American basketball player Brittney Griner has landed in the United States after serving 10 months in a Russian prison. Griner was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Brittney Griner arrives in the US after Russia prisoner exchange

In the United States, the house committee investigating the January 6 Capitol Riots is considering holding criminal referrals for at least four individuals. According to the reports, the panelists planning to hold criminal referrals for former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and three others.

US: DoJ to hold former President Donald Trump in contempt of court

Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC is building a second U.S. facility in the southwest state of Arizona, highlighting the Biden Administration’s push to bring more of the semiconductor supply chain to the United States. But are there enough trained workers there to meet the demand? Michelle Quinn has our story from Arizona, where they are ramping up training for workers and students at all levels.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US President Joe Biden plans 'Make in America' chips at TSMC plant

A new poll by Reuters shows that a large majority of economists said that the United States economy is headed for a short and shallow recession sometime in the coming year. This comes as the country is witnessing soaring inflation, which was at a four-decade high, prompting the Federal Reserve to announce several interest rate hikes since the beginning of this year in a bid to combat it.

What is a recession and a shallow recession?

A recession can occur in varying degrees and leave a significant impact on the economy; typically when an economy faces two consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP), it could be said that a country is witnessing a recession. However, there are various additional formulas and complexities surrounding the discussion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fueling-recession-fears-the-us-economy-shrank-again-in-second-quarter-501488">Fueling recession fears, the US economy shrank again in second quarter</a>

For example, in the context of the US economy, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-effect-us-economy-set-to-outpace-china-first-time-since-1976-481005">COVID-19-induced recession</a> only lasted for two months, which is one of the shortest cycles on record, after the economic activity plunged in April 2020. Furthermore, the official call that an economy is witnessing a recession is taken by a panel of economists convened by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

Among other indicators, the NBER accounts for non-farm payrolls, retail sales and industrial production, however, the private non-profit research group also said that there are “no fixed rules” about measures and indicators that contribute information to the process or how they are weighted in their decisions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-sounds-warning-bell-on-us-economy-as-he-asks-people-to-avoid-going-on-spending-spree-535758">Jeff Bezos sounds warning on US economy, urges people to avoid going on spending spree</a>

The group's definition of a recession is a “significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months.” It also believes that the depth, diffusion and duration of this downturn need to be met individually. Additionally, “extreme conditionals revealed by one criterion may partially offset weaker indications from another,” said the NBER.&nbsp;

Notably, the official call indicating that an economy is witnessing a recession is made at least a year or more after the downturn event has already occurred. Therefore, another approach, more focused on determining the onset of a recession, is the employment-based Sahm rule which says that when the three-month rolling average of the unemployment rate rises half a point from its low, an economy has entered a recession.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fitch-inflation-and-fed-hikes-to-drive-us-economy-into-recession-526566">Fitch: Inflation and fed hikes to drive US economy into recession</a>

The rule was created by and named after a former Fed economist Claudia Sahm&nbsp;and used to determine the onset of a recession, which is quicker than official calls. In contrast to the aforementioned example of the COVID-19-induced recession, some other recessions can be deeper and scarring for the economy like the Great Recession or the Depression whose impact was so adverse that it reportedly took a decade or more to revive the labour market.&nbsp;

The speculations of the US economy entering a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-recession-not-inevitable-economy-on-right-track-yellen-541427">“shallow recession”</a> have been around for quite a few months now, it is where the economic growth contracts only marginally and for a limited time. This comes after consecutive increases in interest rates by the Feds amounting to an overall hike of 375 basis points, since its first one in March, earlier this year which has sparked worries about an impending recession.&nbsp;

Reuters poll: Most economists expect a shallow and short recession

Reuters polled 84 economists between December 2 and 8 who unanimously expect the Feds to raise the interest rate by 50 basis points on December 14&nbsp;as the rate of inflation is running well above the central bank's two per cent target. However, after raising the interest rates by 75 basis points for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-federal-reserve-raises-interest-rate-by-075-again-in-a-bid-to-combat-inflation-530687">fourth consecutive time</a>, the economists believe that it will be a “slightly softer” hike of 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent this time around.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-gains-broadly-as-upbeat-us-data-muddles-fed-rate-hike-views-540382">Dollar gains broadly as upbeat US data muddles Fed rate hike views</a>

Economists who as a group can be slower with their forecast of recessions, as mentioned earlier, have also said that the probability of a recession in the upcoming year or two is at least 70 per cent which is up seven per cent from the last poll, said the report. Furthermore, 35 out of 48 economists said that the recession would be shallow and short, while eight economists said it would be long and shallow and four said there won’t be any recession.&nbsp;

Inflation is expected to stay over the Fed’s target until at least 2026, said the report, and while the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/us-hiring-remains-robust-in-november-adds-263000-new-jobs-despite-soaring-inflation-539572"> labour market remains strong</a>, the bigger risk was that the rates would peak higher and later than expected. While some economists are expecting the fed funds rate to peak early next year at 4.75 per cent to five per cent, at least 24 of the 72 said that they believe it will go higher.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-economy-heading-into-a-shadow-recession-poll-541472">US economy heading into a shallow recession: Poll</a>

This comes amid signs of a slowing economy, particularly the housing market which was the epicentre of the 2008 recession in the US. Reportedly, home sales have decreased for nine months straight. Additionally, 27 of 45 economists who provided quarterly (GDP) forecasts estimate a contraction in economic growth for two consecutive quarters or more in the coming year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A new poll by Reuters shows that a large majority of economists said that the United States economy is headed for a short and shallow recession sometime in the coming year.

