Vladimir Putin singled out the United States as the biggest threat to Russia in a naval doctrine unveiled on Sunday. What does this reveal about the Russian president's long-term strategic plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin singles out US as biggest threat to Russia

In the face of flaring geopolitical tensions, the global nuclear arsenal is set to rise in the coming years. For the first time since the cold war, the risk of such weapons being used is the greatest in decades. The data has been published in the annual report of the Stockholm international peace research institute.

Study: Global nuclear arsenal set to rise

Israel's security agencies have warned its citizens to immediately leave Turkey due to Iranian threats. Security officials have directly called and advised more than 100 Israeli citizens living in Turkey to return to Israel.

Report: Israel warns 100 of its citizens to leave Turkey over threat from Iran

Is the Israeli Prime Minister's life in danger? On Tuesday, @naftalibennet received a 'death threat' at his family residence. Wrapped inside was a bullet & a warning that read 'we will get to you'. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: 'We will get to you', Israel's PM receives a death threat

A plane carrying US military skydivers triggered a false alarm at the US Capitol prompting an evacuation of the complex, according to local media reports.

The US Capitol Police on Wednesday evening falsely identified a military aircraft as a “probable threat”. In fact, the plane was carrying US Army's Golden Knights demonstration team parachuting into a nearby Washington Nationals game.

Apparently, the US Capitol Police were not notified.

"Evacuate Now: Aircraft Intrusion" read the email subject line of a Capitol Police alert issued shortly after 6.30 pm, reports the CNN.

"The USCP is tracking an aircraft that poses a probable threat to the Capitol Complex," the email began, listing instructions for people at various locations at the complex.

About 20 minutes later, the Capitol Police found that there was no threat at all.

"The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening. There is no threat at the Capitol," the department&nbsp;tweeted.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed the Federal Aviation Administration for the apparent mix-up, blaming them for “causing unnecessary panic”.

“The Federal Aviation Administration’s apparent failure to notify Capitol Police of the pre-planned flyover Nationals Stadium is outrageous and inexcusable,” Pelosi said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ivanka-trump-testifes-to-us-capitol-assault-probe-468762">Ivanka Trump testifies to US Capitol assault probe</a>

“The unnecessary panic caused by this apparent negligence was particularly harmful for Members, staff and institutional workers still grappling with the trauma of the attack on their workplace on January 6th,” the top House Democrat added.&nbsp;

The House speaker went on to vow that Congress would hold FAA officials “accountable” for the breakdown in communication.

Several lawmakers and visitors present at the complex were shocked by the false alarm as the trauma of Capitol riots and the 9/11 attacks were still etched in everyone's memories.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-attack-trial-in-an-emotional-testimony-son-attests-against-father-459026">Capitol attack trial: In an emotional testimony, son attests against father</a>

“We just went through a very stressful 15 minutes, but we are thankful that everyone is safe,” congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez said on Twitter.

CNN’s congressional correspondent Ryan Nobles said he was among those evacuated, and that “for a good 15 minutes it was pretty frantic.”

“The alarms were loud and intense, and Capitol Police were not messing around getting people out,” he tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

A plane carrying US military skydivers triggered a false alarm at the US Capitol prompting an evacuation of the complex, according to local media reports. The US Capitol Police on Wednesday evening falsely identified a military aircraft as a “probable threat”.

A plane carrying US military skydivers triggered a false alarm at the US Capitol prompting an evacuation of the complex, according to local media reports. The US Capitol Police on Wednesday evening falsely identified a military aircraft as a “probable threat”. In fact, the plane was carrying US Army's Golden Knights demonstration team parachuting into a nearby Washington Nationals game. Apparently, the US Capitol Police were not notified. "Evacuate Now: Aircraft Intrusion" read the email subject line of a Capitol Police alert issued shortly after 6.30 pm, reports the CNN. "The USCP is tracking an aircraft that poses a probable threat to the Capitol Complex," the email began, listing instructions for people at various locations at the complex. About 20 minutes later, the Capitol Police found that there was no threat at all. "The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening. There is no threat at the Capitol," the department tweeted. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed the Federal Aviation Administration for the apparent mix-up, blaming them for “causing unnecessary panic”. “The Federal Aviation Administration’s apparent failure to notify Capitol Police of the pre-planned flyover Nationals Stadium is outrageous and inexcusable,” Pelosi said in a statement. Also read | Ivanka Trump testifies to US Capitol assault probe “The unnecessary panic caused by this apparent negligence was particularly harmful for Members, staff and institutional workers still grappling with the trauma of the attack on their workplace on January 6th,” the top House Democrat added. The House speaker went on to vow that Congress would hold FAA officials “accountable” for the breakdown in communication. Several lawmakers and visitors present at the complex were shocked by the false alarm as the trauma of Capitol riots and the 9/11 attacks were still etched in everyone's memories. Also read | Capitol attack trial: In an emotional testimony, son attests against father “We just went through a very stressful 15 minutes, but we are thankful that everyone is safe,” congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez said on Twitter. CNN’s congressional correspondent Ryan Nobles said he was among those evacuated, and that “for a good 15 minutes it was pretty frantic.” “The alarms were loud and intense, and Capitol Police were not messing around getting people out,” he tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Army plane carrying army skydivers triggers false alarm, police evacuate US Capitol over ‘probable threat’

All of us know that children face many threats in the online world - not just from cybercriminals, but also from tech companies that are simply not doing enough to ensure their safety. In this video, we tell you about a gaming platform that is being slammed for exposing children to shocking content.

Roblox exposes young gamers to shocking content

Several public high schools in Washington were evacuated after they received anonymous bomb threats. However, no explosives were found in any of these schools. A total of seven schools received bomb threats, namely: Dunbar High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Ron Brown High School, KIPP DC College Preparatory, IDEA Public Charter School, Seed Public Charter School and McKinley Tech High School.

Friendship Public Charter School became the eighth school to receive such a threat but fortunately, it was not in session.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), on Twitter, said that in each case, students were evacuated and the building searched and “cleared with no hazardous material found.”&nbsp;

A day after the threats, a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with "terroristic threats" in connection to multiple bomb threats.&nbsp;

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Update: a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, has been arrested and charged with Terroristic Threats in connection to multiple bomb threats yesterday. MPD continues to investigate these incidents with our federal partners.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/DCPoliceDept/status/1491776143711735809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, the police continue to investigate these incidents with the federal partners.

Earlier in November, very prestigious Ivy League universities in the US - Brown, Cornell and Columbia University had to evacuate parts of their campuses after receiving bomb threats. However, later, it turned out to be a false threat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several public high schools in Washington were evacuated after they received anonymous bomb threats. However, no explosives were found in any of these schools. A total of seven schools received bomb threats, namely: Dunbar High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Ron Brown High School, KIPP DC College Preparatory, IDEA Public Charter School, Seed Public Charter School and McKinley Tech High School.

Several public high schools in Washington were evacuated after they received anonymous bomb threats. However, no explosives were found in any of these schools. A total of seven schools received bomb threats, namely: Dunbar High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Ron Brown High School, KIPP DC College Preparatory, IDEA Public Charter School, Seed Public Charter School and McKinley Tech High School. Friendship Public Charter School became the eighth school to receive such a threat but fortunately, it was not in session. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), on Twitter, said that in each case, students were evacuated and the building searched and “cleared with no hazardous material found.” A day after the threats, a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with "terroristic threats" in connection to multiple bomb threats. Update: a 16-year old juvenile male, of Southeast, DC, has been arrested and charged with Terroristic Threats in connection to multiple bomb threats yesterday. MPD continues to investigate these incidents with our federal partners. — DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) February 10, 2022 × However, the police continue to investigate these incidents with the federal partners. Earlier in November, very prestigious Ivy League universities in the US - Brown, Cornell and Columbia University had to evacuate parts of their campuses after receiving bomb threats. However, later, it turned out to be a false threat. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 16-year old male arrested in connection with school bomb threats

The top leadership of the Communist Party is meeting. Xi Jinping is using the opportunity to lay the groundwork for a third term. This push comes at a time when the PLA is making aggressive moves. Molly Gambhir decodes Xi Jinping's bid for a third term.

Gravitas | Third term for Xi Jinping: Will it raise the threat of war?

Britain's environment minister pledged on Friday to retaliate if France carries through on threats to block UK ships from French ports, warning that two can play at that game'' in the worsening dispute rooted in Britain's departure from the European Union.

Britain summoned the French ambassador for a dressing-down after French authorities fined two British fishing vessels and kept one in port overnight Thursday.

Since the UK left the economic orbit of the EU in January, relations between London and Paris have become increasingly frayed as the nations on either side of the English Channel sort out a post-Brexit path.

France has threatened to block British boats and tighten checks on UK vessels unless French vessels get more permits to fish in UK waters.

Watch |&nbsp;Row between UK and France over fishing rights intensifies

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France also suggested it might restrict energy supplies to the Channel Islands, British Crown dependencies that lie off the coast of France.

We will see what they do,&nbsp;Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky News. But if they do bring these into place, well, two can play at that game and we reserve the ability to respond in a proportionate way.

The UK government said France's ambassador, Catherine Colonna, would be summoned to the Foreign Office on Friday, in an official sign of displeasure.

We regret the confrontational language that has been consistently used by the French government on this issue, which makes this situation no easier to resolve,&nbsp;the British government said in a statement.

France vehemently protested the decision last month by the UK and the Channel Island of Jersey to refuse dozens of French fishing boats licenses to operate in their territorial waters.

Dozens of other licenses were granted. France says the restrictions are contrary to the post-Brexit agreement that Britain signed when it left the EU.

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Meanwhile, the European Union's executive said UK authorities withdrew the impounded vessel's license to fish off France on March 1.

But Macduff Shellfish, which operates the impounded scallop vessel Cornelis, hit back in a statement, saying it had access to French waters under the Brexit deal and that its activities were entirely legal,'' and that it would defend itself against all claims. Its statement did not offer specifics on licenses.

It appears our vessel has been caught up in the ongoing dispute between the UK and France on the implementation of the Brexit Fishing Agreement,'' the company statement said.

We are looking to the UK government to defend the rights of the UK fishing fleet and ensure that the fishing rights provided under the Brexit Fishing agreement are fully respected by the EU.''

Britain's environment minister pledged on Friday to retaliate if France carries through on threats to block UK ships from French ports, warning that two can play at that game'' in the worsening dispute rooted in Britain's departure from the European Union.

Britain's environment minister pledged on Friday to retaliate if France carries through on threats to block UK ships from French ports, warning that two can play at that game'' in the worsening dispute rooted in Britain's departure from the European Union. Britain summoned the French ambassador for a dressing-down after French authorities fined two British fishing vessels and kept one in port overnight Thursday. Since the UK left the economic orbit of the EU in January, relations between London and Paris have become increasingly frayed as the nations on either side of the English Channel sort out a post-Brexit path. France has threatened to block British boats and tighten checks on UK vessels unless French vessels get more permits to fish in UK waters. Watch | Row between UK and France over fishing rights intensifies France also suggested it might restrict energy supplies to the Channel Islands, British Crown dependencies that lie off the coast of France. We will see what they do, Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky News. But if they do bring these into place, well, two can play at that game and we reserve the ability to respond in a proportionate way. The UK government said France's ambassador, Catherine Colonna, would be summoned to the Foreign Office on Friday, in an official sign of displeasure. We regret the confrontational language that has been consistently used by the French government on this issue, which makes this situation no easier to resolve, the British government said in a statement. France vehemently protested the decision last month by the UK and the Channel Island of Jersey to refuse dozens of French fishing boats licenses to operate in their territorial waters. Dozens of other licenses were granted. France says the restrictions are contrary to the post-Brexit agreement that Britain signed when it left the EU. Also Read | 'Girls night in': UK women boycott clubs amid surge in spiking of drinks Meanwhile, the European Union's executive said UK authorities withdrew the impounded vessel's license to fish off France on March 1. But Macduff Shellfish, which operates the impounded scallop vessel Cornelis, hit back in a statement, saying it had access to French waters under the Brexit deal and that its activities were entirely legal,'' and that it would defend itself against all claims. Its statement did not offer specifics on licenses. It appears our vessel has been caught up in the ongoing dispute between the UK and France on the implementation of the Brexit Fishing Agreement,'' the company statement said. We are looking to the UK government to defend the rights of the UK fishing fleet and ensure that the fishing rights provided under the Brexit Fishing agreement are fully respected by the EU.''

