The United Arab Emirates does not expect to resume talks with the US about a multi-billion dollar deal for F-35 warplanes, irrespective of who is elected to the White House in November. Watch in for more details!

UAE does not plan to re-open F-35 fighter jet talks with US

<p>Three US citizens are among 37 defendants sentenced to death by a military court on Friday for their role in a May failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo.</p>

<p>Armed men briefly occupied an office of the presidency in the capital Kinshasa on May 19 before their leader, US-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga, was killed by security forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His son, Marcel Malanga, was among the Americans on trial, along with Marcel's friend, Tyler Thompson, who played high school football with him in Utah. Both are in their 20s.</p>

<p>The third American, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, was a business associate of Christian Malanga.</p>

<p>All three were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and other charges, and sentenced to death in a ruling read on live TV.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;DR Congo military court sentences 37 to death in coup trial</strong></p>

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<p>Malanga had previously told the court that his father had threatened to kill him unless he participated. He also told the court it was his first time visiting Congo at the invitation of his father, whom he had not seen in years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Americans are among some 50 people, including US, British, Canadian, Belgian, and Congolese citizens, standing trial following the failed coup.</p>

<p>A total of 37 defendants were sentenced to death.</p>

<p>The verdict was read out under a tent in the yard of Ndolo military prison on the outskirts of Kinshasa. The defendants were seated in front of the judge, wearing blue and yellow prison-issued tops.</p>

<p>The trial began in July.</p>

<p>In Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said embassy staff had attended the proceedings and would continue to follow developments closely.</p>

<p>"We understand that the legal process in the DRC allows for defendants to appeal the court's decision," he told a briefing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/129-dead-in-dr-congo-in-attempted-prison-break-government-755397"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;129 dead in DR Congo in attempted prison break: Government</strong></a></p>

<p>The 37 defendants include Belgian-Congolese citizen Jean-Jacques Wondo. Wondo's family released video messages addressed to Congo President Félix Tshisekedi ahead of the trial to ask for his release.</p>

<p>"I beg you, intervene, he is innocent," Nathalie Kayembe Wondo, his wife, said in the message.</p>

<p>Relatives of Marcel Malanga and Thompson did not respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marcel Malanga's mother, Brittney Sawyer, has previously said her son is innocent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thompson's stepmother, Miranda Thompson, has previously said her stepson travelled to Congo on vacation to explore the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thompson is feeling lonely and isolated in prison, according to the fundraising site that his family set up to support his defence.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Three US citizens are among 37 defendants sentenced to death by a military court on Friday for their role in a May failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Three US citizens are among 37 defendants sentenced to death by a military court on Friday for their role in a May failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Armed men briefly occupied an office of the presidency in the capital Kinshasa on May 19 before their leader, US-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga, was killed by security forces. His son, Marcel Malanga, was among the Americans on trial, along with Marcel's friend, Tyler Thompson, who played high school football with him in Utah. Both are in their 20s. The third American, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, was a business associate of Christian Malanga. All three were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and other charges, and sentenced to death in a ruling read on live TV. Watch | DR Congo military court sentences 37 to death in coup trial × Malanga had previously told the court that his father had threatened to kill him unless he participated. He also told the court it was his first time visiting Congo at the invitation of his father, whom he had not seen in years. The Americans are among some 50 people, including US, British, Canadian, Belgian, and Congolese citizens, standing trial following the failed coup. A total of 37 defendants were sentenced to death. The verdict was read out under a tent in the yard of Ndolo military prison on the outskirts of Kinshasa. The defendants were seated in front of the judge, wearing blue and yellow prison-issued tops. The trial began in July. In Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said embassy staff had attended the proceedings and would continue to follow developments closely. "We understand that the legal process in the DRC allows for defendants to appeal the court's decision," he told a briefing. Also read: 129 dead in DR Congo in attempted prison break: Government The 37 defendants include Belgian-Congolese citizen Jean-Jacques Wondo. Wondo's family released video messages addressed to Congo President Félix Tshisekedi ahead of the trial to ask for his release. "I beg you, intervene, he is innocent," Nathalie Kayembe Wondo, his wife, said in the message. Relatives of Marcel Malanga and Thompson did not respond to requests for comment. Marcel Malanga's mother, Brittney Sawyer, has previously said her son is innocent. Thompson's stepmother, Miranda Thompson, has previously said her stepson travelled to Congo on vacation to explore the world. Thompson is feeling lonely and isolated in prison, according to the fundraising site that his family set up to support his defence. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Three Americans among 37 sentenced to death in DR Congo over role in failed coup

<p>Elon Musk shared a TikTok video&nbsp;purportedly featuring a woman of&nbsp;Haitian descent&nbsp;sharing reasons why Haitians eat cats. This comes after former United States president and Republican nominee&nbsp;Donald Trump made claims during the presidential&nbsp;debate with Vice President and Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris, saying that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating pets in a&nbsp;city in the US state of Ohio.</p>

<p>Musk, who has endorsed Trump ahead of the US presidential election, shared the post after several media outlets were fact-checking claims made by the former president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman, named Rebekah Faidia on TikTok, also speaks about the 'voodoo' practices in Haiti, describing them as "truly demonic". She said that her father immigrated from Haiti to the US in the late 1960s as a teenager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Noting that the majority of the island does practice voodoo, she said, "My father and I are now estranged, but I did know him in my very, very young years. When he immigrated, he was one person, and they weren't sending thousands of Haitians to one area...he said that the majority of the island does practice voodoo."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-third-debate-trump-refuses-debate-rematch-with-kamala-harris-calls-first-victory-clear-758267"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'No third debate!': Trump refuses rematch with Kamala Harris, calls first debate 'clear victory'</strong></a></p>

<p>She further said that Haitians eat cats for two reasons, survival and animal sacrifices for the religion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. You can't just go to a food bank like you can here (in the US)... People in the US have a really hard time imagining that type of thing, but it is true. Second, they do animal sacrifices for their religion, voodoo. They make these animal sacrifices to these gods for different reasons," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Faidia,&nbsp;defending the former president, said, "It is not racist" to acknowledge the problem, adding that everyone just wants to joke about Trump saying this rather than actually checking if this is real.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You all just want to joke about Trump and say that he's crazy for saying that this is happening instead of actually checking at all to see if this is happening," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Trump,&nbsp;during his debate with Democratic nominee&nbsp;Harris, claimed&nbsp;that illegal Haitian immigrants in Ohio were "eating dogs and pets".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Right after saying this, he was immediately fact-checked by the debate moderators, who said that there was no proof of that.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Presidential Debate 2024: Some Republican 'not impressed' with Donald Trump's performance</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What did Trump say?</strong></h2>

<p>"In Springfield, they are eating the dogs -- the people that came in -- they are eating the cats," Trump said during the debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Trump's statement, Harris criticised his rhetoric as extreme and unsubstantiated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elon Musk shared a TikTok video purportedly featuring a woman of Haitian descent sharing reasons why Haitians eat cats. This comes after former United States president and Republican nominee Donald Trump made claims during the presidential debate with Vice President and Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris, saying that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating pets in a city in the US state of Ohio.

Elon Musk shared a TikTok video purportedly featuring a woman of Haitian descent sharing reasons why Haitians eat cats. This comes after former United States president and Republican nominee Donald Trump made claims during the presidential debate with Vice President and Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris, saying that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating pets in a city in the US state of Ohio. Musk, who has endorsed Trump ahead of the US presidential election, shared the post after several media outlets were fact-checking claims made by the former president. The woman, named Rebekah Faidia on TikTok, also speaks about the 'voodoo' practices in Haiti, describing them as "truly demonic". She said that her father immigrated from Haiti to the US in the late 1960s as a teenager. Noting that the majority of the island does practice voodoo, she said, "My father and I are now estranged, but I did know him in my very, very young years. When he immigrated, he was one person, and they weren't sending thousands of Haitians to one area...he said that the majority of the island does practice voodoo." Also read: 'No third debate!': Trump refuses rematch with Kamala Harris, calls first debate 'clear victory' She further said that Haitians eat cats for two reasons, survival and animal sacrifices for the religion. "This is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. You can't just go to a food bank like you can here (in the US)... People in the US have a really hard time imagining that type of thing, but it is true. Second, they do animal sacrifices for their religion, voodoo. They make these animal sacrifices to these gods for different reasons," she said. Faidia, defending the former president, said, "It is not racist" to acknowledge the problem, adding that everyone just wants to joke about Trump saying this rather than actually checking if this is real. "You all just want to joke about Trump and say that he's crazy for saying that this is happening instead of actually checking at all to see if this is happening," she added. This comes after Trump, during his debate with Democratic nominee Harris, claimed that illegal Haitian immigrants in Ohio were "eating dogs and pets". Right after saying this, he was immediately fact-checked by the debate moderators, who said that there was no proof of that. Watch | US Presidential Debate 2024: Some Republican 'not impressed' with Donald Trump's performance × What did Trump say? "In Springfield, they are eating the dogs -- the people that came in -- they are eating the cats," Trump said during the debate. "They are eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame," he added. Following Trump's statement, Harris criticised his rhetoric as extreme and unsubstantiated. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk shares video of Haitian woman, backs Trump's 'eating pets' claim during US presidential debate

The United States has sanctioned five Chinese companies and an individual for supplying equipment used to test large-diameter rocket motors, including those for Pakistan's Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missiles, and possibly other larger systems.

US imposes sanctions on Pakistan's ballistic missile program for the second time this year

<p>US President Joe Biden will host the leaders of allies Australia, India, and Japan in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21 for talks focused on tensions with China, the White House said Thursday.</p>

<p>The summit comes as Biden eyes his foreign policy legacy in his final months as a one-term president, after dropping out of the 2024 US election and effectively handing the Democratic Party nomination to his vice president,&nbsp;Kamala Harris.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden to host foreign leaders&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"This will be President Biden’s first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as president -- a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries," his spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a statement.</p>

<p>Biden "looks forward" to welcoming Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, she added.</p>

<p>The four-way Quad grouping dates back to 2007, but Biden has strongly pushed the alliance as part of an emphasis on international alliances to rein in adversaries -- especially China.</p>

<p>He hosted the first-ever Quad leaders' summit at the White House in 2021 and there have been annual summits since.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-enters-us-global-chip-alliance-to-boost-semiconductor-ecosystem-757714"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India enters US global chip alliance to boost semiconductor ecosystem</strong></a></p>

<p>The White House statement did not explicitly mention China but said the leaders would focus on "advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region."</p>

<p>The group has frequently used similar veiled language when discussing tensions with China, particularly a series of recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea.</p>

<h2><strong>India to host next Quad Summit</strong></h2>

<p>The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India, the White House said.</p>

<p>The choice of Wilmington is a deeply personal one for Biden, who has called the town home for decades and frequently spends weekends at his house on the outskirts.</p>

<p>The White House did not say what venue would be used for the summit.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Quad Summit | Jaishankar: We need to send a message that quad is here to stay</strong></p>

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<p>Biden has made foreign policy a priority since stepping aside from the election in July, following a disastrous debate performance against Republican Donald Trump.</p>

<p>Harris has signaled she would continue Biden's foreign policy direction, which places emphasis on strengthening US alliances, including with NATO. She took a tough tone on China in her first televised debate with Trump on Tuesday.</p>

<p>She said the Republican had "sold us out" on China "when a policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century."</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


US President Joe Biden will host the leaders of allies Australia, India, and Japan in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21 for talks focused on tensions with China, the White House said Thursday.

US President Joe Biden will host the leaders of allies Australia, India, and Japan in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21 for talks focused on tensions with China, the White House said Thursday. The summit comes as Biden eyes his foreign policy legacy in his final months as a one-term president, after dropping out of the 2024 US election and effectively handing the Democratic Party nomination to his vice president, Kamala Harris. Biden to host foreign leaders "This will be President Biden’s first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as president -- a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries," his spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a statement. Biden "looks forward" to welcoming Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, she added. The four-way Quad grouping dates back to 2007, but Biden has strongly pushed the alliance as part of an emphasis on international alliances to rein in adversaries -- especially China. He hosted the first-ever Quad leaders' summit at the White House in 2021 and there have been annual summits since. Also read: India enters US global chip alliance to boost semiconductor ecosystem The White House statement did not explicitly mention China but said the leaders would focus on "advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region." The group has frequently used similar veiled language when discussing tensions with China, particularly a series of recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea. India to host next Quad Summit The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India, the White House said. The choice of Wilmington is a deeply personal one for Biden, who has called the town home for decades and frequently spends weekends at his house on the outskirts. The White House did not say what venue would be used for the summit. Watch | Quad Summit | Jaishankar: We need to send a message that quad is here to stay × Biden has made foreign policy a priority since stepping aside from the election in July, following a disastrous debate performance against Republican Donald Trump. Harris has signaled she would continue Biden's foreign policy direction, which places emphasis on strengthening US alliances, including with NATO. She took a tough tone on China in her first televised debate with Trump on Tuesday. She said the Republican had "sold us out" on China "when a policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President Joe Biden to host Quad leaders in his Delaware hometown

<p>For the past couple of decades, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has warned people about core issues like climate disasters and cyberattacks and has now stressed that two of his greatest concerns are the potential of a major global war and another pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Billionaire philanthropist Gates believes that rising tensions could trigger a conflict, and even if we avoid that, a new pandemic is likely within the next 25 years.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Another pandemic most likely in next 25 years&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Gates told CNBC Make It, "A lot of unrest” in today’s world could spark “a major war,” adding that even "if we avoid a big war...then, yes, there will be another pandemic, most likely in the next 25 years."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Highlighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Gates said that although some lessons from the coronavirus pandemic have been learned, it's been far less than what he had expected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're still not fully reflecting on what we did well and where we fell short. Maybe in the next five years, that will improve, but so far, it's quite surprising," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/europes-economy-defies-difficult-forecasts-still-faces-new-challenges-757089"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Europe's economy defies difficult forecasts, still, faces new challenges</strong></a></p>

<p>Referring to the US, Gates said, "The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022, Gates wrote a book called "How to Prevent the Next Pandemic", in which he called out various governments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Isolation during the Pandemic accelerated brain aging in teens</strong></p>

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<p>However, some progress has been made with increased spending on pandemic preparedness in the US and other countries, he said, that the response across the world has not been enough.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For the past couple of decades, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has warned people about core issues like climate disasters and cyberattacks and has now stressed that two of his greatest concerns are the potential of a major global war and another pandemic.