A new poll by Reuters shows that a large majority of economists said that the United States economy is headed for a short and shallow recession sometime in the coming year. This comes as the country is witnessing soaring inflation, which was at a four-decade high, prompting the Federal Reserve to announce several interest rate hikes since the beginning of this year in a bid to combat it. What is a recession and a shallow recession? A recession can occur in varying degrees and leave a significant impact on the economy; typically when an economy faces two consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP), it could be said that a country is witnessing a recession. However, there are various additional formulas and complexities surrounding the discussion. ALSO READ | Fueling recession fears, the US economy shrank again in second quarter For example, in the context of the US economy, the COVID-19-induced recession only lasted for two months, which is one of the shortest cycles on record, after the economic activity plunged in April 2020. Furthermore, the official call that an economy is witnessing a recession is taken by a panel of economists convened by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). Among other indicators, the NBER accounts for non-farm payrolls, retail sales and industrial production, however, the private non-profit research group also said that there are “no fixed rules” about measures and indicators that contribute information to the process or how they are weighted in their decisions. ALSO READ | Jeff Bezos sounds warning on US economy, urges people to avoid going on spending spree The group's definition of a recession is a “significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months.” It also believes that the depth, diffusion and duration of this downturn need to be met individually. Additionally, “extreme conditionals revealed by one criterion may partially offset weaker indications from another,” said the NBER. Notably, the official call indicating that an economy is witnessing a recession is made at least a year or more after the downturn event has already occurred. Therefore, another approach, more focused on determining the onset of a recession, is the employment-based Sahm rule which says that when the three-month rolling average of the unemployment rate rises half a point from its low, an economy has entered a recession. ALSO WATCH | Fitch: Inflation and fed hikes to drive US economy into recession The rule was created by and named after a former Fed economist Claudia Sahm and used to determine the onset of a recession, which is quicker than official calls. In contrast to the aforementioned example of the COVID-19-induced recession, some other recessions can be deeper and scarring for the economy like the Great Recession or the Depression whose impact was so adverse that it reportedly took a decade or more to revive the labour market. The speculations of the US economy entering a “shallow recession” have been around for quite a few months now, it is where the economic growth contracts only marginally and for a limited time. This comes after consecutive increases in interest rates by the Feds amounting to an overall hike of 375 basis points, since its first one in March, earlier this year which has sparked worries about an impending recession. Reuters poll: Most economists expect a shallow and short recession Reuters polled 84 economists between December 2 and 8 who unanimously expect the Feds to raise the interest rate by 50 basis points on December 14 as the rate of inflation is running well above the central bank's two per cent target. However, after raising the interest rates by 75 basis points for the fourth consecutive time, the economists believe that it will be a “slightly softer” hike of 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent this time around. ALSO READ | Dollar gains broadly as upbeat US data muddles Fed rate hike views Economists who as a group can be slower with their forecast of recessions, as mentioned earlier, have also said that the probability of a recession in the upcoming year or two is at least 70 per cent which is up seven per cent from the last poll, said the report. Furthermore, 35 out of 48 economists said that the recession would be shallow and short, while eight economists said it would be long and shallow and four said there won’t be any recession. Inflation is expected to stay over the Fed’s target until at least 2026, said the report, and while the labour market remains strong, the bigger risk was that the rates would peak higher and later than expected. While some economists are expecting the fed funds rate to peak early next year at 4.75 per cent to five per cent, at least 24 of the 72 said that they believe it will go higher. ALSO WATCH | US economy heading into a shallow recession: Poll This comes amid signs of a slowing economy, particularly the housing market which was the epicentre of the 2008 recession in the US. Reportedly, home sales have decreased for nine months straight. Additionally, 27 of 45 economists who provided quarterly (GDP) forecasts estimate a contraction in economic growth for two consecutive quarters or more in the coming year. (With inputs from agencies)

Poll shows that the US economy is headed for a shallow recession: Here’s what it means

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen became the latest Treasury secretary to sign US currency and the first woman Treasury secretary to have her signature on a US banknote. She was joined at the site by US Treasury Chief Lynn Malerba, the first Native American to serve in that role.

WION Fineprint: U.S. prints first banknotes with women's signatures

Japan, UK and Italy are merging their next generation fighter jet projects. According to reports, it's a groundbreaking partnership spanning Europe and Asia that is Japan's first major industrial defence collaboration beyond the US since World War II.

Japan, UK & Italy to build fighter jet together; PM Sunak says 'Deal will keep UK safe from threats'

The era of the Boeing 747 aircraft has come to an end. The last one took flight from Boeing's u.S. Factory in Washington state. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Last Boeing 747 rolls off the production line

A new study has revealed that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which helps in shaping the US food policies has&nbsp;financial ties to the world's most renowned processed food companies.

Gary Ruskin, executive director of US Right to Know who also co-authored the study said, "It’s incredibly influential so if the Academy is corrupt then nutritional policy in the US is going to be corrupt."

The Academy has been criticised for its big ties. The report also reveals that the academy has quid pro quo with food giants and owns stock in processed food companies like Nestle and Pepsico. It was also headed by former industry employees.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-institute-names-frozen-food-as-dish-of-the-year-highlights-changing-food-trends-after-covid-541288">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese institute names frozen food as 'dish of the year,' highlighting change in food trends after Covid</a>

The US Academy has received contributions worth millions of dollars from producers. As per the report, it received $15 million between 2011-2017 from the producers. An additional $4 million were sent to the Academy's foundation.&nbsp;

Marion Nestle, a nutritionist in her 2002 books said&nbsp;that Academy's&nbsp;financial ties raise fundamental questions about "credibility. "

She said, "How can the Academy advise the public to avoid ultra-processed foods, for example, if it is funded by the makers of those foods?". "The issue of trust is critical to nutrition advising. The Academy looks like it represents the food industry, not the public interest."

Defending itself the Academy said that its an independent voice and a "trusted edcuational resource for consumers." It added that it provides information to over 110,000 dieticians in the country.&nbsp;

It denied doing anything wrong and said that the study contains factual errors and has finances 'out of context.'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-food-import-costs-may-near-record-2-trillion-hurting-worlds-poorest-533362">Also read |&nbsp;Global food import costs may near record $2 trillion, hurting world's poorest</a>

Owning stocks in Pepsico, the then Academy&nbsp;treasure Donna Martin in 2014 in an email said, "I personally like Pepsico and do not have any problems with us owning it, but I wonder if someone will say something about that. Hopefully they will be happy like they should be! I personally would be OK if we owned Coke stock!!”

The Academy in 2015 sent an email&nbsp;which revealed that not only it owned stock in ABoot but also received a sponsorship deal worth $300,000.&nbsp;

The mail also revealed an extension of the Academy's sponsorship deal with the National Dairy Council.&nbsp;

The year 2015, also called for controversy when the Academy allowed Kraft to put a "Kid's Eat Healthy" seal on the packaging.&nbsp;

Soon the product was criticised for its poor nutritional value and for containing other chemical products.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A new study has revealed that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which helps in shaping the US food policies has financial ties to the world's most renowned processed food companies.

A new study has revealed that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which helps in shaping the US food policies has financial ties to the world's most renowned processed food companies. Gary Ruskin, executive director of US Right to Know who also co-authored the study said, "It’s incredibly influential so if the Academy is corrupt then nutritional policy in the US is going to be corrupt." The Academy has been criticised for its big ties. The report also reveals that the academy has quid pro quo with food giants and owns stock in processed food companies like Nestle and Pepsico. It was also headed by former industry employees. Also read | Japanese institute names frozen food as 'dish of the year,' highlighting change in food trends after Covid The US Academy has received contributions worth millions of dollars from producers. As per the report, it received $15 million between 2011-2017 from the producers. An additional $4 million were sent to the Academy's foundation. Marion Nestle, a nutritionist in her 2002 books said that Academy's financial ties raise fundamental questions about "credibility. " She said, "How can the Academy advise the public to avoid ultra-processed foods, for example, if it is funded by the makers of those foods?". "The issue of trust is critical to nutrition advising. The Academy looks like it represents the food industry, not the public interest." Defending itself the Academy said that its an independent voice and a "trusted edcuational resource for consumers." It added that it provides information to over 110,000 dieticians in the country. It denied doing anything wrong and said that the study contains factual errors and has finances 'out of context.' Also read | Global food import costs may near record $2 trillion, hurting world's poorest Owning stocks in Pepsico, the then Academy treasure Donna Martin in 2014 in an email said, "I personally like Pepsico and do not have any problems with us owning it, but I wonder if someone will say something about that. Hopefully they will be happy like they should be! I personally would be OK if we owned Coke stock!!” The Academy in 2015 sent an email which revealed that not only it owned stock in ABoot but also received a sponsorship deal worth $300,000. The mail also revealed an extension of the Academy's sponsorship deal with the National Dairy Council. The year 2015, also called for controversy when the Academy allowed Kraft to put a "Kid's Eat Healthy" seal on the packaging. Soon the product was criticised for its poor nutritional value and for containing other chemical products. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Academy is corrupt': Report reveals US nutrition organisation receives millions from big food companies

Owners of bunny rabbits in the Chicago area now have a new and unique option when they need to go on vacation. Hare Bnb Rescue, Spa & Boutique, or Hare Bnb as it's more commonly known, is a first-of-its-kind luxury hotel that officially opened just 2 weeks ago.

