The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has appreciated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has called it a "genuine opportunity" for peace between the two groups.

A ceasefire was called between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, through a deal brokered by the US, UN and Egypt. The Israel PMs office confirmed that the two sides have "unanimously accepted the recommendations to accept an Egyptian initiative for an unconditional … ceasefire".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-conflict-ceasefire-between-israel-and-hamas-takes-effect-after-11-day-conflict-leaves-hundreds-dead-386387">Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect after 11-day conflict leaves hundreds dead</a>

After the ceasefire announcement, Biden said, "I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I'm committed to working toward it."

Biden had been criticised by many locals of the US and some of the members of the Democratic Party for not urging the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government to initiate a ceasefire. Although he was being accused of being 'silent' on the subject, the President has appreciated his administration’s "quiet, relentless diplomacy".

He was in regular contact with the Israeli PM and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and has touted Egypt’s efforts and "avoiding the sort of prolonged conflict we've seen in previous years".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-hamas-clashes-senior-palestinian-leader-wants-indias-support-386378">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-hamas-clashes-senior-palestinian-leader-wants-indias-support-386378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I extend my sincere gratitude to&nbsp;President al-Sisi and the senior Egyptian officials who have played such a critical role in this diplomacy," he said, appreciating Sisi’s efforts.

The ceasefire has come after 11 days of continuous conflict, causing deaths of hundreds of locals on both sides, including children.

"Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy," Biden said, talking about the casualties on both sides.

The US President Joe Biden has appreciated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has called it a "genuine opportunity" for peace between the two groups. A ceasefire was called between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, through a deal brokered by the US, UN and Egypt.

The US President Joe Biden has appreciated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has called it a "genuine opportunity" for peace between the two groups. A ceasefire was called between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, through a deal brokered by the US, UN and Egypt. The Israel PMs office confirmed that the two sides have "unanimously accepted the recommendations to accept an Egyptian initiative for an unconditional … ceasefire". Also read | Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect after 11-day conflict leaves hundreds dead After the ceasefire announcement, Biden said, "I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I'm committed to working toward it." Biden had been criticised by many locals of the US and some of the members of the Democratic Party for not urging the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government to initiate a ceasefire. Although he was being accused of being 'silent' on the subject, the President has appreciated his administration’s "quiet, relentless diplomacy". He was in regular contact with the Israeli PM and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and has touted Egypt’s efforts and "avoiding the sort of prolonged conflict we've seen in previous years". Watch | "I extend my sincere gratitude to President al-Sisi and the senior Egyptian officials who have played such a critical role in this diplomacy," he said, appreciating Sisi’s efforts. The ceasefire has come after 11 days of continuous conflict, causing deaths of hundreds of locals on both sides, including children. "Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy," Biden said, talking about the casualties on both sides.

Biden sees 'genuine opportunity' for peace after Israel-Hamas ceasefire

US President Joe Biden has signed legislation to address the sudden increase in hate crime against Asian-Americans in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed hope that such crimes would now be more accurately counted and reported so that they can be ended.

It will provide resources to create specialised hate crimes units that will also help states create hotlines for hate crimes at state and local levels that will be accessible for people with limited English proficiency. And it provides resources for training for state and local law enforcement to identify, investigate, and report these heinous crimes, Biden said after signing the legislation which has become law after his assent.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed the Senate-approved version of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with an overwhelming bipartisan vote.

This bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono and Representative Grace Meng in the House and incorporated the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act.

This legislation will address the current rise in anti-Asian hate and improve the reporting of hate crimes. Biden also urged people to change their mind and heart.

But of all the good that the law can do, we have to change our hearts. We have to change the hearts of the American people. I mean this from the bottom of my heart -- hate can be given no safe harbour in America. I mean it: no safe harbour. It can't be dismissed like, Well, that's just what happens. My sister, Valerie, and I talk about it all the time. You've got to speak up. Speak up and speak out, he said.

Senator Hirono said after a year in which the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community experienced a horrifying rise in hate crimes and incidents driven by racist and inflammatory language during the pandemic, the bipartisan piece of legislation sends a clear and unmistakable message of solidarity to the community at this crucial moment and will help federal, state, and local governments confront anti-Asian hate across our country.

This bill will require the Department of Justice to expedite the review of COVID-19-related hate crimes, ensure online hate crimes and hate incident reporting are language accessible, expand public awareness campaigns designed to increase awareness and outreach to victims, disaggregate victims' protected characteristics, and expand restorative justice practices and alternative sentencing, said Christine Chen, executive director of APIAVote.

These initiatives will help combat the historic undercounting of hate crimes by the Asian American community and improve the overall infrastructure needed for hate crime reporting, data collection, and justice, she said.

US President Joe Biden has signed legislation to address the sudden increase in hate crime against Asian-Americans in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed hope that such crimes would now be more accurately counted and reported so that they can be ended.

US President Joe Biden has signed legislation to address the sudden increase in hate crime against Asian-Americans in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed hope that such crimes would now be more accurately counted and reported so that they can be ended. It will provide resources to create specialised hate crimes units that will also help states create hotlines for hate crimes at state and local levels that will be accessible for people with limited English proficiency. And it provides resources for training for state and local law enforcement to identify, investigate, and report these heinous crimes, Biden said after signing the legislation which has become law after his assent. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed the Senate-approved version of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with an overwhelming bipartisan vote. This bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono and Representative Grace Meng in the House and incorporated the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act. This legislation will address the current rise in anti-Asian hate and improve the reporting of hate crimes. Biden also urged people to change their mind and heart. But of all the good that the law can do, we have to change our hearts. We have to change the hearts of the American people. I mean this from the bottom of my heart -- hate can be given no safe harbour in America. I mean it: no safe harbour. It can't be dismissed like, Well, that's just what happens. My sister, Valerie, and I talk about it all the time. You've got to speak up. Speak up and speak out, he said. Senator Hirono said after a year in which the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community experienced a horrifying rise in hate crimes and incidents driven by racist and inflammatory language during the pandemic, the bipartisan piece of legislation sends a clear and unmistakable message of solidarity to the community at this crucial moment and will help federal, state, and local governments confront anti-Asian hate across our country. This bill will require the Department of Justice to expedite the review of COVID-19-related hate crimes, ensure online hate crimes and hate incident reporting are language accessible, expand public awareness campaigns designed to increase awareness and outreach to victims, disaggregate victims' protected characteristics, and expand restorative justice practices and alternative sentencing, said Christine Chen, executive director of APIAVote. These initiatives will help combat the historic undercounting of hate crimes by the Asian American community and improve the overall infrastructure needed for hate crime reporting, data collection, and justice, she said.

Joe Biden signs bill to address hate crimes against Asian-Americans

The Israel-Palestine Conflict was a test Joe Biden wasn't prepared for. Democrats want him to build pressure on Israel, but President Biden is reluctant. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why America can't criticise Israel beyond a point.

Gravitas: Why America can't criticise Israel

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines will not be enough to narrow the huge supply gap between rich and poor countries.

South Africa and India have urged fellow WTO members to waive intellectual property rights on vaccines to boost production.

Poorer countries that make up half the world's population have received just 17 per cent&nbsp;of doses, a situation the World Health Organization head has labelled "vaccine apartheid".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-big-pharma-is-blocking-vaccine-patent-waivers-385905/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said last week he supported the waiver idea, but the European Union and other developed country opponents said it will not increase output.

Speaking to the European Parliament on Thursday, WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said it was clear that an IP waiver alone would not be enough.

"To have solved the unacceptable problem of inequity of access to vaccines, we have to be holistic. It's not one or the other," she said, adding this could not drag out for years.

The European Commission outlined a plan on Wednesday it sees as a more effective way of boosting output, using existing WTO rules, rather than a waiver. It notes countries can grant licences to manufacturers to produce with or without the patent-holder's consent.

Bolivia signed a deal last week with a Canadian company Biolyse Pharma Corp to produce the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, which would require Biolyse to secure authorisation from Johnson &amp; Johnson or a "compulsory licence" from Canada.

Okonjo-Iweala said developing countries had complained the licencing process was cumbersome and should be improved.

Manufacturers should work to expand production, she said, pointing to idle capacity in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Senegal, South Africa.

There also needed to be a transfer of technology and know-how, with vaccines often harder to produce than drugs.

"I'm convinced that we can agree a text that gives developing countries that kind of access and flexibility, whilst protecting research and innovation," she said.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines will not be enough to narrow the huge supply gap between rich and poor countries.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines will not be enough to narrow the huge supply gap between rich and poor countries. South Africa and India have urged fellow WTO members to waive intellectual property rights on vaccines to boost production. Poorer countries that make up half the world's population have received just 17 per cent of doses, a situation the World Health Organization head has labelled "vaccine apartheid". US President Joe Biden said last week he supported the waiver idea, but the European Union and other developed country opponents said it will not increase output. Speaking to the European Parliament on Thursday, WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said it was clear that an IP waiver alone would not be enough. "To have solved the unacceptable problem of inequity of access to vaccines, we have to be holistic. It's not one or the other," she said, adding this could not drag out for years. The European Commission outlined a plan on Wednesday it sees as a more effective way of boosting output, using existing WTO rules, rather than a waiver. It notes countries can grant licences to manufacturers to produce with or without the patent-holder's consent. Bolivia signed a deal last week with a Canadian company Biolyse Pharma Corp to produce the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which would require Biolyse to secure authorisation from Johnson & Johnson or a "compulsory licence" from Canada. Okonjo-Iweala said developing countries had complained the licencing process was cumbersome and should be improved. Manufacturers should work to expand production, she said, pointing to idle capacity in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Senegal, South Africa. There also needed to be a transfer of technology and know-how, with vaccines often harder to produce than drugs. "I'm convinced that we can agree a text that gives developing countries that kind of access and flexibility, whilst protecting research and innovation," she said.

COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO

Americans 'boo' Joe Biden for his 'silence' over Israel-Gaza conflict

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has criticized General Motors Co for announcing a $1 billion investment in Mexico to build EVs and Ford for opting to build some EVs in Mexico rather than Ohio.

Biden pitches $174 billion EV plan in Michiga

United States President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden reported a drop in income as they filed their tax returns for 2020.

United States: Bidens report drop in income, releases tax returns

US President Joe Biden on Friday (local time) revoked an executive order by former President Donald Trump against social media platforms. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump had issued the order in 2020 to direct US regulators to limit liability protections enjoyed by the social media platforms.

The Center for Democracy and Technology, which had sued to block Trump's May 2020 order, praised Biden's reversal, arguing Trump's order "was an attempt to use threats of retaliation to coerce social media companies into allowing disinformation and hateful speech to go unchecked."

Trump unsuccessfully demanded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set new rules to limit protections for social media firms under the 1996 Communications Decency Act. It shields the companies from liability for content posted by their users and allows them to remove lawful but objectionable posts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-orange-donald-trump-appears-on-walls-of-national-portrait-gallery-385208">'Not orange': Donald Trump appears on walls of National Portrait Gallery</a>

Trump's executive order was issued after Twitter tagged his tweets having claims of widespread voter fraud in US Presidential Election 2020. Trump had continued his claims of voter fraud even after US Supreme Court had rejected the assertions.

After Trump's posts following the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks, Twitter and Facebook barred Trump from posting on their sites, and the following day FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he would not act on Trump's request to limit social media liability protections.

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twitter declined comment but referred to its initial statement about Trump's order, which called it "reactionary and politicized."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Friday (local time) revoked an executive order by former President Donald Trump against social media platforms. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US President Joe Biden on Friday (local time) revoked an executive order by former President Donald Trump against social media platforms. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump had issued the order in 2020 to direct US regulators to limit liability protections enjoyed by the social media platforms. The Center for Democracy and Technology, which had sued to block Trump's May 2020 order, praised Biden's reversal, arguing Trump's order "was an attempt to use threats of retaliation to coerce social media companies into allowing disinformation and hateful speech to go unchecked." Trump unsuccessfully demanded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set new rules to limit protections for social media firms under the 1996 Communications Decency Act. It shields the companies from liability for content posted by their users and allows them to remove lawful but objectionable posts. Also Read | 'Not orange': Donald Trump appears on walls of National Portrait Gallery Trump's executive order was issued after Twitter tagged his tweets having claims of widespread voter fraud in US Presidential Election 2020. Trump had continued his claims of voter fraud even after US Supreme Court had rejected the assertions. After Trump's posts following the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks, Twitter and Facebook barred Trump from posting on their sites, and the following day FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he would not act on Trump's request to limit social media liability protections. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twitter declined comment but referred to its initial statement about Trump's order, which called it "reactionary and politicized." (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden revokes Trump executive order against social media platforms

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden celebrated new guidance from the&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

"I think it's a great milestone, a great day," Biden told reporters from the White House rose garden.

"If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile," he said, flashing a brief smile himself.

Biden described the new milestone as&nbsp;a major victory in the battle against the virus that has caused more than 580,000 Americans to die.

The CDC move sparked joyful reactions in some, but others experienced whiplash and said they would continue to wear their masks out of caution.

"I'm still going to wear a mask inside," said Mubarak Dahir, a 57-year-old tourist in the capital Washington who was visiting from Florida. "I think it's premature, it's a little dangerous to believe that we are that far already."

But Desmond, a 67-year-old in Lafayette Square, said: "It's great news... we have come a long way in 14 months!"

Accumulating data shows the extremely high efficacy of authorised vaccines, not just to prevent symptomatic Covid but also asymptomatic infection and onward transmission.

Almost 60 per cent of US adults now have one or more doses, while cases are falling fast, down to a seven-day-average of 38,000 or 11 per 100,000.

And on Thursday, the campaign to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 15 began in earnest following the authorisation of the Pfizer vaccine in this age group.

According to the CDC's website, masks may still be required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in US transportation hubs such as airports and stations.&nbsp;

Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States still need to get tested within three days of their flight, or show documentation of recovery from Covid-19 in the past three months.&nbsp;

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the new guidance just two weeks after its most recent update, was based on a sharp reduction in cases, expansion of vaccines to younger people and vaccine efficacy against coronavirus variants.

The CDC had faced criticism, even from public health officials, that it has been too cautious in its guidance. Critics have said people need to see more benefit of getting vaccinated in terms of returning to normal activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden celebrated new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

US President Joe Biden celebrated new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places. "I think it's a great milestone, a great day," Biden told reporters from the White House rose garden. "If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile," he said, flashing a brief smile himself. Biden described the new milestone as a major victory in the battle against the virus that has caused more than 580,000 Americans to die. The CDC move sparked joyful reactions in some, but others experienced whiplash and said they would continue to wear their masks out of caution. "I'm still going to wear a mask inside," said Mubarak Dahir, a 57-year-old tourist in the capital Washington who was visiting from Florida. "I think it's premature, it's a little dangerous to believe that we are that far already." But Desmond, a 67-year-old in Lafayette Square, said: "It's great news... we have come a long way in 14 months!" Accumulating data shows the extremely high efficacy of authorised vaccines, not just to prevent symptomatic Covid but also asymptomatic infection and onward transmission. Almost 60 per cent of US adults now have one or more doses, while cases are falling fast, down to a seven-day-average of 38,000 or 11 per 100,000. And on Thursday, the campaign to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 15 began in earnest following the authorisation of the Pfizer vaccine in this age group. According to the CDC's website, masks may still be required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in US transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States still need to get tested within three days of their flight, or show documentation of recovery from Covid-19 in the past three months. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the new guidance just two weeks after its most recent update, was based on a sharp reduction in cases, expansion of vaccines to younger people and vaccine efficacy against coronavirus variants. The CDC had faced criticism, even from public health officials, that it has been too cautious in its guidance. Critics have said people need to see more benefit of getting vaccinated in terms of returning to normal activities. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Fully vaccinated people can take part in indoor, outdoor activities without mask, social distancing

They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs. They assemble the rockets underground or in dense neighbourhoods that the Israelis are reluctant to strike.

Despite Israel’s vaunted surveillance capability and overwhelming military firepower next door, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have managed to amass a large arsenal of rockets with an enhanced range in the 16 years since Israel vacated the coastal enclave it had occupied after the 1967 war.

Hamas, the militant group that has run Gaza since 2007 and does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, has parlayed the arsenal into an increasingly lethal threat, as seen in the most recent upsurge of hostilities with the Israeli military. By Thursday, Israeli officials said, the militants had fired about 1,800 rockets.

The arsenal pales in comparison to the vast destructive powers of Israel’s air force. But to Israelis, the rockets are the tools of what their country and many others including the United States regard as a terrorist organization, embedded among the nearly 2 million Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza.

To many Palestinians, the rockets symbolize their rightful resistance to Israeli dominance and occupation.

How many rockets have been amassed by Hamas and its allies?

Israeli intelligence has estimated that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups have about 30,000 rockets and mortar projectiles stashed in Gaza. The rockets are of widely varying ranges and lack guidance systems, but the militants have been able to improve their accuracy.

What is new about the latest volleys launched from Gaza?

The number of rockets fired each day in the most recent spate of hostilities is unprecedented. And while the majority of the rockets appear to be aimed at population centres across southern and central Israel, longer-range rockets were launched at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This is a sign, experts say, that Hamas has not only managed to replenish its arsenal but has improved its capabilities.

Some Israeli commanders have expressed surprise at both the intensity and range of the Gaza rockets.

An analysis by Michael Armstrong, an associate professor of operations research at Brock University in Canada, found a significant increase in the rate of fire. Using numbers from the Israel Defense Forces, Armstrong, who studies these weapons, cited 470 rockets fired from Gaza during the first 24 hours of the most recent escalation compared to a peak of 192 rockets per day in 2014 and 312 in 2012.

Hamas, he says, also launched more long-range attacks with 130 rockets fired at Tel Aviv late Tuesday, representing close to 17% of all fired until that point. In 2014, that rate was at 8% and in 2012 at less than 1%.

“We still don’t know if Hamas has more long-range rockets, or if they are choosing to use their best stuff first,” Armstrong said.

Why can’t Israel’s military destroy all the rockets in flight?

Israel has successfully thwarted many of the rockets fired with its Iron Dome antimissile defence system, destroying them before they land. But an increasing number of rockets have slammed into Israeli territory, some with deadly effect. Experts say the militants now know that the intensity of the barrages — and the multiple directions from which they launch — have exposed vulnerabilities in the Israeli defence.

“It seems they’re looking to overload or saturate Israel’s interceptive system, which can only handle a certain number of attacks at once,” Armstrong said.

What are the ranges of these rockets?

A sizable portion of the arsenal is believed to be short-range rockets, known as Qassams, named after the Hamas military wing, which has a range of roughly 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and is more easily and cheaply produced than longer-range weapons. They have unpredictable trajectories and some land inside Gaza.

The arsenal’s medium-range rockets, based on Iranian and Russian design, can reach targets up to 25 miles, making Israeli targets as far as the Tel Aviv suburbs vulnerable. Versions of these weapons are believed to be produced inside Gaza.

The longest-range rockets can travel much farther and can hit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion Airport. They include the M-75, a locally made rocket with technology supplied by Iran, and the J-80, a locally made rocket named after a famous Hamas military commander, Ahmed al-Jabari, killed by an Israeli airstrike in 2012. The numbers refer to their estimated ranges in kilometres.

On Thursday, Hamas claimed in a statement that it has a missile with a range of 250 kilometres (about 155 miles) that can hit anywhere in Israel.

How have Gaza militants preserved or even grown their arsenal?

In the past, medium- and longer-range rockets were typically smuggled through tunnels along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and in some cases smuggled in parts, then assembled in Gaza. But in recent years, with Egypt making a more concerted effort to block and destroy the tunnels, smuggling whole rockets has become far more problematic. So Hamas and its affiliates in Gaza have developed their production skills.

