At least five rockets were launched from Iraq's town of Zummar towards the US military base in northeastern Syria. According to Iraqi Security Forces a major search operation has been launched. Watch in for more details!

US military bases in Northeastern Syria attacked

The US-Israel relationship took a new and unexpected turn. Reportedly, the U.S. is planning to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. The battalion faces allegations of human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli leaders criticise US sanctions against military unit

Opening statements are set to begin Monday in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York. Prosecutors will begin laying out their case for jurors, alleging Trump falsified business records to cover up a "hush money" payment during his 2016 campaign. Watch in for more details!

US: Opening statements set to begin in Donald Trump's hush money case trial

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will visit China from April 24th to 26th. According to the US State Department, he will hold talks on bilateral and global issues with Chinese officials. Watch in for more details!

US: Antony Blinken to visit China to prevent conflict and manage rivalry

The White House condemns the pro-Palestinian protests that have rocked New York City’s Columbia University over the past week. College campuses across the US have been rocked by demonstrations for months.

US: White House condemns antisemitic actions of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University

Ukrainian president Zelensky expressed gratitude to the US House of Representatives passed a bill providing additional funds to Ukraine in its on-going war with Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian soldiers welcome U.S. aid vote

The US is expected to announce sanctions on a unit of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for alleged human rights violations against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, according to the reports. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: U.S. to sanction other IDF units? PM Netanyahu says he will defend the IDF

The most significant case in decades on homelessness has reached the Supreme Court as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live. Watch in for more details!

US: Supreme Court to hear case on criminalising homelessness, court's decision to impact many cities

Filipino and American troops kicked off a three-week joint combat training exercise in the Philippines on Monday that includes maritime drills in the South China Sea. Watch in for more details!

US-Philippines troops begin joint-maritime drills

The US has imposed sanctions against three Chinese companies and a Belarus-based firm for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme. Watch in for more details!

US imposes sanctions on 4 firms supplying missile parts to Pakistan

Rockets were fired from Iraq at a military base in Syria housing a U.S-led coalition. It is the first major attack against the coalition forces in several weeks. Reportedly, armed factions in Iraq had decided to resume attacks against U.S. troops after a three-month pause.

US military base in Syria targeted by Iraqi rockets

The US-Israel relationship took a new and unexpected turn. Reportedly, the U.S. is planning to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. The battalion faces allegations of human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank.

US planning to sanction an Israeli military unit over alleged 'abuses'

Nearly 17,000 Filipino and American troops will begin a controversial three-week joint combat training exercise in the Philippines on Monday (April 22) involving maritime drills in the South China Sea where Manila and Beijing have sparred over maritime borders.

All about Balikatan annual drills by US & Philippines amid tensions with China

<p>The Apple Watch has been a lifesaver in many situations, detecting health issues like abnormal heart rates using its sensors. Recently, it saved a cyclist's life in New York. Eric Zollinger, a real estate broker, was riding home during heavy rain when he hit a hidden pothole, causing a bad fall.</p>

<p>Despite injuries, he continued but later collapsed at home. His Apple Watch detected the fall, called 911, and alerted his emergency contacts. The watch has a built-in fall detection feature for such emergencies.</p>

<p>''The next thing I remember hearing is, '911, what's your emergency?'' Zollinger said while recounting the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterward, he went to a nearby hospital for a check-up. Luckily, scans revealed no broken bones, and he was discharged.</p>

<p>Zollinger thanked the smartwatch for acting fast and believes it saved his life.&nbsp;''I don't know how things would have gone for me if the watch hadn't alerted,” he said,&nbsp;</p>

<p>''I feel very fortunate and grateful at what transpired and happened in how my Apple Watch helped me. It's a very clever watch. Apple thinks of everything,'' Zollinger added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Apple blocks WhatsApp in China app stores</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-advances-95-bn-aid-package-apple-blocks-whatsapp-in-china-app-stores-713298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Smartwatches: Lifesavers on your wrist!</strong></h2>

<p>Smartwatches have played a crucial role in saving many lives. Last year, a man aged 42 in the UK shared how a smartwatch aided him during a heart attack.</p>

<p>According to Express.co.uk, Paul Wapham, the CEO of Hockey Wales, was out for his morning run near his home in the Morriston area of Swansea when he experienced severe chest pain. He managed to contact his wife using his watch, who immediately took him to the hospital.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/metas-whatsapp-and-threads-removed-from-apple-app-store-in-china-712897">Also read |&nbsp;Meta's WhatsApp and Threads removed from Apple app store in China</a></p>

<p>If an Apple Watch detects one minute of inactivity, it will automatically place an emergency call and send your location to your emergency contacts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Apple Watch has been a lifesaver in many situations, detecting health issues like abnormal heart rates using its sensors. Recently, it saved a cyclist's life in New York.

