Imagine having no neighbours and living in a lonely house on a deserted island. That is soon going to be a reality for someone as the ‘world’s loneliest house’ was put on sale for around $339,000.

Situated on a deserted island in Maine in the United States, the wooden house comes with a brilliant view and a tiny porch. However, the one-bedroom establishment does not have any other house in its vicinity as the Duck Ledges Island lies between the Acadia National Park and the Canadian border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patron-a-ukrainian-service-dog-who-discovered-150-explosives-in-chernihiv-during-war-473649" hreflang="en">Patron - A Ukrainian service dog who 'discovered 150 explosives' in Chernihiv during war</a>

The only problem in the listing is the absence of an indoor bathroom in the house.

According to a New York Post report, the house is a cottage-style construction but it is just 540 square feet on a strip of land which measures up to 1.5 acres. The house was made back in 2009 as an off-beat choice for people looking to escape city life with little to no human contact.

However, there are hardly any tourists in the region and according to local reports, the island is mainly filled with seals whom Bold Coast Properties described as ‘entertaining’ in their listing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/presence-of-alien-tech-on-earth-scientist-wants-to-probe-interstellar-object-lying-in-the-pacific-ocean-473699" hreflang="en">Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'</a>

"The ledges surrounding the island are loaded with seals for constant entertainment. As it has no trees, it offers views of nature that you can't find anywhere else," the property listing read.

The island is just one mile from the mainland and in order to reach the location, one needs to take a short boat ride from Jonesport public marina or Addison facility, the New York Post report stated.

Imagine having no neighbours and living in a lonely house on a deserted island. That is soon going to be a reality for someone as the ‘world’s loneliest house’ was put on sale for around $339,000.

Imagine having no neighbours and living in a lonely house on a deserted island. That is soon going to be a reality for someone as the ‘world’s loneliest house’ was put on sale for around $339,000. Situated on a deserted island in Maine in the United States, the wooden house comes with a brilliant view and a tiny porch. However, the one-bedroom establishment does not have any other house in its vicinity as the Duck Ledges Island lies between the Acadia National Park and the Canadian border. Also read | Patron - A Ukrainian service dog who 'discovered 150 explosives' in Chernihiv during war The only problem in the listing is the absence of an indoor bathroom in the house. According to a New York Post report, the house is a cottage-style construction but it is just 540 square feet on a strip of land which measures up to 1.5 acres. The house was made back in 2009 as an off-beat choice for people looking to escape city life with little to no human contact. However, there are hardly any tourists in the region and according to local reports, the island is mainly filled with seals whom Bold Coast Properties described as ‘entertaining’ in their listing. Also read | Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean' "The ledges surrounding the island are loaded with seals for constant entertainment. As it has no trees, it offers views of nature that you can't find anywhere else," the property listing read. The island is just one mile from the mainland and in order to reach the location, one needs to take a short boat ride from Jonesport public marina or Addison facility, the New York Post report stated.

'World's loneliest house' situated on a deserted island in the US goes up for sale

Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Antony Antonov, said on Monday that the delivery of weapons from The West to Ukraine has played a part in&nbsp;making the ongoing conflict worse and asked the US to stop the supply chain in order to prevent the loss of more lives.

Antonov accused the US and other western powers of undermining&nbsp;Russia’s efforts of reaching a peaceful end to the conflict with Ukraine by escalating the war with their weapons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-repeated-attacks-ukraine-invites-russia-for-talks-in-mariupol-473532" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: As Blinken, Austin visit, Kyiv invites Russia for talks amid continuing attacks</a>

"What the Americans are doing is pouring oil on the flames," Antonov told the Rossiya 24 TV channel. "I see only an attempt to raise the stakes, to aggravate the situation, to see more losses."

Russia had sent an official diplomatic note to the US regarding the topic of weapons supply.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patron-a-ukrainian-service-dog-who-discovered-150-explosives-in-chernihiv-during-war-473649" hreflang="en">Patron - A Ukrainian service dog who 'discovered 150 explosives' in Chernihiv during war</a>

"We stressed the unacceptability of this situation when the United States of America pours weapons into Ukraine, and we demanded an end to this practice," Antonov said in the interview.

Earlier, US president Joe Biden announced considerable military aid to Ukraine with heavy ammunition and the new batch Phoenix Ghost tactical drones which are used by the US Air Force.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-can-win-if-they-have-the-right-equipment-says-us-defence-secretary-after-meeting-zelensky-473596" hreflang="en">They can win if they have right equipment, says Austin after meeting Zelensky</a>

However, Biden has completely denied the possibility of sending its own or NATO forces to intervene in the current invasion being carried out by Russia in Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also had a conversation with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during their visit to Kyiv this week. They assured Ukraine of around $322 million in military funding which takes the total help to around $3.7 billion.

WATCH |&nbsp;US allocates $700 MN of military aid as Zelensky meets Blinken, Austin in Kyiv

&nbsp;

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Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Antony Antonov, said on Monday that the delivery of weapons from The West to Ukraine has played a part in making the ongoing conflict worse and asked the US to stop the supply chain in order to prevent the loss of more lives.

Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Antony Antonov, said on Monday that the delivery of weapons from The West to Ukraine has played a part in making the ongoing conflict worse and asked the US to stop the supply chain in order to prevent the loss of more lives. Antonov accused the US and other western powers of undermining Russia’s efforts of reaching a peaceful end to the conflict with Ukraine by escalating the war with their weapons. Also read | Ukraine war: As Blinken, Austin visit, Kyiv invites Russia for talks amid continuing attacks "What the Americans are doing is pouring oil on the flames," Antonov told the Rossiya 24 TV channel. "I see only an attempt to raise the stakes, to aggravate the situation, to see more losses." Russia had sent an official diplomatic note to the US regarding the topic of weapons supply. Also read | Patron - A Ukrainian service dog who 'discovered 150 explosives' in Chernihiv during war "We stressed the unacceptability of this situation when the United States of America pours weapons into Ukraine, and we demanded an end to this practice," Antonov said in the interview. Earlier, US president Joe Biden announced considerable military aid to Ukraine with heavy ammunition and the new batch Phoenix Ghost tactical drones which are used by the US Air Force. Also read | They can win if they have right equipment, says Austin after meeting Zelensky However, Biden has completely denied the possibility of sending its own or NATO forces to intervene in the current invasion being carried out by Russia in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also had a conversation with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during their visit to Kyiv this week. They assured Ukraine of around $322 million in military funding which takes the total help to around $3.7 billion. WATCH | US allocates $700 MN of military aid as Zelensky meets Blinken, Austin in Kyiv

Russia warns the US against sending more weapons to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict

It has happened. United States’ love for firearms has grown to such an extent that now in the country gun-related deaths among children and adolescents have overtaken even vehicle accidents.

As per data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the US in 2020 saw 45,222 firearm-related deaths, which means that every day, roughly 109 people die as a result of a firearm-related injury.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vs-biden-gun-violence-in-joe-bidens-us-sees-a-sharp-escalation-447054">Trump vs Biden: Gun violence in Joe Biden's US sees a sharp escalation</a>

Six out of ten deaths involved a firearm, and more than three out of ten involved a firearm homicide.

Previous analyses have also shown an increasing trend in firearm-related mortality however the latest data shows a sharp 13.5 per cent spike number of such deaths in the period of just one year; between 2019 and 2020.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the spike in gun-related deaths among Americans aged one to 19 was part of a nationwide 33.4 per cent increase in firearm homicides.

The research also points out that the rate of suicides using firearms also experienced a 1.1 per cent spike.

Watch |&nbsp;Gun violence in US: How easy is it to buy a gun in America?

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It continues to say that a "previous analysis, which examined data through 2016, showed that firearm-related injuries were second only to motor vehicle crashes (both traffic-related and nontraffic-related) as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents, defined as persons 1 to 19 years of age".

However, the difference has decreased since 2016, and firearm-related injuries became the main cause of death in that age range in 2020.

According to the Children's Defense Fund, almost 193,000 children and teenagers have been killed by weapons on American territory since 1963. This is more than four times the number of American soldiers killed in combat in the Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars combined. This means that on average more than 3000 children die every year due to gun violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-order-to-target-ghost-guns-in-reforms-against-increasing-gun-violence-375987">Biden's order to target 'ghost guns' in reforms against increasing gun violence</a>

The rate of all types of firearm-related deaths (suicide, homicide, unintentional, and undetermined) among children and adolescents grew by 29.5 per cent between 2019 and 2020, more than twice as much as the entire population.

This increase has been attributed by experts to an increase in the number of guns owned by civilians. According to the Children's Defense Fund, American civilians had 393 million weapons in 2017, which equates to more than one gun per person. The US military and law enforcement organisations, on the other hand, only had 5.5 million.

According to the NGO, nearly one out of every five weapons is sold without a background check because of a loophole in federal law that exempts sales at gun shows, online, or between private individuals.

Between January and April 2021, 7.5 million US individuals - about&nbsp;3 per cent of the population - became first-time gun owners, according to a separate study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in February.

As a result, 11 million people, including five million children, are now exposed to home weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

It has happened. United States’ love for firearms has grown to such an extent that now in the country gun-related deaths among children and adolescents have overtaken even vehicle accidents.

It has happened. United States’ love for firearms has grown to such an extent that now in the country gun-related deaths among children and adolescents have overtaken even vehicle accidents. As per data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the US in 2020 saw 45,222 firearm-related deaths, which means that every day, roughly 109 people die as a result of a firearm-related injury. Also read | Trump vs Biden: Gun violence in Joe Biden's US sees a sharp escalation Six out of ten deaths involved a firearm, and more than three out of ten involved a firearm homicide. Previous analyses have also shown an increasing trend in firearm-related mortality however the latest data shows a sharp 13.5 per cent spike number of such deaths in the period of just one year; between 2019 and 2020. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the spike in gun-related deaths among Americans aged one to 19 was part of a nationwide 33.4 per cent increase in firearm homicides. The research also points out that the rate of suicides using firearms also experienced a 1.1 per cent spike. Watch | Gun violence in US: How easy is it to buy a gun in America? It continues to say that a "previous analysis, which examined data through 2016, showed that firearm-related injuries were second only to motor vehicle crashes (both traffic-related and nontraffic-related) as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents, defined as persons 1 to 19 years of age". However, the difference has decreased since 2016, and firearm-related injuries became the main cause of death in that age range in 2020. According to the Children's Defense Fund, almost 193,000 children and teenagers have been killed by weapons on American territory since 1963. This is more than four times the number of American soldiers killed in combat in the Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars combined. This means that on average more than 3000 children die every year due to gun violence. Also read | Biden's order to target 'ghost guns' in reforms against increasing gun violence The rate of all types of firearm-related deaths (suicide, homicide, unintentional, and undetermined) among children and adolescents grew by 29.5 per cent between 2019 and 2020, more than twice as much as the entire population. This increase has been attributed by experts to an increase in the number of guns owned by civilians. According to the Children's Defense Fund, American civilians had 393 million weapons in 2017, which equates to more than one gun per person. The US military and law enforcement organisations, on the other hand, only had 5.5 million. According to the NGO, nearly one out of every five weapons is sold without a background check because of a loophole in federal law that exempts sales at gun shows, online, or between private individuals. Between January and April 2021, 7.5 million US individuals - about 3 per cent of the population - became first-time gun owners, according to a separate study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in February. As a result, 11 million people, including five million children, are now exposed to home weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

In US, gun violence kills more children than vehicular accidents, causes 109 deaths everyday

Invasive descendants of Callery pears have been found in more than 30 states of America.

