The reel fever is spreading in India. More and more youngsters are shooting reels, turning public spaces into filming sets. Seeing the rise, Delhi Metro has prohibited filming dance reels inside metro coaches. Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Delhi metro bans filming Instagram reels & TikTok

Banks in India have remained insulated from the financial upheaval in U.S. banks. How has this happened? Has the greater regulation by India's Central Bank saved Indian banks from risky loans? Also, has the Silicon Bank closure now resulted in a decade of winter for the start-ups? Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Gravitas: Indian banks weather Silicon Valley Bank meltdown

Lack of sleep can affect a vaccine's capability to protect the body. Sleep deprivation lowers the vaccine's ability to reach the immune system. Then how can a person get good sleep? Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Can lack of sleep affect your vaccination?

Restaurants are adding the calorie count to every dish on their menu. Will this make people pay attention to their health? or will foodies continue to care less about what they eat?

Gravitas | Calorie count on menu cards: A bane or a boon?

Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan.

The virtual crash course called “Immersing with Indian Thoughts” will be held for four days and will begin on Tuesday. The Indian Institute of Management will conduct the crash course in India's southern city of Kozhikode.

The elite management school has been working in collaboration with the India Technical and Economic Co-operation Programme, as part of India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ regular training.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-health-ministry-launches-annual-polio-vaccination-drive-571658">Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive</a>

Taliban's senior diplomat Suhail Shaheen said, “All those working for the current government can receive the online training after a process of selection by relevant authorities.”

Recently, a circular was released by the Taliban-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs inviting personnel and diplomats to register for the course.

The Taliban leaders will learn about India’s “economic environment, regulatory ecosystem, leadership insights, social and historical backdrop, cultural heritage, legal and environmental landscape, consumer mindsets and business risks,” as per the ITEC website.

Farid Mamundzay, Afghan ambassador in New Delhi, said, “It appears that there’s an effort on the part of India to show some direct delivery of technical assistance to Taliban, which would help in building good working relations for now.”

WATCH | Gravitas | Afghanistan: Extreme forces rise to take on the Taliban. Here's all you need to know

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“This technical assistance could be the starting point of a larger humanitarian and aid package of India to the Taliban,” he added.

The Taliban government is not been formally recognised by India since it came to power in 2021 in the wake of the United States' exit from Afghanistan.

However, the Indian embassy did re-open in Kabul last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan.

Taliban officials are set to receive a crash course from India on its legislation, culture and business climate, underscoring the continued interest of New Delhi in staying engaged with the new government of Afghanistan. The virtual crash course called “Immersing with Indian Thoughts” will be held for four days and will begin on Tuesday. The Indian Institute of Management will conduct the crash course in India's southern city of Kozhikode. The elite management school has been working in collaboration with the India Technical and Economic Co-operation Programme, as part of India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ regular training. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive Taliban's senior diplomat Suhail Shaheen said, “All those working for the current government can receive the online training after a process of selection by relevant authorities.” Recently, a circular was released by the Taliban-led Ministry of Foreign Affairs inviting personnel and diplomats to register for the course. The Taliban leaders will learn about India’s “economic environment, regulatory ecosystem, leadership insights, social and historical backdrop, cultural heritage, legal and environmental landscape, consumer mindsets and business risks,” as per the ITEC website. Farid Mamundzay, Afghan ambassador in New Delhi, said, “It appears that there’s an effort on the part of India to show some direct delivery of technical assistance to Taliban, which would help in building good working relations for now.” WATCH | Gravitas | Afghanistan: Extreme forces rise to take on the Taliban. Here's all you need to know “This technical assistance could be the starting point of a larger humanitarian and aid package of India to the Taliban,” he added. The Taliban government is not been formally recognised by India since it came to power in 2021 in the wake of the United States' exit from Afghanistan. However, the Indian embassy did re-open in Kabul last year. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India to give crash course to Taliban on culture, leadership and economics

Inter Milan held off Porto in a gritty 0-0 draw on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, with a 1-0 aggregate triumph.

The Italian side, three-time winners of this competition, progressed to the last eight for the first time since 2011.

For the first time since 2006, both Inter and AC Milan have reached the quarter-finals.

Clutching a one-goal advantage from Romelu Lukaku's last 16 first leg late winner, Inter set up to frustrate at the Estadio do Dragao.