Have a look inside Chicago's first luxury bunny hotel

To draw the world's attention towards their working conditions, thousands of workers at 15 US airports are walking off their jobs and striking, demanding higher wages and benefits.&nbsp; From Dallas to Los Angeles, workers are expected to participate in on-site rallies. Others like janitors, security guards, and cabin cleaners are expected to join the movement, NBC News reported.&nbsp;

These rallies are expected to be carried throughout the day. The most disruptive strikes are predicted&nbsp;to be at Boston's Logan International Airport, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, and the Newark Liberty International Airport.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-festive-travel-set-to-take-a-hit-amid-planned-rail-strikes-in-december-540854">Also read |&nbsp;UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes from next week</a>

Workers at these three airports are rallying against the unfair labour wages they are paid.&nbsp;

These rallies are conducted supporting Senator Ed Markey's "Good Jobs for Good Airports Act," which would ensure a $15 minimum wage for airport workers along with adequate holidays, medicare, and other benefits

SIEU, a workers union, said that staff responsible for unloading bags at New York's LaGuardia International Airport were asked to work as cabin cleaners as well.&nbsp;

Omar Rodriquez, a worker at the LaGuardia, said, "We get blamed for delays, but we’re only given a few minutes to clean and don’t have enough people to do the work." He added, “No one wants to stay because the pay and benefits are not enough for what we do."

A similar instance occurred at the UK's Heathrow Airport where about 350 workers began their 72-hour strike&nbsp;regarding their pay and working conditions. These incidents caused chaos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

 
&nbsp;

To draw the world's attention towards their working conditions, thousands of workers at 15 US airports are walking off their jobs and striking, demanding higher wages and benefits.

To draw the world's attention towards their working conditions, thousands of workers at 15 US airports are walking off their jobs and striking, demanding higher wages and benefits. From Dallas to Los Angeles, workers are expected to participate in on-site rallies. Others like janitors, security guards, and cabin cleaners are expected to join the movement, NBC News reported. These rallies are expected to be carried throughout the day. The most disruptive strikes are predicted to be at Boston's Logan International Airport, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, and the Newark Liberty International Airport. Also read | UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes from next week Workers at these three airports are rallying against the unfair labour wages they are paid. These rallies are conducted supporting Senator Ed Markey's "Good Jobs for Good Airports Act," which would ensure a $15 minimum wage for airport workers along with adequate holidays, medicare, and other benefits SIEU, a workers union, said that staff responsible for unloading bags at New York's LaGuardia International Airport were asked to work as cabin cleaners as well. Omar Rodriquez, a worker at the LaGuardia, said, "We get blamed for delays, but we’re only given a few minutes to clean and don’t have enough people to do the work." He added, “No one wants to stay because the pay and benefits are not enough for what we do." A similar instance occurred at the UK's Heathrow Airport where about 350 workers began their 72-hour strike regarding their pay and working conditions. These incidents caused chaos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

From Los Angeles to New York, thousands of workers at 15 airports strike for better wages & benefits

Jaylen Smith, an 18-year-old created history in the US by becoming the youngest black mayor. The teenager won runoff elections for the state of Arkansas.&nbsp;

The vote&nbsp;count was 235 to 185, as per the Crittenden County Clerk's office, BBC&nbsp;reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-elects-its-first-female-mayor-in-241-years-karen-bass-claims-victory-534982">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Karen Bass: Los Angeles elects its first female mayor in 241 years&nbsp;</a>

Smith is not the first 18-year-old mayor in US history.&nbsp;In 2005, Michael Sessions who was also 18 at that time won a race to be the mayor of Hillsdale in Michigan.

Smith wrote on Facebook, "It's time to build a better chapter of Earle, Arkansas. I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up and getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all."

During his campaigns, he focused on improving the police force, better drainage systems, and addressing the homelessness issue. He also plans to establish a new major grocery store in the city as the previous one closed years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-three-more-women-file-sexual-assault-case-against-cosmetic-doctor-who-died-by-suicide-541019">Also read |&nbsp;US: Three more women file sexual assault case against cosmetic doctor who died by suicide&nbsp;</a>

Frank Scott Jr, president of the African American Mayors Association praised his victory and told CNN that he is excited to work with Smith.&nbsp;

"You have to start somewhere - you really do," he said. "I didn't want to be 30 or 40 and become a mayor when I could be one right now."

He plans to study further and juggle the city's official duty along with it and wants to become a prosecutor in the future.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Jaylen Smith, an 18-year-old created history in the US by becoming the youngest black mayor. The teenager won runoff elections for the state of Arkansas. The vote count was 235 to 185, as per the Crittenden County Clerk's office, BBC reported.

Jaylen Smith, an 18-year-old created history in the US by becoming the youngest black mayor. The teenager won runoff elections for the state of Arkansas. The vote count was 235 to 185, as per the Crittenden County Clerk's office, BBC reported. Also read | Karen Bass: Los Angeles elects its first female mayor in 241 years Smith is not the first 18-year-old mayor in US history. In 2005, Michael Sessions who was also 18 at that time won a race to be the mayor of Hillsdale in Michigan. Smith wrote on Facebook, "It's time to build a better chapter of Earle, Arkansas. I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up and getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all." During his campaigns, he focused on improving the police force, better drainage systems, and addressing the homelessness issue. He also plans to establish a new major grocery store in the city as the previous one closed years ago. Also read | US: Three more women file sexual assault case against cosmetic doctor who died by suicide Frank Scott Jr, president of the African American Mayors Association praised his victory and told CNN that he is excited to work with Smith. "You have to start somewhere - you really do," he said. "I didn't want to be 30 or 40 and become a mayor when I could be one right now." He plans to study further and juggle the city's official duty along with it and wants to become a prosecutor in the future. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jaylen Smith, 18, becomes the youngest black mayor of the United States

An Israeli reporter claimed that Saudi Arabia wants to normalise its ties with the state of Israel. Although, the move will take time and interestingly the reporters claimed that the move is start to the US Saudi relations and not connected to state of Israel or to the Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia seeks better ties with Israel; Riyadh has some conditions for normalisation

The US Food and Drug Administration has now authorised&nbsp;bivalent COVID-19 boosters for children between the ages of 6 months and four.&nbsp;The booster, offered by both Pfizer and Moderna, was originally approved for use in October by anyone five years of age and above.&nbsp;

"More children now have the opportunity to update their protection against COVID-19 with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, and we encourage parents and caregivers of those eligible to consider doing so -- especially as we head into the holidays and winter months where more time will be spent indoors," FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement.

"As this virus has changed, and immunity from previous COVID-19 vaccination wanes, the more people who keep up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, the more benefit there will be for individuals, families and public health by helping prevent severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths," he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-basketball-star-brittney-griner-on-her-way-home-confirms-joe-biden-541338">Brittany Griner freed for Russian arms dealer in mediation led by UAE president, Saudi crown prince</a>

The modified booster shot is targeted to fight against the omicron subvariants - BA.4 and BA.5.

