White House said on Tuesday (April 19) that it is concerned about lack of transparency surrounding China's reported security agreement with the Solomon Islands. White House has called it to be part of pattern of Beijing offering 'shadowy' deals to smaller countries.

Earlier, China said that it had signed a security deal with Solomon Islands. This has drawn attention of US allies Australia and New Zealand. There are concerns about growing Chinese influence in a region traditionally under their sway.

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said in a statement that US&nbsp;officials would raise the issue with the Solomon Islands on a planned visit to the Pacific Island country this week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-solomon-islands-ink-controversial-security-pact-472142">China and Solomon Islands ink controversial security pact</a>

"We are concerned by the lack of transparency and unspecified nature of this agreement, which follows a pattern of China offering shadowy, vague deals with little regional consultation in fishing, resource management, development assistance and now security practices," the official said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters on Tuesday: "The foreign ministers of China and the Solomon Islands officially signed the framework agreement on security cooperation recently."

The spokesperson did not specify when or where the signing took place.

A draft version of the agreement leaked last month rattled Western governments, with provisions allowing for Chinese security and naval deployments to the crisis-hit Pacific island nation.

According to the draft, armed Chinese police could be deployed at the Solomon Islands' request to maintain "social order".

White House said on Tuesday (April 19) that it is concerned about lack of transparency surrounding China's reported security agreement with the Solomon Islands. White House has called it to be part of pattern of Beijing offering 'shadowy' deals to smaller countries.

White House said on Tuesday (April 19) that it is concerned about lack of transparency surrounding China's reported security agreement with the Solomon Islands. White House has called it to be part of pattern of Beijing offering 'shadowy' deals to smaller countries. Earlier, China said that it had signed a security deal with Solomon Islands. This has drawn attention of US allies Australia and New Zealand. There are concerns about growing Chinese influence in a region traditionally under their sway. A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said in a statement that US officials would raise the issue with the Solomon Islands on a planned visit to the Pacific Island country this week. Also Read | China and Solomon Islands ink controversial security pact "We are concerned by the lack of transparency and unspecified nature of this agreement, which follows a pattern of China offering shadowy, vague deals with little regional consultation in fishing, resource management, development assistance and now security practices," the official said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters on Tuesday: "The foreign ministers of China and the Solomon Islands officially signed the framework agreement on security cooperation recently." The spokesperson did not specify when or where the signing took place. A draft version of the agreement leaked last month rattled Western governments, with provisions allowing for Chinese security and naval deployments to the crisis-hit Pacific island nation. According to the draft, armed Chinese police could be deployed at the Solomon Islands' request to maintain "social order".

US concerned about 'lack of transparency' in Chinese pact with Solomon Islands 

Prominent Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson is being ridiculed on Twitte over his new series on mascuinity. Carlson has a large following among American voters who lean towards right of the nation's political spectrum. Tucker Carlson has said that masculinity is under threat.

In the trailer for "The End of Men," Carlson worries about "the total collapse of testosterone levels in American men," which he says is "a huge story that no one covers."

The short clip is set to the theme music from "2001: A Space Odyssey,". The clip shows muscular white men wrestling shirtless, doing pushups, milking a cow, making barbecue and other such activities.

Others chop wood or carry tractor tires, always bare-chested.&nbsp;

A naked man with his arms outstretched appears towards the end of the clip. What appears to be a machine emits orange light obscuring his private parts.

The voiceover, meanwhile, talks about "men who are tough, men who are resourceful, men who are strong enough to survive."

The excerpt has triggered an avalanche of mockery on social networks, with many users commenting on what they call the "homoeroticism" of the footage, in stark contrast to the professed traditional family values widely propounded on Fox News.

"You could literally just change the voiceover and make this an ad for Grindr," the gay hook-up site, commented one Democratic activist.&nbsp;

In another teaser clip, Carlson talks to a sports coach from Ohio who is the promoter of "red light therapy," a practice that, he says, includes "testicle tanning."

Without explicitly defending this practice, which has not been endorsed by medical professionals, Carlson insists on the need to "seek a solution" to the drop in testosterone levels.

The trailer, and Tucker Carlson, are being trolled online&nbsp;

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— Irene Adler (@Irene_X_Adler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Irene_X_Adler/status/1515181341104652289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Wait. Is this a parody?
— Cathy Young 🇺🇦 (@CathyYoung63) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathyYoung63/status/1515416761847500800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prominent Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson is being ridiculed on Twitte over his new series on mascuinity. Carlson has a large following among American voters who lean towards right of the nation's political spectrum.