UK pledges retaliation to French fishing threats

A boat's crew casts a net into the seemingly clean waters off Japan's Izu peninsula, but not to catch fish -- they are scooping up microplastics to learn more about the pollution's impact on marine life.

Tiny floating fragments from plastic packaging, synthetic clothing and fishing nets have proliferated over the past four decades, and are now found in every part of the world's oceans -- even the deepest trench.

The planet's seafloor is littered with an estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics, according to a study released last year, and scientists say more research on them is urgently needed, including their effect on ecosystems, the food chain and human health.

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So a team of French and Japanese researchers is analysing samples from the archipelago's coastal waters to study how microplastics make their way into the sea, and how much seeps into the ocean floor.

They are also examining the so-called "plastisphere", where micro-organisms live among discarded plastic.

"It's a new ecosystem that didn't exist before the 1970s. So we don't really know which types of microbes are associated with this plastic," Sylvain Agostini, scientific director of the Tara-Jambio project, told AFP.

Having left the funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" to drift for 15 minutes near the surface, the crew hoisted it back on deck to inspect their catch.

"This blue stuff is microplastics, and that's polystyrene, I believe," Agostini said.

They have collected more than 200 samples since their study began in April 2020, all of which contain microplastics.

Jonathan Ramtahal, a student from Trinidad and Tobago taking part in the research, said the team aims to determine whether the bacteria they find is "harmful to the wider food chain".

"Is it something we should be worried about -- do they transport any vectors for diseases? The diversity of bacteria can give us an idea of how it changes in different environments," he said.

'Lead by example'&nbsp;

Other studies have shown that microplastics have infiltrated the planet's most remote regions, and France's Tara Ocean Foundation has previously researched them in the Mediterranean and large European rivers.

Now the foundation is in Japan, the second-biggest producer of plastic packaging waste per capita according to the United Nations.

The Japanese government says its vast waste management scheme stops plastic from finding its way to the sea, and industry research shows 85 percent of plastic waste in Japan is recycled -- although much is burnt for energy, emitting carbon dioxide.

Keiji Nakajima, director of marine plastic pollution control at the environment ministry, said Japan's waters are also affected by the waste of its neighbours.

"Japan's streets and streams are cleaner than those of other countries," he said.

The nation sits "downstream of a major oceanic current that sweeps in plastic waste produced in Southeast Asia and China", Nakajima added.

A 2018 UN report named the United States as the biggest generator of plastic packaging waste per capita, with China the largest overall.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-declares-climate-change-national-security-issue-423706">Israel declares climate change 'national security' issue</a>

&nbsp;

Agostini, an assistant professor at the University of Tsukuba northeast of Tokyo, said that while "there is some truth" in this explanation, it is not watertight.

When plastic waste is found at a river's estuary, or a secluded bay, it's clear that "it doesn't come from thousands of kilometres away", he said.

The Tara-Jambio project is unlikely to settle that debate when its findings are published in several years time, but Agostini argues that if even a small proportion of Japan's plastic waste seeps into the ocean, it is still an "enormous quantity".

Japan is taking small steps to reduce its reliance on plastic: in 2019, it set a target to recycle 100 per cent of new plastic by 2035, and last year, stores began charging for plastic bags.

"Packaging habits are ingrained" in Japan, said Kazuo Inaba, head of the Japanese marine-station network Jambio, but he and the team say change is necessary.

"If developed countries don't lead by example, no one will do it," Agostini said.

A boat's crew casts a net into the seemingly clean waters off Japan's Izu peninsula, but not to catch fish -- they are scooping up microplastics to learn more about the pollution's impact on marine life.

A boat's crew casts a net into the seemingly clean waters off Japan's Izu peninsula, but not to catch fish -- they are scooping up microplastics to learn more about the pollution's impact on marine life. Tiny floating fragments from plastic packaging, synthetic clothing and fishing nets have proliferated over the past four decades, and are now found in every part of the world's oceans -- even the deepest trench. The planet's seafloor is littered with an estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics, according to a study released last year, and scientists say more research on them is urgently needed, including their effect on ecosystems, the food chain and human health. Also Read | In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protest So a team of French and Japanese researchers is analysing samples from the archipelago's coastal waters to study how microplastics make their way into the sea, and how much seeps into the ocean floor. They are also examining the so-called "plastisphere", where micro-organisms live among discarded plastic. "It's a new ecosystem that didn't exist before the 1970s. So we don't really know which types of microbes are associated with this plastic," Sylvain Agostini, scientific director of the Tara-Jambio project, told AFP. Having left the funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" to drift for 15 minutes near the surface, the crew hoisted it back on deck to inspect their catch. "This blue stuff is microplastics, and that's polystyrene, I believe," Agostini said. They have collected more than 200 samples since their study began in April 2020, all of which contain microplastics. Jonathan Ramtahal, a student from Trinidad and Tobago taking part in the research, said the team aims to determine whether the bacteria they find is "harmful to the wider food chain". "Is it something we should be worried about -- do they transport any vectors for diseases? The diversity of bacteria can give us an idea of how it changes in different environments," he said. 'Lead by example' Other studies have shown that microplastics have infiltrated the planet's most remote regions, and France's Tara Ocean Foundation has previously researched them in the Mediterranean and large European rivers. Now the foundation is in Japan, the second-biggest producer of plastic packaging waste per capita according to the United Nations. The Japanese government says its vast waste management scheme stops plastic from finding its way to the sea, and industry research shows 85 percent of plastic waste in Japan is recycled -- although much is burnt for energy, emitting carbon dioxide. Keiji Nakajima, director of marine plastic pollution control at the environment ministry, said Japan's waters are also affected by the waste of its neighbours. "Japan's streets and streams are cleaner than those of other countries," he said. The nation sits "downstream of a major oceanic current that sweeps in plastic waste produced in Southeast Asia and China", Nakajima added. A 2018 UN report named the United States as the biggest generator of plastic packaging waste per capita, with China the largest overall. Also Read | Israel declares climate change 'national security' issue Agostini, an assistant professor at the University of Tsukuba northeast of Tokyo, said that while "there is some truth" in this explanation, it is not watertight. When plastic waste is found at a river's estuary, or a secluded bay, it's clear that "it doesn't come from thousands of kilometres away", he said. The Tara-Jambio project is unlikely to settle that debate when its findings are published in several years time, but Agostini argues that if even a small proportion of Japan's plastic waste seeps into the ocean, it is still an "enormous quantity". Japan is taking small steps to reduce its reliance on plastic: in 2019, it set a target to recycle 100 per cent of new plastic by 2035, and last year, stores began charging for plastic bags. "Packaging habits are ingrained" in Japan, said Kazuo Inaba, head of the Japanese marine-station network Jambio, but he and the team say change is necessary. "If developed countries don't lead by example, no one will do it," Agostini said.

Into the 'plastisphere': Scientists comb Japan waters to study new eco threat

Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by public and private sectors, India has told a US-led international meet on the latest emerging challenge and has called for taking steps to ensure that the country's critical infrastructure remains safe and secure.

Representing India at the Counter Ransomware Initiative, hosted by the White House, Lt. Gen (Retd) Rajesh Pant, National Cybersecurity Coordinator, told the participating 30 countries that the rapid digitization and cryptocurrency have added to the vulnerabilities in the cyber domain.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-ransomware-killware-is-the-new-threat-top-us-security-official-explains-420458">Not ransomware, 'killware' is the new threat, top US security official explains</a>

Ransomware is an evolving form of a cyber threat and the culprits are becoming more sophisticated and agile. The upcoming Global dynamics have also created a digital climate ripe for exploitation,&nbsp;Pant said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further added fuel to this and introduced many IT vulnerabilities due to the hasty Digital Transformation,&nbsp;he added.

Another contributor is the rising prominence of cryptocurrency, which is seemingly difficult to trace, he said at the two-day conference on Wednesday.

The conference concluded Thursday with a joint statement from 30 countries in which they pledged to act against safe havens for ransomware players.

India, considered an IT superpower, played a key role by leading discussions on resilience.

In today's world, Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by Public and Private sectors,&nbsp;Pant said, adding that by the end of 2021, ransomware is expected to attack a company every 11 seconds and cause damages of up to USD20 billion.

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In light of these rising threats, we need to ensure that our organisations, especially the Nation's Critical Infrastructure, remain safe and secure,&nbsp;he said.

Pant said it is the collective responsibility of the international community now to ensure that global cyberspace is not dominated by criminal activities such as Ransomware and we create for our future generations&nbsp;a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.

The Indian official appreciates the US initiative of bringing 30 nations on a common platform to discuss and find solutions to improve our collective resilience, misuse of virtual currency, and need to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of ransomware.&nbsp;

Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by public and private sectors, India has told a US-led international meet on the latest emerging challenge and has called for taking steps to ensure that the country's critical infrastructure remains safe and secure.

Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by public and private sectors, India has told a US-led international meet on the latest emerging challenge and has called for taking steps to ensure that the country's critical infrastructure remains safe and secure. Representing India at the Counter Ransomware Initiative, hosted by the White House, Lt. Gen (Retd) Rajesh Pant, National Cybersecurity Coordinator, told the participating 30 countries that the rapid digitization and cryptocurrency have added to the vulnerabilities in the cyber domain. Also Read | Not ransomware, 'killware' is the new threat, top US security official explains Ransomware is an evolving form of a cyber threat and the culprits are becoming more sophisticated and agile. The upcoming Global dynamics have also created a digital climate ripe for exploitation, Pant said. The COVID-19 pandemic has further added fuel to this and introduced many IT vulnerabilities due to the hasty Digital Transformation, he added. Another contributor is the rising prominence of cryptocurrency, which is seemingly difficult to trace, he said at the two-day conference on Wednesday. The conference concluded Thursday with a joint statement from 30 countries in which they pledged to act against safe havens for ransomware players. India, considered an IT superpower, played a key role by leading discussions on resilience. In today's world, Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by Public and Private sectors, Pant said, adding that by the end of 2021, ransomware is expected to attack a company every 11 seconds and cause damages of up to USD20 billion. Also Read | US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd In light of these rising threats, we need to ensure that our organisations, especially the Nation's Critical Infrastructure, remain safe and secure, he said. Pant said it is the collective responsibility of the international community now to ensure that global cyberspace is not dominated by criminal activities such as Ransomware and we create for our future generations a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace. The Indian official appreciates the US initiative of bringing 30 nations on a common platform to discuss and find solutions to improve our collective resilience, misuse of virtual currency, and need to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of ransomware.

Ransomware an evolving cyber threat, culprits becoming agile: India

February's&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;Winter Olympics will be held without overseas spectators and athletes must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or face 21 days' quarantine, the International Olympic Committee said.