The Apple Watch has been a lifesaver in many situations, detecting health issues like abnormal heart rates using its sensors. Recently, it saved a cyclist's life in New York. Eric Zollinger, a real estate broker, was riding home during heavy rain when he hit a hidden pothole, causing a bad fall. Despite injuries, he continued but later collapsed at home. His Apple Watch detected the fall, called 911, and alerted his emergency contacts. The watch has a built-in fall detection feature for such emergencies. ''The next thing I remember hearing is, '911, what's your emergency?'' Zollinger said while recounting the incident. Afterward, he went to a nearby hospital for a check-up. Luckily, scans revealed no broken bones, and he was discharged. Zollinger thanked the smartwatch for acting fast and believes it saved his life. ''I don't know how things would have gone for me if the watch hadn't alerted,” he said, ''I feel very fortunate and grateful at what transpired and happened in how my Apple Watch helped me. It's a very clever watch. Apple thinks of everything,'' Zollinger added. Also watch | Apple blocks WhatsApp in China app stores Smartwatches: Lifesavers on your wrist! Smartwatches have played a crucial role in saving many lives. Last year, a man aged 42 in the UK shared how a smartwatch aided him during a heart attack. According to Express.co.uk, Paul Wapham, the CEO of Hockey Wales, was out for his morning run near his home in the Morriston area of Swansea when he experienced severe chest pain. He managed to contact his wife using his watch, who immediately took him to the hospital. Also read | Meta's WhatsApp and Threads removed from Apple app store in China If an Apple Watch detects one minute of inactivity, it will automatically place an emergency call and send your location to your emergency contacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple watch alerts 911, saves New York cyclist after accident

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister says his Nation does not deserve to be labelled cannibals and urged the United States to clear up the remnants of World War II littered across the Pacific this comes after US President Joe Biden's comments regarding his missing serviceman.

Papua New Guinea's PM dismisses Biden's cannibalism claim

Watch Headlines of the hour: - US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit - Maldives Elections 2024: Voting underway - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move - Tel Aviv: Protests grow against Netanyahu

TikTok told to snap links with China | US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit

Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda

Netanyahu slams US plan to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda

The US House on Saturday put legislation forcing TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance to divest its ownership stake on a fast track to become law. The legislation is now expected to pass in the senate next week, and president joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation.

TikTok ban in US: Legislation expected to pass in Senate next week

<p>US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine a $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences.</p>

<p>The House also passed a funding of $26.4bn for Israel as the country fights Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the development, the Kremlin released a statement threatening that the approval of the bill would eventually lead to even more deaths of Ukrainians.</p>

<p>"The decision to provide aid to Ukraine was expected and predictable," said Russia's presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as reported by state news agency TASS.</p>

<p>"It will further enrich the United States of America and ruin Ukraine even more, by killing even more Ukrainians because of the Kyiv regime," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-vote-on-95bn-foreign-aid-package-amid-republican-opposition-713410">US House votes in favour of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid</a></p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky expresses gratitude</strong></h2>

<p>On the other hand Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude stating that the US assistance would help save lives and "bring a just end" to the war with Russia.</p>

<p>"I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track," he wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, we received the awaited decision on the US aid package that we long fought for. And a very significant one. Our warriors on the front lines, as well as our cities and villages suffering from Russian terror, will feel it.<br />
<br />
The U.S. House of Representatives voted on it… <a href="https://t.co/G6z3PxsOMg">pic.twitter.com/G6z3PxsOMg</a></p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1781763400629964834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The president said the bill "will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger".</p>

<h2><strong>EU chief welcomes US aid package</strong></h2>

<p>EU chief Charles Michel welcomed the decision stating that this would send a clear message to Russia that the ones who believed in freedom would continue backing Ukraine.</p>