For the past couple of decades, Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has warned people about core issues like climate disasters and cyberattacks and has now stressed that two of his greatest concerns are the potential of a major global war and another pandemic. Billionaire philanthropist Gates believes that rising tensions could trigger a conflict, and even if we avoid that, a new pandemic is likely within the next 25 years. Another pandemic most likely in next 25 years Gates told CNBC Make It, "A lot of unrest” in today’s world could spark “a major war,” adding that even "if we avoid a big war...then, yes, there will be another pandemic, most likely in the next 25 years." Highlighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Gates said that although some lessons from the coronavirus pandemic have been learned, it's been far less than what he had expected. "We're still not fully reflecting on what we did well and where we fell short. Maybe in the next five years, that will improve, but so far, it's quite surprising," he added. Also read: Europe's economy defies difficult forecasts, still, faces new challenges Referring to the US, Gates said, "The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations." In 2022, Gates wrote a book called "How to Prevent the Next Pandemic", in which he called out various governments. Watch | Isolation during the Pandemic accelerated brain aging in teens × However, some progress has been made with increased spending on pandemic preparedness in the US and other countries, he said, that the response across the world has not been enough. (With inputs from agencies)

Bill Gates fears tensions triggering a global war, another pandemic breakout within 25 years

<p>A Pakistani man, who allegedly plotted to kill former and current US government officials, has now been charged with terrorism, according to an indictment filed in the federal court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In July, Asif Merchant was initially charged on a single count of murder for hire in a complaint, that further alleged that the 46-year-old man flew to the United States to "recruit individuals to carry out his plot to assassinate U.S. government officials."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, a new two-count indictment unfolded in the US&nbsp;District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which reiterated the murder-for-hire count and added a charge accusing Merchant of attempting to carry out an act of terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Merchant, a native of Pakistan, with family in Iran, "attempt[ed] to kill a person within the United States" who was either "a member of the uniformed services" or "any official" of the US government, the indictment read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the charging documents filed earlier this year, Merchant had "a wife and children in Iran" and records "indicated frequent travel to Iran, Syria, and Iraq."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pakistani Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other U.S. Officials</strong></p>

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<p>However, neither the original complaint nor the new indictment named Merchant's alleged targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several sources familiar with the investigation, told CBS News last month that Merchant planned to assassinate current and former government officials, adding that he had yet to finalize the plan, but former president Donald Trump was among the possible targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, GOP Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said that according to the evidence received, President Joe Biden and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley were also potential targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutors alleged that he hired two undercover FBI agents as assassins, but it's unclear how much progress he made recruiting the other plotters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-man-with-iranian-ties-charged-in-political-assassination-plot-747874"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US charges Pakistani man with Iran ties in murder-for-hire plot against Trump</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the criminal complaint, Merchant told the men he would provide more instructions about the alleged plot in "either the last week of August 2024 or the first week of September 2024," including the target's name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Allegedly, he also planned to steal documents and USB drives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US intelligence and law enforcement officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray, had been investigating various threats from Iran against politicians and government officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a statement, said, "The Justice Department will not tolerate Iran's efforts to target our country's public officials and endanger our national security."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Pakistani man, who allegedly plotted to kill former and current US government officials, has now been charged with terrorism, according to an indictment filed in the federal court.

A Pakistani man, who allegedly plotted to kill former and current US government officials, has now been charged with terrorism, according to an indictment filed in the federal court. In July, Asif Merchant was initially charged on a single count of murder for hire in a complaint, that further alleged that the 46-year-old man flew to the United States to "recruit individuals to carry out his plot to assassinate U.S. government officials." On Tuesday, a new two-count indictment unfolded in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which reiterated the murder-for-hire count and added a charge accusing Merchant of attempting to carry out an act of terrorism. Merchant, a native of Pakistan, with family in Iran, "attempt[ed] to kill a person within the United States" who was either "a member of the uniformed services" or "any official" of the US government, the indictment read. According to the charging documents filed earlier this year, Merchant had "a wife and children in Iran" and records "indicated frequent travel to Iran, Syria, and Iraq." Watch | Gravitas: Pakistani Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other U.S. Officials × However, neither the original complaint nor the new indictment named Merchant's alleged targets. Several sources familiar with the investigation, told CBS News last month that Merchant planned to assassinate current and former government officials, adding that he had yet to finalize the plan, but former president Donald Trump was among the possible targets. Last week, GOP Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said that according to the evidence received, President Joe Biden and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley were also potential targets. The prosecutors alleged that he hired two undercover FBI agents as assassins, but it's unclear how much progress he made recruiting the other plotters. Also read: US charges Pakistani man with Iran ties in murder-for-hire plot against Trump According to the criminal complaint, Merchant told the men he would provide more instructions about the alleged plot in "either the last week of August 2024 or the first week of September 2024," including the target's name. Allegedly, he also planned to steal documents and USB drives. The US intelligence and law enforcement officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray, had been investigating various threats from Iran against politicians and government officials. Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a statement, said, "The Justice Department will not tolerate Iran's efforts to target our country's public officials and endanger our national security." (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani man with Iran ties now faces terrorism charges for failed plot to kill US officials

<p>Republican nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday avoided backing Ukraine when asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, during the presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and said that he wants the war to stop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke at an event in Virginia, US, a designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun backed him for his remarks and said that "bold and pioneering" remarks by Gandhi, justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-putin-trump-avoids-backing-ukraine-against-russia-during-presidential-debate-757815"><strong>‘I know Putin...,’ Trump avoids backing Ukraine against Russia during presidential debate</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454169-0910-cmo-debateanalysis-costa-mid.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>US former president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Sep 11) avoided directly addressing a question on whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia. While speaking at the presidential debate alongside Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump didn’t respond to the question and just said, “I want the war to stop.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistan-terrorist-pannun-backs-rahul-gandhis-remarks-on-sikhs-says-justifies-demand-for-khalistan-757808"><strong>Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs, says, 'justifies demand for Khalistan'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454164-untitled-design.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist, has backed&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-agitating-doctors-demand-live-telecast-cm-mamatas-presence-in-govt-meet-757893"><strong>Kolkata horror: Agitating doctors demand live telecast, CM Mamata’s presence in govt meet</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454212-ygi9mcoe.jpeg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Protesting doctors in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Wednesday (Sep 11) demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be present during their meeting with government officials.</p>

<p>I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-terrorists-killed-in-jks-udhampur-757881"><strong>ndia: Security forces gun down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, operation underway</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/21/346739-untitled-design-14.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Two terrorists have been killed following&nbsp;a gunfight between Indian security forces and terrorists in the Khandara top area of Basantgarh on the Udhampur-Kathua border in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-grounded-at-kenyas-main-airport-as-workers-protest-against-proposed-takeover-by-indias-adani-group-757740"><strong>Flights grounded at Kenya's main airport as workers protest against proposed takeover by India's Adani Group</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454120-copy-of-untitled-2024-09-11t125234430.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday (Sep 10) night after&nbsp;Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers went on strike, protesting against Indian conglomerate Adani Group's takeover of the airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomatic-facility-attacked-in-baghdad-no-causalities-reported-757867"><strong>US diplomatic facility in Baghdad attacked in a bid to disrupt Iranian president's visit</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454195-untitled-design-1.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A United States diplomatic facility in Baghdad came under attack late on Tuesday but there are no reports of casualties and a damage assessment is underway, a US embassy spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-vows-to-purge-turkish-military-graduates-for-taking-pro-secular-oath-757836"><strong>Erdogan vows to 'purge' Turkish military graduates for taking pro-secular oath</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454177-untitled-design-2024-09-11t171215839.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gone all out at military graduates who took a pro-secular oath during their graduation ceremony, which was apparently against what the Turkish government proposed earlier.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dgci-suspends-approval-for-eye-drop-meant-to-reduce-dependence-on-reading-glasses-757877"><strong>DGCI suspends approval for eye drop firm claimed reduced dependence on reading glasses</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454204-screenshot-2024-09-11-192747.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>You must have heard about the launch of a new eye drop in the market that claimed to reduce dependency on reading glasses. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has now suspended the permission to make and sell the eye drop, which was earlier awarded to Entod Pharmaceuticals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/my-trip-to-the-ipl-aussie-pacer-jhye-richardson-reveals-battling-with-mental-health-issues-757889"><strong>'My trip to the IPL...,' Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson reveals battling with mental health issues</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/05/08/93057-untitled-design-26.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Australia pacer Jhye Richardson has revealed his struggles with mental health during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The pacer was part of KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings with Mohammed Shami and Chris Gayle as his teammates.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/all-celebrities-who-have-endorsed-kamala-harris-so-far-from-george-clooney-to-taylor-swift-757664"><strong>All celebrities who have endorsed Kamala Harris so far: From George Clooney to Taylor Swift</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454065-kamala-harris-89.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Taylor Swift Endorses&nbsp;Kamala Harris:&nbsp;Everyone in the Hollywood circle has sort of pledged their alliance or announced who they are interested to back in the race to power for the top post in the US. Before the historic presidential race began last night, many celebrities like Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and now Taylor Swift have announced their support for their Democratic or Republican representative.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Republican nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday avoided backing Ukraine when asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, during the presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and said that he wants the war to stop.

Republican nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday avoided backing Ukraine when asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, during the presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and said that he wants the war to stop. Meanwhile, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke at an event in Virginia, US, a designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun backed him for his remarks and said that "bold and pioneering" remarks by Gandhi, justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state. Click on the headlines to read more ‘I know Putin...,’ Trump avoids backing Ukraine against Russia during presidential debate US former president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Sep 11) avoided directly addressing a question on whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia. While speaking at the presidential debate alongside Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump didn’t respond to the question and just said, “I want the war to stop.” Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs, says, 'justifies demand for Khalistan' Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist, has backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India. Kolkata horror: Agitating doctors demand live telecast, CM Mamata’s presence in govt meet Protesting doctors in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Wednesday (Sep 11) demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be present during their meeting with government officials. India: Security forces gun down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, operation underway Two terrorists have been killed following a gunfight between Indian security forces and terrorists in the Khandara top area of Basantgarh on the Udhampur-Kathua border in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Flights grounded at Kenya's main airport as workers protest against proposed takeover by India's Adani Group Passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday (Sep 10) night after Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers went on strike, protesting against Indian conglomerate Adani Group's takeover of the airport. US diplomatic facility in Baghdad attacked in a bid to disrupt Iranian president's visit A United States diplomatic facility in Baghdad came under attack late on Tuesday but there are no reports of casualties and a damage assessment is underway, a US embassy spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. Erdogan vows to 'purge' Turkish military graduates for taking pro-secular oath Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gone all out at military graduates who took a pro-secular oath during their graduation ceremony, which was apparently against what the Turkish government proposed earlier. DGCI suspends approval for eye drop firm claimed reduced dependence on reading glasses You must have heard about the launch of a new eye drop in the market that claimed to reduce dependency on reading glasses. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has now suspended the permission to make and sell the eye drop, which was earlier awarded to Entod Pharmaceuticals. 'My trip to the IPL...,' Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson reveals battling with mental health issues Australia pacer Jhye Richardson has revealed his struggles with mental health during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The pacer was part of KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings with Mohammed Shami and Chris Gayle as his teammates. All celebrities who have endorsed Kamala Harris so far: From George Clooney to Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris: Everyone in the Hollywood circle has sort of pledged their alliance or announced who they are interested to back in the race to power for the top post in the US. Before the historic presidential race began last night, many celebrities like Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and now Taylor Swift have announced their support for their Democratic or Republican representative.

Top 10 world news: Trump avoids backing Ukraine; Khalistan terrorist backs Rahul Gandhi, and more

<p>Following the first debate between US Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump on Tuesday, Vice President Harris has been under the limelight for the earrings she wore during the debate, leading to conspiracy theories by netizens.</p>

<p>Shortly after the debate, netizens flooded the social media platform X, with claims on Harris's earrings, saying that her earrings might have been a secret device used for assistance during her debate, comparing it to a similar earpiece featured in a tech article.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vs-harris-kamala-harris-debate-expressions-to-donald-trumps-comments-ignite-meme-fest-on-social-media-757832"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Trump vs Harris: Kamala Harris' expressions, Donald Trump's comments ignite meme fest on social media</strong></a></p>

<p>The Nova H1 Audio Earrings, created by German startup NOVA Products, are the "first and only wireless earphones embedded in a pair of pearl earrings on a gold&nbsp;or silver plated clip," the startup's page stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the netizens posted that Harris was being fed answers by using those earphones embedded in her earrings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It appears Kamala Harris was being coached by using earphones embedded in her earrings during the ABC presidential debate against President Trump,” one user wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rumors are circulating that Kamala Harris was wearing audio earrings and being fed lines.<br />
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Isn't this against the debate rules? <a href="https://t.co/3sRTvp20DW">pic.twitter.com/3sRTvp20DW</a></p>
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaraBull808/status/1833709773168259290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another person posted, "I think Kamala did a great job tonight in the debate against Trump, who I think is a great orator and debater himself. But her earrings intrigued me a lot. Maybe because I got reminded of similar-looking ones from some tech article on an earphone that looks like earrings."</p>

<p>One of the users said that if Kamala sounded like Obama during the debate, "she probably did".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you think Kamala sounded a lot like Obama tonight...she probably did.<br />
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BUSTED!<br />
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Compare NOVA H1 Audio Earrings to the ones she had on tonight...<br />
Credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/TTAVOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TTAVOfficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/9HFW6f8ISD">pic.twitter.com/9HFW6f8ISD</a></p>
— Emergent Perspective (@_emergent_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_emergent_/status/1833709661125578839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, some of the netizens said that her earrings might be Tiffany HardWear pearl earrings, highlighting the subtle design distinctions that differentiate them from the Nova H1 audio earrings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One user said, "Quit lying to yourself. She's wearing Tiffany Hardwear pearl earrings."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kamala Harris wasn’t wearing Nova H1 earring headphones. Quit lying to yourselves. She’s wearing Tiffany Hardwear pearl earrings. See how the Nova earrings only have one stalk coming off of them? See how Kamala’s has two? They’re not even the same thing. <a href="https://t.co/zfTXRjEfDr">pic.twitter.com/zfTXRjEfDr</a></p>
— Daulton (@DaultonVenglar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaultonVenglar/status/1833771254890865082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Other people underscored that Harris has been seen wearing pearls as a nod to her affiliation with Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, adding that she had worn such earrings in previous public events too.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Presidential Debate: All about the Presidential debate in Philadelphia</strong></p>

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<p>However, the companies whose names were dragged by netizens have not issued any statement on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following the first debate between US Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump on Tuesday, Vice President Harris has been under the limelight for the earrings she wore during the debate, leading to conspiracy theories by netizens.

