The United States said on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" after violence in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound. The clashes at the mosque compound took place on the heels of three weeks of deadly violence in Israel and West Bank. Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police clashed at Al-Aqsa mosque on April 15. More than 150 people were wounded in the clashes.

"We call on all sides to exercise restraint (and) avoid provocative actions and rhetoric," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

"We urge Palestinian and Israeli officials to work cooperatively to lower tensions and ensure the safety of everyone."

As per Israeli police, dozens of masked men marched into Al-Aqsa and set off fireworks. This was followed by crowds hurling stones towards the Western Wall which is considered the holiest site where Jews can pray.

In the violence that erupted on April 15, most of the Palestinian injuries were due to rubber bullets, stun grenades and due to police baton

Al-Aqsa is third holiest site in Islam. The mosque is called Temple Mount by the Jews. This is a reference to two temples said to have stood there in antiquity.

The Al-Aqsa compound sits atop the Old City plateau of East Jerusalem, which was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, and is known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States said on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" after violence in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound. The clashes at the mosque compound took place on the heels of three weeks of deadly violence in Israel and West Bank.

The United States said on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" after violence in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound. The clashes at the mosque compound took place on the heels of three weeks of deadly violence in Israel and West Bank. Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police clashed at Al-Aqsa mosque on April 15. More than 150 people were wounded in the clashes. "We call on all sides to exercise restraint (and) avoid provocative actions and rhetoric," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. "We urge Palestinian and Israeli officials to work cooperatively to lower tensions and ensure the safety of everyone." As per Israeli police, dozens of masked men marched into Al-Aqsa and set off fireworks. This was followed by crowds hurling stones towards the Western Wall which is considered the holiest site where Jews can pray. In the violence that erupted on April 15, most of the Palestinian injuries were due to rubber bullets, stun grenades and due to police baton Al-Aqsa is third holiest site in Islam. The mosque is called Temple Mount by the Jews. This is a reference to two temples said to have stood there in antiquity. The Al-Aqsa compound sits atop the Old City plateau of East Jerusalem, which was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, and is known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif. (With inputs from agencies)

US makes appeal for calm after Jerusalem violence

NASA keeps sending brilliant pictures our way. These range from those of distant galaxies to our own backyard in the solar system, and everything in between. Sometimes these pics resemble 'Hand of God' or anything our perception allows us to see. This time, NASA has clicked a space butterfly!

This cosmic butterfly has been captured by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. It is a nebula. Nebulas are huge masses of gas and space dust in which new stars form. The infrared image of this 'space butterfly' shows two 'wings'.

In its Instagram post, NASA explains that these 'wings' are giant bubbles of hot, interstellar gas blowing from the hottest, most massive stars that are in the process of getting formed.&nbsp;

"...Besides being beautiful, this nebula demonstrates how the formation of stars results in the destruction of the very clouds that helped create them. Inside giant clouds of gas and dust in space, the force of gravity pulls material together into dense clumps. Sometimes these clumps reach a critical density that allows stars to form at their cores. Radiation and winds coming from the most massive stars in those clouds—combined with the material spewed into space when those stars eventually explode—sometimes form bubbles like those pictured here. But these processes also disperse the gas and dust, breaking up dense clumps and reducing or halting further new star formation. In fact, the material that forms this nebula’s wings was ejected from a dense cluster of stars that lies between them..." says NASA in the Instagram post.

The beautiful image was posted on April 15 and within a day, it has garnered more than 700,000 likes.

"I wanna get lost in that Space Butterfly, can I please?" comments a user.

NASA keeps sending brilliant pictures our way. These range from those of distant galaxies to our own backyard in the solar system, and everything in between. Sometimes these pics resemble 'Hand of God' or anything our perception allows us to see.