Prominent Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson is being ridiculed on Twitte over his new series on mascuinity. Carlson has a large following among American voters who lean towards right of the nation's political spectrum. Tucker Carlson has said that masculinity is under threat. In the trailer for "The End of Men," Carlson worries about "the total collapse of testosterone levels in American men," which he says is "a huge story that no one covers." The short clip is set to the theme music from "2001: A Space Odyssey,". The clip shows muscular white men wrestling shirtless, doing pushups, milking a cow, making barbecue and other such activities. Others chop wood or carry tractor tires, always bare-chested. A naked man with his arms outstretched appears towards the end of the clip. What appears to be a machine emits orange light obscuring his private parts. The voiceover, meanwhile, talks about "men who are tough, men who are resourceful, men who are strong enough to survive." The excerpt has triggered an avalanche of mockery on social networks, with many users commenting on what they call the "homoeroticism" of the footage, in stark contrast to the professed traditional family values widely propounded on Fox News. "You could literally just change the voiceover and make this an ad for Grindr," the gay hook-up site, commented one Democratic activist. In another teaser clip, Carlson talks to a sports coach from Ohio who is the promoter of "red light therapy," a practice that, he says, includes "testicle tanning." Without explicitly defending this practice, which has not been endorsed by medical professionals, Carlson insists on the need to "seek a solution" to the drop in testosterone levels. The trailer, and Tucker Carlson, are being trolled online I was not at all prepared. pic.twitter.com/0kCbNzDd9u — Irene Adler (@Irene_X_Adler) April 16, 2022 × Wait. Is this a parody? — Cathy Young 🇺🇦 (@CathyYoung63) April 16, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson gets trolled for his show on masculinity

A government-backed television station in Taiwan has to apologise on Wednesday (April 20) after it mistakenly reported a Chinese attack in Taipei.&nbsp;

During a live news broadcast on Wednesday morning, Chinese Television System mistakenly showed news ticker alerts at the bottom of the screen about military ships and critical infrastructure near Taipei being hit by Chinese missiles, according to local media reports.

The alerts included words like "A war could break out". The news elements also conveyed that a major train station in Taipei was set on fire by "Chinese agents" and Taiwan's president declared a state of emergency.

The channel eventually had to apologise and appeal for calm.

"Citizens, please don't be overly panicked. We hereby clarify the information and apologise," an anchor said in the network's news bulletin at 10 a.m.

She said the alerts were meant for a drill with the Fire Department in New Taipei City on Tuesday but were mistakenly displayed on Wednesday morning because of a technical error.

There were no overt signs of panic in Taipei after the accidental bulletins.

China openly states Taiwan to be its own territory and has never ruled out use of force to take control of the island nation.

Taiwan has raised its alert level since Russia invaded Ukraine, wary of China making a similar move, though the government has not reported any signs an attack is imminent.

The war in Ukraine, which Russia calls a "special military operation", has prompted debate on the implications for Taiwan and ways to boost preparedness, such as reforms to the training of reservists.

(With inputs from agencies)

A government-backed television station in Taiwan has to apologise on Wednesday (April 20) after it mistakenly reported a Chinese attack in Taipei. During a live news broadcast on Wednesday morning, Chinese Television System mistakenly showed news ticker alerts at the bottom of the screen about military ships and critical infrastructure near Taipei being hit by Chinese missiles, according to local media reports.

A government-backed television station in Taiwan has to apologise on Wednesday (April 20) after it mistakenly reported a Chinese attack in Taipei. During a live news broadcast on Wednesday morning, Chinese Television System mistakenly showed news ticker alerts at the bottom of the screen about military ships and critical infrastructure near Taipei being hit by Chinese missiles, according to local media reports. The alerts included words like "A war could break out". The news elements also conveyed that a major train station in Taipei was set on fire by "Chinese agents" and Taiwan's president declared a state of emergency. The channel eventually had to apologise and appeal for calm. "Citizens, please don't be overly panicked. We hereby clarify the information and apologise," an anchor said in the network's news bulletin at 10 a.m. She said the alerts were meant for a drill with the Fire Department in New Taipei City on Tuesday but were mistakenly displayed on Wednesday morning because of a technical error. There were no overt signs of panic in Taipei after the accidental bulletins. China openly states Taiwan to be its own territory and has never ruled out use of force to take control of the island nation. Taiwan has raised its alert level since Russia invaded Ukraine, wary of China making a similar move, though the government has not reported any signs an attack is imminent. The war in Ukraine, which Russia calls a "special military operation", has prompted debate on the implications for Taiwan and ways to boost preparedness, such as reforms to the training of reservists. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan: TV station mistakenly reports Chinese attack, then apologises

JP Morgan Chase, the American banking giant has unveiled the design for its new global headquarters in New York City. The building is touted to be city's largest 'all-electric' tower powered fully by renewable energy.