The measures, which do allow spectators who are living in mainland China, were revealed with the Games just four months away and after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics similarly juggled with how to go ahead safely during the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Tokyo Games, which were postponed by a year because of the health crisis, mostly took place without any spectators to prevent infections.

Another difference from Tokyo will be that all participants must be vaccinated or will need to do a 21-day quarantine on arrival in the Chinese capital. Athletes who can provide a "justified medical exemption" will have their cases considered.

All attendees will enter a strict "bubble" as soon as they land that covers Games-related areas and stadiums as well as accommodation, transport, catering and the opening and closing ceremonies.

The decisions, announced by the IOC but taken by Chinese organisers, are a foretaste of a package of measures to be released in October designed to prevent the Games from turning into a source of contamination.

All domestic and international Games participants and workforce in the bubble, known as the "closed-loop management system", will be tested daily.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vladimir-putin-to-attend-2022-beijing-olympics-as-russia-remains-under-penalties-for-doping-413602">Also read |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin to attend 2022 Beijing Olympics as Russia remains under penalties for doping</a>

The 2022&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;Olympics, which is facing calls for a boycott from rights groups, is scheduled for February 4-20.

The IOC said that allowing domestic fans "will facilitate the growth of winter sports in China by giving those spectators a first-hand Olympic and Paralympic experience of elite winter sports, as well as bringing a favourable atmosphere to the venues".

Speaking at&nbsp;Beijing's Olympic Park on Thursday, locals said that safety must come first, even if that means foreign fans missing out.

"I think it's the right thing to do because foreign spectators can watch it broadcast live," said Zhang Xinyu, 29.

"But if there are a lot of people travelling, it won't be safe for either the athletes or the foreign guests."

China, where the coronavirus emerged towards the end of 2019, has wrestled down the number of local infections to a trickle by deploying aggressive, mass testing and keeping its borders extremely tight.

February's Beijing Winter Olympics will be held without overseas spectators and athletes must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or face 21 days' quarantine, the International Olympic Committee said.

February's Beijing Winter Olympics will be held without overseas spectators and athletes must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or face 21 days' quarantine, the International Olympic Committee said. The measures, which do allow spectators who are living in mainland China, were revealed with the Games just four months away and after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics similarly juggled with how to go ahead safely during the pandemic. The Tokyo Games, which were postponed by a year because of the health crisis, mostly took place without any spectators to prevent infections. Another difference from Tokyo will be that all participants must be vaccinated or will need to do a 21-day quarantine on arrival in the Chinese capital. Athletes who can provide a "justified medical exemption" will have their cases considered. All attendees will enter a strict "bubble" as soon as they land that covers Games-related areas and stadiums as well as accommodation, transport, catering and the opening and closing ceremonies. The decisions, announced by the IOC but taken by Chinese organisers, are a foretaste of a package of measures to be released in October designed to prevent the Games from turning into a source of contamination. All domestic and international Games participants and workforce in the bubble, known as the "closed-loop management system", will be tested daily. Also read | Vladimir Putin to attend 2022 Beijing Olympics as Russia remains under penalties for doping The 2022 Beijing Olympics, which is facing calls for a boycott from rights groups, is scheduled for February 4-20. The IOC said that allowing domestic fans "will facilitate the growth of winter sports in China by giving those spectators a first-hand Olympic and Paralympic experience of elite winter sports, as well as bringing a favourable atmosphere to the venues". Speaking at Beijing's Olympic Park on Thursday, locals said that safety must come first, even if that means foreign fans missing out. "I think it's the right thing to do because foreign spectators can watch it broadcast live," said Zhang Xinyu, 29. "But if there are a lot of people travelling, it won't be safe for either the athletes or the foreign guests." China, where the coronavirus emerged towards the end of 2019, has wrestled down the number of local infections to a trickle by deploying aggressive, mass testing and keeping its borders extremely tight.

Beijing Olympics rules out overseas fans over virus threat

A super typhoon that rapidly formed in just 48 hours is threatening both the Philippines and Taiwan with destructive winds and torrential rains over the coming days.

Chanthu&nbsp;was about 580 kilometres&nbsp;southeast of Taiwan's southernmost tip on Friday morning, packing gusts of up to 234 kilometres&nbsp; an hour, according to Taiwan's central weather bureau.

The Philippine state weather agency said the typhoon was expected to graze the northeastern tip of the country later Friday.

The agency warned of "destructive" winds in Santa Ana town, where around 35,000 people live, and the eastern part of the remote Babuyan Islands.&nbsp;

Rough seas will throw up 2.5 to 10-metre waves, it added.&nbsp;

The Cagayan governor has ordered government and private sector workers, except those in frontline services, to stay home and "fortify" their houses, said Rogelio Sending, the provincial information officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most projections forecast the storm will then continue to swing northeast and could hit Taiwan directly over the weekend.&nbsp;

"It will be closest to Taiwan on Saturday and Sunday. The public should take precautions against strong winds and downpours," said Taiwanese forecaster Hsu Chung-yi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-olaf-weakens-over-mexicos-baja-california-peninsula-412088">Also read |&nbsp;Hurricane Olaf weakens over Mexico's Baja California peninsula</a>

Meteorologists have marvelled at how quickly&nbsp;Chanthu&nbsp;morphed into a powerful storm after it first emerged on Monday in between Guam and the Philippines.&nbsp;

"Chanthu&nbsp;went from a depression to a category-5-equivalent typhoon in 48 hours," Sam Lillo, a researcher at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

Only five other storms, all this century, have done that, he added.&nbsp;

Over just two days,&nbsp;Chanthu's wind speeds went from 30 miles per hour to 160 miles per hour at their height.&nbsp;

Scientists have long warned that typhoons are becoming more powerful, and strengthening more rapidly, as the world becomes warmer because of man-made climate change.&nbsp;

"This week, Super Typhoon&nbsp;Chanthu&nbsp;provided another stark example of how quickly a storm can strengthen," NASA wrote in an article about the storm on its Earth Observatory blog.&nbsp;

A super typhoon is also known as a category five hurricane in the US.&nbsp;The Earth tends to experience around five storms of that power a year.&nbsp;

Meteorologists say that while&nbsp;Chanthu&nbsp;is powerful, it is small in size and will be unpredictable.&nbsp;

"Small tropical cyclones are capable of very rapid intensity changes, both strengthening and weakening," hurricane scientist Jeff Masters wrote on Yale Climate Connections. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Taiwan is regularly hit by tropical storms in the summer months.&nbsp;

In a rare exception to the rule, not a single typhoon made landfall last year, the first time in 56 years.&nbsp;

That helped fuel the worst drought in decades until heavy rains set in a few months ago and brought needed relief.

The Hong Kong Observatory's projection has&nbsp;Chanthu&nbsp;reducing from a super to a severe typhoon on Sunday as it nears Taiwan's southeastern coast.

A super typhoon that rapidly formed in just 48 hours is threatening both the Philippines and Taiwan with destructive winds and torrential rains over the coming days.

A super typhoon that rapidly formed in just 48 hours is threatening both the Philippines and Taiwan with destructive winds and torrential rains over the coming days. Chanthu was about 580 kilometres southeast of Taiwan's southernmost tip on Friday morning, packing gusts of up to 234 kilometres an hour, according to Taiwan's central weather bureau. The Philippine state weather agency said the typhoon was expected to graze the northeastern tip of the country later Friday. The agency warned of "destructive" winds in Santa Ana town, where around 35,000 people live, and the eastern part of the remote Babuyan Islands. Rough seas will throw up 2.5 to 10-metre waves, it added. The Cagayan governor has ordered government and private sector workers, except those in frontline services, to stay home and "fortify" their houses, said Rogelio Sending, the provincial information officer. Most projections forecast the storm will then continue to swing northeast and could hit Taiwan directly over the weekend. "It will be closest to Taiwan on Saturday and Sunday. The public should take precautions against strong winds and downpours," said Taiwanese forecaster Hsu Chung-yi. Also read | Hurricane Olaf weakens over Mexico's Baja California peninsula Meteorologists have marvelled at how quickly Chanthu morphed into a powerful storm after it first emerged on Monday in between Guam and the Philippines. "Chanthu went from a depression to a category-5-equivalent typhoon in 48 hours," Sam Lillo, a researcher at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, wrote on Twitter. Only five other storms, all this century, have done that, he added. Over just two days, Chanthu's wind speeds went from 30 miles per hour to 160 miles per hour at their height. Scientists have long warned that typhoons are becoming more powerful, and strengthening more rapidly, as the world becomes warmer because of man-made climate change. "This week, Super Typhoon Chanthu provided another stark example of how quickly a storm can strengthen," NASA wrote in an article about the storm on its Earth Observatory blog. A super typhoon is also known as a category five hurricane in the US. The Earth tends to experience around five storms of that power a year. Meteorologists say that while Chanthu is powerful, it is small in size and will be unpredictable. "Small tropical cyclones are capable of very rapid intensity changes, both strengthening and weakening," hurricane scientist Jeff Masters wrote on Yale Climate Connections. Taiwan is regularly hit by tropical storms in the summer months. In a rare exception to the rule, not a single typhoon made landfall last year, the first time in 56 years. That helped fuel the worst drought in decades until heavy rains set in a few months ago and brought needed relief. The Hong Kong Observatory's projection has Chanthu reducing from a super to a severe typhoon on Sunday as it nears Taiwan's southeastern coast.

Super typhoon Chanthu threatens Philippines, Taiwan

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling,&nbsp;66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 61 per cent of Americans said that Islamist extremism overall poses a threat to vital US interests over the next decade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis

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After the Islamic State (IS) attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and over 90 Afghans during the evacuation,&nbsp;these numbers have&nbsp;witnessed a double-digit rise in roughly a week.&nbsp;

At least&nbsp;54 per cent US citizens&nbsp;consider ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups, a threat before the attack, the numbers were 49 per cent for those who saw Islamist extremism as an overall threat to the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-911-changed-air-travel-more-security-less-privacy-411141" hreflang="en">How 9/11 changed air travel: More security, less privacy</a>

Post the Kabul airport attack, roughly 67 per cent of Americans see terrorism in the US as a threat, up from 59 per cent between August 21 and 24.&nbsp;

The survey conducted by&nbsp;Morning Consult also showed that 26 per cent of registered American voters said security matters, including terrorism,&nbsp;foreign policy&nbsp;and border security were the most vital aspects for them when thinking about their votes for the federal office.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling, 66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country.

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling, 66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country. A total of 61 per cent of Americans said that Islamist extremism overall poses a threat to vital US interests over the next decade. Watch: Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis × After the Islamic State (IS) attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and over 90 Afghans during the evacuation, these numbers have witnessed a double-digit rise in roughly a week. At least 54 per cent US citizens consider ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups, a threat before the attack, the numbers were 49 per cent for those who saw Islamist extremism as an overall threat to the US. Also Read: How 9/11 changed air travel: More security, less privacy Post the Kabul airport attack, roughly 67 per cent of Americans see terrorism in the US as a threat, up from 59 per cent between August 21 and 24. The survey conducted by Morning Consult also showed that 26 per cent of registered American voters said security matters, including terrorism, foreign policy and border security were the most vital aspects for them when thinking about their votes for the federal office. (With inputs from agencies)

66% US citizens think terror groups pose threat to country 

A man who threatened to set off a&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;on Washington's&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;surrendered to police Thursday, ending an hours-long&nbsp;standoff&nbsp;that rattled lawmakers still shaken by January's pro-Trump insurrection.

The incident triggered evacuations and a massive police response, and sent jolts of anxiety through a city that has spent months on alert, as political tensions soared following the deadly US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;riot.