NASA keeps sending brilliant pictures our way. These range from those of distant galaxies to our own backyard in the solar system, and everything in between. Sometimes these pics resemble 'Hand of God' or anything our perception allows us to see. This time, NASA has clicked a space butterfly! This cosmic butterfly has been captured by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. It is a nebula. Nebulas are huge masses of gas and space dust in which new stars form. The infrared image of this 'space butterfly' shows two 'wings'. In its Instagram post, NASA explains that these 'wings' are giant bubbles of hot, interstellar gas blowing from the hottest, most massive stars that are in the process of getting formed. "...Besides being beautiful, this nebula demonstrates how the formation of stars results in the destruction of the very clouds that helped create them. Inside giant clouds of gas and dust in space, the force of gravity pulls material together into dense clumps. Sometimes these clumps reach a critical density that allows stars to form at their cores. Radiation and winds coming from the most massive stars in those clouds—combined with the material spewed into space when those stars eventually explode—sometimes form bubbles like those pictured here. But these processes also disperse the gas and dust, breaking up dense clumps and reducing or halting further new star formation. In fact, the material that forms this nebula’s wings was ejected from a dense cluster of stars that lies between them..." says NASA in the Instagram post. The beautiful image was posted on April 15 and within a day, it has garnered more than 700,000 likes. "I wanna get lost in that Space Butterfly, can I please?" comments a user.

NASA clicks photo of a 'space butterfly'

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia can use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He was talking with a US television network. In other news, China has begun sending its most advanced stealth fighter jet J-20 for patrols in South and East China Sea.&nbsp;Check out the morning news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-regime-could-use-nuclear-weapons-warns-zelensky-471336">After Russian ship sinks, Zelensky warns Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons</a> 
 
CIA director William Burns added that US President Biden is 'deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which nuclear conflict becomes possible'.

<img alt="Zelensky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cca7b8c5-9f54-4c85-a0f2-bbcbf385297e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zelensky_0.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-sending-its-most-advanced-fighter-plane-to-patrol-disputed-seas-471337">China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas</a> 
 
The presence of J-20 stealth fighter jets in East and South China Sea is being seen as another assertive move by China to project power in waters in which it has disputed with numerous countries.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-can-win-this-election-says-frances-le-pen-471338">I can win this election, says France's Le Pen</a> 
 
Marine Le Pen has been presidential candidate in past as well. But opinion polls show that she is more popular than ever in France this time. French President Emmanuel Macron maintains a thin lead over Le Pen.

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Bankrupt Sri Lanka rations fuel as economic crisis worsens

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia can use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He was talking with a US television network. In other news, China has begun sending its most advanced stealth fighter jet J-20 for patrols in South and East China Sea.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia can use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He was talking with a US television network. In other news, China has begun sending its most advanced stealth fighter jet J-20 for patrols in South and East China Sea. Check out the morning news brief. After Russian ship sinks, Zelensky warns Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons CIA director William Burns added that US President Biden is 'deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which nuclear conflict becomes possible'. China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas The presence of J-20 stealth fighter jets in East and South China Sea is being seen as another assertive move by China to project power in waters in which it has disputed with numerous countries. I can win this election, says France's Le Pen Marine Le Pen has been presidential candidate in past as well. But opinion polls show that she is more popular than ever in France this time. French President Emmanuel Macron maintains a thin lead over Le Pen. Bankrupt Sri Lanka rations fuel as economic crisis worsens ×

Morning news brief: Zelensky warns of Russian nuclear weapons, French election update, more

As run-off election to assume France's top office come nearer, French President Emmanuel Macron's main contender Marine Le Pen on Friday (April 15) expressed confidence saying she could win the election. She was visiting a pro-Macron town in southern France.

Le Pen got a mixed response as she was greeted by supporters and protesters alike. Protesters called her family "racist" and told her to go away. Le Pen appeared to project an optimist face as she said that odds of her victory were proportional to hate she has been getting.

"I have the people behind me and that’s the most important thing in a democracy," she told the press.

Le Pen has also been a candidate in past two presidential elections. Opinion polls show that she more popular than ever in France. A far-right candidate, Le Pen has been able to soften her image. She has pegged her campaign on cost-of-living issues.

Just nine days ahead of a runoff election that will determine who will lead the European Union's second-largest economy for the next five years, opinion polls show centrist President Emmanuel Macron is slightly ahead of Le Pen.

On Thursday (April 14), Le Pen held a major rally in the town of Avignon. While addressing some 4000 supporters, she said, ""victory has never been so near."

As run-off election to assume France's top office come nearer, French President Emmanuel Macron's main contender Marine Le Pen on Friday (April 15) expressed confidence saying she could win the election.