<p>Taking to his official X account, he wrote, "I welcome the vote of the US House of Representatives approving the - long overdue - crucial USD 60 billion aid package for Ukraine. This sends a clear message to the Kremlin: Those who believe in freedom and UN charter will continue to support Ukraine and its people."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I welcome the vote of the US House of Representatives approving the - long overdue - crucial USD 60 billion aid package for Ukraine.<br />
<br />
This sends a clear message to the Kremlin: Those who believe in freedom and UN charter will continue to support Ukraine and its people.</p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1781745473016979661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'US military aid vote sends strong message to our enemies,' says Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's foreign minister said that the approval of military aid worth billions of dollars to Ukraine sent a "strong message to our enemies".</p>

<p>"The vote on the Israel aid package with overwhelming bipartisan support proves the strong ties and strategic partnership between Israel and the US, and sends a strong message to our enemies," Israel Katz posted on X. "I hope it passes the Senate soon with strong bipartisan support."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> for your leadership which led the efforts to pass the Israel aid package in the House of Representatives today. And thank you Minority Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepJeffries</a> for supporting it.<br />
The vote on the Israel aid package with an overwhelming bipartisan support…</p>
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1781745484559790363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Day of optimism'</strong></h2>

<p>Germany hailed the decision calling it a "day of optimism".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The USA and Europe stand together on the side of freedom - against Putin's war of terror. This is a day of optimism for Ukraine and European security," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A major hurdle for U.S. aid to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> has been cleared. The hearts of Ukraine‘s most important supporters are beating in unison again. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a>+Europe stand together on the side of freedom - against Putin's war of terror. This is a day of optimism for Ukraine+European security.</p>
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABaerbock/status/1781742964890366041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden praises lawmakers</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden heaped praise on the lawmakers who passed the aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan stating that "at this critical inflection point, they came together to answer history's call."</p>

<p>"This package will deliver critical support to Israel and Ukraine; provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and other locations... and bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he said in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine a $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences.

US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine a $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences. The House also passed a funding of $26.4bn for Israel as the country fights Hamas in Gaza. Following the development, the Kremlin released a statement threatening that the approval of the bill would eventually lead to even more deaths of Ukrainians. "The decision to provide aid to Ukraine was expected and predictable," said Russia's presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as reported by state news agency TASS. "It will further enrich the United States of America and ruin Ukraine even more, by killing even more Ukrainians because of the Kyiv regime," he added. Also read: US House votes in favour of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid Zelensky expresses gratitude On the other hand Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude stating that the US assistance would help save lives and "bring a just end" to the war with Russia. "I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track," he wrote on X. Today, we received the awaited decision on the US aid package that we long fought for. And a very significant one. Our warriors on the front lines, as well as our cities and villages suffering from Russian terror, will feel it. The U.S. House of Representatives voted on it… pic.twitter.com/G6z3PxsOMg — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 20, 2024 × The president said the bill "will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger". EU chief welcomes US aid package EU chief Charles Michel welcomed the decision stating that this would send a clear message to Russia that the ones who believed in freedom would continue backing Ukraine. Taking to his official X account, he wrote, "I welcome the vote of the US House of Representatives approving the - long overdue - crucial USD 60 billion aid package for Ukraine. This sends a clear message to the Kremlin: Those who believe in freedom and UN charter will continue to support Ukraine and its people." I welcome the vote of the US House of Representatives approving the - long overdue - crucial USD 60 billion aid package for Ukraine. This sends a clear message to the Kremlin: Those who believe in freedom and UN charter will continue to support Ukraine and its people. — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) April 20, 2024 × 'US military aid vote sends strong message to our enemies,' says Israel Israel's foreign minister said that the approval of military aid worth billions of dollars to Ukraine sent a "strong message to our enemies". "The vote on the Israel aid package with overwhelming bipartisan support proves the strong ties and strategic partnership between Israel and the US, and sends a strong message to our enemies," Israel Katz posted on X. "I hope it passes the Senate soon with strong bipartisan support." Thank you @SpeakerJohnson for your leadership which led the efforts to pass the Israel aid package in the House of Representatives today. And thank you Minority Leader @RepJeffries for supporting it. The vote on the Israel aid package with an overwhelming bipartisan support… — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 20, 2024 × 'Day of optimism' Germany hailed the decision calling it a "day of optimism". "The USA and Europe stand together on the side of freedom - against Putin's war of terror. This is a day of optimism for Ukraine and European security," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X, formerly Twitter. A major hurdle for U.S. aid to #Ukraine has been cleared. The hearts of Ukraine‘s most important supporters are beating in unison again. The #USA+Europe stand together on the side of freedom - against Putin's war of terror. This is a day of optimism for Ukraine+European security. — Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) April 20, 2024 × Biden praises lawmakers United States President Joe Biden heaped praise on the lawmakers who passed the aid bills for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan stating that "at this critical inflection point, they came together to answer history's call." "This package will deliver critical support to Israel and Ukraine; provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and other locations... and bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US aid for Ukraine 'will kill even more Ukrainians', warns Kremlin

