A United States-bound Air India flight which took off from the Indian capital city, Delhi was diverted to Russia, on Tuesday (June 6) after it developed a “technical issue” in one of the engines, a spokesperson from the airline. The Air India flight AI173 was reported to have safely landed in the Russian town of Magadan.&nbsp;

The incident also comes a day&nbsp;United Airlines CEO had raised concerns about flights using Russian airspace with American citizens on board, a decision which was defended by the Air India chief.&nbsp;

<h2>Air India about the incident</h2>

The flight in question which took off from Delhi and was headed to San Francisco was carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew. “The passengers are being provided support on the ground and will be provided an alternate option to reach their destination at the earliest,” said Air India, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “The aircraft is undergoing mandatory checks on the ground. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers.” Hours after the diversion, Air India confirmed that it would send an alternative aircraft from Magadan to San Francisco for passengers who are currently accommodated in local hotels in the Russian town.&nbsp;

<h2>Washington reacts</h2>

The United States on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the situation. "We are aware of a US-bound flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia and are continuing to monitor that situation closely. I'm not able to confirm how many US citizens were aboard the flight at this time," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at his daily news conference.

"It was a flight that was bound for the United States. So, it is, of course, likely that there are American citizens on board. There's public reporting from Air India that they are sending – what my understanding is – a replacement aircraft to the destination to have the passengers carry on for their route, but I would defer to the air carrier to speak to anything further on this," Patel said in response to a question.

<h2>Russian aviation authority deals with passengers&nbsp;</h2>

Russia had earlier said that it was ready to give permission to the Indian airline to land an additional reserve aircraft if needed in the country’s Far East, said Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia. It also reported 220 passengers and 16 crew on board while Air India has said there were 216 passengers.&nbsp;

Rosaviatsia also said that they are checking on the aircraft's technical condition. “At present, the question of passengers' stay and accommodation is being resolved by border, customs and regional authorities,” said Rosaviatsia, as quoted by Reuters.

Meanwhile, an employee at the airport’s flight dispatch service in Magadan told Reuters that all passengers had been taken to hotels by buses. The anonymous source also told the news agency that the aircraft was “closed off and put under guard” as it waits for Air India specialists “to land on the reserve plane tomorrow”.&nbsp;

He added, “It’s unclear (what happened), something is wrong with the engine, something is leaking out, they’ll look into it tomorrow,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Arguments about using the Russian airspace</h2>

Notably, the incident also comes a day after Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, raised concerns about planes flying through Russian airspace with American citizens onboard.

“What’s going to happen if an airline lands in Russia with some prominent US citizens on board? That is a potential crisis in the making,” said Kirby, adding that this issue should be solved “before the crisis happens.”

However, on the same day, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson defended the airline’s use of Russian airspace. “Air India, we operate according to the ambit of what is provided to us by the nation of India and not all nations agree,” said Wilson, adding that the airline industry plays a critical role in connecting economies, people and cultures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A United States-bound Air India flight which took off from the Indian capital city, Delhi was diverted to Russia, on Tuesday (June 6) after it developed a “technical issue” in one of the engines, a spokesperson from the airline.

A United States-bound Air India flight which took off from the Indian capital city, Delhi was diverted to Russia, on Tuesday (June 6) after it developed a “technical issue” in one of the engines, a spokesperson from the airline. The Air India flight AI173 was reported to have safely landed in the Russian town of Magadan. The incident also comes a day United Airlines CEO had raised concerns about flights using Russian airspace with American citizens on board, a decision which was defended by the Air India chief. Air India about the incident The flight in question which took off from Delhi and was headed to San Francisco was carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew. “The passengers are being provided support on the ground and will be provided an alternate option to reach their destination at the earliest,” said Air India, in a statement. It added, “The aircraft is undergoing mandatory checks on the ground. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers.” Hours after the diversion, Air India confirmed that it would send an alternative aircraft from Magadan to San Francisco for passengers who are currently accommodated in local hotels in the Russian town. Washington reacts The United States on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the situation. "We are aware of a US-bound flight that had to make an emergency landing in Russia and are continuing to monitor that situation closely. I'm not able to confirm how many US citizens were aboard the flight at this time," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at his daily news conference. "It was a flight that was bound for the United States. So, it is, of course, likely that there are American citizens on board. There's public reporting from Air India that they are sending – what my understanding is – a replacement aircraft to the destination to have the passengers carry on for their route, but I would defer to the air carrier to speak to anything further on this," Patel said in response to a question. Russian aviation authority deals with passengers Russia had earlier said that it was ready to give permission to the Indian airline to land an additional reserve aircraft if needed in the country’s Far East, said Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia. It also reported 220 passengers and 16 crew on board while Air India has said there were 216 passengers. Rosaviatsia also said that they are checking on the aircraft's technical condition. “At present, the question of passengers' stay and accommodation is being resolved by border, customs and regional authorities,” said Rosaviatsia, as quoted by Reuters. Meanwhile, an employee at the airport’s flight dispatch service in Magadan told Reuters that all passengers had been taken to hotels by buses. The anonymous source also told the news agency that the aircraft was “closed off and put under guard” as it waits for Air India specialists “to land on the reserve plane tomorrow”. He added, “It’s unclear (what happened), something is wrong with the engine, something is leaking out, they’ll look into it tomorrow,” as quoted by Reuters. Arguments about using the Russian airspace Notably, the incident also comes a day after Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, raised concerns about planes flying through Russian airspace with American citizens onboard. “What’s going to happen if an airline lands in Russia with some prominent US citizens on board? That is a potential crisis in the making,” said Kirby, adding that this issue should be solved “before the crisis happens.” However, on the same day, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson defended the airline’s use of Russian airspace. “Air India, we operate according to the ambit of what is provided to us by the nation of India and not all nations agree,” said Wilson, adding that the airline industry plays a critical role in connecting economies, people and cultures. (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.