Following the first debate between US Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump on Tuesday, Vice President Harris has been under the limelight for the earrings she wore during the debate, leading to conspiracy theories by netizens. Shortly after the debate, netizens flooded the social media platform X, with claims on Harris's earrings, saying that her earrings might have been a secret device used for assistance during her debate, comparing it to a similar earpiece featured in a tech article. Also read: Trump vs Harris: Kamala Harris' expressions, Donald Trump's comments ignite meme fest on social media The Nova H1 Audio Earrings, created by German startup NOVA Products, are the "first and only wireless earphones embedded in a pair of pearl earrings on a gold or silver plated clip," the startup's page stated. One of the netizens posted that Harris was being fed answers by using those earphones embedded in her earrings. "It appears Kamala Harris was being coached by using earphones embedded in her earrings during the ABC presidential debate against President Trump,” one user wrote on X. Rumors are circulating that Kamala Harris was wearing audio earrings and being fed lines. Isn't this against the debate rules? pic.twitter.com/3sRTvp20DW — TaraBull (@TaraBull808) September 11, 2024 × Another person posted, "I think Kamala did a great job tonight in the debate against Trump, who I think is a great orator and debater himself. But her earrings intrigued me a lot. Maybe because I got reminded of similar-looking ones from some tech article on an earphone that looks like earrings." One of the users said that if Kamala sounded like Obama during the debate, "she probably did". If you think Kamala sounded a lot like Obama tonight...she probably did. BUSTED! Compare NOVA H1 Audio Earrings to the ones she had on tonight... Credit: @TTAVOfficial pic.twitter.com/9HFW6f8ISD — Emergent Perspective (@_emergent_) September 11, 2024 × Meanwhile, some of the netizens said that her earrings might be Tiffany HardWear pearl earrings, highlighting the subtle design distinctions that differentiate them from the Nova H1 audio earrings. One user said, "Quit lying to yourself. She's wearing Tiffany Hardwear pearl earrings." Kamala Harris wasn’t wearing Nova H1 earring headphones. Quit lying to yourselves. She’s wearing Tiffany Hardwear pearl earrings. See how the Nova earrings only have one stalk coming off of them? See how Kamala’s has two? They’re not even the same thing. pic.twitter.com/zfTXRjEfDr — Daulton (@DaultonVenglar) September 11, 2024 × Other people underscored that Harris has been seen wearing pearls as a nod to her affiliation with Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, adding that she had worn such earrings in previous public events too. Watch | US Presidential Debate: All about the Presidential debate in Philadelphia × However, the companies whose names were dragged by netizens have not issued any statement on the matter. (With inputs from agencies)

'Secret device,' Netizens push conspiracy theories about Kamala Harris's earrings during debate

<p>A man in the United States, who spent 10 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was awarded $50 million by a Chicago federal jury on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marcel Brown was wrongfully convicted in 2011 and was sentenced to 35 years in prison&nbsp;for a 2008 shooting of a 19-year-old man on the west side of Chicago.</p>

<p>Brown served 10 years in prison&nbsp;before getting released in 2018 after a court vacated his conviction and prosecutors dismissed all charges against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-wants-kamala-harris-to-win-ex-donald-trump-aide-makes-surprising-claim-755264"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Melania Trump wants Kamala Harris to win': Ex-Donald Trump aide makes surprising claim</strong></a></p>

<p>A lawsuit has also been filed against the City of Chicago and two Chicago police detectives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brown has also been awarded $50,000 in punitive damages, according to Fox 32 News.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>August 2008 shooting&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In August 2008, Paris Jackson was shot and killed in Galewood's Amundsen Park. Brown, who was 18 at that time, was arrested and charged as the getaway driver.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brown's attorney, John Loevy, said that he had only gone to the park to pick up his sister when the shooting happened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He goes over to the park to pick up his sister, people start shooting, they accuse him of being an accomplice and he had nothing to do with it," Loevy said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Gun Violence: Four people fatally shot inside subway train in Chicago</strong></p>

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<p>According to the lawsuit, the prosecutors coerced his confession during a 30-hour interrogation, in which the detectives threatened him. Moreover, Brown was denied legal counsel and phone calls to his family and provided little food.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His interrogation was recorded on video, later becoming key evidence in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Locke Bowman, an attorney with Loevy &amp; Loevy, said, "This $50 million dollar verdict is a wake-up call to Mayor Johnson and Superintendent Snelling that it’s time to get a grip on the way CPD conducts its investigations."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brown has been free for six years now, following his release from prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man in the United States, who spent 10 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was awarded $50 million by a Chicago federal jury on Monday. Marcel Brown was wrongfully convicted in 2011 and was sentenced to 35 years in prison for a 2008 shooting of a 19-year-old man on the west side of Chicago.

A man in the United States, who spent 10 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was awarded $50 million by a Chicago federal jury on Monday. Marcel Brown was wrongfully convicted in 2011 and was sentenced to 35 years in prison for a 2008 shooting of a 19-year-old man on the west side of Chicago. Brown served 10 years in prison before getting released in 2018 after a court vacated his conviction and prosecutors dismissed all charges against him. Also read: 'Melania Trump wants Kamala Harris to win': Ex-Donald Trump aide makes surprising claim A lawsuit has also been filed against the City of Chicago and two Chicago police detectives. Brown has also been awarded $50,000 in punitive damages, according to Fox 32 News. August 2008 shooting In August 2008, Paris Jackson was shot and killed in Galewood's Amundsen Park. Brown, who was 18 at that time, was arrested and charged as the getaway driver. Brown's attorney, John Loevy, said that he had only gone to the park to pick up his sister when the shooting happened. "He goes over to the park to pick up his sister, people start shooting, they accuse him of being an accomplice and he had nothing to do with it," Loevy said. Watch | US Gun Violence: Four people fatally shot inside subway train in Chicago × According to the lawsuit, the prosecutors coerced his confession during a 30-hour interrogation, in which the detectives threatened him. Moreover, Brown was denied legal counsel and phone calls to his family and provided little food. His interrogation was recorded on video, later becoming key evidence in the case. Locke Bowman, an attorney with Loevy & Loevy, said, "This $50 million dollar verdict is a wake-up call to Mayor Johnson and Superintendent Snelling that it’s time to get a grip on the way CPD conducts its investigations." Brown has been free for six years now, following his release from prison. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Chicago man gets $50 million after being wrongfully convicted for murder

<p>VP Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump's face-off on Tuesday (Sep 10) took the internet by storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While&nbsp;Trump made headlines with his bizarre claims during the 90-minute debate, it was Harris' muted expressions that stole the spotlight and ignited a meme fest on social media.</p>

<p>Her subtle expressions, including eye-rolling glances, sparked a flurry of memes, overshadowing Trump's outlandish statements.</p>

<h2><strong>Harris' expressions send the internet into frenzy mode</strong></h2>

<p>One of Harris' expressions when she is being labelled as a “Marxist” by Trump, is what the netizens are obsessing over.</p>

<p>“She's a Marxist. Everybody knows she's a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well,” Trump said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vs-harris-key-quotes-from-the-historic-us-presidential-debate-757667">Trump vs Harris: Key quotes from the historic US presidential debate</a></p>

<p>In the split screen, Harris was seen reacting with a sarcastic smirk, which set the internet ablaze.</p>

<p><strong>Take a look:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New meme introduced <a href="https://t.co/PtIf60Me3t">pic.twitter.com/PtIf60Me3t</a></p>
— Breaking Buzz (@Hijkl4441) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hijkl4441/status/1833681469908062395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If I send you this it means you sound insane. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Debate2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Debate2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tf4pGiPJcH">pic.twitter.com/Tf4pGiPJcH</a></p>
— marv (@mvn_dn) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvn_dn/status/1833677376456208395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">same Kamala, same <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Debate2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Debate2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/8Cszb6FvSo">pic.twitter.com/8Cszb6FvSo</a></p>
— caryse 🇦🇬✨ (@TSAntigua) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSAntigua/status/1833675102874972343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Which Kamala are you tonight? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Harris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Harris2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Debate2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Debate2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/0zqLiXxtLP">pic.twitter.com/0zqLiXxtLP</a></p>
— Adam (@AdamJSmithGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamJSmithGA/status/1833678822773866548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If I send you this, it means I'm watching how wild your lie is. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Debate2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Debate2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/ukXVmPoP0E">pic.twitter.com/ukXVmPoP0E</a></p>
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrErnestOwens/status/1833678840809296203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other baffling comment by Trump when&nbsp;he said that Haitian migrants were "eating pets" in Springfield, Ohio, ignited another reaction by Harris, which again took the spotlight.</p>

<p>"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said.</p>

<p>Harris, seemingly shocked to hear the strange claims made by the former president, responded with, "What? This is unbelievable. Talk about extreme," and let out a laugh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Teacher when you didn’t do the reading but have a comment <a href="https://t.co/BPAk9j1rYU">pic.twitter.com/BPAk9j1rYU</a></p>
— The.Ink, from Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnandWrites/status/1833678085645816178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the animals”.<br />
<br />
- Donald Trump<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Debate2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Debate2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/zMvTyuB64A">pic.twitter.com/zMvTyuB64A</a></p>
— Listen To The Black Gay Agenda On Spotify (@ItsMicahB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ItsMicahB/status/1833679883999891882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“they’re eating the pets of the people that live there” WHAT IS HE SAYING <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Debate2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Debate2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/128GoKdtOi">pic.twitter.com/128GoKdtOi</a></p>
— bethany ♡ tayronto n6 (@corneliastagain) <a href="https://twitter.com/corneliastagain/status/1833679645004161441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


VP Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump's face-off on Tuesday (Sep 10) took the internet by storm. While Trump made headlines with his bizarre claims during the 90-minute debate, it was Harris' muted expressions that stole the spotlight and ignited a meme fest on social media.

VP Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump's face-off on Tuesday (Sep 10) took the internet by storm. While Trump made headlines with his bizarre claims during the 90-minute debate, it was Harris' muted expressions that stole the spotlight and ignited a meme fest on social media. Her subtle expressions, including eye-rolling glances, sparked a flurry of memes, overshadowing Trump's outlandish statements. Harris' expressions send the internet into frenzy mode One of Harris' expressions when she is being labelled as a “Marxist” by Trump, is what the netizens are obsessing over. “She's a Marxist. Everybody knows she's a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well,” Trump said. Also read: Trump vs Harris: Key quotes from the historic US presidential debate In the split screen, Harris was seen reacting with a sarcastic smirk, which set the internet ablaze. Take a look: New meme introduced pic.twitter.com/PtIf60Me3t — Breaking Buzz (@Hijkl4441) September 11, 2024 × If I send you this it means you sound insane. #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/Tf4pGiPJcH — marv (@mvn_dn) September 11, 2024 × same Kamala, same #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/8Cszb6FvSo — caryse 🇦🇬✨ (@TSAntigua) September 11, 2024 × Which Kamala are you tonight? #Harris2024 #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/0zqLiXxtLP — Adam (@AdamJSmithGA) September 11, 2024 × If I send you this, it means I'm watching how wild your lie is. #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/ukXVmPoP0E — Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) September 11, 2024 × The other baffling comment by Trump when he said that Haitian migrants were "eating pets" in Springfield, Ohio, ignited another reaction by Harris, which again took the spotlight. "In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said. Harris, seemingly shocked to hear the strange claims made by the former president, responded with, "What? This is unbelievable. Talk about extreme," and let out a laugh. Teacher when you didn’t do the reading but have a comment pic.twitter.com/BPAk9j1rYU — The.Ink, from Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) September 11, 2024 × “They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the animals”. - Donald Trump#Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/zMvTyuB64A — Listen To The Black Gay Agenda On Spotify (@ItsMicahB) September 11, 2024 × “they’re eating the pets of the people that live there” WHAT IS HE SAYING #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/128GoKdtOi — bethany ♡ tayronto n6 (@corneliastagain) September 11, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Trump vs Harris: Kamala Harris' expressions, Donald Trump's comments ignite meme fest on social media

<p>US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked horns in a fierce debate on Tuesday (Sep 10).</p>

<p>This will likely be their only official presidential clash before the elections that are scheduled to take place on November 5.</p>

<p>Both the presidential hopefuls touched upon a series of topics which included the economy, the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Ukraine-Russia war, abortion, COVID-19 and immigration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vs-harris-debate-kamala-slams-trump-over-controversial-project-2025-in-historic-debate-what-is-it-757634">Harris slams Trump over 'Project 2025' in historic debate. What is it?</a></p>

<p><strong>Here are the key quotes:</strong></p>

<h2>- Economy</h2>

<p>"Look, we've had a terrible economy, because inflation, which is really known as a country buster," said Trump.</p>

<p>"People can't go out and buy cereal or bacon or eggs or anything else. The people of our country are absolutely dying with what they've done. They've destroyed the economy," Trump added.</p>

<p>"I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people, and that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy," said Harris.</p>

<p>"My opponent, on the other hand, his plan is to do what he has done before, which is to provide a tax cut for billionaires and big corporations," Harris further added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-claims-debate-with-kamala-harris-was-three-on-one-alleges-bias-757658">Donald Trump claims debate with Kamala Harris was 'three on one,' alleges bias</a></p>

<h2>-Israel-Gaza conflict</h2>

<p>"It must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out," said Harris.</p>

<p>"She hates Israel. If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now," said Trump to which Harris responded: "That's absolutely not true. I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people."</p>

<h2>-Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

<p>"I want the war to stop. I want to save lives," Trump said when asked if he wanted Ukraine to win the war with Russia.</p>

<p>"If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," replied Harris.</p>

<h2>-Abortion</h2>

<p>"I pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law," said Harris.</p>

<p>"Now, I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. ... Now states are voting on it. ... Each individual state is voting. It's the vote of the people. Now it's not tied up in the federal government," Trump retorted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taylor-swift-endorses-kamala-harris-after-presidential-debate-757651">Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris after presidential debate</a></p>

<h2>-Immigration</h2>

<p>"I'll tell you something, he's going to talk about immigration a lot tonight, even when it's not the subject that is being raised," said Harris.</p>

<p>While Trump&nbsp;referring to people crossing into the country illegally said,&nbsp;"Our country is being lost, we're a failing nation."</p>

<h2>- Assassination Attempt</h2>

<p>"I probably took a bullet to the head for the things they say about me," said Trump.</p>

<h2>- Jan 6, 2021, Capitol Attack</h2>

<p>"I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech," said Trump, when asked if he regretted anything that day.</p>

<p>"I was at the Capitol. I was the vice president-elect. I was also a senator and on that day, the president of the United States incited a violent mob to attack our nation's capital, to desecrate our nation's capital," said Harris.</p>

<h2>- Covid-19</h2>

<p>"But what Donald Trump did, let's talk about this, with COVID, is he actually thanked President Xi for what he did during COVID," said Harris.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked horns in a fierce debate on Tuesday (Sep 10). This will likely be their only official presidential clash before the elections that are scheduled to take place on November 5.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked horns in a fierce debate on Tuesday (Sep 10). This will likely be their only official presidential clash before the elections that are scheduled to take place on November 5. Both the presidential hopefuls touched upon a series of topics which included the economy, the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Ukraine-Russia war, abortion, COVID-19 and immigration. Also read: Harris slams Trump over 'Project 2025' in historic debate. What is it? Here are the key quotes: - Economy "Look, we've had a terrible economy, because inflation, which is really known as a country buster," said Trump. "People can't go out and buy cereal or bacon or eggs or anything else. The people of our country are absolutely dying with what they've done. They've destroyed the economy," Trump added. "I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people, and that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy," said Harris. "My opponent, on the other hand, his plan is to do what he has done before, which is to provide a tax cut for billionaires and big corporations," Harris further added. Also read: Donald Trump claims debate with Kamala Harris was 'three on one,' alleges bias -Israel-Gaza conflict "It must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out," said Harris. "She hates Israel. If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now," said Trump to which Harris responded: "That's absolutely not true. I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people." -Russia-Ukraine war "I want the war to stop. I want to save lives," Trump said when asked if he wanted Ukraine to win the war with Russia. "If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," replied Harris. -Abortion "I pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law," said Harris. "Now, I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. ... Now states are voting on it. ... Each individual state is voting. It's the vote of the people. Now it's not tied up in the federal government," Trump retorted. Also read: Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris after presidential debate -Immigration "I'll tell you something, he's going to talk about immigration a lot tonight, even when it's not the subject that is being raised," said Harris. While Trump referring to people crossing into the country illegally said, "Our country is being lost, we're a failing nation." - Assassination Attempt "I probably took a bullet to the head for the things they say about me," said Trump. - Jan 6, 2021, Capitol Attack "I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech," said Trump, when asked if he regretted anything that day. "I was at the Capitol. I was the vice president-elect. I was also a senator and on that day, the president of the United States incited a violent mob to attack our nation's capital, to desecrate our nation's capital," said Harris. - Covid-19 "But what Donald Trump did, let's talk about this, with COVID, is he actually thanked President Xi for what he did during COVID," said Harris. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump vs Harris: Key quotes from the historic US presidential debate