The building will be constructed at 270, Park Avenue in New York. It will be 1388-foot (423 metres), 60 story skyscraper.

The building has been designed by Foster + Partners and will be completed by the year 2025

"The project is the first under New York City’s innovative Midtown East Rezoning plan, which encourages modern office construction and improvements to the business district’s public realm and transportation," says a press release.&nbsp;

As per the press release, the new building will house up to 14,000 employees and will replace the 'outdated facility designed in the late 1950s for about 3,500 employees'

"The concept for the new design was to create a timeless addition to Park Avenue, which celebrates the city’s iconic architectural history and serves as a powerful new symbol for the next generation of office towers in New York. Using a state-of-the-art structural system to negotiate the site constraints below and at ground level, the innovative fan-column structure and triangular bracing allow the building to touch the ground lightly across the entire block. By lifting the building about 80 feet/24 meters off the ground, it extends the viewpoint from the Park Avenue entrance through to Madison Avenue," says Foster + Partners in its press release.

JP Morgan Chase, the American banking giant has unveiled the design for its new global headquarters in New York City. The building is touted to be city's largest 'all-electric' tower powered fully by renewable energy.

JP Morgan Chase, the American banking giant has unveiled the design for its new global headquarters in New York City. The building is touted to be city's largest 'all-electric' tower powered fully by renewable energy. The building will be constructed at 270, Park Avenue in New York. It will be 1388-foot (423 metres), 60 story skyscraper. The building has been designed by Foster + Partners and will be completed by the year 2025 "The project is the first under New York City’s innovative Midtown East Rezoning plan, which encourages modern office construction and improvements to the business district’s public realm and transportation," says a press release. As per the press release, the new building will house up to 14,000 employees and will replace the 'outdated facility designed in the late 1950s for about 3,500 employees' "The concept for the new design was to create a timeless addition to Park Avenue, which celebrates the city’s iconic architectural history and serves as a powerful new symbol for the next generation of office towers in New York. Using a state-of-the-art structural system to negotiate the site constraints below and at ground level, the innovative fan-column structure and triangular bracing allow the building to touch the ground lightly across the entire block. By lifting the building about 80 feet/24 meters off the ground, it extends the viewpoint from the Park Avenue entrance through to Madison Avenue," says Foster + Partners in its press release.

JP Morgan Chase unveils design of its new global headquarter building

Rio carnival set to make comeback after Covid hiatus 

The skies of Hawaii had a marvelous show on display just a few days ago. The night skies over the island lit up by a tiny speck that resembled a 'flying whirlpool'. The spiral structure spun and spun as it fell till it disappeared.&nbsp;

The spectacle was captured by the Subaru Telescope.

The 'flying whirlpool' emerged in the skies just hours after SpaceX's Falcon-9 launched a spy satellite from California. SpaceX launched the spy satellite for USNRO (US National Reconnaissance Organisation).

The whirlpool seen in Hawaii was upper-stage rocket from the launch falling back to ground after performing the function required of it.

The video above "shows the characteristic spiral caused by the post-deorbit-burn fuel vent of the Falcon 9 upper stage, which was deorbited over the Pacific [Ocean] just after the end of the 1st revolution," Netherlands-based satellite tracker Marco Langbroek told SpaceWeather.com. &nbsp;

The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California

The Subaru Telescope, which captured the falling whirlpool of the SpaceX rocket, is located on Mauna Kea mountain in Hawaii. It operates at an altitude of 13,579 feet (4,139 meters). It is 8.2 metre optical infrared telescope. It is operated by National Astronomical Observatory in Japan.

The skies of Hawaii had a marvelous show on display just a few days ago. The night skies over the island lit up by a tiny speck that resembled a 'flying whirlpool'.

