World third-richest person Jeff Bezos slammed United States President Joe Biden for calling on companies running gasoline stations to lower their prices. Bezos' latest remarks have, in a way, renewed his spat with the White House.

World third-richest person Jeff Bezos slammed United States President Joe Biden for calling on companies running gasoline stations to lower their prices. Bezos' latest remarks have, in a way, renewed his spat with the White House. Taking to his official Twitter handle, the Amazon founder wrote: "Ouch. Inflation is far too important a problem for the White House to keep making statements like this." "It’s either straight ahead misdirection or a deep misunderstanding of basic market dynamics," he added. Ouch. Inflation is far too important a problem for the White House to keep making statements like this. It’s either straight ahead misdirection or a deep misunderstanding of basic market dynamics. https://t.co/XgKfEICZpk — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) July 3, 2022 × What did Biden say? On Saturday, Biden tweeted: "My message to the companies running gas stations and setting prices at the pump is simple: this is a time of war and global peril." Biden added, "Bring down the price you are charging at the pump to reflect the cost you're paying for the product. And do it now." In response to Bezos' comments, the White House came to the US leader's defence on Sunday. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Twitter that oil prices have dropped about $15 a barrel over the past month. "But prices at the pump have barely come down. That's not 'basic market dynamics.' It's a market that is failing the American consumer," she wrote. White House spokesman on national security issues, John Kirby, also defended the president. In an appearance on Fox News, he said, "The president is working very, very hard across many fronts... to try to bring that price down. Citing Biden's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax this summer and his decision to tap the US strategic oil reserves to put more product on the market, Kirby said, "He knows that it is not going to solve all the problems, but it will help if everybody cooperates on this. We could bring the price down at least by about one dollar a gallon. Gasoline prices in US Gasoline prices have been above $5 a gallon since early June. Notably, the prices have fallen slightly since, but remain far from the $3 a gallon level of a year ago. Biden has regularly attacked oil companies for the high prices as he says that these companies care only about profits. On the other hand, the companies say in turn they have increased production in order to reduce prices. But they also say that the prices are set on the world market. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Ouch. Inflation is far too important a problem...': Bezos slams Biden's appeal for lower gasoline prices

Chinese authorities said on Monday (July 4) that they found 12 bodies after a devasting shipwreck in the South China Sea. The bodies were recovered from waters southwest of Hong Kong after an engineering vessel broke into two pieces as tropical storm Chaba passed through over the weekend.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency AFP, Guangdong Maritime Search and Rescue Centre said: "As of 3:30 pm on July 4, rescue forces found and recovered 12 bodies, suspected to be of victims who drowned, in an area around 50 nautical miles southwest of the site where the vessel sank." It added, "The relevant departments are stepping up identity confirmation work."&nbsp;

The news agencies have also reported that the maritime authorities of the southern province of Guangdong are in the process of identifying the bodies, suspected to have drowned. The 12 bodies were retrieved about 50 nautical miles from where the stricken ship sank.&nbsp;

The tragic incident happened over the weekend when the vessel, 'Fujing 001', was at an anti-typhoon anchorage in waters near Yangjiang in Guangdong when its anchor chain snapped. It snapped into two after suffering substantial damage and sank. The vessel had a crew of 30.&nbsp;

According to Chinese state media, three people were rescued on Saturday and one more in the early hours of Monday.&nbsp;

CCTV said that the rescuers have expanded the scope of their search around the point of wreckage. Medical workers are present on each rescue ship to provide assistance to any crew member found as soon as possible.&nbsp;

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Chinese authorities said on Monday (July 4) that they found 12 bodies after a devasting shipwreck in the South China Sea. The bodies were recovered from waters southwest of Hong Kong after an engineering vessel broke into two pieces as tropical storm Chaba passed through over the weekend.

