US President Joe Biden will soon roll out plan to raise taxes for the wealthiest Americans, said Reuters quoting sources familiar with the proposal. This proposal is likely to include largest-ever increase in levies on investment gains. The increased revenue is likely to be used in childcare, universal pre-kindergarten education and paid leave for workers.

These measures are part of White House's push for overhaul of the US tax system that will make rich people and big companies pay more in taxes. The proposal calls for increasing the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6% from 37%, the sources said this week. It would also nearly double taxes on capital gains to 39.6% for people earning more than $1 million.

This would be the highest tax rate on investment gains. The rate has not exceeded 33.8 per cent after Second World War.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-administration-applauds-india-for-stepping-up-its-climate-change-commitment-379363">Biden administration applauds India for stepping up its climate change commitment</a>

Wall Street reacted to the news of the proposal. The news triggered sharp declines with the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index down 1% in early afternoon. This was its steepest drop in more than a month.

The tax hike would need to pass through US Congress. Biden's Democratic Party holds narrow majorities in US Congress. The proposal is expected to face tough resistance from the Republican Party.

Sources said details would be released next week before Biden's address to Congress on Wednesday. Details of the plan may change in coming days. White House officials are debating other possible tax increases that could ultimately be included such as capping deductions for wealthy taxpayers or increasing the estate tax, sources told Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden will soon roll out plan to raise taxes for the wealthiest Americans, said Reuters quoting sources familiar with the proposal. This proposal is likely to include largest-ever increase in levies on investment gains.

US President Joe Biden will soon roll out plan to raise taxes for the wealthiest Americans, said Reuters quoting sources familiar with the proposal. This proposal is likely to include largest-ever increase in levies on investment gains. The increased revenue is likely to be used in childcare, universal pre-kindergarten education and paid leave for workers. These measures are part of White House's push for overhaul of the US tax system that will make rich people and big companies pay more in taxes. The proposal calls for increasing the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6% from 37%, the sources said this week. It would also nearly double taxes on capital gains to 39.6% for people earning more than $1 million. This would be the highest tax rate on investment gains. The rate has not exceeded 33.8 per cent after Second World War. Also Read | Biden administration applauds India for stepping up its climate change commitment Wall Street reacted to the news of the proposal. The news triggered sharp declines with the benchmark S&P 500 index down 1% in early afternoon. This was its steepest drop in more than a month. The tax hike would need to pass through US Congress. Biden's Democratic Party holds narrow majorities in US Congress. The proposal is expected to face tough resistance from the Republican Party. Sources said details would be released next week before Biden's address to Congress on Wednesday. Details of the plan may change in coming days. White House officials are debating other possible tax increases that could ultimately be included such as capping deductions for wealthy taxpayers or increasing the estate tax, sources told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden to unveil historic tax increase for the rich

Over 100 Palestinians were wounded as protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem in overnight development. Clashes erupted on Thursday night. This is largest such incident since the start of Holy Muslim month of Ramadan/ Ramzan.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated at least 105 people, with some 20 of them hospitalised. Israeli police said 20 officers were wounded, three of whom were taken to hospital.

Violence took place near the Old City. Police had barred access to some areas where Palestinians usually gather in large numbers during Ramadan.

During Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, the promenade around the walls of the Old City is a popular place for Palestinians to get together after dark.

The protests erupted after videos posted online showed Palestinians being harrassed by Jewish youths who purportedly said "Death to Arabs"&nbsp;

Similar clashes earlier this week left four Palestinians injured, according to the Red Crescent.

Separately on Thursday night, the Israeli extreme-right group Lehava organised a march in west Jerusalem attended by hundreds to protest against anti-Jewish violence, the police said.

During the march, a policeman was injured in the face by stone-throwing Palestinians who had tried to hold a counter-protest, police said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 Palestinians were wounded as protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem in overnight development. Clashes erupted on Thursday night.