Porto had the better of the game but only managed to test Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana on a few occasions and failed to make the last eight for the third time in their last five attempts.

Their finest chances came in stoppage time at the end, when Mehdi Taremi and Marko Grujic both hit the woodwork and Marcano had an effort cleared off the line.

"There are so many emotions right now, after so many years we are proud of this achievement," Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu said.&nbsp;

"We made some mistakes but we did a great job, it was very difficult but I congratulate the team for the great job,” he said.

Inter have faced criticism for their domestic form but Calhanoglu said this game provided a morale boost.

"Anything can happen in the Champions League - this match restores motivation for us," he added.

"We did a great job, we didn't score but we worked hard until the final whistle and we qualified,” he said.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, aiming to end a bad run of form away from home, started with Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez up front, with first-leg match-winner Romelu Lukaku on the bench.

Porto have a strong recent record against Italian sides, knocking out Juventus and Roma in recent years, but the Portuguese champions could not score against Inter in 180 minutes.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/haaland-hits-five-to-ease-man-city-into-champions-league-quarters-572100">Haaland hits five to ease Man City into Champions League quarters</a>

They were unable to include veteran centre-back Pepe, 40, in the squad, shorn of their captain at the last minute.

Porto were also without Otavio, sent off at the San Siro, but Stephen Eustaquio stepped in for him and impressed.

Matheus Uribe lashed a vicious strike just wide of Inter's goal early on, while Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa made solid saves from Dzeko and Nicolo Barella.

Sergio Conceicao's side were in the ascendancy for much of the first half and only a fine sliding block by Federico Dimarco denied Evanilson.

The hosts might have taken the lead just before the break but Eustaquio could not reach Brazilian winger Pepe's tempting cross.

Desperate Porto&nbsp;

Grujic tested Andre Onana with a low drive as Porto's urgency rose, while Galeno also forced the Cameroon international into a save.

Inter lost Alessandro Bastoni to an apparent hamstring injury, but held on tightly to their slim first-leg advantage.

WATCH | Man City charged by Premier League for numerous alleged breaches of financial rules

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Milan Skriniar made his return from injury in the final stages as Inzaghi's side knuckled down and denied Porto at every turn.

Porto's first clear chance of the game arrived deep in stoppage time, when Marcano's effort was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries.

The Portuguese side struck the woodwork twice in an agonising finale, with Onana pushing Taremi's header onto the post, before Grujic nodded against the crossbar.

"In the second half we were better, more possession and more opportunities -- I still can't believe the ball didn't go in," Grujic said.

"The fans were supportive and it was good to see that they understood that we gave everything. We really wanted to win the game. The Dragao atmosphere was spectacular and now we are very disappointed,” he added.

Porto's wide man Pepe was sent off for a second yellow card at the death, with Inter surviving the late onslaught.

The Italians have only won one game on the road in 2023 and Inzaghi is under pressure, but progression to the quarter-finals buys him more breathing room.&nbsp;

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Inter Milan held off Porto in a gritty 0-0 draw on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, with a 1-0 aggregate triumph. The Italian side, three-time winners of this competition, progressed to the last eight for the first time since 2011.