Chinese authorities said on Monday (July 4) that they found 12 bodies after a devasting shipwreck in the South China Sea. The bodies were recovered from waters southwest of Hong Kong after an engineering vessel broke into two pieces as tropical storm Chaba passed through over the weekend. As quoted by news agency AFP, Guangdong Maritime Search and Rescue Centre said: "As of 3:30 pm on July 4, rescue forces found and recovered 12 bodies, suspected to be of victims who drowned, in an area around 50 nautical miles southwest of the site where the vessel sank." It added, "The relevant departments are stepping up identity confirmation work." The news agencies have also reported that the maritime authorities of the southern province of Guangdong are in the process of identifying the bodies, suspected to have drowned. The 12 bodies were retrieved about 50 nautical miles from where the stricken ship sank. The tragic incident happened over the weekend when the vessel, 'Fujing 001', was at an anti-typhoon anchorage in waters near Yangjiang in Guangdong when its anchor chain snapped. It snapped into two after suffering substantial damage and sank. The vessel had a crew of 30. According to Chinese state media, three people were rescued on Saturday and one more in the early hours of Monday. CCTV said that the rescuers have expanded the scope of their search around the point of wreckage. Medical workers are present on each rescue ship to provide assistance to any crew member found as soon as possible. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Officials say 12 bodies found after South China Sea typhoon shipwreck

As the United States is celebrating Independence Day on Monday (July 4), Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not congratulate US President Joe Biden because of Washington's "unfriendly" actions towards Moscow. July 4 is a federal holiday in the United States as the Americans commemorate the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.&nbsp;

During a conference call, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "No, this year no congratulatory cable is going to be sent. This is because this year has seen a culmination of the United States' unfriendly policies towards our country. So, given the present circumstances, sending a congratulatory cable can hardly be considered appropriate."&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, the US says it supports Ukraine's sovereignty. Including the latest package, around $6.9 billion provided by Washington to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country on February 24.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-cosmonauts-celebrate-fall-of-luhansk-in-space-494364">Russian cosmonauts celebrate fall of Luhansk in space</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine confirms Russia captured eastern city Lysychansk&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Russia has constantly criticised the United States and other countries tha are supplying weapons to Ukraine, accusing them of aggravating the crisis.&nbsp; 
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Last month, Putin warned the United States saying that Russia would strike new targets if the West supplied longer-range missiles to Ukraine for use in high-precision mobile rocket systems.&nbsp;

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As the United States is celebrating Independence Day on Monday (July 4), Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not congratulate US President Joe Biden because of Washington's "unfriendly" actions towards Moscow.

As the United States is celebrating Independence Day on Monday (July 4), Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not congratulate US President Joe Biden because of Washington's "unfriendly" actions towards Moscow. July 4 is a federal holiday in the United States as the Americans commemorate the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. During a conference call, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "No, this year no congratulatory cable is going to be sent. This is because this year has seen a culmination of the United States' unfriendly policies towards our country. So, given the present circumstances, sending a congratulatory cable can hardly be considered appropriate." In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, the US says it supports Ukraine's sovereignty. Including the latest package, around $6.9 billion provided by Washington to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country on February 24. ALSO READ | Russian cosmonauts celebrate fall of Luhansk in space WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine confirms Russia captured eastern city Lysychansk × Meanwhile, Russia has constantly criticised the United States and other countries tha are supplying weapons to Ukraine, accusing them of aggravating the crisis. Last month, Putin warned the United States saying that Russia would strike new targets if the West supplied longer-range missiles to Ukraine for use in high-precision mobile rocket systems. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin says Vladimir Putin will not congratulate Joe Biden on July 4

The United Kingdom is planning to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda on a second flight, a report by The Guardian said citing sources. In June, the first flight was cancelled when the plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically with a last-minute intervention by European judges. The plane was grounded minutes before it was due to depart.&nbsp;