The&nbsp;suspect, an apparent right-wing extremist identified by US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;Police as Floyd Ray Roseberry, had been broadcasting live on social media from his truck, assailing President Joe Biden and Democrats, warning of a "revolution," and complaining about the US government and its policy in Afghanistan.

He had also claimed that four more sets of explosives were lying in wait in Washington and that they would be detonated, along with his&nbsp;bomb, if police used deadly force against him.

Much of the complex was cordoned off as police and FBI agents negotiated with the driver, who police said had appeared to have a detonator in his hand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-49-ebola-contact-cases-identified-in-ivory-coast-406976">Also read |&nbsp;WHO says 49 Ebola contact cases identified in Ivory Coast</a>

"He got out of the vehicle and surrendered, and the tactical units that were close by took him into custody without incident," US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;Police Chief Thomas Manger told reporters.

Law enforcement were still investigating whether the vehicle, which was parked on the sidewalk next to the Library of Congress, contained actual explosives.

Manger&nbsp;said it was unclear what Roseberry's motives were, but in his Facebook Live steam he issued a series of incoherent threats and asked to speak to Biden.

"I'm trying to get Joe Biden on the phone. I'm parked up here on the sidewalk right beside all this pretty stuff," said the bald-headed man with a salt-and-pepper goatee, wearing a white T-shirt.

"I'm not hurting nobody Joe. I'm not pulling the trigger on this thing. I can't," he said. "I'm telling you, them snipers come in, they start shooting this window out, this&nbsp;bomb's going off."&nbsp;

'The revolution'

The live feed showed Roseberry in his vehicle holding a metal can with clay and a box with buttons and wires on the top, but it was unclear if the contraption was a viable explosive device.

While he did not claim a political affiliation, he referred at one point to "the revolution" and said: "I'm looking for all my other patriots to come out and help me."

Later he lashed out at Biden's party, saying: "You all know what you're doing, Democrats? You're killing America."

Facebook's policy communications director Andy Stone said the profile in question had been removed and the incident was being investigated.

While it remained unclear whether the&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;threat&nbsp;was genuine, the Library of Congress's main buildings were evacuated, as was the nearby US Supreme Court and at least one of the three House office buildings.&nbsp;

The Republican National Committee headquarters was also reportedly evacuated and the Washington Metro's&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;South subway station closed as a precaution.

A White House official said Biden was briefed on the&nbsp;standoff.

'Threat&nbsp;to every community'

Both the Senate and House of Representatives are currently on recess, but some lawmakers have remained in Washington and staffers are working in the complex.

House Democrat Bill Pascrell offered fierce condemnation of the&nbsp;suspect&nbsp;during the&nbsp;standoff, in comments that echoed the trauma of the insurrection which rocked the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;in January.

"A right-wing extremist is now threatening to detonate a&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;at the US&nbsp;Capitol," he tweeted. "Right wing domestic terrorism is a&nbsp;threat&nbsp;to every community in the United States."

Tensions remain high more than seven months after the January 6 riot, when supporters of then-president Donald Trump stormed the US&nbsp;Capitol, fought with police and sought to block certification of the presidential election.

In April, a man rammed a car into&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;barriers, killing one officer before the attacker was shot and killed.

The January uprising prompted authorities to erect tall metal fencing and razor wire around the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;complex, which only came down in July.

A man who threatened to set off a bomb on Washington's Capitol Hill surrendered to police Thursday, ending an hours-long standoff that rattled lawmakers still shaken by January's pro-Trump insurrection.

A man who threatened to set off a bomb on Washington's Capitol Hill surrendered to police Thursday, ending an hours-long standoff that rattled lawmakers still shaken by January's pro-Trump insurrection. The incident triggered evacuations and a massive police response, and sent jolts of anxiety through a city that has spent months on alert, as political tensions soared following the deadly US Capitol riot. The suspect, an apparent right-wing extremist identified by US Capitol Police as Floyd Ray Roseberry, had been broadcasting live on social media from his truck, assailing President Joe Biden and Democrats, warning of a "revolution," and complaining about the US government and its policy in Afghanistan. He had also claimed that four more sets of explosives were lying in wait in Washington and that they would be detonated, along with his bomb, if police used deadly force against him. Much of the complex was cordoned off as police and FBI agents negotiated with the driver, who police said had appeared to have a detonator in his hand. Also read | WHO says 49 Ebola contact cases identified in Ivory Coast "He got out of the vehicle and surrendered, and the tactical units that were close by took him into custody without incident," US Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger told reporters. Law enforcement were still investigating whether the vehicle, which was parked on the sidewalk next to the Library of Congress, contained actual explosives. Manger said it was unclear what Roseberry's motives were, but in his Facebook Live steam he issued a series of incoherent threats and asked to speak to Biden. "I'm trying to get Joe Biden on the phone. I'm parked up here on the sidewalk right beside all this pretty stuff," said the bald-headed man with a salt-and-pepper goatee, wearing a white T-shirt. "I'm not hurting nobody Joe. I'm not pulling the trigger on this thing. I can't," he said. "I'm telling you, them snipers come in, they start shooting this window out, this bomb's going off." 'The revolution' The live feed showed Roseberry in his vehicle holding a metal can with clay and a box with buttons and wires on the top, but it was unclear if the contraption was a viable explosive device. While he did not claim a political affiliation, he referred at one point to "the revolution" and said: "I'm looking for all my other patriots to come out and help me." Later he lashed out at Biden's party, saying: "You all know what you're doing, Democrats? You're killing America." Facebook's policy communications director Andy Stone said the profile in question had been removed and the incident was being investigated. While it remained unclear whether the bomb threat was genuine, the Library of Congress's main buildings were evacuated, as was the nearby US Supreme Court and at least one of the three House office buildings. The Republican National Committee headquarters was also reportedly evacuated and the Washington Metro's Capitol South subway station closed as a precaution. A White House official said Biden was briefed on the standoff. 'Threat to every community' Both the Senate and House of Representatives are currently on recess, but some lawmakers have remained in Washington and staffers are working in the complex. House Democrat Bill Pascrell offered fierce condemnation of the suspect during the standoff, in comments that echoed the trauma of the insurrection which rocked the Capitol in January. "A right-wing extremist is now threatening to detonate a bomb at the US Capitol," he tweeted. "Right wing domestic terrorism is a threat to every community in the United States." Tensions remain high more than seven months after the January 6 riot, when supporters of then-president Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol, fought with police and sought to block certification of the presidential election. In April, a man rammed a car into Capitol barriers, killing one officer before the attacker was shot and killed. The January uprising prompted authorities to erect tall metal fencing and razor wire around the Capitol complex, which only came down in July.

Capitol Hill bomb threat standoff ends as suspect surrenders

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished."

Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today's rapid recovery from the coronavirus.

"Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring&nbsp;our independence from a deadly virus," he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers.

"We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus," he said. But he added, "Don't get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant."

Biden&nbsp;paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hit-ship-thinking-its-owned-by-israeli-who-had-already-sold-stake-395914">Also read |&nbsp;Iran hit ship thinking it's owned by Israeli who had already sold stake</a>

But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was "coming back together."

"Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "We are about to see our brightest future."

Partying like pre-Covid

Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rearview mirror.

During last year's holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations.

Despite the atmosphere of Sunday's victory party, the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration says it is concerned about the large numbers of people who have still not got vaccinated.

The heavily promoted White House goal of getting seven in 10 adults their first shot by Independence Day has narrowly failed.

And when it comes to full vaccinations, only 46 per cent of Americans have taken the two doses.

That lag comes as the highly contagious&nbsp;Delta variant continues to spread.

Public health officials are eying swaths of rural America where hospitals are starting to fill up again, especially in Utah, Missouri, Arkansas and Wyoming.&nbsp;

Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, told NBC unvaccinated people now account for 99.2 percent of Covid-19 deaths.&nbsp;

Summer agenda

The fireworks smoke will have barely cleared before&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has to return to a complex political fight for the survival of his legislative agenda this summer.

Negotiations continue on a bipartisan infrastructure deal and fractious debate within his Democratic Party looms on a much broader spending package that has no support from Republicans.&nbsp;

The president visited a cherry farm in Michigan on Saturday to tout a positive June employment report hailed as a sign of America's economic resurgence.&nbsp;

In his speech on the South Lawn,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said the country was on the move again. "We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth -- the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world."

American Dream

The administration also sent cabinet secretaries and other officials to sports events, cookouts and festivals nationwide as part of its "America's Back Together" celebration.

And the White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence.&nbsp;Six in 10 respondents in a new poll by&nbsp;The Washington Post&nbsp;and ABC News give&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;positive ratings for his handling of the pandemic.

Images of&nbsp;a crowded South Lawn were echoed in scenes of celebration across the country, with New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other cities all putting on their own shows.

On the west coast, San Diego was readying to stage one of the largest July 4 parties in the country, with fireworks discharged from four barges around the bay.&nbsp;

California Senator Alex Padilla called Independence Day "a reminder of the American dream."

"The best way to celebrate Independence Day is by taking a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that it took to get here," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished.

President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished." Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn, Biden drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today's rapid recovery from the coronavirus. "Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus," he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers. "We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus," he said. But he added, "Don't get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant." Biden paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000. Also read | Iran hit ship thinking it's owned by Israeli who had already sold stake But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was "coming back together." "Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days," Biden said. "We are about to see our brightest future." Partying like pre-Covid Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rearview mirror. During last year's holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations. Despite the atmosphere of Sunday's victory party, the Biden administration says it is concerned about the large numbers of people who have still not got vaccinated. The heavily promoted White House goal of getting seven in 10 adults their first shot by Independence Day has narrowly failed. And when it comes to full vaccinations, only 46 per cent of Americans have taken the two doses. That lag comes as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread. Public health officials are eying swaths of rural America where hospitals are starting to fill up again, especially in Utah, Missouri, Arkansas and Wyoming. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, told NBC unvaccinated people now account for 99.2 percent of Covid-19 deaths. Summer agenda The fireworks smoke will have barely cleared before Biden has to return to a complex political fight for the survival of his legislative agenda this summer. Negotiations continue on a bipartisan infrastructure deal and fractious debate within his Democratic Party looms on a much broader spending package that has no support from Republicans. The president visited a cherry farm in Michigan on Saturday to tout a positive June employment report hailed as a sign of America's economic resurgence. In his speech on the South Lawn, Biden said the country was on the move again. "We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth -- the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world." American Dream The administration also sent cabinet secretaries and other officials to sports events, cookouts and festivals nationwide as part of its "America's Back Together" celebration. And the White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence. Six in 10 respondents in a new poll by The Washington Post and ABC News give Biden positive ratings for his handling of the pandemic. Images of a crowded South Lawn were echoed in scenes of celebration across the country, with New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other cities all putting on their own shows. On the west coast, San Diego was readying to stage one of the largest July 4 parties in the country, with fireworks discharged from four barges around the bay. California Senator Alex Padilla called Independence Day "a reminder of the American dream." "The best way to celebrate Independence Day is by taking a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that it took to get here," he said.

Biden marks 'independence' from Covid, but pandemic remains a threat

German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has told the armed forces that reported racist and sexual abuse in a German platoon based in Lithuania has deeply affected their reputation.