Inter Milan held off Porto in a gritty 0-0 draw on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, with a 1-0 aggregate triumph. The Italian side, three-time winners of this competition, progressed to the last eight for the first time since 2011. For the first time since 2006, both Inter and AC Milan have reached the quarter-finals. Clutching a one-goal advantage from Romelu Lukaku's last 16 first leg late winner, Inter set up to frustrate at the Estadio do Dragao. Porto had the better of the game but only managed to test Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana on a few occasions and failed to make the last eight for the third time in their last five attempts. Their finest chances came in stoppage time at the end, when Mehdi Taremi and Marko Grujic both hit the woodwork and Marcano had an effort cleared off the line. "There are so many emotions right now, after so many years we are proud of this achievement," Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu said. "We made some mistakes but we did a great job, it was very difficult but I congratulate the team for the great job,” he said. Inter have faced criticism for their domestic form but Calhanoglu said this game provided a morale boost. "Anything can happen in the Champions League - this match restores motivation for us," he added. "We did a great job, we didn't score but we worked hard until the final whistle and we qualified,” he said. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, aiming to end a bad run of form away from home, started with Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez up front, with first-leg match-winner Romelu Lukaku on the bench. Porto have a strong recent record against Italian sides, knocking out Juventus and Roma in recent years, but the Portuguese champions could not score against Inter in 180 minutes. ALSO READ | Haaland hits five to ease Man City into Champions League quarters They were unable to include veteran centre-back Pepe, 40, in the squad, shorn of their captain at the last minute. Porto were also without Otavio, sent off at the San Siro, but Stephen Eustaquio stepped in for him and impressed. Matheus Uribe lashed a vicious strike just wide of Inter's goal early on, while Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa made solid saves from Dzeko and Nicolo Barella. Sergio Conceicao's side were in the ascendancy for much of the first half and only a fine sliding block by Federico Dimarco denied Evanilson. The hosts might have taken the lead just before the break but Eustaquio could not reach Brazilian winger Pepe's tempting cross. Desperate Porto Grujic tested Andre Onana with a low drive as Porto's urgency rose, while Galeno also forced the Cameroon international into a save. Inter lost Alessandro Bastoni to an apparent hamstring injury, but held on tightly to their slim first-leg advantage. WATCH | Man City charged by Premier League for numerous alleged breaches of financial rules Milan Skriniar made his return from injury in the final stages as Inzaghi's side knuckled down and denied Porto at every turn. Porto's first clear chance of the game arrived deep in stoppage time, when Marcano's effort was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries. The Portuguese side struck the woodwork twice in an agonising finale, with Onana pushing Taremi's header onto the post, before Grujic nodded against the crossbar. "In the second half we were better, more possession and more opportunities -- I still can't believe the ball didn't go in," Grujic said. "The fans were supportive and it was good to see that they understood that we gave everything. We really wanted to win the game. The Dragao atmosphere was spectacular and now we are very disappointed,” he added. Porto's wide man Pepe was sent off for a second yellow card at the death, with Inter surviving the late onslaught. The Italians have only won one game on the road in 2023 and Inzaghi is under pressure, but progression to the quarter-finals buys him more breathing room. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Inter Milan frustrate Porto to reach Champions League quarters

Erling Haaland equalled a Champions League record with a five-goal haul to ease Manchester City into the quarter-finals at RB Leipzig's expense as a 7-0 win for the English champions secured an 8-1 aggregate victory on Tuesday.

Haaland also set a new club record for goals in a season of 39 in the process as Pep Guardiola's men reached the last eight for the sixth consecutive season.

"My super strength is scoring goals," said Haaland. "A lot of it is being quick in the mind and trying to put it where the goalkeeper is not,” he added.

City are yet to go all the way in the Champions League, but they have never had a striker of Haaland's quality to make the difference in the latter stages before.

At just 22 he now has 33 goals in 25 appearances in Europe's premier club competition.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winning-a-champions-league-title-will-eventually-define-my-era-at-manchester-city-says-pep-guardiola-571642">Winning a Champions League title will eventually define my era at Manchester City, says Pep Guardiola</a>

"Firstly, I'm proud to play in this competition, I love it," added Haaland. "Five goals! To win 7-0 is amazing,” he said.

The weather was more akin to Haaland's homeland on a snowy night in Manchester, but City did not freeze under the pressure and kept their Champions League dreams alive.

The tie was delicately balanced after a 1-1 draw in eastern Germany three weeks ago, but a Leipzig side depleted by injury never looked like a match for their star-studded opponents.

Guardiola had kept Kevin De Bruyne in reserve for Abu Dhabi-backed City's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the weekend and on his return to the starting line-up, the Belgian was back to his best.

Ilkay Gundogan should have opened the scoring after just three minutes from De Bruyne's inviting cross.

WATCH | Man City charged by Premier League for numerous alleged breaches of financial rules

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Haaland's searing pace then created a chance out of nothing from Nathan Ake's long ball, but Janis Blaswich raced out from his goal to block.

Leipzig did have cause for complaint over two controversial calls that had a massive impact on the game before half-time.

Firstly, VAR spotted a handball against Benjamin Henrichs that led to a penalty that neither the City players nor the crowd even noticed.

Denied record chance&nbsp;

Haaland fired low to Blaswich's left to maintain his perfect record from the spot for City with his sixth penalty of the season.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 as Haaland teed up De Bruyne, who smashed a shot against the bar, and then showed his speed and strength to power home a header from the rebound.