Over 100 Palestinians were wounded as protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem in overnight development. Clashes erupted on Thursday night. This is largest such incident since the start of Holy Muslim month of Ramadan/ Ramzan. The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated at least 105 people, with some 20 of them hospitalised. Israeli police said 20 officers were wounded, three of whom were taken to hospital. Violence took place near the Old City. Police had barred access to some areas where Palestinians usually gather in large numbers during Ramadan. During Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, the promenade around the walls of the Old City is a popular place for Palestinians to get together after dark. The protests erupted after videos posted online showed Palestinians being harrassed by Jewish youths who purportedly said "Death to Arabs" Similar clashes earlier this week left four Palestinians injured, according to the Red Crescent. Separately on Thursday night, the Israeli extreme-right group Lehava organised a march in west Jerusalem attended by hundreds to protest against anti-Jewish violence, the police said. During the march, a policeman was injured in the face by stone-throwing Palestinians who had tried to hold a counter-protest, police said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Jerusalem: More than 100 injured as Palestinians clash with Israeli police

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.&nbsp;

"I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement.

The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July.

Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point.

"If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. 
Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots.

Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage.

On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide.

Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice. "I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement. The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July. Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point. "If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots. Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage. On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide. Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway to send 216,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses to Iceland and Sweden

A deadly blast rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast took place in a luxury hotel where Chinese ambassador was staying. The ambassador was out when the blast took place. Meanwhile, Sheriff's deputies fatally shot a black man in North Carolina while serving search warrant. Read this and more in our morning news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-deadly-blast-at-luxury-hotel-housing-chinese-ambassador-379141">Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador&nbsp;</a>

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The blast took place in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-advances-bill-to-aid-ukraine-in-its-struggle-with-russia-pressure-nord-stream-2-379142">US advances bill to aid Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, pressure Nord Stream 2</a>

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The Ukraine Security Partnership Act, which was approved by voice vote, authorises $300 million in foreign military financing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hits-out-at-provocative-australian-scrapping-of-belt-and-road-initiative-379139">China hits out at 'provocative' Australian scrapping of Belt and Road Initiative</a>

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Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Wednesday the federal government would override the Victorian state government's decision to sign up to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vast network of investments that critics say is cover for Beijing creating geopolitical and financial leverage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-man-fatally-shot-by-sheriffs-deputies-serving-search-warrant-in-north-carolina-379155">Black man fatally shot by Sheriff's deputies serving search warrant in North Carolina</a>

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The shooting unfolded on Wednesday morning in Elizabeth City, a riverfront town of about 18,000 residents in Pasquotank County near North Carolina's coastal border with Virginia and small groups of protesters took to the streets by evening

PM Modi to attend US-hosted virtual climate summit

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A deadly blast rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast took place in a luxury hotel where Chinese ambassador was staying. The ambassador was out when the blast took place.

A deadly blast rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast took place in a luxury hotel where Chinese ambassador was staying. The ambassador was out when the blast took place. Meanwhile, Sheriff's deputies fatally shot a black man in North Carolina while serving search warrant. Read this and more in our morning news brief. Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador The blast took place in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency US advances bill to aid Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, pressure Nord Stream 2 The Ukraine Security Partnership Act, which was approved by voice vote, authorises $300 million in foreign military financing China hits out at 'provocative' Australian scrapping of Belt and Road Initiative Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Wednesday the federal government would override the Victorian state government's decision to sign up to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vast network of investments that critics say is cover for Beijing creating geopolitical and financial leverage Black man fatally shot by Sheriff's deputies serving search warrant in North Carolina The shooting unfolded on Wednesday morning in Elizabeth City, a riverfront town of about 18,000 residents in Pasquotank County near North Carolina's coastal border with Virginia and small groups of protesters took to the streets by evening PM Modi to attend US-hosted virtual climate summit ×

Morning news brief: Pakistan blast, another black man shot in US, and more

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal. US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks with each other over revival of 2015 nuclear deal.

"This time, we have gone into more detail," a senior US official said of the latest EU-led talks.

"We have provided Iran with a number of examples of the kind of sanctions that we believe we would need to lift in order to come back into compliance and the sanctions that we believe we would not need to lift," he said.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US under former President Barack Obama. Other world powers were party too. But Donald Trump unilaterally pulled US out of the nuclear deal during his presidency.