As run-off election to assume France's top office come nearer, French President Emmanuel Macron's main contender Marine Le Pen on Friday (April 15) expressed confidence saying she could win the election. She was visiting a pro-Macron town in southern France. Le Pen got a mixed response as she was greeted by supporters and protesters alike. Protesters called her family "racist" and told her to go away. Le Pen appeared to project an optimist face as she said that odds of her victory were proportional to hate she has been getting. "I have the people behind me and that’s the most important thing in a democracy," she told the press. Le Pen has also been a candidate in past two presidential elections. Opinion polls show that she more popular than ever in France. A far-right candidate, Le Pen has been able to soften her image. She has pegged her campaign on cost-of-living issues. Just nine days ahead of a runoff election that will determine who will lead the European Union's second-largest economy for the next five years, opinion polls show centrist President Emmanuel Macron is slightly ahead of Le Pen. On Thursday (April 14), Le Pen held a major rally in the town of Avignon. While addressing some 4000 supporters, she said, ""victory has never been so near."

I can win this election, says France's Le Pen

China's most powerful and advanced stealth fighter jet J-20 has begun patrolling disputed areas in East and South China Sea, as per a report in Chinese state media. China's Global Times, in its report, sought to project repeatedly that this was 'routine training' patrol.

Initial versions of the J-20 were fitted with Russian engines but these engines were soon replaced by Chinese engines that were developed domestically. The presence of J-20 fighter jets in East and South China Sea is being seen as another assertive move by China to project power in waters in which it has disputed with numerous countries.

China claims the entirety of South China Sea based on what it calls its historical claims. This has made China enter into disputes with other countries with coastlines on South China Sea. Chinese Navy and air force have sought to mark their presence in South China Sea. China has also constructed artificial islands. Some even have runways.

In East China Sea, China has dispute with Japan over Senkaku Islands. These are also called Diaoyu Islands.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) reportedly has 200 J-20 stealth fighter jets. Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia was quoted by CNN to say that foreign military aircrafts entering China's claimed airspace over these seas may potentially be ontercepted by J-20s.

China's most powerful and advanced stealth fighter jet J-20 has begun patrolling disputed areas in East and South China Sea, as per a report in Chinese state media.

China's most powerful and advanced stealth fighter jet J-20 has begun patrolling disputed areas in East and South China Sea, as per a report in Chinese state media. China's Global Times, in its report, sought to project repeatedly that this was 'routine training' patrol. Initial versions of the J-20 were fitted with Russian engines but these engines were soon replaced by Chinese engines that were developed domestically. The presence of J-20 fighter jets in East and South China Sea is being seen as another assertive move by China to project power in waters in which it has disputed with numerous countries. China claims the entirety of South China Sea based on what it calls its historical claims. This has made China enter into disputes with other countries with coastlines on South China Sea. Chinese Navy and air force have sought to mark their presence in South China Sea. China has also constructed artificial islands. Some even have runways. In East China Sea, China has dispute with Japan over Senkaku Islands. These are also called Diaoyu Islands. China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) reportedly has 200 J-20 stealth fighter jets. Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia was quoted by CNN to say that foreign military aircrafts entering China's claimed airspace over these seas may potentially be ontercepted by J-20s.

China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas

Main square in central Paris faced forced closure due to protest by climate change activists. The protests were against environmental programes proposed by France's remaining presidential candidates.

The Extinction Rebellion (XR) had said on its website that it planned to block a major Parisian location to disrupt the electoral cycle and its "business as usual" attitude.

In French presidential elections this time, the top theme is cost of living. Energy policies have also found resonance. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron and his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen have put forward very different policies on the renewables sector in particular.

"We are blocking this Paris square to rebel against alternatives that we don't have. This election leaves us with no choice between a far-right candidate with repugnant ideas ... and a candidate who during five years cast the ecology issue aside and lied," Lou, 26, a history teacher, who joined the Extinction Rebellion movement two years ago told Reuters.

Hundreds of people gathered in 9th district in Paris. They carried banners targetting the candidates. Some of them chanted slogans such as "their inaction leads to our rebellion", or lay on the floor in protest.

Just eight days ahead of a runoff that will determine who will lead the European Union's second-largest economy for the next five years, polls show the centrist president is slightly ahead of his far-right rival, but the contest promises to be tight.

(With inputs from agencies)

Main square in central Paris faced forced closure due to protest by climate change activists. The protests were against environmental programes proposed by France's remaining presidential candidates.