<p>France, Germany, and the United Kingdom condemned the export of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, adding that it is a direct threat to European security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three nations issued a joint statement on Tuesday, saying that they will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. They will also pursue the designations of significant entities and impose sanctions on Iran Air.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-iran-to-announce-new-bilateral-treaty-soon-amid-arms-supply-row-757540"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia, Iran to announce new bilateral treaty soon amid arms supply row</strong></a></p>

<p>"The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people," they stated in the joint statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Threat to European security'</strong></h2>

<p>"This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and is a direct threat to European security," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They further called on Iran to halt such practices in aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russia’s war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran, confirms Blinken</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said that Moscow has received new deadly ballistic missiles from Iran to use in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran’s destabilising influence reaches far beyond the Middle East,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran rejects western accusations of Russia arms exports</strong></p>

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<p>Ukraine has been pushing the US to change its policy, however, Blinken, at a press conference in London, highlighted the obstacles to backing the Ukrainian request, noting that they doubt Ukraine's ability to maintain the missiles, training, and their strategic purpose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, German chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a peace conference to be attended by Moscow, marking a sign of wavering support for Ukraine in parts of Europe, however, Blinken's confirmation of escalation may alter the debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France, Germany, and the United Kingdom condemned the export of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, adding that it is a direct threat to European security.

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom condemned the export of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, adding that it is a direct threat to European security. The three nations issued a joint statement on Tuesday, saying that they will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. They will also pursue the designations of significant entities and impose sanctions on Iran Air. Also read: Russia, Iran to announce new bilateral treaty soon amid arms supply row "The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people," they stated in the joint statement. 'Threat to European security' "This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and is a direct threat to European security," the statement read. They further called on Iran to halt such practices in aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine. "We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russia’s war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles," the statement added. Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran, confirms Blinken Earlier in the day, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said that Moscow has received new deadly ballistic missiles from Iran to use in Ukraine. “This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran’s destabilising influence reaches far beyond the Middle East,” he said. Watch | Iran rejects western accusations of Russia arms exports × Ukraine has been pushing the US to change its policy, however, Blinken, at a press conference in London, highlighted the obstacles to backing the Ukrainian request, noting that they doubt Ukraine's ability to maintain the missiles, training, and their strategic purpose. Moreover, German chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a peace conference to be attended by Moscow, marking a sign of wavering support for Ukraine in parts of Europe, however, Blinken's confirmation of escalation may alter the debate. (With inputs from agencies)

'Direct threat to European security': France, Germany, UK condemn Iran 'sending' ballistic missiles to Russia

<p>The Biden administration said on Wednesday that it will announce a series of sanctions targeting Russian government-sponsored attempts to manipulate US public opinion ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections in November, two senior officials told NBC News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of the alleged manipulation has been through a Russian-backed media network Russia Today, the sources confirmed.</p>

<p>The administration's move will include Treasury sanctions and a law enforcement action by the Department of Justice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, Attorney General Merrick Garland is likely to speak publicly on Wednesday afternoon about the announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Treasury Department said that executives at RT, a Russian-backed media network, went&nbsp;beyond using tools like AI deep fakes and disinformation and "began an even more nefarious effort to covertly recruit unwitting American influencers in support of their malign influence campaign."</p>

<p>"RT used a front company to disguise its own involvement or&nbsp;the involvement of the Russian government in content meant to influence U.S. audiences," the Treasury Department said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-wants-kamala-harris-to-win-ex-donald-trump-aide-makes-surprising-claim-755264"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Melania Trump wants Kamala Harris to win': Ex-Donald Trump aide makes surprising claim</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, the US intelligence agencies evaluated that Moscow wanted to interfere in the 2024 US elections and flagged RT as a source of Russian propaganda and disinformation and required it to register as a foreign agent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An ODNI report released publicly in 2017, following Russia's efforts in the 2016 election, stated, that RT's editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan “has close ties to top Russian Government officials” and has stated publicly that “the Russian Government sets rating and viewership requirements for RT and, 'since RT receives budget from the state, it must complete tasks given by the state."&nbsp;</p>

<p>After multiple US investigations, Russia was found to have intervened in the 2016 presidential elections. According to the probes, the efforts were intended to help Donald Trump win the election over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Trade challenges for Moscow from sanctions</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Biden administration had concerns about possible Russian interference</strong></h2>

<p>In February, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration had "concerns" about possible Russian interference in the 2024 US elections.</p>

<p>“This is not about politics,” Sullivan said. “This is about national security. It is about a foreign country, a foreign adversary, seeking to manipulate the politics and democracy of the United States of America.”</p>

<p>In July, the Director of National Intelligence's office said that Russia is seeking influence over the US elections to undermine support for the Democratic presidential nominee and American public support for arming Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Biden administration said on Wednesday that it will announce a series of sanctions targeting Russian government-sponsored attempts to manipulate US public opinion ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections in November, two senior officials told NBC News.

The Biden administration said on Wednesday that it will announce a series of sanctions targeting Russian government-sponsored attempts to manipulate US public opinion ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections in November, two senior officials told NBC News. Some of the alleged manipulation has been through a Russian-backed media network Russia Today, the sources confirmed. The administration's move will include Treasury sanctions and a law enforcement action by the Department of Justice. Moreover, Attorney General Merrick Garland is likely to speak publicly on Wednesday afternoon about the announcement. The Treasury Department said that executives at RT, a Russian-backed media network, went beyond using tools like AI deep fakes and disinformation and "began an even more nefarious effort to covertly recruit unwitting American influencers in support of their malign influence campaign." "RT used a front company to disguise its own involvement or the involvement of the Russian government in content meant to influence U.S. audiences," the Treasury Department said. Also read: 'Melania Trump wants Kamala Harris to win': Ex-Donald Trump aide makes surprising claim Earlier, the US intelligence agencies evaluated that Moscow wanted to interfere in the 2024 US elections and flagged RT as a source of Russian propaganda and disinformation and required it to register as a foreign agent. An ODNI report released publicly in 2017, following Russia's efforts in the 2016 election, stated, that RT's editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan “has close ties to top Russian Government officials” and has stated publicly that “the Russian Government sets rating and viewership requirements for RT and, 'since RT receives budget from the state, it must complete tasks given by the state." After multiple US investigations, Russia was found to have intervened in the 2016 presidential elections. According to the probes, the efforts were intended to help Donald Trump win the election over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Trade challenges for Moscow from sanctions × Biden administration had concerns about possible Russian interference In February, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration had "concerns" about possible Russian interference in the 2024 US elections. “This is not about politics,” Sullivan said. “This is about national security. It is about a foreign country, a foreign adversary, seeking to manipulate the politics and democracy of the United States of America.” In July, the Director of National Intelligence's office said that Russia is seeking influence over the US elections to undermine support for the Democratic presidential nominee and American public support for arming Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden govt to impose sanctions on Russia over manipulating US public opinion ahead of election

<p>As the United States announced sanctions against Russian state-funded media RT for trying to influence the American&nbsp;people ahead of presidential&nbsp;elections in November, the Russian foreign affairs ministry said that they would take retaliatory measures, warning that they would make "everyone shudder".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (Sep 5) stated that Washington's actions against state broadcaster RT's editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan and her deputy Elizaveta Brodskaia were "an information campaign" ahead of the US presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "When the authorities resort to such primitive ways of influencing their voters, this is the decline of liberal democracies."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There will be a response," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US indicts two RT employees&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, two other RT employees Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva were indicted by the US for trying to influence the 2024 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two employees were accused of channelling $10 million to a Tennessee-based company that used social media influence to "create and distribute content to US audiences with hidden Russian government messaging”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-impose-sanctions-on-russia-over-manipulating-us-public-opinion-ahead-of-elections-755947"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Biden govt to impose sanctions on Russia over manipulating US public opinion ahead of election</strong></a></p>

<p>Zakharova earlier told state news agency Ria Novosti, "It is an obvious operation, an information campaign…that was long prepared and that is needed ahead of the last stage of the electoral cycle", adding that the response will be harsh and will make "everyone shudder".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We warn that attempts to expel Russian journalists from the territory of the United States, create unacceptable conditions for their work or any other forms of obstruction of their activities, including with the use of visa tools, will become the basis for taking symmetrical and/or asymmetric retaliatory measures against the American media,” she said.</p>

<h2><strong>US announces cash reward for providing information</strong></h2>

<p>The US State Department announced that it was taking action against several employees of Russian state-owned media agencies and designated them as "foreign missions".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Justice Department sanctions top editors of Russia's RT news</strong></p>

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<p>The US&nbsp;also announced a cash reward for those providing information to the American&nbsp;government about foreign election interference.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>It stressed that they were adding media company Rossiya Segodnya and its subsidiaries RIA Novosti, RT, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik to its list of foreign missions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As the United States announced sanctions against Russian state-funded media RT for trying to influence the American people ahead of presidential elections in November, the Russian foreign affairs ministry said that they would take retaliatory measures, warning that they would make "everyone shudder".

As the United States announced sanctions against Russian state-funded media RT for trying to influence the American people ahead of presidential elections in November, the Russian foreign affairs ministry said that they would take retaliatory measures, warning that they would make "everyone shudder". Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (Sep 5) stated that Washington's actions against state broadcaster RT's editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan and her deputy Elizaveta Brodskaia were "an information campaign" ahead of the US presidential elections. Russia's ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "When the authorities resort to such primitive ways of influencing their voters, this is the decline of liberal democracies." "There will be a response," she added. US indicts two RT employees Earlier on Wednesday, two other RT employees Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva were indicted by the US for trying to influence the 2024 elections. The two employees were accused of channelling $10 million to a Tennessee-based company that used social media influence to "create and distribute content to US audiences with hidden Russian government messaging”. Also read: Biden govt to impose sanctions on Russia over manipulating US public opinion ahead of election Zakharova earlier told state news agency Ria Novosti, "It is an obvious operation, an information campaign…that was long prepared and that is needed ahead of the last stage of the electoral cycle", adding that the response will be harsh and will make "everyone shudder". “We warn that attempts to expel Russian journalists from the territory of the United States, create unacceptable conditions for their work or any other forms of obstruction of their activities, including with the use of visa tools, will become the basis for taking symmetrical and/or asymmetric retaliatory measures against the American media,” she said. US announces cash reward for providing information The US State Department announced that it was taking action against several employees of Russian state-owned media agencies and designated them as "foreign missions". Watch | US Justice Department sanctions top editors of Russia's RT news × The US also announced a cash reward for those providing information to the American government about foreign election interference. It stressed that they were adding media company Rossiya Segodnya and its subsidiaries RIA Novosti, RT, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik to its list of foreign missions. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will make everyone shudder': Russia warns US for imposing sanctions on state-funded RT News

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">In a bold move to reclaim its position in the tech world, Huawei has announced a product launch event scheduled for September 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Beijing time. This strategic timing coincides closely with Apple's highly anticipated unveiling of the iPhone 16, which is set to take place on the morning of September 9 under the promotional theme "It's Glowtime". The announcement was made in a post on Chinese X like service Weibo. </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Richard Yu, the executive responsible for Huawei's consumer and automotive technology divisions, has described the upcoming product as an "epoch-making" innovation as detailed in a report by CNBC. While the exact description of the product remains scarce, Yu's enthusiasm suggests that it could be a game-changer in the tech industry. He emphasised that this product is "leading, innovative, and disruptive," and that it represents a concept that others may have envisioned but could not realise.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-GB">Brief history of Huawei Technologies <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Huawei Technologies is a Chinese multinational digital communications technology conglomerate corporation headquartered in Bantian, Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong. It designs, develops, manufactures and sells telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics, smart devices and various rooftop solar products. The corporation was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former officer in the People's Liberation Army.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Initially focused on manufacturing phone switches, Huawei has expanded to more than 170 countries to include building telecommunications networks, providing operational and consulting services and equipment, and manufacturing communications devices for the consumer market</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It overtook Ericsson in 2012 as the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world. Huawei surpassed Apple and Samsung, in 2018 and 2020, respectively, to become the largest smartphone manufacturer worldwide. Amidst its rise, Huawei has been accused of intellectual property infringement, for which it has settled with companies like Cisco.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-GB">Challenging Apple's dominance in the Chinese market<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Huawei's comeback has already posed a serious challenge to Apple in the Chinese market. Recent data indicates that Apple has fallen out of the top five smartphone manufacturers in China during the second quarter of this year, marking a shift in the competitive landscape. Due to intense competition, it is anticipated that the challenges for Apple are going to grow.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Further, the timing of Huawei's launch is not coincidental; it aims to overshadow Apple's announcements and capture the attention of consumers and analysts alike. By hosting the event just hours after Apple's iPhone 16 unveiling, Huawei is making a clear statement about its commitment to innovation and its determination to regain its footing in the tech arena.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Richard Yu's comments on the product highlight Huawei's dedication to advancing technology. He noted that after five years of dedicated investment, Huawei has successfully "turned science fiction into reality." This assertion resonates with the growing anticipation surrounding the reveal, suggesting that the race for technological supremacy between the leading companies is far from over.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-GB">Implications for the future<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">As both companies prepare for their respective launches, the impact on consumer choice and market dynamics remains to be seen. Huawei's determination to innovate and disrupt the market could mark a pivotal moment for the brand. The September launch event is expected to draw significant attention, not only from tech enthusiasts but also from industry analysts who are eager to see how this new product will shape the future of technology.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Therefore, Huawei's decision to launch its product just hours after Apple's iPhone 16 unveiling is a strategic move that underscores the company's ambition to lead in innovation. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that the battle for market share and technological supremacy is intensifying.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>


In a bold move to reclaim its position in the tech world, Huawei has announced a product launch event scheduled for September 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Beijing time. This strategic timing coincides closely with Apple's highly anticipated unveiling of the iPhone 16, which is set to take place on the morning of September 9 under the promotional theme "It's Glowtime".