Michael Herzog, an Israel-based international fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a retired brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces, said Israeli military and intelligence officials are now far more concerned about the abilities of the militants to produce rockets they once had to import.

“The focus of IDF targeting now is on the production facilities so that when this round of fighting ends, there will not only be fewer rockets but also fewer production capabilities for making them,” Herzog said.

Who has helped Hamas and its allies achieve this capability?

The Gaza militants have openly attributed their success to help supplied by Iran, which Israel regards as its most potent foreign adversary. Iranian officials, too, are not shy about their relationship with Hamas.

Speaking to a large gathering in May 2019, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, could not have been more explicit in acknowledging Iran’s critical role in assisting Hamas.

“If it wasn’t for Iran’s support,” he said, “we would not have had these capabilities.”

Along with providing smuggled weapons and equipment, Iran has been focused on training to help Hamas upgrade local production, extend the range of rockets and improve their accuracy, according to both Palestinian and Israeli officials and experts.

“It is a huge improvement going from firing one or two rockets at a time to launching 130 rockets in five minutes,” said Rami Abu Zubaydah, a Gaza-based military expert, referring to the frequency of fire seen in the past few days.

“Most weapons are now manufactured in Gaza, using technical expertise from Iran,” he said.

How else have Gaza’s rocket makers skirted the blockade?

While still having to rely on smuggling parts and raw materials, Hamas leaders say the group has engineered creative workarounds to overcome tighter border controls and surveillance.

A 50-minute documentary broadcast by the Qatari-owned television channel Al-Jazeera in September showed rare scenes of Hamas militants recovering dozens of Israeli missiles that had not detonated in previous strikes on Gaza.

They brought the remnants into what looked like a hidden manufacturing facility, carefully extracted the explosives packed inside and recycled some of the parts. The same documentary also showed militants digging up old water pipes from where Israeli settlements used to sit and repurposing the empty cylinders in the production of new rockets.

Referring to the repurposed plumbing pipes, while speaking in another gathering in 2019, Sinwar said, “There is enough there to manufacture rockets for the coming 10 years.”

They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs.

They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs. They assemble the rockets underground or in dense neighbourhoods that the Israelis are reluctant to strike. Despite Israel’s vaunted surveillance capability and overwhelming military firepower next door, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have managed to amass a large arsenal of rockets with an enhanced range in the 16 years since Israel vacated the coastal enclave it had occupied after the 1967 war. Hamas, the militant group that has run Gaza since 2007 and does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, has parlayed the arsenal into an increasingly lethal threat, as seen in the most recent upsurge of hostilities with the Israeli military. By Thursday, Israeli officials said, the militants had fired about 1,800 rockets. The arsenal pales in comparison to the vast destructive powers of Israel’s air force. But to Israelis, the rockets are the tools of what their country and many others including the United States regard as a terrorist organization, embedded among the nearly 2 million Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza. To many Palestinians, the rockets symbolize their rightful resistance to Israeli dominance and occupation. How many rockets have been amassed by Hamas and its allies? Israeli intelligence has estimated that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups have about 30,000 rockets and mortar projectiles stashed in Gaza. The rockets are of widely varying ranges and lack guidance systems, but the militants have been able to improve their accuracy. What is new about the latest volleys launched from Gaza? The number of rockets fired each day in the most recent spate of hostilities is unprecedented. And while the majority of the rockets appear to be aimed at population centres across southern and central Israel, longer-range rockets were launched at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This is a sign, experts say, that Hamas has not only managed to replenish its arsenal but has improved its capabilities. Some Israeli commanders have expressed surprise at both the intensity and range of the Gaza rockets. An analysis by Michael Armstrong, an associate professor of operations research at Brock University in Canada, found a significant increase in the rate of fire. Using numbers from the Israel Defense Forces, Armstrong, who studies these weapons, cited 470 rockets fired from Gaza during the first 24 hours of the most recent escalation compared to a peak of 192 rockets per day in 2014 and 312 in 2012. Hamas, he says, also launched more long-range attacks with 130 rockets fired at Tel Aviv late Tuesday, representing close to 17% of all fired until that point. In 2014, that rate was at 8% and in 2012 at less than 1%. “We still don’t know if Hamas has more long-range rockets, or if they are choosing to use their best stuff first,” Armstrong said. Why can’t Israel’s military destroy all the rockets in flight? Israel has successfully thwarted many of the rockets fired with its Iron Dome antimissile defence system, destroying them before they land. But an increasing number of rockets have slammed into Israeli territory, some with deadly effect. Experts say the militants now know that the intensity of the barrages — and the multiple directions from which they launch — have exposed vulnerabilities in the Israeli defence. “It seems they’re looking to overload or saturate Israel’s interceptive system, which can only handle a certain number of attacks at once,” Armstrong said. What are the ranges of these rockets? A sizable portion of the arsenal is believed to be short-range rockets, known as Qassams, named after the Hamas military wing, which has a range of roughly 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and is more easily and cheaply produced than longer-range weapons. They have unpredictable trajectories and some land inside Gaza. The arsenal’s medium-range rockets, based on Iranian and Russian design, can reach targets up to 25 miles, making Israeli targets as far as the Tel Aviv suburbs vulnerable. Versions of these weapons are believed to be produced inside Gaza. The longest-range rockets can travel much farther and can hit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion Airport. They include the M-75, a locally made rocket with technology supplied by Iran, and the J-80, a locally made rocket named after a famous Hamas military commander, Ahmed al-Jabari, killed by an Israeli airstrike in 2012. The numbers refer to their estimated ranges in kilometres. On Thursday, Hamas claimed in a statement that it has a missile with a range of 250 kilometres (about 155 miles) that can hit anywhere in Israel. How have Gaza militants preserved or even grown their arsenal? In the past, medium- and longer-range rockets were typically smuggled through tunnels along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and in some cases smuggled in parts, then assembled in Gaza. But in recent years, with Egypt making a more concerted effort to block and destroy the tunnels, smuggling whole rockets has become far more problematic. So Hamas and its affiliates in Gaza have developed their production skills. Michael Herzog, an Israel-based international fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a retired brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces, said Israeli military and intelligence officials are now far more concerned about the abilities of the militants to produce rockets they once had to import. “The focus of IDF targeting now is on the production facilities so that when this round of fighting ends, there will not only be fewer rockets but also fewer production capabilities for making them,” Herzog said. Who has helped Hamas and its allies achieve this capability? The Gaza militants have openly attributed their success to help supplied by Iran, which Israel regards as its most potent foreign adversary. Iranian officials, too, are not shy about their relationship with Hamas. Speaking to a large gathering in May 2019, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, could not have been more explicit in acknowledging Iran’s critical role in assisting Hamas. “If it wasn’t for Iran’s support,” he said, “we would not have had these capabilities.” Along with providing smuggled weapons and equipment, Iran has been focused on training to help Hamas upgrade local production, extend the range of rockets and improve their accuracy, according to both Palestinian and Israeli officials and experts. “It is a huge improvement going from firing one or two rockets at a time to launching 130 rockets in five minutes,” said Rami Abu Zubaydah, a Gaza-based military expert, referring to the frequency of fire seen in the past few days. “Most weapons are now manufactured in Gaza, using technical expertise from Iran,” he said. How else have Gaza’s rocket makers skirted the blockade? While still having to rely on smuggling parts and raw materials, Hamas leaders say the group has engineered creative workarounds to overcome tighter border controls and surveillance. A 50-minute documentary broadcast by the Qatari-owned television channel Al-Jazeera in September showed rare scenes of Hamas militants recovering dozens of Israeli missiles that had not detonated in previous strikes on Gaza. They brought the remnants into what looked like a hidden manufacturing facility, carefully extracted the explosives packed inside and recycled some of the parts. The same documentary also showed militants digging up old water pipes from where Israeli settlements used to sit and repurposing the empty cylinders in the production of new rockets. Referring to the repurposed plumbing pipes, while speaking in another gathering in 2019, Sinwar said, “There is enough there to manufacture rockets for the coming 10 years.”

Gaza’s rockets: A replenished arsenal that vexes Israel

US President Joe Biden took to the airways on Thursday to assure the American public that it can expect things to return to normal over the next couple of days following last Friday's cyberattack on the colonial pipeline.

US faces gas shortage after pipeline cyberattack

Defending the Netanyahu government’s response to Palestinian rocket attacks, US President Joe Biden has said on Thursday that he has not seen a “significant overreaction” from Israel in response to rocket fire from Gaza amid the latest regional flare-up.

"One of the things that I have seen thus far is that there has not been a significant over-reaction," Biden said at the White House.&nbsp;

"The question is how we get to a point where, how they get to a point where there is a significant reduction in the attacks, particularly the rocket attacks that are indiscriminately fired into population centres." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-rocket-attack-israeli-energy-pipeline-hit-as-iron-dome-fails-to-intercept-missile-384683">Also read | Gaza rocket attack: Israeli energy pipeline hit as Iron Dome fails to intercept missile</a> 
 
On Wednesday, US President Biden had said&nbsp;“My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later," Biden told reporters at the White House. “But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory." 
 
Watch | Israel-Palestine clashes: What is happening in Gaza?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-clashes-what-is-happening-in-gaza-384844/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The U.S. strategy has been a basic one: Get the violence to stop, and restore what officials called a sustainable calm, but even that has been elusive.

Amid calls for the United States to do more and for Biden to step in more directly, it is unclear how the president could prevail on both sides in the protracted conflict he has tracked for decades as a US&nbsp;senator and then vice president. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gal-gadot-expresses-concern-over-israel-palestine-conflict-my-country-is-at-war-worry-for-my-family-and-friends-384679">Also read | Gal Gadot expresses concern over Israel-Palestine conflict: My country is at war, worry for my family and friends</a>

Biden shifted US&nbsp;policy sharply in taking over from Republican Donald Trump, waiting weeks to talk to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time and re-emphasizing the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza Strip from air, sea and land as Netanyahu vows to extract a ‘heavy price’ from Hamas.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening, with 200 failing to clear the border and landing inside the enclave.

IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman says the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

Defending the Netanyahu government’s response to Palestinian rocket attacks, US President Joe Biden has said on Thursday that he has not seen a “significant overreaction” from Israel in response to rocket fire from Gaza amid the latest regional flare-up.

Defending the Netanyahu government’s response to Palestinian rocket attacks, US President Joe Biden has said on Thursday that he has not seen a “significant overreaction” from Israel in response to rocket fire from Gaza amid the latest regional flare-up. "One of the things that I have seen thus far is that there has not been a significant over-reaction," Biden said at the White House. "The question is how we get to a point where, how they get to a point where there is a significant reduction in the attacks, particularly the rocket attacks that are indiscriminately fired into population centres." Also read | Gaza rocket attack: Israeli energy pipeline hit as Iron Dome fails to intercept missile On Wednesday, US President Biden had said “My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later," Biden told reporters at the White House. “But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory." Watch | Israel-Palestine clashes: What is happening in Gaza? The U.S. strategy has been a basic one: Get the violence to stop, and restore what officials called a sustainable calm, but even that has been elusive. Amid calls for the United States to do more and for Biden to step in more directly, it is unclear how the president could prevail on both sides in the protracted conflict he has tracked for decades as a US senator and then vice president. Also read | Gal Gadot expresses concern over Israel-Palestine conflict: My country is at war, worry for my family and friends Biden shifted US policy sharply in taking over from Republican Donald Trump, waiting weeks to talk to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time and re-emphasizing the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza Strip from air, sea and land as Netanyahu vows to extract a ‘heavy price’ from Hamas. According to a report by The Times of Israel, over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening, with 200 failing to clear the border and landing inside the enclave. IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman says the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Airstrikes on Gaza not an 'overreaction', Israel has a right to defend: Biden

Israel PM Netanyahu on Thursday said his government is massing troops along the Gaza frontier ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war.&nbsp;

"Citizens of Israel, we are dealing with a campaign on two fronts. The first front – Gaza. I said that we would extract a very heavy price from Hamas and the other terrorist organizations. We are doing so and we will continue to do so with great force. The last word has not been saying and this operation will continue as long as necessary to restore the quiet and security to the State of Israel," said Netanyahu.

"The second front – Israel's cities. I repeat what I said earlier today: We give 100% backing to the police, to the soldiers of the Border Police and to other security forces to restore law and order to Israel's cities. We will not tolerate anarchy," he added.

"We back the police in using all means with full powers, including in conjunction with the IDF and the ISA. We have given powers for an emergency here. These measures are important, legitimate and necessary to heartlessness in the State of Israel."

"I again call on the citizens of Israel not to take the law into their own hands; whoever does so will be punished severely. I would like to participate in the sorrow of the families that have lost their dear ones – the families of five-year-old Ido Avigal and soldier Omer Tabib and five other families of five citizens who unfortunately lost their lives. We will act with full force against enemies from outside and law-breakers from inside to rest too the State of Israel."

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza Strip from air, sea and land as Netanyahu vowed to extract a ‘heavy price’ from Hamas.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening, with 200 failing to clear the border and landing inside the enclave.

IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman says the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Netanyahu on Thursday said his government is massing troops along the Gaza frontier ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war.

Israel PM Netanyahu on Thursday said his government is massing troops along the Gaza frontier ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war. "Citizens of Israel, we are dealing with a campaign on two fronts. The first front – Gaza. I said that we would extract a very heavy price from Hamas and the other terrorist organizations. We are doing so and we will continue to do so with great force. The last word has not been saying and this operation will continue as long as necessary to restore the quiet and security to the State of Israel," said Netanyahu. "The second front – Israel's cities. I repeat what I said earlier today: We give 100% backing to the police, to the soldiers of the Border Police and to other security forces to restore law and order to Israel's cities. We will not tolerate anarchy," he added. "We back the police in using all means with full powers, including in conjunction with the IDF and the ISA. We have given powers for an emergency here. These measures are important, legitimate and necessary to heartlessness in the State of Israel." "I again call on the citizens of Israel not to take the law into their own hands; whoever does so will be punished severely. I would like to participate in the sorrow of the families that have lost their dear ones – the families of five-year-old Ido Avigal and soldier Omer Tabib and five other families of five citizens who unfortunately lost their lives. We will act with full force against enemies from outside and law-breakers from inside to rest too the State of Israel." The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza Strip from air, sea and land as Netanyahu vowed to extract a ‘heavy price’ from Hamas. According to a report by The Times of Israel, over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening, with 200 failing to clear the border and landing inside the enclave. IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman says the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Will use more 'heavy force' against Hamas in Gaza: Israel PM Netanyahu

Did Joe Biden's pandemic advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci fund Wuhan Virus research? Republican Senator Rand Paul says Fauci could be personally involved in the origin of the virus. Palki Sharma separates facts from fiction.

Gravitas: Did Dr. Fauci fund Wuhan Virus research?

As the United States is increasing its pace of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination programmes</a> every day, fast food chain McDonald’s and cab services (Uber and Lyft) have decided to reach out to people who are hesitant about getting vaccinated.

On Tuesday, the US President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, announced a partnership between the White House and cab services Lyft and Uber. The two companies will be offering free rides to customers headed to a vaccination site to get vaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-pfizer-biontechs-covid-vaccine-for-children-aged-12-15-384195" hreflang="en">US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15</a>

“People will be able to simply select a vaccination site near them, follow simple directions to redeem their ride, and then get a ride to take them to and from a nearby vaccination site free of charge,” the White House said in a statement.

This promotion scheme will begin in the next weeks in the US and will continue until the end of the Fourth of July holiday in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/following-a-death-brazil-suspends-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-for-pregnant-women-384407" hreflang="en">Following a death, Brazil suspends use of AstraZeneca vaccine for pregnant women</a>

Not just cab services, the fast food chain McDonald’s has also decided to put their best foot forward and urge locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. To achieve this, the company will be launching redesigned McCafe cups and delivery box seal stickers. These product teases will read the message “We Can Do This” — a slogan created by the US health department.

Experts believe this partnership between the government and private organisations “will help more people make informed decisions about their health and learn about steps they can take to protect themselves and their communities,” Xavier Becerra, the health secretary, said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nauru-vaccinates-all-its-adults-in-world-record-effort-384421" hreflang="en">Nauru vaccinates all its adults in 'world record' effort</a>

The company will also be unveiling a billboard in New York’s Times Square which will feature vaccine information of this month.

In addition to this, several pharmaceutical companies are also in talks with the Biden administration to chalk out a plan for launching on-site vaccination clinics at community colleges with the aim of inoculating students, staff, and locals of nearby neighbourhoods.

Biden is also scheduled to virtually meet the leaders of Massachusetts, Utah, Ohio, New Mexico, Maine, and Minnesota to discuss “innovative ways governors are working to get the people in their states vaccinated,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

These creative measures are being taken to meet Biden’s target of vaccinating at least 70 per cent of the population with the first dose before July 04.

As the United States is increasing its pace of vaccination programmes every day, fast food chain McDonald’s and cab services (Uber and Lyft) have decided to reach out to people who are hesitant about getting vaccinated.

As the United States is increasing its pace of vaccination programmes every day, fast food chain McDonald’s and cab services (Uber and Lyft) have decided to reach out to people who are hesitant about getting vaccinated. On Tuesday, the US President, Joe Biden, announced a partnership between the White House and cab services Lyft and Uber. The two companies will be offering free rides to customers headed to a vaccination site to get vaccinated. Also read | US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15 “People will be able to simply select a vaccination site near them, follow simple directions to redeem their ride, and then get a ride to take them to and from a nearby vaccination site free of charge,” the White House said in a statement. This promotion scheme will begin in the next weeks in the US and will continue until the end of the Fourth of July holiday in the country. Also read | Following a death, Brazil suspends use of AstraZeneca vaccine for pregnant women Not just cab services, the fast food chain McDonald’s has also decided to put their best foot forward and urge locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. To achieve this, the company will be launching redesigned McCafe cups and delivery box seal stickers. These product teases will read the message “We Can Do This” — a slogan created by the US health department. Experts believe this partnership between the government and private organisations “will help more people make informed decisions about their health and learn about steps they can take to protect themselves and their communities,” Xavier Becerra, the health secretary, said in a statement. Also read | Nauru vaccinates all its adults in 'world record' effort The company will also be unveiling a billboard in New York’s Times Square which will feature vaccine information of this month. In addition to this, several pharmaceutical companies are also in talks with the Biden administration to chalk out a plan for launching on-site vaccination clinics at community colleges with the aim of inoculating students, staff, and locals of nearby neighbourhoods. Biden is also scheduled to virtually meet the leaders of Massachusetts, Utah, Ohio, New Mexico, Maine, and Minnesota to discuss “innovative ways governors are working to get the people in their states vaccinated,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. These creative measures are being taken to meet Biden’s target of vaccinating at least 70 per cent of the population with the first dose before July 04.

We can do this: Uber, Lyft offer rides to Americans for Covid vaccination, McDonald's chips in too

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;administration plans to restart the immigration programme for foreign entrepreneurs that his predecessor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;tried to end.&nbsp;

Three days before his tenure ended in 2017, former president Barack Obama announced the International Entrepreneur program that gives foreign entrepreneurs the right to work in the US for up to five years, as long as their companies are able to attract at least $250,000 in the US venture capital, and meet other requirements.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bidens-approval-rating-boosted-by-covid-response-384213/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Trump administration said that it wants to end the program as it is based on an authority known as parole that lets foreigners enter the US without visas for as long as there is "significant public benefit".&nbsp;

The programme was not ended, but applicants did not apply for it as they understood that US would not entertain their cases.&nbsp;

Since Biden came to office, venture-capital companies have urged the US administration to put the resources to back a program that allows thousands of foreign startup founders to move into the US or expand their businesses in the country.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-evidence-of-russian-government-being-behind-ransomware-attack-says-biden-384191">No evidence of Russian government being behind ransomware attack, says Biden</a>

"Immigrants in the United States have a long history of entrepreneurship, hard work, and creativity, and their contributions to this nation are incredibly valuable," Acting US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Tracy Renaud was quoted as saying by Wall Street Journal.

