US Vice President Kamala Harris has paid tribute to all passengers and crew members on board Flight 93 who died when the flight crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

9/11 Attack Anniversary: US Vice President Kamala Harris pays tribute to those on Flight 93

Families of the nearly 3,000 people who died on September 11 are gathering at memorial events in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC to mark the 20th anniversary of the horrific attack.

US: Memorial service in remembrance of 9/11 terror attack victims

September 11 marks the 20th year of the deadly 9/11 attacks in the US. Here are glimpses of some of the commemoration ceremonies.

US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack

France has now become the latest European country, and also the most significant tourism destination to remove the United States from its safe travel list, following EU recommendations in the wake of a US COVID-19 spike.

A government decree issued by the French government on Thursday bumped the United States and Israel from the country's "green" list, down to "orange."

This effectively prohibited nonessential travel to France for unvaccinated visitors.

France's move follow restrictions imposed on US travellers from several other European destinations.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Spain changed its entry policy for arrivals from the US, requiring them to have a certificate proving double vaccination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-aggressive-vaccine-mandate-sparks-backlash-from-republicans-412329">Also read |&nbsp;Biden’s aggressive vaccine mandate sparks backlash from Republicans</a>

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden’s latest aggressive push to inoculate more people, including those showing resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine, has sparked a backlash from the Republicans, who have threatened to approach the court against the move.

“Have at it,” a defiant Biden told reporters on Friday when asked about legal challenges to the strict vaccination rules that would affect tens of millions of American workers.

The US is in the midst of the Delta variant outbreak with cases surging across various states. As per reports, around 80 million eligible Americans have not yet gotten the shot against a disease that has left around 650,000 people dead in the United States.

Asserting that he was fed with rising Delta cases, the 78-year-old president said, “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us. So, please, do the right thing.”

France has now become the latest European country, and also the most significant tourism destination to remove the United States from its safe travel list, following EU recommendations in the wake of a US COVID-19 spike.

France has now become the latest European country, and also the most significant tourism destination to remove the United States from its safe travel list, following EU recommendations in the wake of a US COVID-19 spike. A government decree issued by the French government on Thursday bumped the United States and Israel from the country's "green" list, down to "orange." This effectively prohibited nonessential travel to France for unvaccinated visitors. France's move follow restrictions imposed on US travellers from several other European destinations. Earlier this week, Spain changed its entry policy for arrivals from the US, requiring them to have a certificate proving double vaccination. Also read | Biden’s aggressive vaccine mandate sparks backlash from Republicans Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden’s latest aggressive push to inoculate more people, including those showing resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine, has sparked a backlash from the Republicans, who have threatened to approach the court against the move. “Have at it,” a defiant Biden told reporters on Friday when asked about legal challenges to the strict vaccination rules that would affect tens of millions of American workers. The US is in the midst of the Delta variant outbreak with cases surging across various states. As per reports, around 80 million eligible Americans have not yet gotten the shot against a disease that has left around 650,000 people dead in the United States. Asserting that he was fed with rising Delta cases, the 78-year-old president said, “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us. So, please, do the right thing.”

France bans unvaccinated American travelers

September 11 is the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, with commemoration ceremonies being held in New York, Pennsylvania and near Washington. In 2001, Justin Tirelli, fire and emergency medical services captain at the Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia, had been on the job only a few months. On September 11th, he was called to work after a plane crashed into the Pentagon. WION-VOA co-production brings you this report.

September 11, 2001: A turning point in American history

When hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre in the United States, Afghans were still reeling from their own Al-Qaeda tragedy.&nbsp;

Militants from the group had two days earlier assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud -- the resistance icon who repelled both the Soviet military and the Taliban from his native Panjshir Valley.

As Afghans grappled with his death, events were unfolding in the United States that were to dramatically change the course of their country's future.&nbsp;

But for some, the significance of the incident passed them by.

"That evening I listened to the news... there was talk of an attack in America," Abdul Rahman, a retired government employee who was in his twenties at the time, told AFP.

"I didn't care because there was always talk of attacks and war on the radio," he said.&nbsp;

In the coming days, however, as Afghans learnt that Al-Qaeda militants hiding in their own backyard had masterminded the attacks -- and their Taliban rulers were blamed for sheltering the group -- many realised their world was about to be transformed.

"I did not think America would attack Afghanistan in revenge," said Abdul Rahman. "I thought America was very far away."

Abdul Samad, a librarian in Kandahar, remembers seeing crowds gather around a newspaper stand, the pages covered with images of the twin towers attack.

"It was almost two days after the incident," he told AFP.

It was, however, the beginning of an "unacceptable occupation".

"They had sought an excuse to come to Afghanistan. It was an excuse to occupy this land."