Main square in central Paris faced forced closure due to protest by climate change activists. The protests were against environmental programes proposed by France's remaining presidential candidates. The Extinction Rebellion (XR) had said on its website that it planned to block a major Parisian location to disrupt the electoral cycle and its "business as usual" attitude. In French presidential elections this time, the top theme is cost of living. Energy policies have also found resonance. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron and his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen have put forward very different policies on the renewables sector in particular. "We are blocking this Paris square to rebel against alternatives that we don't have. This election leaves us with no choice between a far-right candidate with repugnant ideas ... and a candidate who during five years cast the ecology issue aside and lied," Lou, 26, a history teacher, who joined the Extinction Rebellion movement two years ago told Reuters. Hundreds of people gathered in 9th district in Paris. They carried banners targetting the candidates. Some of them chanted slogans such as "their inaction leads to our rebellion", or lay on the floor in protest. Just eight days ahead of a runoff that will determine who will lead the European Union's second-largest economy for the next five years, polls show the centrist president is slightly ahead of his far-right rival, but the contest promises to be tight. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change protesters block Paris square decrying election candidates

Three Chinese astronauts on Saturday returned to Earth after completing the country's longest crewed space mission till now. The astronauts remained in space for 183 days.

While in orbit, the Shenzhou-13 mission astronauts took manual control in the Tianhe living quarters module for what state media called a "docking experiment" with the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft.

The astronauts - Zhai Zhigang, Ye Guangfu and a female crew member Wang Yaping - were launched into space in October. They remained in space for 183 days and completed fifth of 11 missions needed to finish the space station by the end of the year.

Shenzhou-13 was the second of four planned crewed missions to complete construction of the space station, which began last April. Shenzhou-12 returned to Earth in September.

Going forward, China will launch two missions, Tianzhou-4 and Shenzhou-14. The former would be a cargo spacecraft while the latter would be a three-person mission, as per Shao Limin, deputy technology manager of Manned Spaceship System. Shao Limin was quoted by Chinese state media.

Barred by the United States from participating in the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit, China has spent the past decade developing technologies to build its own space station, the only one in the world other than the ISS.

China, which aims to become a space power by 2030, has successfully launched probes to explore Mars and became the first country to land a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three Chinese astronauts on Saturday returned to Earth after completing the country's longest crewed space mission till now. The astronauts remained in space for 183 days.

Three Chinese astronauts on Saturday returned to Earth after completing the country's longest crewed space mission till now. The astronauts remained in space for 183 days. While in orbit, the Shenzhou-13 mission astronauts took manual control in the Tianhe living quarters module for what state media called a "docking experiment" with the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft. The astronauts - Zhai Zhigang, Ye Guangfu and a female crew member Wang Yaping - were launched into space in October. They remained in space for 183 days and completed fifth of 11 missions needed to finish the space station by the end of the year. Shenzhou-13 was the second of four planned crewed missions to complete construction of the space station, which began last April. Shenzhou-12 returned to Earth in September. Going forward, China will launch two missions, Tianzhou-4 and Shenzhou-14. The former would be a cargo spacecraft while the latter would be a three-person mission, as per Shao Limin, deputy technology manager of Manned Spaceship System. Shao Limin was quoted by Chinese state media. Barred by the United States from participating in the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit, China has spent the past decade developing technologies to build its own space station, the only one in the world other than the ISS. China, which aims to become a space power by 2030, has successfully launched probes to explore Mars and became the first country to land a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese astronauts return to Earth after longest crewed mission

A military hardware factory in Ukrainian capital Kyiv was targetted in a strike early on Saturday (April 16). The development has come a day after Russia bombed missile unit outside Kyiv.

On Saturday, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on social media that there had been explosions in Kyiv's Darnyrsky district.

The strike on the Ukrainian capital is among the first since invading Russian forces began withdrawing from regions around Kyiv last month, instead turning their focus on gaining control of the eastern Donbas region.

Russian defense ministry on Saturday confirmed that Russian forces had indeed struck the hardware factory.&nbsp;

"High-precision long-range air-launched weapons destroyed production buildings of an armaments plant in Kyiv," the ministry said in a statement on Telegram.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-regime-could-use-nuclear-weapons-warns-zelensky-471336">After Russian ship sinks, Zelensky warns Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons</a>

Russia suffered a setback in last few days as Moskva, the flagship of its Black Sea Fleet sunk. Ukraine says that the warship was target of a missile attack while Russia claimed that the fire was due to exploding ammunition on board the ship.

Russia warned of intensified attacks on Ukrainian capital in the aftermath of Moskva's sinking.