The skies of Hawaii had a marvelous show on display just a few days ago. The night skies over the island lit up by a tiny speck that resembled a 'flying whirlpool'. The spiral structure spun and spun as it fell till it disappeared. The spectacle was captured by the Subaru Telescope. The 'flying whirlpool' emerged in the skies just hours after SpaceX's Falcon-9 launched a spy satellite from California. SpaceX launched the spy satellite for USNRO (US National Reconnaissance Organisation). The whirlpool seen in Hawaii was upper-stage rocket from the launch falling back to ground after performing the function required of it. The video above "shows the characteristic spiral caused by the post-deorbit-burn fuel vent of the Falcon 9 upper stage, which was deorbited over the Pacific [Ocean] just after the end of the 1st revolution," Netherlands-based satellite tracker Marco Langbroek told SpaceWeather.com. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California The Subaru Telescope, which captured the falling whirlpool of the SpaceX rocket, is located on Mauna Kea mountain in Hawaii. It operates at an altitude of 13,579 feet (4,139 meters). It is 8.2 metre optical infrared telescope. It is operated by National Astronomical Observatory in Japan.

Mysterious 'flying whirlpool' over Hawaii turns out to be a dying SpaceX rocket

Prime Minister of Pacific island nation Solomon Islands told the country's parliament on Wednesday that security pact with China will not undermine peace

"I ask all our neighbours, friends and partners to respect the sovereign interests of the Solomon Islands on the assurance that the decision will not adversely impact or undermine the peace and harmony of our region," Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told parliament.

The security pact between China and Solomon Islands has alerted the West and also made Australia and New Zealand take note. Both the nations see the Solomon Islands as being within a region in their 'backyard'.

Australia is part of the Quad grouping with the US, India and Japan. The Quad is largely seen as an effort to contain Chinese influence.

The Solomon Islands have received many calls from the West and its neighbours urging the island nation not to go ahead with the pact. Australia is worried that the security pact may lead to Chinese military presence less than 2000 km away from the country.

Sogavare confirmed that the pact had been sealed by foreign ministers from the two countries, a day after China announced the unexpectedly hasty signing.

The confirmation comes days before a White House delegation led by Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell is due to arrive in the capital, Honiara.

On Wednesday, Campbell met Fiji`s prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, in Suva to discuss regional security, the US embassy said. He will also travel to Papua New Guinea.

The United States, Japan, New Zealand and Australia shared concerns about the security pact with China "and its serious risks to a free and open Indo-Pacific", the White House said earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister of Pacific island nation Solomon Islands told the country's parliament on Wednesday that security pact with China will not undermine peace "I ask all our neighbours, friends and partners to respect the sovereign interests of the Solomon Islands on the assurance that the decision will not adversely impact or undermine the peace and harmony of our region," Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told parliament.

Prime Minister of Pacific island nation Solomon Islands told the country's parliament on Wednesday that security pact with China will not undermine peace "I ask all our neighbours, friends and partners to respect the sovereign interests of the Solomon Islands on the assurance that the decision will not adversely impact or undermine the peace and harmony of our region," Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told parliament. The security pact between China and Solomon Islands has alerted the West and also made Australia and New Zealand take note. Both the nations see the Solomon Islands as being within a region in their 'backyard'. Australia is part of the Quad grouping with the US, India and Japan. The Quad is largely seen as an effort to contain Chinese influence. The Solomon Islands have received many calls from the West and its neighbours urging the island nation not to go ahead with the pact. Australia is worried that the security pact may lead to Chinese military presence less than 2000 km away from the country. Sogavare confirmed that the pact had been sealed by foreign ministers from the two countries, a day after China announced the unexpectedly hasty signing. The confirmation comes days before a White House delegation led by Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell is due to arrive in the capital, Honiara. On Wednesday, Campbell met Fiji`s prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, in Suva to discuss regional security, the US embassy said. He will also travel to Papua New Guinea. The United States, Japan, New Zealand and Australia shared concerns about the security pact with China "and its serious risks to a free and open Indo-Pacific", the White House said earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

Security deal with China won't affect peace, says Solomon Islands prime minister

We've seen it in movies. The protagonist is travelling in a spacecraft. A few beeps later, he receives a sophisticated telephone call. In other words, the person wanting to connect with our hero appears almost in flesh. A projection of the caller appears in thin air and both of them carry out conversation as if they would be talking in real life.