When the Taliban refused to give up Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the US moved in -- overthrowing the hardline regime which had held power since 1996 in a matter of weeks.&nbsp;

But Qiyamuddin, a locksmith from Kandahar, said any hope he had of the American-led invasion healing decades of war and conflict in Afghanistan quickly evaporated.&nbsp;

"They made a mess by coming here,” he told AFP.

As the war dragged on and the Taliban resurfaced, foreign troops were accused of disrespecting Afghan religion and traditions -- and civilian casualties mounted.&nbsp;

"People were optimistic and (Afghan) refugees from other countries like Pakistan and Iran came back," said Qiyamuddin.&nbsp;

"They were unaware we were going to face more troubles."

Noorullah, a teacher, remembers watching news of the attack on a TV hidden in the basement of a relative's house -- the Taliban had banned the medium as un-Islamic.&nbsp;

"It looked horrible. They were repeatedly showing the towers on fire," he said

A brief period of peace followed after the Taliban were ejected, but it would not last.

"When the Taliban were gone, people were happy, they could at least breathe freedom," he said.

But as time passed, he "started to believe the US had come to a wrong place. It was a trap for them".&nbsp;

"And 20 years later... I was right," he told AFP.

"The Taliban are back. The same people, faces and attitude are back."

When hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre in the United States, Afghans were still reeling from their own Al-Qaeda tragedy. Militants from the group had two days earlier assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud -- the resistance icon who repelled both the Soviet military and the Taliban from his native Panjshir Valley.

When hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre in the United States, Afghans were still reeling from their own Al-Qaeda tragedy. Militants from the group had two days earlier assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud -- the resistance icon who repelled both the Soviet military and the Taliban from his native Panjshir Valley. As Afghans grappled with his death, events were unfolding in the United States that were to dramatically change the course of their country's future. But for some, the significance of the incident passed them by. "That evening I listened to the news... there was talk of an attack in America," Abdul Rahman, a retired government employee who was in his twenties at the time, told AFP. "I didn't care because there was always talk of attacks and war on the radio," he said. In the coming days, however, as Afghans learnt that Al-Qaeda militants hiding in their own backyard had masterminded the attacks -- and their Taliban rulers were blamed for sheltering the group -- many realised their world was about to be transformed. "I did not think America would attack Afghanistan in revenge," said Abdul Rahman. "I thought America was very far away." Abdul Samad, a librarian in Kandahar, remembers seeing crowds gather around a newspaper stand, the pages covered with images of the twin towers attack. "It was almost two days after the incident," he told AFP. It was, however, the beginning of an "unacceptable occupation". "They had sought an excuse to come to Afghanistan. It was an excuse to occupy this land." When the Taliban refused to give up Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the US moved in -- overthrowing the hardline regime which had held power since 1996 in a matter of weeks. But Qiyamuddin, a locksmith from Kandahar, said any hope he had of the American-led invasion healing decades of war and conflict in Afghanistan quickly evaporated. "They made a mess by coming here,” he told AFP. As the war dragged on and the Taliban resurfaced, foreign troops were accused of disrespecting Afghan religion and traditions -- and civilian casualties mounted. "People were optimistic and (Afghan) refugees from other countries like Pakistan and Iran came back," said Qiyamuddin. "They were unaware we were going to face more troubles." Noorullah, a teacher, remembers watching news of the attack on a TV hidden in the basement of a relative's house -- the Taliban had banned the medium as un-Islamic. "It looked horrible. They were repeatedly showing the towers on fire," he said A brief period of peace followed after the Taliban were ejected, but it would not last. "When the Taliban were gone, people were happy, they could at least breathe freedom," he said. But as time passed, he "started to believe the US had come to a wrong place. It was a trap for them". "And 20 years later... I was right," he told AFP. "The Taliban are back. The same people, faces and attitude are back."

'America was very far away': How Afghans remember 9/11

America spent more than $2.2 trillion on the war in Afghanistan. Most of this money went back to the US via private contractors and companies. Top US arms dealers got $2 trillion in public funds between 2001 & 2021. WION's Palki Sharma exposes the truth of the Afghan war.

Gravitas: America's lies on the trillion-dollar Afghan war

For 4 decades, America has fed the global war machine in the name of bringing “peace & democracy.” On Gravitas Plus, WION's Palki Sharma unmasks America's role in arming rogue regimes & terror outfits.

Gravitas Plus : How America benefits from wars

Gravitas Plus: How America benefits from wars

US President Joe Biden met with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. The much-anticipated gathering could have high-stakes implications for Zelensky, who has vied for American support since he took over in 2019.

Biden vows stronger US ties to Ukraine in first meeting with Zelensky

Leaked Pentagon papers reveal that U.S 'blames' Britain for the Kabul Airport attack. British MPs are outraged, PM Boris Johnson has lashed out at America's assertion calling it 'simply not true'. Palki Sharma tells you how the two 'best friends' are squabbling.