The UK-based media outlet further reported that the second flight could take off before the courts have ruled on whether the scheme is lawful. This comes after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) blocked the government's move to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that the full high court hearing to discuss and analyse&nbsp;the government's Rwanda plans does not begin until 19 July, the media outlet has learned that a second flight could take off in a matter of weeks.&nbsp;

London and Rwanda agreed in April that tens of thousands of asylum seekers who arrived illegally in Britain will be sent to the East African country to have their claims processed. Rwanda said it also remained fully committed to the plan.&nbsp;

On June 22, Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the ECHR. Raab told Sky News that "we are staying in the ECHR." However, he added that it was "legitimate to push back" against ECHR rulings. And also noted that the UK parliament should have the last word on the law of the land.&nbsp;

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The United Kingdom is planning to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda on a second flight, a report by The Guardian said citing sources. In June, the first flight was cancelled when the plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically with a last-minute intervention by European judges.

The United Kingdom is planning to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda on a second flight, a report by The Guardian said citing sources. In June, the first flight was cancelled when the plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically with a last-minute intervention by European judges. The plane was grounded minutes before it was due to depart. The UK-based media outlet further reported that the second flight could take off before the courts have ruled on whether the scheme is lawful. This comes after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) blocked the government's move to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda. Despite the fact that the full high court hearing to discuss and analyse the government's Rwanda plans does not begin until 19 July, the media outlet has learned that a second flight could take off in a matter of weeks. London and Rwanda agreed in April that tens of thousands of asylum seekers who arrived illegally in Britain will be sent to the East African country to have their claims processed. Rwanda said it also remained fully committed to the plan. On June 22, Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the ECHR. Raab told Sky News that "we are staying in the ECHR." However, he added that it was "legitimate to push back" against ECHR rulings. And also noted that the UK parliament should have the last word on the law of the land. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK planning second flight to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda: Report

Twitter Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Parag Agrawal and CFO Ned Segal were seen serving coffee and cookies to the staff at the company's office in the United Kingdom capital, London. The images of the same went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;

Media reports claimed that the pictures were taken last week when both of them attended a number of events at the company's office.&nbsp;

A Twitter user, who apparently works at Twitter, posted the images on the microblogging site. The images showed Agrawal and Segal serving coffee and cookies.&nbsp;

A board seen hanging on the wall in one of the pictures read: "Americano, cappuccino, chai latte, espresso, flat white, Parag special and Ned’s cookies."&nbsp;

As per reports, they also took part in a stand-up comedy show. Parag Agrawal and Dara Nasr also performed for the employees.&nbsp;

Twitter CFO had also posted a selfie image photo on his Twitter handle. In the photo, posted on June 29, he can be seen with other employees.&nbsp;

In the same picture, Parag can be seen in the background taking orders. In November last year, Parag became the Twitter CEO after Jack Dorsey announced his resignation.&nbsp;

See the viral images here:&nbsp;

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🌪🌪🌪🌪 week <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterUK</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/paraga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paraga</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/nedsegal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nedsegal</a> in town serving ☕️ 🍪 and chats <a href="https://t.co/ribEW7MLMY">pic.twitter.com/ribEW7MLMY</a>
— Rebecca (@RebeccaW) <a href="https://twitter.com/RebeccaW/status/1542867770953670658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Good to be in the <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterUK</a> office for a quick visit this morning! <a href="https://t.co/TLm4nz832J">pic.twitter.com/TLm4nz832J</a>
— Ned Segal (@nedsegal) <a href="https://twitter.com/nedsegal/status/1542107116953116672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thank you to all the tweeps who made this past week in <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterUK</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterDublin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterDublin</a> so energizing. 
 
And thank goodness <a href="https://twitter.com/DaraNasr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaraNasr</a> is so funny! <a href="https://t.co/fhUr9uXnFJ">https://t.co/fhUr9uXnFJ</a>
— Parag Agrawal (@paraga) <a href="https://twitter.com/paraga/status/1543521291101143042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Twitter Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Parag Agrawal and CFO Ned Segal were seen serving coffee and cookies to the staff at the company's office in the United Kingdom capital, London.