Leipzig could have been gifted a route back into the tie when Ederson sprinted from his goal to wipe out Konrad Laimer.

But rather than send the Brazilian goalkeeper off, Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic did not even award a free-kick.

Any doubt over the outcome was ended with the final action of the first half.

Ruben Dias rose highest to head Jack Grealish's corner onto the post and Amadou Haidara's attempted clearance ricocheted off Haaland into the net.

Gundogan's classy finish into the far corner four minutes into the second half rubbed more salt into Leipzig's wounds before Haaland started rewriting the record books.

Firstly, he hammered home at the second attempt after Blaswich parried his initial header to match Tommy Johnson's record of 38 goals for City in the 1928-29 season.

Haaland set a new mark with still three months of the campaign to go when he snaffled up another rebound after Blaswich saved from Manuel Akanji.

In the process, he moved level with Lionel Messi and Luiz Adriano's record of scoring five goals in a Champions League game.

But Guardiola denied his star striker the chance of another record as he replaced him with Julian Alvarez with 25 minutes remaining.

"I told him I would love to score a double hat-trick, but what can I do," said Haaland.

Instead, it was left to De Bruyne to have the final say as he curled a superb strike into the top corner in stoppage time.&nbsp;

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Erling Haaland equalled a Champions League record with a five-goal haul to ease Manchester City into the quarter-finals at RB Leipzig's expense as a 7-0 win for the English champions secured an 8-1 aggregate victory on Tuesday.

Erling Haaland equalled a Champions League record with a five-goal haul to ease Manchester City into the quarter-finals at RB Leipzig's expense as a 7-0 win for the English champions secured an 8-1 aggregate victory on Tuesday. Haaland also set a new club record for goals in a season of 39 in the process as Pep Guardiola's men reached the last eight for the sixth consecutive season. "My super strength is scoring goals," said Haaland. "A lot of it is being quick in the mind and trying to put it where the goalkeeper is not,” he added. City are yet to go all the way in the Champions League, but they have never had a striker of Haaland's quality to make the difference in the latter stages before. At just 22 he now has 33 goals in 25 appearances in Europe's premier club competition. ALSO READ | Winning a Champions League title will eventually define my era at Manchester City, says Pep Guardiola "Firstly, I'm proud to play in this competition, I love it," added Haaland. "Five goals! To win 7-0 is amazing,” he said. The weather was more akin to Haaland's homeland on a snowy night in Manchester, but City did not freeze under the pressure and kept their Champions League dreams alive. The tie was delicately balanced after a 1-1 draw in eastern Germany three weeks ago, but a Leipzig side depleted by injury never looked like a match for their star-studded opponents. Guardiola had kept Kevin De Bruyne in reserve for Abu Dhabi-backed City's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the weekend and on his return to the starting line-up, the Belgian was back to his best. Ilkay Gundogan should have opened the scoring after just three minutes from De Bruyne's inviting cross. WATCH | Man City charged by Premier League for numerous alleged breaches of financial rules Haaland's searing pace then created a chance out of nothing from Nathan Ake's long ball, but Janis Blaswich raced out from his goal to block. Leipzig did have cause for complaint over two controversial calls that had a massive impact on the game before half-time. Firstly, VAR spotted a handball against Benjamin Henrichs that led to a penalty that neither the City players nor the crowd even noticed. Denied record chance Haaland fired low to Blaswich's left to maintain his perfect record from the spot for City with his sixth penalty of the season. Two minutes later it was 2-0 as Haaland teed up De Bruyne, who smashed a shot against the bar, and then showed his speed and strength to power home a header from the rebound. Leipzig could have been gifted a route back into the tie when Ederson sprinted from his goal to wipe out Konrad Laimer. But rather than send the Brazilian goalkeeper off, Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic did not even award a free-kick. Any doubt over the outcome was ended with the final action of the first half. Ruben Dias rose highest to head Jack Grealish's corner onto the post and Amadou Haidara's attempted clearance ricocheted off Haaland into the net. Gundogan's classy finish into the far corner four minutes into the second half rubbed more salt into Leipzig's wounds before Haaland started rewriting the record books. Firstly, he hammered home at the second attempt after Blaswich parried his initial header to match Tommy Johnson's record of 38 goals for City in the 1928-29 season. Haaland set a new mark with still three months of the campaign to go when he snaffled up another rebound after Blaswich saved from Manuel Akanji. In the process, he moved level with Lionel Messi and Luiz Adriano's record of scoring five goals in a Champions League game. But Guardiola denied his star striker the chance of another record as he replaced him with Julian Alvarez with 25 minutes remaining. "I told him I would love to score a double hat-trick, but what can I do," said Haaland. Instead, it was left to De Bruyne to have the final say as he curled a superb strike into the top corner in stoppage time. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Haaland hits five to ease Man City into Champions League quarters