Residential areas of Kyiv were struck repeatedly at the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine from late February. Moscow has denied intentionally striking civilian infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

A military hardware factory in Ukrainian capital Kyiv was targetted in a strike early on Saturday (April 16). The development has come a day after Russia bombed missile unit outside Kyiv.

A military hardware factory in Ukrainian capital Kyiv was targetted in a strike early on Saturday (April 16). The development has come a day after Russia bombed missile unit outside Kyiv. On Saturday, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on social media that there had been explosions in Kyiv's Darnyrsky district. The strike on the Ukrainian capital is among the first since invading Russian forces began withdrawing from regions around Kyiv last month, instead turning their focus on gaining control of the eastern Donbas region. Russian defense ministry on Saturday confirmed that Russian forces had indeed struck the hardware factory. "High-precision long-range air-launched weapons destroyed production buildings of an armaments plant in Kyiv," the ministry said in a statement on Telegram. Also Read | After Russian ship sinks, Zelensky warns Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons Russia suffered a setback in last few days as Moskva, the flagship of its Black Sea Fleet sunk. Ukraine says that the warship was target of a missile attack while Russia claimed that the fire was due to exploding ammunition on board the ship. Russia warned of intensified attacks on Ukrainian capital in the aftermath of Moskva's sinking. Residential areas of Kyiv were struck repeatedly at the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine from late February. Moscow has denied intentionally striking civilian infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia targets military factory in Ukrainian capital Kyiv

A member of Islamic State was convicted in US (Virginia) on Thursday for beheading hostages.

El Shafee Elsheikh, who had been stripped of his British citizenship, was a member of Islamic State terrorist cell nicknamed "The Beatles" for their British accents. He took part in the infamous Islamic State hostage-taking plot that led to the beheading of American journalists and aid workers.

ElSheikh's trial went on for six-week and the jury took four hours to deliberate before declaring him guilty. The trial saw testimonies from some former hostages who were released by the "Beatles" after long negotiations. They spoke about the torture they endured. Family members of the deceased victims also testified.

Elsheikh was born in Sudan and raised in London. His British citizenship was withdrawn in 2018. He was accused of killing four American hostages: James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.

Foley and Sotloff were journalists while Kassig was an aid worker. These men were killed in videotaped beheadings. The US officials have said that Kayla Mueller was raped repeatedly by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She died in Syria.

Another of the cell's members, Alexanda Kotey, was held in Iraq by the US military before being flown to the United States to face trial. Kotey pleaded guilty last September to the murders of Foley, Sotloff, Mueller and Kassig.

During opening arguments in the U.S. trial, Elsheikh's lawyer Ed MacMahon called him a "simple ISIS fighter" and tried to cast doubt on whether he was one of the "Beatles." The captors wore masks and had similar accents, making it difficult for hostages to identify them, he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A member of Islamic State was convicted in US (Virginia) on Thursday for beheading hostages. El Shafee Elsheikh, who had been stripped of his British citizenship, was a member of Islamic State terrorist cell nicknamed "The Beatles" for their British accents.

A member of Islamic State was convicted in US (Virginia) on Thursday for beheading hostages. El Shafee Elsheikh, who had been stripped of his British citizenship, was a member of Islamic State terrorist cell nicknamed "The Beatles" for their British accents. He took part in the infamous Islamic State hostage-taking plot that led to the beheading of American journalists and aid workers. ElSheikh's trial went on for six-week and the jury took four hours to deliberate before declaring him guilty. The trial saw testimonies from some former hostages who were released by the "Beatles" after long negotiations. They spoke about the torture they endured. Family members of the deceased victims also testified. Elsheikh was born in Sudan and raised in London. His British citizenship was withdrawn in 2018. He was accused of killing four American hostages: James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. Foley and Sotloff were journalists while Kassig was an aid worker. These men were killed in videotaped beheadings. The US officials have said that Kayla Mueller was raped repeatedly by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She died in Syria. Another of the cell's members, Alexanda Kotey, was held in Iraq by the US military before being flown to the United States to face trial. Kotey pleaded guilty last September to the murders of Foley, Sotloff, Mueller and Kassig. During opening arguments in the U.S. trial, Elsheikh's lawyer Ed MacMahon called him a "simple ISIS fighter" and tried to cast doubt on whether he was one of the "Beatles." The captors wore masks and had similar accents, making it difficult for hostages to identify them, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member found guilty of beheading hostages

Just hours after Elon Musk offered to buy tech giant Twitter for $41.39 billion, the billionaire said he was not sure if he would 'be able to acquire it', but hinted at a plan B.