Twitter Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Parag Agrawal and CFO Ned Segal were seen serving coffee and cookies to the staff at the company's office in the United Kingdom capital, London. The images of the same went viral on social media platforms. Media reports claimed that the pictures were taken last week when both of them attended a number of events at the company's office. A Twitter user, who apparently works at Twitter, posted the images on the microblogging site. The images showed Agrawal and Segal serving coffee and cookies. A board seen hanging on the wall in one of the pictures read: "Americano, cappuccino, chai latte, espresso, flat white, Parag special and Ned’s cookies." As per reports, they also took part in a stand-up comedy show. Parag Agrawal and Dara Nasr also performed for the employees. Twitter CFO had also posted a selfie image photo on his Twitter handle. In the photo, posted on June 29, he can be seen with other employees. In the same picture, Parag can be seen in the background taking orders. In November last year, Parag became the Twitter CEO after Jack Dorsey announced his resignation. See the viral images here: 🌪🌪🌪🌪 week @TwitterUK with @paraga and @nedsegal in town serving ☕️ 🍪 and chats pic.twitter.com/ribEW7MLMY — Rebecca (@RebeccaW) July 1, 2022 × Good to be in the @TwitterUK office for a quick visit this morning! pic.twitter.com/TLm4nz832J — Ned Segal (@nedsegal) June 29, 2022 × Thank you to all the tweeps who made this past week in @TwitterUK and @TwitterDublin so energizing. And thank goodness @DaraNasr is so funny! https://t.co/fhUr9uXnFJ — Parag Agrawal (@paraga) July 3, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CEO serves coffee! Viral images show Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal serving coffee at office

India's SpiceJet airline said its aircraft made an emergency landing on Saturday (July 2) after the crew noticed smoke in the cabin soon after takeoff. The aircraft was operating from Delhi to Jabalpur and it returned safely to the national capital after the smoke was detected while passing 5000ft.

India's SpiceJet airline said its aircraft made an emergency landing on Saturday (July 2) after the crew noticed smoke in the cabin soon after takeoff. The aircraft was operating from Delhi to Jabalpur and it returned safely to the national capital after the smoke was detected while passing 5000ft. The domestic airline further noted that passengers were safely disembarked once the aircraft returned to Delhi's airport. The airline said on Twitter: "While passing 5,000 feet, the crew noticed smoke in the cabin." A video of the same went viral on social media platforms where passengers can be seen sitting amid the smoke-filled cabin. ALSO READ | After 10-day absence, Elon Musk is back on Twitter with two pics; says, 'Feeling … perhaps … a little bored?' So far, the reason behind the smoke is not known but citing sources, India-based news agencies reported that a preliminary probe indicate that an oil leak in the left engine caused the smoke. The airline also did not disclose how many passengers were on board Saturday's flight. However, it said the plane had landed "safely" and that an alternative flight had been "immediately arranged" for travellers. Watch the video here: #WATCH | A SpiceJet aircraft operating from Delhi to Jabalpur returned safely to the Delhi airport today morning after the crew noticed smoke in the cabin while passing 5000ft; passengers safely disembarked: SpiceJet Spokesperson pic.twitter.com/R1LwAVO4Mk — ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2022 × A similar case in June The SpiceJet airline has been in the news in recent months. Last month, another flight was forced to make an emergency landing after its left engine caught fire. June: A New Delhi-bound SpiceJet flight with 185 passengers on board made an emergency landing in the eastern Indian city of Patna after an engine caught fire. May: Hundreds of its passengers were stranded inside their planes after the low-cost airline cancelled or delayed flights due to an "attempted ransomware attack", it said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Indian flight makes emergency landing in New Delhi after smoke fills cabin