<p>WION is tracking all the live updates of phase one of the Lok Sabha elections in India.&nbsp;The Chief Electoral Officer announced on Friday that repolling will be conducted at 11 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday. Meanwhile,&nbsp;At least two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a block party shooting in Memphis, US on Saturday (Apr 20).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news, the US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year. Also,&nbsp;The Japanese military&nbsp;on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people&nbsp;missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-india-bloc-to-hold-mega-rally-in-ranchi-today-713462">Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: INDIA bloc to hold mega rally in Ranchi today</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/21/426437-untitled-design-3.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In the latest news from the elections, the opposition INDIA bloc will hold a mega rally in Ranchi on Sunday (Apr 21). The rally comes in the wake of the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. According to the Congress party, at least 500,000 people are expected to attend the rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-14-others-injured-in-block-party-shooting-in-us-memphis-713477"><strong>Two killed, 14 others injured in block party shooting in US' Memphis</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/21/426449-untitled-design-4.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>At least two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a block party shooting in Memphis on Saturday (Apr 20). Citing authorities, a report by CNN said that three of the 14 injured were taken to hospitals in critical condition and the remaining 11 arrived at hospitals in private vehicles.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-votes-to-ban-tiktok-but-the-app-wont-go-away-anytime-soon-713454"><strong>US House votes to ban TikTok, but the app won't go away anytime soon</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/21/426435-untitled-design-2.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the decision by House Republicans to include TikTok as part of a larger foreign aid package fast-tracked the ban after an earlier version had stalled in the Senate.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-seven-people-missing-after-two-military-helicopters-crash-713451"><strong>Japan confirms one person dead, seven people missing after two military helicopters crash</strong></a><br />
<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/21/426434-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Japanese military&nbsp;on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people&nbsp;missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. The two SH-60K helicopters, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) were each carrying four people on board. Addressing a press conference, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters that rescuers "spotted what are believed to be parts of the aircraft in the sea."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-14-others-injured-in-block-party-shooting-in-us-memphis-713477">W</a>atch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-elections-can-president-muizzus-secure-his-tenure-713474">Maldives Elections: Can President Muizzu's secure his tenure?</a></strong></p>

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WION is tracking all the live updates of phase one of the Lok Sabha elections in India. The Chief Electoral Officer announced on Friday that repolling will be conducted at 11 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday.

WION is tracking all the live updates of phase one of the Lok Sabha elections in India. The Chief Electoral Officer announced on Friday that repolling will be conducted at 11 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday. Meanwhile, At least two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a block party shooting in Memphis, US on Saturday (Apr 20). In other news, the US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year. Also, The Japanese military on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. Click on the headlines to read more Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: INDIA bloc to hold mega rally in Ranchi today In the latest news from the elections, the opposition INDIA bloc will hold a mega rally in Ranchi on Sunday (Apr 21). The rally comes in the wake of the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. According to the Congress party, at least 500,000 people are expected to attend the rally. Two killed, 14 others injured in block party shooting in US' Memphis At least two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a block party shooting in Memphis on Saturday (Apr 20). Citing authorities, a report by CNN said that three of the 14 injured were taken to hospitals in critical condition and the remaining 11 arrived at hospitals in private vehicles. US House votes to ban TikTok, but the app won't go away anytime soon The US House of Representatives on Saturday (Apr 20) passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the country if the platform's China-based owner ByteDance doesn’t sell its stake within a year. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the decision by House Republicans to include TikTok as part of a larger foreign aid package fast-tracked the ban after an earlier version had stalled in the Senate. Japan confirms one person dead, seven people missing after two military helicopters crash The Japanese military on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. The two SH-60K helicopters, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) were each carrying four people on board. Addressing a press conference, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters that rescuers "spotted what are believed to be parts of the aircraft in the sea." Watch | Maldives Elections: Can President Muizzu's secure his tenure? ×