Asserting that his hostile bid was not aimed at making money but to create an inclusive arena for free speech, Musk said he has sufficient assets to carry out the deal. Musk's net worth is estimated to be around $282 billion.

Speaking at TED2022 conference in Vancouver, Musk did not disclose what his plan B is but reports said he could dump the 9.2% stake in the company which had made him the largest shareholder in the social media giant.&nbsp;

"I am not sure that I will actually be able to acquire it," he told the conference.

He called &nbsp;Securities and Exchange Commission officials "bastards" for bringing fraud charges against him over his 2018 tweets regarding taking Tesla private.

"So I was forced to concede to the SEC unlawfully. Those bastards."

Musk offered to buy Twitter in a regulatory filing on Thursday. He is offering $54.20 per share. He made an announcement about his offer in a short tweet on Thursday that said 'I made an offer'.

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— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1514564966564651008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Musk has looked to give 38 per cent&nbsp;premium over the closing price of the stock of Twitter on April 1.

The single tweet from the billionaire sent shockwaves through the business world. The offer elicited fears as well as cheers.

Tech watchers reacted to the Tesla chief's proposal for one of the world's most influential information exchanges with immediate worries about accountability, public discourse and even how it could impact democracy.

"Twitter is too important to be owned and controlled by a single person," tweeted venture capitalist Fred Wilson. "The opposite should be happening. Twitter should be decentralized."

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has already come out against the proposal, saying it's too low, drawing a sharp reply from Musk questioning Saudi Arabia's "views on journalistic freedom of speech."

Still, Musk provided some detail Thursday on his vision, saying he'd like to lift the veil on the algorithm that runs on the platform, even allowing people to look through it and suggest changes.

The mercurial billionaire is known to support free speech but is also opposed to curbs which experts believe are important to prevent negative real-world ramifications like violence.

"I do think that we want to be just very reluctant to delete things and just be very cautious with permanent bans. Timeouts, I think are better," Musk told the Ted conference on Thursday, without addressing Trump directly.&nbsp;

"I think we want to really have, like a sort of obsession and reality, that speech is as free as reasonably possible," he added.

Twitter not held hostage by Musk offer, says CEO

Meanwhile, speaking to employees, Twitter CEO Parag Agarwal said the company is not held hostage by Musk's offer.

"We as employees control what happens,"&nbsp; he told staff, asking them to remain focused, according to news agency Reuters.

It said he was responding to staff queries posted on the Slack messaging service of Twitter.&nbsp;

Agarwal faced some tough questions in the interaction with staff.

One of them asked how Twitter decided to offer Musk a seat in the company's board. "Are we just going to start inviting any and all billionaires to the board?"

According to Reuters, Agrawal said the board was acting in the best interest of shareholders. "I have a strong point of view that people who are critical of our service, their voice is something that we must emphasise so that we can learn and get better."

Agarwal didn't directly address a question as to how he viewed Musk's definition of free speech, according to Reuters. He said the company's work was focused on continuously improving "the health of conversation" on Twitter.

On Musk's takeover offer, Agrawal said the board was continuing to review it, adding he was limited in what he could share with the employees.

(With inputs from agencies)

Just hours after Elon Musk offered to buy tech giant Twitter for $41.39 billion, the billionaire said he was not sure if he would 'be able to acquire it', but hinted at a plan B.