In China, the property market slump has discouraged many buyers. Now, struggling developers have started taking payments for homes in form of watermelons, peaches and other agricultural produce, news agency AFP reported on Sunday citing the country's state media. The news agency added that the developers are doing so in an attempt to lure buyers.&nbsp;

Official data shows that home sales in China measured by floor area have slid for 11 consecutive months and were down 31.5 per cent in May compared to the same month last year.&nbsp;

The housing market in China has been hit by a slowing economy and debt crisis caused by a government ban on builders taking deposits before construction begins on a project.&nbsp;

State-run China News Weekly reported that one developer in the eastern city of Nanjing said it would accept truckloads of watermelons worth up to 100,000 yuan as a down payment from local farmers.&nbsp;

Homebuilder Central China Management said on social media in late May: "On the occasion of the new garlic season, the company has made a resolute decision to benefit garlic farmers in Qi county. We are helping farmers with love, and making it easier for them to buy homes."&nbsp;

AFP report mentioned that in the nearby small town of Wuxi, another developer was taking peaches as payment, the magazine said.&nbsp;

Homebuyers in Qi county, a major garlic-producing region in central China's Henan province, can exchange their produce at three times the market price to settle part of their down payment.&nbsp;

Last week, a report by South China Morning Post revealed that farmers in Yuncheng in central China's Shanxi province have harvested thousands of ripe watermelons during the June 2022 harvest season.&nbsp;

Some farmers only plant the produce once a decade in each farm field, just to&nbsp;ensure the quality of the fruit.&nbsp;

Some fruit sellers even travel from Beijing to make their purchases in Shanxi – a distance of some 800km.&nbsp;

The province's Xiaxian county is one of the largest watermelon-producing areas in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In China, the property market slump has discouraged many buyers. Now, struggling developers have started taking payments for homes in form of watermelons, peaches and other agricultural produce, news agency AFP reported on Sunday citing the country's state media.

In China, the property market slump has discouraged many buyers. Now, struggling developers have started taking payments for homes in form of watermelons, peaches and other agricultural produce, news agency AFP reported on Sunday citing the country's state media. The news agency added that the developers are doing so in an attempt to lure buyers. Official data shows that home sales in China measured by floor area have slid for 11 consecutive months and were down 31.5 per cent in May compared to the same month last year. The housing market in China has been hit by a slowing economy and debt crisis caused by a government ban on builders taking deposits before construction begins on a project. State-run China News Weekly reported that one developer in the eastern city of Nanjing said it would accept truckloads of watermelons worth up to 100,000 yuan as a down payment from local farmers. Homebuilder Central China Management said on social media in late May: "On the occasion of the new garlic season, the company has made a resolute decision to benefit garlic farmers in Qi county. We are helping farmers with love, and making it easier for them to buy homes." AFP report mentioned that in the nearby small town of Wuxi, another developer was taking peaches as payment, the magazine said. Homebuyers in Qi county, a major garlic-producing region in central China's Henan province, can exchange their produce at three times the market price to settle part of their down payment. Last week, a report by South China Morning Post revealed that farmers in Yuncheng in central China's Shanxi province have harvested thousands of ripe watermelons during the June 2022 harvest season. Some farmers only plant the produce once a decade in each farm field, just to ensure the quality of the fruit. Some fruit sellers even travel from Beijing to make their purchases in Shanxi – a distance of some 800km. The province's Xiaxian county is one of the largest watermelon-producing areas in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In China, property developers are accepting payment for property in watermelons and peaches

A top US general has said that the United States is "very closely" watching the Chinese activities near Taiwan. While speaking to BBC, Gen Mark Milley added that an attack on Taiwan is not imminent, a report by the UK-based media outlet published Sunday (July 3).&nbsp;

China claims Taiwan as its territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. At that time, Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists lost to Mao Zedong's Communists. They had rebased in Taipei. China has even said that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two sides.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-hong-kong-lawmaker-tests-positive-after-photo-with-xi-jinping-494097">Coronavirus: Hong Kong lawmaker tests positive after photo with Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States says it backs Taiwan's sovereignty. The island has its own constitution and leaders are elected democratically.&nbsp;