Children can receive the booster shot after two months of receiving&nbsp;their primary set.&nbsp;According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authorisation implies that more than 267 million Americans are now qualified to take the jab.&nbsp;On the other hand, as of 30 November, only 13 per cent&nbsp;of individuals who were qualified had gotten an updated booster dose.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-finally-found-the-reason-why-people-get-more-colds-and-flu-during-winters-541050">Scientists have finally found the reason why people get more colds and flu during winters</a>

The FDA confirmed&nbsp;&nbsp;that it considered immune response data from adults who had received the original booster, which focused on the original omicron variant BA.1, as well as data from a study comparing children who received the original booster and children who only received the primary series.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The US Food and Drug Administration has now authorised bivalent COVID-19 boosters for children between the ages of 6 months and four. The booster, offered by both Pfizer and Moderna, was originally approved for use in October by anyone five years of age and above.

The US Food and Drug Administration has now authorised bivalent COVID-19 boosters for children between the ages of 6 months and four. The booster, offered by both Pfizer and Moderna, was originally approved for use in October by anyone five years of age and above. "More children now have the opportunity to update their protection against COVID-19 with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, and we encourage parents and caregivers of those eligible to consider doing so -- especially as we head into the holidays and winter months where more time will be spent indoors," FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement. "As this virus has changed, and immunity from previous COVID-19 vaccination wanes, the more people who keep up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, the more benefit there will be for individuals, families and public health by helping prevent severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths," he added. Also read | Brittany Griner freed for Russian arms dealer in mediation led by UAE president, Saudi crown prince The modified booster shot is targeted to fight against the omicron subvariants - BA.4 and BA.5. Children can receive the booster shot after two months of receiving their primary set. According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authorisation implies that more than 267 million Americans are now qualified to take the jab. On the other hand, as of 30 November, only 13 per cent of individuals who were qualified had gotten an updated booster dose. Also read | Scientists have finally found the reason why people get more colds and flu during winters The FDA confirmed that it considered immune response data from adults who had received the original booster, which focused on the original omicron variant BA.1, as well as data from a study comparing children who received the original booster and children who only received the primary series. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: FDA authorises updated COVID-19 booster shots for children under five

The United States denounced the Taliban's 'despicable' public execution in Afghanistan, calling it a clear failure by the Islamist group to uphold their promises.

US denounces Afghan public execution as 'despicable', presses Taliban in talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the long-awaited visit to its regional ally, where he is set to meet nearly 30 heads of state and business leaders in the capital city, Riyadh. Notably, the timing for this visit has been at the forefront of the discussions in the west, since it comes at a “delicate time” for the relations between Saudi Arabia’s strategic ally the United States, said analysts.&nbsp;

For this visit, the Saudis have rolled out the red carpet while Xi will be welcomed amid fanfare with several reports comparing it to the grand welcome former US President Donald Trump received, in contrast to the incumbent US President Joe Biden’s visit, earlier this year.&nbsp;

Notably, Biden’s visit to Jeddah was marked by an awkward fist-bump from an unsmiling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s greeting him. Furthermore, the US president who had arrived in Saudi Arabia to seek reassurances over global oil prices left empty-handed after the kingdom had refused to lower prices as well as announced a limited increase in oil production.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-set-to-visit-saudi-arabia-on-wednesday-540687">Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Riyadh on Wednesday, will meet Saudi and Arab leaders</a>

However, months later they also went on to announce that it is cutting down its oil production, which created a further rift in the ties between the two countries. OPEC+ slashed its output by two million barrels a day in a bid to “stabilise” prices despite Washington’s heavy campaigning against it.&nbsp;

Furthermore, media reports suggest that this visit will also include a China-Arab summit and a China-Gulf Cooperation Council conference, where the summit is set to witness at least 14 Arab heads of state and has also been described as a “milestone” in China-Arab relations, said a report by CNN citing a diplomatic source.&nbsp;

The bilateral summit will be chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and will also be attended by the kingdom's de facto ruler MBS, reported the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).&nbsp;

A report by Bloomberg citing two people briefed on the plans said that energy and infrastructure deals will be at the top of the agenda during Xi’s visit. This comes amid reports of the two countries planning to sign agreements worth at least $30 billion.&nbsp;

“Riyadh is working according to strategic calculations that it must accommodate Beijing, as it is now an indispensable economic partner,” said the head of Middle East and North Africa at Eurasia Group, Ayham Kamel to Reuters, in the context of the China-Arab summit.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-becomes-chinas-top-crude-oil-supplier-again-as-russian-imports-fall-464464">Saudi Arabia becomes China's top crude oil supplier again as Russian imports fall</a>

However, Kamel also noted that “MBS is certainly not pursuing this out of spite,” but also that there is a certain risk in expanding ties with China and which could potentially create a further rift in the US-Saudi relationship. Notably, Saudi Arabia’s relations with China have also deepened in the economic context including Beijing’s potentially investing in Riyadh’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco.

In 2021, the kingdom’s exports to China exceeded $50 billion which accounts for more than 18 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s total exports. However, this is not just limited to Saudi Arabia as more Gulf states are seemingly moving toward deepening ties with China and Russia and the war in Ukraine does not appear to affect their relations with Moscow.&nbsp;

&nbsp;A Saudi analyst familiar with its leadership’s thinking, Ali Shihabi, told CNN, that Saudi is not indifferent to the US and it continues to remain a key partner. He added, “But the Kingdom has learned the hard way that the US cannot be relied on consistently for support.” Therefore, the leadership a few years ago began to develop multiple key relations in an “increasingly multipolar world” which is irreversible.&nbsp;

This remark could be in reference to Washington’s lack of response when the Shia militia attacked Saudi Arabia’s main refinery. While the US’s security presence, rather the lack thereof amid growing threats from Iran and its armed Yemeni proxies in the region has left the Middle East nations bitter. On the other hand, Riyadh’s human rights record has emerged as an issue, particularly after the alleged assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-joe-bidens-govt-grants-legal-immunity-to-mohammed-bin-salman-541000">US: Joe Biden's govt grants legal immunity to Mohammed bin Salman</a>

During his trip to Saudi Arabia, US president Biden had also vowed, “We will not walk away and leave a vacuum to be filled by China, Russia, or Iran.” However, an official document titled “Report on Sino-Arab Cooperation in a New Era”, outlining Beijing’s policies in the region was released ahead of Xi’s visit to the kingdom said, “China has always believed that there is no such thing as a ‘power vacuum’ in the Middle East and that the people of the Middle East are the masters of the future and destiny of the region.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, the report also highlighted that China’s strategic focus in the Middle East remains on trade and economic cooperation and that it “upheld justice” on the region's security issues. “That message will be very clear when this visit gets under way. The Chinese do not lecture and they don’t disrespect. They know how to do business,” said a senior Saudi official to the Guardian.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-president-xi-jinping-to-meet-saudi-arabias-crown-prince-540797">Chinese President XI Jinping to meet Saudi Arabia's Crown prince</a>

“The Americans on the other hand have wanted us to choose sides. We will not,” the official added. Meanwhile, the US appears to be unsettled by what it perceives as China and Saudi Arabia’s support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to Moscow selling Beijing its discounted oil amid Western sanctions.&nbsp;

In the Indian context, one of the long-term implications of Xi's visit to the kingdom could potentially be the Chinese infrastructure being built closer to India, as analysts say that although these are civil projects the worry is Beijing’s growing influence in regions in New Delhi.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-chief-expresses-concern-over-chinas-bri-lauds-ties-with-nepal-and-bangladesh-363263">Indian army chief expresses concern over China's BRI, lauds ties with Nepal and Bangladesh</a>

