The United States military has carried out multiple strikes in Syria which has killed 11 pro-Iran fighters. The strike was against groups aligned with Iran who the US blames for killing an American contractor and injuring six others.

Pentagon: Five U.S. service members wounded in suicide drone strike

Donald Trump indictment: The Manhattan grand jury investigating Donald Trump’s role in hush money payments to Stormy Daniels did not meet on Wednesday. This delays any decision as to whether Trump will become the first-ever president to be indicted on criminal charges.

US: Manhattan attorney Alvin Bragg calls out Republican lawmakers as legal woes mount for Trump

TikTok CEO faced relentless questioning from combative US lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. Lawmakers quizzed Shou Zi Chew over the video sharing apps' alleged ties to China and its possible danger to teenagers.

TikTok CEO grilled over alleged China ties by US lawmakers for 5 hours

Communications between adult-film star Stormy Daniels and an attorney who is now representing former President Donald Trump have been turned over to the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Watch the video to know more.

Legal woes mount for Former US President

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said has said that Philippines has given the United States access to four more military bases in the country. He also added that the locations will be announced pretty soon.

Philippines grants US access to four more military bases

A suspected Iran-affiliated drone killed a US contractor in Syria, Pentagon said in a statement Thursday. The drone struck a facility housing US personnel in northeast Syria, killing one US contractor while&nbsp;injuring another besides five other US service members. In response, the US military said it had carried out precision airstrikes in eastern Syria. A war monitor said that&nbsp;11 pro-Iran fighters were killed in the retaliatory strikes.

"US strikes targeted a weapons depots inside Deir Ezzor city, killing six pro-Iran fighters, and two other fighters were killed by strikes targeting the desert of Al-Mayadin, and three others near Albu Kamal," said Rami&nbsp;Abdel Rahman, the head of Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

A Department of Defence statement said, "A one-way unmanned aerial vehicle struck a maintenance facility on a Coalition base near Hasakah in northeast Syria". It informed that a US contractor had been killed and another was injured in the UAV attack. The Pentagon added that the US intelligence community "assessed&nbsp;the UAV to be of Iranian origin".

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that he had authorised the precision airstrikes in eastern Syria against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps at the direction of President Joe Biden.

"The air strikes were conducted in response to today’s attack as well as a series of recent attacks against Coalition forces in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;by groups affiliated with the IRGC," Austin said in a statement.

"No group will strike our troops with impunity."

If an Iranian drone indeed carried out the attack, it could further&nbsp;aggravate already strained tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Pentagon said the attack against US personnel happened at a coalition base near Hasakah in northeast Syria at around 1:38 pm on Thursday. News of both attacks was revealed by the Pentagon at the same time.&nbsp;

Three injured services members and a contractor were taken to&nbsp;Iraq for treatment, while&nbsp;two other American troops were treated at the base.

US troops have been targeted by Iranian-backed groups about 78 times since the beginning of 2021, according to Army General Erik Kurilla. He oversees US&nbsp;troops in the Middle East as the head of Central Command.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A suspected Iran-affiliated drone killed a US contractor in Syria, Pentagon said in a statement Thursday. The drone struck a facility housing US personnel in northeast Syria, killing one US contractor while injuring another besides five other US service members.

A suspected Iran-affiliated drone killed a US contractor in Syria, Pentagon said in a statement Thursday. The drone struck a facility housing US personnel in northeast Syria, killing one US contractor while injuring another besides five other US service members. In response, the US military said it had carried out precision airstrikes in eastern Syria. A war monitor said that 11 pro-Iran fighters were killed in the retaliatory strikes. "US strikes targeted a weapons depots inside Deir Ezzor city, killing six pro-Iran fighters, and two other fighters were killed by strikes targeting the desert of Al-Mayadin, and three others near Albu Kamal," said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A Department of Defence statement said, "A one-way unmanned aerial vehicle struck a maintenance facility on a Coalition base near Hasakah in northeast Syria". It informed that a US contractor had been killed and another was injured in the UAV attack. The Pentagon added that the US intelligence community "assessed the UAV to be of Iranian origin". Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that he had authorised the precision airstrikes in eastern Syria against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps at the direction of President Joe Biden. "The air strikes were conducted in response to today’s attack as well as a series of recent attacks against Coalition forces in Syria by groups affiliated with the IRGC," Austin said in a statement. "No group will strike our troops with impunity." If an Iranian drone indeed carried out the attack, it could further aggravate already strained tensions between Washington and Tehran. Pentagon said the attack against US personnel happened at a coalition base near Hasakah in northeast Syria at around 1:38 pm on Thursday. News of both attacks was revealed by the Pentagon at the same time. Three injured services members and a contractor were taken to Iraq for treatment, while two other American troops were treated at the base. US troops have been targeted by Iranian-backed groups about 78 times since the beginning of 2021, according to Army General Erik Kurilla. He oversees US troops in the Middle East as the head of Central Command. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

