President Joe Biden in his first address to Congress Wednesday will urge following up the fight against Covid-19 with a no less epic battle for a fairer United States, where the rich do more to help end inequality. 
 
Speaking to a joint session of Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office, Biden will likely hail what on Tuesday he called "stunning" success in vaccinating Americans -- a national effort that has dragged the country from coronavirus catastrophe to leader in global recovery. 
 
But with solid approval ratings and a Democratic majority -- albeit razor thin -- in Congress, Biden feels he has momentum on his side to take on new challenges. 
 
Speaking on primetime television, he will promote what he touts as a plan of massive government spending to get the United States not just back on its feet but striding forward in a new direction. 
 
In the foreign policy segment of the speech, Biden "will talk about his commitment to reengaging with the world, taking America's seat back in the world," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. 
 
At the centre&nbsp;of his domestic agenda will be the unveiling of the American Families Plan, an expected $1.8 trillion spending splurge that Psaki termed "a historic investment in education and childcare." 
 
The goal is giving "help to American families, making transformative investments to rescue and rebuild our economy, and fundamentally showing the government can deliver for people," Psaki said. 
 
The families plan alone -- which Biden wants to pay for with tax hikes on the most wealthy -- would represent a giant ask of Congress. 
 
But this comes after Congress already approved a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, injecting stimulus into almost every corner of the US economy, and is now debating a proposed $2 trillion-plus American Jobs Plan aimed at rebuilding national infrastructure. 
 
The speech will also run through the rest of a lengthy Democratic wish list, including police reform, pro-immigrant reforms and gun control -- some of the most sensitive issues in US politics and ones where Biden insists he can deliver. 
 
Biden, as he likes to say, wants to "go big." 
 
On Thursday, his 100th day, Biden will follow the speech by launching what Psaki called a "Getting America Back on Track" tour, starting with trips to Georgia and Philadelphia. 
 
Vice President Kamala Harris will be taking the message to Baltimore and Ohio. 
 
Psaki said Biden had been working on the speech for "weeks" and was now down to the final edits.

Extraordinary times 
The setting for Biden's maiden address to Congress as president will reflect the crisis times in which he was elected last November, ending four chaotic years under Donald Trump. 
 
Security has been at top level around the Capitol building since the January 6 riot when Trump supporters went on the rampage against what the Republican falsely claimed was a stolen election. 
 
Ahead of his speech, Biden will be meeting staff who were trapped in the building during the terrifying incident, the White House said. 
 
Although Covid-19 is on the back foot -- vaccinated Americans were told Tuesday they can now do most things outside without wearing a mask -- the pandemic will loom heavily.&nbsp; 
 
Instead of looking out onto a House chamber crammed with the usual 1,600 or so politicians and guests, Biden will be greeted by a select group of around 200. 
 
According to Republican Senator John Thune, Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi is allowing just 40 representatives from each of the two parties and 30 senators each. 
 
Usually all nine members of the Supreme Court are in attendance, but this time only Chief Justice John Roberts will be there. 
 
Of the cabinet, only the secretaries of defence and state will be in the room, meaning that the tradition of nominating a "designated survivor" -- someone who could take over the country if the entire government died while inside the Capitol -- is not necessary. 
 
There "does not need to be a designated survivor because the cabinet will be watching&nbsp;from their offices or homes," Psaki said. 
 
Biden has brought an old-fashioned, sunny optimism to Washington, often choosing to ignore the noisy rancour that Trump deliberately stoked and appeared to relish. 
 
But that doesn't mean he has brought his opponents on side. 
 
His big picture appeal for more government spending will likely get no applause from half the chamber and his expected plan to announce tax increases for America's most wealthy will likely stir Republican fury. 
 
"President Biden ran as a moderate, but I'm hard pressed to think of anything at all that he's done so far that would indicate some degree of moderation," senior Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said Tuesday.

President Joe Biden in his first address to Congress Wednesday will urge following up the fight against Covid-19 with a no less epic battle for a fairer United States, where the rich do more to help end inequality.

President Joe Biden in his first address to Congress Wednesday will urge following up the fight against Covid-19 with a no less epic battle for a fairer United States, where the rich do more to help end inequality. Speaking to a joint session of Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office, Biden will likely hail what on Tuesday he called "stunning" success in vaccinating Americans -- a national effort that has dragged the country from coronavirus catastrophe to leader in global recovery. But with solid approval ratings and a Democratic majority -- albeit razor thin -- in Congress, Biden feels he has momentum on his side to take on new challenges. Speaking on primetime television, he will promote what he touts as a plan of massive government spending to get the United States not just back on its feet but striding forward in a new direction. In the foreign policy segment of the speech, Biden "will talk about his commitment to reengaging with the world, taking America's seat back in the world," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. At the centre of his domestic agenda will be the unveiling of the American Families Plan, an expected $1.8 trillion spending splurge that Psaki termed "a historic investment in education and childcare." The goal is giving "help to American families, making transformative investments to rescue and rebuild our economy, and fundamentally showing the government can deliver for people," Psaki said. The families plan alone -- which Biden wants to pay for with tax hikes on the most wealthy -- would represent a giant ask of Congress. But this comes after Congress already approved a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, injecting stimulus into almost every corner of the US economy, and is now debating a proposed $2 trillion-plus American Jobs Plan aimed at rebuilding national infrastructure. The speech will also run through the rest of a lengthy Democratic wish list, including police reform, pro-immigrant reforms and gun control -- some of the most sensitive issues in US politics and ones where Biden insists he can deliver. Biden, as he likes to say, wants to "go big." On Thursday, his 100th day, Biden will follow the speech by launching what Psaki called a "Getting America Back on Track" tour, starting with trips to Georgia and Philadelphia. Vice President Kamala Harris will be taking the message to Baltimore and Ohio. Psaki said Biden had been working on the speech for "weeks" and was now down to the final edits. Extraordinary times The setting for Biden's maiden address to Congress as president will reflect the crisis times in which he was elected last November, ending four chaotic years under Donald Trump. Security has been at top level around the Capitol building since the January 6 riot when Trump supporters went on the rampage against what the Republican falsely claimed was a stolen election. Ahead of his speech, Biden will be meeting staff who were trapped in the building during the terrifying incident, the White House said. Although Covid-19 is on the back foot -- vaccinated Americans were told Tuesday they can now do most things outside without wearing a mask -- the pandemic will loom heavily. Instead of looking out onto a House chamber crammed with the usual 1,600 or so politicians and guests, Biden will be greeted by a select group of around 200. According to Republican Senator John Thune, Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi is allowing just 40 representatives from each of the two parties and 30 senators each. Usually all nine members of the Supreme Court are in attendance, but this time only Chief Justice John Roberts will be there. Of the cabinet, only the secretaries of defence and state will be in the room, meaning that the tradition of nominating a "designated survivor" -- someone who could take over the country if the entire government died while inside the Capitol -- is not necessary. There "does not need to be a designated survivor because the cabinet will be watching from their offices or homes," Psaki said. Biden has brought an old-fashioned, sunny optimism to Washington, often choosing to ignore the noisy rancour that Trump deliberately stoked and appeared to relish. But that doesn't mean he has brought his opponents on side. His big picture appeal for more government spending will likely get no applause from half the chamber and his expected plan to announce tax increases for America's most wealthy will likely stir Republican fury. "President Biden ran as a moderate, but I'm hard pressed to think of anything at all that he's done so far that would indicate some degree of moderation," senior Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said Tuesday.

Biden to celebrate Covid gains, urge spending spree in Congress address

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken up new job roles with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden. They are now joining hands to encourage people to get a coronavirus vaccine at Global Citizen's Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World next month.