NASA made this translate into reality as it 'holoported' a surgeon to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA flight surgeon Josef Schmid conversed with astronauts as a virtual presence in real time. NASA made this information public last week. The actual holoportation took place in October 2021.

"This is [a] completely new manner of human communication across vast distances," says Schmid, as quoted by NASA.&nbsp;

"It is a brand-new way of human exploration, where our human entity is able to travel off the planet."

"NASA is demonstrating this new form of communication as a precursor for more extensive use on future missions. Plans are to use this next with two-way communication, where people on Earth are holoported to space and astronauts are placed back on earth," said the information on the NASA website.

The surgeon was holoported to the ISS using Microsoft Hololens technology.

There appears to be an exciting way ahead for such technology. Imagine something going wrong in a spacecraft millions of miles away from Earth. The best instructor or the best expert can jump into the spacecraft using holoportation and help the astronauts resolve the issue.

We've seen it in movies. The protagonist is travelling in a spacecraft. A few beeps later, he receives a sophisticated telephone call. In other words, the person wanting to connect with our hero appears almost in flesh.

We've seen it in movies. The protagonist is travelling in a spacecraft. A few beeps later, he receives a sophisticated telephone call. In other words, the person wanting to connect with our hero appears almost in flesh. A projection of the caller appears in thin air and both of them carry out conversation as if they would be talking in real life. NASA made this translate into reality as it 'holoported' a surgeon to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA flight surgeon Josef Schmid conversed with astronauts as a virtual presence in real time. NASA made this information public last week. The actual holoportation took place in October 2021. "This is [a] completely new manner of human communication across vast distances," says Schmid, as quoted by NASA. "It is a brand-new way of human exploration, where our human entity is able to travel off the planet." "NASA is demonstrating this new form of communication as a precursor for more extensive use on future missions. Plans are to use this next with two-way communication, where people on Earth are holoported to space and astronauts are placed back on earth," said the information on the NASA website. The surgeon was holoported to the ISS using Microsoft Hololens technology. There appears to be an exciting way ahead for such technology. Imagine something going wrong in a spacecraft millions of miles away from Earth. The best instructor or the best expert can jump into the spacecraft using holoportation and help the astronauts resolve the issue.

NASA 'holoports' a doctor on Earth to ISS in first such achievement

Yoshinoya Holdings Co., a major company making Japanese beef bowl said on Tuesday that it had sacked a managing director who made derogatory, sexist comment about women. Masaaki Ito, the managing director had made comment about getting naive young women "hooked" on its products. The company said Ito's conduct was "completely unacceptable".

Masaaki Ito had made the comment during a marketing lecture at Waseda University in Tokyo. Reuters reported that company spokesperson said that he could not confirm Ito's exact words.

Yoshinoya company said that it had stripped Ito of his positions with the company.&nbsp;

"His extremely unacceptable words and deeds could not be tolerated from the point of view of human rights and gender issues," Yoshinoya said in a statement. It later said it would dock company president Yasutaka Kawamura's pay by 30% for a three-month period through June.

The company has made efforts to expand appeal of its dishes to women.

When it comes to women's economic participation and opportunity, Japan has some way to go. It ranked 120th out of 156 nations in World Economic Forum's 2021 Global Gender Index.

The topic was trending on Japanese Twitter, with many posters expressing outrage.

"Let's deconstruct this remark - he showed contempt for women, young people, people from rural areas and his own company's products," one poster wrote. "In short, he pretty much insulted most of his company's customers."

Waseda University apologised as well.

Yoshinoya Holdings Co., a major company making Japanese beef bowl said on Tuesday that it had sacked a managing director who made derogatory, sexist comment about women.

Yoshinoya Holdings Co., a major company making Japanese beef bowl said on Tuesday that it had sacked a managing director who made derogatory, sexist comment about women. Masaaki Ito, the managing director had made comment about getting naive young women "hooked" on its products. The company said Ito's conduct was "completely unacceptable". Masaaki Ito had made the comment during a marketing lecture at Waseda University in Tokyo. Reuters reported that company spokesperson said that he could not confirm Ito's exact words. Yoshinoya company said that it had stripped Ito of his positions with the company. "His extremely unacceptable words and deeds could not be tolerated from the point of view of human rights and gender issues," Yoshinoya said in a statement. It later said it would dock company president Yasutaka Kawamura's pay by 30% for a three-month period through June. The company has made efforts to expand appeal of its dishes to women. When it comes to women's economic participation and opportunity, Japan has some way to go. It ranked 120th out of 156 nations in World Economic Forum's 2021 Global Gender Index. The topic was trending on Japanese Twitter, with many posters expressing outrage. "Let's deconstruct this remark - he showed contempt for women, young people, people from rural areas and his own company's products," one poster wrote. "In short, he pretty much insulted most of his company's customers." Waseda University apologised as well.

