Song For Change Change. The academy said that this category will seek to celebrate tracks that "contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy." Rework of Grammy categories has been going on for several years following criticism that the categories are not inclusive and they do not represent evolutions and changes in music industry. "We're so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration," said Harvey Mason Jr., the academy's CEO, in a statement. In 2020, the Los Angeles-based institution made a number of category name swaps, including changing the controversial "urban contemporary" to "progressive R&B." The move came amid growing concern in the music industry that "urban" was far too general to encompass the genres including hip-hop and R&B that it came to describe, and belittled the innovations of Black musicians. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Grammy Awards will soon honour those making video game music

China's central leadership has given billionaire Jack Ma's Ant Group a tentative green light to revive its initial public offering (IPO), two sources with knowledge of the matter said, in the clearest sign yet Beijing is easing its crackdown on the tech sector.

Ant, an affiliate of Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, aims to file a preliminary prospectus for the share offering in Shanghai and Hong Kong as early as next month, the sources said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The fintech giant will need to wait for guidance from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) on the specific timing of the prospectus filing, said one of the sources.

In a publicly released statement, Ant said there was no plan to relaunch its IPO, without elaborating. It did not respond to Reuters request for comment on whether it had received a green light from Beijing.

The company's stock market listing was hastily shelved at the behest of Beijing in November 2020. At the time, it was slated to be valued at around $315 billion and planned to raise $37 billion, which would have been a world record.

"Under the guidance of regulators, we are focused on steadily moving forward with our rectification work and do not have any plan to initiate an IPO," Ant said on its WeChat account late on Thursday.

Neither the CSRC nor China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for central leaders, responded to Reuters' request for comment.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-lowers-2022-global-growth-forecast-to-29-from-41-in-january-486030">World Bank lowers 2022 global growth forecast to 2.9% from 4.1% in January</a>

Ant wants to keep the IPO revival plans low profile pending a formal announcement, after having attracted regulatory glare in its first attempt back in 2020 with the waves the offering created as the world's largest ever equity float, a separate source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Chinese authorities pulled the plug on the IPO and cracked down on Ma's business empire after he gave a speech in Shanghai in October 2020 accusing financial watchdogs of stifling innovation.

The IPO's derailment marked the start of a regulatory crackdown to rein in China's huge homegrown technology sector, which spread to other industries, including property and private education, wiping billions off market capitalisations and triggering layoffs at some firms.

With its economy slowing in a politically sensitive year when Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term as party leader, Beijing is looking to loosen it grip on private businesses including tech giants to help it meet a growth target of 5.5%, something economists have said will be hard to reach given COVID-19 lockdowns.

"They are rolling back on their crackdown to counterbalance the lockdown they've had. Any data out of China lately has been dreadful because of lockdowns and the last thing they want to do is compound that issue. In the next three to six months we are likely to see China's crackdown unwound," said David Madden, market analyst at Equiti Capital in London.

A revival of the IPO may also mark a rehabilitation of sorts for Ma, who has been maintaining a low public profile since Beijing swooped.

EASING EFFORTS

Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He last month told tech executives the government supported the development of the sector and will back firms pursuing listings at home and abroad.

In another sign of Beijing's softer stance, China's ride-hailer Didi Global, which has been under a cybersecurity probe since last year, is in advanced talks to buy a third of a state-backed electric-vehicle maker, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

News of the talks comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Chinese regulators are set to conclude their investigations into Didi, which could offer more hope to investors about its recovery.

Bloomberg reported earlier on Thursday that Chinese financial regulators had started early stage talks on a potential revival of Ant's stock market debut, without mentioning a timeline.

The top securities regulator had established a team to reassess the share sale plans, Bloomberg reported.

The regulator later said in a statement it had not conducted any assessment or research work regarding an Ant IPO.

The U.S. listed shares of Alibaba, which owns nearly one-third of Ant, were down 7% after earlier rising as much as 7% in pre-market trading on the Bloomberg report.