Gravitas: U.S. 'blames' UK for Kabul Airport Attack

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan. This marks the third conversation held in August between the two leaders on Afghan crisis.

Indian FM Jaishankar discusses Afghan crisis with US State Secy Blinken

On the 58th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement citizens in the US fear that their civil rights could be stripped off, thousands rally in protest against a Republican proposed bill in the country.

Huge protests in US for voting rights on 58th Anniversary of Civil Rights Movement

America's billion-dollar war chest has been captured by the Taliban. Reports say these weapons are being distributed to Pak-backed terrorists looking to stir trouble in Kashmir. Palki Sharma tells you India's biggest worry about the Taliban.

Gravitas: Taliban's rise & India's biggest worry

The Joe Biden Administration has left behind $20 billion military hardware on a platter for the Taliban. American Choppers, Humvees, Jets & rifles are now in the Taliban's hands. Palki Sharma tells you how this is another proof of Biden's unmitigated disaster.

Gravitas: These American weapons are now in Taliban's hands

Experts say the Soviet Union's exit from Afghanistan was more orderly and professional than America's. What did the Soviets do right? How did America fail to learn from the defeat of two empires? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas | Afghanistan exit: Soviets V/S America

Global semiconductor shortage is giving way to a different kind of rivalry. Japan is worried that America's plan to put billions into chip manufacturing to stop China could wipe out what was left off at the Japanese semiconductor industry that once dominated the world.

Japan worried of America's plan to put billions into chip manufacturing

Afghans are now paying for America's mistakes. In a desperate bid to flee, Afghans tried to cling to a US Air Force plane. A horrifying video shows at least two people falling from the sky after the plane took off. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | The Afghanistan crisis: Afghans are paying for America's mistakes

A survey by US census bureau has revealed that America's white population has shrunk for the first time in history. It went from 196 million in 2010 to 191million in 2020. Palki Sharma gets you a detailed report on the findings.

Gravitas: America's Race Census 2021

This charade doesn’t leave anyone safer. It’s gone on long enough.

American politicians often warn that if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, it will spark a nuclear stampede across the Middle East. Allowing Tehran to get the bomb, Senator Robert Menendez, the current chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,&nbsp;predicted&nbsp;in March 2020, could “set off a dangerous arms race in the region.” In an interview in December, President-elect Joe Biden&nbsp;cautioned&nbsp;that if Iran went nuclear, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt might too, “and the last goddamn thing we need in that part of the world is a buildup of nuclear capability.”

Such statements are so familiar that it’s easy to overlook their artifice. In warning that Iran could turn the Middle East nuclear, American politicians imply that the region is nuclear-free now. But it’s not. Israel already has nuclear weapons. You’d just never know it from America’s leaders, who have spent the last half-century feigning ignorance. This deceit undercuts America’s supposed commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, and it distorts the American debate over Iran. It’s time for the Biden administration to tell the truth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-vows-to-israel-no-nuclear-weapon-for-iran-on-my-watch-394580">Biden vows to Israel: No nuclear weapon for Iran on my watch</a>

American officials began hiding the truth about Israeli nuclear weapons after Israeli leaders hid the truth from them. In the early 1960s, writes Avner Cohen in his book “The Worst Kept Secret,” Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion repeatedly told President John F. Kennedy that the reactor Israel was building in the desert town of Dimona “was for peaceful purposes only.” When the United States sent inspectors to the site, the Israelis&nbsp;concocted&nbsp;an elaborate ruse, which included building fake walls to conceal the elevators that led to an underground reprocessing plant. By decade’s end, the die was cast. The C.I.A. concluded that Israel already possessed nuclear warheads.

So Richard Nixon and Prime Minister Golda Meir&nbsp;hatched&nbsp;a deal. Neither Israel nor the United States would acknowledge that Israel had nuclear weapons, and Washington would not pressure Israel to submit them to international oversight. For 50 years now, American presidents have abided by the bargain. Scholars&nbsp;believe&nbsp;that when Israel tested a nuclear weapon in the Indian Ocean in 1979, the Carter administration covered it up. In 2009, when a journalist&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Barack Obama if he knew of “any country in the Middle East that has nuclear weapons,” Mr Obama responded, “I don’t want to speculate.”

Feigning ignorance about Israeli nuclear weapons makes a mockery of America’s efforts at nonproliferation. Mr Obama vowed to pursue a nuclear-free world. Yet to prevent public discussion of Israel’s arsenal, his administration&nbsp;helped squelch&nbsp;a United Nations conference on a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. The Biden administration continues to impose punishing sanctions on Iran in an attempt to force its government to accept inspections&nbsp;more stringent&nbsp;than those required by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Meanwhile, Israel, which has never signed the NPT, permits no inspections at all.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-irans-raisi-extreme-committed-to-nuclear-programme-392707">Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme</a>

This hypocrisy leads many around the world to smirk when American diplomats claim to be defending the “rules-based order.” It also empowers those Iranians who claim Tehran has the right to match its regional rival.