The former royals, Bidens and US Vice President Kamala Harris will be making an appearance at the event hosted by Selena Gomez. It is said to inspire vaccine confidence worldwide and help distribute the shots to where they're needed most.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/prince-harry">Harry</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/meghan-markle">Meghan </a>will act as VAX Live Campaign Chairs, delivering an important message about global vaccine equity.&nbsp;

The couple has also been organizing an initiative to raise funds amongst the private sector for the vaccine-sharing program, COVAX. In a press statement, Harry and Meghan said, “Over the past year, our world has experienced pain, loss, and struggle—together. Now we need to recover and heal—together. We can’t leave anybody behind. We will all benefit, we will all be safer, when everyone everywhere has equal access to the vaccine. We must pursue equitable vaccine distribution, and in that, restore faith in our common humanity. This mission couldn’t be more critical or important.”

During the event, Global Citizen will also be requesting philanthropists and corporations donate “dollars-for-doses” in order to vaccinate healthcare workers around the world. They're also requesting that world leaders and governments pledge $22.1 billion in order “to get two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, tests and treatments to the world's poorest countries by the end of 2021.”

Among those attending, the other heads of state will be President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of Croatia. There will be plenty of A-list guests present as well, with stars like Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, David Letterman, Gayle King, Jimmy Kimmel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Olivia Munn and Sean Penn, in addition to performances from Jennifer Lopez, H.E.R., J Balvin, Eddie Vedder and the Foo Fighters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-meghan-markle-has-a-good-chance-of-becoming-us-president-says-presidential-biographer-374836" hreflang="en">Meghan Markle has a 'good chance' of becoming US president, says presidential biographer</a>

In a statement, Selena Gomez said, “I'm honored to be hosting VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World. This is a historic moment to encourage people around the world to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them, call on world leaders to share vaccine doses equitably and to bring people together for a night of music in a way that hasn't felt possible in the past year. I can't wait to be a part of it.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-meghan-markle-is-opting-for-a-home-birth-for-her-second-child-report-374461" hreflang="en">Meghan Markle is opting for a home birth for her second child: Report</a>

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken up new job roles with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden. They are now joining hands to encourage people to get a coronavirus vaccine at Global Citizen's Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World next month.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken up new job roles with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden. They are now joining hands to encourage people to get a coronavirus vaccine at Global Citizen's Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World next month. The former royals, Bidens and US Vice President Kamala Harris will be making an appearance at the event hosted by Selena Gomez. It is said to inspire vaccine confidence worldwide and help distribute the shots to where they're needed most. Harry and Meghan will act as VAX Live Campaign Chairs, delivering an important message about global vaccine equity. The couple has also been organizing an initiative to raise funds amongst the private sector for the vaccine-sharing program, COVAX. In a press statement, Harry and Meghan said, “Over the past year, our world has experienced pain, loss, and struggle—together. Now we need to recover and heal—together. We can’t leave anybody behind. We will all benefit, we will all be safer, when everyone everywhere has equal access to the vaccine. We must pursue equitable vaccine distribution, and in that, restore faith in our common humanity. This mission couldn’t be more critical or important.” During the event, Global Citizen will also be requesting philanthropists and corporations donate “dollars-for-doses” in order to vaccinate healthcare workers around the world. They're also requesting that world leaders and governments pledge $22.1 billion in order “to get two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, tests and treatments to the world's poorest countries by the end of 2021.” Among those attending, the other heads of state will be President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of Croatia. There will be plenty of A-list guests present as well, with stars like Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, David Letterman, Gayle King, Jimmy Kimmel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Olivia Munn and Sean Penn, in addition to performances from Jennifer Lopez, H.E.R., J Balvin, Eddie Vedder and the Foo Fighters. Meghan Markle has a 'good chance' of becoming US president, says presidential biographer In a statement, Selena Gomez said, “I'm honored to be hosting VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World. This is a historic moment to encourage people around the world to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them, call on world leaders to share vaccine doses equitably and to bring people together for a night of music in a way that hasn't felt possible in the past year. I can't wait to be a part of it.” Meghan Markle is opting for a home birth for her second child: Report

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle join hands with Joe Biden to encourage people to get vaccinated

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden on the evolving COVID-19 situation in the country. PM Modi conveyed the support and discussed India's requirement and US efforts to meet them amid the ongoing pandemic.

Indian PM Modi thanks US President Joe Biden for offer of help over phone

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden on the evolving COVID situation in the country. PM Modi conveyed the support and discussed India's requirement and US efforts to meet them amid the ongoing pandemic.

Indian PM Modi speaks with Biden over phone after US lifts unofficial embargo

Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a virtual call Monday the US will give $310 million in humanitarian relief to Central America, her office said, as the region tackles a wave of migration north.

Harris, who leads President Joe Biden's efforts to address the influx of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to the US-Mexico border, met with Giammattei by videoconference, prior to her visit to Central America scheduled for June.&nbsp;

Alsoe see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dont-come-us-facing-biggest-migrant-surge-in-20-years-371179">'Don't come': US facing biggest migrant surge in 20 years</a>

The meeting, which was held virtually, was Harris' second conversation with Guatemala's leader in less than a month - a sign of the best opportunity she has to build a partnership in the region. She previously spoke with him on March 30.

Harris has yet to speak with leaders of Honduras and El Salvador.

"We want to work with you... in a way that will bring hope to the people of Guatemala, that there will be an opportunity for them if they stay at home," Harris said, adding that she will visit the region in June.

President Giammattei said Guatemala is looking forward to her visit but wants to reach an agreement on issues before she travels.

"I believe that we should build a roadmap between governments... so that we can reach an agreement... (and) can work on this very hard road that we have ahead of us," he said.

On April 5, Guatemala said it was purchasing 16 million Russian Sputnik V vaccines to inoculate about half the country's population.

Harris' office did not comment on the issue, but an administration official said it was not politically tenable to assure vaccine supplies to other countries before inoculating every American.

Other problems have also emerged. Guatemalan lawmakers recently refused to swear in a corruption-fighting judge, Constitutional Court President Gloria Porras, whom US&nbsp;officials had seen as key to the country's fight against graft.

In addition the meeting on Monday, Harris will also participate in a virtual roundtable with representatives from Guatemalan community based-organizations on Tuesday.

Biden has asked Congress for $861 million to address the causes that drive irregular immigration from Central America, within the framework of his $4 billion plan for the region.&nbsp;

His proposal is included in the budget project for next year that has yet to be discussed and approved by legislators.&nbsp; &nbsp;

More than 172,000 undocumented immigrants, including nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, were detained in March at the southern border of the United States, a rise of 71 percent in a month and the highest level in 15 years.&nbsp;

Most of the migrants come from the three countries of the Central American Northern Triangle. That area, vulnerable to natural disasters, was hit by two devastating hurricanes in November and is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic and a prolonged drought.&nbsp;

Many migrants in recent weeks say they were given new hope by Biden's reversal of the hardline immigration policies of his predecessor Donald Trump.

The changes include allowing unaccompanied children to stay and be united with relatives living inside the United States.

The number of unaccompanied children detained after crossing the border illegally, or trying to sneak through official entry ports, doubled in March from February to 18,890, according to the CBP.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a virtual call Monday the US will give $310 million in humanitarian relief to Central America, her office said, as the region tackles a wave of migration north.

Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a virtual call Monday the US will give $310 million in humanitarian relief to Central America, her office said, as the region tackles a wave of migration north. Harris, who leads President Joe Biden's efforts to address the influx of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to the US-Mexico border, met with Giammattei by videoconference, prior to her visit to Central America scheduled for June. Alsoe see| 'Don't come': US facing biggest migrant surge in 20 years The meeting, which was held virtually, was Harris' second conversation with Guatemala's leader in less than a month - a sign of the best opportunity she has to build a partnership in the region. She previously spoke with him on March 30. Harris has yet to speak with leaders of Honduras and El Salvador. "We want to work with you... in a way that will bring hope to the people of Guatemala, that there will be an opportunity for them if they stay at home," Harris said, adding that she will visit the region in June. President Giammattei said Guatemala is looking forward to her visit but wants to reach an agreement on issues before she travels. "I believe that we should build a roadmap between governments... so that we can reach an agreement... (and) can work on this very hard road that we have ahead of us," he said. On April 5, Guatemala said it was purchasing 16 million Russian Sputnik V vaccines to inoculate about half the country's population. Harris' office did not comment on the issue, but an administration official said it was not politically tenable to assure vaccine supplies to other countries before inoculating every American. Other problems have also emerged. Guatemalan lawmakers recently refused to swear in a corruption-fighting judge, Constitutional Court President Gloria Porras, whom US officials had seen as key to the country's fight against graft. In addition the meeting on Monday, Harris will also participate in a virtual roundtable with representatives from Guatemalan community based-organizations on Tuesday. Biden has asked Congress for $861 million to address the causes that drive irregular immigration from Central America, within the framework of his $4 billion plan for the region. His proposal is included in the budget project for next year that has yet to be discussed and approved by legislators. More than 172,000 undocumented immigrants, including nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, were detained in March at the southern border of the United States, a rise of 71 percent in a month and the highest level in 15 years. Most of the migrants come from the three countries of the Central American Northern Triangle. That area, vulnerable to natural disasters, was hit by two devastating hurricanes in November and is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic and a prolonged drought. Many migrants in recent weeks say they were given new hope by Biden's reversal of the hardline immigration policies of his predecessor Donald Trump. The changes include allowing unaccompanied children to stay and be united with relatives living inside the United States. The number of unaccompanied children detained after crossing the border illegally, or trying to sneak through official entry ports, doubled in March from February to 18,890, according to the CBP. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris vows $310 million US relief as Central America tackles migration

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties.

Erdogan had issued a carefully-worded statement moments before Biden made his landmark announcement on Saturday at a ceremony commemorating the tragic 1915-17 events.

But the Turkish president did not hold back his anger in a televised address. He also used the moment to point out the US history of slavery and persecution of Native Americans.

"The US president has made comments that are groundless and unfair," Erdogan said.

"We believe that these comments were included in the declaration following pressure from radical Armenian groups and anti-Turkish circles. But this situation does not reduce the destructive impact of these comments."

The Armenians -- supported by historians and scholars -- say 1.5 million of their people died in a genocide committed under the Ottoman Empire during World War I.&nbsp;

Turkey says that both, Armenians and Turks died in huge numbers as Ottoman forces fought tsarist Russia. But it vehemently denies a deliberate policy of genocide and notes that the term had not been legally defined at the time.

Biden tried to temper the inevitable Turkish anger by calling Erdogan for the first time since taking office in January.

The two leaders agreed in Friday's phone call to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit in June.

But Erdogan said on Monday that Biden needed "to look in the mirror" when calling the century-old events a genocide.

"We can also talk about what happened to Native Americans, Blacks and in Vietnam," Erdogan said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties. Erdogan had issued a carefully-worded statement moments before Biden made his landmark announcement on Saturday at a ceremony commemorating the tragic 1915-17 events. But the Turkish president did not hold back his anger in a televised address. He also used the moment to point out the US history of slavery and persecution of Native Americans. "The US president has made comments that are groundless and unfair," Erdogan said. "We believe that these comments were included in the declaration following pressure from radical Armenian groups and anti-Turkish circles. But this situation does not reduce the destructive impact of these comments." The Armenians -- supported by historians and scholars -- say 1.5 million of their people died in a genocide committed under the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Turkey says that both, Armenians and Turks died in huge numbers as Ottoman forces fought tsarist Russia. But it vehemently denies a deliberate policy of genocide and notes that the term had not been legally defined at the time. Biden tried to temper the inevitable Turkish anger by calling Erdogan for the first time since taking office in January. The two leaders agreed in Friday's phone call to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit in June. But Erdogan said on Monday that Biden needed "to look in the mirror" when calling the century-old events a genocide. "We can also talk about what happened to Native Americans, Blacks and in Vietnam," Erdogan said.

Erdogan calls Biden genocide recognition 'destructive'

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. India has been reporting over 300,000 daily Covid cases in the last few days. Countries all over the world are rushing to help India.

After his conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying that the interaction was "fruitful".

"Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India," read the tweet.

"My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19," added PM Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1386723540678807552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US on Sunday agreed to provide the specific raw material for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers to increase its production as Covid crisis wreaked havoc across the world and India.

US President Biden, after the development had tweeted, "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need."

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Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. <a href="https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y">https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The breakthrough on raw material for Covid vaccines manufacture in India came after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. Other than that, US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits and Oxygen generators. It will also deploy an expert team of health advisors from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID to help India.

A US readout of Doval-Sullivan talks said,"Building on the seven-decade health partnership between the United States and India—including battles against Smallpox, Polio, and HIV — they resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic together."

Top officials from the US tweeted in a massive show of support for India as it battled the Covid pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, were some of those who tweeted.

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday.

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. India has been reporting over 300,000 daily Covid cases in the last few days. Countries all over the world are rushing to help India. After his conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying that the interaction was "fruitful". "Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India," read the tweet. "My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19," added PM Modi. My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021 × The US on Sunday agreed to provide the specific raw material for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers to increase its production as Covid crisis wreaked havoc across the world and India. US President Biden, after the development had tweeted, "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need." Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y — President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021 × The breakthrough on raw material for Covid vaccines manufacture in India came after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. Other than that, US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits and Oxygen generators. It will also deploy an expert team of health advisors from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID to help India. A US readout of Doval-Sullivan talks said,"Building on the seven-decade health partnership between the United States and India—including battles against Smallpox, Polio, and HIV — they resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic together." Top officials from the US tweeted in a massive show of support for India as it battled the Covid pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, were some of those who tweeted.

Joe Biden, Narendra Modi discuss Covid situation in India

According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden may meet in June. Putin's top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said a firm decision on the meeting has not been taken yet.

Reports say Putin and Biden may meet in June

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media and wrote, "Had a fruitful conversation with POTUS Joe Biden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India."

PM Narendra Modi holds 'fruitful talks' with Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have assured India of providing all assistance, including life-saving medical supplies and equipment, to help the country combat the deadly COVID-19 crisis.

US assures help to COVID-hit India after facing backlash

Biden, Harris offer India support  in fight against COVID-19 amid criticism

A ban on the export of raw materials. Naval adventurism near Lakshadweep. Accusations of currency manipulation. Overreach into domestic affairs. Why is the U.S testing India's resolve during a pandemic? Are these the actions of an ally? WION’s Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Why is the U.S. testing India's resolve?

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has recognised the 1915 killing of Armenians as ‘genocide’ in a statement made on the anniversary of the massacre.

"We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," Biden said. "And we remember so that we remain ever-vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-needs-to-decide-india-is-a-friend-or-partner-as-new-delhi-is-being-hurt-379608" hreflang="en">US needs to decide India is a friend or partner as New Delhi is being hurt</a>

The statement comes a day after the Biden administration informed the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would be taking this step of labelling the killings by Ottoman forces as genocide.

By doing this, Biden has become the first US President to use the term 'genocide' in a customary statement and has urged Erdogan to come to terms with the usage of the term.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-the-action-is-missing-despite-the-high-profile-summits-379354" hreflang="en">Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits</a>

His statement is being dealt as a victory for Armenia as a statement had been pending from the US for years, although France, Germany, Canada, and Russia had already recognised the incident as genocide.

However, Biden has also cleared the air by stressing that the statement was "not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated."

He also assured that the decision was made "in a very principled way focused on the merits of human rights, and not for any reason beyond that, including placing blame."

As many as 1.5 million Armenians are estimated to have been killed from 1915 to 1917 during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, which suspected the Christian minority of conspiring with adversary Russia in World War I.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has recognised the 1915 killing of Armenians as ‘genocide’ in a statement made on the anniversary of the massacre. "We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," Biden said.