Delhi-San Francisco Air India flight diverted to Russia after 'technical issue', US says closley monitoring

Another mass shooting incident in the United States. At least two people are killed and five others injured after a gunman fires into a crowd outside the venue of a high school graduation ceremony in Virginia

2 killed in Virginia mass shooting

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this month, in the latest sign that Beijing and Washington are beginning to stabilize a turbulent bilateral relationship that had sunk to the lowest point in decades.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken looks to travel to China for talks in coming weeks: US official

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed human rights with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The trip is aimed at boosting ties with a long time ally which has forged closer relationship with Washington's rivals.

Antony Blinken meets Mohammed bin Salman, discuss human rights

An eye-watering and cough-inducing smoky haze from Canadian wildfires is now starting to impact parts of the United States.

Canada wildfires lead to air-quality alerts in US | WION Climate Tracker

The United States has called on Pakistan to grant consular access to Khadija Shah. Khadija, a famous fashion designer is accused of leading the attack on the Lahore corps commander's house during the violence that broke out on the ninth of May. She was detained in connection with the incident.

Dual national Khadija Shah in Pakistan custody inciting attack on Jinnah house | World News | WION

In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US

A man armed with four handguns killed at least two people & wounded others when he fired into a crowd outside a high school ceremony in Virginia. Police said they arrested one suspect, a 19-year-old man who knew one of the victims & shot at him. The crowd had just emerged from a high school ceremony inside a theatre on the campus of Virginia commonwealth university.

Two dead in Virginia mass shooting | Russia-Ukraine blame game erupts after blast

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Zelensky meets UK Foreign Secretary in Kyiv, US President meets Danish PM in Washington, Antony Blinken heads to Saudi for three-day visit.

Zelensky meets UK Foreign Secy in Kyiv | US Pres meets Danish PM in Washington | WION Speed News

California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Monday, threatened his Florida counterpart Ron DeSantis&nbsp;with kidnapping charges after California officials released a statement saying that South American migrants were sent to Sacramento by the state of Florida as part of a political stunt.

Newsom took to Twitter and called the Florida governor and Republican presidential hopeful a “small, pathetic man”. He also cited state kidnapping laws in his tweet.

“This isn’t Martha’s Vineyard. Kidnapping charges?” he said in the tweet, exemplifying last year's DeSantis’ action to send a group of Venezuelan migrants to the affluent liberal vacation spot in Massachusetts.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonDeSantis</a> you small, pathetic man. 
 
This isn't Martha's Vineyard. 
 
Kidnapping charges? 
 
Read the following. <a href="https://t.co/kvuxe8Fb6F">https://t.co/kvuxe8Fb6F</a> <a href="https://t.co/KyE1lJiIYo">pic.twitter.com/KyE1lJiIYo</a>
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1665769565261840387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Newsom said that sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were taken to New Mexico from Texas and flown on a chartered plane to Sacramento, where they were dropped off at a church on Friday.

Days later on Monday, another plane with&nbsp;20 migrants aboard landed in Sacramento. The groups were transported by the same contractor and were carrying documents pointing to the fact that their travel involved the state of Florida, LA Times cited California Department of Justice officials as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-hopeful-ron-desantis-equates-woke-to-form-of-cultural-marxism-600741">US Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis equates 'woke' to 'form of cultural Marxism'</a>

Newsom said that his administration is probing 'the circumstances around' who paid for the plane trips, or if the migrants were misled or the laws were violated, including kidnapping.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office was "evaluating potential criminal or civil action against those who transported or arranged for the transport of these vulnerable immigrants".

"State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting," he said in a statement.