Morning news brief: INDIA bloc rally in Ranchi today; two killed in Memphis shooting, and more

<p>The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This comes after a&nbsp;report by news agency Reuters said that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency.</p>

<h2><strong>About the Starshield satellite network</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Reuters, last month, citing five sources familiar with the programme said SpaceX’s Starshield business unit is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a $1.8 billion classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an American intelligence agency which manages spy satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>Days after the report was published, PLA’s newspaper on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said that the reported programme exposed Washington’s “shamelessness and double standards” as the US has previously accused Chinese tech companies of threatening United States security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil.” The post on Chinese social media also warned all countries to be “vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources told Reuters that if successful, it would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to spot potential targets “almost anywhere on the globe.”</p>

<p>“No one can hide,” said&nbsp;one of the sources speaking about the network’s capabilities. As per the reported plan, SpaceX would set up a “powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the PLA say?</strong></h2>

<p>PLA Daily said that the Starshield could potentially “warn and intercept missiles and control unmanned combat platforms remotely,” and could play “an extremely important role on the battlefield,” as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official newspaper of the Chinese military in its commentary criticises the US for “militarising the transformation and development of low-orbit satellites” and said by doing so Washington has highlighted its ambition to “seize orbital resources and pursue space hegemony”.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-countries-to-give-more-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine-says-stoltenberg-713126">NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg</a></strong></p>

<p>The paper&nbsp;noted that such a system posed “huge challenges to information and space asset security to other countries”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PLA Daily also said that in recent conflicts the US has relied on its “space military capabilities” to intervene and help other countries by providing them with information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This could be a reference to how Musk provided the Starlink internet service to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion, but since last year the US government has been covering the costs for it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More recently, as per SCMP, Starlink was also given a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This comes after a report by news agency Reuters said that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency. About the Starshield satellite network A report by Reuters, last month, citing five sources familiar with the programme said SpaceX’s Starshield business unit is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a $1.8 billion classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an American intelligence agency which manages spy satellites. Also Read | US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran Days after the report was published, PLA’s newspaper on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said that the reported programme exposed Washington’s “shamelessness and double standards” as the US has previously accused Chinese tech companies of threatening United States security. It added, “We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil.” The post on Chinese social media also warned all countries to be “vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government.” Sources told Reuters that if successful, it would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to spot potential targets “almost anywhere on the globe.” “No one can hide,” said one of the sources speaking about the network’s capabilities. As per the reported plan, SpaceX would set up a “powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits.” What did the PLA say? PLA Daily said that the Starshield could potentially “warn and intercept missiles and control unmanned combat platforms remotely,” and could play “an extremely important role on the battlefield,” as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The official newspaper of the Chinese military in its commentary criticises the US for “militarising the transformation and development of low-orbit satellites” and said by doing so Washington has highlighted its ambition to “seize orbital resources and pursue space hegemony”. Also Read | NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg The paper noted that such a system posed “huge challenges to information and space asset security to other countries”. The PLA Daily also said that in recent conflicts the US has relied on its “space military capabilities” to intervene and help other countries by providing them with information. This could be a reference to how Musk provided the Starlink internet service to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion, but since last year the US government has been covering the costs for it. More recently, as per SCMP, Starlink was also given a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

China accuses US of ‘militarising space’ using Musk’s satellite network

Watch Headlines of the hour: - US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit - Maldives Elections 2024: Voting underway - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move - Tel Aviv: Protests grow against Netanyahu - Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys

US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit | Voting underway in Maldives Elections

<p>A man named Max Azzarello from Florida died on Saturday (Apr 20) after setting himself on fire outside the New York court, a day earlier, the same building where former US President Donald Trump was on trial.&nbsp;According to the police, Azzarello, born in 1987, wasn't targeting the former US president or anyone else involved in the trial.</p>

<p>The man opened his bag and threw pamphlets, which read “evil billionaires” and “expose this corruption”, before setting himself ablaze with an alcohol-based substance. Everyone around tried to save the man by using their coats as well as fire extinguishers.</p>

<p>As the investigation is ongoing into the incident, the police are looking at him as a "conspiracy theorist."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-belarusian-firms-for-aiding-pakistans-missile-project-713359">US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project</a></p>