The United States Department of Agriculture has described them as “Worse than murder hornets!”

Creating thickets that overwhelm native plants, the stinky trees sport nasty four-inch spikes.

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Their smell has been compared to perfume gone wrong, rotting fish, chlorine, and a cheese sandwich left in a car for a week.

Callery pears were originally brought to the US a century ago to save ravaged pear orchards but now 24 ornamental trees have developed from them.

Though most of the invasions have been reported in the South and Northeast of the country, it has also spread to Indiana.

“If you mow it, it sprouts and you get a thicket,” said James&nbsp;Vogt, a scientist at the US Forest Service’s Southern Research Station in Athens, Georgia.

Calling it a ''menace'' he said, “If you burn it, it sprouts, too.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-new-rare-species-of-crown-jellyfish-found-in-monterey-bay-by-scientists-in-us-473094" hreflang="en">Watch: New rare species of crown jellyfish found in Monterey Bay by scientists in US</a>

According to David R. Coyle, an assistant professor in Clemson University’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, ''Seedlings only a few months old bear spurs that can punch through tractor tires.''

“They’re kind of a food desert for a bird,” he added.&nbsp;

University of Cincinnati researcher Theresa M. Culley said, “A wild population can potentially originate from a single landscaping tree that someone plants in their yard.”

Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture had first observed a mutant growing from seeds of Callery pears in 1952.

They cloned an ornamental line by grafting its cuttings onto roots of other Callery pears which generated 24 more varieties.

New York City's parks department spokesman Dan Kastanis said more than 58,000 out of 650,000 trees planted along the streets were Bradford and other Callery ornamentals.

(With inputs from agencies)

Invasive descendants of Callery pears have been found in more than 30 states of America. The United States Department of Agriculture has described them as “Worse than murder hornets!

Invasive descendants of Callery pears have been found in more than 30 states of America. The United States Department of Agriculture has described them as “Worse than murder hornets!” Creating thickets that overwhelm native plants, the stinky trees sport nasty four-inch spikes. Their smell has been compared to perfume gone wrong, rotting fish, chlorine, and a cheese sandwich left in a car for a week. Callery pears were originally brought to the US a century ago to save ravaged pear orchards but now 24 ornamental trees have developed from them. Though most of the invasions have been reported in the South and Northeast of the country, it has also spread to Indiana. “If you mow it, it sprouts and you get a thicket,” said James Vogt, a scientist at the US Forest Service’s Southern Research Station in Athens, Georgia. Calling it a ''menace'' he said, “If you burn it, it sprouts, too.” Watch: New rare species of crown jellyfish found in Monterey Bay by scientists in US According to David R. Coyle, an assistant professor in Clemson University’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, ''Seedlings only a few months old bear spurs that can punch through tractor tires.'' “They’re kind of a food desert for a bird,” he added. University of Cincinnati researcher Theresa M. Culley said, “A wild population can potentially originate from a single landscaping tree that someone plants in their yard.” Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture had first observed a mutant growing from seeds of Callery pears in 1952. They cloned an ornamental line by grafting its cuttings onto roots of other Callery pears which generated 24 more varieties. New York City's parks department spokesman Dan Kastanis said more than 58,000 out of 650,000 trees planted along the streets were Bradford and other Callery ornamentals. (With inputs from agencies)

Invasive descendants of Callery pears found in over 30 states in US

United States is further helping the warn-torn country to fight Russian invasion. Joe Biden will be providing Ukraine with another $500 MN to help continue with critical operations.

United States extends $500 MN aid to help Kyiv run government

Airlines are back and that's the message major US carriers are sending investors now after grappling with COVID- induced uncertainty for two years.

United States airline bookings roar back

Workers at an Apple retail store in Atlanta have filed for union authorization cards. If they succeed, the store would be the first unionized Apple store in the United States.

Workers at Atlanta Apple store file for Unionisation

The United States government has committed to ending practice of anti-satellite missile test in space. The Vice President who chairs the National Space Council Kamala Harris has announced a self-imposed ban on destructive tests.

US bans test of space weapons, Kamala Harris calls for global agreement

In an apparent self-imposed ban, the United States pledged not to conduct a type of anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test as a part of the Biden administration's pledge of&nbsp;using the space with responsibility.&nbsp;

US Vice President Kamala Harris made the announcement at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Monday (April 18). She also urged other countries to follow suit.&nbsp;

The ban is apparently the first of its kind. The Biden administration has previously promised to promote responsible use of space. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rejects-biden-administrations-mask-mandate-for-public-transport-472024">US judge rejects Biden administration's mask mandate for public transport</a>

"I am pleased to announce that as of today, the United States commits not to conduct destructive direct ascent anti-satellite missile testing," said Harris who chairs the National Space Council.&nbsp;

"Simply put, these tests are dangerous, and we will not conduct them. We are the first nation to make such a commitment. And today, on behalf of the United States of America, I call on all nations to join us," she added.&nbsp;

What is an anti-satellite weapon's test?&nbsp;

During the anti-satellite weapons test, which is usually demonstrated by the military, a spacecraft in orbit is destroyed using a missile system.&nbsp;

So far, those countries that performed ASAT tests targeted their own assets in space.&nbsp;

It hasn't been used in warfare yet. A few countries such as China, India, Russia and the United States have successfully shot down their own satellites to show their ASAT capabilities.&nbsp;

On November 15, Russia test-launched an anti-satellite missile that struck a defunct Soviet-era spy satellite in low-Earth orbit.&nbsp;

It created at least 1,632 pieces of space debris, according to a U.S. Space Force database of orbital objects.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-biden-interrupted-by-easter-bunny-while-answering-questions-on-afghanistan-471978">Watch: Biden interrupted by Easter Bunny while answering questions on Afghanistan</a>

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In an apparent self-imposed ban, the United States pledged not to conduct a type of anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test as a part of the Biden administration's pledge of using the space with responsibility.

In an apparent self-imposed ban, the United States pledged not to conduct a type of anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test as a part of the Biden administration's pledge of using the space with responsibility. US Vice President Kamala Harris made the announcement at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Monday (April 18). She also urged other countries to follow suit. The ban is apparently the first of its kind. The Biden administration has previously promised to promote responsible use of space. ALSO READ | US judge rejects Biden administration's mask mandate for public transport "I am pleased to announce that as of today, the United States commits not to conduct destructive direct ascent anti-satellite missile testing," said Harris who chairs the National Space Council. "Simply put, these tests are dangerous, and we will not conduct them. We are the first nation to make such a commitment. And today, on behalf of the United States of America, I call on all nations to join us," she added. What is an anti-satellite weapon's test? During the anti-satellite weapons test, which is usually demonstrated by the military, a spacecraft in orbit is destroyed using a missile system. So far, those countries that performed ASAT tests targeted their own assets in space. It hasn't been used in warfare yet. A few countries such as China, India, Russia and the United States have successfully shot down their own satellites to show their ASAT capabilities. On November 15, Russia test-launched an anti-satellite missile that struck a defunct Soviet-era spy satellite in low-Earth orbit. It created at least 1,632 pieces of space debris, according to a U.S. Space Force database of orbital objects. ALSO READ | Watch: Biden interrupted by Easter Bunny while answering questions on Afghanistan ×

What are anti-satellite missiles test? US to not conduct destructive ASAT tests, calls for global consensus

Significant rise in nationwide covid cases due to more contagious omicron sub-variant in the United States has triggered a US federal judge to announce on Monday that the court is now scrapping the mask mandate for public transport that was imposed earlier by the Biden administration.

US judge strikes down CDC mask mandate amid Covid-19 surge

The job approval ratings of United States President Joe Biden have dropped since the start of his presidency among young generations - the Gen Z and millennials - as per the new Gallup poll released on Thursday (April 14).&nbsp;

Gallup released the data after interviewing around 6,000 adults in the first and third of these periods. The report states that over 2,000 are in the middle period.&nbsp;

As per the poll, 39 per cent of Generation Z respondents (born 1997-2004) approved of the job Biden has done as president. But now there's a decline of 21 points.&nbsp;

When Biden first took office, 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents had approved of his handling of the job.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/gujarat-first-stop-on-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-india-visit-india-highly-valued-strategic-partner-for-the-uk-471574">Gujarat first stop on UK PM Boris Johnson's India visit: 'India highly valued strategic partner for the UK'</a>

On the other hand, 41 per cent of Millennials (born 1981-1996) approve of Biden's job as president. But just like the Gen Z, there's a decline in this category as well. In January-June 2021 poll, 60 per cent of respondents had approved of his job.&nbsp;

During his initial days in the White House, 60 per cent of both Generation Z adults and millennials approved of the job he was doing.&nbsp;

The approval kept falling ever since as coronavirus (COVID-19) and withdrawal from Afghanistan in late August 2021 might have acted as catalysts for such a fall in ratings.&nbsp;

Important to note that Biden's approval rating held steady among baby boomers (born 1946-1964) and traditionalists (born before 1946).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-supervises-new-weapon-test-to-enhance-nations-tactical-capabilities-471531">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises new weapon test to enhance nation's 'tactical capabilities'</a>

A part of the report noted: "All generational groups have become less approving of Biden since the summer, after the troubled U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in late August 2021, with the exception of traditionalists, whose approval has not changed."&nbsp;

Apart from a decline in approval rating among various generations, Black and Hispanic adults also show a significant fall. The reports show that during the start of his term, 87 per cent of Non-Hispanic Black adults approved of the job he was doing. That fell to 74 per cent in the summer of 2021 and is now at 67 per cent.&nbsp;

The report further states that among Hispanics, Biden's job approval has slumped from 73 per cent in early 2021 to 52 per cent now — a 21-point fall.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Elon Musk's Twitter play sparks controversies, Tesla owner to modify social media for his interests?