11 pro-Iran fighters die in retaliatory airstrikes by US after drone attack kills American contractor in Syria

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

Gravitas Global Headlines: US Central Bank raises interest rates for 9th straight time

The US and Canada have agreed to refuse asylum seekers at unauthorised&nbsp;border crossings.&nbsp;The official&nbsp;agreement will be announced on Friday (March 24)&nbsp;by&nbsp;US President Joe Biden&nbsp;along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to Ottawa.

The agreement is anticipated to provide border officers the authority to turn away such asylum seekers travelling in either direction, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The number of migrants entering the US from Canada has also increased.&nbsp;The action is a part of efforts to control a migrant inflow along Roxham Road, an unauthorised border crossing between the states of New York and Quebec.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-mp-han-dong-exits-party-over-chinese-interference-allegations-report-575254">Canadian MP Han Dong exits party over Chinese interference allegations: Report</a>

According to unidentified US officials speaking to CBS News, Canada will establish a new refugee programme for 15,000 people&nbsp;escaping persecution and violence in South and Central America as part of the agreement.

For 24 hours, Biden will be in Ottawa, Canada, to meet with Trudeau and discuss a number of economic, trade, and immigration-related concerns. The announcement of the migration agreement is planned just before his Friday arrival in the US.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Fake AI images of Donald Trump being arrested has gone viral

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The agreement modifies the two parties' Safe Third Country Agreement from 2004, which mandates that migrants file for asylum in the first "safe" country they arrive in, whether that be the US or Canada.&nbsp;

The new agreement would also close a gap in the Safe Third Country Agreement that allowed Canada to refuse entry to people using unauthorised crossing points.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The US and Canada have agreed to refuse asylum seekers at unauthorised border crossings. The official agreement will be announced on Friday (March 24) by US President Joe Biden along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to Ottawa.

The US and Canada have agreed to refuse asylum seekers at unauthorised border crossings. The official agreement will be announced on Friday (March 24) by US President Joe Biden along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to Ottawa. The agreement is anticipated to provide border officers the authority to turn away such asylum seekers travelling in either direction, reported Reuters. The number of migrants entering the US from Canada has also increased. The action is a part of efforts to control a migrant inflow along Roxham Road, an unauthorised border crossing between the states of New York and Quebec. ALSO READ | Canadian MP Han Dong exits party over Chinese interference allegations: Report According to unidentified US officials speaking to CBS News, Canada will establish a new refugee programme for 15,000 people escaping persecution and violence in South and Central America as part of the agreement. For 24 hours, Biden will be in Ottawa, Canada, to meet with Trudeau and discuss a number of economic, trade, and immigration-related concerns. The announcement of the migration agreement is planned just before his Friday arrival in the US. ALSO WATCH | Fake AI images of Donald Trump being arrested has gone viral The agreement modifies the two parties' Safe Third Country Agreement from 2004, which mandates that migrants file for asylum in the first "safe" country they arrive in, whether that be the US or Canada. The new agreement would also close a gap in the Safe Third Country Agreement that allowed Canada to refuse entry to people using unauthorised crossing points. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US, Canada reach agreement to turn away asylum seekers at unofficial border crossings

North Korea claims to have tested a new nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. The state media said that the drone is capable of generating a radioactive tsunami. c blamed the joint military drill by South Korea and the US for raising tensions in the region.