<h2>California Governor Newsom refuses to back reparations proposal for Black residents</h2>

Days after a California panel voted to approve millions in reparations for Black residents in the state, Gavin Newsom refused to lend his support to the initiative.&nbsp;

Newsom said the reparations, meant to take responsibility for the country and state's apathy towards its Black residents in the past, was "much more than cash payments". &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Dealing with that legacy is about much more than cash payments. Many of the recommendations put forward by the Task Force are critical action items we’ve already been hard at work addressing," Newson told Fox News Digital.

"Breaking down barriers to vote, bolstering resources to address hate, enacting sweeping law enforcement and justice reforms to build trust and safety, strengthening economic mobility - all while investing billions to root out disparities and improve equity in housing, education, healthcare, and well beyond. This work must continue," he added.

The Democrat leader, however, applauded the work of the task force and said his administration will continue the process of healing.&nbsp;

"The Reparations Task Force’s independent findings and recommendations are a milestone in our bipartisan effort to advance justice and promote healing. This has been an important process, and we should continue to work as a nation to reconcile our original sin of slavery and understand how that history has shaped our country."

<h2>Nikki Haley criticises DeSantis over Ukraine war</h2>

Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former president Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

Haley, who previously served as the UN ambassador under Trump, took issue with their refusal to express a clear position on whether they want Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia.&nbsp;

In a recent statement, Trump stated that he wanted the war to end and that he would assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

DeSantis too has expressed his support for a settlement to the war and said he hoped for an end to the fighting by the time he becomes the president in January 2025.&nbsp;

Haley, during a CNN town hall event in Iowa, criticised DeSantis for referring to the conflict as a "territorial dispute",&nbsp;a statement he has since retracted.&nbsp;

"For them to sit there and say that this is a territorial dispute - that's just not the case, or to say that we should stay neutral," she told voters.

She argued that it is in the best interest of national security for Ukraine to win the conflict. The issue of Ukraine tends to divide Republicans due to varying positions on isolationism among primary voters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Monday, threatened his Florida counterpart Ron DeSantis with kidnapping charges after California officials released a statement saying that South American migrants were sent to Sacramento by the state of Florida as part of a political stunt.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Monday, threatened his Florida counterpart Ron DeSantis with kidnapping charges after California officials released a statement saying that South American migrants were sent to Sacramento by the state of Florida as part of a political stunt. Newsom took to Twitter and called the Florida governor and Republican presidential hopeful a “small, pathetic man”. He also cited state kidnapping laws in his tweet. “This isn’t Martha’s Vineyard. Kidnapping charges?” he said in the tweet, exemplifying last year's DeSantis’ action to send a group of Venezuelan migrants to the affluent liberal vacation spot in Massachusetts. .@RonDeSantis you small, pathetic man. This isn't Martha's Vineyard. Kidnapping charges? Read the following. https://t.co/kvuxe8Fb6F pic.twitter.com/KyE1lJiIYo — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 5, 2023 × Newsom said that sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were taken to New Mexico from Texas and flown on a chartered plane to Sacramento, where they were dropped off at a church on Friday. Days later on Monday, another plane with 20 migrants aboard landed in Sacramento. The groups were transported by the same contractor and were carrying documents pointing to the fact that their travel involved the state of Florida, LA Times cited California Department of Justice officials as saying. Also read: US Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis equates 'woke' to 'form of cultural Marxism' Newsom said that his administration is probing 'the circumstances around' who paid for the plane trips, or if the migrants were misled or the laws were violated, including kidnapping. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office was "evaluating potential criminal or civil action against those who transported or arranged for the transport of these vulnerable immigrants". "State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting," he said in a statement. California Governor Newsom refuses to back reparations proposal for Black residents Days after a California panel voted to approve millions in reparations for Black residents in the state, Gavin Newsom refused to lend his support to the initiative. Newsom said the reparations, meant to take responsibility for the country and state's apathy towards its Black residents in the past, was "much more than cash payments". "Dealing with that legacy is about much more than cash payments. Many of the recommendations put forward by the Task Force are critical action items we’ve already been hard at work addressing," Newson told Fox News Digital. "Breaking down barriers to vote, bolstering resources to address hate, enacting sweeping law enforcement and justice reforms to build trust and safety, strengthening economic mobility - all while investing billions to root out disparities and improve equity in housing, education, healthcare, and well beyond. This work must continue," he added. The Democrat leader, however, applauded the work of the task force and said his administration will continue the process of healing. "The Reparations Task Force’s independent findings and recommendations are a milestone in our bipartisan effort to advance justice and promote healing. This has been an important process, and we should continue to work as a nation to reconcile our original sin of slavery and understand how that history has shaped our country." Nikki Haley criticises DeSantis over Ukraine war Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate in the race for the US White House, has criticised her two contenders, former president Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia. Haley, who previously served as the UN ambassador under Trump, took issue with their refusal to express a clear position on whether they want Ukraine to succeed in its war against Russia. In a recent statement, Trump stated that he wanted the war to end and that he would assist in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. DeSantis too has expressed his support for a settlement to the war and said he hoped for an end to the fighting by the time he becomes the president in January 2025. Haley, during a CNN town hall event in Iowa, criticised DeSantis for referring to the conflict as a "territorial dispute", a statement he has since retracted. "For them to sit there and say that this is a territorial dispute - that's just not the case, or to say that we should stay neutral," she told voters. She argued that it is in the best interest of national security for Ukraine to win the conflict. The issue of Ukraine tends to divide Republicans due to varying positions on isolationism among primary voters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Newsom threatens DeSantis with kidnapping charges over migrant flights