U.S. private equity firm Warburg Pincus, a big investor in Ant's 2018 private fundraising, lowered its valuation of Ant to about $180 billion at end-March from $221 billion one year earlier, a separate source said.

The regulators have directed Ant to restructure as a financial rather than tech firm, and sources and analysts have said the financial sector typically carries lower valuations.

Warburg Pincus declined to comment on Thursday.

"The size of Ant and the IPO will have to be smaller than what was planned in 2020 because the market conditions have changed and cannot be compared to now," said Dickie Wong, executive director of Kingston Securities in Hong Kong.

U.S.-listed shares of Chinese tech and e-commerce firms including Didi and Alibaba have gained this week on hints Beijing's one-and-a-half year long crackdown may be easing.

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China's central leadership has given billionaire Jack Ma's Ant Group a tentative green light to revive its initial public offering (IPO), two sources with knowledge of the matter said, in the clearest sign yet Beijing is easing its crackdown on the tech sector.

China's central leadership has given billionaire Jack Ma's Ant Group a tentative green light to revive its initial public offering (IPO), two sources with knowledge of the matter said, in the clearest sign yet Beijing is easing its crackdown on the tech sector. Ant, an affiliate of Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, aims to file a preliminary prospectus for the share offering in Shanghai and Hong Kong as early as next month, the sources said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. The fintech giant will need to wait for guidance from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) on the specific timing of the prospectus filing, said one of the sources. In a publicly released statement, Ant said there was no plan to relaunch its IPO, without elaborating. It did not respond to Reuters request for comment on whether it had received a green light from Beijing. The company's stock market listing was hastily shelved at the behest of Beijing in November 2020. At the time, it was slated to be valued at around $315 billion and planned to raise $37 billion, which would have been a world record. "Under the guidance of regulators, we are focused on steadily moving forward with our rectification work and do not have any plan to initiate an IPO," Ant said on its WeChat account late on Thursday. Neither the CSRC nor China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for central leaders, responded to Reuters' request for comment. Also Read | World Bank lowers 2022 global growth forecast to 2.9% from 4.1% in January Ant wants to keep the IPO revival plans low profile pending a formal announcement, after having attracted regulatory glare in its first attempt back in 2020 with the waves the offering created as the world's largest ever equity float, a separate source with direct knowledge of the matter said. Chinese authorities pulled the plug on the IPO and cracked down on Ma's business empire after he gave a speech in Shanghai in October 2020 accusing financial watchdogs of stifling innovation. The IPO's derailment marked the start of a regulatory crackdown to rein in China's huge homegrown technology sector, which spread to other industries, including property and private education, wiping billions off market capitalisations and triggering layoffs at some firms. With its economy slowing in a politically sensitive year when Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term as party leader, Beijing is looking to loosen it grip on private businesses including tech giants to help it meet a growth target of 5.5%, something economists have said will be hard to reach given COVID-19 lockdowns. "They are rolling back on their crackdown to counterbalance the lockdown they've had. Any data out of China lately has been dreadful because of lockdowns and the last thing they want to do is compound that issue. In the next three to six months we are likely to see China's crackdown unwound," said David Madden, market analyst at Equiti Capital in London. A revival of the IPO may also mark a rehabilitation of sorts for Ma, who has been maintaining a low public profile since Beijing swooped. EASING EFFORTS Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He last month told tech executives the government supported the development of the sector and will back firms pursuing listings at home and abroad. In another sign of Beijing's softer stance, China's ride-hailer Didi Global, which has been under a cybersecurity probe since last year, is in advanced talks to buy a third of a state-backed electric-vehicle maker, Reuters reported on Wednesday. News of the talks comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Chinese regulators are set to conclude their investigations into Didi, which could offer more hope to investors about its recovery. Bloomberg reported earlier on Thursday that Chinese financial regulators had started early stage talks on a potential revival of Ant's stock market debut, without mentioning a timeline. The top securities regulator had established a team to reassess the share sale plans, Bloomberg reported. The regulator later said in a statement it had not conducted any assessment or research work regarding an Ant IPO. The U.S. listed shares of Alibaba, which owns nearly one-third of Ant, were down 7% after earlier rising as much as 7% in pre-market trading on the Bloomberg report. U.S. private equity firm Warburg Pincus, a big investor in Ant's 2018 private fundraising, lowered its valuation of Ant to about $180 billion at end-March from $221 billion one year earlier, a separate source said. The regulators have directed Ant to restructure as a financial rather than tech firm, and sources and analysts have said the financial sector typically carries lower valuations. Warburg Pincus declined to comment on Thursday. "The size of Ant and the IPO will have to be smaller than what was planned in 2020 because the market conditions have changed and cannot be compared to now," said Dickie Wong, executive director of Kingston Securities in Hong Kong. U.S.-listed shares of Chinese tech and e-commerce firms including Didi and Alibaba have gained this week on hints Beijing's one-and-a-half year long crackdown may be easing. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Beijing gives initial nod to revive Ant IPO after crackdown cools: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests

Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725. His conquest of the Baltic coast from Sweden made Russia an important player in European affairs.

Putin was visiting an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th birthday of tsar. After the the visit, Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs that "you get the impression that by fighting Sweden he was grabbing something. He wasn't taking anything, he was taking it back".

"It is our responsibility also to take back and strengthen," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia began invading the country on February 24 this year.

When Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg and declared it the Russian capital "none of the countries in Europe recognised this territory as belonging to Russia," Putin said.

"Everyone considered it to be part of Sweden. But from time immemorial, Slavs had lived there alongside Finno-Ugric peoples," the Russian leader added.

Russia is currently facing isolation globally with major western countries have imposed sanctions on it following Ukraine invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725. His conquest of the Baltic coast from Sweden made Russia an important player in European affairs. Putin was visiting an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th birthday of tsar. After the the visit, Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs that "you get the impression that by fighting Sweden he was grabbing something. He wasn't taking anything, he was taking it back". "It is our responsibility also to take back and strengthen," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia began invading the country on February 24 this year. When Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg and declared it the Russian capital "none of the countries in Europe recognised this territory as belonging to Russia," Putin said. "Everyone considered it to be part of Sweden. But from time immemorial, Slavs had lived there alongside Finno-Ugric peoples," the Russian leader added. Russia is currently facing isolation globally with major western countries have imposed sanctions on it following Ukraine invasion. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin compares Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests

Donald Duck bursts into our lives generally pretty early. The enduring image of the cartoon character in our minds is often him bursting in through a random door and shouting in anger in some intelligible words. The anger has an endearing side to it and it certainly doesn't take away the innocence in Donald Duck's smile when things are all well.

So it's a fitting tribute to the beloved cartoon character when a day is dedicated to him. June 9 is Donald Duck Day.&nbsp;

Donald Duck burst on the scene way back in 1934. The first-ever cartoon he featured in was titled 'The wise little hen'. It was a retelling of the bedtime story 'The little red hen'.

Though Donald Duck made his appearance in 'The wise little hen', his endearingly rage-filled self was not on display till the cartoon titles 'Orphan's benefit'. It was in this cartoon he formed a relationship with Mickey Mouse, another legendary cartoon character.&nbsp;

Since then, Donald Duck has gone on to carve his own domain and mega-fandom. To his ardent fans, he is next to no-one, not even Mickey Mouse, the Disney mascot.

Donald Duck has appeared in countless cartoons, sold merchandise worth millions and even featured in video games. His cartoons have been dubbed in numerous languages around the world and he has come to be loved by generations.

Is a single day enough to celebrate this legend?

Donald Duck bursts into our lives generally pretty early. The enduring image of the cartoon character in our minds is often him bursting in through a random door and shouting in anger in some intelligible words.

