The final countdown for the US midterm elections begin, the competition is heating up between the Democrats and the Republicans; swing state of Florida could be the kingmakers.

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US Midterm Elections: Clinton to Biden on the campaign trail

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Russian oligarch admits to meddling | Global leaders gather at COP27

As mid-term elections loom the horizon, the White House on Monday said that the United State's support for Ukraine's war efforts will be "unwavering" even if Republicans were to win the elections. Talking to reporters Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the support will be unwavering and unflinching. "We are confident the United States' support will be unflinching and will be unwavering."

Watch now |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Republicans turn the tables in US Midterm Election?

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Meanwhile,&nbsp;National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that communication channels between Washington and Moscow are still open.&nbsp;He said that it was "in the interests" of the country although they are "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with".

Reports have been doing the rounds that Sullivan has been in contact with Moscow to&nbsp;prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine.&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal reported that&nbsp;Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.

However, Republicans have expressed concerns about the level of expenditure the US is bearing on Ukraine's behalf.

There won't be a "blank check" for Ukraine if the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives, said Kevin McCarthy, who could end up as speaker if Republicans take the edge.

Despite opposition from hard-right members sympathetic to the previous president Donald Trump, the Republican base as a whole supports Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-us-persistently-spreading-a-groundless-rumour-of-arms-dealings-between-it-and-russia-532032" hreflang="en">North Korea claims US persistently spreading a groundless 'rumour of arms dealings' between it and Russia</a>

Republicans who have been influenced by Donald Trump have criticised the magnitude of US aid to Ukraine, which includes an $11.2 billion request from President Biden and the $40 billion that was unanimously approved in May.

However, not all Republicans think that way. The head of the Senate's Republican party, Mitch McConnell, as per AFP has vowed to go further than Biden and expedite the acquisition of weapons, including ones with a greater range.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-boss-elon-musk-asks-us-voters-to-vote-for-republican-congress-531962" hreflang="en">US Midterms: Twitter boss Elon Musk asks Americans to vote for 'Republican Congress'</a>

Meanwhile, Mike Pence, who served as Trump's vice president, recently took direct aim at opponents of arming Ukraine.

As per Reuters Republicans would be able to suspend funding to Ukraine if they had control of Capitol Hill. However, as per the report, they are more likely to cut down or scale down the flow of economic and military help to Kyiv.

The outcome of certain close contests, as well as who will control Congress, may not be known for days or even weeks, according to experts.

According to the US Elections Project, which keeps track of early voting, more than 43 million Americans have already cast their ballots, either in person or by mail.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As mid-term elections loom the horizon, the White House on Monday said that the United State's support for Ukraine's war efforts will be "unwavering" even if Republicans were to win the elections.

As mid-term elections loom the horizon, the White House on Monday said that the United State's support for Ukraine's war efforts will be "unwavering" even if Republicans were to win the elections. Talking to reporters Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the support will be unwavering and unflinching. "We are confident the United States' support will be unflinching and will be unwavering." Watch now | Gravitas: Will Republicans turn the tables in US Midterm Election? Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that communication channels between Washington and Moscow are still open. He said that it was "in the interests" of the country although they are "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with". Reports have been doing the rounds that Sullivan has been in contact with Moscow to prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reported that Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. However, Republicans have expressed concerns about the level of expenditure the US is bearing on Ukraine's behalf. There won't be a "blank check" for Ukraine if the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives, said Kevin McCarthy, who could end up as speaker if Republicans take the edge. Despite opposition from hard-right members sympathetic to the previous president Donald Trump, the Republican base as a whole supports Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion. Also read | North Korea claims US persistently spreading a groundless 'rumour of arms dealings' between it and Russia Republicans who have been influenced by Donald Trump have criticised the magnitude of US aid to Ukraine, which includes an $11.2 billion request from President Biden and the $40 billion that was unanimously approved in May. However, not all Republicans think that way. The head of the Senate's Republican party, Mitch McConnell, as per AFP has vowed to go further than Biden and expedite the acquisition of weapons, including ones with a greater range. Also read | US Midterms: Twitter boss Elon Musk asks Americans to vote for 'Republican Congress' Meanwhile, Mike Pence, who served as Trump's vice president, recently took direct aim at opponents of arming Ukraine. As per Reuters Republicans would be able to suspend funding to Ukraine if they had control of Capitol Hill. However, as per the report, they are more likely to cut down or scale down the flow of economic and military help to Kyiv. The outcome of certain close contests, as well as who will control Congress, may not be known for days or even weeks, according to experts. According to the US Elections Project, which keeps track of early voting, more than 43 million Americans have already cast their ballots, either in person or by mail. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House vows 'unwavering' and 'unflinching' support for Ukraine, even if Republicans win midterm elections

Every year the frequency of climate-related extreme weather is increasing, however, half of the world's nations still lack sophisticated early warning systems that could save lives. Attempting to overcome this shortfall, the UN on Monday unveiled a five-year proposal to develop a global early warning system for expensive and deadly extreme weather events.