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The job approval ratings of United States President Joe Biden have dropped since the start of his presidency among young generations - the Gen Z and millennials - as per the new Gallup poll released on Thursday (April 14).

The job approval ratings of United States President Joe Biden have dropped since the start of his presidency among young generations - the Gen Z and millennials - as per the new Gallup poll released on Thursday (April 14). Gallup released the data after interviewing around 6,000 adults in the first and third of these periods. The report states that over 2,000 are in the middle period. As per the poll, 39 per cent of Generation Z respondents (born 1997-2004) approved of the job Biden has done as president. But now there's a decline of 21 points. When Biden first took office, 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents had approved of his handling of the job. ALSO READ | Gujarat first stop on UK PM Boris Johnson's India visit: 'India highly valued strategic partner for the UK' On the other hand, 41 per cent of Millennials (born 1981-1996) approve of Biden's job as president. But just like the Gen Z, there's a decline in this category as well. In January-June 2021 poll, 60 per cent of respondents had approved of his job. During his initial days in the White House, 60 per cent of both Generation Z adults and millennials approved of the job he was doing. The approval kept falling ever since as coronavirus (COVID-19) and withdrawal from Afghanistan in late August 2021 might have acted as catalysts for such a fall in ratings. Important to note that Biden's approval rating held steady among baby boomers (born 1946-1964) and traditionalists (born before 1946). ALSO READ | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises new weapon test to enhance nation's 'tactical capabilities' A part of the report noted: "All generational groups have become less approving of Biden since the summer, after the troubled U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in late August 2021, with the exception of traditionalists, whose approval has not changed." Apart from a decline in approval rating among various generations, Black and Hispanic adults also show a significant fall. The reports show that during the start of his term, 87 per cent of Non-Hispanic Black adults approved of the job he was doing. That fell to 74 per cent in the summer of 2021 and is now at 67 per cent. The report further states that among Hispanics, Biden's job approval has slumped from 73 per cent in early 2021 to 52 per cent now — a 21-point fall. WATCH | Elon Musk's Twitter play sparks controversies, Tesla owner to modify social media for his interests? ×

A matter of concern? Decline in Joe Biden's approval rating among Gen Z and millennials

Gun violence continues to plague America, the recent incident took place on April 16th where nine people were shot and five others were injured in a shooting at a shopping mall in south Carolina.

United States: Mass shooting in Carolina leaves 14 injured, police detains 3 armed men

A TV series based on the first ladies of the United States will release on April 17th. Series documents the struggles of the three first ladies of the US.

Series on three historical first ladies of US will release soon

Shortly before midnight on a spring night last year, Samia Suluhu Hassan, then Tanzania’s first female vice president, appeared on television to announce to a shocked nation that the president was dead.

President John Magufuli, an autocrat known as “The Bulldozer,” had denied that coronavirus existed in his country, rejected COVID vaccines and died after a weekslong absence from public view amid unconfirmed reports that he had contracted the virus.

His death catapulted Hassan, 62, to a historic position as Tanzania’s first female president. Known as “Mama Samia,” she is currently the only female head of government in Africa. On Friday, she met in Washington with a fellow path-breaker, Kamala Harris, the first woman and first woman of color to be vice president of the United States.

Since taking office, Hassan has set off on a different path than her predecessor: She encouraged COVID vaccinations by publicly taking the shot herself, lifted a ban on pregnant girls in schools and began to amend some Magufuli-era economic regulations to lure back investors.

But her first challenge, Hassan said in an interview last week at the state house in the capital, Dodoma, was to overcome the notion that a woman could not lead Tanzania.

“Most of the people couldn’t believe that we can have a woman president and she can deliver,” Hassan said. “The challenge was to create a trust to the people that yes, I can do it.”

She said that other African female leaders — including Liberia’s first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Sahle-Work Zewde, the president (though not head of government) of Ethiopia — quickly came to her support, urging her in a virtual meeting to remain confident, seek counsel and listen to her inner voice.

“They all gave me courage that you can do it,” said Hassan, who was fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Since ascending to power in March last year, Hassan has positioned herself as a unifying national figure willing to challenge the establishment and bent on bringing her country in from the cold after five years of isolationism under Magufuli, who rarely traveled abroad.

Tanzania, a nation of 60 million people that borders eight other countries in eastern, central and southern Africa, was long seen as a bulwark of stability in a region torn by ethnic strife and civil war.

But Hassan, who is expected to run for president in 2025, takes the helm of a polarized nation with a battered economy and growing unemployment, a slow pace of vaccine deployment and a growing clamor for constitutional overhauls.

In addition to meeting U.S. officials during her trip to the United States, she is also set to court investors, seek assistance in improving public health partnerships and promote Tanzania as a vibrant tourist destination.

In Washington, one issue Hassan is likely to face is the war in Ukraine. Tanzania was among the African nations that abstained from the United Nations vote condemning the war — a move Hassan said was in line with Tanzania’s long-standing position of nonalignment.

Pushed on this, she said that in “Tanzania, we don’t know why they are fighting,” adding that Russia and Ukraine should sit down to talk. “The world has to convince Putin not to fight,” she said.

Hassan was born in the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of mainland Tanzania to a stay-at-home mother and schoolteacher father. After high school, she completed bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees in economics and public administration in schools in Tanzania and Britain. She later worked with the World Food Program and held positions in various nongovernmental organizations in Zanzibar.

But at the turn of the century, she decided to try her hand in government.

A member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party — or Party of the Revolution — since the late 1980s, she was elected as a lawmaker in Zanzibar in 2000 before joining the national Parliament in 2010. Hassan, who sits in the party’s central committee, quickly went up the ranks, becoming a minister in the vice president’s office and then rising to the vice presidency in 2015. Hassan is married to Hafidh Ameir Hafidh, a former agriculture lecturer, with whom she has three sons and one daughter.

Hassan, who is soft-spoken and comes across as reserved, said that as vice president, it was “tough” working with Magufuli at times, and that she argued with him on several issues, including his COVID denialism. She rebutted the idea that he had succumbed to COVID and said he had died of heart complications.

As president, she said, her main priority was to revive the economy, build thousands of schools and health clinics, extend clean water and electricity to rural areas and complete key infrastructure projects — including a railway line and a major hydropower plant. She said more than 250 new businesses had already been registered in the country last year.

Yet concerns have persisted about the pace of change under her government.

Over the past year, activists were abducted, two newspapers were temporarily suspended by the government and the main opposition leader, Freeman Mbowe, was jailed for several months on terrorism-related charges before his release. Political rallies outside elections have been banned in the country since 2016, when the government accused the opposition of wanting to use them to cause mass civil disobedience. Activists also questioned whether Hassan was committed to reviewing the constitution, which grants vast powers to the executive and was adopted in 1977, when the country was still a one-party state.

Hassan said she wanted to focus on fixing the economy before turning to the “huge” and “costly” endeavor of changing the constitution. She said she created a task force from within the political parties council to make recommendations on changes, including lifting the ban on political rallies. She added that she was intent on leveling the playing field, even if it cost her the presidency in the next elections.

She has also struck a conciliatory note with the political opposition and civil society.

On a recent morning, she arrived at a packed hall in the capital to preside over a conference discussing how to improve the democratic space in the country. Sitting by her side onstage was one of the leaders of the country’s main opposition parties, who under her predecessor had been arrested and found guilty of sedition, and whose fellow party members were beaten, tear-gassed and denied the chance to hold rallies.

“Things have changed,” Zitto Kabwe, the opposition leader, said in an interview the next day. “We started to breathe some fresh air from the day the new president took office.”

But while he would like to see the political changes put in place quickly, Kabwe said he also understood Hassan’s predilection for incremental change.

“She’s a leader who wants consensus, and consensus takes time,” he said.

Last year, Hassan’s government lifted bans on four newspapers, but she has yet to change some of the restrictive laws that have been used to undermine media freedom.

Simon Mkina, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Mawio, a weekly investigative newspaper that she reinstated, said she should overhaul media laws so future leaders do not abuse them.

“She must take action,” he said.

With three more years before the next election, Hassan has her work cut out for her.

Fatma Karume, a prominent Tanzanian lawyer who was disbarred and had her office bombed for challenging Magufuli’s government, said Hassan has the chance to restore Tanzanians’ faith in democracy and transform the country.

“She could leave behind a legacy that few other presidents have managed,” Karume said in an interview at her home in the port city of Dar es Salaam. “And imagine doing that as a result of a historical accident. It will be amazing.” 
&nbsp;

Shortly before midnight on a spring night last year, Samia Suluhu Hassan, then Tanzania’s first female vice president, appeared on television to announce to a shocked nation that the president was dead.