But in the past two-three years, China has increased the number of military flights into Taiwan's air defence identification zone at sea. China also accuses the US of supporting Taiwan's independence.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-reclusive-leader-akhundzada-warns-foreigners-not-to-interfere-calls-sharia-law-supreme-494006">Taliban’s reclusive leader Akhundzada warns foreigners not to interfere, calls Sharia law supreme</a>&nbsp;

On being asked about his thoughts on whether China would attack Taiwan, Gen Milley, who is the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, told the BBC: "Could, should, would, those are key words there."&nbsp;

"In terms of capability, I think China clearly is developing a capability. President Xi [Jinping] has mentioned that in public forums, he's mentioned it in speeches, that he has challenged the PLA [China's People's Liberation Army] to develop the capability to attack Taiwan at some point in time," he said.&nbsp;

"And whether they would or not, it's a political choice, it's a policy choice, that will be based off of how the Chinese view the cost risk-benefit at the time. There's no indications or warnings of anything imminent at this time. But again, we watch it very, very closely," Gen Milley added.&nbsp;

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A top US general has said that the United States is "very closely" watching the Chinese activities near Taiwan. While speaking to BBC, Gen Mark Milley added that an attack on Taiwan is not imminent, a report by the UK-based media outlet published Sunday (July 3).

A top US general has said that the United States is "very closely" watching the Chinese activities near Taiwan. While speaking to BBC, Gen Mark Milley added that an attack on Taiwan is not imminent, a report by the UK-based media outlet published Sunday (July 3). China claims Taiwan as its territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. At that time, Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists lost to Mao Zedong's Communists. They had rebased in Taipei. China has even said that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two sides. ALSO READ | Coronavirus: Hong Kong lawmaker tests positive after photo with Xi Jinping Meanwhile, the United States says it backs Taiwan's sovereignty. The island has its own constitution and leaders are elected democratically. But in the past two-three years, China has increased the number of military flights into Taiwan's air defence identification zone at sea. China also accuses the US of supporting Taiwan's independence. ALSO READ | Taliban’s reclusive leader Akhundzada warns foreigners not to interfere, calls Sharia law supreme On being asked about his thoughts on whether China would attack Taiwan, Gen Milley, who is the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, told the BBC: "Could, should, would, those are key words there." "In terms of capability, I think China clearly is developing a capability. President Xi [Jinping] has mentioned that in public forums, he's mentioned it in speeches, that he has challenged the PLA [China's People's Liberation Army] to develop the capability to attack Taiwan at some point in time," he said. "And whether they would or not, it's a political choice, it's a policy choice, that will be based off of how the Chinese view the cost risk-benefit at the time. There's no indications or warnings of anything imminent at this time. But again, we watch it very, very closely," Gen Milley added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top US general says 'China clearly is developing a capability' but attack on Taiwan not imminent

It looks like a woman standing and talking on a phone, but when one will take a closer look, the optical illusion image will appear like a puzzle. This mind-boggling, painting by Ukrainian artist Oleg Shupliak, has left plenty of people zooming in and out to count the number of women.