German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has told the armed forces that reported racist and sexual abuse in a German platoon based in Lithuania has deeply affected their reputation. She said the scandal was a "slap in the face" for all those serving in the Bundeswehr. The members of a platoon which is a part of the Nato mission allegedly filmed an incident of sexual assault against another soldier. They also sang anti-Semitic songs. With time, more allegations emerged of sexual and racial abuse in the platoon, including soldiers singing a song to mark Adolf Hitler's birthday on 20 April. Addressing a Bundeswehr officers' academy in Hamburg, the Defense Minister said, "Through their behaviour, these soldiers frivolously put the whole Bundeswehr's reputation at risk". Also Read | Judge under US sanctions set to take over Iran presidency The allegations were first reported by Der Spiegel news and they relate to a party held at a hotel in Lithuania during the end of April. The platoon was part of Nato's "Enhanced Forward Presence". This is a mission that aims at training local soldiers in the three Baltic states and Poland as a deterrent against Russian aggression. There are 620 German troops in Lithuania, leading a Nato battlegroup. Taking to her official Twitter handle, the minister wrote, "The misconduct of some soldiers in Lithuania is a slap in the face of everyone who works in the day after day #Bundeswehrserve the security of our country. The derailments damage the reputation of the Bundeswehr and Germany. That will be punished with all severity". She further mentioned, "In Germany, all necessary investigations and proceedings are continued and the consequences are drawn".

Racism case seen as a threat for the reputation of entire German army

China's mission to the European Union urged NATO on Tuesday to stop exaggerating the 'China threat theory' after the group's leaders warned that the country presents 'systemic challenges'. 
 
NATO leaders on Monday had taken a forceful stance towards Beijing in a communique at United States President Joe Biden's first summit with the alliance. 
 
"China's stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security," NATO leaders had said. 
 
The new US&nbsp;president has urged his fellow NATO leaders to stand up to China's authoritarianism and growing military might, a change of focus for an alliance created to defend Europe from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. 
 
The NATO statement 'slandered' China's peaceful development, misjudged the international situation, and indicated a 'Cold War mentality',&nbsp;said China's response, posted on the mission's website. 
 
China is always committed to peaceful development, it said. 
 
"We will not pose a 'systemic challenge' to anyone, but if anyone wants to pose a 'systemic challenge' to us, we will not remain indifferent." 
 
G7 nations meeting in Britain over the weekend scolded China over human rights in its Xinjiang region, called for Hong Kong to keep a high degree of autonomy and demanded a full investigation of the origins of the coronavirus in China. 
 
China's embassy in London said it was resolutely opposed to mentions of Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, which it said distorted the facts and exposed the 'sinister intentions of a few countries such as the United States'.

China's mission to the European Union urged NATO on Tuesday to stop exaggerating the 'China threat theory' after the group's leaders warned that the country presents 'systemic challenges'.

China's mission to the European Union urged NATO on Tuesday to stop exaggerating the 'China threat theory' after the group's leaders warned that the country presents 'systemic challenges'. NATO leaders on Monday had taken a forceful stance towards Beijing in a communique at United States President Joe Biden's first summit with the alliance. "China's stated ambitions and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security," NATO leaders had said. The new US president has urged his fellow NATO leaders to stand up to China's authoritarianism and growing military might, a change of focus for an alliance created to defend Europe from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The NATO statement 'slandered' China's peaceful development, misjudged the international situation, and indicated a 'Cold War mentality', said China's response, posted on the mission's website. China is always committed to peaceful development, it said. "We will not pose a 'systemic challenge' to anyone, but if anyone wants to pose a 'systemic challenge' to us, we will not remain indifferent." G7 nations meeting in Britain over the weekend scolded China over human rights in its Xinjiang region, called for Hong Kong to keep a high degree of autonomy and demanded a full investigation of the origins of the coronavirus in China. China's embassy in London said it was resolutely opposed to mentions of Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, which it said distorted the facts and exposed the 'sinister intentions of a few countries such as the United States'.

China urges NATO to stop exaggerating 'China threat theory'

A Ryanair flight from Ireland to Poland diverted to Berlin after the crew were warned of a 'potential security threat' on the plane, the airline said on Monday.

German air traffic control warned the crew of the Dublin-Krakow flight of the potential threat on Sunday, Ryanair said in a statement, without elaborating. It said the captain followed procedures and diverted to Berlin, the nearest airport.

Passengers were taken off the plane 'to facilitate extensive security checks of passengers and all baggage',&nbsp;the airline said. Once they were cleared, passengers were flown to Krakow on a spare plane after a seven-hour delay.

German federal police said early on Monday morning that their deployment was finished, but declined to give details of what led to it, news agency dpa reported. A search of the plane found nothing untoward.&nbsp;

A Ryanair flight from Ireland to Poland diverted to Berlin after the crew were warned of a 'potential security threat' on the plane, the airline said on Monday. German air traffic control warned the crew of the Dublin-Krakow flight of the potential threat on Sunday, Ryanair said in a statement, without elaborating.

A Ryanair flight from Ireland to Poland diverted to Berlin after the crew were warned of a 'potential security threat' on the plane, the airline said on Monday. German air traffic control warned the crew of the Dublin-Krakow flight of the potential threat on Sunday, Ryanair said in a statement, without elaborating. It said the captain followed procedures and diverted to Berlin, the nearest airport. Passengers were taken off the plane 'to facilitate extensive security checks of passengers and all baggage', the airline said. Once they were cleared, passengers were flown to Krakow on a spare plane after a seven-hour delay. German federal police said early on Monday morning that their deployment was finished, but declined to give details of what led to it, news agency dpa reported. A search of the plane found nothing untoward.

Ryanair plane diverted to Berlin over 'potential threat'

Belarus said on Monday that a false bomb threat that prompted a passenger plane to be diverted to Minsk where authorities arrested a journalist on board, was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Authorities released what they said was a text of the bomb alert as officials sought to defuse a mounting international outcry over what Western capitals have denounced as an act of 'state piracy'.&nbsp;

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum denied his group had any knowledge or connection.&nbsp;

Minsk scrambled a warplane to escort a Ryanair flight on Sunday, flagging a bomb alert that proved false once the plane had made an unscheduled landing in Belarus where authorities arrested Roman Protasevich, a journalist critical of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Western governments are threatening new sanctions against the former Soviet republic led by authoritarian Lukashenko over the diversion of the flight from Greece to Lithuania as it flew through Belarusian air space.&nbsp;

In Minsk, the foreign ministry's spokesman said Belarus had acted in line with international regulations and a senior transport official read out what he said was the text of the bomb threat.&nbsp;

"We, the soldiers of Hamas, demand that Israel cease fire in the Gaza Strip. We demand that the European Union withdraw its support for Israel in this war," said the head of the transport ministry's aviation department.&nbsp;

"There is a bomb on that plane. If you do not comply with our demands, the bomb will explode over Vilnius on 23 May," he said.&nbsp;

Hamas spokesman Barhoum said the group "has nothing to do with that completely."&nbsp;

The Palestinian militants and Israel are in the fourth day of a ceasefire after 11 days of hostilities, the worst outbreak in fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.&nbsp;

"We don’t resort to these methods, which could be the doing of some suspicious parties that aim to demonise Hamas and foil the state of world sympathy with our Palestinian people and their legitimate resistance," the Hamas spokesman said.&nbsp;

Igor Golub, head of the Belarusian air force, said that the Ryanair crew took the decision to divert to Minsk itself and that the fighter jet was sent to escort it only after it turned to fly towards the Belarusian capital.&nbsp;

The Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman said Minsk would guarantee full transparency in the case and would also be prepared to allow foreign experts to be involved in an investigation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Belarus said on Monday that a false bomb threat that prompted a passenger plane to be diverted to Minsk where authorities arrested a journalist on board, was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Belarus said on Monday that a false bomb threat that prompted a passenger plane to be diverted to Minsk where authorities arrested a journalist on board, was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Authorities released what they said was a text of the bomb alert as officials sought to defuse a mounting international outcry over what Western capitals have denounced as an act of 'state piracy'. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum denied his group had any knowledge or connection. Minsk scrambled a warplane to escort a Ryanair flight on Sunday, flagging a bomb alert that proved false once the plane had made an unscheduled landing in Belarus where authorities arrested Roman Protasevich, a journalist critical of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Western governments are threatening new sanctions against the former Soviet republic led by authoritarian Lukashenko over the diversion of the flight from Greece to Lithuania as it flew through Belarusian air space. In Minsk, the foreign ministry's spokesman said Belarus had acted in line with international regulations and a senior transport official read out what he said was the text of the bomb threat. "We, the soldiers of Hamas, demand that Israel cease fire in the Gaza Strip. We demand that the European Union withdraw its support for Israel in this war," said the head of the transport ministry's aviation department. "There is a bomb on that plane. If you do not comply with our demands, the bomb will explode over Vilnius on 23 May," he said. Hamas spokesman Barhoum said the group "has nothing to do with that completely." The Palestinian militants and Israel are in the fourth day of a ceasefire after 11 days of hostilities, the worst outbreak in fighting between Israel and Hamas in years. "We don’t resort to these methods, which could be the doing of some suspicious parties that aim to demonise Hamas and foil the state of world sympathy with our Palestinian people and their legitimate resistance," the Hamas spokesman said. Igor Golub, head of the Belarusian air force, said that the Ryanair crew took the decision to divert to Minsk itself and that the fighter jet was sent to escort it only after it turned to fly towards the Belarusian capital. The Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman said Minsk would guarantee full transparency in the case and would also be prepared to allow foreign experts to be involved in an investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus points to Hamas bomb threat in plane diversion; group rejects claim 

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has said that the production of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is in full swing in Pune and he will review the operations once he is back in the country.

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla alleges - 'I received threats'

Little is known about China’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-enters-service-268713">aircraft carrier</a> programme, which is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-type-001a-is-a-state-secret-262893">state secret</a>. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan.

The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning.

Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington.

Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said.

Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads.

Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it.

China has been using the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-aircraft-carrier-spotted-in-huge-naval-drill-127317/amp">Liaoning</a> mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships.

Unlike the US&nbsp;Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US&nbsp;carriers have.

State media have quoted experts as saying China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-build-four-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-to-catch-up-with-us-navy-report-195614">needs</a> at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more.

Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US&nbsp;military prominence in the region.

Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-aircraft-carrier-superior-to-indias-ins-vikrant-chinese-experts-30482">ship</a> will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site.

The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year.

China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built.

It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets.

China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US&nbsp;carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China. President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan. The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning. Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington. Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said. Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads. Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea. Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it. China has been using the Liaoning mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships. Unlike the US Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US carriers have. State media have quoted experts as saying China needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more. Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US military prominence in the region. Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the ship will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site. The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year. China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built. It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets. China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

China's new aircraft carrier enters service at South China Sea base

Australia braced on Friday for strong winds that could whip up bushfires in two states over the weekend and add to a toll of more than 270 homes destroyed and 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of land ravaged during the past week.

The country's weather bureau warned that winds and lightning strikes increase the threat to communities across two states on the country's east coast, which have been ravaged by fire since last Friday.

"A fresh burst of hot, dry westerly winds will result in severe fire dangers in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt," the Bureau of Meteorology flagged for the border region between the states of Queensland and New South Wales.

It added that thunderstorms were possible over the northern part of that region, "bringing the risk of lightning as an ignition source for new fires."

In New South Wales, 259 homes have been destroyed over the past week and 59 bush or grass fires are still burning, but none are rated at the "catastrophic" warning level-triggered earlier in the week, the state's Rural Fire Service said.

In Queensland, where 16 homes have been destroyed since November&nbsp;7, 59 fires are still burning.

The bushfire season has begun earlier than usual, in the southern hemisphere spring, and is expected to be long and brutal this year as a three-year drought has left broad swathes of Australia's east and west more susceptible to fire.

Looking to avert fatigue among firefighters, Western Australia has sent teams out to relieve tired crews on the east coast, and New Zealand has also sent up reinforcements.

"We're doing what we can for our fellow Aussies while still maintaining resources on the home front, which have been much needed in the past few days," the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on social media.