“Clearly they are coming closer and closer to India and that is extremely worrying given its adversarial, hostile relations with China,” said Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, director for the Center for Security, Strategy and Technology at New Delhi’s Observer Research Foundation, to the Voice of America (VOA), last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the long-awaited visit to its regional ally, where he is set to meet nearly 30 heads of state and business leaders in the capital city, Riyadh.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the long-awaited visit to its regional ally, where he is set to meet nearly 30 heads of state and business leaders in the capital city, Riyadh. Notably, the timing for this visit has been at the forefront of the discussions in the west, since it comes at a “delicate time” for the relations between Saudi Arabia’s strategic ally the United States, said analysts. For this visit, the Saudis have rolled out the red carpet while Xi will be welcomed amid fanfare with several reports comparing it to the grand welcome former US President Donald Trump received, in contrast to the incumbent US President Joe Biden’s visit, earlier this year. Notably, Biden’s visit to Jeddah was marked by an awkward fist-bump from an unsmiling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s greeting him. Furthermore, the US president who had arrived in Saudi Arabia to seek reassurances over global oil prices left empty-handed after the kingdom had refused to lower prices as well as announced a limited increase in oil production. ALSO READ | Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Riyadh on Wednesday, will meet Saudi and Arab leaders However, months later they also went on to announce that it is cutting down its oil production, which created a further rift in the ties between the two countries. OPEC+ slashed its output by two million barrels a day in a bid to “stabilise” prices despite Washington’s heavy campaigning against it. Furthermore, media reports suggest that this visit will also include a China-Arab summit and a China-Gulf Cooperation Council conference, where the summit is set to witness at least 14 Arab heads of state and has also been described as a “milestone” in China-Arab relations, said a report by CNN citing a diplomatic source. The bilateral summit will be chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and will also be attended by the kingdom's de facto ruler MBS, reported the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA). A report by Bloomberg citing two people briefed on the plans said that energy and infrastructure deals will be at the top of the agenda during Xi’s visit. This comes amid reports of the two countries planning to sign agreements worth at least $30 billion. “Riyadh is working according to strategic calculations that it must accommodate Beijing, as it is now an indispensable economic partner,” said the head of Middle East and North Africa at Eurasia Group, Ayham Kamel to Reuters, in the context of the China-Arab summit. ALSO WATCH | Saudi Arabia becomes China's top crude oil supplier again as Russian imports fall However, Kamel also noted that “MBS is certainly not pursuing this out of spite,” but also that there is a certain risk in expanding ties with China and which could potentially create a further rift in the US-Saudi relationship. Notably, Saudi Arabia’s relations with China have also deepened in the economic context including Beijing’s potentially investing in Riyadh’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco. In 2021, the kingdom’s exports to China exceeded $50 billion which accounts for more than 18 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s total exports. However, this is not just limited to Saudi Arabia as more Gulf states are seemingly moving toward deepening ties with China and Russia and the war in Ukraine does not appear to affect their relations with Moscow. A Saudi analyst familiar with its leadership’s thinking, Ali Shihabi, told CNN, that Saudi is not indifferent to the US and it continues to remain a key partner. He added, “But the Kingdom has learned the hard way that the US cannot be relied on consistently for support.” Therefore, the leadership a few years ago began to develop multiple key relations in an “increasingly multipolar world” which is irreversible. This remark could be in reference to Washington’s lack of response when the Shia militia attacked Saudi Arabia’s main refinery. While the US’s security presence, rather the lack thereof amid growing threats from Iran and its armed Yemeni proxies in the region has left the Middle East nations bitter. On the other hand, Riyadh’s human rights record has emerged as an issue, particularly after the alleged assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. ALSO WATCH | US: Joe Biden's govt grants legal immunity to Mohammed bin Salman During his trip to Saudi Arabia, US president Biden had also vowed, “We will not walk away and leave a vacuum to be filled by China, Russia, or Iran.” However, an official document titled “Report on Sino-Arab Cooperation in a New Era”, outlining Beijing’s policies in the region was released ahead of Xi’s visit to the kingdom said, “China has always believed that there is no such thing as a ‘power vacuum’ in the Middle East and that the people of the Middle East are the masters of the future and destiny of the region.” Furthermore, the report also highlighted that China’s strategic focus in the Middle East remains on trade and economic cooperation and that it “upheld justice” on the region's security issues. “That message will be very clear when this visit gets under way. The Chinese do not lecture and they don’t disrespect. They know how to do business,” said a senior Saudi official to the Guardian. ALSO WATCH | Chinese President XI Jinping to meet Saudi Arabia's Crown prince “The Americans on the other hand have wanted us to choose sides. We will not,” the official added. Meanwhile, the US appears to be unsettled by what it perceives as China and Saudi Arabia’s support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to Moscow selling Beijing its discounted oil amid Western sanctions. In the Indian context, one of the long-term implications of Xi's visit to the kingdom could potentially be the Chinese infrastructure being built closer to India, as analysts say that although these are civil projects the worry is Beijing’s growing influence in regions in New Delhi. ALSO READ | Indian army chief expresses concern over China's BRI, lauds ties with Nepal and Bangladesh “Clearly they are coming closer and closer to India and that is extremely worrying given its adversarial, hostile relations with China,” said Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, director for the Center for Security, Strategy and Technology at New Delhi’s Observer Research Foundation, to the Voice of America (VOA), last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: What does Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia mean for its relations with the US?

A U.S. Federal court has dismissed a lawsuit in Jamal Khashoggi's killing against Saudi Crown Prince MBS. The judge has cited Biden's decision to grant MBS immunity as the pretext. Molly Gambhir asks: Has America knelt before MBS?

Gravitas: U.S. Court dismisses Khashoggi lawsuit against MBS

Three more women have accused the&nbsp;US cosmetic surgeon of sexual assault, eight days after he died by suicide&nbsp;following allegations that he drugged and raped two of his patients. Investigators found the body of Eric Salata&nbsp;in a woodland after he intentionally shot himself. His body was found with a gun beside it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bill-cosby-sexual-assault-case-five-women-file-new-lawsuit-against-us-actor-540785">Also read |&nbsp;Bill Cosby sexual assault case: Five women file new lawsuit against US comedian</a>

With the new allegations, Salata had sexually abused five women, the Guardian reported.&nbsp;

Salata was arrested on November 21 after&nbsp;a 51 and 72-year-old woman accused him of using laughing gas, anti-anxiety medicines, and tequila and then sexually assaulting them. However, the doctor refuted the&nbsp;allegations and said that he used them for the clinical procedure they hired him for.&nbsp;

He was later released on bond.&nbsp;

The doctor&nbsp;left his home with two notes, credit cards, and his wedding ring. Deputy officials went to his last known location which was tracked by the ankle monitor he was wearing out on bond.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-navy-launches-probe-into-sexual-harassment-on-submarines-529425">Also read |&nbsp;UK navy launches probe into sexual harassment on submarines after complaints</a>

The doctor was supposed to appear in court on December 19 for the two cases of assaulting two physically helpless people. If he would have been found guilty, the doctor would have faced six months to 30 years in prison.&nbsp;

One of the accusers has sued his clinic Pura Vida for the damages.&nbsp;

As per media reports, the clinic's website was no longer online, and the phone number was also on voice mail. Last week, the clinic recording stated that the facility has closed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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&nbsp;

Three more women have accused the US cosmetic surgeon of sexual assault, eight days after he died by suicide following allegations that he drugged and raped two of his patients.