Former US vice president Mike Pence has thrown his hat in the ring to compete for a Republican Party nomination for the 2024 US Presidential Election. This has pitted Pence against his ex-boss, former US president Donald Trump, who is also in the fray to win the Oval Office in 2024 polls. Trump is currently the leader of the pack within the Republican Party jostling for the presidential nomination. But the entry of Pence, his former lieutenant and a man with strong support among conservative voters, is sure to add an interesting element to the contest.

It is therefore important to know about the man who will take on America's ex-president.

<h2>So who is Mike Pence?</h2>

Mike Pence, 63, was born into an Irish Catholic family on June 7, 1959. He has six siblings. Mike Pence is not the only one from his house who is active in politics. His brother Greg is a Republican Party member in the US House of Representatives.

It is now perhaps impossible to separate Pence's image from that of the Republican Party now, but he was once a Democrat. And his family was too. Pence voted for Jimmy Carter in 1980 and considered John F Kennedy a role model.

<h2>Mike Pence college years</h2>

Pence became an evangelical Christian during his college years. His mother disapproved of this. Pence was influenced by former US president Ronald Reagan to join the Republican Party.

"His ideals inspired me to leave the party of my youth and become a Republican like he did," Pence said of Reagan in 2016.

Pence pursued BA in history at Hanover College in Indiana. He then earned a law degree from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, He worked as a lawyer and a conservative talk show host for some time. He met his wife, Karen, when he was at law school. They have three children.

<h2>Mike Pence political career</h2>

In 2001, Pence was elected to the US House of Representatives. He quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most conservative members.

"I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order," said Pence when he accepted to become running mate of Donald Trump before the 2016 US elections.

Pence had said that he does not believe in the theory of evolution and expressed displeasure that creationism, the theory that believes God created Earth and humans, is no longer taught in schools.

When Trump chose Pence as his running mate for 2016 elections, it was widely perceived as his move to solidify his support among conservative voters. Pence remained by Trump's side throughout the many scandals during his tenure. Pence repeatedly defended Trump or simply stayed silent.

The loyalty, however, was not repaid as Trump targetted Pence in the run-up to US Capitol riots (January 6, 2021). Trump wanted Pence to agree with his unproven stance that there was voter fraud in the election that he lost. This is seen as the breaking point in their relationship.

"Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," Trump wrote on Twitter on the afternoon of Jan. 6, while rioters were calling for Pence to be hanged.

"I think the times call for different leadership," Pence told NBC News in February, when asked whether Trump should be the next Republican presidential candidate. "I'm confident we'll have better choices than my old running mate."

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Former US vice president Mike Pence has thrown his hat in the ring to compete for a Republican Party nomination for the 2024 US Presidential Election. This has pitted Pence against his ex-boss, former US president Donald Trump, who is also in the fray to win the Oval Office in 2024 polls.

Former US vice president Mike Pence has thrown his hat in the ring to compete for a Republican Party nomination for the 2024 US Presidential Election. This has pitted Pence against his ex-boss, former US president Donald Trump, who is also in the fray to win the Oval Office in 2024 polls. Trump is currently the leader of the pack within the Republican Party jostling for the presidential nomination. But the entry of Pence, his former lieutenant and a man with strong support among conservative voters, is sure to add an interesting element to the contest. It is therefore important to know about the man who will take on America's ex-president. So who is Mike Pence? Mike Pence, 63, was born into an Irish Catholic family on June 7, 1959. He has six siblings. Mike Pence is not the only one from his house who is active in politics. His brother Greg is a Republican Party member in the US House of Representatives. It is now perhaps impossible to separate Pence's image from that of the Republican Party now, but he was once a Democrat. And his family was too. Pence voted for Jimmy Carter in 1980 and considered John F Kennedy a role model. Mike Pence college years Pence became an evangelical Christian during his college years. His mother disapproved of this. Pence was influenced by former US president Ronald Reagan to join the Republican Party. "His ideals inspired me to leave the party of my youth and become a Republican like he did," Pence said of Reagan in 2016. Pence pursued BA in history at Hanover College in Indiana. He then earned a law degree from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, He worked as a lawyer and a conservative talk show host for some time. He met his wife, Karen, when he was at law school. They have three children. Mike Pence political career In 2001, Pence was elected to the US House of Representatives. He quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most conservative members. "I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order," said Pence when he accepted to become running mate of Donald Trump before the 2016 US elections. Pence had said that he does not believe in the theory of evolution and expressed displeasure that creationism, the theory that believes God created Earth and humans, is no longer taught in schools. When Trump chose Pence as his running mate for 2016 elections, it was widely perceived as his move to solidify his support among conservative voters. Pence remained by Trump's side throughout the many scandals during his tenure. Pence repeatedly defended Trump or simply stayed silent. The loyalty, however, was not repaid as Trump targetted Pence in the run-up to US Capitol riots (January 6, 2021). Trump wanted Pence to agree with his unproven stance that there was voter fraud in the election that he lost. This is seen as the breaking point in their relationship. "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," Trump wrote on Twitter on the afternoon of Jan. 6, while rioters were calling for Pence to be hanged. "I think the times call for different leadership," Pence told NBC News in February, when asked whether Trump should be the next Republican presidential candidate. "I'm confident we'll have better choices than my old running mate." (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 ×