North Korea tests new nuclear-capable underwater drone, to execute stealth attacks

Pentagon leaders have defended the highest-ever military budget sighting China and other eventualities as a form of preparedness. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, made their case for higher military expenditure during their testimony.

US prepares for 'POSSIBLE WAR' with China, to get $842 bn Defence budget

Tiktok faces an existential threat as CEO Shou Zi Chew faces hours of relentless questioning. Bruton Kelso, tech expert and analyst joins us to discuss the implications.

US lawmakers push for TikTok ban

North Korea claims to have tested a new nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. The state media said that the drone is capable of generating a radioactive tsunami. Pyongyang blamed the joint military drill by South Korea and the US for raising tensions in the region.

North Korea tests new underwater drone, state media says it has nuclear capabilities

Google’s Bard chatbot, described as an “experimental conversational AI service,” was launched for users in the US and the UK on Tuesday (March 21). The Alphabet Inc-owned tech giant had originally announced Bard last month and said last week that it would integrate generative AI features across the apps in its Workspace productivity suite.&nbsp;

Bard has been designed to respond to written prompts using information sourced from websites and has also been seen as Google’s bid to compete with the viral ChatGPT. While the Google AI is still an “early experiment” the company was “extremely excited…watching how people are using this product in a way that’s boosting their creativity,” said Google employee and product lead for Bard, Jack Krawczyk, as per the Guardian.

“You can use Bard to boost your productivity, accelerate your ideas and fuel your curiosity. You might ask Bard to give you tips to reach your goal of reading more books this year, explain quantum physics in simple terms or spark your creativity by outlining a blog post,” said Google VP of product Sissie Hsiao and VP of research Eli Collins, in a blog post on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-bard-vs-chatgpt-which-is-better-ai-tool-know-how-to-access-google-chatbot-all-you-need-to-know-559622">Google Bard vs ChatGPT: Which is better AI tool? Know how to access Google chatbot, all you need to know</a> 
 
It added, “We’ve learned a lot so far by testing Bard, and the next critical step in improving it is to get feedback from more people.”

Based on Google’s Language Model for Dialogue Application or LaMDA, Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world’s knowledge with the power, intelligence and creativity of our large language models, Google CEO Sundar Pichai had said previously.&nbsp;

In the recent blog post, the VPs also noted that since Bard is powered by a research large language model (LLM), “a lightweight and optimized version” of LaMDA, it gets things wrong sometimes.&nbsp;

It added, “because they learn from a wide range of information that reflects real-world biases and stereotypes, those sometimes show up in their outputs…can provide inaccurate, misleading or false information while presenting it confidently.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/googles-shared-dip-after-ai-chatbot-bard-flubs-answer-in-new-ad-heres-what-happened-560132">$100 bn wiped off Alphabet's shares after Google AI chatbot 'Bard' flubs answer</a>

Therefore, a screenshot of the chatbot shared by Google also shows that the users are first presented with a blank chat box with a disclaimer which reads, “Bard may display inaccurate or offensive information that doesn’t represent Google’s views.”

This also comes after shares of Google’s parent company plunged by at least eight per cent and it lost more than $100 billion in market value on February 8 when Bard had flubbed an answer when it was first introduced. Google has also previously explained that Bard would work particularly well for “NORA” queries which mean questions which have “no one right answer”.&nbsp; 
 
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Google’s Bard chatbot, described as an “experimental conversational AI service,” was launched for users in the US and the UK on Tuesday (March 21). The Alphabet Inc-owned tech giant had originally announced Bard last month and said last week that it would integrate generative AI features across the apps in its Workspace productivity suite.