It looks like a woman standing and talking on a phone, but when one will take a closer look, the optical illusion image will appear like a puzzle. This mind-boggling, painting by Ukrainian artist Oleg Shupliak, has left plenty of people zooming in and out to count the number of women. But media reports say only two per cent of people are able to crack it. Can you solve it? Some say there are four and some say there are two, some even say there are five women in the image. Notably, an optical illusion is an illusion caused by the visual system and characterised by a visual percept that arguably appears to differ from reality. So basically, optical illusions are images or pictures that we perceive differently than they really are. IN PICS | UNBELIEVABLE, but claimed to be REAL: Here are some popular and intriguing UFO sightings Here's the image: Take a closer look at it and try to find the answer: A report by the UK-based media outlet Daily Star stated that the image shows a woman with thick and wavy hair. She is in a pretty flowing dress. She is smiling as she talks on the phone. The report added that in total there are four women to be precise — there must be. ALSO READ | Bill Gates shares his 48-year-old resume on Linkedin, someone calls it 'piece of archaeology' Here's the answer. The first one is easy to identify, which is the main image. The second woman can be seen looking at the woman's hand near her cheek. One needs to get a closer look to see the third one. The third one can be seen when you look at the small woman on the main lady's right arm. The fourth one can be noticed on the stomach of the first woman. Focus on the pair of lips on the stomach of the first woman and the entire image of the fourth one will itself appear. As per the media report, Oleg has stated on his website that he drew the picture to "improve the popular topic" of optical illusions. The image is of "symbolic composition", as per the artist.

Mind-boggling optical illusion: Four or five? How many women are there in this picture?

A Hong Kong lawmaker has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 3). The Covid result came to light after he posed for a group photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the leader's visit to Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover. Concerns have been raised as strict measures were adopted to counter the spread of coronavirus during the occasion.&nbsp;

Steven Ho Chun-yin, a 42-year-old member of Hong Kong's largest pro-Beijing party tested positive for Covid. He was one of about 100 officials granted close contact with Xi for a photo call on Thursday afternoon. He sits in the city's rubber-stamp legislature, the report by AFP added.&nbsp;

A report by the South China Morning Post revealed that Chun-yin represents the agriculture and fisheries functional constituency. The report further mentioned that he is self-isolating.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-reclusive-leader-akhundzada-warns-foreigners-not-to-interfere-calls-sharia-law-supreme-494006">Taliban’s reclusive leader Akhundzada warns foreigners not to interfere, calls Sharia law supreme</a>&nbsp;

He said on social media: "The sample on June 30 came back negative. The July 1 sample was classified as uncertain, containing a low viral load with an extremely low risk of transmission. But to protect public safety, I did not participate in the activities on July 1."&nbsp;

The photo session took place on June 30, the first day of Jinping's two-day visit to the city. He apparently stood behind the president in the middle of the third row. During the photo session, everyone was wearing a face mask.&nbsp;

Reports mentioned that the lawmaker tested negative on the first day of Xi's visit on Thursday and returned an uncertain test on Friday. He did not take part in any events on Friday after the uncertain test result, he said in a message on social media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-captured-lysychansk-has-control-over-luhansk-defence-minister-494076">Russia has captured Lysychansk, has control over Luhansk: Defence minister</a>&nbsp;

Ho wrote: "The sample of July 1 was one with extremely low infectivity and it was categorised as 'uncertain', but for the sake of public security, I did not participate in the events on that day."&nbsp;

Ho was the second member of the DAB party to have tested positive around Xi's visit. Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole representative to Beijing's top lawmaking body, tested positive on Thursday and was absent from all events.&nbsp;

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A Hong Kong lawmaker has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 3). The Covid result came to light after he posed for a group photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the leader's visit to Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover.