Who is Mike Pence, the former US VP who will take on his ex-boss Donald Trump?

In an effort&nbsp;to restore high-level communication&nbsp;amid ongoing difficulties, Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to China in the upcoming weeks for meetings with senior leaders, potentially including President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

After the US spotted what it claimed to be a Chinese surveillance balloon passing over the US mainland in February, Blinken decided against going to Beijing. As per Bloomberg reports,&nbsp;the precise time of Blinken's visit is still up in the air.

<h2>What would the visit mean?</h2>

The visit, if it happens, would be a part of President Joe Biden's effort to restore some normalcy to a relationship that has been strained by hostile military encounters, harsh economic sanctions, and claims from both sides that the other is endangering world security.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned of a “growing aggressiveness” by China after interceptions of a US ship and surveillance aircraft in recent weeks.

“It won’t be long before somebody gets hurt,” Kirby said.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, retaliated by criticising the US for&nbsp;“sending warships halfway around the world to China’s doorstep in a provocative way".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/modis-us-visit-a-rebound-from-historic-lows-but-dissident-notes-of-track-iii-diplomacy-abound-601153">Modi's US visit a rebound from historic lows, but dissident notes of Track III diplomacy abound</a>

At the same time, Kirby said that progress was being made by both parties to create new paths for inviting US Cabinet secretaries on visits.

At a forum&nbsp;in Singapore last week, China rejected US attempts to set up a meeting between the defence ministers of the two nations, but high-level communication has resumed in other areas. On Monday, "candid" discussions were held with Chinese officials by Daniel Kritenbrink, the chief representative of the US State Department for Asia. His visit came after CIA Director William Burns' stopover in May, and senior trade and commerce officials'&nbsp;recent&nbsp;visit.

<h2>China's reaction</h2>

A Chinese surveillance balloon was brought down by the United States in&nbsp;February&nbsp;after traversing the nation for a week's time. The balloon's deflation marked an explosive conclusion to a drama&nbsp;that had brought up a diplomatic crisis between the two superpowers of the world, reported&nbsp;The New York Times.&nbsp;

After the spy balloon&nbsp;had been circling the country for approximately a week, President Biden gave the order to shoot it down. &nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;US praises India's vibrant democracy ahead of PM Modi's visit

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China warned that it would retaliate,&nbsp;denouncing the action as an overreaction by the United States.

The Chinese balloon aggravated already strained relations between Beijing and Washington after the Biden administration announced that it was flying over the United States, particularly Montana with its 150 or more intercontinental ballistic missile silos.

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In an effort to restore high-level communication amid ongoing difficulties, Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to China in the upcoming weeks for meetings with senior leaders, potentially including President Xi Jinping.

In an effort to restore high-level communication amid ongoing difficulties, Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to China in the upcoming weeks for meetings with senior leaders, potentially including President Xi Jinping. After the US spotted what it claimed to be a Chinese surveillance balloon passing over the US mainland in February, Blinken decided against going to Beijing. As per Bloomberg reports, the precise time of Blinken's visit is still up in the air. What would the visit mean? The visit, if it happens, would be a part of President Joe Biden's effort to restore some normalcy to a relationship that has been strained by hostile military encounters, harsh economic sanctions, and claims from both sides that the other is endangering world security. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned of a “growing aggressiveness” by China after interceptions of a US ship and surveillance aircraft in recent weeks. “It won’t be long before somebody gets hurt,” Kirby said. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, retaliated by criticising the US for “sending warships halfway around the world to China’s doorstep in a provocative way". Also read | Modi's US visit a rebound from historic lows, but dissident notes of Track III diplomacy abound At the same time, Kirby said that progress was being made by both parties to create new paths for inviting US Cabinet secretaries on visits. At a forum in Singapore last week, China rejected US attempts to set up a meeting between the defence ministers of the two nations, but high-level communication has resumed in other areas. On Monday, "candid" discussions were held with Chinese officials by Daniel Kritenbrink, the chief representative of the US State Department for Asia. His visit came after CIA Director William Burns' stopover in May, and senior trade and commerce officials' recent visit. China's reaction A Chinese surveillance balloon was brought down by the United States in February after traversing the nation for a week's time. The balloon's deflation marked an explosive conclusion to a drama that had brought up a diplomatic crisis between the two superpowers of the world, reported The New York Times. After the spy balloon had been circling the country for approximately a week, President Biden gave the order to shoot it down. Also watch | US praises India's vibrant democracy ahead of PM Modi's visit China warned that it would retaliate, denouncing the action as an overreaction by the United States. The Chinese balloon aggravated already strained relations between Beijing and Washington after the Biden administration announced that it was flying over the United States, particularly Montana with its 150 or more intercontinental ballistic missile silos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Secretary of State Blinken scheduled to visit Beijing for talks in coming weeks: Report