US President Joe Biden has recognised the 1915 killing of Armenians as ‘genocide’ in a statement made on the anniversary of the massacre. "We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," Biden said. "And we remember so that we remain ever-vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms." Also read | US needs to decide India is a friend or partner as New Delhi is being hurt The statement comes a day after the Biden administration informed the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would be taking this step of labelling the killings by Ottoman forces as genocide. By doing this, Biden has become the first US President to use the term 'genocide' in a customary statement and has urged Erdogan to come to terms with the usage of the term. Also read | Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits His statement is being dealt as a victory for Armenia as a statement had been pending from the US for years, although France, Germany, Canada, and Russia had already recognised the incident as genocide. However, Biden has also cleared the air by stressing that the statement was "not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated." He also assured that the decision was made "in a very principled way focused on the merits of human rights, and not for any reason beyond that, including placing blame." As many as 1.5 million Armenians are estimated to have been killed from 1915 to 1917 during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, which suspected the Christian minority of conspiring with adversary Russia in World War I. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden recognises 1915 killings of Armenians as 'genocide'

Load of s**t! Activists dump crap outside White House to protest climate change

Thousands of Armenians on Saturday visited hilltop memorial in capital Yerevan to mark 106th anniversary of massacre of Armenians during WWI vy Ottoman Turks. US President Joe Biden is expected to designate this massacre a genocide. This move is likely to rile Turkey, the modern state having the legacy of the Ottoman Empire.

Armenians have long sought to have the killings of up to 1.5 million of their kin as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing internationally recognised as genocide.

The claim is rejected by Turkey but finds support from many countries across the world.

Yerevan has also demanded financial compensation from Ankara and the restoration of property rights for the descendants of those killed in the 1915-1918 massacres.

Turkey denies the killings' genocidal nature, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many&nbsp; 
Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops.

Anger against Turkey simmered among Armenians as crowds of people carrying candles and flowers joined Saturday the annual procession to remember the victims of the massacres, which Armenians call Meds Yeghern -- the Great Crime.

'Old wound bleeds'

Armenia is traumatised by last year's defeat in a war with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which Ankara backed its ally Baku.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the war -- that erupted in September and ended six weeks later with a Russian brokered ceasefire -- "the Azeri-Turkish aggression which sought to annihilate the Armenian trace" in Karabakh.

"Turkey's expansionist foreign policy, and the territorial aspirations towards Armenia are the evidence of the revival of their genocidal ideology," he said in a statement.

"Armenophobia is in the essence of Pan-Turkism, and today we can see its most disgusting manifestations in Azerbaijan as fostered by the authorities of that country."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Thousands of Armenians on Saturday visited hilltop memorial in capital Yerevan to mark 106th anniversary of massacre of Armenians during WWI vy Ottoman Turks. US President Joe Biden is expected to designate this massacre a genocide.

Thousands of Armenians on Saturday visited hilltop memorial in capital Yerevan to mark 106th anniversary of massacre of Armenians during WWI vy Ottoman Turks. US President Joe Biden is expected to designate this massacre a genocide. This move is likely to rile Turkey, the modern state having the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Armenians have long sought to have the killings of up to 1.5 million of their kin as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing internationally recognised as genocide. The claim is rejected by Turkey but finds support from many countries across the world. Yerevan has also demanded financial compensation from Ankara and the restoration of property rights for the descendants of those killed in the 1915-1918 massacres. Turkey denies the killings' genocidal nature, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops. Anger against Turkey simmered among Armenians as crowds of people carrying candles and flowers joined Saturday the annual procession to remember the victims of the massacres, which Armenians call Meds Yeghern -- the Great Crime. 'Old wound bleeds' Armenia is traumatised by last year's defeat in a war with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which Ankara backed its ally Baku. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the war -- that erupted in September and ended six weeks later with a Russian brokered ceasefire -- "the Azeri-Turkish aggression which sought to annihilate the Armenian trace" in Karabakh. "Turkey's expansionist foreign policy, and the territorial aspirations towards Armenia are the evidence of the revival of their genocidal ideology," he said in a statement. "Armenophobia is in the essence of Pan-Turkism, and today we can see its most disgusting manifestations in Azerbaijan as fostered by the authorities of that country." (With inputs from agencies)

Armenians commemorate WWI massacres by Ottoman Turks

US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Friday told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he intends to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide in Saturday statement, a potential further blow to the already frayed ties between the two NATO allies.

The much-anticipated first phone call between the two leaders took place more than three months after&nbsp;Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, a delay that is widely seen as a cold shoulder to Erdogan, who had enjoyed close ties with former president Donald Trump.

It also came a day before Armenian Remembrance Day when&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is expected to break away from decades of carefully calibrated White House statements that had previously described the events as "Metz Yeghern" (great evil). Neither the White House statement on the phone call nor the readout from the Turkish presidency made any mention of the issue.

"President&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;spoke today with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, conveying his interest in a constructive bilateral relationship with expanded areas of cooperation and effective management of disagreements," the White House said in a statement.

It said the two leaders agreed to meet on the margins of the NATO summit in June to have a wider conversation about their two countries' relations.

Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but contests the figures and denies the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide.

Statement from the Turkish presidency said both leaders agreed on "the strategic character of the bilateral relationship and the importance of working together to build greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues, from Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems - over which it was the target of U.S. sanctions - to policy differences in Syria, human rights and legal matters.

Erdogan had established a close bond with former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, but since&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;took over in Jan. 20, Washington has grown more vocal about Turkey's human rights track record. It has also stood firm on its demand that Ankara get rid of the Russian defence systems.

US President Joe Biden on Friday told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he intends to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide in Saturday statement, a potential further blow to the already frayed ties between the two NATO allies.

US President Joe Biden on Friday told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he intends to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide in Saturday statement, a potential further blow to the already frayed ties between the two NATO allies. The much-anticipated first phone call between the two leaders took place more than three months after Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, a delay that is widely seen as a cold shoulder to Erdogan, who had enjoyed close ties with former president Donald Trump. It also came a day before Armenian Remembrance Day when Biden is expected to break away from decades of carefully calibrated White House statements that had previously described the events as "Metz Yeghern" (great evil). Neither the White House statement on the phone call nor the readout from the Turkish presidency made any mention of the issue. "President Biden spoke today with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, conveying his interest in a constructive bilateral relationship with expanded areas of cooperation and effective management of disagreements," the White House said in a statement. It said the two leaders agreed to meet on the margins of the NATO summit in June to have a wider conversation about their two countries' relations. Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but contests the figures and denies the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide. Statement from the Turkish presidency said both leaders agreed on "the strategic character of the bilateral relationship and the importance of working together to build greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest." Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues, from Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems - over which it was the target of U.S. sanctions - to policy differences in Syria, human rights and legal matters. Erdogan had established a close bond with former US President Donald Trump, but since Biden took over in Jan. 20, Washington has grown more vocal about Turkey's human rights track record. It has also stood firm on its demand that Ankara get rid of the Russian defence systems.

Biden told Erdogan he plans to call 1915 massacres of Armenians genocide: Sources

US President Joe Biden called his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a day before Biden becomes the first US leader to recognise the mass atrocities perpetrated against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide.

US President Biden holds phone call with Turkey’s Erdogan

The United States will urge its Group of Seven&nbsp;allies&nbsp;to increase pressure on&nbsp;China&nbsp;over the use of&nbsp;forced&nbsp;labor&nbsp;in its northwestern Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, a top White House official said on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will attend a meeting of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;advanced economies in person in Britain in June, where he is expected to focus on what he sees as a strategic rivalry between democracies and autocratic states, particularly&nbsp;China.

Daleep Singh, deputy national security&nbsp;adviser&nbsp;to&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and deputy director of the National Economic Council, said the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meeting in Cornwall would focus on health security, a synchronized economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, concrete&nbsp;actions on climate change, and "elevating shared democratic values within the&nbsp;G7."

"These are like-minded&nbsp;allies, and we want to take tangible and concrete&nbsp;actions that show our willingness to coordinate on non-market economies, such as&nbsp;China," Singh, who is helping to coordinate the meeting, told Reuters in an interview.

"The galvanizing challenge for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;is to show that open societies, democratic societies still have the best chance of solving the biggest problems in our world, and that top-down autocracies are not the best path," he said.

Singh said Washington has already taken strong&nbsp;actions against&nbsp;China&nbsp;over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, but would seek to expand the effort with&nbsp;G7&nbsp;allies. Joint sanctions against Chinese officials accused of abuses in the province were announced last month by the United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada.