Shortly before midnight on a spring night last year, Samia Suluhu Hassan, then Tanzania’s first female vice president, appeared on television to announce to a shocked nation that the president was dead. President John Magufuli, an autocrat known as “The Bulldozer,” had denied that coronavirus existed in his country, rejected COVID vaccines and died after a weekslong absence from public view amid unconfirmed reports that he had contracted the virus. His death catapulted Hassan, 62, to a historic position as Tanzania’s first female president. Known as “Mama Samia,” she is currently the only female head of government in Africa. On Friday, she met in Washington with a fellow path-breaker, Kamala Harris, the first woman and first woman of color to be vice president of the United States. Since taking office, Hassan has set off on a different path than her predecessor: She encouraged COVID vaccinations by publicly taking the shot herself, lifted a ban on pregnant girls in schools and began to amend some Magufuli-era economic regulations to lure back investors. But her first challenge, Hassan said in an interview last week at the state house in the capital, Dodoma, was to overcome the notion that a woman could not lead Tanzania. “Most of the people couldn’t believe that we can have a woman president and she can deliver,” Hassan said. “The challenge was to create a trust to the people that yes, I can do it.” She said that other African female leaders — including Liberia’s first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Sahle-Work Zewde, the president (though not head of government) of Ethiopia — quickly came to her support, urging her in a virtual meeting to remain confident, seek counsel and listen to her inner voice. “They all gave me courage that you can do it,” said Hassan, who was fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Since ascending to power in March last year, Hassan has positioned herself as a unifying national figure willing to challenge the establishment and bent on bringing her country in from the cold after five years of isolationism under Magufuli, who rarely traveled abroad. Tanzania, a nation of 60 million people that borders eight other countries in eastern, central and southern Africa, was long seen as a bulwark of stability in a region torn by ethnic strife and civil war. But Hassan, who is expected to run for president in 2025, takes the helm of a polarized nation with a battered economy and growing unemployment, a slow pace of vaccine deployment and a growing clamor for constitutional overhauls. In addition to meeting U.S. officials during her trip to the United States, she is also set to court investors, seek assistance in improving public health partnerships and promote Tanzania as a vibrant tourist destination. In Washington, one issue Hassan is likely to face is the war in Ukraine. Tanzania was among the African nations that abstained from the United Nations vote condemning the war — a move Hassan said was in line with Tanzania’s long-standing position of nonalignment. Pushed on this, she said that in “Tanzania, we don’t know why they are fighting,” adding that Russia and Ukraine should sit down to talk. “The world has to convince Putin not to fight,” she said. Hassan was born in the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of mainland Tanzania to a stay-at-home mother and schoolteacher father. After high school, she completed bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees in economics and public administration in schools in Tanzania and Britain. She later worked with the World Food Program and held positions in various nongovernmental organizations in Zanzibar. But at the turn of the century, she decided to try her hand in government. A member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party — or Party of the Revolution — since the late 1980s, she was elected as a lawmaker in Zanzibar in 2000 before joining the national Parliament in 2010. Hassan, who sits in the party’s central committee, quickly went up the ranks, becoming a minister in the vice president’s office and then rising to the vice presidency in 2015. Hassan is married to Hafidh Ameir Hafidh, a former agriculture lecturer, with whom she has three sons and one daughter. Hassan, who is soft-spoken and comes across as reserved, said that as vice president, it was “tough” working with Magufuli at times, and that she argued with him on several issues, including his COVID denialism. She rebutted the idea that he had succumbed to COVID and said he had died of heart complications. As president, she said, her main priority was to revive the economy, build thousands of schools and health clinics, extend clean water and electricity to rural areas and complete key infrastructure projects — including a railway line and a major hydropower plant. She said more than 250 new businesses had already been registered in the country last year. Yet concerns have persisted about the pace of change under her government. Over the past year, activists were abducted, two newspapers were temporarily suspended by the government and the main opposition leader, Freeman Mbowe, was jailed for several months on terrorism-related charges before his release. Political rallies outside elections have been banned in the country since 2016, when the government accused the opposition of wanting to use them to cause mass civil disobedience. Activists also questioned whether Hassan was committed to reviewing the constitution, which grants vast powers to the executive and was adopted in 1977, when the country was still a one-party state. Hassan said she wanted to focus on fixing the economy before turning to the “huge” and “costly” endeavor of changing the constitution. She said she created a task force from within the political parties council to make recommendations on changes, including lifting the ban on political rallies. She added that she was intent on leveling the playing field, even if it cost her the presidency in the next elections. She has also struck a conciliatory note with the political opposition and civil society. On a recent morning, she arrived at a packed hall in the capital to preside over a conference discussing how to improve the democratic space in the country. Sitting by her side onstage was one of the leaders of the country’s main opposition parties, who under her predecessor had been arrested and found guilty of sedition, and whose fellow party members were beaten, tear-gassed and denied the chance to hold rallies. “Things have changed,” Zitto Kabwe, the opposition leader, said in an interview the next day. “We started to breathe some fresh air from the day the new president took office.” But while he would like to see the political changes put in place quickly, Kabwe said he also understood Hassan’s predilection for incremental change. “She’s a leader who wants consensus, and consensus takes time,” he said. Last year, Hassan’s government lifted bans on four newspapers, but she has yet to change some of the restrictive laws that have been used to undermine media freedom. Simon Mkina, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Mawio, a weekly investigative newspaper that she reinstated, said she should overhaul media laws so future leaders do not abuse them. “She must take action,” he said. With three more years before the next election, Hassan has her work cut out for her. Fatma Karume, a prominent Tanzanian lawyer who was disbarred and had her office bombed for challenging Magufuli’s government, said Hassan has the chance to restore Tanzanians’ faith in democracy and transform the country. “She could leave behind a legacy that few other presidents have managed,” Karume said in an interview at her home in the port city of Dar es Salaam. “And imagine doing that as a result of a historical accident. It will be amazing.”

Tanzania’s first female president wants to bring her nation in from the cold

Advanced hackers have shown they can take control of an area of devices that help run power station and manufacturing plants. US cyber security and other government agencies issued a joint advice advisory saying the hacker's malicious software could affect the devices.

US claims advanced hackers have shown ability to hijack critical infrastructure

US President Joe Biden announced an additional $800 million in military assistance to Ukraine, expanding the scope of the systems provided to include heavy artillery ahead of a wider Russian assault expected in eastern Ukraine.

US gives Ukraine $800 million more in military aid

In yet another case of racial injustice in the United States, a 26-year-old black man was fatally shot by a white police officer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Patrick Lyoya, father of two was stopped at a traffic light for a vehicle registration mismatch and following a scuffle was shot in the back of his head, which led to his demise. The fatal incident took place on the morning of April 4, 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-leaders-used-6-million-donation-to-buy-luxury-mansion-in-us-report-468649">Black Lives Matter leaders used $6 million donation to buy luxury mansion in US: Report</a>

As per a press release by the City of Grand Rapids while the circumstances that led to Lyoya being stopped are not clear, however, inspection since the shooting has cleared that his vehicle had a license plate that wasn’t registered to that particular vehicle.

The&nbsp;release goes on to say, “following a brief foot pursuit, a physical altercation between the officer and the driver took place that lasted for several minutes. During that altercation, the officer fired his weapon, striking the individual who died as a result of his injuries.”

The officer&nbsp;has not been named and is yet to be charged and is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas US Edition: Black Lives Matter Movement: A WION Ground Report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-edition-black-lives-matter-movement-a-wion-ground-report-414762/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Police Department released videos related to the fatal shooting. You can watch the video here; however, we advise caution, it contains distressing images and violence:

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Newly released video shows a Grand Rapids (MI) police officer shooting unarmed 26 yo Patrick Lyoya while he was on the ground &amp; facing away from the officer! Patrick never used violence against this officer even though the officer used violence against him in several instances. <a href="https://t.co/5vNSWDYUpz">pic.twitter.com/5vNSWDYUpz</a>
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/AttorneyCrump/status/1514354299656192010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following the release of the&nbsp;videos, dozens of protestors gathered in the city protesting against the steady rise in violence by white police officers against black men in America.

The protestors carried "Black Lives Matter" placards and were heard chanting "no justice, no peace."

<img alt="Black lives matter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d94b2ff-2c35-4927-8437-3ca65c119dee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2815%29_0.jpg" />

In the United States, the ‘Black&nbsp;Lives Matters’ movement, gathered steam following a similar case of shooting of a black man by a white police officer. George Floyd an African-American man was shot while engaged in a scuffle with police over something as trivial as a 20-dollar counterfeit bill.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-george-floyd-whose-fall-fuelled-a-complete-movement-368697">In Pics: George Floyd, whose fall, fuelled a complete movement</a>

Of the 4 officers involved in Floyd's death, Derek Chauvin the officer who was shown in a bystander video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, is now serving a 22.5-year sentence for the crime.

As per a New York Times investigation, police officers have killed more than 400 unarmed motorists in America over the last five years. A database by the Washington Post reveals that although these shootings do involve white victims too, black Americans who only account for 13 per cent of the US population are still shot disproportionately. Already this year, more than 250 people have been fatally shot by on-duty officers nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

In yet another case of racial injustice in the United States, a 26-year-old black man was fatally shot by a white police officer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Patrick Lyoya, father of two was stopped at a traffic light for a vehicle registration mismatch and following a scuffle was shot in the back of his head, which led to his demise.

In yet another case of racial injustice in the United States, a 26-year-old black man was fatally shot by a white police officer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Patrick Lyoya, father of two was stopped at a traffic light for a vehicle registration mismatch and following a scuffle was shot in the back of his head, which led to his demise. The fatal incident took place on the morning of April 4, 2022. Also read | Black Lives Matter leaders used $6 million donation to buy luxury mansion in US: Report As per a press release by the City of Grand Rapids while the circumstances that led to Lyoya being stopped are not clear, however, inspection since the shooting has cleared that his vehicle had a license plate that wasn’t registered to that particular vehicle. The release goes on to say, “following a brief foot pursuit, a physical altercation between the officer and the driver took place that lasted for several minutes. During that altercation, the officer fired his weapon, striking the individual who died as a result of his injuries.” The officer has not been named and is yet to be charged and is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. Watch | Gravitas US Edition: Black Lives Matter Movement: A WION Ground Report On Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Police Department released videos related to the fatal shooting. You can watch the video here; however, we advise caution, it contains distressing images and violence: Newly released video shows a Grand Rapids (MI) police officer shooting unarmed 26 yo Patrick Lyoya while he was on the ground & facing away from the officer! Patrick never used violence against this officer even though the officer used violence against him in several instances. pic.twitter.com/5vNSWDYUpz — Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) April 13, 2022 × Following the release of the videos, dozens of protestors gathered in the city protesting against the steady rise in violence by white police officers against black men in America. The protestors carried "Black Lives Matter" placards and were heard chanting "no justice, no peace." In the United States, the ‘Black Lives Matters’ movement, gathered steam following a similar case of shooting of a black man by a white police officer. George Floyd an African-American man was shot while engaged in a scuffle with police over something as trivial as a 20-dollar counterfeit bill. Also read | In Pics: George Floyd, whose fall, fuelled a complete movement Of the 4 officers involved in Floyd's death, Derek Chauvin the officer who was shown in a bystander video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, is now serving a 22.5-year sentence for the crime. As per a New York Times investigation, police officers have killed more than 400 unarmed motorists in America over the last five years. A database by the Washington Post reveals that although these shootings do involve white victims too, black Americans who only account for 13 per cent of the US population are still shot disproportionately. Already this year, more than 250 people have been fatally shot by on-duty officers nationwide. (With inputs from agencies)

Black lives matter: Another day, another police shooting in US. Latest victim: 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya

Nearly half of all recorded injuries in US warehouses last year occurred at&nbsp;Amazon, according to a report released Tuesday by a coalition of unions.

The e-commerce giant has boomed during the pandemic with soaring home delivery demand, but has also faced criticism over workers' conditions and its labor practices.&nbsp;

"Amazon&nbsp;employed one-third of all warehouse workers in the US, but it was responsible for nearly one-half (49 percent) of all injuries in the warehouse industry," according to the report by the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC).

The SOC report said US&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;workers sustained more than 34,000 "serious injuries" on the job last year, a rate more than twice as high as that at warehouses not owned by the company.