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's diplomatic visit to India is the centre of attention. The US defence secretary has arrived in India's capital city of New Delhi after taking part in the Shangri-La Summit in Singapore. Austin is currently in India for a two-day visit to discuss a variety of bilateral issues with India's defence minister, Rajnath Singh. This is the defence secretary's second visit to India; the previous one was in March 2021.

US praises India's vibrant democracy ahead of PM Modi's visit

Binance and its founder-CEO Changpeng Zhao are accused of operating a web of deception that included artificially inflating its trading volumes and diverting customer assets. The US regulators also alleged that Sigma Chain, a trading firm owned and controlled by Zhao, engaged in wash trading between September 2019 and June 2022. The wash trading included artificially inflating the trading volume of crypto asset securities on Binance.

US sues Binance, founder Zhao alleging securities law violations

The World's undisputed king of currency is facing a fresh set of challenges. The US dollar has always dominated global trade while being the world's reserve currency. Nations around the world are, however, sceptical about US Dollar. They want to reduce this dependency on single foreign currency. Taking an initiative, BRICS nations are trying to attract hangers-on by whipping up talk of a rival currency.

Is BRICS raging against the US Dollar an exercise in futility?

Migrants becoming bondsmen is not a controversial first in the United States; rather, today Oklahoma approved a religious charter school that will be funded by taxpayers. The school board voted three to two in favour of the charter school, which will now be run by two Catholic organisations.

Oklahoma approves first US taxpayer-funded religious school

Unfortunately, immigrants in the United States have turned into pawns; in fact, they have always been used as pawns. These are the people who were dragged out of their countries only to be pushed around inside the country for political games that are played. Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor for the past five years, is at the centre of the problem.

US: Migrants fall prey to differences between Newsom and DeSantis

Indonesia launched a multilateral naval exercise in its water on Monday. 36 countries including US, China, India and Russia are participating in the three-day military drill. The world's biggest archipelago is conducting a large-scale non-war exercise.

Indonesia: 36 countries including US, China participate in multilateral naval exercise

Next year will mark America's 60th Presidential competition, US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, is seeking a re-election and launched his campaign last month. Now the question which still remains unanswered is - who will be the Republican candidate to challenge the incumbent President for the White House race?

Mike Pence announces White House bid | Trump still remains frontrunner for Republicans

Fortune magazine released its annual Fortune 500 list of largest corporations in the United States, on Monday (June 5) and for the first time in its nearly seven-decade history over 10 per cent of companies on the list have female CEOs. Additionally, the magazine also reported that there are more Black CEOs than ever before.&nbsp;

In 2023, the revenue threshold for making the Fortune 500 list was $7.2 billion, also up by 13 per cent when compared to last year. Notably, these companies on this list represent two-thirds of the US GDP with $18 trillion in revenue.&nbsp;

While these record-breaking numbers of female and Black CEOs objectively sound good they are not necessarily when compared to the bigger&nbsp;picture.&nbsp;

<h2>Why are these numbers bad?</h2>

This year’s Fortune 500 reported 52 women who run the companies on the list which is up from 44, in 2022 this time around. This amounts to more than 10 per cent of the biggest businesses in the US being run by the “opposite sex”.&nbsp;

US company CVS Health, which ranks number six on the list with $323 billion in revenue, is led by CEO Karen Lynch. CVS is also reported to be one of the largest companies in history which is led by a woman, but it is worth noting that the cost of healthcare in the US is higher than most countries.&nbsp;

“There are signs of progress—slow, but real—in this year’s Fortune 500,” writes Fortune, Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell. Furthermore, she also questions why healthcare companies like CVS are “so big” to begin with, as she compares the list from 1995 when no healthcare companies made it to the top 25 as opposed to this year when there are eight.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fortune-500-list-records-maximum-women-ceos-601016">Gravitas: Fortune 500 list records maximum women CEOs</a>