Iran has pressed for the United States to lift all sanctions imposed under Trump before it rolls back the steps Tehran took away from the 2015 deal in protest.

The US official said that the United States and Iran have not yet gone into detail on the question of who goes first.

But the official said: "We're open to different kinds of sequencing which meets our interest -- which is to see both sides in full compliance."

He declined to confirm a Wall Street Journal report that the Biden administration has voiced a willingness to ease sanctions on the Iranian finance and oil sectors.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier voiced optimism, saying that negotiations have made "60-70 percent progress."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal.

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal. US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks with each other over revival of 2015 nuclear deal. "This time, we have gone into more detail," a senior US official said of the latest EU-led talks. "We have provided Iran with a number of examples of the kind of sanctions that we believe we would need to lift in order to come back into compliance and the sanctions that we believe we would not need to lift," he said. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US under former President Barack Obama. Other world powers were party too. But Donald Trump unilaterally pulled US out of the nuclear deal during his presidency. Iran has pressed for the United States to lift all sanctions imposed under Trump before it rolls back the steps Tehran took away from the 2015 deal in protest. The US official said that the United States and Iran have not yet gone into detail on the question of who goes first. But the official said: "We're open to different kinds of sequencing which meets our interest -- which is to see both sides in full compliance." He declined to confirm a Wall Street Journal report that the Biden administration has voiced a willingness to ease sanctions on the Iranian finance and oil sectors. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier voiced optimism, saying that negotiations have made "60-70 percent progress." (With inputs from agencies)

US gives 'examples' of sanctions against Iran it is ready to lift

A crewed SpaceX mission to International Space Station has been postponed due to bad weather. The liftoff was scheduled for Thursday (April 22), but now will take place on Friday (April 23) at 0949 GMT.

"For crewed missions we need to look downrange to make sure weather's good for a potential launch escape, and for recovery of the crew," acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk told reporters.

The Crew-2 mission will carry four astronauts in the second routine taxi ride by SpaceX to ISS since the United States resumed crewed space flight, and the first with a European.

It involves US astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akihiko Hoshide, and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Thomas Pesquet, who is French.

The mission is notable because it is first to rely on a previously deployed booster and a capsule that had also been used before

"(It is) really helping us to see the full capability and really realizing the dreams that we had when we started this effort, about 10 years ago with SpaceX," NASA's certification manager for SpaceX Tom Simon told AFP.

NASA's immediate goal is to be able to reuse booster rockets at least five times for human space flights.

(With inputs from agencies)

A crewed SpaceX mission to International Space Station has been postponed due to bad weather. The liftoff was scheduled for Thursday (April 22), but now will take place on Friday (April 23) at 0949 GMT.

A crewed SpaceX mission to International Space Station has been postponed due to bad weather. The liftoff was scheduled for Thursday (April 22), but now will take place on Friday (April 23) at 0949 GMT. "For crewed missions we need to look downrange to make sure weather's good for a potential launch escape, and for recovery of the crew," acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk told reporters. The Crew-2 mission will carry four astronauts in the second routine taxi ride by SpaceX to ISS since the United States resumed crewed space flight, and the first with a European. It involves US astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akihiko Hoshide, and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Thomas Pesquet, who is French. The mission is notable because it is first to rely on a previously deployed booster and a capsule that had also been used before "(It is) really helping us to see the full capability and really realizing the dreams that we had when we started this effort, about 10 years ago with SpaceX," NASA's certification manager for SpaceX Tom Simon told AFP. NASA's immediate goal is to be able to reuse booster rockets at least five times for human space flights. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX mission to ISS postponed due to bad weather

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media. This move is sure to create tension between the US and its NATO ally Turkey.

Turkey vehemently rejects such a designation but it has already been adopted by dozens of other countries including France and Russia.

It is expected that Biden will announce the designation on Saturday, as per New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Saturday also marks 106th anniversary of the mass killings that began in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire was battling Tsarist Russia during World War I in the region that is now Armenia.