Amazon&nbsp;acknowledged an increase in the number of injuries as tens of thousands of employees joined its workforce, but argued the rate at which its people got hurt had declined.

"Like other companies in the industry, we saw an increase in recordable injuries during this time from 2020 to 2021 as we trained so many new people," the company said.

"However, when you compare 2021 to 2019, our recordable injury rate declined more than 13 percent year over year," it added.

The coalition said it relies on data provided by&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- the federal agency responsible for preventing workplace injuries.&nbsp;

"After relaxing some of its discipline systems in the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic,&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;reimplemented its monitoring systems and production pressures in late 2020, and its injury rates rose substantially," the SOC said.&nbsp;

Hiring at&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;has spiked during the pandemic.

In the United States, the company has gone from some 700 sites in 2020 to more than 900 in 2021, and from more than 200,000 employees in 2017 to over 560,000 in 2021, according to the report.&nbsp;

In June 2021,&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;changed working conditions, including longer breaks for its workers who prepare, ship and deliver packages.&nbsp;

That decision came after a previous damning SOC report, and an attempt to unionize at an&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;warehouse in Alabama.&nbsp;That failed, but the campaign exposed what many employees described as the company's intense pace.&nbsp;

"We need a better vision for our employees' success," wrote&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;founder Jeff Bezos in an annual letter to shareholders in 2020.&nbsp;

"We are going to be Earth's Best Employer and Earth's Safest Place to Work," he promised.&nbsp;

But "in stark contrast to Jeff Bezos' recent pledge... the injury rate at&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;facilities&nbsp;increased&nbsp;by 20 percent between 2020 and 2021," the SOC said.

Amazon&nbsp;workers in New York have voted to launch the first US union at the e-commerce giant, an underdog upset against a company that has steadfastly opposed organized labor in its massive workforce. &nbsp;

Nearly half of all recorded injuries in US warehouses last year occurred at Amazon, according to a report released Tuesday by a coalition of unions. The e-commerce giant has boomed during the pandemic with soaring home delivery demand, but has also faced criticism over workers' conditions and its labor practices.

Nearly half of all recorded injuries in US warehouses last year occurred at Amazon, according to a report released Tuesday by a coalition of unions. The e-commerce giant has boomed during the pandemic with soaring home delivery demand, but has also faced criticism over workers' conditions and its labor practices. "Amazon employed one-third of all warehouse workers in the US, but it was responsible for nearly one-half (49 percent) of all injuries in the warehouse industry," according to the report by the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC). The SOC report said US Amazon workers sustained more than 34,000 "serious injuries" on the job last year, a rate more than twice as high as that at warehouses not owned by the company. Amazon acknowledged an increase in the number of injuries as tens of thousands of employees joined its workforce, but argued the rate at which its people got hurt had declined. "Like other companies in the industry, we saw an increase in recordable injuries during this time from 2020 to 2021 as we trained so many new people," the company said. "However, when you compare 2021 to 2019, our recordable injury rate declined more than 13 percent year over year," it added. The coalition said it relies on data provided by Amazon to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- the federal agency responsible for preventing workplace injuries. "After relaxing some of its discipline systems in the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic, Amazon reimplemented its monitoring systems and production pressures in late 2020, and its injury rates rose substantially," the SOC said. Hiring at Amazon has spiked during the pandemic. In the United States, the company has gone from some 700 sites in 2020 to more than 900 in 2021, and from more than 200,000 employees in 2017 to over 560,000 in 2021, according to the report. In June 2021, Amazon changed working conditions, including longer breaks for its workers who prepare, ship and deliver packages. That decision came after a previous damning SOC report, and an attempt to unionize at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama. That failed, but the campaign exposed what many employees described as the company's intense pace. "We need a better vision for our employees' success," wrote Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in an annual letter to shareholders in 2020. "We are going to be Earth's Best Employer and Earth's Safest Place to Work," he promised. But "in stark contrast to Jeff Bezos' recent pledge... the injury rate at Amazon facilities increased by 20 percent between 2020 and 2021," the SOC said. Amazon workers in New York have voted to launch the first US union at the e-commerce giant, an underdog upset against a company that has steadfastly opposed organized labor in its massive workforce.

Half of US warehouse injuries in 2021 at Amazon

The US national federation of independent business has revealed that small businesses in the country are not confident enough of their progress ahead it's due to rise in inflation.

US small business sentiment falls as inflation worries mount

A former researcher at a high-profile cryptocurrency group was sentenced to five years and three months in prison on Tuesday for conspiring to help North Korea evade US&nbsp;sanctions using cryptocurrency, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said.&nbsp;

Virgil Griffith was arrested in 2019 and pleaded guilty last September to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by travelling to North Korea to present on blockchain technology.

Griffith formerly worked for the Ethereum Foundation, a non-profit that works to support the technology behind the cryptocurrency ether.

The sentence, imposed by US&nbsp;District Judge Kevin Castel, was the minimum amount of prison time prosecutors had sought. Griffith had asked for a sentence of two years. Castel also fined Griffith $100,000, below the $1 million prosecutors suggested.

Griffith's attorney Brian Klein said in a statement that while the sentence was disappointing, the judge "acknowledged Virgil's commitment to moving forward with his life productively and that he is a talented person who has a lot to contribute."

US&nbsp;Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement on Tuesday that "justice has been served."

Griffith, who has a doctorate from the California Institute of Technology, travelled to North Korea via China in April 2019 to deliver a presentation at the Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference, despite being denied permission by the U.S. Department of State to go, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Griffith understood the information could be used to evade sanctions the U.S. had imposed on North Korea over its development of nuclear weapons technology.

"The most important feature of blockchains is that they are open. And the DPRK can't be kept out no matter what the USA or the UN says," Griffith said during the presentation, according to prosecutors, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

The Ethereum Foundation said at the time of Griffith's arrest that it had not approved or supported his travel to North Korea.

A former researcher at a high-profile cryptocurrency group was sentenced to five years and three months in prison on Tuesday for conspiring to help North Korea evade US sanctions using cryptocurrency, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said.

A former researcher at a high-profile cryptocurrency group was sentenced to five years and three months in prison on Tuesday for conspiring to help North Korea evade US sanctions using cryptocurrency, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said. Virgil Griffith was arrested in 2019 and pleaded guilty last September to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by travelling to North Korea to present on blockchain technology. Griffith formerly worked for the Ethereum Foundation, a non-profit that works to support the technology behind the cryptocurrency ether. The sentence, imposed by US District Judge Kevin Castel, was the minimum amount of prison time prosecutors had sought. Griffith had asked for a sentence of two years. Castel also fined Griffith $100,000, below the $1 million prosecutors suggested. Griffith's attorney Brian Klein said in a statement that while the sentence was disappointing, the judge "acknowledged Virgil's commitment to moving forward with his life productively and that he is a talented person who has a lot to contribute." US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement on Tuesday that "justice has been served." Griffith, who has a doctorate from the California Institute of Technology, travelled to North Korea via China in April 2019 to deliver a presentation at the Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference, despite being denied permission by the U.S. Department of State to go, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors said Griffith understood the information could be used to evade sanctions the U.S. had imposed on North Korea over its development of nuclear weapons technology. "The most important feature of blockchains is that they are open. And the DPRK can't be kept out no matter what the USA or the UN says," Griffith said during the presentation, according to prosecutors, using the initials of North Korea's official name. The Ethereum Foundation said at the time of Griffith's arrest that it had not approved or supported his travel to North Korea.

US crypto researcher sentenced to five years for helping North Korea evade sanctions

Bolstering security and democracy in Asia pacific region was also part of the dialogue between the Indian foreign and defense ministers and their US counterparts. Indian and US officials discussed ways to ensure a free open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

United States and India hails Indo-Pacific cooperation, China and Russia dominate talks

Top officials from the world's two largest democracies held ministerial-level talks in Washington after their leaders from India and the United States discussed their differences over the Ukraine war.

India's import of Russian oil remains point of contention between New Delhi and Washington

The United States on Monday (April 11) said that energy imports are not banned from Russia and India is not violating any sanctions by purchasing energy from Moscow.&nbsp;

The remarks were made during a White House press briefing after US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting and discussed several issues.&nbsp;

"This was a constructive call, it was a productive call. It's a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the president. I would not see it as an adversarial call," said the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki during Monday's news conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-22-dialogue-a-momentous-moment-in-global-affairs-470362">India-US 2+2 dialogue a 'momentous moment' in global affairs</a>

On being asked whether Biden has urged&nbsp;India to limit importing Russian energy, Psaki said, "Energy imports are not banned and they don't violate our sanctions. We certainly recognise that every country is going to take a step in their interest."&nbsp;

However, she added that Biden has told PM Modi that it was not in India's interest to increase its imports of energy from Russia. She added, "I will let Prime Minister Modi and Indians speak on that. It's only 1-2 per cent at this point in time, they export 10 per cent from the United States. It is no violation of any sanctions or anything along those lines."&nbsp;

Following Western sanctions on Russian entities in the wake of the Ukraine war, India purchased at least 13 million barrels of Russian crude oil at a discounted rate.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-desires-peace-and-stability-pm-modi-congratulates-newly-elected-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-470328">'India desires peace and stability': PM Modi congratulates newly elected Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif</a>

Psaki also mentioned other aspects related to India's response&nbsp;and the humanitarian support&nbsp;it has provided to Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

She said the US has seen India speak out more forcefully against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, particularly "as it relates to the horrific photos that we saw around Bucha".&nbsp;

"We have seen them to take steps to provide humanitarian assistance and a range of assistance, but it is something we always encourage leaders to do - to speak out, to be vocal, to ensure they are on the right side of history," she said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What Modi told Biden

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(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Monday (April 11) said that energy imports are not banned from Russia and India is not violating any sanctions by purchasing energy from Moscow.