Donald Duck bursts into our lives generally pretty early. The enduring image of the cartoon character in our minds is often him bursting in through a random door and shouting in anger in some intelligible words. The anger has an endearing side to it and it certainly doesn't take away the innocence in Donald Duck's smile when things are all well. So it's a fitting tribute to the beloved cartoon character when a day is dedicated to him. June 9 is Donald Duck Day. Donald Duck burst on the scene way back in 1934. The first-ever cartoon he featured in was titled 'The wise little hen'. It was a retelling of the bedtime story 'The little red hen'. Though Donald Duck made his appearance in 'The wise little hen', his endearingly rage-filled self was not on display till the cartoon titles 'Orphan's benefit'. It was in this cartoon he formed a relationship with Mickey Mouse, another legendary cartoon character. Since then, Donald Duck has gone on to carve his own domain and mega-fandom. To his ardent fans, he is next to no-one, not even Mickey Mouse, the Disney mascot. Donald Duck has appeared in countless cartoons, sold merchandise worth millions and even featured in video games. His cartoons have been dubbed in numerous languages around the world and he has come to be loved by generations. Is a single day enough to celebrate this legend?

June 9 Donald Duck Day: The endearingly angry cartoon character that's stuff of legends

Ukraine on Wednesday left behind disappointment of not qualifying for World Cup as they kickstarted their UEFA Nations League with a victory against Republic of Ireland. Ukraine won 1-0.

Ukraine was beaten by Wales in the World Cup qualifying playoff final on Sunday, but they proved to be the better team against Ireland. A set-piece goal from midfielder Viktor Tsygankov sealed the three points for the war-torn nation.

Ukraine nearly took the lead from a counter-attack late in the first half when Taras Kacharaba found the back of the net with a stunning half-volley from outside the box but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

Tsygankov came on as a halftime substitute and made an instant impact when his curling free kick missed everyone, bounced in front of the keeper and ended up in the corner of the net.

The defeat has left Ireland at the bottom of the group. In their first game, they suffered defeat at the hands of Armenia.

The Irish FA had handed out 3,500 tickets to Ukrainian refugees for this match held in Dublin. There were other pockets of blue and yellow around the Aviva Stadium.

"This is a very difficult time. The Ukrainians who came to see us play in Ireland were accepted by the incredible Irish hospitality and people," Petrakov said.

"You took our women and children who were basically risking their lives back in Ukraine. I want to thank the whole island," he said referring to Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.

"Those Ukrainians in the stand just wanted to see some positivity from the team but they are really longing to go home to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"We made them a little bit happier tonight. That is the major achievement in my view."

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Wednesday left behind disappointment of not qualifying for World Cup as they kickstarted their UEFA Nations League with a victory against Republic of Ireland.

Ukraine on Wednesday left behind disappointment of not qualifying for World Cup as they kickstarted their UEFA Nations League with a victory against Republic of Ireland. Ukraine won 1-0. Ukraine was beaten by Wales in the World Cup qualifying playoff final on Sunday, but they proved to be the better team against Ireland. A set-piece goal from midfielder Viktor Tsygankov sealed the three points for the war-torn nation. Ukraine nearly took the lead from a counter-attack late in the first half when Taras Kacharaba found the back of the net with a stunning half-volley from outside the box but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up. Tsygankov came on as a halftime substitute and made an instant impact when his curling free kick missed everyone, bounced in front of the keeper and ended up in the corner of the net. The defeat has left Ireland at the bottom of the group. In their first game, they suffered defeat at the hands of Armenia. The Irish FA had handed out 3,500 tickets to Ukrainian refugees for this match held in Dublin. There were other pockets of blue and yellow around the Aviva Stadium. "This is a very difficult time. The Ukrainians who came to see us play in Ireland were accepted by the incredible Irish hospitality and people," Petrakov said. "You took our women and children who were basically risking their lives back in Ukraine. I want to thank the whole island," he said referring to Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. "Those Ukrainians in the stand just wanted to see some positivity from the team but they are really longing to go home to Ukraine. "We made them a little bit happier tonight. That is the major achievement in my view." (With inputs from agencies)

After missing out on WC qualification, Ukraine bounce back to beat Ireland 1-0 in Nations League

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

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