China&nbsp;denies all accusations of abuse and has responded with punitive measures of its own against the EU.

Singh said details were still being worked out ahead of the meeting, but the summit offered an opportunity for US&nbsp;allies&nbsp;to show solidarity on the issue.

"We've made our views clear that our consumers deserve to know when that the goods they're importing are made with&nbsp;forced&nbsp;labor," he said. "Our values need to be infused in our trading relationships."

Washington, he said, would be looking for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;to take clear steps "to elevate our shared values, as democracies and, and those certainly apply to what's going on Xinjiang."

Activists and U.N. rights experts say at least 1 million Muslims have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. The&nbsp;activists and some Western politicians accuse&nbsp;China&nbsp;of using torture,&nbsp;forced&nbsp;labor&nbsp;and sterilizations.&nbsp;China&nbsp;says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

The White House said on Friday that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will travel to the United Kingdom and Belgium in June for his first overseas trip since taking office, including a stop at the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;Summit in Cornwall, UK, from June 11-13.

The United States will urge its Group of Seven allies to increase pressure on China over the use of forced labor in its northwestern Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, a top White House official said on Friday.

The United States will urge its Group of Seven allies to increase pressure on China over the use of forced labor in its northwestern Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, a top White House official said on Friday. US President Joe Biden will attend a meeting of the G7 advanced economies in person in Britain in June, where he is expected to focus on what he sees as a strategic rivalry between democracies and autocratic states, particularly China. Daleep Singh, deputy national security adviser to Biden and deputy director of the National Economic Council, said the G7 meeting in Cornwall would focus on health security, a synchronized economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, concrete actions on climate change, and "elevating shared democratic values within the G7." "These are like-minded allies, and we want to take tangible and concrete actions that show our willingness to coordinate on non-market economies, such as China," Singh, who is helping to coordinate the meeting, told Reuters in an interview. "The galvanizing challenge for the G7 is to show that open societies, democratic societies still have the best chance of solving the biggest problems in our world, and that top-down autocracies are not the best path," he said. Singh said Washington has already taken strong actions against China over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, but would seek to expand the effort with G7 allies. Joint sanctions against Chinese officials accused of abuses in the province were announced last month by the United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada. China denies all accusations of abuse and has responded with punitive measures of its own against the EU. Singh said details were still being worked out ahead of the meeting, but the summit offered an opportunity for US allies to show solidarity on the issue. "We've made our views clear that our consumers deserve to know when that the goods they're importing are made with forced labor," he said. "Our values need to be infused in our trading relationships." Washington, he said, would be looking for the G7 to take clear steps "to elevate our shared values, as democracies and, and those certainly apply to what's going on Xinjiang." Activists and U.N. rights experts say at least 1 million Muslims have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labor and sterilizations. China says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. The White House said on Friday that Biden will travel to the United Kingdom and Belgium in June for his first overseas trip since taking office, including a stop at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, UK, from June 11-13.

At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report

Climate change is the punching bag of world politics and is the footnote of every joint diplomatic statement.

When rivals cannot find common ground, they talk about climate instead.

That's what the US and China are doing as they can't agree on anything, so they are discussing climate change.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-the-world-unite-against-climate-change-379350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The same is the case with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's </a>climate summit, but he is silent on a proposed one-on-one meeting.

Politicians love to call themselves allies of nature, but can they unite to deal with climate change?

The question arises as their track record is not impressive.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit</a>

Look at the Wuhan virus pandemic, thousands of people are dying every day.

It's been more than a year and we are still waiting for a coordinated global response.

We talk about a globalised world, but when the tragedy struck it was every country for itself.

From travel bans to now vaccines, every decision has been unilateral.&nbsp;The world has more than enough resources to crush this pandemic.

But there is neither a plan nor a joint approach. While Europe has extra vaccines, and Sub-Saharan Africa on the other hand has none.

When most of the world was staying at home, people in Yemen and Syria were fleeing from bombs.

Ideally, this should not have happened as, to avoid the virus there needs to be social distancing for individuals, not countries.

The Wuhan virus is a pressing issue, but climate change, on the other hand, is a long-term problem.

And we know how much politicians love the backburner.

If it's not on their calendar, it is not a pressing matter.

That's one reason why climate change is relegated to talking shops.

But why is climate action such a difficult issue?

A United Nations survey found that 64 per cent of people believe climate change is a global emergency.

The number sounds impressive, 60 per cent of people also believe the earth is round.

Science is not a matter of opinion, it is based on facts.

But politicians have used climate change to rally their support base.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;did that during his presidency and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro continues to do it in Brazil.

Denying climate change has become a political strategy and scientists have not been able to bust these theories.

They say the bigger tsunamis and hurricanes are caused by climate change. But proving this link is difficult.

For instance, the oceans are rising, that's a fact, but it's not something you can see by going to the beach every day.

So the first challenge is to accept the problem. The second one is to accept responsibility.&nbsp;

Temperatures aren't rising themselves, so who triggered climate change in the first place?

Most of the pollution we see today is courtesy the West.

Even now, they make up more than half the global emissions. So it is a crisis that the West created, but now they want the whole world to solve it.

And this has created friction between the global north and south.

A lot of these people don't know where their next meal is coming from. Climate change is not their top priority and that should hardly be surprising.

If the choice is between fighting poverty and climate change, it is a no-brainer for the developing world.

So the solution lies in the developed world footing the bill.

They must transfer technology to developing nations, something which was the spirit of the 1992 Rio Declaration. It called for common, but differentiated responsibilities.

Is the West doing that? It isn't.&nbsp;Instead of transferring technology and money, it is outsourcing its pollution to the global south. And then telling countries to set up better targets. There is also no denying that our modern lifestyle is part of the problem and we prefer cars over walking or biking.

We pack most of our groceries in polythene, instead of paper. These may appear small, but imagine seven billion people doing the same every day.&nbsp;

Climate change is unlike any challenge humanity has faced because unlike pandemics and wars, here we have a warning.&nbsp;

We have time to prepare for the impending disaster, but we are not exactly making good use of it.

We're arguing and grandstanding, instead of acting.

We end this argument with this observation that with masks and vaccines, we can beat the Wuhan virus. But when the oceans rise, there is no fix.

When the air becomes unbreathable, masks will not work.

So it's time for world leaders to pull up their socks as we have had more than enough summits on climate change.

What we need now is concrete and legal action.

Climate change is the punching bag of world politics and is the footnote of every joint diplomatic statement. When rivals cannot find common ground, they talk about climate instead.