The United States on Monday (April 11) said that energy imports are not banned from Russia and India is not violating any sanctions by purchasing energy from Moscow. The remarks were made during a White House press briefing after US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting and discussed several issues. "This was a constructive call, it was a productive call. It's a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the president. I would not see it as an adversarial call," said the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki during Monday's news conference. ALSO READ | India-US 2+2 dialogue a 'momentous moment' in global affairs On being asked whether Biden has urged India to limit importing Russian energy, Psaki said, "Energy imports are not banned and they don't violate our sanctions. We certainly recognise that every country is going to take a step in their interest." However, she added that Biden has told PM Modi that it was not in India's interest to increase its imports of energy from Russia. She added, "I will let Prime Minister Modi and Indians speak on that. It's only 1-2 per cent at this point in time, they export 10 per cent from the United States. It is no violation of any sanctions or anything along those lines." Following Western sanctions on Russian entities in the wake of the Ukraine war, India purchased at least 13 million barrels of Russian crude oil at a discounted rate. ALSO READ | 'India desires peace and stability': PM Modi congratulates newly elected Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Psaki also mentioned other aspects related to India's response and the humanitarian support it has provided to Ukraine amid the ongoing war. She said the US has seen India speak out more forcefully against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, particularly "as it relates to the horrific photos that we saw around Bucha". "We have seen them to take steps to provide humanitarian assistance and a range of assistance, but it is something we always encourage leaders to do - to speak out, to be vocal, to ensure they are on the right side of history," she said. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What Modi told Biden × (With inputs from agencies)

US says India not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil

At a time when many states, Republican lawmakers across the United States have been passing laws that as per critics are infringing upon LGBTQ rights, US President Joe Biden’s administration has come up with something no less than a boon.

From Monday citizens in the US can now receive a passport with the gender designation “X”.

This comes as a blessing for over 1.2 million Americans who don’t identify with the traditional gender identities, or whose gender identity falls outside the categories of man or woman.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lets-talk-about-pronouns-baby-gender-pronouns-and-their-importance-425562">Let’s talk about ‘Pronouns’ baby: Gender Pronouns and their importance</a>

However, this move is expected to further fuel tensions in a nation that is already divided on “progressive” reforms like abortion rights and gender issues.

With this now intersex or gender fluid, people would not have to face red-tapism. For most, it is but a small box to tick on an application form but for many like D. Ojeda a non-binary person who on Monday became one of the first Americans to apply for a gender-neutral passport, this is "incredible".

Watch |&nbsp;Fast Facts: LGBTQ Rights Milestones | 'Voices of Pride' | WION Wideangle

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Speaking to AFP, Ojeda, a social activist who uses the pronouns they/them said "Even with my family, they still don't get it, adding "so at least I have the government to say who I am as a person."

Applicants also have the option of selecting a box for ‘gender change’. This reflects that their chosen gender designation differs from their previously held passport and they don't have to provide any medical documentation for the change.

"It feels like the world is safer," said Ojeda.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-first-gender-x-passport-424570">US issues first gender 'X' passport</a> 
 
In October last year, after a long legal battle, an intersex person from Colorado, US was able to win the right to hold a passport with an ‘X’ designation.&nbsp;

Only a few days back on March 31, which is also celebrated as the International Day of Transgender Visibility, the US State Department announced that they’ll be extending this service to all the citizens of America. The department will also undertake some other measures on a federal level that would serve to simplify administrative hurdles for transgender and non-binary people.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a time when many states, Republican lawmakers across the United States have been passing laws that as per critics are infringing upon LGBTQ rights, US President Joe Biden’s administration has come up with something no less than a boon.

At a time when many states, Republican lawmakers across the United States have been passing laws that as per critics are infringing upon LGBTQ rights, US President Joe Biden’s administration has come up with something no less than a boon. From Monday citizens in the US can now receive a passport with the gender designation “X”. This comes as a blessing for over 1.2 million Americans who don’t identify with the traditional gender identities, or whose gender identity falls outside the categories of man or woman. Also read | Let’s talk about ‘Pronouns’ baby: Gender Pronouns and their importance However, this move is expected to further fuel tensions in a nation that is already divided on “progressive” reforms like abortion rights and gender issues. With this now intersex or gender fluid, people would not have to face red-tapism. For most, it is but a small box to tick on an application form but for many like D. Ojeda a non-binary person who on Monday became one of the first Americans to apply for a gender-neutral passport, this is "incredible". Watch | Fast Facts: LGBTQ Rights Milestones | 'Voices of Pride' | WION Wideangle Speaking to AFP, Ojeda, a social activist who uses the pronouns they/them said "Even with my family, they still don't get it, adding "so at least I have the government to say who I am as a person." Applicants also have the option of selecting a box for ‘gender change’. This reflects that their chosen gender designation differs from their previously held passport and they don't have to provide any medical documentation for the change. "It feels like the world is safer," said Ojeda. Also read | US issues first gender 'X' passport In October last year, after a long legal battle, an intersex person from Colorado, US was able to win the right to hold a passport with an ‘X’ designation. Only a few days back on March 31, which is also celebrated as the International Day of Transgender Visibility, the US State Department announced that they’ll be extending this service to all the citizens of America. The department will also undertake some other measures on a federal level that would serve to simplify administrative hurdles for transgender and non-binary people. (With inputs from agencies)

'It feels like the world is safer': Man, woman and...'X', US starts issuing gender-neutral passports

Former United States President Donald Trump is the "most honest human being God has ever created", he himself said it when he spoke at a rally in Selma, North Carolina on Saturday evening (April 9).&nbsp;

A burst of laughter followed after Trump's "the most honest&nbsp;human being" remarks at a rally. He quoted one of his friends as saying, "'You know, you've been investigated years and years, millions and millions of pages of documents, they found nothing. You are the cleanest on Earth when you think about it.'"&nbsp;

Trump then said, "I've got to be the cleanest sheriff. I think I'm the most honest&nbsp;human being, perhaps, that God ever created."&nbsp;

Amid multiple investigations, including his alleged involvement in the US Capitol attacks, Trump's remarks went viral on social media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-boris-johnsons-visit-us-says-joe-biden-doesnt-currently-have-any-plans-to-travel-to-ukraine-470275">After Boris Johnson's visit, US says Joe Biden 'doesn't currently have any plans' to travel to Ukraine</a>

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Trump: I’ve gotta be the cleanest— I think I’m the most honest human being perhaps that god ever created <a href="https://t.co/D98itzA6vi">pic.twitter.com/D98itzA6vi</a>
— Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1512944767692259328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Recently, Trump defended his conduct during the US Capitol assault in an incendiary interview published last week, saying he did not regret summoning his rioting supporters to Washington.&nbsp;

He told The Washington Post he would have accompanied his ultra-loyal followers as they marched on the complex on January 6 last year, but was stopped by his security detail.&nbsp;

He offered no contrition for whipping up the crowd with bogus claims that victory was stolen from him through widespread fraud -- although he was clear in his condemnation of the violence that ensued.&nbsp;

"Secret Service said I couldn't go. I would have gone there in a minute," he said, in the wide-ranging interview, adding that it was the largest crowd he had ever spoken to.&nbsp;

On January 6, 2021, thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol last year in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power after Joe Biden won a decisive victory in 2020, described by the government as one of the most secure elections in US history.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Blood The dark side of Electric Vehicles

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former United States President Donald Trump is the "most honest human being God has ever created", he himself said it when he spoke at a rally in Selma, North Carolina on Saturday evening (April 9).

Former United States President Donald Trump is the "most honest human being God has ever created", he himself said it when he spoke at a rally in Selma, North Carolina on Saturday evening (April 9). A burst of laughter followed after Trump's "the most honest human being" remarks at a rally. He quoted one of his friends as saying, "'You know, you've been investigated years and years, millions and millions of pages of documents, they found nothing. You are the cleanest on Earth when you think about it.'" Trump then said, "I've got to be the cleanest sheriff. I think I'm the most honest human being, perhaps, that God ever created." Amid multiple investigations, including his alleged involvement in the US Capitol attacks, Trump's remarks went viral on social media. ALSO READ | After Boris Johnson's visit, US says Joe Biden 'doesn't currently have any plans' to travel to Ukraine Trump: I’ve gotta be the cleanest— I think I’m the most honest human being perhaps that god ever created pic.twitter.com/D98itzA6vi — Acyn (@Acyn) April 10, 2022 × Recently, Trump defended his conduct during the US Capitol assault in an incendiary interview published last week, saying he did not regret summoning his rioting supporters to Washington. He told The Washington Post he would have accompanied his ultra-loyal followers as they marched on the complex on January 6 last year, but was stopped by his security detail. He offered no contrition for whipping up the crowd with bogus claims that victory was stolen from him through widespread fraud -- although he was clear in his condemnation of the violence that ensued. "Secret Service said I couldn't go. I would have gone there in a minute," he said, in the wide-ranging interview, adding that it was the largest crowd he had ever spoken to. On January 6, 2021, thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol last year in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power after Joe Biden won a decisive victory in 2020, described by the government as one of the most secure elections in US history. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Blood The dark side of Electric Vehicles × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Donald Trump is the 'most honest human being perhaps God has ever created'. Guess who said it

On Monday, President Joe Biden will unveil new measures to combat so-called "ghost guns," including an executive order that will tighten limits on weapons that can be constructed in minutes at home and are difficult to track due to their absence of serial numbers.

According to administration officials, the new regulation specifies that weapons part kits that may readily be assembled into a working handgun will be subject to the same criteria as commercially accessible fully manufactured guns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/more-gun-dealers-than-grocery-stores-in-the-us-482">American civilians own more guns than US Army</a>

The new rule, which has been in the works for a year, tackles a type of weapon that has nearly doubled in its appearance in police records between 2020 and 2021, according to law enforcement officials.

Speaking to AFP on the condition of anonymity, a Biden administration official remarked, "these are the criminal's weapon of choice."

As per the new legislation, dealers selling these weapons component kits must now complete a background check on potential buyers.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: When weapons become a joke

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The US Justice Department said in a statement that gun kit makers must include a serial number on crucial weapon components, and licenced dealers who take a "ghost gun" into their inventory must likewise include a serial number.

In order to aid traceability, the new rule mandates that federally licenced guns dealers preserve records for as long as they are in business, rather than the current 20-year timeframe.

According to the research, the usage of such weapons has been on the rise, with the number of reports nearly doubling to over 19,000 from 2020 to 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-history-of-violence-14">A history of violence: America and guns</a>

Only 0.98 per cent of suspected "ghost weapons" given in by law enforcement could be traced to an individual purchaser over the last five years, said ATF.

"This rule will make it harder for criminals and other prohibited persons to obtain untraceable guns, will help ensure that law enforcement officers can retrieve the information they need to solve crimes, and will help reduce the number of untraceable firearms flooding our communities," US Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday, President Joe Biden will unveil new measures to combat so-called "ghost guns," including an executive order that will tighten limits on weapons that can be constructed in minutes at home and are difficult to track due to their absence of serial numbers.