In a bold move to reclaim its position in the tech world, Huawei has announced a product launch event scheduled for September 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Beijing time. This strategic timing coincides closely with Apple's highly anticipated unveiling of the iPhone 16, which is set to take place on the morning of September 9 under the promotional theme "It's Glowtime". The announcement was made in a post on Chinese X like service Weibo. Richard Yu, the executive responsible for Huawei's consumer and automotive technology divisions, has described the upcoming product as an "epoch-making" innovation as detailed in a report by CNBC. While the exact description of the product remains scarce, Yu's enthusiasm suggests that it could be a game-changer in the tech industry. He emphasised that this product is "leading, innovative, and disruptive," and that it represents a concept that others may have envisioned but could not realise. Brief history of Huawei Technologies Huawei Technologies is a Chinese multinational digital communications technology conglomerate corporation headquartered in Bantian, Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong. It designs, develops, manufactures and sells telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics, smart devices and various rooftop solar products. The corporation was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former officer in the People's Liberation Army. Initially focused on manufacturing phone switches, Huawei has expanded to more than 170 countries to include building telecommunications networks, providing operational and consulting services and equipment, and manufacturing communications devices for the consumer market It overtook Ericsson in 2012 as the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world. Huawei surpassed Apple and Samsung, in 2018 and 2020, respectively, to become the largest smartphone manufacturer worldwide. Amidst its rise, Huawei has been accused of intellectual property infringement, for which it has settled with companies like Cisco. Challenging Apple's dominance in the Chinese market Huawei's comeback has already posed a serious challenge to Apple in the Chinese market. Recent data indicates that Apple has fallen out of the top five smartphone manufacturers in China during the second quarter of this year, marking a shift in the competitive landscape. Due to intense competition, it is anticipated that the challenges for Apple are going to grow. Further, the timing of Huawei's launch is not coincidental; it aims to overshadow Apple's announcements and capture the attention of consumers and analysts alike. By hosting the event just hours after Apple's iPhone 16 unveiling, Huawei is making a clear statement about its commitment to innovation and its determination to regain its footing in the tech arena. Richard Yu's comments on the product highlight Huawei's dedication to advancing technology. He noted that after five years of dedicated investment, Huawei has successfully "turned science fiction into reality." This assertion resonates with the growing anticipation surrounding the reveal, suggesting that the race for technological supremacy between the leading companies is far from over. Implications for the future As both companies prepare for their respective launches, the impact on consumer choice and market dynamics remains to be seen. Huawei's determination to innovate and disrupt the market could mark a pivotal moment for the brand. The September launch event is expected to draw significant attention, not only from tech enthusiasts but also from industry analysts who are eager to see how this new product will shape the future of technology. Therefore, Huawei's decision to launch its product just hours after Apple's iPhone 16 unveiling is a strategic move that underscores the company's ambition to lead in innovation. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that the battle for market share and technological supremacy is intensifying.

Huawei set to unveil groundbreaking product just hours after Apple's iPhone 16 launch

<p>In a detailed anecdote, United States President Joe Biden on Monday (Sep 2) said that there were rumours of his great-grandfather being a part of a group of coal miners who had killed anti-Catholic mine foremen and laid their dead bodies "on the doorstep" of the homes of their families.</p>

<p>As the 81-year-old president narrated the strange rumour while speaking to union workers in Pittsburgh, he joked about being “disappointed” to know that his great-grandfather Edward Francis Blewitt was not a member of the “Molly Maguires.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-claims-netanyahu-not-doing-enough-to-secure-hostage-truce-deal-with-hamas-755305">Biden claims Netanyahu not doing enough to secure hostage-truce deal with Hamas</a></p>

<p>“I remember when my great grandfather was only the second Catholic elected statewide in the state Senate here in Pennsylvania,” said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“And I remember they talked about – when they’d run against him in 1906 – they said, ‘Guess what? He’s a Molly Maguire'," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden speaks about Molly Maguires and their violent retaliation</strong></h2>

<p>The president said that “back in the old days” the foremen mistreated Irish Catholics working in Pennsylvania coal mines after which the oppressors faced the violent retaliation of a group of recently arrived Irishmen, called the Molly Maguires.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A lot of the English owned the coal mines. And what they did was they really beat the hell out of the mostly Catholic population in the mines. Not a joke," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“But there was a group they called the Molly Maguires. And Molly Maguires, if they found out the foreman was taking advantage of an individual, they would literally kill him. Not a joke. And they would bring his body up and put him on the doorstep of his family," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will Biden meet Xi before leaving the oval office?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-biden-meet-xi-before-leaving-the-oval-office-754409/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Kind of crude, but I gotta admit they accused my great-grandfather of being a Molly Maguire – he wasn’t, but we were so damn disappointed," the US president said.</p>

<p>In response to Biden's quip, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler snapped his head back and Vice President Kamala Harris also laughed.</p>

<p>“That was a joke. That was a joke,” said Biden, while speaking to the crowd.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irish American Magazine published a story in 2020 which claimed Biden's great-grandfather was allegedly part of the secretive group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He went out of his way to prove that he wasn’t [a Molly Maguire], and we were all praying that he was,” said Biden, while speaking to Virginia coal miners.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


In a detailed anecdote, United States President Joe Biden on Monday (Sep 2) said that there were rumours of his great-grandfather being a part of a group of coal miners who had killed anti-Catholic mine foremen and laid their dead bodies "on the doorstep" of the homes of their families.

In a detailed anecdote, United States President Joe Biden on Monday (Sep 2) said that there were rumours of his great-grandfather being a part of a group of coal miners who had killed anti-Catholic mine foremen and laid their dead bodies "on the doorstep" of the homes of their families. As the 81-year-old president narrated the strange rumour while speaking to union workers in Pittsburgh, he joked about being “disappointed” to know that his great-grandfather Edward Francis Blewitt was not a member of the “Molly Maguires.” Also Read: Biden claims Netanyahu not doing enough to secure hostage-truce deal with Hamas “I remember when my great grandfather was only the second Catholic elected statewide in the state Senate here in Pennsylvania,” said Biden. “And I remember they talked about – when they’d run against him in 1906 – they said, ‘Guess what? He’s a Molly Maguire'," he added. Biden speaks about Molly Maguires and their violent retaliation The president said that “back in the old days” the foremen mistreated Irish Catholics working in Pennsylvania coal mines after which the oppressors faced the violent retaliation of a group of recently arrived Irishmen, called the Molly Maguires. “A lot of the English owned the coal mines. And what they did was they really beat the hell out of the mostly Catholic population in the mines. Not a joke," Biden said. “But there was a group they called the Molly Maguires. And Molly Maguires, if they found out the foreman was taking advantage of an individual, they would literally kill him. Not a joke. And they would bring his body up and put him on the doorstep of his family," he added. Watch: Will Biden meet Xi before leaving the oval office? “Kind of crude, but I gotta admit they accused my great-grandfather of being a Molly Maguire – he wasn’t, but we were so damn disappointed," the US president said. In response to Biden's quip, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler snapped his head back and Vice President Kamala Harris also laughed. “That was a joke. That was a joke,” said Biden, while speaking to the crowd. Irish American Magazine published a story in 2020 which claimed Biden's great-grandfather was allegedly part of the secretive group. “He went out of his way to prove that he wasn’t [a Molly Maguire], and we were all praying that he was,” said Biden, while speaking to Virginia coal miners. (With inputs from agencies)

Was Biden's great-grandfather a killer coal miner? Here's what US president said...

<p>The landmass of the United States saw a sudden expansion by 1 million square kilometres (more than 386,000 square miles), which is more than twice the area of Spain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This expansion in land was not because of&nbsp;strange geological forces or the invasion of a foreign land but because the country had made attempts to lay claim over its surrounding ocean-floor territory.</p>

<p>Continental shelves cover the areas of the seabed around huge landmasses where the sea is comparatively shallow in comparison with the open ocean.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per international law, the countries are free to claim these continental shelves through which they are able to manage and&nbsp;exploit their resources.</p>

<p>Nearly 75 countries have defined their Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) limits, which refers to the continental shelf's portion beyond 200 nautical miles (230 miles) from the coast. Till last year, the United States had not defined its ECS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New geographic coordinates were announced by the US State Department on December 19, 2023, which they claimed was their ECS area.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-finalising-take-it-or-leave-it-deal-for-israel-hamas-war-755114">US finalising 'take it or leave it' deal for Israel-Hamas war</a></p>

<p>The US authorities have collaborated with the US Geological Survey, NOAA and 12 other agencies to gather geological data for defining the outer limits of their ECS since 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States has now claimed ECS in seven offshore areas like the Arctic, Atlantic (east coast), Bering Sea, Pacific (west coast), Mariana Islands, and two areas in the Gulf of Mexico.</p>

<p>The area claimed in total is 1 million square kilometres (more than 386,000 square miles) in size.</p>

<p>“America is larger than it was yesterday,” said Mead Treadwell, who is a former Alaska lieutenant governor and former chair of the US Arctic Research Commission, while speaking to&nbsp;Alaska Public Media.</p>

<p>“It’s not quite the Louisiana Purchase. It’s not quite the purchase of Alaska, but the new area of land and subsurface resources under the land controlled by the United States is two Californias larger,” Treadwell added.</p>

<h2><strong>How US define its ECS?</strong></h2>

<p>Explaining the process of making the definition official, Treadwell said that the US needs to submit reports and data to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the UNCLOS has not been ratified by the US because of complex political disagreements (the agreement has been ratified by 168 states and the European Union).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US-India deal allows access to vital defence resources, Indian officers at US Command Centres</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-india-deal-allows-access-to-vital-defence-resources-indian-officers-at-us-command-centers-755066/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Because of this, there is some uncertainty about how the proposition will be accepted as per the international law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If somebody came back and said, ‘Your science is bad,’ I think the United States would listen,” said Treadwell, while speaking to the media. “But I don’t think science is bad. I think we’ve had very good science," he added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:538,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2228}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:538,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2228}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The landmass of the United States saw a sudden expansion by 1 million square kilometres (more than 386,000 square miles), which is more than twice the area of Spain.

The landmass of the United States saw a sudden expansion by 1 million square kilometres (more than 386,000 square miles), which is more than twice the area of Spain. This expansion in land was not because of strange geological forces or the invasion of a foreign land but because the country had made attempts to lay claim over its surrounding ocean-floor territory. Continental shelves cover the areas of the seabed around huge landmasses where the sea is comparatively shallow in comparison with the open ocean. As per international law, the countries are free to claim these continental shelves through which they are able to manage and exploit their resources. Nearly 75 countries have defined their Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) limits, which refers to the continental shelf's portion beyond 200 nautical miles (230 miles) from the coast. Till last year, the United States had not defined its ECS. New geographic coordinates were announced by the US State Department on December 19, 2023, which they claimed was their ECS area. Also Read: US finalising 'take it or leave it' deal for Israel-Hamas war The US authorities have collaborated with the US Geological Survey, NOAA and 12 other agencies to gather geological data for defining the outer limits of their ECS since 2003. The United States has now claimed ECS in seven offshore areas like the Arctic, Atlantic (east coast), Bering Sea, Pacific (west coast), Mariana Islands, and two areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The area claimed in total is 1 million square kilometres (more than 386,000 square miles) in size. “America is larger than it was yesterday,” said Mead Treadwell, who is a former Alaska lieutenant governor and former chair of the US Arctic Research Commission, while speaking to Alaska Public Media. “It’s not quite the Louisiana Purchase. It’s not quite the purchase of Alaska, but the new area of land and subsurface resources under the land controlled by the United States is two Californias larger,” Treadwell added. How US define its ECS? Explaining the process of making the definition official, Treadwell said that the US needs to submit reports and data to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the UNCLOS has not been ratified by the US because of complex political disagreements (the agreement has been ratified by 168 states and the European Union). Watch: US-India deal allows access to vital defence resources, Indian officers at US Command Centres Because of this, there is some uncertainty about how the proposition will be accepted as per the international law. “If somebody came back and said, ‘Your science is bad,’ I think the United States would listen,” said Treadwell, while speaking to the media. “But I don’t think science is bad. I think we’ve had very good science," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

United States landmass suddenly expanded by 1 million square kilometres in size. Here's why

<p>US Presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he would vote against a ballot measure in Florida to protect abortion rights after facing criticism from Conservative supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes a day after an NBC News interview where Trump was seen supporting the measure&nbsp;caused anti-abortion activists to oppose him critically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The passing of ballot measure, Amendment 4, would allow women to get abortion up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;IOWA abortion ban comes into effect</strong></p>

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<p>Although, Trump on Friday, told Fox News that he still thinks Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks is too strict, he said that he would still vote "no" on a measure that would amend the state's constitution to protect abortion rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You need more time than six weeks," Trump said. "I’ve disagreed with that right from the early primaries when I heard about it."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the former president falsely alleged that the Democrats were in favor of women getting abortions at any point during a pregnancy, which he then used as his explanation for deciding to vote against the ballot measure in his home state Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kamala Harris reacts to Trump's statement</strong></h2>

<p>The Democratic candidate Kamala Harris responded to Trump's announcement of supporting Florida's abortion ban and said, “Donald Trump just made his position on abortion very clear: He will vote to uphold an abortion ban so extreme it applies before many women even know they are pregnant."</p>

<p>“I trust women to make their own health care decisions and believe the government should never come between a woman and her doctor,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abortion-is-murder-and-republicans-in-texas-are-open-to-punishing-it-with-death-penalty-report-727256"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Abortion is murder,' and Republicans in Texas are open to punishing it with death penalty: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Abortion has stayed a key issue in the upcoming 2024 US elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris's campaign, in response to Trump's comments, stressed that they would make abortion rights central to their election effort. Kevin Munoz, a campaign spokesperson said, "Kamala Harris is going to fight for your rights. Donald Trump will take them away.”</p>

<p>Earlier also, Trump has criticised Florida's six-week abortion ban. In September last year, he said Florida governor Ron DeSantis made a "terrible mistake" signing the ban into law.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


US Presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he would vote against a ballot measure in Florida to protect abortion rights after facing criticism from Conservative supporters.

US Presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he would vote against a ballot measure in Florida to protect abortion rights after facing criticism from Conservative supporters. This comes a day after an NBC News interview where Trump was seen supporting the measure caused anti-abortion activists to oppose him critically. The passing of ballot measure, Amendment 4, would allow women to get abortion up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy. Watch | IOWA abortion ban comes into effect × Although, Trump on Friday, told Fox News that he still thinks Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks is too strict, he said that he would still vote "no" on a measure that would amend the state's constitution to protect abortion rights. "You need more time than six weeks," Trump said. "I’ve disagreed with that right from the early primaries when I heard about it." Meanwhile, the former president falsely alleged that the Democrats were in favor of women getting abortions at any point during a pregnancy, which he then used as his explanation for deciding to vote against the ballot measure in his home state Florida. Kamala Harris reacts to Trump's statement The Democratic candidate Kamala Harris responded to Trump's announcement of supporting Florida's abortion ban and said, “Donald Trump just made his position on abortion very clear: He will vote to uphold an abortion ban so extreme it applies before many women even know they are pregnant." “I trust women to make their own health care decisions and believe the government should never come between a woman and her doctor,” she added. Also read: 'Abortion is murder,' and Republicans in Texas are open to punishing it with death penalty: Report Abortion has stayed a key issue in the upcoming 2024 US elections. Harris's campaign, in response to Trump's comments, stressed that they would make abortion rights central to their election effort. Kevin Munoz, a campaign spokesperson said, "Kamala Harris is going to fight for your rights. Donald Trump will take them away.” Earlier also, Trump has criticised Florida's six-week abortion ban. In September last year, he said Florida governor Ron DeSantis made a "terrible mistake" signing the ban into law. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump to vote against 6-week abortion ban after facing backlash from Conservatives

<p>Former United States President Donald Trump, in a move to overturn his felony conviction in the New York hush money trial, asked a federal court to take over his case, stressing that he is being harmed by actions taken by the state court judge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump’s attorneys, in a filing submitted on Thursday (Aug 29) urged&nbsp;the US District Court in Manhattan to intervene in the former president's&nbsp;case. This comes&nbsp;as Trump has sought to overturn his conviction and further delay&nbsp;his sentencing scheduled for next month.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's hush money trial&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Republican presidential candidate&nbsp;Trump was convicted in May, of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment ahead of the 2016 presidential&nbsp;election.</p>

<p>Trump was initially expected to be sentenced in July, however, Judge Juan Merchan pushed&nbsp;the sentencing to September 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-request-to-delay-hush-money-sentencing-wont-be-opposed-manhattan-da-737228"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Trump's request to delay hush money sentencing won't be opposed: Manhattan DA</strong></a></p>

<p>Trump’s attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove have argued that the state's prosecution went against his constitutional rights and contradicted the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They further stated that moving to federal court would give him an “unbiased forum, free from local hostilities.”</p>

<p>“Immediate access to such a forum is imperative and of the utmost urgency,” Trump’s attorneys stated. “Federal institutional interests associated with the Presidency, Congressional and FEC regulation of federal elections, and the integrity of the upcoming 2024 Presidential election are at stake.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump found guilty in hush money case</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Direct and irreparable harm to Trump</strong></h2>

<p>"The ongoing proceedings will continue to cause direct and irreparable harm to President Trump—the leading candidate in the 2024 Presidential election—and voters located far beyond Manhattan,” the former president's&nbsp;attorneys wrote.</p>

<p>A federal judge rejected Trump's first attempt at moving the hush money case to federal court, stating that the case did not have to do with his official duties as president, but rather a "personal item".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican presidential candidate and his legal team have been claiming that the case was politically motivated and argued that Trump's First Amendment rights are being violated by the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Former United States President Donald Trump, in a move to overturn his felony conviction in the New York hush money trial, asked a federal court to take over his case, stressing that he is being harmed by actions taken by the state court judge.

Former United States President Donald Trump, in a move to overturn his felony conviction in the New York hush money trial, asked a federal court to take over his case, stressing that he is being harmed by actions taken by the state court judge. Trump’s attorneys, in a filing submitted on Thursday (Aug 29) urged the US District Court in Manhattan to intervene in the former president's case. This comes as Trump has sought to overturn his conviction and further delay his sentencing scheduled for next month. Trump's hush money trial Republican presidential candidate Trump was convicted in May, of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump was initially expected to be sentenced in July, however, Judge Juan Merchan pushed the sentencing to September 18. Also read: Trump's request to delay hush money sentencing won't be opposed: Manhattan DA Trump’s attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove have argued that the state's prosecution went against his constitutional rights and contradicted the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. They further stated that moving to federal court would give him an “unbiased forum, free from local hostilities.” “Immediate access to such a forum is imperative and of the utmost urgency,” Trump’s attorneys stated. “Federal institutional interests associated with the Presidency, Congressional and FEC regulation of federal elections, and the integrity of the upcoming 2024 Presidential election are at stake.” Watch | Former US President Donald Trump found guilty in hush money case × Direct and irreparable harm to Trump "The ongoing proceedings will continue to cause direct and irreparable harm to President Trump—the leading candidate in the 2024 Presidential election—and voters located far beyond Manhattan,” the former president's attorneys wrote. A federal judge rejected Trump's first attempt at moving the hush money case to federal court, stating that the case did not have to do with his official duties as president, but rather a "personal item". The Republican presidential candidate and his legal team have been claiming that the case was politically motivated and argued that Trump's First Amendment rights are being violated by the court. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Trump again asks federal court to take over hush money trial case

<p>Ahead of the US presidential elections scheduled for November, 'Taiwanese Americans for Harris' highlighted that there would be an "enormous" risk with a second Trump presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Taiwanese Americans for Harris' is an official grassroots affinity group gathering Taiwanese Americans to support US Presidential nominee Kamala Harris for president. It further aims to support the Taiwanese American community and help elect Democrats&nbsp;supporting Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although some US lawmakers have affirmed that support for Taiwan will continue regardless of who wins the 2024 elections, the organisation's national co-chair Jay Chen said, “There is an enormous risk with a second Trump presidency.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'No individual has been more dismissive for Taiwan than Trump'</strong></h2>

<p>Chen told Taiwan News&nbsp;that as a lieutenant commander in the US Naval Reserves, no president has been more supportive of Taiwan than Biden, and no individual has been more dismissive than Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-halts-arms-talks-blaming-us-taiwan-arms-sales-741913"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;China halts arms talks, blaming US-Taiwan arms sales</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Rupert-Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, said that they believe an administration led by Trump could adopt a clearer policy towards Taipei sooner and be more open to arms sales than a Democratic one.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Current US policy offered no guarantee of support'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Hammond-Chambers told The Washington Post that while the current policy offered no guarantees of American defence support, it restricted Taiwan's ability to acquire comprehensive defence capabilities, with the US "directing Taiwan only to buy in a certain area and only providing technologies in that area”.</p>

<p>The council’s head stated an example, saying that Biden's administration has denied a Taiwanese request for anti-submarine helicopters that&nbsp;are needed to patrol waters around the island.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Taiwan reacts to Trump's 'pay US' comment; dedicated to bolster our defence: Taiwan</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the national co-chair of 'Taiwanese Americans for Harris', said that after Harris replaced Biden in the US presidential race, the Harris campaign has been “incredibly receptive” to Taiwanese Americans’ concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably in July, Trump questioned US support for Taiwan in an interview with Bloomberg, saying that they stole America's chip industry, adding that Taipei should pay the US for its defence as "it doesn’t give us anything.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the US presidential elections scheduled for November, 'Taiwanese Americans for Harris' highlighted that there would be an "enormous" risk with a second Trump presidency.

Ahead of the US presidential elections scheduled for November, 'Taiwanese Americans for Harris' highlighted that there would be an "enormous" risk with a second Trump presidency. 'Taiwanese Americans for Harris' is an official grassroots affinity group gathering Taiwanese Americans to support US Presidential nominee Kamala Harris for president. It further aims to support the Taiwanese American community and help elect Democrats supporting Taiwan. Although some US lawmakers have affirmed that support for Taiwan will continue regardless of who wins the 2024 elections, the organisation's national co-chair Jay Chen said, “There is an enormous risk with a second Trump presidency.” 'No individual has been more dismissive for Taiwan than Trump' Chen told Taiwan News that as a lieutenant commander in the US Naval Reserves, no president has been more supportive of Taiwan than Biden, and no individual has been more dismissive than Trump. Also read: China halts arms talks, blaming US-Taiwan arms sales However, Rupert-Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, said that they believe an administration led by Trump could adopt a clearer policy towards Taipei sooner and be more open to arms sales than a Democratic one. 'Current US policy offered no guarantee of support' Hammond-Chambers told The Washington Post that while the current policy offered no guarantees of American defence support, it restricted Taiwan's ability to acquire comprehensive defence capabilities, with the US "directing Taiwan only to buy in a certain area and only providing technologies in that area”. The council’s head stated an example, saying that Biden's administration has denied a Taiwanese request for anti-submarine helicopters that are needed to patrol waters around the island. Watch | Taiwan reacts to Trump's 'pay US' comment; dedicated to bolster our defence: Taiwan × Meanwhile, the national co-chair of 'Taiwanese Americans for Harris', said that after Harris replaced Biden in the US presidential race, the Harris campaign has been “incredibly receptive” to Taiwanese Americans’ concerns. Notably in July, Trump questioned US support for Taiwan in an interview with Bloomberg, saying that they stole America's chip industry, adding that Taipei should pay the US for its defence as "it doesn’t give us anything.” (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwanese Americans for Harris sees 'enormous risk' for Taiwan if Trump wins elections

<p>Former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign was warned not to take photographs at Arlington National Cemetery before the altercation, during a wreath-laying ceremony, reported the Associated Press (AP) citing a defence official, on Thursday (Aug 29).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump was invited to Arlington, a resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans and their families, by some of the families of the 13 service members who lost their lives in the Kabul airport bombing three years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican presidential candidate&nbsp;has been facing severe criticism after he was seen giving a thumbs up and smiling pose in a photo at America's most sacred cemetery. Netizens have been reacting to the image since then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An anti-Trump group, The Lincoln Project, posted, "Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful. <a href="https://t.co/scwq6bVhFF">pic.twitter.com/scwq6bVhFF</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-made-it-difficult-trump-blames-biden-harris-for-july-assassination-attempt-754125"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘They made it difficult...,’ Trump blames Biden, Harris for July assassination attempt</strong></a></p>

<p>This comes a day after NPR reported, citing a relevant source, that two Trump campaign staff members "verbally abused and pushed" aside a cemetery official who tried to stop them from filming and photographing in Section 60, where the military personnel who were killed during the war of Afghanistan and Iraq, were buried.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence official, on a condition of anonymity, discussed the matter and said that the Trump campaign was initially warned about not taking photographs in Section 60 before their arrival and the altercation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cemetery officials respond</strong></h2>

<p>However, cemetery officials responded to the inquiry and shared a statement, stating, that “an incident” had occurred and a report had been filed, but it did not address details of what had happened. Moreover, they declined to share the report.</p>

<p>“Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” the cemetery officials’ statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Arlington National Cemetery reinforced and widely shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants. We can confirm there was an incident, and a report was filed," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Private photographer was permitted on the premises'</strong></h2>

<p>On the contrary, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said the Republican presidential candidate's team was permitted to have a photographer. He further contested the allegation that a campaign staffer pushed a cemetery official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The fact is that a private photographer was permitted on the premises and for whatever reason, an unnamed individual, clearly suffering from a mental health episode, decided to physically block members of President Trump’s team during a very solemn ceremony,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump hints at reconsidering debate</strong></p>

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<p>Additionally, a key Trump campaign advisor, Chris LaCivita, said that the&nbsp;campaign posted a message signed by relatives of two of the service members killed in the bombing saying, “the president and his team conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect and dignity for all of our service members, especially our beloved children."</p>

<p>In a statement, he said, “For a despicable individual to physically prevent President Trump’s team from accompanying him to this solemn event is a disgrace and does not deserve to represent the hollowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Whoever this individual is, spreading these lies is dishonouring the men and women of our armed forces.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign was warned not to take photographs at Arlington National Cemetery before the altercation, during a wreath-laying ceremony, reported the Associated Press (AP) citing a defence official, on Thursday (Aug 29).

Former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign was warned not to take photographs at Arlington National Cemetery before the altercation, during a wreath-laying ceremony, reported the Associated Press (AP) citing a defence official, on Thursday (Aug 29). Trump was invited to Arlington, a resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans and their families, by some of the families of the 13 service members who lost their lives in the Kabul airport bombing three years ago. The Republican presidential candidate has been facing severe criticism after he was seen giving a thumbs up and smiling pose in a photo at America's most sacred cemetery. Netizens have been reacting to the image since then. An anti-Trump group, The Lincoln Project, posted, "Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful." Trump today with thumbs up at the grave of a soldier. Disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/scwq6bVhFF — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) August 26, 2024 × Also read: ‘They made it difficult...,’ Trump blames Biden, Harris for July assassination attempt This comes a day after NPR reported, citing a relevant source, that two Trump campaign staff members "verbally abused and pushed" aside a cemetery official who tried to stop them from filming and photographing in Section 60, where the military personnel who were killed during the war of Afghanistan and Iraq, were buried. The defence official, on a condition of anonymity, discussed the matter and said that the Trump campaign was initially warned about not taking photographs in Section 60 before their arrival and the altercation. Cemetery officials respond However, cemetery officials responded to the inquiry and shared a statement, stating, that “an incident” had occurred and a report had been filed, but it did not address details of what had happened. Moreover, they declined to share the report. “Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” the cemetery officials’ statement said. “Arlington National Cemetery reinforced and widely shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants. We can confirm there was an incident, and a report was filed," it added. 'Private photographer was permitted on the premises' On the contrary, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said the Republican presidential candidate's team was permitted to have a photographer. He further contested the allegation that a campaign staffer pushed a cemetery official. “The fact is that a private photographer was permitted on the premises and for whatever reason, an unnamed individual, clearly suffering from a mental health episode, decided to physically block members of President Trump’s team during a very solemn ceremony,” he said. Watch | Former US President Donald Trump hints at reconsidering debate × Additionally, a key Trump campaign advisor, Chris LaCivita, said that the campaign posted a message signed by relatives of two of the service members killed in the bombing saying, “the president and his team conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect and dignity for all of our service members, especially our beloved children." In a statement, he said, “For a despicable individual to physically prevent President Trump’s team from accompanying him to this solemn event is a disgrace and does not deserve to represent the hollowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Whoever this individual is, spreading these lies is dishonouring the men and women of our armed forces.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump campaign was warned not to take 'disgraceful' photo at Arlington cemetery

<p>US President Joe Biden is looking forward to talks with Xi Jinping in the "coming weeks", top White House aide Jake Sullivan told the Chinese leader on Thursday as they met for rare talks in Beijing.</p>

<p>Sullivan, the first US National Security Adviser to visit China since 2016, met Xi as he wrapped up three days of talks in Beijing, which also saw him sit down with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other high-ranking officials.</p>

<p>His visit came as China was embroiled in security rows with US allies Japan and the Philippines.</p>

<p>At a meeting with Xi in Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People, he said President Biden "looks forward to engaging with you again in the coming weeks".</p>

<p>"President Biden is committed to responsibly managing this consequential relationship to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict or confrontation, and to work together where our interests align," he said.</p>

<p>Chinese state media said Xi told Sullivan that in spite of "great changes", China and the US could still enjoy good ties.</p>

<p>"China's commitment to the goal of stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations hasn't changed," Xi said.</p>

<p>"We hope that the US will work with China to meet each other halfway," he added, according to CCTV.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Sullivan and top diplomat Wang discussed plans for their leaders to talk in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>They also clashed over China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions.</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan 'red line'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday morning, Sullivan met with senior Chinese army official Zhang Youxia at the Beijing headquarters of the Central Military Commission, where the two discussed Taiwan and other flashpoint issues.</p>

<p>"It's rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange," Sullivan told Zhang in opening remarks.</p>

<p>The officials agreed to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders "in the near future", a readout from the White House said.</p>

<p>Sullivan also raised the importance of "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines have clashed in recent months, and "stability" in the Taiwan Strait, Washington said.</p>

<p>Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations".</p>

<p>"China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said, according to a readout by Beijing's defence ministry.</p>

<p>"But 'Taiwan independence' and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible," he said.</p>

<p>"China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added.</p>

<p>He also asked Washington to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers".</p>

<h2><strong>'Avoid miscalculation'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China has kept up its sabre-rattling since the inauguration this year of President Lai Ching-te, whose party emphasises Taiwan's separate identity.</p>

<p>Thursday's talks also saw Sullivan express "concerns about (Chinese) support for Russia's defence industrial base", the readout added -- echoing longstanding US claims that Beijing has rejected.</p>

<p>He also raised "the need to avoid miscalculation and escalation in cyberspace, and ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza", the White House said.</p>

<p>Sullivan's visit comes months ahead of US elections in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, would be expected, if she wins, to continue Biden's approach of seeking dialogue with China while also maintaining pressure.</p>

<p>Her Republican rival Donald Trump has vowed, at least rhetorically, to take a harder line, with some of his aides seeing a far-reaching global showdown with China.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden is looking forward to talks with Xi Jinping in the "coming weeks", top White House aide Jake Sullivan told the Chinese leader on Thursday as they met for rare talks in Beijing.