Google’s Bard chatbot, described as an “experimental conversational AI service,” was launched for users in the US and the UK on Tuesday (March 21). The Alphabet Inc-owned tech giant had originally announced Bard last month and said last week that it would integrate generative AI features across the apps in its Workspace productivity suite. Bard has been designed to respond to written prompts using information sourced from websites and has also been seen as Google’s bid to compete with the viral ChatGPT. While the Google AI is still an “early experiment” the company was “extremely excited…watching how people are using this product in a way that’s boosting their creativity,” said Google employee and product lead for Bard, Jack Krawczyk, as per the Guardian. “You can use Bard to boost your productivity, accelerate your ideas and fuel your curiosity. You might ask Bard to give you tips to reach your goal of reading more books this year, explain quantum physics in simple terms or spark your creativity by outlining a blog post,” said Google VP of product Sissie Hsiao and VP of research Eli Collins, in a blog post on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Google Bard vs ChatGPT: Which is better AI tool? Know how to access Google chatbot, all you need to know It added, “We’ve learned a lot so far by testing Bard, and the next critical step in improving it is to get feedback from more people.” Based on Google’s Language Model for Dialogue Application or LaMDA, Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world’s knowledge with the power, intelligence and creativity of our large language models, Google CEO Sundar Pichai had said previously. In the recent blog post, the VPs also noted that since Bard is powered by a research large language model (LLM), “a lightweight and optimized version” of LaMDA, it gets things wrong sometimes. It added, “because they learn from a wide range of information that reflects real-world biases and stereotypes, those sometimes show up in their outputs…can provide inaccurate, misleading or false information while presenting it confidently.” ALSO READ | $100 bn wiped off Alphabet's shares after Google AI chatbot 'Bard' flubs answer Therefore, a screenshot of the chatbot shared by Google also shows that the users are first presented with a blank chat box with a disclaimer which reads, “Bard may display inaccurate or offensive information that doesn’t represent Google’s views.” This also comes after shares of Google’s parent company plunged by at least eight per cent and it lost more than $100 billion in market value on February 8 when Bard had flubbed an answer when it was first introduced. Google has also previously explained that Bard would work particularly well for “NORA” queries which mean questions which have “no one right answer”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google launches its AI chatbot ‘Bard’ for users in US, UK

Gun violence and school shootings seem to be a uniquely American problem and it continues to haunt parents, teachers, and authorities. In a recent shooting incident in Denver, Colorado, a 17-year-old boy is on-the-run and police are hunting for him. Why?? Because he shot and injured two faculty members on Wednesday.

17-year-old flees after shooting, injuring 2 faculty members in Denver school

A California lawmaker on Wednesday (March 22) introduced a legislation that seeks to ban discrimination based on caste. If the bill introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab gets passed, California will be first state in the US to ban discrimination based on caste.

The bill from Wahab, an Afghan-American lawmaker, has come just a month after Seattle became first country in the US to ban caste discrimination.

Caste system is a social evil found in South Asia, mainly India, that defines a social hierarchy based on old, worn-out criterion. It has been used as a justification by 'upper' castes to oppress those designated to 'lower' castes for centuries. There have been numerous reports of such caste-based discrimination among people of Indian heritage in the US.

California is home to major tech companies. The sector attracts large number of tech professionals from India. If the law gets passed, it will cover everyone in the state along with thousands of individuals with Indian heritage.

Senator Wahab herself represents a district in north California which has large number of South Asians. She was raised in San Francisco Bay area by a US couple after her parents passed away. She told BBC that she herself did not experience caste discrimination but she was aware of the social problem because of the the area she grew up in.

"I've had friends tell me that their parents immigrated to this country because they belong to different castes and [their] families weren't accepting of that," said Wahab, as quoted by the BBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A California lawmaker on Wednesday (March 22) introduced a legislation that seeks to ban discrimination based on caste. If the bill introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab gets passed, California will be first state in the US to ban discrimination based on caste.

A California lawmaker on Wednesday (March 22) introduced a legislation that seeks to ban discrimination based on caste. If the bill introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab gets passed, California will be first state in the US to ban discrimination based on caste. The bill from Wahab, an Afghan-American lawmaker, has come just a month after Seattle became first country in the US to ban caste discrimination. Caste system is a social evil found in South Asia, mainly India, that defines a social hierarchy based on old, worn-out criterion. It has been used as a justification by 'upper' castes to oppress those designated to 'lower' castes for centuries. There have been numerous reports of such caste-based discrimination among people of Indian heritage in the US. California is home to major tech companies. The sector attracts large number of tech professionals from India. If the law gets passed, it will cover everyone in the state along with thousands of individuals with Indian heritage. Senator Wahab herself represents a district in north California which has large number of South Asians. She was raised in San Francisco Bay area by a US couple after her parents passed away. She told BBC that she herself did not experience caste discrimination but she was aware of the social problem because of the the area she grew up in. "I've had friends tell me that their parents immigrated to this country because they belong to different castes and [their] families weren't accepting of that," said Wahab, as quoted by the BBC. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

California: Afghan-American lawmaker seeks law against caste discrimination

Visiting for the first time since US-nominated former MasterCard CEO to lead the World Bank Indian-origin Ajay Banga is returning to his native India today. On his meet, Ajay Banga will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.