On Monday, President Joe Biden will unveil new measures to combat so-called "ghost guns," including an executive order that will tighten limits on weapons that can be constructed in minutes at home and are difficult to track due to their absence of serial numbers. According to administration officials, the new regulation specifies that weapons part kits that may readily be assembled into a working handgun will be subject to the same criteria as commercially accessible fully manufactured guns. Also read | American civilians own more guns than US Army The new rule, which has been in the works for a year, tackles a type of weapon that has nearly doubled in its appearance in police records between 2020 and 2021, according to law enforcement officials. Speaking to AFP on the condition of anonymity, a Biden administration official remarked, "these are the criminal's weapon of choice." As per the new legislation, dealers selling these weapons component kits must now complete a background check on potential buyers. Watch | Gravitas: When weapons become a joke The US Justice Department said in a statement that gun kit makers must include a serial number on crucial weapon components, and licenced dealers who take a "ghost gun" into their inventory must likewise include a serial number. In order to aid traceability, the new rule mandates that federally licenced guns dealers preserve records for as long as they are in business, rather than the current 20-year timeframe. According to the research, the usage of such weapons has been on the rise, with the number of reports nearly doubling to over 19,000 from 2020 to 2021. Also read | A history of violence: America and guns Only 0.98 per cent of suspected "ghost weapons" given in by law enforcement could be traced to an individual purchaser over the last five years, said ATF. "This rule will make it harder for criminals and other prohibited persons to obtain untraceable guns, will help ensure that law enforcement officers can retrieve the information they need to solve crimes, and will help reduce the number of untraceable firearms flooding our communities," US Attorney General Merrick Garland said. (With inputs from agencies)

US cracks down on 'ghost guns'. What are they?

Former President Donald Trump’s eldest son sent the White House chief of staff a text message two days after Election Day in 2020 that laid out strategies for declaring his father the winner regardless of the electoral outcome, people familiar with the exchange said Friday.

The text, which was reported earlier by CNN, was sent two days before Joe Biden was declared the winner of the election. The recipient, Mark Meadows, turned a cache of his text messages over to the House committee investigating the events leading up to the deadly riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as the Electoral College results in Biden’s favor were being certified.

“It’s very simple,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote to Meadows on Nov. 5, 2020. He wrote at another point, “We have multiple paths We control them all.”

The message went on to lay out a variety of options that the elder Trump or his allies ultimately employed in trying to overturn the results of the election, from legal challenges to promoting alternative slates of electors to focusing efforts on the statutory date of Jan. 6 for certification of the Electoral College results.

In a statement, the younger Trump’s lawyer, Alan Futerfas, confirmed that the text message was sent but suggested it was someone else’s idea that Donald Trump Jr. was passing along.

“After the election, Don received numerous messages from supporters and others,” Futerfas said. “Given the date, this message likely originated from someone else and was forwarded.”

Still, the text message underscores the extraordinary lengths that the president’s allies and official aides were already exploring right after Election Day to keep him in power if the voters throughout the country failed to do so.

Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric called on Republicans to keep fighting on their father’s behalf in the immediate aftermath of Election Day, as votes were still being counted in a string of close races in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona.

“The total lack of action from virtually all of the ‘2024 GOP hopefuls’ is pretty amazing,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote on Twitter the day he sent the text to Meadows. “They have a perfect platform to show that they’re willing &amp;amp; able to fight but they will cower to the media mob instead. Don’t worry @realDonaldTrump will fight &amp;&nbsp;they can watch as usual!”

The House committee is investigating what led to the assault on the Capitol and the various efforts to try to thwart Biden’s victory, all of which failed. Ultimately, a mob of supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol during the certification. At least seven people died in connection with the riot.

Trump and a number of his advisers pressured Vice President Mike Pence to use his ceremonial role in the Electoral College certification to upend the process, something Pence was adamant was beyond his authority.

The text message that Donald Trump Jr. sent to Meadows acknowledged that scenario, which was championed by a lawyer advising the president, John C. Eastman. “We either have a vote WE control and WE win OR it gets kicked to Congress 6 January 2021,” the text message said.

The younger Trump also texted with Meadows during the riot, urging him to move the president to act as the violence played out. 
&nbsp;

Former President Donald Trump’s eldest son sent the White House chief of staff a text message two days after Election Day in 2020 that laid out strategies for declaring his father the winner regardless of the electoral outcome, people familiar with the exchange said Friday.

Former President Donald Trump’s eldest son sent the White House chief of staff a text message two days after Election Day in 2020 that laid out strategies for declaring his father the winner regardless of the electoral outcome, people familiar with the exchange said Friday. The text, which was reported earlier by CNN, was sent two days before Joe Biden was declared the winner of the election. The recipient, Mark Meadows, turned a cache of his text messages over to the House committee investigating the events leading up to the deadly riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as the Electoral College results in Biden’s favor were being certified. “It’s very simple,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote to Meadows on Nov. 5, 2020. He wrote at another point, “We have multiple paths We control them all.” The message went on to lay out a variety of options that the elder Trump or his allies ultimately employed in trying to overturn the results of the election, from legal challenges to promoting alternative slates of electors to focusing efforts on the statutory date of Jan. 6 for certification of the Electoral College results. In a statement, the younger Trump’s lawyer, Alan Futerfas, confirmed that the text message was sent but suggested it was someone else’s idea that Donald Trump Jr. was passing along. “After the election, Don received numerous messages from supporters and others,” Futerfas said. “Given the date, this message likely originated from someone else and was forwarded.” Still, the text message underscores the extraordinary lengths that the president’s allies and official aides were already exploring right after Election Day to keep him in power if the voters throughout the country failed to do so. Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric called on Republicans to keep fighting on their father’s behalf in the immediate aftermath of Election Day, as votes were still being counted in a string of close races in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona. “The total lack of action from virtually all of the ‘2024 GOP hopefuls’ is pretty amazing,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote on Twitter the day he sent the text to Meadows. “They have a perfect platform to show that they’re willing &amp; able to fight but they will cower to the media mob instead. Don’t worry @realDonaldTrump will fight & they can watch as usual!” The House committee is investigating what led to the assault on the Capitol and the various efforts to try to thwart Biden’s victory, all of which failed. Ultimately, a mob of supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol during the certification. At least seven people died in connection with the riot. Trump and a number of his advisers pressured Vice President Mike Pence to use his ceremonial role in the Electoral College certification to upend the process, something Pence was adamant was beyond his authority. The text message that Donald Trump Jr. sent to Meadows acknowledged that scenario, which was championed by a lawyer advising the president, John C. Eastman. “We either have a vote WE control and WE win OR it gets kicked to Congress 6 January 2021,” the text message said. The younger Trump also texted with Meadows during the riot, urging him to move the president to act as the violence played out.

Text from Donald Trump Jr. set out strategies to fight election outcome

The Trump administration left office without providing the State Department with an accounting of the gifts former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials received from foreign governments in 2020, the department disclosed late Friday.

The department said that as a result, it could not fully account for the gifts officials received, the latest example to emerge in recent months of how the Trump administration’s flouting of laws and norms about the day-to-day operations of government now makes it harder to determine whether anything improper took place.

“It’s flagrant and it looks terrible,” said Richard W. Painter, the former top ethics lawyer for George W. Bush’s administration. “Either it was really stupid or really corrupt.”

Under federal law, each government department and agency is legally required to submit a list to the State Department of gifts over $415 its officials received from foreign governments. The measure is intended to ensure that foreign governments do not gain undue influence over American officials.

Departing White Houses typically provide the State Department with a list of the gifts officials receive before, or shortly after, they leave office to ensure they have followed the law.

But in the list of gifts for 2020 that the State Department released Friday, there are no gifts for any White House officials. Although the pandemic curtailed some of Trump’s travel, Trump went to Switzerland and India — where he received gifts, including a bust of Gandhi, a sculpture of Gandhi’s famous “three monkeys” metaphor and a spinning wheel. Top foreign leaders for at least a dozen countries visited the White House.

In a highly unusual disclosure, the department said that its Office of the Chief of Protocol, which was run by a Trump appointee until Jan. 20, 2021, had failed before Trump left office to ask the White House for a list of the gifts it received, and that Trump’s White House left office without providing one.

The department said it had tried to collect the information about the gifts Trump White House officials had received but had failed to come up with an accounting.

“As a result, the data required to fully compile a complete listing for 2020 is unavailable,” the State Department said in a footnote to its list of gifts government officials received that year.

A spokesman for Trump did not respond to an email seeking comment.

In February, it was revealed that classified documents and gifts from the White House had been improperly taken to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, a matter federal authorities are now in the preliminary stages of investigating. Around that time, the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol learned that significant chunks of time were missing from White House call records from the day of the attack.

The ethics expert, Painter, said that by failing to disclose the gifts, the Trump White House violated the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution, which makes it illegal to take gifts from foreigners without permission from Congress. But Painter said that because the emoluments clause is toothless and has no criminal or civil penalties, it is extremely difficult to hold a former official accountable.

Even before the latest disclosure, the Trump administration had a history of sloppy record keeping and poor oversight of gifts given to and received by administration officials from foreign leaders.

The State Department’s inspector general reported in November that tens of thousands of dollars in gifts given to Trump administration officials were missing. They included a 30-year-old Suntory Hibiki bottle of Japanese whisky given to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, worth $5,800, and a 22-karat gold commemorative coin valued at $560 given to another State Department official.

The inspector general also found that monogrammed commemorative pewter trays, marble trinket boxes and leather portfolios made with department funds to give to foreign leaders at the Group of 7 summit in 2020 that was canceled because of the pandemic were missing.

The New York Times reported in October that Trump administration officials had held onto white tiger and cheetah furs the Saudi government had given to the White House on a 2017 trip to the kingdom, even though the Endangered Species Act made possession of them illegal. When the furs were ultimately handed over to Interior Department, tests revealed that they were fake.

The Times also reported that government officials had questions about whether Pence’s wife, Karen Pence, wrongly took two gold-toned place card holders from the prime minister of Singapore without paying for them. The Trump administration, the Times reported, also failed to disclose that Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, had been given two swords and a dagger from the Saudis. A month after Trump left office, Kushner paid $47,920 for them along with three other gifts. 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration left office without providing the State Department with an accounting of the gifts former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials received from foreign governments in 2020, the department disclosed late Friday.