US President Joe Biden is looking forward to talks with Xi Jinping in the "coming weeks", top White House aide Jake Sullivan told the Chinese leader on Thursday as they met for rare talks in Beijing. Sullivan, the first US National Security Adviser to visit China since 2016, met Xi as he wrapped up three days of talks in Beijing, which also saw him sit down with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other high-ranking officials. His visit came as China was embroiled in security rows with US allies Japan and the Philippines. At a meeting with Xi in Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People, he said President Biden "looks forward to engaging with you again in the coming weeks". "President Biden is committed to responsibly managing this consequential relationship to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict or confrontation, and to work together where our interests align," he said. Chinese state media said Xi told Sullivan that in spite of "great changes", China and the US could still enjoy good ties. "China's commitment to the goal of stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations hasn't changed," Xi said. "We hope that the US will work with China to meet each other halfway," he added, according to CCTV. On Wednesday, Sullivan and top diplomat Wang discussed plans for their leaders to talk in the coming weeks. They also clashed over China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions. Taiwan 'red line' On Thursday morning, Sullivan met with senior Chinese army official Zhang Youxia at the Beijing headquarters of the Central Military Commission, where the two discussed Taiwan and other flashpoint issues. "It's rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange," Sullivan told Zhang in opening remarks. The officials agreed to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders "in the near future", a readout from the White House said. Sullivan also raised the importance of "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines have clashed in recent months, and "stability" in the Taiwan Strait, Washington said. Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations". "China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said, according to a readout by Beijing's defence ministry. "But 'Taiwan independence' and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible," he said. "China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added. He also asked Washington to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers". 'Avoid miscalculation' China has kept up its sabre-rattling since the inauguration this year of President Lai Ching-te, whose party emphasises Taiwan's separate identity. Thursday's talks also saw Sullivan express "concerns about (Chinese) support for Russia's defence industrial base", the readout added -- echoing longstanding US claims that Beijing has rejected. He also raised "the need to avoid miscalculation and escalation in cyberspace, and ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza", the White House said. Sullivan's visit comes months ahead of US elections in November. The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, would be expected, if she wins, to continue Biden's approach of seeking dialogue with China while also maintaining pressure. Her Republican rival Donald Trump has vowed, at least rhetorically, to take a harder line, with some of his aides seeing a far-reaching global showdown with China. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President Biden 'looks forward' to hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 'coming weeks'

<p>The United States expressed their doubt over the chances of resuming nuclear talks with Iran after its supreme leader hinted at the possibility of returning to the negotiations over the nuclear programmes with the former.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will judge Iran's leadership by their actions, not their words," said a State Department spokesperson on Tuesday (August 27).</p>

<p>"If Iran wants to demonstrate seriousness or a new approach, they should stop nuclear escalations and start meaningfully cooperating with the IAEA," the spokesperson added while speaking about the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is an intergovernmental watchdog that has often faced subversion by Tehran.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-not-a-neutral-mediator-to-end-gaza-war-751086">Iran says US not a neutral mediator to end Gaza war</a></p>

<p>The State Department spokesperson said that a negotiated solution is still the best way to contain the nuclear programme in Iran, however, diplomacy has hit a roadblock because the country has failed to co-operate with the IAEA and adopted escalatory actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are far away from anything like that right now," the spokesperson said.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran's green signal on renewed nuclear talks with US</strong></h2>

<p>Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a green signal to the country's newly elected president Masoud Pezeshkian to restart negotiations over nuclear programmes with the United States on Tuesday (August 27), while at the same time warning that the government of the country should not place any trust in Washington DC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This does not mean that we cannot interact with the same enemy in certain situations," said Khamenei, as per the official transcript of his remarks. "There is no harm in that, but do not place your hopes in them," he added.</p>

<p>The remarks of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defined the red lines for any talks happening under Pezeshkian's government and renewed his warnings regarding not trusting the United States, as he said, “Do not trust the enemy.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Israel-Iran Conflict: US says Iran and its proxies can attack Israel 'any time'</strong></p>

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<p>After the collapse of the nuclear deal, Iran crossed all the limits which were placed on the programme by the deal and enriched uranium by up to 60 per cent purity.</p>

<p>Iran also disrupted the surveillance cameras installed by the IAEA and imposed a bar on some of the most experienced inspectors of the&nbsp;Vienna-based agency. Iran has also continuously threatened to pursue nuclear weapons if required.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States expressed their doubt over the chances of resuming nuclear talks with Iran after its supreme leader hinted at the possibility of returning to the negotiations over the nuclear programmes with the former.

The United States expressed their doubt over the chances of resuming nuclear talks with Iran after its supreme leader hinted at the possibility of returning to the negotiations over the nuclear programmes with the former. "We will judge Iran's leadership by their actions, not their words," said a State Department spokesperson on Tuesday (August 27). "If Iran wants to demonstrate seriousness or a new approach, they should stop nuclear escalations and start meaningfully cooperating with the IAEA," the spokesperson added while speaking about the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which is an intergovernmental watchdog that has often faced subversion by Tehran. Also Read: Iran says US not a neutral mediator to end Gaza war The State Department spokesperson said that a negotiated solution is still the best way to contain the nuclear programme in Iran, however, diplomacy has hit a roadblock because the country has failed to co-operate with the IAEA and adopted escalatory actions. "We are far away from anything like that right now," the spokesperson said. Iran's green signal on renewed nuclear talks with US Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a green signal to the country's newly elected president Masoud Pezeshkian to restart negotiations over nuclear programmes with the United States on Tuesday (August 27), while at the same time warning that the government of the country should not place any trust in Washington DC. "This does not mean that we cannot interact with the same enemy in certain situations," said Khamenei, as per the official transcript of his remarks. "There is no harm in that, but do not place your hopes in them," he added. The remarks of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defined the red lines for any talks happening under Pezeshkian's government and renewed his warnings regarding not trusting the United States, as he said, “Do not trust the enemy.” Watch: Israel-Iran Conflict: US says Iran and its proxies can attack Israel 'any time' After the collapse of the nuclear deal, Iran crossed all the limits which were placed on the programme by the deal and enriched uranium by up to 60 per cent purity. Iran also disrupted the surveillance cameras installed by the IAEA and imposed a bar on some of the most experienced inspectors of the Vienna-based agency. Iran has also continuously threatened to pursue nuclear weapons if required. (With inputs from agencies)

US says chances of renewed nuclear talks with Iran 'far away' after Tehran opens door for negotiations

<p>An invasive South American piranha, which had "sharp human teeth" was caught by a Texas angler at a local lake on Sunday (Aug&nbsp;25).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fish, which has been dubbed a pacu, was found at Lake Meredith in Sanford and currently has been kept at the Lake Meredith Aquatic &amp; Wildlife Museum. A video of the fish was posted by the museum on Facebook.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-fish-appears-in-california-two-days-later-earthquake-hits-la-752717">'Doomsday fish' appears in California. Two days later, earthquake hits LA</a></p>

<p>As per the post, the fish belongs to the freshwater bodies of South America and is closely associated with the carnivorous piranha, which is generally vegetarian.</p>

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<p>The red and silver panfish consumes nuts and berries because of which its chompers “look similar to human teeth”, as per the Facebook post.</p>

<p>Wildlife museum staffers said that the pacu was “released into Meredith by someone who may have owned it as a pet.”</p>

<p>“Pacu are vegetarians and have teeth that look similar to human teeth,” wrote the Lake Meredith Aquatic &amp; Wildlife Museum on their site.</p>

<p>The species - which is 6.5 inches long and weighs almost 88 pounds - can outgrow aquariums rapidly which prompts owners to release them and leave them in the wild.</p>

<h2><strong>All about pacu - the herbivorous invader fish</strong></h2>

<p>They first introduced the pacu in the 1980s “by means of aquarium releases,” according to the US Department of Agriculture, which states that some of them are likely to have escaped aquaculture facilities.</p>

<p>The herbivorous invader since then has remained caught in 47 states. An 11-year-old in Oklahoma last August found a pacu in a pond which was behind the house of his family.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Switzerland offering $58,000 to fish out ammunition from Lakes</strong></p>

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<p>The species fortunately has not been able to establish any “reproducing populations here” and how the release of pacu impacts the scenario is currently unknown.</p>

<p>The critter has also been found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mexico, China, the Philippines and other parts of Asia. In an episode of the Animal Planet show “River Monsters", the species was featured and was blamed for biting the genitals of unsuspecting swimmers and killing them.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An invasive South American piranha, which had "sharp human teeth" was caught by a Texas angler at a local lake on Sunday (Aug 25). The fish, which has been dubbed a pacu, was found at Lake Meredith in Sanford and currently has been kept at the Lake Meredith Aquatic & Wildlife Museum.

An invasive South American piranha, which had "sharp human teeth" was caught by a Texas angler at a local lake on Sunday (Aug 25). The fish, which has been dubbed a pacu, was found at Lake Meredith in Sanford and currently has been kept at the Lake Meredith Aquatic & Wildlife Museum. A video of the fish was posted by the museum on Facebook. Also Read: 'Doomsday fish' appears in California. Two days later, earthquake hits LA As per the post, the fish belongs to the freshwater bodies of South America and is closely associated with the carnivorous piranha, which is generally vegetarian. × The red and silver panfish consumes nuts and berries because of which its chompers “look similar to human teeth”, as per the Facebook post. Wildlife museum staffers said that the pacu was “released into Meredith by someone who may have owned it as a pet.” “Pacu are vegetarians and have teeth that look similar to human teeth,” wrote the Lake Meredith Aquatic & Wildlife Museum on their site. The species - which is 6.5 inches long and weighs almost 88 pounds - can outgrow aquariums rapidly which prompts owners to release them and leave them in the wild. All about pacu - the herbivorous invader fish They first introduced the pacu in the 1980s “by means of aquarium releases,” according to the US Department of Agriculture, which states that some of them are likely to have escaped aquaculture facilities. The herbivorous invader since then has remained caught in 47 states. An 11-year-old in Oklahoma last August found a pacu in a pond which was behind the house of his family. Watch: Switzerland offering $58,000 to fish out ammunition from Lakes The species fortunately has not been able to establish any “reproducing populations here” and how the release of pacu impacts the scenario is currently unknown. The critter has also been found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mexico, China, the Philippines and other parts of Asia. In an episode of the Animal Planet show “River Monsters", the species was featured and was blamed for biting the genitals of unsuspecting swimmers and killing them. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Weird fish with 'sharp human teeth' appears in Lake Meredith, US

<p>A very weird and tough assignment was given to a new student at a high school in Oklahoma, United States which was later shared on social media by a parent and caused uproar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Facebook, a woman posted the world history homework assignment of her daughter which was titled “How did the world start?”</p>

<p>In the assignment, there were questions like "Is God real?", "Is Satan real?", and "What does it mean to be a&nbsp;Christian?".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The students were required to answer the questions and mention a source using the APA (American Psychological Association) style of writing in support of their answers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-case-school-admin-covered-up-sex-abuse-of-two-girls-brushed-off-parents-concerns-752016">Badlapur case: School admin ‘covered up’ sex abuse of two girls, brushed off parents’ concerns</a></p>

<p>The questions regarding religion, which were directed towards high school students, made people wonder if they were suitable to be mentioned in an assignment.</p>

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<p>In the caption, an Oklahoma student's mother Olivia Gray said, “This is one of Nettie’s assignments for World History class. It’s being called a research paper. This is some crazy sh*t overall and also on a technical level. Literally, the kid had been in school one week”.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted to the assignment</strong></h2>

<p>The questions in the assignment also caused an uproar on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would love to see the teacher’s grading rubric… that’s an assignment I would struggle with as a college level student. What are the 'right'&nbsp;answers? I don’t think I even wanna know," said a user Jenna Walkingstick.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So now she is being forced to spill her personal beliefs and will be graded on such?” wrote another user Lisa Lawson-Wallace.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault</strong></p>

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<p>“This is insane. What sources is she supposed to use? I'm a teacher--and a challenging one. I have no trouble with a high school student (or even an upper middle school student) starting a research paper in week one. But this assignment is absolutely wack. I never thought I'd say this, but she'd be better off at Catholic School!," said a user Jane Maslanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A very weird and tough assignment was given to a new student at a high school in Oklahoma, United States which was later shared on social media by a parent and caused uproar.

A very weird and tough assignment was given to a new student at a high school in Oklahoma, United States which was later shared on social media by a parent and caused uproar. Taking to Facebook, a woman posted the world history homework assignment of her daughter which was titled “How did the world start?” In the assignment, there were questions like "Is God real?", "Is Satan real?", and "What does it mean to be a Christian?". The students were required to answer the questions and mention a source using the APA (American Psychological Association) style of writing in support of their answers. Also Read: Badlapur case: School admin ‘covered up’ sex abuse of two girls, brushed off parents’ concerns The questions regarding religion, which were directed towards high school students, made people wonder if they were suitable to be mentioned in an assignment. × In the caption, an Oklahoma student's mother Olivia Gray said, “This is one of Nettie’s assignments for World History class. It’s being called a research paper. This is some crazy sh*t overall and also on a technical level. Literally, the kid had been in school one week”. Here's how netizens reacted to the assignment The questions in the assignment also caused an uproar on social media. "I would love to see the teacher’s grading rubric… that’s an assignment I would struggle with as a college level student. What are the 'right' answers? I don’t think I even wanna know," said a user Jenna Walkingstick. “So now she is being forced to spill her personal beliefs and will be graded on such?” wrote another user Lisa Lawson-Wallace. Watch: Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault “This is insane. What sources is she supposed to use? I'm a teacher--and a challenging one. I have no trouble with a high school student (or even an upper middle school student) starting a research paper in week one. But this assignment is absolutely wack. I never thought I'd say this, but she'd be better off at Catholic School!," said a user Jane Maslanka. (With inputs from agencies)

Bizarre question on 'God, Satan, Christianity' in US school assignment leaves parents furious

Now, we turn our attention to the latest in the U.S. Sanctions on Russia. Russia's MMC Norilsk Nickel Pjsc has warned that challenges with cross-border payments hit its bottom line. This came just before the U.S. Imposed sanctions on the firm's copper unit...And other affiliates that supply services to the miner on Friday.