The system will cost an estimated $3.1 billion, which, according to Antonio Guterres, the chief of the UN is a tiny price to pay for techniques that have been proven to save thousands, if not millions, of lives.

Also read |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | COP27 Summit: Egypt looks at developed nations to fulfil financial purpose

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Speaking at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, Guterres said that it will cost $3.1 billion, or less than 50 cents per person, and that "he has called for every person on Earth to be protected by early warning systems within five years, with the priority to support the most vulnerable first."

Petteri Taalas, director-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said in a statement that "early warnings save lives" and offer significant economic benefits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-2022-europe-experienced-the-worst-drought-since-middle-ages-which-killed-around-15000-died-who-532008" hreflang="en">In 2022, Europe experienced the worst drought since the Middle Ages; it&nbsp;killed around 15,000 people: WHO</a>

"Just 24 hours notice of an impending hazardous event can cut the ensuing damage by 30 per cent."

According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, developing nations could prevent losses ranging from $3 billion to $16 billion annually by investing just $800 million in such systems.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-past-eight-years-were-the-hottest-ever-in-history-says-united-nations-531682" hreflang="en">COP27: Past eight years were the hottest ever in history, says United Nations</a>

As per an AFP report quoting UN data, &nbsp;disaster-related deaths are eight times more common in nations with weak infrastructure than in those with effective safeguards.

Early warning systems for floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, and other calamities allow for disaster mitigation planning which over the past 20 years, has helped decrease the number of fatalities and missing people by 50 per cent, even as the number of individuals affected by disasters has nearly doubled.

Every year the frequency of climate-related extreme weather is increasing, however, half of the world's nations still lack sophisticated early warning systems that could save lives.

Every year the frequency of climate-related extreme weather is increasing, however, half of the world's nations still lack sophisticated early warning systems that could save lives. Attempting to overcome this shortfall, the UN on Monday unveiled a five-year proposal to develop a global early warning system for expensive and deadly extreme weather events. The system will cost an estimated $3.1 billion, which, according to Antonio Guterres, the chief of the UN is a tiny price to pay for techniques that have been proven to save thousands, if not millions, of lives. Also read | WION Climate Tracker | COP27 Summit: Egypt looks at developed nations to fulfil financial purpose Speaking at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, Guterres said that it will cost $3.1 billion, or less than 50 cents per person, and that "he has called for every person on Earth to be protected by early warning systems within five years, with the priority to support the most vulnerable first." Petteri Taalas, director-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said in a statement that "early warnings save lives" and offer significant economic benefits. Also read | In 2022, Europe experienced the worst drought since the Middle Ages; it killed around 15,000 people: WHO "Just 24 hours notice of an impending hazardous event can cut the ensuing damage by 30 per cent." According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, developing nations could prevent losses ranging from $3 billion to $16 billion annually by investing just $800 million in such systems. Also read | COP27: Past eight years were the hottest ever in history, says United Nations As per an AFP report quoting UN data, disaster-related deaths are eight times more common in nations with weak infrastructure than in those with effective safeguards. Early warning systems for floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, and other calamities allow for disaster mitigation planning which over the past 20 years, has helped decrease the number of fatalities and missing people by 50 per cent, even as the number of individuals affected by disasters has nearly doubled.

COP27: UN chief announces global early warning system 'that can save thousands, if not millions, of lives'

We are now eight months into the relentless war in Ukraine and there's now been an increasing buzz that India could potentially play a key role as a mediator between Russia and the West.

Former US Ambassador to India Tim Roemer: We will have an ambassador soon

One of the biggest sectors that are facing troubles in China is property sector and here Evergrande has been one of the most indebted property giants.

WION Business News | China's Evergrande loses $770 million in Hong Kong deal

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light. Recent reports suggested that the disruptive rules may soon be taken down. However, on Saturday health officials dashed this hope and said that China would "unswervingly" stick to the policy.

The announcement as per the Guardian comes after days of speculation around the rules that have disrupted economic growth and day-to-day life in China.

Watch |&nbsp;China sticks to its ‘Zero Covid’ policy, insists it being key to protecting people’s lives

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As per reports currently, there are roughly 200 lockdowns in place across China.