A Hong Kong lawmaker has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), news agency AFP reported on Sunday (July 3). The Covid result came to light after he posed for a group photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the leader's visit to Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover. Concerns have been raised as strict measures were adopted to counter the spread of coronavirus during the occasion. Steven Ho Chun-yin, a 42-year-old member of Hong Kong's largest pro-Beijing party tested positive for Covid. He was one of about 100 officials granted close contact with Xi for a photo call on Thursday afternoon. He sits in the city's rubber-stamp legislature, the report by AFP added. A report by the South China Morning Post revealed that Chun-yin represents the agriculture and fisheries functional constituency. The report further mentioned that he is self-isolating. ALSO READ | Taliban’s reclusive leader Akhundzada warns foreigners not to interfere, calls Sharia law supreme He said on social media: "The sample on June 30 came back negative. The July 1 sample was classified as uncertain, containing a low viral load with an extremely low risk of transmission. But to protect public safety, I did not participate in the activities on July 1." The photo session took place on June 30, the first day of Jinping's two-day visit to the city. He apparently stood behind the president in the middle of the third row. During the photo session, everyone was wearing a face mask. Reports mentioned that the lawmaker tested negative on the first day of Xi's visit on Thursday and returned an uncertain test on Friday. He did not take part in any events on Friday after the uncertain test result, he said in a message on social media. ALSO READ | Russia has captured Lysychansk, has control over Luhansk: Defence minister Ho wrote: "The sample of July 1 was one with extremely low infectivity and it was categorised as 'uncertain', but for the sake of public security, I did not participate in the events on that day." Ho was the second member of the DAB party to have tested positive around Xi's visit. Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole representative to Beijing's top lawmaking body, tested positive on Thursday and was absent from all events. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Coronavirus: Hong Kong lawmaker tests positive after photo with Xi Jinping

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday (July 2) claimed that Ukraine had tried to strike military facilities on Belarusian territory three days ago, news agencies reported citing the state-run Belta news agency. The report further mentioned that Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, said that Ukraine's missiles had been intercepted. Without providing any proof to support the claim, Lukashenko also said Belarus did not want war with Ukraine but would fight if its own territory was invaded. ALSO READ | 'Conscious, deliberately targeted Russian terror': Zelensky denounces missile strikes on Ukraine Notably, news agencies had reported that Belarus allowed Moscow to use Belarusian territory to send troops into Ukraine on February 24. Belta quoted Lukashenko as saying: "We are being provoked. I have to tell you, three days ago, maybe a bit more, an attempt to strike military facilities on Belarusian territory was made from the territory of Ukraine." "But, thank God, the Pantsir anti-aircraft systems managed to intercept all the missiles launched by Ukrainian armed forces," he added. ALSO READ | Dozens of Russian weapons tycoons have faced no Western sanctions Lukashenko said there were no troops from Belarus fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war, what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in the neighbouring country. So far, there is no comment from the Ukrainian military side on Lukashenko's claims. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are being provoked': Belarus intercepted attempted missile strikes by Ukraine, Lukashenko says

On Friday (July 1), the Texas Supreme Court gave a green light to a hotly debated 1925 state law banning abortions, overruling a lower court decision. The decision comes after the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade.

On Friday (July 1), the Texas Supreme Court gave a green light to a hotly debated 1925 state law banning abortions, overruling a lower court decision. The decision comes after the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade. The decades-old 1925 abortion ban in Texas automatically took effect when, in June, the US top court overturned Roe, which had provided a federal constitutional right to abortion. The law, which was written before Roe, had banned abortions. It punished those who performed them with possible imprisonment. The decision was celebrated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Twitter on Saturday morning. Paxton called it a "pro-life victory" for "Texas' unborn babies". ALSO READ | United States: New York moves to enshrine abortion rights in state constitution On the other hand, those who are pro-abortion slammed the decision. Julia Kaye, an attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, told The New York Times: "Extremist politicians are on a crusade to force Texans into pregnancy and childbirth against their will, no matter how devastating the consequences." Meanwhile, abortion has become unavailable or severely restricted in a dozen US states since last week's ruling, abortion rights activists said Friday. "Anti-abortion politicians and states across the country have taken the baton from the Supreme Court and have begun to enact abortion bans," said Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). IN PICS | Protesters storm and set fire to Libyan parliament in Tobruk "As of this morning, abortion is unavailable or largely unavailable in approximately 12 states as a result of the Supreme Court's decision," Romero told reporters. "That number is expected to grow in coming days, weeks and months until we reach approximately 26 states across the country," he said. "More than half the country will ban abortion." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Texas Supreme Court allows abortion ban to go into effect

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