Australia braced on Friday for strong winds that could whip up bushfires in two states over the weekend and add to a toll of more than 270 homes destroyed and 2.

Australia braced on Friday for strong winds that could whip up bushfires in two states over the weekend and add to a toll of more than 270 homes destroyed and 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of land ravaged during the past week. The country's weather bureau warned that winds and lightning strikes increase the threat to communities across two states on the country's east coast, which have been ravaged by fire since last Friday. "A fresh burst of hot, dry westerly winds will result in severe fire dangers in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt," the Bureau of Meteorology flagged for the border region between the states of Queensland and New South Wales. It added that thunderstorms were possible over the northern part of that region, "bringing the risk of lightning as an ignition source for new fires." In New South Wales, 259 homes have been destroyed over the past week and 59 bush or grass fires are still burning, but none are rated at the "catastrophic" warning level-triggered earlier in the week, the state's Rural Fire Service said. In Queensland, where 16 homes have been destroyed since November 7, 59 fires are still burning. The bushfire season has begun earlier than usual, in the southern hemisphere spring, and is expected to be long and brutal this year as a three-year drought has left broad swathes of Australia's east and west more susceptible to fire. Looking to avert fatigue among firefighters, Western Australia has sent teams out to relieve tired crews on the east coast, and New Zealand has also sent up reinforcements. "We're doing what we can for our fellow Aussies while still maintaining resources on the home front, which have been much needed in the past few days," the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on social media.

Australia braces for heavy winds, lightning as bushfire threat lingers

Recalling the horrific <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-to-mark-the-18th-anniversary-of-the-september-11-attacks-249001">9/11 terrorist attack in the US</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mathura on Wednesday that terrorism has now become a "global threat" and an "ideology" not confined to any single nation and is deeply rooted and flourishing in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Now terrorism has become an ideology which is not confined to the boundary of any nation. This is a global problem and has become a global threat whose deep roots are situated in our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-leader-of-pak-based-terror-group-as-terrorist-249007">neighbouring country</a> and are flourishing there," he said at "Swacchata Hi Seva" programme here.

"About a century ago, Swami Vivekananda delivered a historic speech in Chicago and the world came to know in-depth about our culture. But unfortunately, on the same September 11, a big terrorist attack that shook the world took place in America," said Modi.

He said that India has taken a bold step against terrorism in past and will continue to do so in future.

"The whole world needs to take a pledge and stand up against those who give shelter and training to the terrorist. India is very much capable of tackling the menace on its own. We have shown this in past and will continue to do so in future," said Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The PM also highlighted the need to eliminate single-use plastic in the country saying animals are dying because of plastic trash.&nbsp;

"The problem if the plastic is growing each day. You Brijwasis are well aware of how plastic becoming a major factor of animals` death.&nbsp;

Similarly, the marine animals, especially fishes living in rivers, ponds are also dying because of plastic pollution in the water bodies," he said addressing the inaugural event of National Animal Disease Control Programme.

He also urged people to carry eco-friendly bags while going to the market.

"Waste to Wealth is what is going to protect our environment. I request you to carry a cloth or a jute bag while going for shopping. I urge traders to use very less plastic for packaging. It is our duty to be responsible about the environment," he said.

The Prime Minister also urged self-help groups and young minds to work towards making India plastic-free country.

"I appeal to Self Help groups working in villages, social organisations, youth organisations, clubs, schools and colleges to join the campaign against single plastic use and make India clean and green," he said.

"We have to try that by October 2, we rid all our homes, offices, workplaces and surroundings of single-use plastics," Modi added.

Besides single-use plastic, the Prime Minister also talked about combating terrorism, climate change and sanitation drive at the event.&nbsp;

Recalling the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mathura on Wednesday that terrorism has now become a "global threat" and an "ideology" not confined to any single nation and is deeply rooted and flourishing in Pakistan.

Recalling the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mathura on Wednesday that terrorism has now become a "global threat" and an "ideology" not confined to any single nation and is deeply rooted and flourishing in Pakistan. "Now terrorism has become an ideology which is not confined to the boundary of any nation. This is a global problem and has become a global threat whose deep roots are situated in our neighbouring country and are flourishing there," he said at "Swacchata Hi Seva" programme here. "About a century ago, Swami Vivekananda delivered a historic speech in Chicago and the world came to know in-depth about our culture. But unfortunately, on the same September 11, a big terrorist attack that shook the world took place in America," said Modi. He said that India has taken a bold step against terrorism in past and will continue to do so in future. "The whole world needs to take a pledge and stand up against those who give shelter and training to the terrorist. India is very much capable of tackling the menace on its own. We have shown this in past and will continue to do so in future," said Prime Minister. The PM also highlighted the need to eliminate single-use plastic in the country saying animals are dying because of plastic trash. "The problem if the plastic is growing each day. You Brijwasis are well aware of how plastic becoming a major factor of animals` death. Similarly, the marine animals, especially fishes living in rivers, ponds are also dying because of plastic pollution in the water bodies," he said addressing the inaugural event of National Animal Disease Control Programme. He also urged people to carry eco-friendly bags while going to the market. "Waste to Wealth is what is going to protect our environment. I request you to carry a cloth or a jute bag while going for shopping. I urge traders to use very less plastic for packaging. It is our duty to be responsible about the environment," he said. The Prime Minister also urged self-help groups and young minds to work towards making India plastic-free country. "I appeal to Self Help groups working in villages, social organisations, youth organisations, clubs, schools and colleges to join the campaign against single plastic use and make India clean and green," he said. "We have to try that by October 2, we rid all our homes, offices, workplaces and surroundings of single-use plastics," Modi added. Besides single-use plastic, the Prime Minister also talked about combating terrorism, climate change and sanitation drive at the event.

Terrorism is now 'global threat', has deep roots in Pakistan: PM Modi

President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday took a step back from its threat to close the southern US border, saying Mexico had been taking a greater responsibility for dealing with the immigration problem.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the Trump administration had seen Mexico "stepping up and taking a greater sense of responsibility" for dealing with the immigration flows that US&nbsp;officials say are overwhelming ports of entry along the border.

"They have started to do a significant amount more. We’ve seen them take a larger number of individuals" and hold those who have asylum claims in Mexico while they are being processed in the United States, Sanders told reporters at the White House.

"We’ve also seen them stop more people from coming across the border so that they aren’t even entering into the United States. So those two things are certainly helpful and we’d like to see them continue," Sanders said.

Trump threatened on Friday to close the border with this week unless Mexico took steps to stop immigrants from reaching the United States illegally. Closing the border with Mexico could potentially disrupt millions of legal border crossings and billions of dollars in trade.

Sanders said the administration was "looking at all options when it comes to closing the different ports of entry, what that looks like and what the impacts would be."

She told Fox News the administration wanted Mexico to continue working to address the issue so "we aren't forced to take drastic action like closing the ports of entry at our border." 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday took a step back from its threat to close the southern US border, saying Mexico had been taking a greater responsibility for dealing with the immigration problem.

President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday took a step back from its threat to close the southern US border, saying Mexico had been taking a greater responsibility for dealing with the immigration problem. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the Trump administration had seen Mexico "stepping up and taking a greater sense of responsibility" for dealing with the immigration flows that US officials say are overwhelming ports of entry along the border. "They have started to do a significant amount more. We’ve seen them take a larger number of individuals" and hold those who have asylum claims in Mexico while they are being processed in the United States, Sanders told reporters at the White House. "We’ve also seen them stop more people from coming across the border so that they aren’t even entering into the United States. So those two things are certainly helpful and we’d like to see them continue," Sanders said. Trump threatened on Friday to close the border with this week unless Mexico took steps to stop immigrants from reaching the United States illegally. Closing the border with Mexico could potentially disrupt millions of legal border crossings and billions of dollars in trade. Sanders said the administration was "looking at all options when it comes to closing the different ports of entry, what that looks like and what the impacts would be." She told Fox News the administration wanted Mexico to continue working to address the issue so "we aren't forced to take drastic action like closing the ports of entry at our border."

White House backs down after threatening to close border with Mexico

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-twitter-chief-parliamentary-panel-urged-to-summon-global-heads-of-facebook-other-tech-giants-197004">Facebook gathers intelligence</a> from its platform to identify people who threaten the firm or its workers, the social network said Thursday in response to media reports of the security tactic.

CNBC reported that it interviewed more than a dozen former Facebook security employees, some of whom questioned the ethics of what was portrayed as an unclearly defined practice at the leading social network.

Facebook spokesman Anthony Harrison told AFP that the company's physical security team exists to keep workers safe and that strict processes are in place to protect people's privacy.

"Any suggestion our on-site physical security team has overstepped is absolutely false," Harrison said.

"They use industry-standard measures to assess and address credible threats of violence against our employees and our company, and refer these threats to law enforcement when necessary."

Facebook keeps a routinely updated list of people that members of its security team should "be on lookout" for due to threatening statements, according to CNBC.

The so-called "BOLO" list purportedly includes former employees whose actions at the social network came under scrutiny.

Facebook mines the social network for threats against the company or its workers, and its watch list can even feature photos of people, CNBC reported.

For cases in which threats against Facebook or its workers seem credible, the security team was said to be capable of tracking those behind them using location data from the social network's apps or websites.

Facebook is adamant that its security processes are designed to protect people's privacy and adhere to data privacy laws, as well as the social network's terms of service.

In cases of credible threats of violence against an employee, Facebook uses publicly available data and industry practices to determine how close someone behind a threat is to the worker or company offices, according to the social network.

Facebook gathers intelligence from its platform to identify people who threaten the firm or its workers, the social network said Thursday in response to media reports of the security tactic.

Facebook gathers intelligence from its platform to identify people who threaten the firm or its workers, the social network said Thursday in response to media reports of the security tactic. CNBC reported that it interviewed more than a dozen former Facebook security employees, some of whom questioned the ethics of what was portrayed as an unclearly defined practice at the leading social network. Facebook spokesman Anthony Harrison told AFP that the company's physical security team exists to keep workers safe and that strict processes are in place to protect people's privacy. "Any suggestion our on-site physical security team has overstepped is absolutely false," Harrison said. "They use industry-standard measures to assess and address credible threats of violence against our employees and our company, and refer these threats to law enforcement when necessary." Facebook keeps a routinely updated list of people that members of its security team should "be on lookout" for due to threatening statements, according to CNBC. The so-called "BOLO" list purportedly includes former employees whose actions at the social network came under scrutiny. Facebook mines the social network for threats against the company or its workers, and its watch list can even feature photos of people, CNBC reported. For cases in which threats against Facebook or its workers seem credible, the security team was said to be capable of tracking those behind them using location data from the social network's apps or websites. Facebook is adamant that its security processes are designed to protect people's privacy and adhere to data privacy laws, as well as the social network's terms of service. In cases of credible threats of violence against an employee, Facebook uses publicly available data and industry practices to determine how close someone behind a threat is to the worker or company offices, according to the social network.

Facebook taps user data to defend workers from threat

Russia "indisputably" now poses a bigger threat to Britain's security than terrorist groups like Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda, the head of the British army said in an interview published Saturday.

General Mark Carleton-Smith warned Moscow had shown a willingness to use its military to pursue its national interests while seeking to "exploit Western vulnerabilities".

"Russia today indisputably represents a far greater threat to our national security than Islamic extremist threats such as Al-Qaeda and (IS)," he told The Daily Telegraph.

"Russia has embarked on a systematic effort to explore and exploit Western vulnerabilities, particularly in some of the non-traditional areas of cyber, space, undersea warfare."

Relations between Russia and Britain have sunk to historic lows this year.

London has blamed the country's military intelligence service for orchestrating the poisoning with a nerve agent of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury in March.