“The reality is that no other country monetizes its sick and elderly the way the US does. And the high cost of care contributes to health and wealth inequities here, too—not to mention burdensome costs for other businesses,” Shontell writes in the foreword to the June/July 2023 issue of the magazine.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the magazine also reported that there are more Black CEOs running companies ranked in the Fortune 500 than ever before but there are just eight of them. Therefore, as Shontells said while there are signs of real change&nbsp;in terms of diversity in&nbsp;corporate America,&nbsp;progress remains slow.&nbsp;

<h2>Top 10 companies on the 2023 Fortune 500 list:&nbsp;</h2>

1. Walmart 
2. Amazon.com 
3. Exxon Mobil 
4. Apple 
5. UnitedHealth Group 
6. CVS Health 
7. Berkshire Hathaway 
8. Alphabet 
9. McKesson 
10. Chevron

This year’s list of Fortune 500 is based on over 200 diﬀerent cities spread across 38 US states. Notably, Walmart managed to retain its position at the top of the list for the 11th year in a row with a total revenue of $5.7 trillion. 
 
The magazine also noted that UnitedHealth Group is the highest-ranked healthcare company on the list followed by CVS. Furthermore, Texas was home to most Fortune 500s with the headquarters of more than 50 companies in the US state.&nbsp; 
 
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Fortune magazine released its annual Fortune 500 list of largest corporations in the United States, on Monday (June 5) and for the first time in its nearly seven-decade history over 10 per cent of companies on the list have female CEOs.

Fortune magazine released its annual Fortune 500 list of largest corporations in the United States, on Monday (June 5) and for the first time in its nearly seven-decade history over 10 per cent of companies on the list have female CEOs. Additionally, the magazine also reported that there are more Black CEOs than ever before. In 2023, the revenue threshold for making the Fortune 500 list was $7.2 billion, also up by 13 per cent when compared to last year. Notably, these companies on this list represent two-thirds of the US GDP with $18 trillion in revenue. While these record-breaking numbers of female and Black CEOs objectively sound good they are not necessarily when compared to the bigger picture. Why are these numbers bad? This year’s Fortune 500 reported 52 women who run the companies on the list which is up from 44, in 2022 this time around. This amounts to more than 10 per cent of the biggest businesses in the US being run by the “opposite sex”. US company CVS Health, which ranks number six on the list with $323 billion in revenue, is led by CEO Karen Lynch. CVS is also reported to be one of the largest companies in history which is led by a woman, but it is worth noting that the cost of healthcare in the US is higher than most countries. “There are signs of progress—slow, but real—in this year’s Fortune 500,” writes Fortune, Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell. Furthermore, she also questions why healthcare companies like CVS are “so big” to begin with, as she compares the list from 1995 when no healthcare companies made it to the top 25 as opposed to this year when there are eight. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Fortune 500 list records maximum women CEOs “The reality is that no other country monetizes its sick and elderly the way the US does. And the high cost of care contributes to health and wealth inequities here, too—not to mention burdensome costs for other businesses,” Shontell writes in the foreword to the June/July 2023 issue of the magazine. Meanwhile, the magazine also reported that there are more Black CEOs running companies ranked in the Fortune 500 than ever before but there are just eight of them. Therefore, as Shontells said while there are signs of real change in terms of diversity in corporate America, progress remains slow. Top 10 companies on the 2023 Fortune 500 list: 1. Walmart 2. Amazon.com 3. Exxon Mobil 4. Apple 5. UnitedHealth Group 6. CVS Health 7. Berkshire Hathaway 8. Alphabet 9. McKesson 10. Chevron This year’s list of Fortune 500 is based on over 200 diﬀerent cities spread across 38 US states. Notably, Walmart managed to retain its position at the top of the list for the 11th year in a row with a total revenue of $5.7 trillion. The magazine also noted that UnitedHealth Group is the highest-ranked healthcare company on the list followed by CVS. Furthermore, Texas was home to most Fortune 500s with the headquarters of more than 50 companies in the US state. 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.

Fortune 500 reports a record number of female, Black CEOs. But the numbers are not good: Here’s why

California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared to threaten his Florida counterpart Ron DeSantis with kidnapping charges Monday, over migrant flights. WION tells you more in this report.

Gavin Newsom threatens Ron DeSantis with kidnapping charges

The fighting between Sudan’s warring factions has reportedly intensified after the expiration of the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire deal, on Monday (June 5). This also comes as the US has announced sanctions against both the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for provoking “appalling” bloodshed.&nbsp;

<h2>What is happening in Sudan?</h2>

As of Monday morning, Reuters citing residents has reported shelling in western areas of the Sundanese capital city of Khartoum after the rival military factions fought through the night. The fighting is now entering its eighth week with no signs of stopping after it intensified following the expiration of a US-Saudi Arabia-brokered ceasefire deal, late Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, witnesses, as per AFP, have reported “artillery fire” in eastern Khartoum and around the state television building which is in the capital’s sister city Omdurman. This comes after residents have also reported intense fighting across three major cities Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri.&nbsp;