The move would make Biden the first US president to explicitly call the killings a genocide, and although the historic designation would carry no legal consequences it would infuriate Ankara, which insists there was no genocide and that both sides committed atrocities during the war.

The reports came after more than 100 members of Congress, led by Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president urging him to make good on a campaign promise to recognize the genocide.

The US Congress formally recognized the killings as genocide in December 2019 in a symbolic vote. 
"For decades, while leaders around the world recognize the first genocide of the 20th century, the president of the United States has remained silent," the letter said.

"Mr President, as you said last year in your April 24 statement, 'Silence is complicity.' The shameful silence of the United States government on the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has gone on for too long, and it must end," the letter said.

After the Dutch parliament passed a motion in February urging the government to recognize the genocide, Turkey said the move was "aimed at rewriting history based on political motives."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media.

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media. This move is sure to create tension between the US and its NATO ally Turkey. Turkey vehemently rejects such a designation but it has already been adopted by dozens of other countries including France and Russia. It is expected that Biden will announce the designation on Saturday, as per New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Saturday also marks 106th anniversary of the mass killings that began in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire was battling Tsarist Russia during World War I in the region that is now Armenia. The move would make Biden the first US president to explicitly call the killings a genocide, and although the historic designation would carry no legal consequences it would infuriate Ankara, which insists there was no genocide and that both sides committed atrocities during the war. The reports came after more than 100 members of Congress, led by Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president urging him to make good on a campaign promise to recognize the genocide. The US Congress formally recognized the killings as genocide in December 2019 in a symbolic vote. "For decades, while leaders around the world recognize the first genocide of the 20th century, the president of the United States has remained silent," the letter said. "Mr President, as you said last year in your April 24 statement, 'Silence is complicity.' The shameful silence of the United States government on the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has gone on for too long, and it must end," the letter said. After the Dutch parliament passed a motion in February urging the government to recognize the genocide, Turkey said the move was "aimed at rewriting history based on political motives." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to recognise WW-I massacre of Armenians as genocide: Reports

Humans have a huge footprint on this planet and this doesn't always mean a good thing. The footprint may be in form of carbon emissions or&nbsp;climate change. Human activities have often harmed nature. But human activities have adverse impact on humans as well.

A radioactive element has been found in honey samples collected in the US. The study has been carried out by researchers from William and Mary University in the US.

But why is there a radioactive element in honey?

The nuclear tests carried out in the US in 1950s and 60s are to blame. Nuclear bombs contain Uranium and when the bomb explodes, it produces radioactive Cesium.

Cesium atom is similar to Potassium atom and Potassium is a very important nutrient for plants. When Potassium is available in the soil, plants absorb it. But if soil is deficient in Potassium, there is a likelihood that the radioactive Cesium atoms may be absorbed by the plants, explain the researchers.

Cesium then passes into the nectar of the plant's flowers which in turn is converted to honey by the honeybees.

As per the researchers, the Cesium levels in the honey were not found to be high enough to cause extreme danger to human life. But this study is yet another reminder of the need to take care of our only home in the universe. Our Planet Earth.

The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

Humans have a huge footprint on this planet and this doesn't always mean a good thing. The footprint may be in form of carbon emissions or climate change. Human activities have often harmed nature.

Humans have a huge footprint on this planet and this doesn't always mean a good thing. The footprint may be in form of carbon emissions or climate change. Human activities have often harmed nature. But human activities have adverse impact on humans as well. A radioactive element has been found in honey samples collected in the US. The study has been carried out by researchers from William and Mary University in the US. But why is there a radioactive element in honey? The nuclear tests carried out in the US in 1950s and 60s are to blame. Nuclear bombs contain Uranium and when the bomb explodes, it produces radioactive Cesium. Cesium atom is similar to Potassium atom and Potassium is a very important nutrient for plants. When Potassium is available in the soil, plants absorb it. But if soil is deficient in Potassium, there is a likelihood that the radioactive Cesium atoms may be absorbed by the plants, explain the researchers. Cesium then passes into the nectar of the plant's flowers which in turn is converted to honey by the honeybees. As per the researchers, the Cesium levels in the honey were not found to be high enough to cause extreme danger to human life. But this study is yet another reminder of the need to take care of our only home in the universe. Our Planet Earth. The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

American honey samples found to contain radioactive element: Study

US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that limits the ability of a US president to impose travel ban on the basis of religion. The bill is informally known as the No Ban Act. It has come as a response to former US President Donald Trump's decision to bar travel from several Muslim-majority countries.