There is no separate visa program available for startup founders as of now in the US, and entrepreneurs based abroad are to apply via other categories.&nbsp;

Between 2017 and 2019, the US received just 30 applications for the program and just one was approved, according to an USCIS official.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden's administration plans to restart the immigration programme for foreign entrepreneurs that his predecessor Donald Trump tried to end. Three days before his tenure ended in 2017, former president Barack Obama announced the International Entrepreneur program that gives foreign entrepreneurs the right to work in the US for up to five years, as long as their companies are able to attract at least $250,000 in the US venture capital, and meet other requirements.

US President Joe Biden's administration plans to restart the immigration programme for foreign entrepreneurs that his predecessor Donald Trump tried to end. Three days before his tenure ended in 2017, former president Barack Obama announced the International Entrepreneur program that gives foreign entrepreneurs the right to work in the US for up to five years, as long as their companies are able to attract at least $250,000 in the US venture capital, and meet other requirements. Watch | The Trump administration said that it wants to end the program as it is based on an authority known as parole that lets foreigners enter the US without visas for as long as there is "significant public benefit". The programme was not ended, but applicants did not apply for it as they understood that US would not entertain their cases. Since Biden came to office, venture-capital companies have urged the US administration to put the resources to back a program that allows thousands of foreign startup founders to move into the US or expand their businesses in the country. Also read | No evidence of Russian government being behind ransomware attack, says Biden "Immigrants in the United States have a long history of entrepreneurship, hard work, and creativity, and their contributions to this nation are incredibly valuable," Acting US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Tracy Renaud was quoted as saying by Wall Street Journal. There is no separate visa program available for startup founders as of now in the US, and entrepreneurs based abroad are to apply via other categories. Between 2017 and 2019, the US received just 30 applications for the program and just one was approved, according to an USCIS official.

Biden administration seeks to revive visa programme for entrepreneurs

Pope&nbsp;Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines, backing a proposal by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany.

In a speech to a global fundraising concert to promote fair access to&nbsp;vaccines, the&nbsp;pope&nbsp;said the world was infected with the "virus of individualism".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India">Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India</a>

"A variant of this virus is closed nationalism, which prevents, for example, an internationalism of&nbsp;vaccines," he said in the pre-recorded video message.

"Another variant is when we put the laws of the market or of intellectual market or intellectual property over the laws of love and the health of humanity," he added, recalling the heavy death toll the coronavirus had inflicted on the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem">'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem</a>

His comments came in the middle of a debate over whether pharmaceutical companies should waive patent protection for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines.

Biden backed such a move on Wednesday, heeding calls from India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries.

However, many European countries, led by Germany and France, distanced themselves on Friday from the suggestion, arguing that key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic was making and sharing&nbsp;vaccines more quickly.

Pope Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, backing a proposal by US President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany.

Pope Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, backing a proposal by US President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany. In a speech to a global fundraising concert to promote fair access to vaccines, the pope said the world was infected with the "virus of individualism". Also read | Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India "A variant of this virus is closed nationalism, which prevents, for example, an internationalism of vaccines," he said in the pre-recorded video message. "Another variant is when we put the laws of the market or of intellectual market or intellectual property over the laws of love and the health of humanity," he added, recalling the heavy death toll the coronavirus had inflicted on the world. Also read | 'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem His comments came in the middle of a debate over whether pharmaceutical companies should waive patent protection for COVID-19 vaccines. Biden backed such a move on Wednesday, heeding calls from India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries. However, many European countries, led by Germany and France, distanced themselves on Friday from the suggestion, arguing that key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic was making and sharing vaccines more quickly.

Pope Francis backs waivers on intellectual property rights for vaccines

The US Justice Department has announced plans to tighten the firearm regulations, especially on home-assembled, untraceable ‘ghost guns’.

As per the data, the department has recovered more than 23,000 firearms without a serial number, and which are usually made from kits bought online or even from parts printed on 3D printing. These kits for firearms are easily available at gun shows or illegal shops and do not require any background checks before being sold.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/girl-in-6th-grade-detained-after-idaho-school-shooting-injures-3-383417" hreflang="en">Girl in 6th grade detained after Idaho school shooting injures 3</a>

Manufacturers are also using the loopholes in the regulations to sell ‘ghost guns’ without a serial number making it easier for criminals to hide their weapons after committing a crime.

Out of this figure of 23,000, more than 325 have been successfully linked to a murder (or attempted murder) case, the department claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-president-joe-biden-touts-115-billion-investment-plan-383504">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-president-joe-biden-touts-115-billion-investment-plan-383504/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, US President Joe Biden has brought in stricter rules and regulations against gun violence, especially against ‘ghost guns’. The Justice Department has now instructed retailers to out serial numbers even on the parts being sold individually.

In addition to this, the department has also made it compulsory for retailers to perform background checks on buyers of kits that include parts needed to make a gun at home. To curb the issue of 3D printing, all federally licensed dealers will, from now on, have to emboss serial numbers even on the 3D-printed guns that they produce and sell.

“This proposed rule would help keep guns out of the wrong hands and make it easier for law enforcement to trace guns used to commit violent crimes,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement. “Although this rulemaking will solve only one aspect of the problem, we have an obligation to do our part to keep our families and our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.”

The US Justice Department has announced plans to tighten the firearm regulations, especially on home-assembled, untraceable ‘ghost guns’. As per the data, the department has recovered more than 23,000 firearms without a serial number, and which are usually made from kits bought online or even from parts printed on 3D printing.

The US Justice Department has announced plans to tighten the firearm regulations, especially on home-assembled, untraceable ‘ghost guns’. As per the data, the department has recovered more than 23,000 firearms without a serial number, and which are usually made from kits bought online or even from parts printed on 3D printing. These kits for firearms are easily available at gun shows or illegal shops and do not require any background checks before being sold. Also read | Girl in 6th grade detained after Idaho school shooting injures 3 Manufacturers are also using the loopholes in the regulations to sell ‘ghost guns’ without a serial number making it easier for criminals to hide their weapons after committing a crime. Out of this figure of 23,000, more than 325 have been successfully linked to a murder (or attempted murder) case, the department claimed. Watch | Now, US President Joe Biden has brought in stricter rules and regulations against gun violence, especially against ‘ghost guns’. The Justice Department has now instructed retailers to out serial numbers even on the parts being sold individually. In addition to this, the department has also made it compulsory for retailers to perform background checks on buyers of kits that include parts needed to make a gun at home. To curb the issue of 3D printing, all federally licensed dealers will, from now on, have to emboss serial numbers even on the 3D-printed guns that they produce and sell. “This proposed rule would help keep guns out of the wrong hands and make it easier for law enforcement to trace guns used to commit violent crimes,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement. “Although this rulemaking will solve only one aspect of the problem, we have an obligation to do our part to keep our families and our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.”

Biden enforces stricter rules against 'ghost guns' in US

Two days after a federal judge struck down a national moratorium on evictions, the Biden administration said Friday that it would accelerate the distribution of vast sums of rental aid that state and local governments have been slow to spend.

The Treasury Department issued new rules meant to make it easier for tenants to gain access to the $46.5 billion in aid. They simplify applications, cover an expanded list of costs like moving expenses and hotel stays, and require programs to help tenants even if their landlords refuse to participate.

Housing advocates praised the changes, which include an expansion of legal aid to tenants and a promise of advice to localities struggling to create the programs, which are intended to avert evictions caused by the economic shocks from the pandemic.

"Wow, this is huge," said Christina Rosales, the deputy director of Texas Housers. "I think this will mean more tenants get the help they need."

But with about 400 state and local governments operating programs with varying degrees of urgency, the immediate effect of the changes is unclear. Some states, including New York and Florida, have not even begun to accept applications.

The sums at stake rival the annual budget of the federal housing department. Congress approved $25 billion of emergency assistance in December and an additional $21.5 billion in March. But only a sliver of that money has reached landlord or tenants so far.

New York has $800 million to spend just from the December allocation, and Florida has $871 million. California, with $1.5 billion to spend, has been accepting applications since March. But it has approved awards of only about $72 million, or 5% of its funds, and paid out less than $5 million.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program allocates money to states and to cities and counties with populations of at least 200,000 if they chose to run their own programs. Some have simply been slow to act: legislatures in New York and South Carolina did not authorize their programs until April.

Some landlords have declined to participate, betting they have more to gain by forcing out tenants in arrears and attracting those better able to pay.

Two days after a federal judge struck down a national moratorium on evictions, the Biden administration said Friday that it would accelerate the distribution of vast sums of rental aid that state and local governments have been slow to spend.

Two days after a federal judge struck down a national moratorium on evictions, the Biden administration said Friday that it would accelerate the distribution of vast sums of rental aid that state and local governments have been slow to spend. The Treasury Department issued new rules meant to make it easier for tenants to gain access to the $46.5 billion in aid. They simplify applications, cover an expanded list of costs like moving expenses and hotel stays, and require programs to help tenants even if their landlords refuse to participate. Housing advocates praised the changes, which include an expansion of legal aid to tenants and a promise of advice to localities struggling to create the programs, which are intended to avert evictions caused by the economic shocks from the pandemic. "Wow, this is huge," said Christina Rosales, the deputy director of Texas Housers. "I think this will mean more tenants get the help they need." But with about 400 state and local governments operating programs with varying degrees of urgency, the immediate effect of the changes is unclear. Some states, including New York and Florida, have not even begun to accept applications. The sums at stake rival the annual budget of the federal housing department. Congress approved $25 billion of emergency assistance in December and an additional $21.5 billion in March. But only a sliver of that money has reached landlord or tenants so far. New York has $800 million to spend just from the December allocation, and Florida has $871 million. California, with $1.5 billion to spend, has been accepting applications since March. But it has approved awards of only about $72 million, or 5% of its funds, and paid out less than $5 million. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program allocates money to states and to cities and counties with populations of at least 200,000 if they chose to run their own programs. Some have simply been slow to act: legislatures in New York and South Carolina did not authorize their programs until April. Some landlords have declined to participate, betting they have more to gain by forcing out tenants in arrears and attracting those better able to pay.