Japanese fast-food company sacks director for sexist remarks

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend the Azov Sea port but they have been pushed back due to Russian attacks. What importance does the port have for Vladimir Putin? Why is Russia hell-bent on capturing Mariupol? Here are some of the reasons.

1. Land connect with Crimea and Donbass

Russia already has control over Crimean peninsula which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia faces allegations of supporting secessionist elements in Ukraine's Donbass region. Mariupol is a major city situated between these two regions.

If Russia captures Mariupol, its forces in Crimea and Donbass will be able to have a greater connect with each other. This may prove useful for Russia to stage attacks deeper in Ukraine.

2. Cornering Ukraine's economy

Mariupol is a major Ukrainian port on the Azov Sea. Russian control on Mariupol will make Ukraine unable to carry out vital international trade from the port. This may create problems for Ukrainian economy potentially affecting country's capacity to resist Russian influence and invasion in future.

Losing Mariupol would mean Ukraine would lose sufficient access to up to 80 per cent of its coastline on the Black Sea.

3. The PR value!

World was taken aback when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was expected by some that Russian forces would sweep across Ukraine and will be able to score a swift victory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a>

However, after nearly two months. Russian forces have been unable to capture a major city. Though Russian forces launched attacks of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, soldiers on ground were soon diverted to other regions.

In such a scenario, victory in Mariupol would be a big PR boost for Russia as they will have captured a major urban area.

4. Morale booster

Fall of Mariupol can be a morale booster for Russian troops and citizens. Media reports have hinted at low morale of Russian forces in a conflict that has not yielded a major win till now.

If Mariupol falls into Russian hands, Kremlin may publicise the victory as indication that Russian forces were achieving their objectives in the Ukraine conflict.

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city.

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend the Azov Sea port but they have been pushed back due to Russian attacks. What importance does the port have for Vladimir Putin? Why is Russia hell-bent on capturing Mariupol? Here are some of the reasons. 1. Land connect with Crimea and Donbass Russia already has control over Crimean peninsula which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia faces allegations of supporting secessionist elements in Ukraine's Donbass region. Mariupol is a major city situated between these two regions. If Russia captures Mariupol, its forces in Crimea and Donbass will be able to have a greater connect with each other. This may prove useful for Russia to stage attacks deeper in Ukraine. 2. Cornering Ukraine's economy Mariupol is a major Ukrainian port on the Azov Sea. Russian control on Mariupol will make Ukraine unable to carry out vital international trade from the port. This may create problems for Ukrainian economy potentially affecting country's capacity to resist Russian influence and invasion in future. Losing Mariupol would mean Ukraine would lose sufficient access to up to 80 per cent of its coastline on the Black Sea. 3. The PR value! World was taken aback when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was expected by some that Russian forces would sweep across Ukraine and will be able to score a swift victory. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister However, after nearly two months. Russian forces have been unable to capture a major city. Though Russian forces launched attacks of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, soldiers on ground were soon diverted to other regions. In such a scenario, victory in Mariupol would be a big PR boost for Russia as they will have captured a major urban area. 4. Morale booster Fall of Mariupol can be a morale booster for Russian troops and citizens. Media reports have hinted at low morale of Russian forces in a conflict that has not yielded a major win till now. If Mariupol falls into Russian hands, Kremlin may publicise the victory as indication that Russian forces were achieving their objectives in the Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine Conflict: Why a victory in Mariupol is important to Russia

Uber has relaxed its requirement for drivers and rider in the US to wear masks. Uber has posted on its website that wearing masks will no longer be compulsory 'As of April 19, 2022'. However, Uber has noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends wearing masks "...if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area".

Most major US airlines have already dropped requirement to wear a face-covering or a mask. The relaxation has also been extended to some international flights.

“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” Uber said on its website.

Uber has already removed the mask-wearing mandate in the UK.