Three more women have accused the US cosmetic surgeon of sexual assault, eight days after he died by suicide following allegations that he drugged and raped two of his patients. Investigators found the body of Eric Salata in a woodland after he intentionally shot himself. His body was found with a gun beside it. Also read | Bill Cosby sexual assault case: Five women file new lawsuit against US comedian With the new allegations, Salata had sexually abused five women, the Guardian reported. Salata was arrested on November 21 after a 51 and 72-year-old woman accused him of using laughing gas, anti-anxiety medicines, and tequila and then sexually assaulting them. However, the doctor refuted the allegations and said that he used them for the clinical procedure they hired him for. He was later released on bond. The doctor left his home with two notes, credit cards, and his wedding ring. Deputy officials went to his last known location which was tracked by the ankle monitor he was wearing out on bond. Also read | UK navy launches probe into sexual harassment on submarines after complaints The doctor was supposed to appear in court on December 19 for the two cases of assaulting two physically helpless people. If he would have been found guilty, the doctor would have faced six months to 30 years in prison. One of the accusers has sued his clinic Pura Vida for the damages. As per media reports, the clinic's website was no longer online, and the phone number was also on voice mail. Last week, the clinic recording stated that the facility has closed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Three more women file sexual assault case against cosmetic doctor who died by suicide 

A national security deal between TikTok and the Biden administration, which was expected to be sealed around the year-end, has been delayed further and increased worry over the issue of popular applications posing national security concerns, as per the US media reports citing officials.

The review has been extended amid various concerns which include how algorithm-related information will be shared by TikTok and the amount of trust Washington would need to have in the company, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

TikTok has not been approached by US officials lately with the additional demands to address the concerns raised recently, leaving the forward path unclear.

A spokeswoman of TikTok said that they are looking forward to a “timely conclusion to our agreement with the U.S. government, much of which we have already started implementing in earnest so that we can put these concerns to rest.”

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-be-a-digital-nomad-in-spain-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-540620">Want to be a digital nomad in Spain? Here's everything you need to know</a>

She added that no unmet, remaining concerns have been raised by the government with the company. The Committee on Foreign Investment, which is a secretive panel of the government to review business deals related to security concerns, is leading the negotiations from the US side.

The talks were aimed at reducing the influence of the Chinese government on the operations in the US, without severing Chinese ties with TikTok completely. It has been agreed by both sides that Oracle Corp will be used to store the data collected by TikTok on US users.

TikTok has stated that it plans to delete private data on US users from its data centres in Singapore and Virginia as it will be storing the complete data with Oracle cloud infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A national security deal between TikTok and the Biden administration, which was expected to be sealed around the year-end, has been delayed further and increased worry over the issue of popular applications posing national security concerns, as per the US media reports citing officials.

A national security deal between TikTok and the Biden administration, which was expected to be sealed around the year-end, has been delayed further and increased worry over the issue of popular applications posing national security concerns, as per the US media reports citing officials. The review has been extended amid various concerns which include how algorithm-related information will be shared by TikTok and the amount of trust Washington would need to have in the company, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. TikTok has not been approached by US officials lately with the additional demands to address the concerns raised recently, leaving the forward path unclear. A spokeswoman of TikTok said that they are looking forward to a “timely conclusion to our agreement with the U.S. government, much of which we have already started implementing in earnest so that we can put these concerns to rest.” ALSO READ| Want to be a digital nomad in Spain? Here's everything you need to know She added that no unmet, remaining concerns have been raised by the government with the company. The Committee on Foreign Investment, which is a secretive panel of the government to review business deals related to security concerns, is leading the negotiations from the US side. The talks were aimed at reducing the influence of the Chinese government on the operations in the US, without severing Chinese ties with TikTok completely. It has been agreed by both sides that Oracle Corp will be used to store the data collected by TikTok on US users. TikTok has stated that it plans to delete private data on US users from its data centres in Singapore and Virginia as it will be storing the complete data with Oracle cloud infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies)

TikTok-US govt deal delayed further amid worry over national security risks: Report

Xi Jinping is attending a summit in Saudi Arabia. It's his first trip to the Kingdom since 2016. Should the U.S. be worried about the growing relations between the two nations? Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | Should the U.S. worry about the China-Saudi summit?

An epidemiologist who claims to have worked closely with the Wuhan lab says Covid-19 was made in the facility. This scientist says U.S. helped China make the coronavirus, and handed the Chinese 'bioweapon technology'.

Gravitas: Did the US help China cover up Covid-19 outbreak?

A federal judge in Washington has missed a lawsuit file by the fiancé of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi against Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. The judge cited President Biden's grant of immunity. The US district judge suggested he was reluctant to throw out the lawsuit but added that he has no choice given the Biden administration's decision.

US: Joe Biden's govt grants legal immunity to Mohammed bin Salman

Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on his three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, his first such visit to the biggest exporter of crude oil since 2016, reported the Saudi state media on Tuesday.&nbsp;Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to mark&nbsp;Xi's arrival by extending a lavish welcome. Diplomats in the region are saying that it may contrast starkly with the muted reception offered to US&nbsp;President Joe Biden in July.

During the visit, a bilateral summit chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud&nbsp;will also be attended by the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reported the official Saudi Press Agency.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-former-leader-hu-jintao-makes-first-public-appearance-after-dramatic-congress-exit-540555">China's former leader Hu Jintao makes first public appearance after dramatic Congress exit</a>

The state news agency stated that Xi will also take part in a summit which will be attended by the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council's rulers and hold talks with the leaders from the Middle East, stated the state news agency.

The tour of the Chinese leader coincides with the increased tensions between the United States and Saudi Arabia over issues like regional security, human rights and energy policy.

The partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia suffered the latest blow in October when the OPEC+ oil bloc decided to decrease crude oil production by two million barrels per day, a step the White House claimed amounted to "aligning with Russia" on the Ukraine war.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-announce-10-new-covid-19-measures-on-wednesday-report-540225">China may announce new COVID-19 easing measures on Wednesday: Report</a>

In its latest meeting on Sunday, OPEC+ decided to keep those cuts unchanged. China is the biggest customer of Saudi Arabia's crude oil and has been purchasing around a quarter of the total exported Saudi oil.