Biden administration moves to speed aid to renters

American civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson has announced plans to personally talk to US President Joe Biden and urge him to send 60 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses to India as the South Asian country battles a covid crisis.

His request has come as the AstraZeneca vaccine has not been approved by the US and expected to not get a nod from the Biden administration anytime soon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-second-wave-in-india-a-tragedy-says-us-surgeon-general-dr-vivek-murthy-383432" hreflang="en">Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy</a>

“They are human beings. As the wind blows, if we don't stop it today, it'll spread around the world,” Jackson said.

He decided to make this request as Biden had said he intends to give the AstraZeneca vaccine shots to other countries who are in need of it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sets-yet-another-record-with-over-414000-new-covid-19-cases-death-toll-stands-at-234083-383383" hreflang="en">India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083</a>

Jackson believes mass vaccination programmes seem to be the only way India can come out of this coronavirus crisis. Other Indian-Americans have also shared Jackson’s sentiments.

“It is everyone's duty to help India flatten this COVID-19 surge as we live in a world that cannot be separated by borders,” said Dr Vijay Prabhakar, the chairman of American Association of Multiethnic Physicians.

Some experts have also raised concerns about a steep increase in covid death toll in the country. “Based on the current projections some of the models are suggesting, there may be 1 million deaths by the end of August. As we know, that would be a tragic humanitarian crisis,” said Dr Srinivas Reddy, the trustee of Chicago Medical Society.

American civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson has announced plans to personally talk to US President Joe Biden and urge him to send 60 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses to India as the South Asian country battles a covid crisis.

American civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson has announced plans to personally talk to US President Joe Biden and urge him to send 60 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses to India as the South Asian country battles a covid crisis. His request has come as the AstraZeneca vaccine has not been approved by the US and expected to not get a nod from the Biden administration anytime soon. Also read | Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy “They are human beings. As the wind blows, if we don't stop it today, it'll spread around the world,” Jackson said. He decided to make this request as Biden had said he intends to give the AstraZeneca vaccine shots to other countries who are in need of it. Also read | India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083 Jackson believes mass vaccination programmes seem to be the only way India can come out of this coronavirus crisis. Other Indian-Americans have also shared Jackson’s sentiments. “It is everyone's duty to help India flatten this COVID-19 surge as we live in a world that cannot be separated by borders,” said Dr Vijay Prabhakar, the chairman of American Association of Multiethnic Physicians. Some experts have also raised concerns about a steep increase in covid death toll in the country. “Based on the current projections some of the models are suggesting, there may be 1 million deaths by the end of August. As we know, that would be a tragic humanitarian crisis,” said Dr Srinivas Reddy, the trustee of Chicago Medical Society.

American civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson urges Biden to give AstraZeneca vaccine to India

As part of the getting America back on track tour, US President Joe Biden visited the storm battered Louisiana.

United States: President Joe Biden touts $115 Billion investment plan

The new US position in support of lifting&nbsp;patents&nbsp;on&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;has&nbsp;taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them.

After&nbsp;having recently taken heat for blocking such exports, Commerce Secretary Katherine Tai said Wednesday that the US government would "work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those&nbsp;vaccines".

The assertion was hidden at the bottom of the statement unveiling Washington's remarkable reversal of its position&nbsp;on&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents, which coincides with a shortage of doses in emerging and developing nations as cases surge in some countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a>

Long legal and economic policy debates likely lie ahead about waiving&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents, particularly at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Meanwhile, the difficulties faced by some laboratories in obtaining components to manufacture&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;look set to stymie the drive to ramp up production.

Two labs have recently spoken out about their difficulties, laying the blame at Washington's door.

Germany's Curevac said it could&nbsp;not secure supplies of certain materials from the United States.

Several days earlier, India's Serum Institute, the world's largest&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturer, called&nbsp;on&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to step in.

"Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus,&nbsp;on&nbsp;behalf of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;production can ramp up," the company's president Adar Poonawalla wrote&nbsp;on&nbsp;Twitter.

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Respected <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details. 🙏🙏
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1382978713302683653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There is no actual embargo&nbsp;on&nbsp;exporting&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;components. Instead, Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, invoked the Defense Production Act,&nbsp;which normally concerns wartime,&nbsp;to confront the pandemic.

While it does not explicitly ban exports, it puts the US government first in line to buy certain products made in the country.

US officials have previously played down the possible effect of the law&nbsp;on&nbsp;global&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;production.

"There's just more global manufacturing happening everywhere in the world than suppliers can currently support,"&nbsp;a US official told a White House briefing late last month&nbsp;on&nbsp;condition of anonymity.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-opposes-us-backed-global-waiver-on-protection-for-covid-19-vaccines-383353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dry ice and sorbitol

Over the past two months, a number of public and private actors have noted the shrinking supply of components needed to manufacture&nbsp;vaccines.

At least 50 components, perhaps as many as 100, go into the jabs.

They include items like the glass vials to ship them, as well as certain types of plastics needed for containers used in the manufacturing process.

Then there are the ingredients themselves.&nbsp;

Curevac is particularly concerned about nucleotides, a building block for the messenger RNA&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;like the one it is developing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-rift-on-covid-vaccine-waiver-endangers-fight-against-deadly-virus-383349">US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus</a>

The shortage of raw materials is hardly surprising as the pharmaceutical industry expects to double production to 10 billion doses this year.

Richard Hatchett, who heads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which along with the World Health Organization and Gavi co-runs the Covax&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;distribution initiative, spoke already in March of seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains".

Companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturing," he said.

He was speaking at a meeting of the principal actors in the sector, including WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA).

Already the consensus was that the free circulation of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;components was critical, given that a large number of countries are involved in their production.

OECD data from 2018 show how thoroughly&nbsp;component&nbsp;production is intertwined across the globe.

China dominates production of the glass storage vials, while the United States leads in the manufacturing of syringes.

France is a major producer of certain stabilisers like sorbitol, while Germany is big in the production of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;preservatives, and Mexico and China both are important manufacturers of additives that enhance the effects of&nbsp;vaccines.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a leader in the production of dry ice used to transport&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;that need to be kept at ultra-low temperatures.

The new US position in support of lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines has taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them.

The new US position in support of lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines has taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them. After having recently taken heat for blocking such exports, Commerce Secretary Katherine Tai said Wednesday that the US government would "work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those vaccines". The assertion was hidden at the bottom of the statement unveiling Washington's remarkable reversal of its position on Covid-19 vaccine patents, which coincides with a shortage of doses in emerging and developing nations as cases surge in some countries. Also read | US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents Long legal and economic policy debates likely lie ahead about waiving vaccine patents, particularly at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Meanwhile, the difficulties faced by some laboratories in obtaining components to manufacture vaccines look set to stymie the drive to ramp up production. Two labs have recently spoken out about their difficulties, laying the blame at Washington's door. Germany's Curevac said it could not secure supplies of certain materials from the United States. Several days earlier, India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, called on US President Joe Biden to step in. "Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that vaccine production can ramp up," the company's president Adar Poonawalla wrote on Twitter. Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details. 🙏🙏 — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) April 16, 2021 × There is no actual embargo on exporting vaccine components. Instead, Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, invoked the Defense Production Act, which normally concerns wartime, to confront the pandemic. While it does not explicitly ban exports, it puts the US government first in line to buy certain products made in the country. US officials have previously played down the possible effect of the law on global vaccine production. "There's just more global manufacturing happening everywhere in the world than suppliers can currently support," a US official told a White House briefing late last month on condition of anonymity. Dry ice and sorbitol Over the past two months, a number of public and private actors have noted the shrinking supply of components needed to manufacture vaccines. At least 50 components, perhaps as many as 100, go into the jabs. They include items like the glass vials to ship them, as well as certain types of plastics needed for containers used in the manufacturing process. Then there are the ingredients themselves. Curevac is particularly concerned about nucleotides, a building block for the messenger RNA vaccines like the one it is developing. Also read | US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus The shortage of raw materials is hardly surprising as the pharmaceutical industry expects to double production to 10 billion doses this year. Richard Hatchett, who heads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which along with the World Health Organization and Gavi co-runs the Covax vaccine distribution initiative, spoke already in March of seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains". Companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for vaccine manufacturing," he said. He was speaking at a meeting of the principal actors in the sector, including WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). Already the consensus was that the free circulation of vaccine components was critical, given that a large number of countries are involved in their production. OECD data from 2018 show how thoroughly component production is intertwined across the globe. China dominates production of the glass storage vials, while the United States leads in the manufacturing of syringes. France is a major producer of certain stabilisers like sorbitol, while Germany is big in the production of vaccine preservatives, and Mexico and China both are important manufacturers of additives that enhance the effects of vaccines. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a leader in the production of dry ice used to transport vaccines that need to be kept at ultra-low temperatures.

After shift on vaccine patents, US backs freer flow of components

Drugmakers&nbsp;on Thursday said US President Joe&nbsp;Biden's support for waiving&nbsp;patents of COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world.

Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines, angering research-based pharmaceutical companies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a>

If adopted by the World Trade Organisation, the proposal would invite new manufacturers that lack essential know-how and&nbsp;oversight from the inventors to crowd out established contractors, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said.