USA has faced major brunt of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Even in January this year, there was a spike in number of cases due to Omicron variant. About 1 million Americans have died from Covid infection till now and hundreds continue to die even today.

However, there has been a decline in number of cases lately in many regions of the country.

Uber has updated its back seat policy as well.

"Riders are no longer required to sit in the back seat. However, to give drivers space, we ask that riders only use the front seat if it’s required because of the size of their group." it said on its website.

Uber has relaxed its requirement for drivers and rider in the US to wear masks. Uber has posted on its website that wearing masks will no longer be compulsory 'As of April 19, 2022'.

Uber has relaxed its requirement for drivers and rider in the US to wear masks. Uber has posted on its website that wearing masks will no longer be compulsory 'As of April 19, 2022'. However, Uber has noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends wearing masks "...if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area". Most major US airlines have already dropped requirement to wear a face-covering or a mask. The relaxation has also been extended to some international flights. “Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” Uber said on its website. Uber has already removed the mask-wearing mandate in the UK. USA has faced major brunt of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Even in January this year, there was a spike in number of cases due to Omicron variant. About 1 million Americans have died from Covid infection till now and hundreds continue to die even today. However, there has been a decline in number of cases lately in many regions of the country. Uber has updated its back seat policy as well. "Riders are no longer required to sit in the back seat. However, to give drivers space, we ask that riders only use the front seat if it’s required because of the size of their group." it said on its website.

Uber relaxes mask rules for drivers and riders in US

US Vice-President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff together earned more than twice of that of US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden in the year 2021, it has emerged. The tax return documents released on Friday (April 15) have made the detail public.&nbsp;

As per the records, Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden earned USD 610,702 in Biden's first year as president of the US. The couple paid USD 150,439 in federal income taxes in the same year. This brings the rate of income tax to 24.6 per cent. It is well over the average rate of interest for all Americans (14 per cent).

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-bidens-approval-ratings-fall-to-42-loses-support-of-gen-z-471645/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff earned USD 1,655,563 in 2021 as per the tax records. They paid taxes of USD 523,371 at the rate of 31.6 per cent. They also paid USD 120,517 in California income tax and USD 2,044 in New York income tax.

This is the second year Biden has released his tax records. In the run-up to 2020 US Presidential Election, Biden released his tax records going back 22 years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-earned-more-than-president-joe-biden-in-2020-406421">Also read |&nbsp;US Vice President Kamala Harris earned more than President Joe Biden in 2020</a>

This was in stark contrast to former US president Donald Trump who has steadfastly declined to release his tax records claiming that he was under audit. He face strong allegations of tax avoidance from his opponents.

Bidens gave USD 17,394 to 10 different charities in 2021. The largest gift was $5,000 to the Beau Biden Foundation, a nonprofit that works to combat child abuse named for their son, Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.

The Bidens also released their 2021 Delaware income tax return and reported paying $30,765 in state income tax there. The first lady released a Virginia return showing she paid $2,721 in Virginia state income tax. 
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US Vice-President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff together earned more than twice of that of US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden in the year 2021, it has emerged.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff together earned more than twice of that of US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden in the year 2021, it has emerged. The tax return documents released on Friday (April 15) have made the detail public. As per the records, Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden earned USD 610,702 in Biden's first year as president of the US. The couple paid USD 150,439 in federal income taxes in the same year. This brings the rate of income tax to 24.6 per cent. It is well over the average rate of interest for all Americans (14 per cent). US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff earned USD 1,655,563 in 2021 as per the tax records. They paid taxes of USD 523,371 at the rate of 31.6 per cent. They also paid USD 120,517 in California income tax and USD 2,044 in New York income tax. This is the second year Biden has released his tax records. In the run-up to 2020 US Presidential Election, Biden released his tax records going back 22 years. Also read | US Vice President Kamala Harris earned more than President Joe Biden in 2020 This was in stark contrast to former US president Donald Trump who has steadfastly declined to release his tax records claiming that he was under audit. He face strong allegations of tax avoidance from his opponents. Bidens gave USD 17,394 to 10 different charities in 2021. The largest gift was $5,000 to the Beau Biden Foundation, a nonprofit that works to combat child abuse named for their son, Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. The Bidens also released their 2021 Delaware income tax return and reported paying $30,765 in state income tax there. The first lady released a Virginia return showing she paid $2,721 in Virginia state income tax.

Kamala Harris, husband earned twice as much as Bidens last year

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Zee News Rajasthan

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