Hu Xiang, disease control officer with China's national health commission, said Wednesday that the nation's restrictions were the most sensible and efficient course of action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-years-of-covid-was-his-entire-life-in-china-child-dies-due-to-lockdown-rules-father-offered-hush-money-530653">'3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money</a>

Talking to reporters, she said, "We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds."

This, as just a few days back as per a Reuters report, a former Chinese disease control official during a conference claimed that substantial changes to the country's "dynamic-Zero" COVID policy are expected in the coming months.

Speaking at a session titled "China's Exit Strategy from Zero-COVID", Zeng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "the situation is changing now and China's 'dynamic zero' will also undergo major changes. Substantive changes will happen soon."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-hitting-a-six-month-high-china-reports-over-3000-covid-cases-531440">COVID-19: Day after hitting a six-month high, China reports over 3,800 new cases</a>

Reportedly, a three-year-old boy's death in a residential compound that was under quarantine had fueled growing dissatisfaction with the anti-virus regulations. This had also sparked rumours of policy changes.&nbsp;

With investors and the general public latching on to any signals of change, last week's talk of easing had boosted stock markets in China, and by Wednesday the MSCI China Index had gained $450 billion.

Thursday saw the country report a six-month high of 4,045 new infections. A day later the number fell a bit to 3,837.&nbsp;

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light.

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light. Recent reports suggested that the disruptive rules may soon be taken down. However, on Saturday health officials dashed this hope and said that China would "unswervingly" stick to the policy. The announcement as per the Guardian comes after days of speculation around the rules that have disrupted economic growth and day-to-day life in China. Watch | China sticks to its ‘Zero Covid’ policy, insists it being key to protecting people’s lives As per reports currently, there are roughly 200 lockdowns in place across China. Hu Xiang, disease control officer with China's national health commission, said Wednesday that the nation's restrictions were the most sensible and efficient course of action. Also read | '3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money Talking to reporters, she said, "We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds." This, as just a few days back as per a Reuters report, a former Chinese disease control official during a conference claimed that substantial changes to the country's "dynamic-Zero" COVID policy are expected in the coming months. Speaking at a session titled "China's Exit Strategy from Zero-COVID", Zeng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "the situation is changing now and China's 'dynamic zero' will also undergo major changes. Substantive changes will happen soon." Also read | COVID-19: Day after hitting a six-month high, China reports over 3,800 new cases Reportedly, a three-year-old boy's death in a residential compound that was under quarantine had fueled growing dissatisfaction with the anti-virus regulations. This had also sparked rumours of policy changes. With investors and the general public latching on to any signals of change, last week's talk of easing had boosted stock markets in China, and by Wednesday the MSCI China Index had gained $450 billion. Thursday saw the country report a six-month high of 4,045 new infections. A day later the number fell a bit to 3,837.

No relief for the people: China to 'unswervingly' stick to its zero-COVID policy, says health official

Medibank Private Ltd, Australia's biggest health insurer, on Monday said no ransom payment will be made to the criminal responsible for a recent data theft, wherein around 9.7 million current and former customers' data was compromised.

WION Business News | Medibank: Data of 9.7 million customers leaked, no ransom payment will be made

After mass layoffs at Twitter, it is another big tech company's turn as the Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook parent Meta is reportedly set to lay off massive number of employees this week.

WION Business News | Meta preparing large-scale layoffs: Reports

Twitter is now reaching out to thousands of employees who lost their jobs last week, the social media giant have now asked them to return.

WION Business News | Twitter takes U-Turn post massive layoffs, asks fired employees to come back

The US Powerball jackpot has grown to a staggering $1.9 billion, which is the highest prize in world history. Lottery fever across the nation is at an all-time high as yet another week passed without a winner claiming the lucrative prize.

WION Business News | US Powerball jackpot soars to $1.9 billion, largest in history

Kherson is a southern state in Ukraine and these last eight months when the war has been underway, it has brought unprecedented changes in this region. The pro-Kremlin region has complained of no power, no water in the area.

War in Ukraine: Russia loses ground after referendum, Georgia booms as Russians flee Putin's war

At least 19 people died when a passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria in North Tanzania on Sunday while trying to land at a nearby airport. That's according to authorities who gave the revised number after just three deaths were reported earlier.

Tanzania: Passenger plane crashes into Lake Victoria, 19 dead

After the new administration took over in the United Kingdom, British trade policy Minister will be heading to Taiwan this week for talks to boost trade. The visit is significant as it will be a high-level engagement between a major Western country and Taiwan.

WION Dispatch: British ministers to meet Taiwan's President

Whether you are a gen Z or a millennial, you must have seen Britney Spears's recent crazy dance videos and also the inexplicable new pictures. Now clearly all of this has not gone down well with the Princess of Pop and the reason for the same is now out.