The incident prompted a wave of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions between Moscow and the West, as well as a ratcheting up of US sanctions.

Carleton-Smith, 54, said following IS battlefield loses in Syria and Iraq, the Western alliance must switch focus to the threat posed by Russia -- and do so through NATO.

"The physical manifestation of the Islamist threat has diminished with the complete destruction of the geography of the so-called Caliphate," he said.

"We cannot be complacent about the threat Russia poses or leave it uncontested.&nbsp;

"The most important conventional military response to Russia is the continued capabilities and coherence of the NATO alliance."

The former special forces commander was speaking in his first interview since becoming Britain's chief of the general staff in June.

He made the comments after visiting British troops deployed in Estonia as part of a NATO battle group intended to deter aggression from neighbouring Russia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Carleton-Smith also took the opportunity to downplay the need for a separate European army, as recently encouraged by French President Emmanuel Macron.

"I would not support any initiative that diluted the military effectiveness of NATO," he said.

"NATO represents the fundamental gravity of European security.

"It has been an extraordinarily successful alliance and, in my experience, we should reinforce success."

Russia "indisputably" now poses a bigger threat to Britain's security than terrorist groups like Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda, the head of the British army said in an interview published Saturday.

Russia "indisputably" now poses a bigger threat to Britain's security than terrorist groups like Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda, the head of the British army said in an interview published Saturday. General Mark Carleton-Smith warned Moscow had shown a willingness to use its military to pursue its national interests while seeking to "exploit Western vulnerabilities". "Russia today indisputably represents a far greater threat to our national security than Islamic extremist threats such as Al-Qaeda and (IS)," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Russia has embarked on a systematic effort to explore and exploit Western vulnerabilities, particularly in some of the non-traditional areas of cyber, space, undersea warfare." Relations between Russia and Britain have sunk to historic lows this year. London has blamed the country's military intelligence service for orchestrating the poisoning with a nerve agent of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury in March. The incident prompted a wave of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions between Moscow and the West, as well as a ratcheting up of US sanctions. Carleton-Smith, 54, said following IS battlefield loses in Syria and Iraq, the Western alliance must switch focus to the threat posed by Russia -- and do so through NATO. "The physical manifestation of the Islamist threat has diminished with the complete destruction of the geography of the so-called Caliphate," he said. "We cannot be complacent about the threat Russia poses or leave it uncontested. "The most important conventional military response to Russia is the continued capabilities and coherence of the NATO alliance." The former special forces commander was speaking in his first interview since becoming Britain's chief of the general staff in June. He made the comments after visiting British troops deployed in Estonia as part of a NATO battle group intended to deter aggression from neighbouring Russia. Carleton-Smith also took the opportunity to downplay the need for a separate European army, as recently encouraged by French President Emmanuel Macron. "I would not support any initiative that diluted the military effectiveness of NATO," he said. "NATO represents the fundamental gravity of European security. "It has been an extraordinarily successful alliance and, in my experience, we should reinforce success."

Russia poses bigger threat to UK than terror groups: UK army chief

Amid allegations of China engaging in massive land grabbing in the Maldives, the Pentagon on Saturday said it was a cause of concern for the US.

Asserting that the US was "committed to a free and open" India-Pacific rules-based order, the Pentagon said anything else would cause the US concern.

"The US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific rules-based order. We have seen concerning developments in the Maldives as far as the Chinese influence is concerned," Joe Felter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, told PTI in an interview.

"It's in India's backyard. We know it's of concern to India. So, yes, (the situation in the Maldives) is a concern. We will see how it plays out. It emphasises some of our priorities identified in our National Defence Strategy," the top Pentagon official said.&nbsp

He was responding to a question on the allegations of a Maldivian opposition leader and a former foreign minister, on the Chinese land grabbing activities in the island nation with the potential of developing them into a military outpost.

Felter said these developments were "a cause of concern" for all states that supported the maintenance of a rules-based order.

"If you look at similar activities across the region, it gives us some cause for concern. From Djibouti to, Gwadar put to Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, and now potentially the Maldives and then extending further east, it's of concern," he said.

Other countries in the region have expressed similar concern, including India, he noted.

"We believe the interests of all states - large and small - are best served by maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based order. Some of China's activities that we've observed give us concern because they do not seem to be consistent with those interests. I suspect India shares these concerns as well," Felter said.&nbsp

During a recent visit to the US, Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister of Maldives, had alleged that China was meddling in internal affairs of Maldives and had indulged itself in a massive land grabbing endeavour which if left unchecked would pose a major strategic threat to both the US and India.

China, he alleged, appeared to be keen on building a base in the Maldives which one day may house warships and submarines.

Felter said these developments were "a cause of concern" for all states that supported the maintenance of a rules-based order.

Amid allegations of China engaging in massive land grabbing in the Maldives, the Pentagon on Saturday said it was a cause of concern for the US. Asserting that the US was "committed to a free and open" India-Pacific rules-based order, the Pentagon said anything else would cause the US concern. "The US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific rules-based order. We have seen concerning developments in the Maldives as far as the Chinese influence is concerned," Joe Felter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, told PTI in an interview. "It's in India's backyard. We know it's of concern to India. So, yes, (the situation in the Maldives) is a concern. We will see how it plays out. It emphasises some of our priorities identified in our National Defence Strategy," the top Pentagon official said. He was responding to a question on the allegations of a Maldivian opposition leader and a former foreign minister, on the Chinese land grabbing activities in the island nation with the potential of developing them into a military outpost. Felter said these developments were "a cause of concern" for all states that supported the maintenance of a rules-based order. "If you look at similar activities across the region, it gives us some cause for concern. From Djibouti to, Gwadar put to Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, and now potentially the Maldives and then extending further east, it's of concern," he said. Other countries in the region have expressed similar concern, including India, he noted. "We believe the interests of all states - large and small - are best served by maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based order. Some of China's activities that we've observed give us concern because they do not seem to be consistent with those interests. I suspect India shares these concerns as well," Felter said. During a recent visit to the US, Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister of Maldives, had alleged that China was meddling in internal affairs of Maldives and had indulged itself in a massive land grabbing endeavour which if left unchecked would pose a major strategic threat to both the US and India. China, he alleged, appeared to be keen on building a base in the Maldives which one day may house warships and submarines.

China’s increasing new developments in Maldives a cause of threat: Pentagon

Frequent and increased Chinese military drills pose an &quot;enormous threat&quot; to Taiwan&#39;s security, Taipei warned today in an annual defence review that starkly highlighted rising cross-strait tensions.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified at some point -- by military force, if necessary.

The two sides split after a civil war in 1949. Although Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy, it has never formally declared independence.

Beijing has stepped up drills around the island since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office last year, as she refuses to acknowledge both sides are part of &quot;one China&quot;.

Local media estimate Chinese warplanes have conducted at least 20 drills around Taiwan this year, compared to just eight in 2016.

The latest known drill took place last week when several Chinese planes, including jet fighters, passed through the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan to the Pacific and back.

The frequent drills &quot;have created an enormous threat to security in the Taiwan Strait,&quot; Taiwanese defense minister Feng Shih-kuan said in the 14th national defense report released Tuesday.

The report highlighted the David versus Goliath mismatch between the two rival&#39;s forces, saying Taiwan&#39;s military needed to adapt to a &quot;multiple deterrence strategies&quot; in the face of the fast-growing Chinese army.

The report estimated Chinese troop numbers at two million compared to around 210,000 in Taiwan&#39;s army.

&quot;Taiwan cannot compare with China&#39;s defense budget and military developments,&quot; Feng said in the report.

Instead, Taiwan was &quot;seriously reviewing and drawing a plan to develop asymmetric warfare to deter advances by the Chinese military,&quot; he added.

In response to increasing China&#39;s electronic warfare capabilities, Taiwan established its own cyber army command centre this year, which currently has around 1,000 people, according to the ministry.

It has also restructured its air force to centralise its anti-aircraft and missile defense command.

Chinese jets also flew over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) earlier this month, prompting South Korea and Japan to scramble jets.

China&#39;s air force said then it was the first time its aircraft had flown through the Tsushima Strait between South Korea and Japan.

Earlier this year, China sent its only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait during a drill as a show of strength, but it did not enter Taiwanese waters.

Local media estimate Chinese warplanes have conducted at least 20 drills around Taiwan this year, compared to just eight in 2016

Frequent and increased Chinese military drills pose an "enormous threat" to Taiwan's security, Taipei warned today in an annual defence review that starkly highlighted rising cross-strait tensions. China views Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified at some point -- by military force, if necessary. The two sides split after a civil war in 1949. Although Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy, it has never formally declared independence. Beijing has stepped up drills around the island since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office last year, as she refuses to acknowledge both sides are part of "one China". Local media estimate Chinese warplanes have conducted at least 20 drills around Taiwan this year, compared to just eight in 2016. The latest known drill took place last week when several Chinese planes, including jet fighters, passed through the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan to the Pacific and back. The frequent drills "have created an enormous threat to security in the Taiwan Strait," Taiwanese defense minister Feng Shih-kuan said in the 14th national defense report released Tuesday. The report highlighted the David versus Goliath mismatch between the two rival's forces, saying Taiwan's military needed to adapt to a "multiple deterrence strategies" in the face of the fast-growing Chinese army. The report estimated Chinese troop numbers at two million compared to around 210,000 in Taiwan's army. "Taiwan cannot compare with China's defense budget and military developments," Feng said in the report. Instead, Taiwan was "seriously reviewing and drawing a plan to develop asymmetric warfare to deter advances by the Chinese military," he added. In response to increasing China's electronic warfare capabilities, Taiwan established its own cyber army command centre this year, which currently has around 1,000 people, according to the ministry. It has also restructured its air force to centralise its anti-aircraft and missile defense command. Chinese jets also flew over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) earlier this month, prompting South Korea and Japan to scramble jets. China's air force said then it was the first time its aircraft had flown through the Tsushima Strait between South Korea and Japan. Earlier this year, China sent its only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait during a drill as a show of strength, but it did not enter Taiwanese waters.

Taiwan warns Chinese military drills pose 'enormous threat'

Russia&#39;s justice ministry on Tuesday named nine US media outlets including Voice of America as &quot;foreign agents&quot; after President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing international media to be slapped with the controversial label.

The ministry said that US-funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and seven of their media affiliates had been recognised as &quot;carrying out the functions of a foreign agent&quot;, in a statement posted on its website.

Putin last month signed into law hastily issued legislation allowing the measure to target media.

Russia said this was a retaliatory move after Kremlin-funded RT television registered as a &quot;foreign agent&quot; in the United States under official pressure.

Rights groups fear the law could have a chilling effect on the ability of outlets to carry out independent reporting.

Voice of America and Radio Free Europe began broadcasting to the Soviet Union in the 1950s, playing a key role in providing its citizens with uncensored news.

Both broadcasters had already been formally warned by the justice ministry that they risked recognition as &quot;foreign agents.&quot;

The justice ministry has now formalised the move, naming them and their affiliates, including Radio Free Europe&#39;s news outlets dedicated to Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine, and the Caucasus.&nbsp;

They also include a television channel run jointly by Radio Free Europe and Voice of America called Current Time TV.

Speaking on Current Time TV in Russian, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty&#39;s president Thomas Kent said that &quot;as a result, the activities of our organisation can face even greater restrictions&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;So far we have no concrete information on these restrictions,&quot; the head of the US Congress-funded corporation said.