Climate change is the punching bag of world politics and is the footnote of every joint diplomatic statement. When rivals cannot find common ground, they talk about climate instead. That's what the US and China are doing as they can't agree on anything, so they are discussing climate change. Watch | The same is the case with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended US President Joe Biden's climate summit, but he is silent on a proposed one-on-one meeting. Politicians love to call themselves allies of nature, but can they unite to deal with climate change? The question arises as their track record is not impressive. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit Look at the Wuhan virus pandemic, thousands of people are dying every day. It's been more than a year and we are still waiting for a coordinated global response. We talk about a globalised world, but when the tragedy struck it was every country for itself. From travel bans to now vaccines, every decision has been unilateral. The world has more than enough resources to crush this pandemic. But there is neither a plan nor a joint approach. While Europe has extra vaccines, and Sub-Saharan Africa on the other hand has none. When most of the world was staying at home, people in Yemen and Syria were fleeing from bombs. Ideally, this should not have happened as, to avoid the virus there needs to be social distancing for individuals, not countries. The Wuhan virus is a pressing issue, but climate change, on the other hand, is a long-term problem. And we know how much politicians love the backburner. If it's not on their calendar, it is not a pressing matter. That's one reason why climate change is relegated to talking shops. But why is climate action such a difficult issue? A United Nations survey found that 64 per cent of people believe climate change is a global emergency. The number sounds impressive, 60 per cent of people also believe the earth is round. Science is not a matter of opinion, it is based on facts. But politicians have used climate change to rally their support base. Donald Trump did that during his presidency and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro continues to do it in Brazil. Denying climate change has become a political strategy and scientists have not been able to bust these theories. They say the bigger tsunamis and hurricanes are caused by climate change. But proving this link is difficult. For instance, the oceans are rising, that's a fact, but it's not something you can see by going to the beach every day. So the first challenge is to accept the problem. The second one is to accept responsibility. Temperatures aren't rising themselves, so who triggered climate change in the first place? Most of the pollution we see today is courtesy the West. Even now, they make up more than half the global emissions. So it is a crisis that the West created, but now they want the whole world to solve it. And this has created friction between the global north and south. A lot of these people don't know where their next meal is coming from. Climate change is not their top priority and that should hardly be surprising. If the choice is between fighting poverty and climate change, it is a no-brainer for the developing world. So the solution lies in the developed world footing the bill. They must transfer technology to developing nations, something which was the spirit of the 1992 Rio Declaration. It called for common, but differentiated responsibilities. Is the West doing that? It isn't. Instead of transferring technology and money, it is outsourcing its pollution to the global south. And then telling countries to set up better targets. There is also no denying that our modern lifestyle is part of the problem and we prefer cars over walking or biking. We pack most of our groceries in polythene, instead of paper. These may appear small, but imagine seven billion people doing the same every day. Climate change is unlike any challenge humanity has faced because unlike pandemics and wars, here we have a warning. We have time to prepare for the impending disaster, but we are not exactly making good use of it. We're arguing and grandstanding, instead of acting. We end this argument with this observation that with masks and vaccines, we can beat the Wuhan virus. But when the oceans rise, there is no fix. When the air becomes unbreathable, masks will not work. So it's time for world leaders to pull up their socks as we have had more than enough summits on climate change. What we need now is concrete and legal action.

Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits

Joe Biden kick-started leaders summit on climate crisis. 40 world leaders including Narendra Modi, Presidents of Russia & China joined. Each leader pledged their part of 'climate action' on the summit which coincides with Earth Day 2021. Here's a roundup from day 1.

World leaders address climate crisis in a virtual summit

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

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

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

Joe Biden to unveil historic tax increase for the rich

Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, has been proven guilty for the murder of George Floyd.&nbsp;

It's a watershed moment not just for Americans, but for millions around the world.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americas-virus-of-racism-yet-to-be-eradicated-379126/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

All the people who were mobilised after seeing the video of Floyd's death now celebrate this 'historic' verdict.

However, there are some questions that need answers.&nbsp;

What does the verdict really change? Does it put an end to racism? Does it eradicate the disproportionate use of force?

As the verdict was being announced, the US felt the sting of another killing, a Black teenage girl who was shot dead by white cops in Columbus, Ohio.

She was just 15-years-old.

It tells you that the US's pandemic of racism is far from being over.&nbsp;

Let's first look at some reactions to the verdict of Floyd's murder.&nbsp;

"This is a stunning moment in history", Eliza Orlins, candidate for Manhattan district attorney said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-slams-systemic-racism-calls-floyd-verdict-a-relief-378899">US President Joe Biden slams 'systemic racism'; calls Floyd verdict a 'relief'</a> 
&nbsp;

"With the verdict today, I feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders," Semhra Solomon, Minneapolis area resident, said.&nbsp;

London Williams, a DC resident said: "Thank god, thank you Jesus."

"No one should be above the law. And today's verdict sends that message," US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>said.&nbsp;

US Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris </a>said: "Today we feel a sigh of relief. Still, it cannot take away the pain."

The US is breathing a sigh of relief and the world can't help but discuss it.

The news is truly worthy of global coverage because it's rare for a white American cop to be convicted for the murder of a Black man.

However, when Chauvin was being pronounced guilty, 764 miles away in Columbus, Ohio, a Black teenager was shot dead by white cops.

Makiyah Bryant was trying to fend off a physical assault by a group of adult women.

She called the police and picked a knife to defend herself.

When the cops arrived, they shot Bryant instead, assuming her to be the assailant.

Let's listen to the conversation during her killing.&nbsp;

Officer's voice: "Hey, what's going on? Hey, hey, get down! Get down!"

(sound of four gunshots, voices screaming)

Officer's voice: "She had a knife. She just went at her."

Man's voice: "She's just a (expletive) kid. A (expletive) kid."

(sound of people screaming)

Officer's voice: "She came at her with a knife."

Another black life has been lost and another hashtag has been born: #JusticeForMakiyahBryant.

Yet another protest has begun.

Will Bryant get justice just as Floyd did?

There's no guarantee and the figures tell us the reason.&nbsp;

Since 2005, 139 police officers have been arrested for murder, of these only 44 have been convicted.&nbsp;Also, out of these 44, only 7 have been convicted for murder.&nbsp;The rest got away with prison sentences for a few months.

The rate of police shooting between 2015 and 2021 also shows a disparity based on ethnicity.

Among Black Americans, the figure stands at 35 police shootings per million of the population and for Hispanics, it is 26 per million of the population.

And for White Americans, the figure is just 14 police shootings per million of the population.

The conviction of Chauvin is indeed a pivotal moment and undoubtedly calls for a celebration.

But, it will take far more than one conviction to eradicate the virus of racism in America.

Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, has been proven guilty for the murder of George Floyd. It's a watershed moment not just for Americans, but for millions around the world.

Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, has been proven guilty for the murder of George Floyd. It's a watershed moment not just for Americans, but for millions around the world. All the people who were mobilised after seeing the video of Floyd's death now celebrate this 'historic' verdict. However, there are some questions that need answers. What does the verdict really change? Does it put an end to racism? Does it eradicate the disproportionate use of force? As the verdict was being announced, the US felt the sting of another killing, a Black teenage girl who was shot dead by white cops in Columbus, Ohio. She was just 15-years-old. It tells you that the US's pandemic of racism is far from being over. Let's first look at some reactions to the verdict of Floyd's murder. "This is a stunning moment in history", Eliza Orlins, candidate for Manhattan district attorney said. Also read | US President Joe Biden slams 'systemic racism'; calls Floyd verdict a 'relief' "With the verdict today, I feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders," Semhra Solomon, Minneapolis area resident, said. London Williams, a DC resident said: "Thank god, thank you Jesus." "No one should be above the law. And today's verdict sends that message," US President Joe Biden said. US Vice President Kamala Harris said: "Today we feel a sigh of relief. Still, it cannot take away the pain." The US is breathing a sigh of relief and the world can't help but discuss it. The news is truly worthy of global coverage because it's rare for a white American cop to be convicted for the murder of a Black man. However, when Chauvin was being pronounced guilty, 764 miles away in Columbus, Ohio, a Black teenager was shot dead by white cops. Makiyah Bryant was trying to fend off a physical assault by a group of adult women. She called the police and picked a knife to defend herself. When the cops arrived, they shot Bryant instead, assuming her to be the assailant. Let's listen to the conversation during her killing. Officer's voice: "Hey, what's going on? Hey, hey, get down! Get down!" (sound of four gunshots, voices screaming) Officer's voice: "She had a knife. She just went at her." Man's voice: "She's just a (expletive) kid. A (expletive) kid." (sound of people screaming) Officer's voice: "She came at her with a knife." Another black life has been lost and another hashtag has been born: #JusticeForMakiyahBryant. Yet another protest has begun. Will Bryant get justice just as Floyd did? There's no guarantee and the figures tell us the reason. Since 2005, 139 police officers have been arrested for murder, of these only 44 have been convicted. Also, out of these 44, only 7 have been convicted for murder. The rest got away with prison sentences for a few months. The rate of police shooting between 2015 and 2021 also shows a disparity based on ethnicity. Among Black Americans, the figure stands at 35 police shootings per million of the population and for Hispanics, it is 26 per million of the population. And for White Americans, the figure is just 14 police shootings per million of the population. The conviction of Chauvin is indeed a pivotal moment and undoubtedly calls for a celebration. But, it will take far more than one conviction to eradicate the virus of racism in America.