The Trump administration left office without providing the State Department with an accounting of the gifts former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials received from foreign governments in 2020, the department disclosed late Friday. The department said that as a result, it could not fully account for the gifts officials received, the latest example to emerge in recent months of how the Trump administration’s flouting of laws and norms about the day-to-day operations of government now makes it harder to determine whether anything improper took place. “It’s flagrant and it looks terrible,” said Richard W. Painter, the former top ethics lawyer for George W. Bush’s administration. “Either it was really stupid or really corrupt.” Under federal law, each government department and agency is legally required to submit a list to the State Department of gifts over $415 its officials received from foreign governments. The measure is intended to ensure that foreign governments do not gain undue influence over American officials. Departing White Houses typically provide the State Department with a list of the gifts officials receive before, or shortly after, they leave office to ensure they have followed the law. But in the list of gifts for 2020 that the State Department released Friday, there are no gifts for any White House officials. Although the pandemic curtailed some of Trump’s travel, Trump went to Switzerland and India — where he received gifts, including a bust of Gandhi, a sculpture of Gandhi’s famous “three monkeys” metaphor and a spinning wheel. Top foreign leaders for at least a dozen countries visited the White House. In a highly unusual disclosure, the department said that its Office of the Chief of Protocol, which was run by a Trump appointee until Jan. 20, 2021, had failed before Trump left office to ask the White House for a list of the gifts it received, and that Trump’s White House left office without providing one. The department said it had tried to collect the information about the gifts Trump White House officials had received but had failed to come up with an accounting. “As a result, the data required to fully compile a complete listing for 2020 is unavailable,” the State Department said in a footnote to its list of gifts government officials received that year. A spokesman for Trump did not respond to an email seeking comment. In February, it was revealed that classified documents and gifts from the White House had been improperly taken to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, a matter federal authorities are now in the preliminary stages of investigating. Around that time, the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol learned that significant chunks of time were missing from White House call records from the day of the attack. The ethics expert, Painter, said that by failing to disclose the gifts, the Trump White House violated the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution, which makes it illegal to take gifts from foreigners without permission from Congress. But Painter said that because the emoluments clause is toothless and has no criminal or civil penalties, it is extremely difficult to hold a former official accountable. Even before the latest disclosure, the Trump administration had a history of sloppy record keeping and poor oversight of gifts given to and received by administration officials from foreign leaders. The State Department’s inspector general reported in November that tens of thousands of dollars in gifts given to Trump administration officials were missing. They included a 30-year-old Suntory Hibiki bottle of Japanese whisky given to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, worth $5,800, and a 22-karat gold commemorative coin valued at $560 given to another State Department official. The inspector general also found that monogrammed commemorative pewter trays, marble trinket boxes and leather portfolios made with department funds to give to foreign leaders at the Group of 7 summit in 2020 that was canceled because of the pandemic were missing. The New York Times reported in October that Trump administration officials had held onto white tiger and cheetah furs the Saudi government had given to the White House on a 2017 trip to the kingdom, even though the Endangered Species Act made possession of them illegal. When the furs were ultimately handed over to Interior Department, tests revealed that they were fake. The Times also reported that government officials had questions about whether Pence’s wife, Karen Pence, wrongly took two gold-toned place card holders from the prime minister of Singapore without paying for them. The Trump administration, the Times reported, also failed to disclose that Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, had been given two swords and a dagger from the Saudis. A month after Trump left office, Kushner paid $47,920 for them along with three other gifts.

Trump officials failed to provide accounting of foreign gifts

The White House on Wednesday (April 6) reiterated that the United States is ready to support India as another option for energy imports to counter ties with Russia.&nbsp;

Just like other countries, India has also been hit hard by rising crude values due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The conflict resulted in prices soaring, in some states, prices touched record highs.&nbsp;

In order to mitigate the rising cost of oil imports, PM Narendra Modi's government has turned to Russian barrels that are available at discounts, a move not liked by some countries like the US.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-russia-hiding-thousands-killed-in-mariupol-468954">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol</a>

Responding to the same, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference:&nbsp;"We do not think India should accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities even as, obviously, those decisions are made by individual countries."&nbsp;

She added, "And (the US is) also making clear that we stand ready to support India as in any efforts to diversify its imports and serve as a reliable supplier even as they're only importing about one to two per cent of their oil from Russia."&nbsp;

In reference to the US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh's New Delhi visit last week, Psaki said that the US has a range of ways to "communicate and engage". Singh visited to discuss with Indian officials on the Russian sanctions.&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-impact-of-war-on-ukraines-comedian-president-and-an-unlikely-wartime-leader-468665">How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky</a>

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She said, "We have a range of ways to communicate and engage. And obviously, sending our Deputy National Security Advisor is an example of that. But clearly, our preference would be to have a confirmed ambassador."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on Wednesday (April 5), India's foreign minister said that the government is working to stabilise economic transactions with Russia.&nbsp;

India has also condemned the reports of killings of civilians in Ukraine and urged using diplomatic channels to defuse the situation and end the war.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: India condemns mass killings in Bucha

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The White House on Wednesday (April 6) reiterated that the United States is ready to support India as another option for energy imports to counter ties with Russia.

The White House on Wednesday (April 6) reiterated that the United States is ready to support India as another option for energy imports to counter ties with Russia. Just like other countries, India has also been hit hard by rising crude values due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The conflict resulted in prices soaring, in some states, prices touched record highs. In order to mitigate the rising cost of oil imports, PM Narendra Modi's government has turned to Russian barrels that are available at discounts, a move not liked by some countries like the US. ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol Responding to the same, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference: "We do not think India should accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities even as, obviously, those decisions are made by individual countries." She added, "And (the US is) also making clear that we stand ready to support India as in any efforts to diversify its imports and serve as a reliable supplier even as they're only importing about one to two per cent of their oil from Russia." In reference to the US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh's New Delhi visit last week, Psaki said that the US has a range of ways to "communicate and engage". Singh visited to discuss with Indian officials on the Russian sanctions. ALSO READ | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky Tune in for a briefing with Press Secretary Jen Psaki. https://t.co/q9KkGNNTM8 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 6, 2022 × She said, "We have a range of ways to communicate and engage. And obviously, sending our Deputy National Security Advisor is an example of that. But clearly, our preference would be to have a confirmed ambassador." Meanwhile, on Wednesday (April 5), India's foreign minister said that the government is working to stabilise economic transactions with Russia. India has also condemned the reports of killings of civilians in Ukraine and urged using diplomatic channels to defuse the situation and end the war. WATCH | Gravitas: India condemns mass killings in Bucha ×

White House says US ready to become India's 'reliable supplier' to counter Russia dependence

The United States president's son Hunter Biden is under federal investigation. Biden junior is being probed for violations of tax money laundering and foreign lobbying laws this through his business relationships abroad, here we bring you all the latest developments.

Federal probe into Hunter Biden's business dealings heats up

Pyongyang is ignoring US overtures for talks and could be planning its first nuclear weapon test in nearly five years for its April 15 holiday,&nbsp;the State Department's top North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;envoy said Wednesday.

Sung Kim, the Special Representative for North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Policy, said Washington thinks Pyongyang could be planning a big show of its growing nuclear weapons capacity on the annual holiday next week, which will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, who founded the modern Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;(DPRK).

"We are worried that in connection with the upcoming April 15 anniversary, the DPRK may be tempted to take another provocative action," Kim told reporters, referring to North&nbsp;Korea's recent ballistic missile test launches.

"I don't want to speculate too much, but I think it could be another missile launch, it could be a nuclear test," he said.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has tested nuclear weapons several times starting in 2006, and its last test was in 2017.

Pyongyang has continued to ignore Washington's overtures to resume discussions about removing all nuclear weapons from the Korean peninsula, Kim said.

"We have not received any response from Pyongyang, which is very disappointing, because we have sent several messages, both public and private, inviting them to a dialogue without any conditions," he said.

"Instead they have initiated a series of missile tests that recently culminated in at least three ICBM launches. These actions pose a serious threat to regional stability."

Kim also said that China and Russia were not helping President Joe Biden's push to restart talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Talks aimed at containing Pyongyang's nuclear threat appeared to gain traction under the previous US administration of Donald Trump, but then stopped.&nbsp;

After Biden took office, North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;began a series of missile tests, 13 in all, that culminated last month with the test of a ballistic missile that could potentially deliver a nuclear warhead to the eastern United States.

The tests have alarmed North&nbsp;Korea's immediate neighbors South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and Japan.

On Tuesday, Kim Jong Un's powerful sister Kim Yo Jong warned that Pyongyang will use its nuclear weapons to "eliminate" South&nbsp;Korea's army in the event they launch a preemptive strike.

Sung Kim said that Washington is pushing for a fresh resolution condemning Pyongyang's actions at the UN Security Council.

But he noted that in six earlier efforts this year, Russia and China "have consistently blocked our efforts to produce a UN public statement."

Pyongyang is ignoring US overtures for talks and could be planning its first nuclear weapon test in nearly five years for its April 15 holiday, the State Department's top North Korea envoy said Wednesday.

Pyongyang is ignoring US overtures for talks and could be planning its first nuclear weapon test in nearly five years for its April 15 holiday, the State Department's top North Korea envoy said Wednesday. Sung Kim, the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, said Washington thinks Pyongyang could be planning a big show of its growing nuclear weapons capacity on the annual holiday next week, which will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, who founded the modern Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). "We are worried that in connection with the upcoming April 15 anniversary, the DPRK may be tempted to take another provocative action," Kim told reporters, referring to North Korea's recent ballistic missile test launches. "I don't want to speculate too much, but I think it could be another missile launch, it could be a nuclear test," he said. North Korea has tested nuclear weapons several times starting in 2006, and its last test was in 2017. Pyongyang has continued to ignore Washington's overtures to resume discussions about removing all nuclear weapons from the Korean peninsula, Kim said. "We have not received any response from Pyongyang, which is very disappointing, because we have sent several messages, both public and private, inviting them to a dialogue without any conditions," he said. "Instead they have initiated a series of missile tests that recently culminated in at least three ICBM launches. These actions pose a serious threat to regional stability." Kim also said that China and Russia were not helping President Joe Biden's push to restart talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Talks aimed at containing Pyongyang's nuclear threat appeared to gain traction under the previous US administration of Donald Trump, but then stopped. After Biden took office, North Korea began a series of missile tests, 13 in all, that culminated last month with the test of a ballistic missile that could potentially deliver a nuclear warhead to the eastern United States. The tests have alarmed North Korea's immediate neighbors South Korea and Japan. On Tuesday, Kim Jong Un's powerful sister Kim Yo Jong warned that Pyongyang will use its nuclear weapons to "eliminate" South Korea's army in the event they launch a preemptive strike. Sung Kim said that Washington is pushing for a fresh resolution condemning Pyongyang's actions at the UN Security Council. But he noted that in six earlier efforts this year, Russia and China "have consistently blocked our efforts to produce a UN public statement."

US envoy says North Korea could hold nuclear test on coming anniversary

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