He stressed: &quot;We remain committed to continuing our work in journalism in the interests of providing precise and objective information to our Russian-language audience.&quot;

&nbsp;&#39;Threat to free media&#39;&nbsp;

The 2012 law previously applied only to non-governmental organisations that had international funding.&nbsp;

Those branded &quot;foreign agents&quot; have to present themselves as such on all paperwork and submit to intensive scrutiny of their staffing and financing.

Many NGOs have closed down as a result, saying the measure made it too difficult for them to operate.

The US State Department said last month that the new law &quot;presents yet another threat to free media in Russia&quot;.

It said it was &quot;disingenuous&quot; of Moscow to equate the move to RT&#39;s listing as a foreign agent in the US since Washington&#39;s measure &quot;does not restrict an organisation&#39;s ability to operate&quot;.

The head of the Russian upper house&#39;s commission for the protection of state sovereignty, Andrei Klimov, said the measure would be strictly enforced but could be reversed.

&quot;If (foreign media) try to get out of it, we will catch up with them anyway, we will force them to obey Russian law,&quot; Klimov told Interfax news agency.

&quot;If Washington comes to its senses and ceases pressure on Russian media, however, in that case we will also consider correcting our decisions.&quot;

Russian MPs are set to vote Wednesday on whether to ban journalists from outlets labelled as &quot;foreign agents&quot; from entering the State Duma lower house of parliament.

The ministry said that US-funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and seven of their media affiliates had been recognised as 'carrying out the functions of a foreign agent', in a statement posted on its website

Russia's justice ministry on Tuesday named nine US media outlets including Voice of America as "foreign agents" after President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing international media to be slapped with the controversial label. The ministry said that US-funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and seven of their media affiliates had been recognised as "carrying out the functions of a foreign agent", in a statement posted on its website. Putin last month signed into law hastily issued legislation allowing the measure to target media. Russia said this was a retaliatory move after Kremlin-funded RT television registered as a "foreign agent" in the United States under official pressure. Rights groups fear the law could have a chilling effect on the ability of outlets to carry out independent reporting. Voice of America and Radio Free Europe began broadcasting to the Soviet Union in the 1950s, playing a key role in providing its citizens with uncensored news. Both broadcasters had already been formally warned by the justice ministry that they risked recognition as "foreign agents." The justice ministry has now formalised the move, naming them and their affiliates, including Radio Free Europe's news outlets dedicated to Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine, and the Caucasus. They also include a television channel run jointly by Radio Free Europe and Voice of America called Current Time TV. Speaking on Current Time TV in Russian, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's president Thomas Kent said that "as a result, the activities of our organisation can face even greater restrictions". "So far we have no concrete information on these restrictions," the head of the US Congress-funded corporation said. He stressed: "We remain committed to continuing our work in journalism in the interests of providing precise and objective information to our Russian-language audience." 'Threat to free media' The 2012 law previously applied only to non-governmental organisations that had international funding. Those branded "foreign agents" have to present themselves as such on all paperwork and submit to intensive scrutiny of their staffing and financing. Many NGOs have closed down as a result, saying the measure made it too difficult for them to operate. The US State Department said last month that the new law "presents yet another threat to free media in Russia". It said it was "disingenuous" of Moscow to equate the move to RT's listing as a foreign agent in the US since Washington's measure "does not restrict an organisation's ability to operate". The head of the Russian upper house's commission for the protection of state sovereignty, Andrei Klimov, said the measure would be strictly enforced but could be reversed. "If (foreign media) try to get out of it, we will catch up with them anyway, we will force them to obey Russian law," Klimov told Interfax news agency. "If Washington comes to its senses and ceases pressure on Russian media, however, in that case we will also consider correcting our decisions." Russian MPs are set to vote Wednesday on whether to ban journalists from outlets labelled as "foreign agents" from entering the State Duma lower house of parliament.

Russia declares 9 US media outlets as 'foreign agents'

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Pro-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISIS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISIS</a> media unit Wafa&#39; Foundation continues to threaten 2018 FIFA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>, this time using an image of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LionelMessi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LionelMessi</a> in a prison outfit <a href="https://t.co/isB8RDKYAK">pic.twitter.com/isB8RDKYAK</a>
&mdash; SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) <a href="https://twitter.com/siteintelgroup/status/922863797928329216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2018, the Wafa Media Foundation,&nbsp; a pro-ISIS group on Twitter, releases a shocking image to threaten fans and followers of football.

The Islamic State&#39;s mouthpiece used the face of the Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi to convey their ideology. The released poster says &#39;Just Terrorism&#39; and &#39;You are fighting a state that does not have failure in its dictionary&#39;. Also in the poster, Lionel Messi is standing behind the bar with one eye crying blood.

The poster is intended to spread terror among football fans, indicating also that the terror group may carry a terror attack during FIFA World Cup. The other posters released by them contain pictures of rifles and explosives. Last week, Wafa Media Foundation published one photo of a fighter carrying a rifle and a time-bomb with the ISIS black flag in front of a football stadium. The official symbol of the 2018 World Cup finals was also included in the image.

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The poster says, &quot;Oh, enemies of Allah in Russia, I swear that the fire of the mujahideen will burn them, just wait,&quot;. (Twitter)
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Politics has always been part of all sporting events in the recorded history of humankind. When Indian football clubs played with their British counterpart, it was very much a display of nationalist sentiment. In more recent times, every cricket match between India and Pakistan was an extension of the political tension that exists between the two nation. Winning a match has become more than a sporting event, it has come to signify, unfortunately, the superiority of one nation over the other. Political permeation of sports is not limited to the subcontinent; every football match played between and English and Wales football club show the domineering influence of politics, often sidelining the sporting spirit.

For repressive minority groups, sports events have often served as a tool to convey their sufferings to the rest of the world. For instance, recently, American football player Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest against New York police brutality. The NFL players either took a knee during the national anthem before a game or stand with arms locked in silent protest. This bold move started as a result of repeated videos showing police shooting and killing unarmed black men.

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NFL protest (Others)
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Racism has time again inspired players to protest. In the 1968 Olympics, 200m gold and bronze medalist Tommie Smith and John Carlos respectively took up a public stance against racism. They stood with their heads bowed and raising a black-gloved hand as the American National Anthem played during the victory ceremony.

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Tommie Smith and John Carlos (Others)
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But, terrorism in sports is something that has caused global concern and condemnation. The threat of terrorism has become a major threat to all major sporting events as causing a debacle there, the terrorists understand well enough, would have global repercussions. Sporting events, such as the Olympics, football tournaments and cricket matches have been targeted, some of them had a larger impact such as the 1972 Olympics in Munich.&nbsp;

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The Palestine Liberation Organization terrorist at 1972 Munich Olympics. (Others)
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At the Munich Olympics, eleven Israeli Olympic team members were taken as the hostage and eventually killed, along with a German police officer, by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. The attack was motivated by the desire to release members of the Palestine Liberation Organization held in captivity in Israeli prisons. German neo-Nazis gave logistical help to the commander of the terrorist group, Luttif Afif in carrying out the brutal attack.&nbsp;

The Boston Marathon of 2013 witnessed another bloody chapter in global sports history; two bombs were detonated near the finishing line, leaving three people dead and more than 260 injured. These attacks will always be considered as dark chapters in the history of sports, and the recent one targeting FIFA World Cup is another chapter added to the books on &#39;sports and terrorism&#39;.

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Double bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured at least 264. (Others)
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Terror threat to FIFA World Cup will definitely influence the football festival. Having millions of followers, the Argentinian star is a legend and is also one of the favourites in the football fraternity. The terrorist, thus, very judiciously picked up the poster boy of the game.&nbsp;

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be played across 11 cities in Russia from&nbsp;June 14 to July 15, and the final will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Hence, these continuous terrorist threats raise a serious question as to how the Russian government is going to deal with the security issues during the World Cup. Meanwhile, these threats will remain the main concern for football fans and followers, who are eager to visit Russia to support their favourite teams.

Vulnerable targets, media exposure, and international impact are some of the reasons why terrorists have increasingly started targeting sporting venues.

Pro-#ISIS media unit Wafa' Foundation continues to threaten 2018 FIFA #WorldCup, this time using an image of #LionelMessi in a prison outfit pic.twitter.com/isB8RDKYAK — SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) October 24, 2017 × Ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2018, the Wafa Media Foundation, a pro-ISIS group on Twitter, releases a shocking image to threaten fans and followers of football. The Islamic State's mouthpiece used the face of the Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi to convey their ideology. The released poster says 'Just Terrorism' and 'You are fighting a state that does not have failure in its dictionary'. Also in the poster, Lionel Messi is standing behind the bar with one eye crying blood. The poster is intended to spread terror among football fans, indicating also that the terror group may carry a terror attack during FIFA World Cup. The other posters released by them contain pictures of rifles and explosives. Last week, Wafa Media Foundation published one photo of a fighter carrying a rifle and a time-bomb with the ISIS black flag in front of a football stadium. The official symbol of the 2018 World Cup finals was also included in the image. The poster says, "Oh, enemies of Allah in Russia, I swear that the fire of the mujahideen will burn them, just wait,". (Twitter) × Politics has always been part of all sporting events in the recorded history of humankind. When Indian football clubs played with their British counterpart, it was very much a display of nationalist sentiment. In more recent times, every cricket match between India and Pakistan was an extension of the political tension that exists between the two nation. Winning a match has become more than a sporting event, it has come to signify, unfortunately, the superiority of one nation over the other. Political permeation of sports is not limited to the subcontinent; every football match played between and English and Wales football club show the domineering influence of politics, often sidelining the sporting spirit. For repressive minority groups, sports events have often served as a tool to convey their sufferings to the rest of the world. For instance, recently, American football player Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest against New York police brutality. The NFL players either took a knee during the national anthem before a game or stand with arms locked in silent protest. This bold move started as a result of repeated videos showing police shooting and killing unarmed black men. NFL protest (Others) × Racism has time again inspired players to protest. In the 1968 Olympics, 200m gold and bronze medalist Tommie Smith and John Carlos respectively took up a public stance against racism. They stood with their heads bowed and raising a black-gloved hand as the American National Anthem played during the victory ceremony. Tommie Smith and John Carlos (Others) × But, terrorism in sports is something that has caused global concern and condemnation. The threat of terrorism has become a major threat to all major sporting events as causing a debacle there, the terrorists understand well enough, would have global repercussions. Sporting events, such as the Olympics, football tournaments and cricket matches have been targeted, some of them had a larger impact such as the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The Palestine Liberation Organization terrorist at 1972 Munich Olympics. (Others) × At the Munich Olympics, eleven Israeli Olympic team members were taken as the hostage and eventually killed, along with a German police officer, by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. The attack was motivated by the desire to release members of the Palestine Liberation Organization held in captivity in Israeli prisons. German neo-Nazis gave logistical help to the commander of the terrorist group, Luttif Afif in carrying out the brutal attack. The Boston Marathon of 2013 witnessed another bloody chapter in global sports history; two bombs were detonated near the finishing line, leaving three people dead and more than 260 injured. These attacks will always be considered as dark chapters in the history of sports, and the recent one targeting FIFA World Cup is another chapter added to the books on 'sports and terrorism'. Double bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured at least 264. (Others) × Terror threat to FIFA World Cup will definitely influence the football festival. Having millions of followers, the Argentinian star is a legend and is also one of the favourites in the football fraternity. The terrorist, thus, very judiciously picked up the poster boy of the game. The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be played across 11 cities in Russia from June 14 to July 15, and the final will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Hence, these continuous terrorist threats raise a serious question as to how the Russian government is going to deal with the security issues during the World Cup. Meanwhile, these threats will remain the main concern for football fans and followers, who are eager to visit Russia to support their favourite teams.

Munich to Messi: Why terror haunts sports

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