Targeted U.S. Sanctions weigh on Russian businesses | World Business Watch | WION

<p>India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a five-day visit to the United States starting August 21&nbsp;as New Delhi and Washington D.C. enter the final stages of approving a critical deal for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit points to the growing defence partnership between the two countries amid New Delhi's strategic interest in improving its military capabilities.</p>

<p>During his visit, Singh is expected to hold high-level meetings, including a key discussion with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin. These talks are expected to finalise the much-anticipated deal involving 31 MQ-9B drones for India. The United States has reportedly completed its internal formalities for the agreement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/modi-30-military-manoeuvre-managing-china-courting-us-729880">Modi 3.0 Military Manoeuvre: Managing China, Courting US</a></strong></p>

<p>Last month, India's Defence Acquisition Council approved amendments related to the indigenous equipment and other critical aspects of the UAV deal. The move continues to reflect New Delhi's push for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing while deepening its ties with global defence partners.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | 'Most important bilateral partnership': Spotlight on India-US defence ties</strong></p>

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<p>In addition to the UAV deal, the Defence Minister's agenda includes discussions on another major agreement with the US, concerning the GE-414 jet engines. These engines are intended to power India's next-generation fighter aircraft, in yet another sign of growing defence ties between the two countries.</p>

<p>Singh's visit will also involve meetings with representatives from the US defence industry. These discussions are expected to pave the way for future collaborations and investments in the defence sector.</p>

<p>Beyond his defence-related engagements, Rajnath Singh will also interact with the Indian diaspora in the United States.</p>

<p>The Defence Minister's visit is scheduled to conclude on August 26.</p>


India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a five-day visit to the United States starting August 21 as New Delhi and Washington D.C. enter the final stages of approving a critical deal for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a five-day visit to the United States starting August 21 as New Delhi and Washington D.C. enter the final stages of approving a critical deal for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The visit points to the growing defence partnership between the two countries amid New Delhi's strategic interest in improving its military capabilities. During his visit, Singh is expected to hold high-level meetings, including a key discussion with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin. These talks are expected to finalise the much-anticipated deal involving 31 MQ-9B drones for India. The United States has reportedly completed its internal formalities for the agreement. Also read | Modi 3.0 Military Manoeuvre: Managing China, Courting US Last month, India's Defence Acquisition Council approved amendments related to the indigenous equipment and other critical aspects of the UAV deal. The move continues to reflect New Delhi's push for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing while deepening its ties with global defence partners. Also watch | 'Most important bilateral partnership': Spotlight on India-US defence ties × In addition to the UAV deal, the Defence Minister's agenda includes discussions on another major agreement with the US, concerning the GE-414 jet engines. These engines are intended to power India's next-generation fighter aircraft, in yet another sign of growing defence ties between the two countries. Singh's visit will also involve meetings with representatives from the US defence industry. These discussions are expected to pave the way for future collaborations and investments in the defence sector. Beyond his defence-related engagements, Rajnath Singh will also interact with the Indian diaspora in the United States. The Defence Minister's visit is scheduled to conclude on August 26.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to begin strategically crucial United States visit on Aug 21

The Olympic flag arrived in Los Angeles, where it will be flown in 2028. Los Angeles is going to host the next Summer Games.

Olympic flag arrives in Los Angeles, host city for the 2028 Games

<p>The government of the United States has long been under the radar for allegedly hiding something unknown related to the UFOs and aliens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the 1947&nbsp;UFO crash, which took place in New Mexico and left the world shocked, has again resurfaced after recently leaked government texts revealed that there was more to it than what was known to the people.</p>

<p>The partially redacted communication was posted on social media and a top-ranking intelligence official was noted as saying that people would be “slack-jawed” to know the complete truth.</p>

<h2><strong>How did the UFO crash in 1947 left onlookers puzzled?</strong></h2>

<p>The story of the 1953 crash has been retold umpteen times by the locals of the area. On May 21, multiple people reportedly witnessed one UFO crash outside the small Mojave Desert city, which is nearly 100 miles from Las Vegas.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lighter-than-petal-alien-spacecrafts-debris-is-on-earth-ufo-hunters-say-it-has-non-human-origin-741978">Lighter than petal alien spacecraft's debris is on Earth. UFO hunters say it has 'non-human' origin</a></p>

<p>“It’s very rare to have multiple witnesses, multiple sources of information, confirming an incident like this,” said Preston Dennett, who is the author of “UFOs Over Arizona: A True History of Extraterrestrial Encounters in the Grand Canyon State", while speaking to local channel 12News.</p>

<p>In another interview with AZ Central, Dennett said that the occurrence was “one of the best-verified UFO crashes in the United States.”</p>

<p>After many years, Dennett has found traces of the incident in the government's old reports and documents. He found that scientist Fritz Werner was frequently mentioned using a code name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We now know him to be Arthur Stansel,” said Dennett. “It was [Stansel’s] job to basically determine the speed of this object as it came down, based upon the gouge it made in the soil, and he estimated it was about 1200 miles per hour," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sunita Williams could have to stay in space till 2025</strong></p>

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<p>In a conversation between former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Christopher Mellon and another official, the latter reportedly said that people would be “slack-jawed” when they found out what the government had found about the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government is also aware “who recovers crashed UAPs [unidentified anomalous phenomenal] under what authorities", he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re vacuuming up info. We also know that a still highly classified memo by a Secretary of the [United States Air Force] is still in effect to maintain the cover on UAPs," read the partially redacted conversation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The government of the United States has long been under the radar for allegedly hiding something unknown related to the UFOs and aliens. Now, the 1947 UFO crash, which took place in New Mexico and left the world shocked, has again resurfaced after recently leaked government texts revealed that there was more to it than what was known to the people.

The government of the United States has long been under the radar for allegedly hiding something unknown related to the UFOs and aliens. Now, the 1947 UFO crash, which took place in New Mexico and left the world shocked, has again resurfaced after recently leaked government texts revealed that there was more to it than what was known to the people. The partially redacted communication was posted on social media and a top-ranking intelligence official was noted as saying that people would be “slack-jawed” to know the complete truth. How did the UFO crash in 1947 left onlookers puzzled? The story of the 1953 crash has been retold umpteen times by the locals of the area. On May 21, multiple people reportedly witnessed one UFO crash outside the small Mojave Desert city, which is nearly 100 miles from Las Vegas. Also Read: Lighter than petal alien spacecraft's debris is on Earth. UFO hunters say it has 'non-human' origin “It’s very rare to have multiple witnesses, multiple sources of information, confirming an incident like this,” said Preston Dennett, who is the author of “UFOs Over Arizona: A True History of Extraterrestrial Encounters in the Grand Canyon State", while speaking to local channel 12News. In another interview with AZ Central, Dennett said that the occurrence was “one of the best-verified UFO crashes in the United States.” After many years, Dennett has found traces of the incident in the government's old reports and documents. He found that scientist Fritz Werner was frequently mentioned using a code name. “We now know him to be Arthur Stansel,” said Dennett. “It was [Stansel’s] job to basically determine the speed of this object as it came down, based upon the gouge it made in the soil, and he estimated it was about 1200 miles per hour," he added. Watch: Sunita Williams could have to stay in space till 2025 In a conversation between former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Christopher Mellon and another official, the latter reportedly said that people would be “slack-jawed” when they found out what the government had found about the incident. The government is also aware “who recovers crashed UAPs [unidentified anomalous phenomenal] under what authorities", he said. “We’re vacuuming up info. We also know that a still highly classified memo by a Secretary of the [United States Air Force] is still in effect to maintain the cover on UAPs," read the partially redacted conversation. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious UFO crash of 1947 resurfaces as US intel's leaked texts reveal there's more truth to it

<p>The prisoner exchange reported by US media to be underway on Thursday between Russia and the United States continues a long history of swaps between Moscow and the West.</p>

<p>AFP takes a look at the main prisoner swaps since the Cold War:</p>

<h2><strong>December 2022: basketball player Brittney Griner</strong></h2>

<p>US basketball star Brittney Griner, now 33, spent nine months in a Russian jail before being freed in December 2022 in an exchange at the Abu Dhabi airport for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.</p>

<p>She had been arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022, one week before the invasion of Ukraine, and sentenced in August 2022 to nine years in jail on charges of smuggling cannabis vape cartridges into the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-us-journalist-evan-gershkovich-in-major-prisoner-swap-report-746308">Russia releases US journalist Evan Gershkovich, ex-marine Paul Whelan in biggest prisoner swap since Cold War</a></strong></p>

<p>Several days after her release, US citizen Suedi Murekezi was freed as well as 64 Ukrainian military members in a Ukraine prisoner swap with Russian forces. He had been arrested in June 2022 in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine and convicted of taking part in pro-Ukrainian and anti-Russian demonstrations.</p>

<h2><strong>April 2022: ex-Marine Trevor Reed</strong></h2>

<p>Trevor Reed, who had been jailed for nine years for assaulting police, was released in April 2022 in a prisoner swap in Turkey with Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot and alleged drug smuggler who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an American court.</p>

<p>Reed, now in his 30s, was a Texas university student in 2019 when he travelled to Russia with his Russian girlfriend. He was arrested for assault on law enforcement officers after getting drunk and spent two years in prison, going on a hunger strike in November 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>July 2010: historic swap in Vienna</strong></h2>

<p>On July 9, 2010, Russia and the United States carried out their biggest spy swap since the fall of the Iron Curtain at the Vienna airport, exchanging 10 agents deported by the US for four freed by Moscow.</p>

<p>In the highly choreographed cloak-and-dagger operation, special Russian and US flights carried the spies to Vienna, parked next to each other on the runway, then took off within 15 minutes of each other after the exchange by shuttle bus.</p>

<p>A government jet flew the 10 Russian spies, including Anna Chapman, who cultivated a femme fatale image as a business executive before her arrest, back to Moscow's Domodedovo airport.</p>

<p>The four released by Russia included three convicted of spying for the West.</p>

<p>Among them was Sergei Skripal, a former colonel with Russian military intelligence whose 2018 poisoning in southern England, where he had taken refuge, sparked a diplomatic crisis between Russia and the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several Western countries have accused Moscow of being behind the assassination attempt of the former double agent, something that Moscow has denied.</p>

<h2><strong>The Cold War: the Bridge of Spies</strong></h2>

<p>Before the end of the Cold War in 1991, prisoner swaps were a regular occurrence between Moscow and the West, but they mainly involved spies.</p>

<p>Prisoner exchanges regularly took place on the iron Glienicke Bridge that linked West Berlin with Soviet-controlled Potsdam over the Havel River.</p>

<p>The first memorable spy swap of the Soviet era took place there on February 10, 1962, involving one of the most famous Soviet spies, Rudolf Abel, and American pilot Gary Powers.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;26 prisoners exchanged between Russia and West</strong></p>

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<p>Director Steven Spielberg turned their story into a blockbuster, "Bridge of Spies", in 2015.</p>

<p>On June 11, 1985, 25 East German political prisoners crossed paths on the bridge with four East Bloc agents convicted in the United States.</p>

<p>The most spectacular swap on the bridge, however, took place on February 11, 1986, when Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky was exchanged for Czech spy couple Karl and Hana Koecher, who were held in the US, and three spies held in West Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharansky had spent nine years in a Siberian gulag on charges of spying for the US. He immediately emigrated to Israel, where he went into politics.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The prisoner exchange reported by US media to be underway on Thursday between Russia and the United States continues a long history of swaps between Moscow and the West.

The prisoner exchange reported by US media to be underway on Thursday between Russia and the United States continues a long history of swaps between Moscow and the West. AFP takes a look at the main prisoner swaps since the Cold War: December 2022: basketball player Brittney Griner US basketball star Brittney Griner, now 33, spent nine months in a Russian jail before being freed in December 2022 in an exchange at the Abu Dhabi airport for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. She had been arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022, one week before the invasion of Ukraine, and sentenced in August 2022 to nine years in jail on charges of smuggling cannabis vape cartridges into the country. Also read | Russia releases US journalist Evan Gershkovich, ex-marine Paul Whelan in biggest prisoner swap since Cold War Several days after her release, US citizen Suedi Murekezi was freed as well as 64 Ukrainian military members in a Ukraine prisoner swap with Russian forces. He had been arrested in June 2022 in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine and convicted of taking part in pro-Ukrainian and anti-Russian demonstrations. April 2022: ex-Marine Trevor Reed Trevor Reed, who had been jailed for nine years for assaulting police, was released in April 2022 in a prisoner swap in Turkey with Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot and alleged drug smuggler who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an American court. Reed, now in his 30s, was a Texas university student in 2019 when he travelled to Russia with his Russian girlfriend. He was arrested for assault on law enforcement officers after getting drunk and spent two years in prison, going on a hunger strike in November 2021. July 2010: historic swap in Vienna On July 9, 2010, Russia and the United States carried out their biggest spy swap since the fall of the Iron Curtain at the Vienna airport, exchanging 10 agents deported by the US for four freed by Moscow. In the highly choreographed cloak-and-dagger operation, special Russian and US flights carried the spies to Vienna, parked next to each other on the runway, then took off within 15 minutes of each other after the exchange by shuttle bus. A government jet flew the 10 Russian spies, including Anna Chapman, who cultivated a femme fatale image as a business executive before her arrest, back to Moscow's Domodedovo airport. The four released by Russia included three convicted of spying for the West. Among them was Sergei Skripal, a former colonel with Russian military intelligence whose 2018 poisoning in southern England, where he had taken refuge, sparked a diplomatic crisis between Russia and the West. Several Western countries have accused Moscow of being behind the assassination attempt of the former double agent, something that Moscow has denied. The Cold War: the Bridge of Spies Before the end of the Cold War in 1991, prisoner swaps were a regular occurrence between Moscow and the West, but they mainly involved spies. Prisoner exchanges regularly took place on the iron Glienicke Bridge that linked West Berlin with Soviet-controlled Potsdam over the Havel River. The first memorable spy swap of the Soviet era took place there on February 10, 1962, involving one of the most famous Soviet spies, Rudolf Abel, and American pilot Gary Powers. Also watch | 26 prisoners exchanged between Russia and West × Director Steven Spielberg turned their story into a blockbuster, "Bridge of Spies", in 2015. On June 11, 1985, 25 East German political prisoners crossed paths on the bridge with four East Bloc agents convicted in the United States. The most spectacular swap on the bridge, however, took place on February 11, 1986, when Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky was exchanged for Czech spy couple Karl and Hana Koecher, who were held in the US, and three spies held in West Germany. Sharansky had spent nine years in a Siberian gulag on charges of spying for the US. He immediately emigrated to Israel, where he went into politics. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Timeline: Prisoner swaps between Russia and the US in recent decades

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