According to analysts, the two leaders, apart from energy, will be discussing potential deals which can lead to Chinese firms'&nbsp;deeper involvement in mega-projects which are part of Prince Mohammed's vision of diversifying the economy of Saudi Arabia beyond oil.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on his three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, his first such visit to the biggest exporter of crude oil since 2016, reported the Saudi state media on Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on his three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, his first such visit to the biggest exporter of crude oil since 2016, reported the Saudi state media on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to mark Xi's arrival by extending a lavish welcome. Diplomats in the region are saying that it may contrast starkly with the muted reception offered to US President Joe Biden in July. During the visit, a bilateral summit chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud will also be attended by the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reported the official Saudi Press Agency. ALSO READ| China's former leader Hu Jintao makes first public appearance after dramatic Congress exit The state news agency stated that Xi will also take part in a summit which will be attended by the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council's rulers and hold talks with the leaders from the Middle East, stated the state news agency. The tour of the Chinese leader coincides with the increased tensions between the United States and Saudi Arabia over issues like regional security, human rights and energy policy. The partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia suffered the latest blow in October when the OPEC+ oil bloc decided to decrease crude oil production by two million barrels per day, a step the White House claimed amounted to "aligning with Russia" on the Ukraine war. ALSO READ| China may announce new COVID-19 easing measures on Wednesday: Report In its latest meeting on Sunday, OPEC+ decided to keep those cuts unchanged. China is the biggest customer of Saudi Arabia's crude oil and has been purchasing around a quarter of the total exported Saudi oil. According to analysts, the two leaders, apart from energy, will be discussing potential deals which can lead to Chinese firms' deeper involvement in mega-projects which are part of Prince Mohammed's vision of diversifying the economy of Saudi Arabia beyond oil. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Riyadh on Wednesday, will meet Saudi and Arab leaders

"We have not provided Ukraine with weapons to use inside Russia, we have been very clear that it is our defensive supplies. The President said very clearly sometime ago that we are not enabling Ukraine to strike," said US' spokesperson Ned Price.

'We have not provided Ukraine with weapons to use inside Russia,' says US' spokesperson Ned Price

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday (December 6) announced that the US was going to boost the rotational presence of its forces in Australia. This would include bomber aircraft and fighter jets. The announcement came after annual talks between the two allies.

US sees Australia as one of the countries important to the effort against growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts say that Australia can play an important logistical role in defence of Taiwan against possible attack by China.

"What we've agreed to do is to increase rotations of air, land and sea forces, these are rotational forces obviously, to Australia," Austin told a news conference after the annual AUSMIN talks that included the two nations' foreign ministers.

Austin didn't elaborate on when exactly would there be an increase in the rotations or number of troops, ships or aircraft that will be involved in the rotation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-encouraging-ukraine-strikes-into-russia-says-us-540719">'Not encouraging' Ukraine strikes into Russia, says US</a>

Austin added that the two countries also agreed to "invite Japan to integrate into our force posture initiatives in Australia."

Australia's Northern Territory is already host to frequent military collaborations with the United States. Thousands of US Marines rotate through the territory annually for training and joint exercises, started under former President Barack Obama.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday (December 6) announced that the US was going to boost the rotational presence of its forces in Australia. This would include bomber aircraft and fighter jets.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday (December 6) announced that the US was going to boost the rotational presence of its forces in Australia. This would include bomber aircraft and fighter jets. The announcement came after annual talks between the two allies. US sees Australia as one of the countries important to the effort against growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts say that Australia can play an important logistical role in defence of Taiwan against possible attack by China. "What we've agreed to do is to increase rotations of air, land and sea forces, these are rotational forces obviously, to Australia," Austin told a news conference after the annual AUSMIN talks that included the two nations' foreign ministers. Austin didn't elaborate on when exactly would there be an increase in the rotations or number of troops, ships or aircraft that will be involved in the rotation. Also Read | 'Not encouraging' Ukraine strikes into Russia, says US Austin added that the two countries also agreed to "invite Japan to integrate into our force posture initiatives in Australia." Australia's Northern Territory is already host to frequent military collaborations with the United States. Thousands of US Marines rotate through the territory annually for training and joint exercises, started under former President Barack Obama. (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 ×

US to boost rotational military presence in Australia, says Austin

United States President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have agreed to increase gas exports between the two countries. According to the agreement, the amount of gas exported from the US to UK will increase substantially in the near future to offset the crisis caused by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. With Russia cutting off gas supply to Europe, the gas bills in the UK have skyrocketed and to counter the crisis, the two countries announced the “energy security and affordability partnership” and will also set up a joint action group including officials from both sides.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-major-shift-from-zero-covid-policy-china-scraps-several-controversial-rules-540823">In major shift from zero-Covid policy, China scraps several contentious rules</a>

“Together the UK and US will ensure the global price of energy and the security of our national supply can never again be manipulated by the whims of a failing regime,” Sunak told reporters.

While the UK was not overly reliant on Russian gas supplies, the competition in the market for alternate sources following the sanctions imposed on Russia left the country in a tough situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-before-anti-regime-agitation-1200-students-in-iran-get-sick-due-to-food-poisoning-540828">1,200 Iranian students 'poisoned' day before anti-govt agitation</a>

However, under the new deal, the amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported to the UK from the US is expected to be double the amount exported in 2021. The two countries will also be looking to collaborate on green initiatives with special focus on finding alternate fuel sources.

“During this global energy crisis, brought on by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever for allied countries to deepen their cooperation to ensure resilient international systems which reflect our shared values,” Biden and Sunak said in a joint statement.

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United States President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have agreed to increase gas exports between the two countries. According to the agreement, the amount of gas exported from the US to UK will increase substantially in the near future to offset the crisis caused by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

United States President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have agreed to increase gas exports between the two countries. According to the agreement, the amount of gas exported from the US to UK will increase substantially in the near future to offset the crisis caused by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. With Russia cutting off gas supply to Europe, the gas bills in the UK have skyrocketed and to counter the crisis, the two countries announced the “energy security and affordability partnership” and will also set up a joint action group including officials from both sides. Also read | In major shift from zero-Covid policy, China scraps several contentious rules “Together the UK and US will ensure the global price of energy and the security of our national supply can never again be manipulated by the whims of a failing regime,” Sunak told reporters. While the UK was not overly reliant on Russian gas supplies, the competition in the market for alternate sources following the sanctions imposed on Russia left the country in a tough situation. Also read | 1,200 Iranian students 'poisoned' day before anti-govt agitation However, under the new deal, the amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported to the UK from the US is expected to be double the amount exported in 2021. The two countries will also be looking to collaborate on green initiatives with special focus on finding alternate fuel sources. “During this global energy crisis, brought on by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever for allied countries to deepen their cooperation to ensure resilient international systems which reflect our shared values,” Biden and Sunak said in a joint statement.

Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak agree to double gas exports from US to UK, work on fuel alternatives

Hours after the third Russian airfield was set to blaze by a drone strike, the US Secretary of State reiterated Washington's position that it is neither encouraged nor enabled the Ukrainians to strike inside Russia. "We have neither encouraged nor enabled to strike inside of Russia but the important thing is to understand what Ukrainians are living through, everyday, with the ongoing Russia aggression," said Antony Blinken.

US reacts to strikes inside Russia as third Russian airbase attacked in two days

As Poland seeks to modernise its military and adjust to new geopolitical realities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a US greenlight to a potential USD 3.75 billion sale of M1A1 Abrams tanks has come as great news. The Pentagon made an announcement about this deal on Tuesday (December 6).

Watch | Russia fires barrage of missile across Ukraine

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The approval to sale comes just months after Poland was authorized to buy 250 M1A2 tanks by the same maker. With this new option, Poland could elect to buy a mix of the two tank versions.

The pack also includes vehicles to recover disabled tanks, eight assault bridges and other vehicles. The deal will also get Poland thousands of rounds of advanced munitions like armour piercing rounds.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-implement-emergency-power-shutdowns-after-latest-russian-missile-strikes-540542">Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after latest Russian missile strikes</a>

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Tuesday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-encouraging-ukraine-strikes-into-russia-says-us-540719">'Not encouraging' Ukraine strikes into Russia, says US</a>

Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.