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reached Moscow on Tuesday where he will be holding talks with his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia has been among the few allies of Syria during its period of political isolation and war.

The Kremlin, in its statement, confirmed that Putin and Assad will be holding talks in Moscow on Wednesday.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-refutes-allegations-of-crashing-us-drone-over-black-sea-572081">Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea</a>

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Arab Republic President Bashar Assad will hold talks in the Kremlin on March 15," the statement read.

"Topical issues of further development of Russian-Syrian co-operation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria will be discussed," said the Kremlin.

Syrian president's office confirmed his arrival in Moscow and stated that Assad was received by the Russian ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov and Putin's special representative Mikhail Bogdanov.

A "large ministerial delegation" accompanies Assad, stated the Syrian presidency in a statement.

A military campaign was launched by Russia in Syria in 2015 which helped in turning the civil war's tide in favour of Assad with massive aerial bombardment of areas held by the opposition.

WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons

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Since then, Moscow has expanded its military facilities in the country and built a permanent air base at Hmeymim in Latakia province, Syria.

The relations between Ankara and Damascus have been strained by the Syrian war, as the former has continued supporting the rebel groups which oppose Assad's regime.

However, analysts have stated that Moscow is making attempts to bridge the divide between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reached Moscow on Tuesday where he will be holding talks with his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia has been among the few allies of Syria during its period of political isolation and war.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reached Moscow on Tuesday where he will be holding talks with his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia has been among the few allies of Syria during its period of political isolation and war. The Kremlin, in its statement, confirmed that Putin and Assad will be holding talks in Moscow on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea "Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Arab Republic President Bashar Assad will hold talks in the Kremlin on March 15," the statement read. "Topical issues of further development of Russian-Syrian co-operation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria will be discussed," said the Kremlin. Syrian president's office confirmed his arrival in Moscow and stated that Assad was received by the Russian ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov and Putin's special representative Mikhail Bogdanov. A "large ministerial delegation" accompanies Assad, stated the Syrian presidency in a statement. A military campaign was launched by Russia in Syria in 2015 which helped in turning the civil war's tide in favour of Assad with massive aerial bombardment of areas held by the opposition. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons Since then, Moscow has expanded its military facilities in the country and built a permanent air base at Hmeymim in Latakia province, Syria. The relations between Ankara and Damascus have been strained by the Syrian war, as the former has continued supporting the rebel groups which oppose Assad's regime. However, analysts have stated that Moscow is making attempts to bridge the divide between the two nations. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Syria's Assad reaches Moscow, to hold talks with Putin

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed an executive order which will increase the background checks before the purchase of guns and promote the use of “red flag” laws.

The new policy was unveiled by the president in Monterey Park, California where a gunman had opened fire in January during a Lunar New Year celebration, killing 11 people.

While addressing the immigrant community in Monterey Park, Biden recalled the brave act put up by a karaoke-singing grandmother when the shootout took place.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-purchase-five-us-nuclear-subs-as-part-of-new-pact-571710">Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia</a>

Biden appealed to Congress to take "responsibility" and to clamp down on semi-automatic, military-style rifles which are being mostly used in mass shootings.

"Ban assault weapons. Do it now. Enough! Do something. Do something big,” he said.

Tougher background checks

Among the various measures enacted by Biden on Tuesday, the most important was the executive order to tighten background check rules.

The orders issued by Biden directed the attorney general to clamp down on vendors who are selling guns without carrying out proper checks and also specify who qualifies as a dealer.