"I have heard many (vaccine&nbsp;makers) talking about 'our resources are stretched, our technicians are stretched'," IFPMA Director General Thomas Cueni told Reuters. He warned of a possible free for all if "sort of rogue companies" were allowed to become involved.

Vaccine&nbsp;developers echoed his comments that waiving intellectual property rights was not a solution.

"Patents are not the limiting factor for the production or supply of our&nbsp;vaccine. They would not increase the global production and supply of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses in the short and middle term," said Germany's BioNTech, which aims to supply up to three&nbsp;billion doses together with Pfizer this year.

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BioNTech said it took more than a decade to develop its&nbsp;vaccines manufacturing process and replicating it required experienced personnel and a meticulous technology transfer, among several other factors beyond&nbsp;patents.

Another German company CureVac, which hopes to release trial results on its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;as early as this month, said&nbsp;patents were not to blame for supply bottlenecks.

"Since mRNA technology has emerged as the key technology in the fight against COVID-19, the world now needs the same raw materials in unfathomable amounts. The biggest problem is how to coordinate this," a spokeswoman said.

IFPMA's Cueni said the real bottlenecks were trade barriers, in particular the US Defense Production Act (DPA).

The DPA is a decades-old US law that prioritised procurement orders related to US national defence, but it has been widely used in non-military crises, such as natural disasters.

Cueni said the way to kickstart low-income countries' vaccination campaigns, was for rich countries to donate&nbsp;vaccine, rather than widen eligibility to young and healthy people at home.

Moderna, which on Thursday reported quarterly results, said waiving intellectual property rights would not help to increase the supply of its&nbsp;vaccines in 2021 and 2022.

The US drugmaker said last year it would not enforce its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents. CureVac said on Thursday it would also not enforce its&nbsp;patents during the pandemic and that it knew of no other developer that would.

Italy's ReiThera which is in late-stage tests on an experimental COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine was also critical of&nbsp;patent&nbsp;waivers.

"There is proprietary know-how that has to be transferred by the owner. And then there is the problem with process materials, which at the moment have delivery times of almost a year," ReiThera's chief of technology Stefano Colloca said.

In contrast to the industry reaction, the GAVI&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;alliance, which co-leads the COVAX dose-sharing programme with the WHO and faces major supply constraints, welcomed&nbsp;Biden's support for waiving intellectual property rights.

Drugmakers on Thursday said US President Joe Biden's support for waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world.

Drugmakers on Thursday said US President Joe Biden's support for waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world. Biden on Wednesday threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, angering research-based pharmaceutical companies. Also read | US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents If adopted by the World Trade Organisation, the proposal would invite new manufacturers that lack essential know-how and oversight from the inventors to crowd out established contractors, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said. "I have heard many (vaccine makers) talking about 'our resources are stretched, our technicians are stretched'," IFPMA Director General Thomas Cueni told Reuters. He warned of a possible free for all if "sort of rogue companies" were allowed to become involved. Vaccine developers echoed his comments that waiving intellectual property rights was not a solution. "Patents are not the limiting factor for the production or supply of our vaccine. They would not increase the global production and supply of vaccine doses in the short and middle term," said Germany's BioNTech, which aims to supply up to three billion doses together with Pfizer this year. BioNTech said it took more than a decade to develop its vaccines manufacturing process and replicating it required experienced personnel and a meticulous technology transfer, among several other factors beyond patents. Another German company CureVac, which hopes to release trial results on its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine as early as this month, said patents were not to blame for supply bottlenecks. "Since mRNA technology has emerged as the key technology in the fight against COVID-19, the world now needs the same raw materials in unfathomable amounts. The biggest problem is how to coordinate this," a spokeswoman said. IFPMA's Cueni said the real bottlenecks were trade barriers, in particular the US Defense Production Act (DPA). The DPA is a decades-old US law that prioritised procurement orders related to US national defence, but it has been widely used in non-military crises, such as natural disasters. Cueni said the way to kickstart low-income countries' vaccination campaigns, was for rich countries to donate vaccine, rather than widen eligibility to young and healthy people at home. Moderna, which on Thursday reported quarterly results, said waiving intellectual property rights would not help to increase the supply of its vaccines in 2021 and 2022. The US drugmaker said last year it would not enforce its vaccine patents. CureVac said on Thursday it would also not enforce its patents during the pandemic and that it knew of no other developer that would. Italy's ReiThera which is in late-stage tests on an experimental COVID-19 vaccine was also critical of patent waivers. "There is proprietary know-how that has to be transferred by the owner. And then there is the problem with process materials, which at the moment have delivery times of almost a year," ReiThera's chief of technology Stefano Colloca said. In contrast to the industry reaction, the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX dose-sharing programme with the WHO and faces major supply constraints, welcomed Biden's support for waiving intellectual property rights.

Drugmakers say Biden misguided over vaccine patent waiver

Under former US President Donald Trump, Washington pressurised its allies to pack up oil imports from Iran just because it wanted to put “maximum pressure” on the Islamic republic. Around the same time, Washington also put pressure on fellow NATO members to up their military budgets. It also pressed US allies to fight Huawei.

US President Joe Biden promised to put an end to this maximalist approach towards diplomacy. But just 100 days into office, Biden seems to have changed his mind. Washington is pressing Taiwan to supply microchip so that the Biden administration can revive and drive the American economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-is-pressing-taiwan-for-microchips-383079">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-is-pressing-taiwan-for-microchips-383079/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Microchips are tiny wafers of semiconducting materials and are needed in smartphones, computers and gaming consoles. Each car has over 1,000 microchips which help in controlling the car radio, the climate control system, tyre pressure etc. Currently, there is a global shortage of microchips and automakers are feeling the pinch.

From General Motors to Ford, auto-companies have been forced to shut plants and press break on production in the US. This has threatened Biden's promise of accelerating economic recovery. Autoworkers are facing cuts in their hours and wages. Additionally, this has threatened Biden's approval ratings as he stares at mid-term elections and Democrats struggle to hold their House majority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taipei-to-dispatch-military-aircraft-ships-to-counter-chinese-activities-in-taiwan-strait-382948" hreflang="en">Taipei to dispatch military aircraft, ships to counter Chinese activities in Taiwan Strait</a>

The situation is so dire that in April, the White House convened a summit to address chip shortage. Now, America is exporting its problem and directing the pressure towards an ally.

Taiwan has the world's largest semiconductor manufacturing industry and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is among the world's leading microchip producers and makes nearly 12 million microchips a year.

America wants these wafers to be shipped to US automobile companies. But the demand for Taiwanese microchips is not limited to the US alone. The TSMC, for example, has clients across Europe, Japan, South Korea, even China but Washington wants priority. The US is leveraging its position as Taiwan's main defence exporter. As the main foreign source of weapons, Taiwan need US to defend itself from China.

“Not a day goes by that we don't push on that”, said US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo told an executive from General Motors. “There are so many American jobs on the line”, she added. US is betting on Taiwan's vulnerability against an increasingly aggressive China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/economic-warfare-against-tech-sector-taiwan-bans-recruitment-for-jobs-in-china-to-combat-brain-drain-381547" hreflang="en">Economic warfare against tech sector: Taiwan bans recruitment for jobs in China to combat brain drain</a>

Trump's legacy of pressing adversaries and allies alike still lingers in the White House. American diplomacy under Biden is increasingly being shaped by national politics.

Be it the refugee cap, or helping a natural ally like India in times of a global healthcare crisis, Biden believes in testing the waters at home first. And he is not shy of escalating pressure on an ally if it serves his national interest. Biden promised to be different from Rrump when he declared “America is back”. But 100 days in office and America is back to its old tactics.

Under former US President Donald Trump, Washington pressurised its allies to pack up oil imports from Iran just because it wanted to put “maximum pressure” on the Islamic republic.

Under former US President Donald Trump, Washington pressurised its allies to pack up oil imports from Iran just because it wanted to put “maximum pressure” on the Islamic republic. Around the same time, Washington also put pressure on fellow NATO members to up their military budgets. It also pressed US allies to fight Huawei. US President Joe Biden promised to put an end to this maximalist approach towards diplomacy. But just 100 days into office, Biden seems to have changed his mind. Washington is pressing Taiwan to supply microchip so that the Biden administration can revive and drive the American economy. Watch | Microchips are tiny wafers of semiconducting materials and are needed in smartphones, computers and gaming consoles. Each car has over 1,000 microchips which help in controlling the car radio, the climate control system, tyre pressure etc. Currently, there is a global shortage of microchips and automakers are feeling the pinch. From General Motors to Ford, auto-companies have been forced to shut plants and press break on production in the US. This has threatened Biden's promise of accelerating economic recovery. Autoworkers are facing cuts in their hours and wages. Additionally, this has threatened Biden's approval ratings as he stares at mid-term elections and Democrats struggle to hold their House majority. Also read: Taipei to dispatch military aircraft, ships to counter Chinese activities in Taiwan Strait The situation is so dire that in April, the White House convened a summit to address chip shortage. Now, America is exporting its problem and directing the pressure towards an ally. Taiwan has the world's largest semiconductor manufacturing industry and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is among the world's leading microchip producers and makes nearly 12 million microchips a year. America wants these wafers to be shipped to US automobile companies. But the demand for Taiwanese microchips is not limited to the US alone. The TSMC, for example, has clients across Europe, Japan, South Korea, even China but Washington wants priority. The US is leveraging its position as Taiwan's main defence exporter. As the main foreign source of weapons, Taiwan need US to defend itself from China. “Not a day goes by that we don't push on that”, said US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo told an executive from General Motors. “There are so many American jobs on the line”, she added. US is betting on Taiwan's vulnerability against an increasingly aggressive China. Also read: Economic warfare against tech sector: Taiwan bans recruitment for jobs in China to combat brain drain Trump's legacy of pressing adversaries and allies alike still lingers in the White House. American diplomacy under Biden is increasingly being shaped by national politics. Be it the refugee cap, or helping a natural ally like India in times of a global healthcare crisis, Biden believes in testing the waters at home first. And he is not shy of escalating pressure on an ally if it serves his national interest. Biden promised to be different from Rrump when he declared “America is back”. But 100 days in office and America is back to its old tactics.