Finally, the American government’s deceptive silence prevents a more honest debate at home about the dangers an Iranian nuclear weapon would pose. American politicians&nbsp;sometimes&nbsp;say&nbsp;an Iranian bomb would pose an “existential” threat to Israel. That’s a dubious claim, given that Israel possesses a nuclear deterrent it can&nbsp;deploy on air, land and sea. But many Americans find the claim plausible because,&nbsp;according to recent polling&nbsp;conducted by Shibley Telhami of the University of Maryland, barely 50 per cent know Israel has nuclear weapons. A higher percentage thinks Tehran has the bomb.

Even if an Iranian bomb wouldn’t existentially threaten Israel, the United States should still work to forestall one diplomatically. With&nbsp;negotiations with Tehran at risk of collapse, the Biden administration should commit to lifting the sanctions that are crippling Iran’s economy in return for verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear capacity. But if those efforts fail — and the Biden administration faces pressure to wage war rather than allow Iran to gain the capacity to build a nuclear weapon — it’s crucial that Americans make an informed decision about the risk a nuclear Iran poses to America’s closest ally in the Middle East. That’s harder when the American government never publicly admits that Israel has the means to deter a nuclear attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-bennett-weighs-against-nuclear-talks-with-irans-hangmen-regime-392766">Israel PM Bennett weighs against nuclear talks with Iran's 'hangmen regime'</a>

The Biden administration is not going to force Israel to give up its nuclear weapons. But that doesn’t mean it must undermine America’s global credibility and deceive its people by denying reality. Perhaps a more honest American discussion of Israel’s nuclear arsenal will breathe new life into the distant dream of a nuclear-free Middle East. Even if that doesn’t happen, it will be bracing, after a half-century of lying by omission, simply to hear America’s leaders tell the truth.

This charade doesn’t leave anyone safer. It’s gone on long enough. American politicians often warn that if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, it will spark a nuclear stampede across the Middle East.

This charade doesn’t leave anyone safer. It’s gone on long enough. American politicians often warn that if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, it will spark a nuclear stampede across the Middle East. Allowing Tehran to get the bomb, Senator Robert Menendez, the current chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, predicted in March 2020, could “set off a dangerous arms race in the region.” In an interview in December, President-elect Joe Biden cautioned that if Iran went nuclear, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt might too, “and the last goddamn thing we need in that part of the world is a buildup of nuclear capability.” Such statements are so familiar that it’s easy to overlook their artifice. In warning that Iran could turn the Middle East nuclear, American politicians imply that the region is nuclear-free now. But it’s not. Israel already has nuclear weapons. You’d just never know it from America’s leaders, who have spent the last half-century feigning ignorance. This deceit undercuts America’s supposed commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, and it distorts the American debate over Iran. It’s time for the Biden administration to tell the truth. Also read | Biden vows to Israel: No nuclear weapon for Iran on my watch American officials began hiding the truth about Israeli nuclear weapons after Israeli leaders hid the truth from them. In the early 1960s, writes Avner Cohen in his book “The Worst Kept Secret,” Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion repeatedly told President John F. Kennedy that the reactor Israel was building in the desert town of Dimona “was for peaceful purposes only.” When the United States sent inspectors to the site, the Israelis concocted an elaborate ruse, which included building fake walls to conceal the elevators that led to an underground reprocessing plant. By decade’s end, the die was cast. The C.I.A. concluded that Israel already possessed nuclear warheads. So Richard Nixon and Prime Minister Golda Meir hatched a deal. Neither Israel nor the United States would acknowledge that Israel had nuclear weapons, and Washington would not pressure Israel to submit them to international oversight. For 50 years now, American presidents have abided by the bargain. Scholars believe that when Israel tested a nuclear weapon in the Indian Ocean in 1979, the Carter administration covered it up. In 2009, when a journalist asked Barack Obama if he knew of “any country in the Middle East that has nuclear weapons,” Mr Obama responded, “I don’t want to speculate.” Feigning ignorance about Israeli nuclear weapons makes a mockery of America’s efforts at nonproliferation. Mr Obama vowed to pursue a nuclear-free world. Yet to prevent public discussion of Israel’s arsenal, his administration helped squelch a United Nations conference on a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. The Biden administration continues to impose punishing sanctions on Iran in an attempt to force its government to accept inspections more stringent than those required by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Meanwhile, Israel, which has never signed the NPT, permits no inspections at all. Also read | Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme This hypocrisy leads many around the world to smirk when American diplomats claim to be defending the “rules-based order.” It also empowers those Iranians who claim Tehran has the right to match its regional rival. Finally, the American government’s deceptive silence prevents a more honest debate at home about the dangers an Iranian nuclear weapon would pose. American politicians sometimes say an Iranian bomb would pose an “existential” threat to Israel. That’s a dubious claim, given that Israel possesses a nuclear deterrent it can deploy on air, land and sea. But many Americans find the claim plausible because, according to recent polling conducted by Shibley Telhami of the University of Maryland, barely 50 per cent know Israel has nuclear weapons. A higher percentage thinks Tehran has the bomb. Even if an Iranian bomb wouldn’t existentially threaten Israel, the United States should still work to forestall one diplomatically. With negotiations with Tehran at risk of collapse, the Biden administration should commit to lifting the sanctions that are crippling Iran’s economy in return for verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear capacity. But if those efforts fail — and the Biden administration faces pressure to wage war rather than allow Iran to gain the capacity to build a nuclear weapon — it’s crucial that Americans make an informed decision about the risk a nuclear Iran poses to America’s closest ally in the Middle East. That’s harder when the American government never publicly admits that Israel has the means to deter a nuclear attack. Also read | Israel PM Bennett weighs against nuclear talks with Iran's 'hangmen regime' The Biden administration is not going to force Israel to give up its nuclear weapons. But that doesn’t mean it must undermine America’s global credibility and deceive its people by denying reality. Perhaps a more honest American discussion of Israel’s nuclear arsenal will breathe new life into the distant dream of a nuclear-free Middle East. Even if that doesn’t happen, it will be bracing, after a half-century of lying by omission, simply to hear America’s leaders tell the truth.