US pick World Bank Chief Ajay Banga to meet India's PM Modi, Finance Minister | World Business Watch

'I love NY' is one of the most iconic logos ever created, it was first sketched by Milton Glaser in the back of a taxi in 70s, but now the logo has been reworked. The new logo swaps 'I' for 'We' in an effort to reflect the collective spirit of the country.

'I love NY' logo reworked, new logo swaps 'I' for 'We'; New Yorkers not happy with new logo

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has downplayed the deepening relations between China and Russia. Blinken said that US is closely watching relationship between China-Russia.

US watching China-Russia relations closely: Blinken

China’s military says it tracked and warned away a United States warship that had illegally entered waters it claims in the South China Sea. The US Navy denied China’s claims, stating that the ship was on a routine operation and left the area of its own accord.

China lashes out at US Warship's presence

A strike by unionised Starbucks baristas against the company's alleged anti-union coercion was planned on Wednesday at approximately 100 cafes as they welcomed their new CEO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-laxman-narasimhan-assumes-office-as-ceo-of-starbucks-574170">Laxman Narasimhan</a>.

Baristas on strike from Oregon and Washington state gathered in Seattle for a midday demonstration in front of Starbucks headquarters.&nbsp;The work stoppage is the latest attempt by the union Starbucks Workers Union to compel changes at the global coffee brand, as reported by Bloomberg.&nbsp;

The union has won elections at about 290 of the company's roughly 9,000 corporate-owned US&nbsp;cafés after claiming an initial historic victory in Buffalo, New York, 15 months ago.

However, the number of new petitions for union recognition has decreased as a result of workers' claims that the company has been retaliating against them in stores and stalling negotiations.&nbsp;

Disclaimer:&nbsp;WION cannot independently&nbsp;verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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BOOM: Starbucks workers from 100+ stores are on strike today demanding they stop union-busting and give better contracts to their workers!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StarbucksShareholders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StarbucksShareholders</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionsForAll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnionsForAll</a> <a href="https://t.co/xkJJ9jurTl">pic.twitter.com/xkJJ9jurTl</a>
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Starbucks stated earlier this week that it provides benefits that are unmatched in the industry, that it respects the freedom of workers to organise and protest, but that it views maintaining a direct line of communication with its employees as fundamental to its culture.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Indian-origin Laxman Narasimhan takes over as Starbucks CEO&nbsp;

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The company has consistently argued that any allegations of anti-union action there are "categorically false." Starbucks claims the union did not deal fairly and that US&nbsp;labour board authorities are attempting to exploit lawsuits against it to create new precedents that will alter current labour law.

The strike comes a&nbsp;day before Starbucks' annual shareholder meeting, Laxman Narasimhan's first as CEO since officially taking over from Howard Schultz this week. Investors, particularly pension funds from New York City, submitted a resolution this year requesting that the company carry out a labor-rights audit, and Schultz will be challenged by senators during a hearing next week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/starbucks-ceo-may-have-to-testify-before-the-us-senate-568066">Starbucks CEO may have to testify before the US&nbsp;Senate</a>

Regional directors of the National Labor Relations Board have filed 80 charges alleging that the company violated the law in order to thwart organising activities, including by excluding unionised stores from new benefits, closing cafes, and firing scores of activists.

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A strike by unionised Starbucks baristas against the company's alleged anti-union coercion was planned on Wednesday at approximately 100 cafes as they welcomed their new CEO Laxman Narasimhan.