Despite George Floyd verdict, US still needs to fight hard the 'racism virus'

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened an international climate summit in which he said that Washington "isn't waiting" to lead on a "moral and economic imperative" issue.&nbsp;

"The cost of inaction keeps mounting. The United States isn't waiting," Biden said in his address of the two-day summit being hosted virtually by the White House.

Biden said that he aims to build infrastructure that can produce and deploy cleaner technology for "those we harness today and those we will invent tomorrow".&nbsp;

He said that he has spoken to climate experts and sees a "prosperous" and an "equitable" future.&nbsp;

The US president also talked about a host of actions that the US is taking to fight climate change, in which he talked about the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their infrastructure, the building of green hydrogen, among others.&nbsp;

"The US sets out on the road to cut greenhouse gases by half at the end of this decade," Biden said.

"These steps will set America on a path at net zero emissions of the economy by no later than 2050."

But, he warned, "no nation can solve this crisis on their own".&nbsp;

Biden also told the summit that the US will double aid to developing nations who are battling the climate crisis.

"To help them meet that goal, the United States will double... by 2024 our annual public climate financing development to developing countries," he said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened an international climate summit in which he said that Washington "isn't waiting" to lead on a "moral and economic imperative" issue.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened an international climate summit in which he said that Washington "isn't waiting" to lead on a "moral and economic imperative" issue. "The cost of inaction keeps mounting. The United States isn't waiting," Biden said in his address of the two-day summit being hosted virtually by the White House. Biden said that he aims to build infrastructure that can produce and deploy cleaner technology for "those we harness today and those we will invent tomorrow". He said that he has spoken to climate experts and sees a "prosperous" and an "equitable" future. The US president also talked about a host of actions that the US is taking to fight climate change, in which he talked about the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their infrastructure, the building of green hydrogen, among others. "The US sets out on the road to cut greenhouse gases by half at the end of this decade," Biden said. "These steps will set America on a path at net zero emissions of the economy by no later than 2050." But, he warned, "no nation can solve this crisis on their own". Biden also told the summit that the US will double aid to developing nations who are battling the climate crisis. "To help them meet that goal, the United States will double... by 2024 our annual public climate financing development to developing countries," he said.

'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit

The US President has invited 40 world leaders, including Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, to the summit.

United States President Joe Biden holds virtual climate summit

US Climate Summit 2021: 40 World Leaders invited to join the summit virtuality

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

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

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

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

Biden is likely going to use the word "genocide" as part of a statement on April 24 when annual commemorations for the victims are held around the world, three sources familiar with the matter said.

Biden expected to recognize massacre of Armenians as genocide

The Biden administration has conveyed to New Delhi that it understands India's pharmaceutical requirements and promised to give the matter a due consideration

'We understand India's pharmaceutical requirements', says Biden Administration

China's President Xi Jinping will attend a virtual climate summit this week hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday, as political tensions&nbsp;between the two countries remain high.&nbsp;

Xi will give an "important speech" at the meeting, the statement said, which comes days after climate envoys from the two countries met in Shanghai and pledged to cooperate on the pressing issue of climate change.

Biden&nbsp;has invited 40 world leaders to the&nbsp;climate&nbsp;summit, part of his effort to make the fight against global warming a top priority.

Beijing and Washington have persistently clashed over a range of issues from alleged human rights abuses to China's economic clout over other nations.

In Alaska last month, US&nbsp;and Chinese officials held the first high-level in-person talks that bristled with rancor and yielded no diplomatic breakthroughs.

But the two countries, the world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters, have rediscovered a common interest in battling climate change.

Last week, US&nbsp;climate envoy John Kerry travelled to Shanghai to meet with his Chinese counterpart in the first high-level visit to China by a Biden administration official. Both agreed on concrete actions "in the 2020s" to reduce emissions.

The talks also marked a resumption of climate dialogue halted during the Donald Trump administration, who withdrew from the Paris agreement.

(With input from agencies)

China's President Xi Jinping will attend a virtual climate summit this week hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday, as political tensions between the two countries remain high.

China's President Xi Jinping will attend a virtual climate summit this week hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday, as political tensions between the two countries remain high. Xi will give an "important speech" at the meeting, the statement said, which comes days after climate envoys from the two countries met in Shanghai and pledged to cooperate on the pressing issue of climate change. Biden has invited 40 world leaders to the climate summit, part of his effort to make the fight against global warming a top priority. Beijing and Washington have persistently clashed over a range of issues from alleged human rights abuses to China's economic clout over other nations. In Alaska last month, US and Chinese officials held the first high-level in-person talks that bristled with rancor and yielded no diplomatic breakthroughs. But the two countries, the world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters, have rediscovered a common interest in battling climate change. Last week, US climate envoy John Kerry travelled to Shanghai to meet with his Chinese counterpart in the first high-level visit to China by a Biden administration official. Both agreed on concrete actions "in the 2020s" to reduce emissions. The talks also marked a resumption of climate dialogue halted during the Donald Trump administration, who withdrew from the Paris agreement. (With input from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend virtual climate summit called by Biden

US President Joe Biden called systemic racism a "stain on our nation's soul" in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday after a white former police officer was convicted of murdering a Black man during an arrest.

Biden spoke out after a jury in the Midwestern city of Minneapolis found Derek Chauvin guilty of intentionally suffocating handcuffed George Floyd as he lay defenceless, with the officer's knee pressing on his neck for more than nine minutes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/memorial-honors-victims-of-gun-violence-epidemic-in-us-378516/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The president called for "confronting head on systemic racism and the racial disparities that exist in policing and our criminal justice system" but pleaded for protesters to steer clear of violence.

"There are those who will seek to exploit the raw emotions in the moment -- agitators and extremists who have no interest in social justice," he warned. "We can't let them succeed."

A jury deliberated less than 11 hours before finding the 45-year-old Chauvin guilty of all three charges against him -- second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.

The unanimous verdict came after a racially charged three-week trial that was seen as a pivotal test of police accountability in the United States.

Appearing alongside Biden, Kamala Harris, America's first Black vice president, spoke first to articulate the "relief" the nation was feeling over justice being served but acknowledged that the result couldn't "take away the pain" of Floyd's murder.

"A measure of justice is not the same as equal justice. This verdict brings us a step closer. We still have work to do. We still have to reform the system," she said.

She vowed to work with Biden to urge the Senate to pass "long overdue" legislation on police accountability, saying Black men had been treated as "less than humans" throughout US history.&nbsp;

"Here is the truth about racial injustice: It is not just a Black America problem or a 'people of color' problem. It is a problem for every American," she said.

US President Joe Biden called systemic racism a "stain on our nation's soul" in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday after a white former police officer was convicted of murdering a Black man during an arrest.

US President Joe Biden called systemic racism a "stain on our nation's soul" in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday after a white former police officer was convicted of murdering a Black man during an arrest. Biden spoke out after a jury in the Midwestern city of Minneapolis found Derek Chauvin guilty of intentionally suffocating handcuffed George Floyd as he lay defenceless, with the officer's knee pressing on his neck for more than nine minutes. The president called for "confronting head on systemic racism and the racial disparities that exist in policing and our criminal justice system" but pleaded for protesters to steer clear of violence. "There are those who will seek to exploit the raw emotions in the moment -- agitators and extremists who have no interest in social justice," he warned. "We can't let them succeed." A jury deliberated less than 11 hours before finding the 45-year-old Chauvin guilty of all three charges against him -- second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. The unanimous verdict came after a racially charged three-week trial that was seen as a pivotal test of police accountability in the United States. Appearing alongside Biden, Kamala Harris, America's first Black vice president, spoke first to articulate the "relief" the nation was feeling over justice being served but acknowledged that the result couldn't "take away the pain" of Floyd's murder. "A measure of justice is not the same as equal justice. This verdict brings us a step closer. We still have work to do. We still have to reform the system," she said. She vowed to work with Biden to urge the Senate to pass "long overdue" legislation on police accountability, saying Black men had been treated as "less than humans" throughout US history. "Here is the truth about racial injustice: It is not just a Black America problem or a 'people of color' problem. It is a problem for every American," she said.