The rule "directs my attorney general to take every lawful action possible to move us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation," said Biden. "It's just common sense - to check whether someone is a felon or a domestic abuser before they buy a gun," he added.

WATCH | U.S. banking safe, taxpayers won't be burden: Joe Biden

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Biden added that his executive order will lead to an independent study which will expose "how gun manufacturers aggressively market firearms to civilians, especially minors, including by using military imagery.”

Official reports with names of firearms dealers violating laws will also be released by the attorney general.

The tactic of name and shame will help lawmakers "crack down on those illegal dealers and the public can avoid purchasing from them," said Biden.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed an executive order which will increase the background checks before the purchase of guns and promote the use of “red flag” laws.

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed an executive order which will increase the background checks before the purchase of guns and promote the use of “red flag” laws. The new policy was unveiled by the president in Monterey Park, California where a gunman had opened fire in January during a Lunar New Year celebration, killing 11 people. While addressing the immigrant community in Monterey Park, Biden recalled the brave act put up by a karaoke-singing grandmother when the shootout took place. ALSO READ | Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia Biden appealed to Congress to take "responsibility" and to clamp down on semi-automatic, military-style rifles which are being mostly used in mass shootings. "Ban assault weapons. Do it now. Enough! Do something. Do something big,” he said. Tougher background checks Among the various measures enacted by Biden on Tuesday, the most important was the executive order to tighten background check rules. The orders issued by Biden directed the attorney general to clamp down on vendors who are selling guns without carrying out proper checks and also specify who qualifies as a dealer. The rule "directs my attorney general to take every lawful action possible to move us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation," said Biden. "It's just common sense - to check whether someone is a felon or a domestic abuser before they buy a gun," he added. WATCH | U.S. banking safe, taxpayers won't be burden: Joe Biden Biden added that his executive order will lead to an independent study which will expose "how gun manufacturers aggressively market firearms to civilians, especially minors, including by using military imagery.” Official reports with names of firearms dealers violating laws will also be released by the attorney general. The tactic of name and shame will help lawmakers "crack down on those illegal dealers and the public can avoid purchasing from them," said Biden. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden signs order to strengthen background checks before gun sale

Athletics legend Dick Fosbury, who revolutionised high jumping with his signature "Fosbury flop" has died, his agent confirmed on Monday. He was 76.

Fosbury's agent Ray Schulte said in a statement that the 1968 Olympics gold medallist had died early Sunday from lymphoma.

"It is with a very heavy heart I have to release the news that longtime friend and client Dick Fosbury passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning after a short bout with a recurrence of lymphoma," Schulte said.

He added, "Dick will be greatly missed by friends and fans from around the world. A true legend, and friend of all!"

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-rope-in-australian-david-saker-as-fast-bowling-coach-for-2023-ashes-571655">England rope in Australian David Saker as fast bowling coach for 2023 Ashes</a>

Born in Portland, Oregon in 1947, Fosbury was to become one of the most influential athletes in the history of track and field for developing the innovative high-jumping technique which upended his sport in the 1960s.

Prior to Fosbury's emergence, high jumpers typically attempted to clear the bar using the "straddle technique" in which they would take off face forward while attempting to twist their body mid-leap over the bar.

Fosbury however turned the conventional wisdom on its head with his new approach which would become immortalised as the "Fosbury Flop" and remains today the standard technique used by elite high jumpers.

Instead of tackling the bar head on, the rangy, 6ft 4in Fosbury would arc towards the bar on his run-up before taking off backwards and "flopping" over the bar.

"Few athletes in history have done their thing as uniquely as Dick Fosbury," former US high jump coach John Tansley wrote in 1980.

WATCH | WION Sports Extra: India qualify for WTC final after NZ win thriller

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"He literally turned his event upside down,” he said. Fosbury first began experimenting with new ways of high jumping while still in school, but his new approach first gained global attention in 1968.

Victory at the US college championships was followed by a win at the US Olympic trials in Los Angeles.

At the Mexico City Olympics, Fosbury won the gold medal after clearing a height of 2.24m with his third jump - a new Olympic and US record - to pip team-mate Ed Caruthers, with the Soviet Union's Valentin Gavrilov taking bronze.

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Athletics legend Dick Fosbury, who revolutionised high jumping with his signature "Fosbury flop" has died, his agent confirmed on Monday. He was 76. Fosbury's agent Ray Schulte said in a statement that the 1968 Olympics gold medallist had died early Sunday from lymphoma.