America needs to start telling the truth about Israel’s nukes

Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday when a nationwide ban on evictions expires, even as billions in government funds meant to help them go untapped.

Historic eviction crisis looms over US

In the United States, the number of homicides continues to rise in all major American Cities. Gun assaults rose by 5% compared to last year whereas aggravated assaults also increased by 9% in 2021.

US: Record increase in murders across America

From Afghanistan to Iraq, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, America is cutting down its military presence & pulling back from conflicts it escalated. For a country that wants to be seen as a superpower, this retreat is humiliating. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: America is retreating from conflicts it escalated

The federal reserve should begin experimenting with a virtual currency.

When was the last time you made a payment with dollar bills?

Some people still prefer to use cash, perhaps because they like the tactile nature of physical currency or because it provides confidentiality in transactions. But digital payments, made with the swipe of a card or a few taps on a cellphone, are fast&nbsp;becoming the norm.

To keep their money relevant, many central banks are experimenting with digital versions of their currencies. These currencies are virtual, like Bitcoin; but unlike Bitcoin, which is a private enterprise, they are issued by the state and function much like traditional currencies. The idea is for central banks to introduce these digital currencies in limited circulation — to exist alongside cash as just another monetary option — and then to broaden their circulation over time, as they gain in popularity and cash fades away.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-race-for-national-digital-currency-is-gaining-momentum-is-india-lagging-behind-299893">The race for national digital currency is gaining momentum, is India lagging behind?</a>

China,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;have begun trials of central bank digital currency. The&nbsp;Bank of England&nbsp;and the&nbsp;European Central Bank&nbsp;are preparing their own trials.&nbsp;The Bahamas&nbsp;has already rolled out the world’s first official digital currency.

The US&nbsp;Federal Reserve, by contrast, has largely stayed on the sidelines. This could be a lost opportunity. The United States should develop a digital dollar, not because of what other countries are doing, but because the benefits of a digital currency far outweigh the costs.

One benefit is security. Cash is vulnerable to loss and theft, a problem for both individuals and businesses, whereas digital currencies are relatively secure. Electronic hacking does pose a risk, but one that can be managed with new technologies. (As it happens, offshoots of Bitcoin’s technology&nbsp;could prove helpful&nbsp;in increasing security.)

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crypto-mining-how-does-digital-currency-manufacturing-affect-environment-393162">Crypto mining: How does digital currency manufacturing affect environment?</a>

Digital currencies also benefit the poor and “unbanked.” It is hard to get a credit card if you don’t have much money, and banks charge fees for low-balance accounts that can make them prohibitively expensive. But a digital dollar would give everyone, including the poor, access to a digital payment system and a portal for basic banking services. Each individual or household could have a fee-free, noninterest-bearing account with the Federal Reserve, linked to a cellphone app for making payments. (About 97 percent of American adults&nbsp;have a cellphone or smartphone.)

To see how this might help, consider the payments that the US&nbsp;government made to households as part of the coronavirus stimulus packages. Millions of low-income households without bank accounts or direct deposit information on file with the Internal Revenue Service&nbsp;experienced complications or delays&nbsp;in getting those payments. Checks and debit cards mailed to many of them were delayed or lost, and&nbsp;scammers&nbsp;found ways to intercept payments. Central-bank accounts could have reduced fraud and made administering stimulus payments easier, faster and more secure.