A strike by unionised Starbucks baristas against the company's alleged anti-union coercion was planned on Wednesday at approximately 100 cafes as they welcomed their new CEO Laxman Narasimhan. Baristas on strike from Oregon and Washington state gathered in Seattle for a midday demonstration in front of Starbucks headquarters. The work stoppage is the latest attempt by the union Starbucks Workers Union to compel changes at the global coffee brand, as reported by Bloomberg. The union has won elections at about 290 of the company's roughly 9,000 corporate-owned US cafés after claiming an initial historic victory in Buffalo, New York, 15 months ago. However, the number of new petitions for union recognition has decreased as a result of workers' claims that the company has been retaliating against them in stores and stalling negotiations. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. BOOM: Starbucks workers from 100+ stores are on strike today demanding they stop union-busting and give better contracts to their workers!#StarbucksShareholders #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/xkJJ9jurTl — Scott Dworkin (@funder) March 22, 2023 × Starbucks stated earlier this week that it provides benefits that are unmatched in the industry, that it respects the freedom of workers to organise and protest, but that it views maintaining a direct line of communication with its employees as fundamental to its culture. ALSO WATCH | Indian-origin Laxman Narasimhan takes over as Starbucks CEO The company has consistently argued that any allegations of anti-union action there are "categorically false." Starbucks claims the union did not deal fairly and that US labour board authorities are attempting to exploit lawsuits against it to create new precedents that will alter current labour law. The strike comes a day before Starbucks' annual shareholder meeting, Laxman Narasimhan's first as CEO since officially taking over from Howard Schultz this week. Investors, particularly pension funds from New York City, submitted a resolution this year requesting that the company carry out a labor-rights audit, and Schultz will be challenged by senators during a hearing next week. ALSO READ | Starbucks CEO may have to testify before the US Senate Regional directors of the National Labor Relations Board have filed 80 charges alleging that the company violated the law in order to thwart organising activities, including by excluding unionised stores from new benefits, closing cafes, and firing scores of activists. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Starbucks workers plan 100-cafe strikes, accuse brand of anti-union coercion

People travelling to the United States on a business or tourist visa can now apply for new jobs and even appear in interviews, a federal agency said. These visas include B-1, B-2, the agency said while asking prospective employees to ensure the applicants have changed their visa status before they begin the new role.

US: Tourists can apply for jobs while on temporary visa

People who identify as gay in Uganda risk life in prison after Parliament passed a new bill to crack down on Homosexual activities. It also includes the death penalty in certain cases. That move has drawn various reactions. White House warned members of Uganda’s parliament that sanctions restricting them from doing business with the US could be on the way for those responsible for the passage of the law.

Ugandan anti-Gay bill causes

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Antagonised by US-South Korea military drills, North Korea again fires multiple cruise missiles, Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery will take several years, can cost $411 billion.

New Zealand government to help heartbroken teens recover; Moderna under fire | Trending on WION

The United States has offered to sell Slovakia 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount after Bratislava sent its retired MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Wednesday.

Nad said his government still had to approve the deal under which it would pay $340 million over three to four years for a package worth more than $1 billion.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front line near Bakhmut as Russia targets cities

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The remainder would be covered under the US Foreign Military Financing programme, Nad said in a post on Facebook.

The deal includes parts, training and more than 500 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, he said.

"This offer is hugely advantageous and will significantly increase Slovakia's defence potential," Nad said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-reconstruction-and-recovery-will-take-several-years-and-411-billion-world-bank-574812">Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery will take several years, cost $411 billion: World Bank</a>

Slovakia, a NATO member on the military alliance's eastern flank, currently has no combat helicopters.

It retired its fleet of MiG jets last summer and has relied on central European neighbours the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary for air defence support.

Last week it became the second of Ukraine's allies, after Poland, to provide fighter jets, which Kyiv believes are crucial to repel Russia's year-long invasion.

Slovakia will also supply part of its KUB air defence system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hasnt-crossed-line-to-provide-russia-lethal-aid-says-top-us-diplomat-blinken-574827">China hasn't 'crossed line' to provide Russia 'lethal aid,' says top US diplomat Blinken</a>

Alongside the offer of US equipment, Slovakia will receive 250 million euros ($269 million) in European Union compensation, Nad said.