Athletics legend Dick Fosbury, who revolutionised high jumping with his signature "Fosbury flop" has died, his agent confirmed on Monday. He was 76. Fosbury's agent Ray Schulte said in a statement that the 1968 Olympics gold medallist had died early Sunday from lymphoma. "It is with a very heavy heart I have to release the news that longtime friend and client Dick Fosbury passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning after a short bout with a recurrence of lymphoma," Schulte said. He added, "Dick will be greatly missed by friends and fans from around the world. A true legend, and friend of all!" ALSO READ | England rope in Australian David Saker as fast bowling coach for 2023 Ashes Born in Portland, Oregon in 1947, Fosbury was to become one of the most influential athletes in the history of track and field for developing the innovative high-jumping technique which upended his sport in the 1960s. Prior to Fosbury's emergence, high jumpers typically attempted to clear the bar using the "straddle technique" in which they would take off face forward while attempting to twist their body mid-leap over the bar. Fosbury however turned the conventional wisdom on its head with his new approach which would become immortalised as the "Fosbury Flop" and remains today the standard technique used by elite high jumpers. Instead of tackling the bar head on, the rangy, 6ft 4in Fosbury would arc towards the bar on his run-up before taking off backwards and "flopping" over the bar. "Few athletes in history have done their thing as uniquely as Dick Fosbury," former US high jump coach John Tansley wrote in 1980. WATCH | WION Sports Extra: India qualify for WTC final after NZ win thriller "He literally turned his event upside down,” he said. Fosbury first began experimenting with new ways of high jumping while still in school, but his new approach first gained global attention in 1968. Victory at the US college championships was followed by a win at the US Olympic trials in Los Angeles. At the Mexico City Olympics, Fosbury won the gold medal after clearing a height of 2.24m with his third jump - a new Olympic and US record - to pip team-mate Ed Caruthers, with the Soviet Union's Valentin Gavrilov taking bronze. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Athletics high jump legend Dick Fosbury dead at 76: agent

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years.

The defence co-operation has been ramped up by Washington and Seoul in the face of growing nuclear and military threats from the North, which has conducted multiple provocative banned weapons tests in a few months.

"North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as he referred to the body of water also called the Sea of Japan.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-begin-major-drills-as-north-test-fires-missiles-from-submarine-571421">South Korea-US begin major drills as North test-fires missiles from submarine</a>

The missile was fired just days after two "strategic cruise missiles" were launched by Pyongyang from a submarine in what looked like a protest over the US-South Korea drills.

The drills, which are known as Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days as part of the drive of the allies to counter the growing threats of North Korea.

In a rare step, the military of Seoul this month announced the special forces units of the allies were staging military exercises called "Teak Knife" - which include simulating precision strikes on North Korea's key facilities - ahead of Freedom Shield.

WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield

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The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies stated.

They will "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilisation campaign in the North", said the South Korean military.

It further stressed that the exercise was a "defensive one based on a combined operational plan".

(With inputs from agencies)

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A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years.

A ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on Tuesday, said Seoul. This is the second launch by Pyongyang in three days and the first since the United States and South Korea began their largest joint military drills in a span of five years. The defence co-operation has been ramped up by Washington and Seoul in the face of growing nuclear and military threats from the North, which has conducted multiple provocative banned weapons tests in a few months. "North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as he referred to the body of water also called the Sea of Japan. ALSO READ | South Korea-US begin major drills as North test-fires missiles from submarine The missile was fired just days after two "strategic cruise missiles" were launched by Pyongyang from a submarine in what looked like a protest over the US-South Korea drills. The drills, which are known as Freedom Shield, started on Monday and will continue for 10 days as part of the drive of the allies to counter the growing threats of North Korea. In a rare step, the military of Seoul this month announced the special forces units of the allies were staging military exercises called "Teak Knife" - which include simulating precision strikes on North Korea's key facilities - ahead of Freedom Shield. WATCH | North Korea adopts war deterrent measures; U.S., South Korea to kick off freedom shield The Freedom Shield exercises emphasise the "changing security environment" due to redoubled aggression of North Korea, the allies stated. They will "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilisation campaign in the North", said the South Korean military. It further stressed that the exercise was a "defensive one based on a combined operational plan". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

N Korea launched 'unidentified ballistic missile', claims Seoul

The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday announced the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, a major step towards countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific.