US President Joe Biden slams 'systemic racism'; calls Floyd verdict a 'relief'

The Biden administration has conveyed to New Delhi that it understands India's pharmaceutical requirements and promised to give the matter due consideration, observing that the current difficulty in the export of critical raw materials needed to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines is mainly due to an Act that forces American companies to prioritise domestic consumption.

President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump had invoked the war-time Defence Production Act (DPA) that leaves US companies with no option but to give priority to the production of COVID-19 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for domestic production to combat the deadly pandemic in America, the worst-hit nation.

Since the US has ramped up the production of COVID-19 vaccines mostly by Pfizer and Moderna to meet the goal of vaccinating its entire population by July 4, the suppliers of its raw material, which is in high demand globally and sought after by major Indian manufacturers, are being forced to provide it only for domestic manufacturers.

Among other things, the DPA, which was enacted in 1950, authorises the US President to require businesses to accept and prioritise contracts for materials deemed necessary for national defence, regardless of a loss incurred on business.

The issue received global attention in recent days after Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), tagged President Biden in a tweet.

"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. Your administration has the details," he tweeted.

The Serum Institute of India is the world's largest producer of the COVID-19 vaccine. Neither the US nor India has released details of the raw material that it is asking from the US.

In recent weeks, India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been taking up the matter with the Biden administration officials. During his meetings with the US interlocutors, the top Indian diplomat has sought a smooth supply of certain inputs for the production of COVID-19 vaccines in India.

Also, officials from the two sides have held discussions to ease the supply of critical materials, considering their increased requirements in both the US and India.

US side has clarified that there are no export restrictions on such items and that domestic regulations have only prioritised the use of these materials for the production of vaccines in the US, sources familiar with the conversations told news agency PTI on Monday.

Informed sources told news agency Press Trust of India that the Biden administration has conveyed to India that they understand India's requirements and has promised to give the matter due consideration. The US officials, in these meetings, have acknowledged the larger framework of the India-US health cooperation. It is believed that the US Embassy in Delhi is also in contact with the relevant Indian stakeholders.

The Indian Embassy in Washington continues to be in touch with the US administration to find ways to ease the supply chain for vaccine production, consistent with the shared commitment to deepen the India-US health partnership, particularly in the context of COVID-19.

The Quad Vaccine Initiative, under which India will manufacture US-developed vaccines - Novovax and Johnson &amp; Johnson - is a concrete example of the US-India partnership. The Vaccine Experts' Group, which has been constituted under the Quad, has already begun its work, sources noted.

During the telephonic conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, the two top diplomats also discussed the coronavirus pandemic and ways to deal with it.

Earlier in the day, the White House refrained from answering questions on the export ban on COVID-19 raw materials.

Asked about the Serum Institute of India's request for the supply of raw materials, both Dr Anthony Fauci, Director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Dr Andy Slacitt, White House COVID-19 response senior advisor said that they do not have an answer yet.

"I don't, I'm sorry... we could get back to you on that. I'm sure. But I don't have anything for you right now," Dr Fauci said.

"Let me get back to you. Suffice to say we are taking very seriously the global threat from the pandemic. We've been a leader in the funding of COVAX, have done several bilateral transfers of vaccines, and are looking very hard and taking very seriously all of these complex issues, we'll get back to you on specifics," Dr Slavitt said.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, when a similar question was asked during her daily news conference, referred to a recent speech at the WTO by US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

"The significant inequalities we are seeing in access to vaccines between developed and developing countries are completely unacceptable. Extraordinary times require extraordinary leadership, communication and creativity," she said.

We of course are working with WTO members on a global response to COVID. That includes several components, whether it's USD 4 billion commitment to COVAX or discussions about how we can aid and assist countries that need help the most.

"Our focus is on determining the most effective steps that will help get the pandemic under control. We don't have anything further in terms of next steps or a timeline, but we are considering a range of options," Psaki added.

The Biden administration has conveyed to New Delhi that it understands India's pharmaceutical requirements and promised to give the matter due consideration, observing that the current difficulty in the export of critical raw materials needed to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines is mainly due to an Act that forces American companies to prioritise domestic consumption.

The Biden administration has conveyed to New Delhi that it understands India's pharmaceutical requirements and promised to give the matter due consideration, observing that the current difficulty in the export of critical raw materials needed to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines is mainly due to an Act that forces American companies to prioritise domestic consumption. President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump had invoked the war-time Defence Production Act (DPA) that leaves US companies with no option but to give priority to the production of COVID-19 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for domestic production to combat the deadly pandemic in America, the worst-hit nation. Since the US has ramped up the production of COVID-19 vaccines mostly by Pfizer and Moderna to meet the goal of vaccinating its entire population by July 4, the suppliers of its raw material, which is in high demand globally and sought after by major Indian manufacturers, are being forced to provide it only for domestic manufacturers. Among other things, the DPA, which was enacted in 1950, authorises the US President to require businesses to accept and prioritise contracts for materials deemed necessary for national defence, regardless of a loss incurred on business. The issue received global attention in recent days after Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), tagged President Biden in a tweet. "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. Your administration has the details," he tweeted. The Serum Institute of India is the world's largest producer of the COVID-19 vaccine. Neither the US nor India has released details of the raw material that it is asking from the US. In recent weeks, India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been taking up the matter with the Biden administration officials. During his meetings with the US interlocutors, the top Indian diplomat has sought a smooth supply of certain inputs for the production of COVID-19 vaccines in India. Also, officials from the two sides have held discussions to ease the supply of critical materials, considering their increased requirements in both the US and India. US side has clarified that there are no export restrictions on such items and that domestic regulations have only prioritised the use of these materials for the production of vaccines in the US, sources familiar with the conversations told news agency PTI on Monday. Informed sources told news agency Press Trust of India that the Biden administration has conveyed to India that they understand India's requirements and has promised to give the matter due consideration. The US officials, in these meetings, have acknowledged the larger framework of the India-US health cooperation. It is believed that the US Embassy in Delhi is also in contact with the relevant Indian stakeholders. The Indian Embassy in Washington continues to be in touch with the US administration to find ways to ease the supply chain for vaccine production, consistent with the shared commitment to deepen the India-US health partnership, particularly in the context of COVID-19. The Quad Vaccine Initiative, under which India will manufacture US-developed vaccines - Novovax and Johnson & Johnson - is a concrete example of the US-India partnership. The Vaccine Experts' Group, which has been constituted under the Quad, has already begun its work, sources noted. During the telephonic conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, the two top diplomats also discussed the coronavirus pandemic and ways to deal with it. Earlier in the day, the White House refrained from answering questions on the export ban on COVID-19 raw materials. Asked about the Serum Institute of India's request for the supply of raw materials, both Dr Anthony Fauci, Director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Dr Andy Slacitt, White House COVID-19 response senior advisor said that they do not have an answer yet. "I don't, I'm sorry... we could get back to you on that. I'm sure. But I don't have anything for you right now," Dr Fauci said. "Let me get back to you. Suffice to say we are taking very seriously the global threat from the pandemic. We've been a leader in the funding of COVAX, have done several bilateral transfers of vaccines, and are looking very hard and taking very seriously all of these complex issues, we'll get back to you on specifics," Dr Slavitt said. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, when a similar question was asked during her daily news conference, referred to a recent speech at the WTO by US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. "The significant inequalities we are seeing in access to vaccines between developed and developing countries are completely unacceptable. Extraordinary times require extraordinary leadership, communication and creativity," she said. We of course are working with WTO members on a global response to COVID. That includes several components, whether it's USD 4 billion commitment to COVAX or discussions about how we can aid and assist countries that need help the most. "Our focus is on determining the most effective steps that will help get the pandemic under control. We don't have anything further in terms of next steps or a timeline, but we are considering a range of options," Psaki added.

US understand India’s pharmaceutical requirements: Joe Biden

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