WION Dispatch: Britney Spears has incurable nerve damage

Mass lay-offs took place at Twitter on Friday. But some people seem to have been let go without thinking it through. Now Twitter wants them to come back.

WION Fineprint | Twitter re-hiring people it just fired

Gigi Hadid is the latest in the growing list of celebrities quitting Twitter. She believes free speech does not give people the right to spew hate speech.

WION Fineprint | Supermodel Gigi Hadid quits Twitter

India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar to hold bilateral talks with Russian counterpart. Trade, logistics and security are on the agenda.

WION Fineprint | India's bilateral talks with Russia

Tensions in the Korean Peninsula are peaking. South Korea has scrambled its jets after Seoul detected about 180 North Korean war planes. The North Korean Jets were detected flying north of the military border for over four hours on Friday.

North Korea vows 'resolute' military response, Pyongyang slams US-S.Korea drills

US Midterm Polls: Former President Donald Trump rallies for Florida governor

China's 'zero Covid' regime has saved many lives but has also slowed the country's economy. It has exacerbated the supply chain disruptions and kept millions under lockdown for months.

China: Zero Covid policy sparks worry among Beijing residents

Famous temple in India, the Tirupati temple has turned out to be richer than many top IT and other Blue Chip companies in the country. In fact it is built larger than many global MNCs.

WION Dispatch: Tirupati's $30 billion net worth, cash, gold offerings continue

Final countdown for US midterm elections begin, economic woes remain top voter concerns

Former South Korean President Moon Jae-In wants to return the puppies he was gifted by North Korea's Kim Jong-Un.

WION Fineprint | Former South Korean President wants to return North Korean puppies

A minister in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet has been accused of sending bullying texts. Gavin Williamson sent some offensive text messages to former Tory enforcer Wendy Morton. Interestingly, the minister is backed by Prime Minister Sunak.

UK PM Rishi Sunak stands by his cabinet minister accused of sending bullying texts

Twitter has delayed the rollout of its highly coveted paid blue check verification mark until after the US midterm elections, per a report by CNN. The publication said a source privy to the knowledge confirmed the decision to it.

Twitter has delayed the rollout of its highly coveted paid blue check verification mark until after the US midterm elections, per a report by CNN. The publication said a source privy to the knowledge confirmed the decision to it. The decision, if true, comes a couple of days after Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter announced that the platform had launched an updated version of its iOS app which allowed users to pay a monthly subscription fee and receive the blue checkmark on their profiles. As reported by WION, the iOS notification listed "half the ads," the option to submit longer videos to Twitter, and priority ranking for quality content as other advantages of the paid verification. Read more: Twitter's new iOS update lets users get the blue verification mark 'just like the celebrities' for $7.99 At the time of the launch of the updated version, media reports stated that the service will be available to Twitter users in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. After Musk announced his decision, several Hollywood celebrities tried to use the loophole of changing their names. However, Musk on Sunday said parody Twitter accounts will be “permanently suspended” if they do not specify 'Parody' in their bio. WATCH | Elon Musk to introduce a new feature on Twitter, UN urges CEO to ensure respect of human rights × Comedians Kathy Griffin and Sarah Silverman, and Australian satirical website the Chaser are among the accounts already known to be locked or suspended as a result, according to reports. "Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," Musk tweeted. Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying “parody” will be permanently suspended — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 × Read more: Elon Musk issues warning to Twitter parody account users "Previously, we issued a warning before the suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue," he said in a thread. Trying to defend his bans, Musk tweeted that his commitment to free speech “extends even to not banning the account following my plane, even though that is a direct personal safety risk.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Twitter delaying rollout of paid blue verification mark until after US midterm elections: Report

There's no let up in the tensions in the Korean Peninsula and in response to the US- South Korea joint military exercises, North Korean forces have vowed 'resolute' overwhelming military measures.

North Korea states US-South Korea drill 'an open provocation', vows 'resolute' military response

At least 10 people have died in Syria and a fresh escalation of violence War monitors blame the Syrian regime for the bombing, three children are among those who were killed on Sunday, dozens others were wounded in the strike.

War monitors claim at least 10 killed in Syria shelling of tent settlements

Countdown for US midterm elections begin, competition heats up between Democrats and Republicans

The UN climate summit has begun in Egypt and this year the focus is on implementation of climate goals. Speaking at the opening of COP27, the new executive secretary of the UN climate convention said that the conference should shift the focus towards the implementation of previously agreed plans.

COP27 begins in Egypt, UN climate chief urges nations to shift focus towards 'implementation' of goals

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