In a joint statement, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plan for the AUKUS project at the US naval base in San Diego, California.

At the ceremony, PM Albanese said that the purchase of US nuclear-powered submarines and the target of constructing its own vessels marks the "biggest" investment ever made in the defence sector in the history of the country.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-losing-interest-in-acquiring-british-nuclear-submarines-says-ex-defence-minister-568126">Australia losing interest in acquiring British nuclear submarines, says ex-defence minister</a>

The deal with the United States and Britain is "the biggest single investment in Australia's defence capability in all of our history," he said in San Diego, California, alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden.

The Prime Minister made the statement as Australia entered the deal with the US and Britain, according to which it will be purchasing five US nuclear-powered submarines and will later work on building a new model with British and US technology as part of an ambitious plan.

US President Biden was hosting his British and Australian counterparts, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Sunak, on a US naval base in San Diego, California for announcing the plan.

Biden emphasised that the submarines would not be nuclear armed and only nuclear-powered. "These boats will not have nuclear weapons of any kind on them," he stated.

In the late 2030s, Britain will receive delivery of its first SSN-AUKUS submarine, and Australia would take its first delivery in the early 2040s, stated Albanese and the British statement.

The vessels will be built by Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, said the British statement.

WATCH | WION Speed News: North Korea fires two cruise missiles from submarine

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Meanwhile, National security advisor of Biden, Jake Sullivan, said that the submarine plan illustrated the long-term commitment of Washington to guard "peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific region.

US' partnership with Australia, which includes exchanging secret nuclear technology which was previously shared only with&nbsp;Britain, is "a decades-long, maybe a century-long commitment," said Sullivan.

Three nuclear-powered, conventionally armed Virginia class vessels will be sold "over the course of the 2030s," with the "possibility of going up to five if that is needed," Sullivan added.

The new model, which is nuclear-powered and carries conventional weapons, is a long-term project and will be dubbed the SSN-AUKUS, he stated.

It will be constructed using US technology and with the base of a British design, and "significant investments in all three industrial bases," said Sullivan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday announced the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, a major step towards countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific.

The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday announced the plan of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, a major step towards countering the ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific. In a joint statement, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plan for the AUKUS project at the US naval base in San Diego, California. At the ceremony, PM Albanese said that the purchase of US nuclear-powered submarines and the target of constructing its own vessels marks the "biggest" investment ever made in the defence sector in the history of the country. ALSO READ | Australia losing interest in acquiring British nuclear submarines, says ex-defence minister The deal with the United States and Britain is "the biggest single investment in Australia's defence capability in all of our history," he said in San Diego, California, alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister made the statement as Australia entered the deal with the US and Britain, according to which it will be purchasing five US nuclear-powered submarines and will later work on building a new model with British and US technology as part of an ambitious plan. US President Biden was hosting his British and Australian counterparts, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Sunak, on a US naval base in San Diego, California for announcing the plan. Biden emphasised that the submarines would not be nuclear armed and only nuclear-powered. "These boats will not have nuclear weapons of any kind on them," he stated. In the late 2030s, Britain will receive delivery of its first SSN-AUKUS submarine, and Australia would take its first delivery in the early 2040s, stated Albanese and the British statement. The vessels will be built by Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, said the British statement. WATCH | WION Speed News: North Korea fires two cruise missiles from submarine Meanwhile, National security advisor of Biden, Jake Sullivan, said that the submarine plan illustrated the long-term commitment of Washington to guard "peace and stability" in the Asia-Pacific region. US' partnership with Australia, which includes exchanging secret nuclear technology which was previously shared only with Britain, is "a decades-long, maybe a century-long commitment," said Sullivan. Three nuclear-powered, conventionally armed Virginia class vessels will be sold "over the course of the 2030s," with the "possibility of going up to five if that is needed," Sullivan added. The new model, which is nuclear-powered and carries conventional weapons, is a long-term project and will be dubbed the SSN-AUKUS, he stated. It will be constructed using US technology and with the base of a British design, and "significant investments in all three industrial bases," said Sullivan. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia

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