It was passed in US House of Representatives by a 218-208 vote. In order to become a law, the bill must pass in US Senate.

Passage of the bill has invited praise from the right groups.

Donald Trump had issued the ban shortly after assuming presidency in 2017. Most people from Syria, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya, as well as from North Korea and Venezuela were barred from travelling to US.

The ban was considered discriminatory and punitive. Joe Biden had struck down these provisions as soon as he became president earlier this year.

US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that limits the ability of a US president to impose travel ban on the basis of religion. The bill is informally known as the No Ban Act.

US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that limits the ability of a US president to impose travel ban on the basis of religion. The bill is informally known as the No Ban Act. It has come as a response to former US President Donald Trump's decision to bar travel from several Muslim-majority countries. It was passed in US House of Representatives by a 218-208 vote. In order to become a law, the bill must pass in US Senate. Passage of the bill has invited praise from the right groups. Donald Trump had issued the ban shortly after assuming presidency in 2017. Most people from Syria, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya, as well as from North Korea and Venezuela were barred from travelling to US. The ban was considered discriminatory and punitive. Joe Biden had struck down these provisions as soon as he became president earlier this year.

US House passes bill limiting president's power to bar travel based on religion

A Canadian judge on Wednesday adjourned Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing until August, giving her team time to review newly obtained documents from investment bank HSBC they say are key to her defense.

The delay requested by Meng upends the scheduled resumption on Monday of the British Columbia Supreme Court proceedings, which were to last three weeks and be the final leg of her two-and-a-half-year legal fight to forestall being sent to the United States to face charges of bank fraud.

"This application has been granted," Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes told the court. "The remainder of the proceedings... will be rescheduled to begin on or around August 3, 2021."

She added that her reasons for the ruling would be released in writing next week.

Meng, the daughter of the company's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, is accused by US prosecutors of misrepresenting to HSBC links between Huawei and a company that sold telecoms equipment to Iran in violation of US sanctions.

She has denied hiding Huawei's relationship with Skycom, a former subsidiary, from HSBC.

Earlier this month Huawei said it had reached an agreement with HSBC in Hong Kong to secure the documents. The company had previously failed to get the documents from a court in the UK, where HSBC is headquartered.

According to the original Huawei summons, seen by AFP, Meng was seeking HSBC bank documents on compliance, sanctions and risk evaluation, as well as records linked to a PowerPoint presentation she made to HSBC executives at a Hong Kong tea house in a bid to secure loans.

'Unreasonable request'

Wednesday's British Columbia Supreme Court decision is a small but key victory for Meng.

The delay, however, will come as little relief to the families of two Canadians jailed in China for what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said are "trumped-up" espionage charges.

The pair, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, were detained nine days after Meng's December 2018 arrest during a Vancouver stopover, in apparent retaliation.

Their detention and Meng's extradition battle has plunged Canada-China relations into a deep freeze. 
On Monday, Meng's lawyers petitioned the court for an adjournment to provide Meng the opportunity to review the HSBC documents for possible "relevant evidence" in her extradition case.

Lawyers for the Canadian government, acting on behalf of the United States, opposed the request, saying it was an effort to inappropriately stretch out the case, and that her arguments belong only before a US trial judge.

"They are requesting this court be turned into a trial court," government lawyer Robert Frater shot back. "This is an unreasonable request because it is not based on anything but unsubstantiated, redacted allegations."

Meng remains under night-time house arrest in her Vancouver mansion, supervised by guards at all times, and required to wear a wireless tracking device.&nbsp;

The case was supposed to have wrapped up May 14, barring any appeals, but the adjournment means it will not finish until at least the end of August.&nbsp;

"Any additional applications arising from the documents Ms. Meng will be receiving from HSBC will need to have been made and determined before (August)," Holmes also ruled.