Just hours after Elon Musk offered to buy tech giant Twitter for $41.39 billion, the billionaire said he was not sure if he would 'be able to acquire it', but hinted at a plan B. Asserting that his hostile bid was not aimed at making money but to create an inclusive arena for free speech, Musk said he has sufficient assets to carry out the deal. Musk's net worth is estimated to be around $282 billion. Speaking at TED2022 conference in Vancouver, Musk did not disclose what his plan B is but reports said he could dump the 9.2% stake in the company which had made him the largest shareholder in the social media giant. "I am not sure that I will actually be able to acquire it," he told the conference. He called Securities and Exchange Commission officials "bastards" for bringing fraud charges against him over his 2018 tweets regarding taking Tesla private. "So I was forced to concede to the SEC unlawfully. Those bastards." Musk offered to buy Twitter in a regulatory filing on Thursday. He is offering $54.20 per share. He made an announcement about his offer in a short tweet on Thursday that said 'I made an offer'. I made an offer https://t.co/VvreuPMeLu — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 14, 2022 × Musk has looked to give 38 per cent premium over the closing price of the stock of Twitter on April 1. The single tweet from the billionaire sent shockwaves through the business world. The offer elicited fears as well as cheers. Tech watchers reacted to the Tesla chief's proposal for one of the world's most influential information exchanges with immediate worries about accountability, public discourse and even how it could impact democracy. "Twitter is too important to be owned and controlled by a single person," tweeted venture capitalist Fred Wilson. "The opposite should be happening. Twitter should be decentralized." Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has already come out against the proposal, saying it's too low, drawing a sharp reply from Musk questioning Saudi Arabia's "views on journalistic freedom of speech." Still, Musk provided some detail Thursday on his vision, saying he'd like to lift the veil on the algorithm that runs on the platform, even allowing people to look through it and suggest changes. The mercurial billionaire is known to support free speech but is also opposed to curbs which experts believe are important to prevent negative real-world ramifications like violence. "I do think that we want to be just very reluctant to delete things and just be very cautious with permanent bans. Timeouts, I think are better," Musk told the Ted conference on Thursday, without addressing Trump directly. "I think we want to really have, like a sort of obsession and reality, that speech is as free as reasonably possible," he added. Twitter not held hostage by Musk offer, says CEO Meanwhile, speaking to employees, Twitter CEO Parag Agarwal said the company is not held hostage by Musk's offer. "We as employees control what happens," he told staff, asking them to remain focused, according to news agency Reuters. It said he was responding to staff queries posted on the Slack messaging service of Twitter. Agarwal faced some tough questions in the interaction with staff. One of them asked how Twitter decided to offer Musk a seat in the company's board. "Are we just going to start inviting any and all billionaires to the board?" According to Reuters, Agrawal said the board was acting in the best interest of shareholders. "I have a strong point of view that people who are critical of our service, their voice is something that we must emphasise so that we can learn and get better." Agarwal didn't directly address a question as to how he viewed Musk's definition of free speech, according to Reuters. He said the company's work was focused on continuously improving "the health of conversation" on Twitter. On Musk's takeover offer, Agrawal said the board was continuing to review it, adding he was limited in what he could share with the employees. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk not sure if he could acquire Twitter, has a Plan B, calls SEC 'bastards'

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine. Burns was speaking in Atlanta in front of Georgia Tech University.

"Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they've faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," said Burns.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port

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Burns added that the US has not seen "a lot of practical evidence" of actual deployment of nuclear weapons.

"We're obviously very concerned. I know President Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible," said Burns.

Russia possesses tactical nuclear weapons. Such nuclear weapons are less powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during Second World War.

The escalate to de-escalate military doctrine of Russia would involve launching a first strike nuclear weapon of low yield to regain the initiative if things go badly in a conventional conflict with the West.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moskva-russian-navys-black-sea-fleet-flagship-has-sunk-defence-ministry-471089">Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry</a>

But under this hypothesis, "NATO would intervene militarily on the ground in Ukraine in the course of this conflict, and that's not something, as President Biden has made very clear, that's in the cards."

Burns has served as US ambassador to Russia. He had strong words for Vladimir Putin.

calling him an "apostle of payback" who over the years "has stood in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity."

"Every day, Putin demonstrates that declining powers can be at least as disruptive as rising ones," Burns said.

(With inputs from agencies)

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine.

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine. Burns was speaking in Atlanta in front of Georgia Tech University. "Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they've faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," said Burns. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port × Burns added that the US has not seen "a lot of practical evidence" of actual deployment of nuclear weapons. "We're obviously very concerned. I know President Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible," said Burns. Russia possesses tactical nuclear weapons. Such nuclear weapons are less powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during Second World War. The escalate to de-escalate military doctrine of Russia would involve launching a first strike nuclear weapon of low yield to regain the initiative if things go badly in a conventional conflict with the West. Also Read | Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry But under this hypothesis, "NATO would intervene militarily on the ground in Ukraine in the course of this conflict, and that's not something, as President Biden has made very clear, that's in the cards." Burns has served as US ambassador to Russia. He had strong words for Vladimir Putin. calling him an "apostle of payback" who over the years "has stood in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity." "Every day, Putin demonstrates that declining powers can be at least as disruptive as rising ones," Burns said. (With inputs from agencies)

Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief

North Koreans celebrate founding leader Kim Il Sung's birthday

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