<p>The man was from St Augustine, Florida, and recently travelled to New York. After the incident, he was rushed to Cornell Burn Unit.&nbsp;However, he succumbed to the critical injuries he sustained.&nbsp;Authorities confirmed that the man had not violated any security measures to enter the Collect Pond Park opposite the court. In response to the incident, authorities are reassessing security procedures. They are also contemplating closing access to the park where the incident occurred.</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toys-our-children-play-with-iranian-foreign-minister-reacts-on-israeli-strikes-713355">'Toys our children play with': Iranian foreign minister reacts on Israeli strikes</a></p>

<p>As far as the security of the former US president is concerned, entry and exit from the court building that Trump uses is restricted to all individuals, media reports said.&nbsp;At the time of the incident, many journalists were present outside the court building covering the updates on the Trump trial.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-us-conduct-joint-air-drills-713368">South Korea, US conduct joint air drills</a></strong></p>

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<p>Accounts from those who were present at the site of the incident were disturbing. One reporter said, “I see a totally charred human being" while another witness said. “At that point, I said, ‘Oh shoot, what am I going to see?’”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azzarello's former classmate Steven Waldman told a media outlet, "He was super curious about social justice and the way things 'could' be." "He was a good friend and person and cared about the world."</p>

<p>Moreover, the property manager at Azzarello's apartment building, Larry Altman termed him an "extremely nice person."</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's hush money case&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This comes as a jury is scheduled to listen to opening statements in Trump's trial on Monday (Apr 22). The trial is related to Donald Trump's alleged falsified bank records as part of his attempt to hide his purported affair with Stormy Daniels&nbsp;from voters at the time of the 2016 election. The former president allegedly paid Daniels hush money and forged records to cover that up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man named Max Azzarello from Florida died on Saturday (Apr 20) after setting himself on fire outside the New York court, a day earlier, the same building where former US President Donald Trump was on trial.

A man named Max Azzarello from Florida died on Saturday (Apr 20) after setting himself on fire outside the New York court, a day earlier, the same building where former US President Donald Trump was on trial. According to the police, Azzarello, born in 1987, wasn't targeting the former US president or anyone else involved in the trial. The man opened his bag and threw pamphlets, which read “evil billionaires” and “expose this corruption”, before setting himself ablaze with an alcohol-based substance. Everyone around tried to save the man by using their coats as well as fire extinguishers. As the investigation is ongoing into the incident, the police are looking at him as a "conspiracy theorist." Also Read | US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project The man was from St Augustine, Florida, and recently travelled to New York. After the incident, he was rushed to Cornell Burn Unit. However, he succumbed to the critical injuries he sustained. Authorities confirmed that the man had not violated any security measures to enter the Collect Pond Park opposite the court. In response to the incident, authorities are reassessing security procedures. They are also contemplating closing access to the park where the incident occurred. Also 'Toys our children play with': Iranian foreign minister reacts on Israeli strikes As far as the security of the former US president is concerned, entry and exit from the court building that Trump uses is restricted to all individuals, media reports said. At the time of the incident, many journalists were present outside the court building covering the updates on the Trump trial. Watch | South Korea, US conduct joint air drills × Accounts from those who were present at the site of the incident were disturbing. One reporter said, “I see a totally charred human being" while another witness said. “At that point, I said, ‘Oh shoot, what am I going to see?’” Azzarello's former classmate Steven Waldman told a media outlet, "He was super curious about social justice and the way things 'could' be." "He was a good friend and person and cared about the world." Moreover, the property manager at Azzarello's apartment building, Larry Altman termed him an "extremely nice person." Trump's hush money case This comes as a jury is scheduled to listen to opening statements in Trump's trial on Monday (Apr 22). The trial is related to Donald Trump's alleged falsified bank records as part of his attempt to hide his purported affair with Stormy Daniels from voters at the time of the 2016 election. The former president allegedly paid Daniels hush money and forged records to cover that up. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida man, who set himself ablaze near NY court during Trump trial, dies

US Supreme Court to hear case on criminalising homelessness

US House passes $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel & Taiwan. All three bills to be combined into single amendment in Senate. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: US House greenlights $26.32 billion Israel aid

Watch Headlines of the hour: - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move - Tel Aviv: Protests grow against Netanyahu - Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys

US house passes $95 billion aid bill | Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move

US House passes $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel & Taiwan

US expected to impose sanctions on IDF's Netzah Yehuda battalion for violations in West Bank

US to issue sanctions on Israeli military unit for violations in West Bank

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