A Canadian judge on Wednesday adjourned Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing until August, giving her team time to review newly obtained documents from investment bank HSBC they say are key to her defense.

A Canadian judge on Wednesday adjourned Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing until August, giving her team time to review newly obtained documents from investment bank HSBC they say are key to her defense. The delay requested by Meng upends the scheduled resumption on Monday of the British Columbia Supreme Court proceedings, which were to last three weeks and be the final leg of her two-and-a-half-year legal fight to forestall being sent to the United States to face charges of bank fraud. "This application has been granted," Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes told the court. "The remainder of the proceedings... will be rescheduled to begin on or around August 3, 2021." She added that her reasons for the ruling would be released in writing next week. Meng, the daughter of the company's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, is accused by US prosecutors of misrepresenting to HSBC links between Huawei and a company that sold telecoms equipment to Iran in violation of US sanctions. She has denied hiding Huawei's relationship with Skycom, a former subsidiary, from HSBC. Earlier this month Huawei said it had reached an agreement with HSBC in Hong Kong to secure the documents. The company had previously failed to get the documents from a court in the UK, where HSBC is headquartered. According to the original Huawei summons, seen by AFP, Meng was seeking HSBC bank documents on compliance, sanctions and risk evaluation, as well as records linked to a PowerPoint presentation she made to HSBC executives at a Hong Kong tea house in a bid to secure loans. 'Unreasonable request' Wednesday's British Columbia Supreme Court decision is a small but key victory for Meng. The delay, however, will come as little relief to the families of two Canadians jailed in China for what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said are "trumped-up" espionage charges. The pair, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, were detained nine days after Meng's December 2018 arrest during a Vancouver stopover, in apparent retaliation. Their detention and Meng's extradition battle has plunged Canada-China relations into a deep freeze. On Monday, Meng's lawyers petitioned the court for an adjournment to provide Meng the opportunity to review the HSBC documents for possible "relevant evidence" in her extradition case. Lawyers for the Canadian government, acting on behalf of the United States, opposed the request, saying it was an effort to inappropriately stretch out the case, and that her arguments belong only before a US trial judge. "They are requesting this court be turned into a trial court," government lawyer Robert Frater shot back. "This is an unreasonable request because it is not based on anything but unsubstantiated, redacted allegations." Meng remains under night-time house arrest in her Vancouver mansion, supervised by guards at all times, and required to wear a wireless tracking device. The case was supposed to have wrapped up May 14, barring any appeals, but the adjournment means it will not finish until at least the end of August. "Any additional applications arising from the documents Ms. Meng will be receiving from HSBC will need to have been made and determined before (August)," Holmes also ruled.

Canada judge adjourns Huawei exec's extradition hearing to August

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965.

At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country.

The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities.

Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry.

In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-heathrow-airport-turns-down-airline-requests-for-extra-flights-from-india-379144">Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India</a>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours.

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965. At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country. The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities. Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry. In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent. Also Read | Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19. (With inputs from agencies)

India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.

Quetta is capital of Pakistani province of Balochistan where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency.

"At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP, describing it as "an act of terrorism".

"The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-probe-opened-after-senior-journalist-critical-of-military-attacked-379077">Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked</a>

Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources -- a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth.

The resentment has increased after CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects that locals allege have very little benefit to them as jobs went to outsiders.

Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast.

"Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said. 
No group immediately claimed the attack.

In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project -- the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea -- killing at least eight people.

And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies.

All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army.

(With inputs from agencies)

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel. Quetta is capital of Pakistani province of Balochistan where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency. "At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP, describing it as "an act of terrorism". "The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added. Also Read | Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources -- a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth. The resentment has increased after CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects that locals allege have very little benefit to them as jobs went to outsiders. Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast. "Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said. No group immediately claimed the attack. In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project -- the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea -- killing at least eight people. And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies. All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four

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