A central-bank digital currency can also be a useful policy tool. Typically, if the Federal Reserve wants to stimulate consumption and investment, it can cut interest rates and make cheap credit available. But if the economy is cratering and the Fed has already cut the short-term interest rate it controls to near zero, its options are limited. If cash were replaced with a digital dollar, however, the Fed could impose a negative interest rate by gradually shrinking the electronic balances in everyone’s digital currency accounts, creating an incentive for consumers to spend and for companies to invest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-banks-promoting-digital-currency-posing-threat-to-alipay-wechat-duopoly-380452">Chinese banks promoting digital currency, posing threat to Alipay, WeChat duopoly</a>

A digital dollar would also hinder illegal activities that rely on anonymous cash transactions, such as drug dealing, money laundering and terrorism financing. It would bring “off the books” economic activity out of the shadows and into the formal economy, increasing tax revenues. Small businesses would benefit from lower transaction costs, since people would use credit cards less often, and they would avoid the hassles of handling cash.

To be sure, there are potential risks to central-bank digital currencies, and any responsible plan should prepare for them. For example, a digital dollar would pose a danger to the banking system. What if households were to move their money out of regular bank accounts and into central-bank accounts, perceiving them as safer, even if they pay no interest? The central bank could find itself in the undesirable position of having to allocate credit, deciding which sectors and businesses deserve loans.

But this risk can be managed. Commercial banks could vet customers and maintain the central-bank digital currency accounts along with their own interest-bearing deposit accounts. The digital currency accounts might not directly help banks earn profits, but they would attract customers who could then be offered savings or loan products. (To help protect commercial banks, limits can also be placed on the amount of money stored in central-bank accounts,&nbsp;as the Bahamas has done.) A central bank digital currency could be designed for use across different payment platforms, promoting private-sector competition and encouraging innovations that make electronic payments cheaper, quicker and more secure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/digital-currency-bitcoin-hits-record-high-now-valued-over-1700-15423">Digital currency Bitcoin hits record high; now valued over $1700</a>

Another concern is the&nbsp;loss of privacy&nbsp;that central-bank digital currencies entail. Even with protections in place to ensure confidentiality, no central bank would forgo the ability to audit and trace transactions. A digital dollar could threaten what remains of anonymity and privacy in commercial transactions — a reminder that adopting a digital dollar is not just an economic but also a social decision.

The end of cash is on the horizon, and it will have far-reaching effects on the economy, finance and society more broadly. With proper preparation and open discussion, we should embrace the advent of a digital dollar.

The federal reserve should begin experimenting with a virtual currency. When was the last time you made a payment with dollar bills? Some people still prefer to use cash, perhaps because they like the tactile nature of physical currency or because it provides confidentiality in transactions.