Nad said the helicopter offer was partly due to its support for neighbour Ukraine and also indirect compensation for the delayed delivery of F-16 fighter jets which the country ordered in 2018 that are now due to arrive in 2024.

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The United States has offered to sell Slovakia 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount after Bratislava sent its retired MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Wednesday.

The United States has offered to sell Slovakia 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount after Bratislava sent its retired MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Wednesday. Nad said his government still had to approve the deal under which it would pay $340 million over three to four years for a package worth more than $1 billion. Watch | Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front line near Bakhmut as Russia targets cities The remainder would be covered under the US Foreign Military Financing programme, Nad said in a post on Facebook. The deal includes parts, training and more than 500 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, he said. "This offer is hugely advantageous and will significantly increase Slovakia's defence potential," Nad said. Also read | Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery will take several years, cost $411 billion: World Bank Slovakia, a NATO member on the military alliance's eastern flank, currently has no combat helicopters. It retired its fleet of MiG jets last summer and has relied on central European neighbours the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary for air defence support. Last week it became the second of Ukraine's allies, after Poland, to provide fighter jets, which Kyiv believes are crucial to repel Russia's year-long invasion. Slovakia will also supply part of its KUB air defence system. Also read | China hasn't 'crossed line' to provide Russia 'lethal aid,' says top US diplomat Blinken Alongside the offer of US equipment, Slovakia will receive 250 million euros ($269 million) in European Union compensation, Nad said. Nad said the helicopter offer was partly due to its support for neighbour Ukraine and also indirect compensation for the delayed delivery of F-16 fighter jets which the country ordered in 2018 that are now due to arrive in 2024. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Slovakia gets US helicopter offer after sending jets to Ukraine

US wants its war powers back, advances bill to repeal Iraq war authorisation act. Twenty years after the US and its allies invaded Iraq, the United States Congress now wants its war powers back. The US lawmakers have signalled support for a bipartisan bill in the Senate that would repeal the President's powers to authorize wars.

U.S. wants its war powers back, advances bill to repeal Iraq war authorisation act | WION

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe. US and South Korean forces will hold their largest-ever live-fire exercises in June in a show of force to North Korea.

US and South Korea to hold large scale exercises | WION Speed News

A legal ally of Donald Trump has testified to a New York court that is considering whether to approve charges against the former president over a hush-money payment to an adult actress.

US: Court case on 'Hush payments to adult star'

North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles into sea of Japan, the latest in a series of weapons tests as South Korean and the US forces conduct joint military exercises.

North Korea fires cruise missiles into sea of Japan

Followers of Donald Trump from all over the US converged in New York City to extend their support to Donald Trump. The former US president is facing a likely indictment over hush money paid to adult star Stormy Daniels.

US: Barricades set up near Trump Tower

Even as TikTok is confronted with a pushback from US government quarters over concerns of app's alleged spying and data sharing, the video hosting platform is reluctant to become irrelevant in the country. As per a latest report by TikTok, the number of users on the platform has&nbsp;seen an uptick and has reached&nbsp;150 million monthly active users in the US.&nbsp;

The application had 100 million monthly active users in 2020. The Chinese application is already thriving in US. It has become the source of many entertaining and viral trends.&nbsp;

The development comes as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is all set to testify before US House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday.&nbsp;US President Joe Biden in December last year signed a bill banning the Chinese app on devices of federal government employees.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-setback-for-india-fugitive-businessman-mehul-choksi-removed-from-interpol-red-notice-list-574114">In a setback for India, fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi removed from Interpol Red Notice List</a>

The move was taken amid concerns that the app, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, poses a threat to national security.&nbsp;

US government had earlier levelled allegations on TikTok saying that the application shares users' data with the Chinese government, an accusation that the Chinese app has refuted.&nbsp;

As per TikTok data, over one billion people worldwide use the app to learn something new or connect generally with others holding shared interests.&nbsp;Earlier, Biden gave&nbsp;an ultimatum to TikTok saying that the application will face a potential ban unless its Chinese owners divest their stake&nbsp;in it.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-murder-shraddha-walkars-audio-clip-played-in-court-gut-wrenching-accounts-make-father-tremble-574130">Delhi Murder: Shraddha Walkar's audio clip played in court, gut-wrenching accounts make father tremble</a>