The US has thrown&nbsp;its weight in favour of eastern European countries especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.

After sustained gains in the early months of Ukraine conflict, Russian forces have had to suffer setbacks and retreats in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives.

On Tuesday however, the US said that it was 'not encouraging' Ukraine to carry out strikes inside Russia. This statement came after Russian airbases were attacked by drones. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attacks.

"We are not enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders; we are not encouraging Ukraine to strike beyond its borders," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

"Everything we are doing -- everything the world is doing to support Ukraine -- is in support of Ukraine's independence," he said.

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As Poland seeks to modernise its military and adjust to new geopolitical realities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a US greenlight to a potential USD 3.75 billion sale of M1A1 Abrams tanks has come as great news.

As Poland seeks to modernise its military and adjust to new geopolitical realities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a US greenlight to a potential USD 3.75 billion sale of M1A1 Abrams tanks has come as great news. The Pentagon made an announcement about this deal on Tuesday (December 6). Watch | Russia fires barrage of missile across Ukraine × The approval to sale comes just months after Poland was authorized to buy 250 M1A2 tanks by the same maker. With this new option, Poland could elect to buy a mix of the two tank versions. The pack also includes vehicles to recover disabled tanks, eight assault bridges and other vehicles. The deal will also get Poland thousands of rounds of advanced munitions like armour piercing rounds. Also Read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after latest Russian missile strikes The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Tuesday. Also Read | 'Not encouraging' Ukraine strikes into Russia, says US Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. The US has thrown its weight in favour of eastern European countries especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. After sustained gains in the early months of Ukraine conflict, Russian forces have had to suffer setbacks and retreats in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensives. On Tuesday however, the US said that it was 'not encouraging' Ukraine to carry out strikes inside Russia. This statement came after Russian airbases were attacked by drones. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attacks. "We are not enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders; we are not encouraging Ukraine to strike beyond its borders," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. "Everything we are doing -- everything the world is doing to support Ukraine -- is in support of Ukraine's independence," he said. 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 ×

US approves $3.75 billion potential sale of Abrams tanks to Poland

The end of 2022 US midterms election is just one day away, more than 1.8 million Georgians voted early in the runoff between Senator Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent.

US: Georgia runoff Senate a vote a new test for Biden and Trump

The US Supreme Court will decide whether a religious person can deny providing services to a same-sex couple because they claim it infringes on their right to free speech.

WION Fineprint | Free Speech vs Right to Non-Discrimination

PepsiCo Inc is reportedly planning to lay off hundreds of workers from its headquarters in the North American snacks and beverages division, said a report by the Wall Street Journal, signalling that the layoff season might not be limited to Silicon Valley. The New York-based company has reportedly described these layoffs as a way to “simplify” the organisation.&nbsp;

The report by Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter and internal documents said that these layoffs also indicate, “that corporate belt-tightening is extending beyond tech and media”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pepsico-plans-to-cut-hundreds-of-jobs-says-report-540462">PepsiCo plans to cut hundreds of jobs, says report</a>

Furthermore, a memo sent to the employees and reviewed by the publication said that the intention for these layoffs is “simplify the organisation so we can operate more efficiently.” Notably, as of December last year, PepsiCo employed over 300,000 people across the world with at least 129,000 workers in the United States.&nbsp;

The job cuts are set to affect hundreds of employees, one of the people familiar with the matter told the WSJ, including the company’s North American beverage business based in Purchase, New York and PepsiCo’s snacks and packaged-foods business, headquartered in Chicago and Plano, Texas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-set-to-fire-20000-employees-including-top-managers-540087">Amazon set to fire 20,000 employees, including top managers</a>

This comes after the demand for the snack and beverage company’s products including Frito-Lay chips, Mountain Dew soft drinks, Doritos and so on, has reportedly been quite strong amid the country’s soaring inflation. However, like many other companies in the industry, have also increased their prices to offset higher costs of ingredients, transport and labour, said the WSJ.&nbsp; 
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PepsiCo Inc is reportedly planning to lay off hundreds of workers from its headquarters in the North American snacks and beverages division, said a report by the Wall Street Journal, signalling that the layoff season might not be limited to Silicon Valley.

PepsiCo Inc is reportedly planning to lay off hundreds of workers from its headquarters in the North American snacks and beverages division, said a report by the Wall Street Journal, signalling that the layoff season might not be limited to Silicon Valley. The New York-based company has reportedly described these layoffs as a way to “simplify” the organisation. The report by Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter and internal documents said that these layoffs also indicate, “that corporate belt-tightening is extending beyond tech and media”. ALSO WATCH | PepsiCo plans to cut hundreds of jobs, says report Furthermore, a memo sent to the employees and reviewed by the publication said that the intention for these layoffs is “simplify the organisation so we can operate more efficiently.” Notably, as of December last year, PepsiCo employed over 300,000 people across the world with at least 129,000 workers in the United States. The job cuts are set to affect hundreds of employees, one of the people familiar with the matter told the WSJ, including the company’s North American beverage business based in Purchase, New York and PepsiCo’s snacks and packaged-foods business, headquartered in Chicago and Plano, Texas. ALSO READ | Amazon set to fire 20,000 employees, including top managers This comes after the demand for the snack and beverage company’s products including Frito-Lay chips, Mountain Dew soft drinks, Doritos and so on, has reportedly been quite strong amid the country’s soaring inflation. However, like many other companies in the industry, have also increased their prices to offset higher costs of ingredients, transport and labour, said the WSJ. 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.

PepsiCo to lay off hundreds of employees from its headquarters: Report

Facebook parent Meta platforms Inc has warned that it will be forced to remove news from its platform entirely if the US Congress passed the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act. Meta argued that broadcasters benefitted by posting content on their platform. If passed, the act will make it easier for news companies to negotiate with tech giants like Meta and Alphabet for their content. Meta had taken a similar stance in Australia where a similar law was passed.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone in a tweet said the Act fails to recognize that publishers and broadcasters put content on the platform because "it benefits their bottom line - not the other way around."

The law in Australia took effect in March 2021 after talks with the big tech firms led to a brief shutdown of Facebook news feeds in the country, has largely worked, a government report said.

Since the News Media Bargaining Code took effect, various tech firms including Meta and Alphabet had inked more than 30 deals with media outlets, compensating them for content which generated clicks and advertising dollars, the report added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Facebook parent Meta platforms Inc has warned that it will be forced to remove news from its platform entirely if the US Congress passed the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act.

Facebook parent Meta platforms Inc has warned that it will be forced to remove news from its platform entirely if the US Congress passed the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act. Meta argued that broadcasters benefitted by posting content on their platform. If passed, the act will make it easier for news companies to negotiate with tech giants like Meta and Alphabet for their content. Meta had taken a similar stance in Australia where a similar law was passed. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone in a tweet said the Act fails to recognize that publishers and broadcasters put content on the platform because "it benefits their bottom line - not the other way around." The law in Australia took effect in March 2021 after talks with the big tech firms led to a brief shutdown of Facebook news feeds in the country, has largely worked, a government report said. Since the News Media Bargaining Code took effect, various tech firms including Meta and Alphabet had inked more than 30 deals with media outlets, compensating them for content which generated clicks and advertising dollars, the report added. (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 ×

Facebook parent Meta threatens to remove news from platform if US passes media bill

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