What does US pressure on Taiwan for microchips say about Biden administration?

President Joe Biden's administration has announced that the United States will support an initiative at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to waive Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) protection for COVID-19 vaccines.

US supports global waiver of intellectual property protection for COVID-19 vaccines

As Facebook decided the fate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a> account, current US President, Joe Biden urged social media platforms to “stop amplifying untrustworthy content”.

“The president’s view is that the major platforms have a responsibility related to the health and safety of all Americans to stop amplifying untrustworthy content, disinformation and misinformation, especially related to COVID-19, vaccinations and elections,” White House spokeswoman, Jen Psaki told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-oversight-board-upholds-ban-on-donald-trump-383012" hreflang="en">Facebook oversight board upholds ban on Donald Trump</a>

Statement from White House came after Facebook decided to continue the ban on former president &nbsp;Donald Trump’s social media account after he was accused of using social media for motivating his supporters to carry out Capitol riots in January.

While the White House refused to directly address the topic of Trump’s ban, Biden has indirectly talked about Trump’s repeated trials of accusing Biden of voter fraud on social media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-the-desk-of-donald-trump-launches-his-own-social-media-space-382830" hreflang="en">'From the Desk of...': Donald Trump launches his own social media space</a>

The statement came a day after Trump launched his own version of social media platform where he can post messages, which can then be shared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a>. Local media has dubbed this new platform as "From the Desk of Donald J. Trump". The posts published on this platform will be open to liking and sharing. The platform has, reportedly, been built by Campaign Nucleus, the digital services company created by Trump's former campaign manager Brad Parscale.

Trump will be using this space once again to amplify his claims about the US election 2020 were manipulated and allege his opposition of voter fraud — without providing any proof.

“The fraudulent Presidential Election of 2020 will be, from this day forth, known as THE BIG LIE!," Trump said.

As Facebook decided the fate of Donald Trump’s account, current US President, Joe Biden urged social media platforms to “stop amplifying untrustworthy content”. “The president’s view is that the major platforms have a responsibility related to the health and safety of all Americans to stop amplifying untrustworthy content, disinformation and misinformation, especially related to COVID-19, vaccinations and elections,” White House spokeswoman, Jen Psaki told reporters.

As Facebook decided the fate of Donald Trump’s account, current US President, Joe Biden urged social media platforms to “stop amplifying untrustworthy content”. “The president’s view is that the major platforms have a responsibility related to the health and safety of all Americans to stop amplifying untrustworthy content, disinformation and misinformation, especially related to COVID-19, vaccinations and elections,” White House spokeswoman, Jen Psaki told reporters. Also read | Facebook oversight board upholds ban on Donald Trump Statement from White House came after Facebook decided to continue the ban on former president Donald Trump’s social media account after he was accused of using social media for motivating his supporters to carry out Capitol riots in January. While the White House refused to directly address the topic of Trump’s ban, Biden has indirectly talked about Trump’s repeated trials of accusing Biden of voter fraud on social media. Also read | 'From the Desk of...': Donald Trump launches his own social media space The statement came a day after Trump launched his own version of social media platform where he can post messages, which can then be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Local media has dubbed this new platform as "From the Desk of Donald J. Trump". The posts published on this platform will be open to liking and sharing. The platform has, reportedly, been built by Campaign Nucleus, the digital services company created by Trump's former campaign manager Brad Parscale. Trump will be using this space once again to amplify his claims about the US election 2020 were manipulated and allege his opposition of voter fraud — without providing any proof. “The fraudulent Presidential Election of 2020 will be, from this day forth, known as THE BIG LIE!," Trump said.

Social media platforms should not amplify 'untrustworthy' content: Biden

President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced a goal to vaccinate 70% of US adults with at least one COVID-19 jab by the July 4 and said the government would inoculate 12-15-year-olds as soon as allowed.

Biden aims to inoculate 70% US adults with one dose by July 4

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>on Tuesday said that he hoped of a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a Europe trip in June.&nbsp;

"That is my hope and expectation," Biden was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Biden is scheduled to attend a G7 meet in Britain in mid-June, followed by NATO and EU summits in Brussels. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Kremlin has not confirmed the summit, but Yury Ushakov, an advisor of Putin, said that the planning is underway.&nbsp;

Austria and Finland have shown interest in hosting the meeting between the two leaders.&nbsp;

The US president in April proposed a meeting with Putin as the relations between both the countries hit a new low over tensions in Ukraine, treatment of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, among other issues.&nbsp;

Weeks ago, Biden also described Putin as a "killer", to which the Russian president responded that "it takes one to know one".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/putin-biden-may-meet-in-june-for-a-summit-top-kremlin-aide-380170">Putin-Biden may meet in June for a summit: Top Kremlin aide</a>

In April, the US expelled 10 Russian diplomats over claims of Russia's large-scale cyberattack on US computer systems and meddling in the presidential election in 2020.&nbsp;

Kremlin retaliated with tit-for-tat expulsions.

"I made very clear to Putin that we are not going to seek escalation but their actions will have consequences," Biden earlier said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that he hoped of a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a Europe trip in June. "That is my hope and expectation," Biden was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that he hoped of a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a Europe trip in June. "That is my hope and expectation," Biden was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Biden is scheduled to attend a G7 meet in Britain in mid-June, followed by NATO and EU summits in Brussels. Watch | Meanwhile, Kremlin has not confirmed the summit, but Yury Ushakov, an advisor of Putin, said that the planning is underway. Austria and Finland have shown interest in hosting the meeting between the two leaders. The US president in April proposed a meeting with Putin as the relations between both the countries hit a new low over tensions in Ukraine, treatment of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, among other issues. Weeks ago, Biden also described Putin as a "killer", to which the Russian president responded that "it takes one to know one". Also read | Putin-Biden may meet in June for a summit: Top Kremlin aide In April, the US expelled 10 Russian diplomats over claims of Russia's large-scale cyberattack on US computer systems and meddling in the presidential election in 2020. Kremlin retaliated with tit-for-tat expulsions. "I made very clear to Putin that we are not going to seek escalation but their actions will have consequences," Biden earlier said. (With inputs from agencies)

It is my 'hope and expectation': Joe Biden on summit with Putin

President Joe Biden wants 70 percent of adults in the US to have received at least one shot of the Covid-19 vaccine by the July 4 Independence Day holiday, the White House said Tuesday.

In addition to getting 70 percent at least partially vaccinated, Biden wants "160 million Americans fully vaccinated" by the same date, an official told reporters.

One senior official said reaching the target in just 60 days was "not easy but we know we can do it."

The United States is already "far ahead of where anyone thought we would be in our war" on the Covid virus, the official said.

Meeting the goal, which would mean overcoming stubborn pockets of vaccine hesitancy, will significantly change the way Americans experience their summer, another official said.

There are "going to be far less public health restrictions."

The Biden administration will begin shifting how it allocates COVID-19 shots to states, moving doses from states with lower demand to those with stronger interest in vaccines, an administration official said Tuesday.

The change away from a strict by-population allocation comes as demand for the coronavirus vaccines has dropped nationwide, but especially precipitously in some areas, with some states turning down part or all of their weekly dose allotments. The federal government will now shift some of those doses to areas with higher demand, in an effort to speed shots in those areas.

The administration says those states would have the shots available whenever demand for vaccines in their states increases&nbsp;a key priority of the Biden administration.

This week, Iowa turned down nearly three-quarters of the vaccine doses available to the state for next week from the federal government because demand for the shots remains weak.

Individual states have made similar shifts internally to account for changing demand. Last week, Washington state changed the way it allocates coronavirus vaccine to its counties.

Previously the state doled out supplies to counties proportionate to their populations. But Governor Jay Inslee said Thursday that the amounts now will be based on requests from health care providers.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden wants 70 percent of adults in the US to have received at least one shot of the Covid-19 vaccine by the July 4 Independence Day holiday, the White House said Tuesday.

President Joe Biden wants 70 percent of adults in the US to have received at least one shot of the Covid-19 vaccine by the July 4 Independence Day holiday, the White House said Tuesday. In addition to getting 70 percent at least partially vaccinated, Biden wants "160 million Americans fully vaccinated" by the same date, an official told reporters. One senior official said reaching the target in just 60 days was "not easy but we know we can do it." The United States is already "far ahead of where anyone thought we would be in our war" on the Covid virus, the official said. Meeting the goal, which would mean overcoming stubborn pockets of vaccine hesitancy, will significantly change the way Americans experience their summer, another official said. There are "going to be far less public health restrictions." The Biden administration will begin shifting how it allocates COVID-19 shots to states, moving doses from states with lower demand to those with stronger interest in vaccines, an administration official said Tuesday. The change away from a strict by-population allocation comes as demand for the coronavirus vaccines has dropped nationwide, but especially precipitously in some areas, with some states turning down part or all of their weekly dose allotments. The federal government will now shift some of those doses to areas with higher demand, in an effort to speed shots in those areas. The administration says those states would have the shots available whenever demand for vaccines in their states increases a key priority of the Biden administration. This week, Iowa turned down nearly three-quarters of the vaccine doses available to the state for next week from the federal government because demand for the shots remains weak. Individual states have made similar shifts internally to account for changing demand. Last week, Washington state changed the way it allocates coronavirus vaccine to its counties. Previously the state doled out supplies to counties proportionate to their populations. But Governor Jay Inslee said Thursday that the amounts now will be based on requests from health care providers. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden aiming for 70% adults to get first Covid shot by July 4

President Joe Biden announced that he is raising the maximum number of refugees allowed into the United States this year to 62,500 up from the 15,000 cap imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump. This comes after Biden faced heavy criticism from his allies.

Biden raises number of refugees allowed in the US to 62,500 after criticism

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