Reacting to this, the TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said, “If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem."&nbsp;

“A change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access. The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, US-based protection of US user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing," Shanahan added as per a CNN report.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protest-police-fire-tear-gas-on-protestors-574080">France protest: Police fire tear gas on protestors</a>

Before the CEO faces the US congress, TikTok is apparently going out on an all-out PR effort to position itself as an application highly focused on the security of its users' data.&nbsp;

According to a Bloomberg report, the company took out a four-page colour ad in New York Times on Monday. A QR code in the ad takes the person who scans it to a page where a cartoon video elaborates on how the video hosting platform has invested $1.5 billion in security.

The company also gave ads in the Washington Metro system, at Union Station and in the Washington Post along with sponsoring Politico’s Playbook newsletter and Axios’s tech-focused Login newsletter.&nbsp;

Moreover, in what appeared to be company's corporate strategy to distance itself from the Chinese government, TikTok earlier also took out&nbsp;ads in Australian newspapers. As per reports, a TikTok ad in The Australian read the tagline “Don’t make TikTok a political football."

There are also reports suggesting that TikTok has an "army of lobbyists" which is trying to change the opinion of influential people in Washington to avoid a ban on the Chinese app.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Even as TikTok is confronted with a pushback from US government quarters over concerns of app's alleged spying and data sharing, the video hosting platform is reluctant to become irrelevant in the country.

Even as TikTok is confronted with a pushback from US government quarters over concerns of app's alleged spying and data sharing, the video hosting platform is reluctant to become irrelevant in the country. As per a latest report by TikTok, the number of users on the platform has seen an uptick and has reached 150 million monthly active users in the US. The application had 100 million monthly active users in 2020. The Chinese application is already thriving in US. It has become the source of many entertaining and viral trends. The development comes as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is all set to testify before US House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday. US President Joe Biden in December last year signed a bill banning the Chinese app on devices of federal government employees. Also Read | In a setback for India, fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi removed from Interpol Red Notice List The move was taken amid concerns that the app, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, poses a threat to national security. US government had earlier levelled allegations on TikTok saying that the application shares users' data with the Chinese government, an accusation that the Chinese app has refuted. As per TikTok data, over one billion people worldwide use the app to learn something new or connect generally with others holding shared interests. Earlier, Biden gave an ultimatum to TikTok saying that the application will face a potential ban unless its Chinese owners divest their stake in it. Also Read | Delhi Murder: Shraddha Walkar's audio clip played in court, gut-wrenching accounts make father tremble Reacting to this, the TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said, “If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem." “A change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access. The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, US-based protection of US user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing," Shanahan added as per a CNN report. Watch | France protest: Police fire tear gas on protestors Before the CEO faces the US congress, TikTok is apparently going out on an all-out PR effort to position itself as an application highly focused on the security of its users' data. According to a Bloomberg report, the company took out a four-page colour ad in New York Times on Monday. A QR code in the ad takes the person who scans it to a page where a cartoon video elaborates on how the video hosting platform has invested $1.5 billion in security. The company also gave ads in the Washington Metro system, at Union Station and in the Washington Post along with sponsoring Politico’s Playbook newsletter and Axios’s tech-focused Login newsletter. Moreover, in what appeared to be company's corporate strategy to distance itself from the Chinese government, TikTok earlier also took out ads in Australian newspapers. As per reports, a TikTok ad in The Australian read the tagline “Don’t make TikTok a political football." There are also reports suggesting that TikTok has an "army of lobbyists" which is trying to change the opinion of influential people in Washington to avoid a ban on the Chinese app. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

TikTok’s monthly active users in US jump to 150mn, firm launches PR exercise to fix sullied image

According to a new report from a cybersecurity company, more than two dozen state governments have placed web-tracking code made by TikTok parent ByteDance Ltd. on official websites.

TikTok trackers embedded in US state-government websites

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Pentagon: Five U.S. service members wounded in suicide drone strike

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US pick World Bank Chief Ajay Banga to meet India's PM Modi, Finance Minister | World Business Watch

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