The federal reserve should begin experimenting with a virtual currency. When was the last time you made a payment with dollar bills? Some people still prefer to use cash, perhaps because they like the tactile nature of physical currency or because it provides confidentiality in transactions. But digital payments, made with the swipe of a card or a few taps on a cellphone, are fast becoming the norm. To keep their money relevant, many central banks are experimenting with digital versions of their currencies. These currencies are virtual, like Bitcoin; but unlike Bitcoin, which is a private enterprise, they are issued by the state and function much like traditional currencies. The idea is for central banks to introduce these digital currencies in limited circulation — to exist alongside cash as just another monetary option — and then to broaden their circulation over time, as they gain in popularity and cash fades away. Also read | The race for national digital currency is gaining momentum, is India lagging behind? China, Japan and Sweden have begun trials of central bank digital currency. The Bank of England and the European Central Bank are preparing their own trials. The Bahamas has already rolled out the world’s first official digital currency. The US Federal Reserve, by contrast, has largely stayed on the sidelines. This could be a lost opportunity. The United States should develop a digital dollar, not because of what other countries are doing, but because the benefits of a digital currency far outweigh the costs. One benefit is security. Cash is vulnerable to loss and theft, a problem for both individuals and businesses, whereas digital currencies are relatively secure. Electronic hacking does pose a risk, but one that can be managed with new technologies. (As it happens, offshoots of Bitcoin’s technology could prove helpful in increasing security.) Also read | Crypto mining: How does digital currency manufacturing affect environment? Digital currencies also benefit the poor and “unbanked.” It is hard to get a credit card if you don’t have much money, and banks charge fees for low-balance accounts that can make them prohibitively expensive. But a digital dollar would give everyone, including the poor, access to a digital payment system and a portal for basic banking services. Each individual or household could have a fee-free, noninterest-bearing account with the Federal Reserve, linked to a cellphone app for making payments. (About 97 percent of American adults have a cellphone or smartphone.) To see how this might help, consider the payments that the US government made to households as part of the coronavirus stimulus packages. Millions of low-income households without bank accounts or direct deposit information on file with the Internal Revenue Service experienced complications or delays in getting those payments. Checks and debit cards mailed to many of them were delayed or lost, and scammers found ways to intercept payments. Central-bank accounts could have reduced fraud and made administering stimulus payments easier, faster and more secure. A central-bank digital currency can also be a useful policy tool. Typically, if the Federal Reserve wants to stimulate consumption and investment, it can cut interest rates and make cheap credit available. But if the economy is cratering and the Fed has already cut the short-term interest rate it controls to near zero, its options are limited. If cash were replaced with a digital dollar, however, the Fed could impose a negative interest rate by gradually shrinking the electronic balances in everyone’s digital currency accounts, creating an incentive for consumers to spend and for companies to invest. Also read | Chinese banks promoting digital currency, posing threat to Alipay, WeChat duopoly A digital dollar would also hinder illegal activities that rely on anonymous cash transactions, such as drug dealing, money laundering and terrorism financing. It would bring “off the books” economic activity out of the shadows and into the formal economy, increasing tax revenues. Small businesses would benefit from lower transaction costs, since people would use credit cards less often, and they would avoid the hassles of handling cash. To be sure, there are potential risks to central-bank digital currencies, and any responsible plan should prepare for them. For example, a digital dollar would pose a danger to the banking system. What if households were to move their money out of regular bank accounts and into central-bank accounts, perceiving them as safer, even if they pay no interest? The central bank could find itself in the undesirable position of having to allocate credit, deciding which sectors and businesses deserve loans. But this risk can be managed. Commercial banks could vet customers and maintain the central-bank digital currency accounts along with their own interest-bearing deposit accounts. The digital currency accounts might not directly help banks earn profits, but they would attract customers who could then be offered savings or loan products. (To help protect commercial banks, limits can also be placed on the amount of money stored in central-bank accounts, as the Bahamas has done.) A central bank digital currency could be designed for use across different payment platforms, promoting private-sector competition and encouraging innovations that make electronic payments cheaper, quicker and more secure. Also read | Digital currency Bitcoin hits record high; now valued over $1700 Another concern is the loss of privacy that central-bank digital currencies entail. Even with protections in place to ensure confidentiality, no central bank would forgo the ability to audit and trace transactions. A digital dollar could threaten what remains of anonymity and privacy in commercial transactions — a reminder that adopting a digital dollar is not just an economic but also a social decision. The end of cash is on the horizon, and it will have far-reaching effects on the economy, finance and society more broadly. With proper preparation and open discussion, we should embrace the advent of a digital dollar.

Cash will soon be obsolete. Will America be ready?

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell to a 16-month low-level last week as the labor market gains traction, but worker shortages and bottlenecks in the supply chain are frustrating efforts by businesses to ramp up production to meet strong demand for goods and services.

World Business Watch: US weekly jobless claims at 16-month low, shortages hamper manufacturing

The White House on Tuesday said First Lady Jill Biden will lead the US delegation to the Tokyo Olympics, which President Joe Biden is skipping due to Japan's Covid lockdown.

"First Lady Jill Biden will&nbsp;travel to the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Olympic Summer Games," the White House said. The ceremony takes place July 23.

The president is not going, in recognition of the extraordinary health precautions around the Tokyo Games, with fans banned from stadiums and athletes not allowed on public transport.

(more details awaited)

The White House on Tuesday said First Lady Jill Biden will lead the US delegation to the Tokyo Olympics, which President Joe Biden is skipping due to Japan's Covid lockdown.

The White House on Tuesday said First Lady Jill Biden will lead the US delegation to the Tokyo Olympics, which President Joe Biden is skipping due to Japan's Covid lockdown. "First Lady Jill Biden will travel to the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Olympic Summer Games," the White House said. The ceremony takes place July 23. The president is not going, in recognition of the extraordinary health precautions around the Tokyo Games, with fans banned from stadiums and athletes not allowed on public transport. (more details awaited)

Jill Biden to head US delegation to Tokyo Olympics

The United States marked its 245th Independence day on July 4. Fireworks light up the sky above Washington DC. President Joe Biden threw a huge party to and hailed the country's effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

US celebrates 245th Independence day with fireworks and parades

In Pics | Americans gather to celebrate July 4

Today America celebrates the Fourth of July, which we all know is an American holiday celebrating independence.&nbsp;

However, how many of us know the history behind this federal holiday?

Let's explore the history and the significance of this day.

245 years ago today, the United States (US) was founded. While July 4th was made a federal holiday only in 1941, the tradition actually goes back to 1776.

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress assembled and decided that the thirteen (13) American colonies are no longer subordinate to the Colonial British rulers and the then British Monarch, King George III.&nbsp;

<img alt="US Declaration of Independence" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a95b758-980d-4ca1-a215-77296a404631" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-07-04T175537.486.jpg" />

<h5>US Declaration of Independence/Photo Source(Twitter)</h5>

So, they voted in favour of independence and on 4th July 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to sign the historic 'Declaration of Independence'.

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document was the first step towards the formation of the country we know today as the United States of America.&nbsp;

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Made popular by&nbsp; Abraham Lincoln who used these words in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, these words from the declaration have come to represent the ethos of human rights.

While over the years political independence of this day has somewhat diminished, it remains a day of family celebrations and get-togethers.&nbsp;

America celebrates this day with fireworks, feasts, parades, barbecues, carnivals, political speeches, and ceremonies, all celebrating the nation's history, its government, and its traditions.&nbsp;

Fireworks

All those who are&nbsp;are not American citizens have watched countless movies, television series that show&nbsp;the USA's fascination with fireworks, especially when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations.

<img alt="Firework Display (File Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e77e815-2006-45bc-93e5-601ddd23c256" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-07-04T174935.449.jpg" />

<h5>Firework Display (File Photo)</h5>

But do you know, who started this tradition?

In 1777, Philadelphia held the first organised celebration of Independence day. On that day, Philadelphia had a Ship’s cannon fire a 13-gun salute honouring the 13 colonies. The next day, a newspaper called 'The&nbsp;Pennsylvania Evening Post',&nbsp;described it as a grand exhibition of fireworks, and a tradition was born.&nbsp;

Macy's Firework display

Every year New York has one of the most famous firework displays in the country. Known as the Macy&nbsp;fireworks display it is usually held over the&nbsp;East River&nbsp;in New York City.

Last year due to the pandemic this gorgeous display was altered.&nbsp;To discourage large gatherings, the exact time and location of the displays weren't announced in advance. Instead, the five boroughs of New York City each had a short 5-minute televised displays.&nbsp;

But this year this iconic display is back. According to Macy's website, the 45th annual firework display will be televised live on NBC between the hours of 8 pm-10 pm local time

Today America celebrates the Fourth of July, which we all know is an American holiday celebrating independence. However, how many of us know the history behind this federal holiday?

Today America celebrates the Fourth of July, which we all know is an American holiday celebrating independence. However, how many of us know the history behind this federal holiday? Let's explore the history and the significance of this day. 245 years ago today, the United States (US) was founded. While July 4th was made a federal holiday only in 1941, the tradition actually goes back to 1776. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress assembled and decided that the thirteen (13) American colonies are no longer subordinate to the Colonial British rulers and the then British Monarch, King George III. US Declaration of Independence/Photo Source(Twitter) So, they voted in favour of independence and on 4th July 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to sign the historic 'Declaration of Independence'. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document was the first step towards the formation of the country we know today as the United States of America. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Made popular by Abraham Lincoln who used these words in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, these words from the declaration have come to represent the ethos of human rights. While over the years political independence of this day has somewhat diminished, it remains a day of family celebrations and get-togethers. America celebrates this day with fireworks, feasts, parades, barbecues, carnivals, political speeches, and ceremonies, all celebrating the nation's history, its government, and its traditions. Fireworks All those who are are not American citizens have watched countless movies, television series that show the USA's fascination with fireworks, especially when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations. Firework Display (File Photo) But do you know, who started this tradition? In 1777, Philadelphia held the first organised celebration of Independence day. On that day, Philadelphia had a Ship’s cannon fire a 13-gun salute honouring the 13 colonies. The next day, a newspaper called 'The Pennsylvania Evening Post', described it as a grand exhibition of fireworks, and a tradition was born. Macy's Firework display Every year New York has one of the most famous firework displays in the country. Known as the Macy fireworks display it is usually held over the East River in New York City. Last year due to the pandemic this gorgeous display was altered. To discourage large gatherings, the exact time and location of the displays weren't announced in advance. Instead, the five boroughs of New York City each had a short 5-minute televised displays. But this year this iconic display is back. According to Macy's website, the 45th annual firework display will be televised live on NBC between the hours of 8 pm-10 pm local time

Explainer: Why Fourth of July is a big thing in USA

Gravitas Plus| 336 people have died of gun terror in US so far in 2021, 521 people died in 2020, 1620 died in the last 4 years. Had this been in any other country, US would have cried human rights violation, genocide. Why is it silent on “terrorism” at home? WION’s Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas Plus: Gun terror in America

How serious is America about countering China? There are a lot of promises, plans & probes but are there results? Is the Joe Biden administration willing to go the whole hog to control China's rogue ambitions? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: How serious is America about countering China?

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