As per reports, Sudan’s army said that it has brought in reinforcements from other parts of the country for “operations” in the Khartoum area. Meanwhile, speaking about the looting, a 37-year-old resident Mohamed Saleh told Reuters, “The neighbourhood where we live in the centre of Omdurman is looted publicly on a daily basis without anyone intervening to prevent it, with clashes and shelling continuing around us.”&nbsp;

Another resident told the news agency that in Khartoum East district, RSF troops have spread across the capital city and were in full control and looting “whatever they can get their hands on”.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, since the fighting first erupted on April 15 more than 1,800 people have been killed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, residents have also reported worsening in Sudan’s far west region of Darfur. Citing activists who monitor the region, Reuters reported that at least 40 people have been killed while dozens more were wounded. On Monday, the RSF also released a video supposedly showing that it has taken over army headquarters in Kutum in North Darfur State.&nbsp;

Doctors Without Borders (MSF), on Friday, describing the dire situation in Darfur said “armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying,” as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>US sanctions Sudan’s industries, people&nbsp;</h2>

Last week, the US sanctioned&nbsp;Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd and arms trader Tradive General Trading, two companies controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US Treasury also sanctioned two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Defence Industries System and Sudan Master Technology.&nbsp;“The United States stands on the side of civilians against those who perpetuate violence towards the people of Sudan,” said US Treasury&nbsp;Secretary,&nbsp;Janet&nbsp;Yellen.&nbsp; 
 
This was in addition to the visa restrictions&nbsp;imposed by the US State Department&nbsp;against the&nbsp;leaders of the warring factions for “undermining” the country’s “democratic transition,” without naming them.&nbsp;

Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has extended its political mission in Sudan for six months after the Sudanese Army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the UN envoy Volker Perthes of stoking the violence in the country and called for his removal.

However, the request was rejected by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who reiterated his “full confidence” in Perthes.&nbsp;So far, more than 1.2 million have been displaced within Sudan due to the conflict while 400,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, as per the UN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The fighting between Sudan’s warring factions has reportedly intensified after the expiration of the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire deal, on Monday (June 5).

The fighting between Sudan’s warring factions has reportedly intensified after the expiration of the United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire deal, on Monday (June 5). This also comes as the US has announced sanctions against both the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for provoking “appalling” bloodshed. What is happening in Sudan? As of Monday morning, Reuters citing residents has reported shelling in western areas of the Sundanese capital city of Khartoum after the rival military factions fought through the night. The fighting is now entering its eighth week with no signs of stopping after it intensified following the expiration of a US-Saudi Arabia-brokered ceasefire deal, late Saturday. Meanwhile, witnesses, as per AFP, have reported “artillery fire” in eastern Khartoum and around the state television building which is in the capital’s sister city Omdurman. This comes after residents have also reported intense fighting across three major cities Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri. As per reports, Sudan’s army said that it has brought in reinforcements from other parts of the country for “operations” in the Khartoum area. Meanwhile, speaking about the looting, a 37-year-old resident Mohamed Saleh told Reuters, “The neighbourhood where we live in the centre of Omdurman is looted publicly on a daily basis without anyone intervening to prevent it, with clashes and shelling continuing around us.” Another resident told the news agency that in Khartoum East district, RSF troops have spread across the capital city and were in full control and looting “whatever they can get their hands on”. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, since the fighting first erupted on April 15 more than 1,800 people have been killed. Meanwhile, residents have also reported worsening in Sudan’s far west region of Darfur. Citing activists who monitor the region, Reuters reported that at least 40 people have been killed while dozens more were wounded. On Monday, the RSF also released a video supposedly showing that it has taken over army headquarters in Kutum in North Darfur State. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), on Friday, describing the dire situation in Darfur said “armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying,” as quoted by AFP. US sanctions Sudan’s industries, people Last week, the US sanctioned Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd and arms trader Tradive General Trading, two companies controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family. Meanwhile, the US Treasury also sanctioned two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Defence Industries System and Sudan Master Technology. “The United States stands on the side of civilians against those who perpetuate violence towards the people of Sudan,” said US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen. This was in addition to the visa restrictions imposed by the US State Department against the leaders of the warring factions for “undermining” the country’s “democratic transition,” without naming them. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has extended its political mission in Sudan for six months after the Sudanese Army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the UN envoy Volker Perthes of stoking the violence in the country and called for his removal. However, the request was rejected by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who reiterated his “full confidence” in Perthes. So far, more than 1.2 million have been displaced within Sudan due to the conflict while 400,000 have fled to neighbouring countries, as per the UN. (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.

Sudan: Shelling, looting continue as fighting worsens after ceasefire expires; US imposes sanctions

Iran unveiled what is being&nbsp;described as its first-ever domestically-made hypersonic ballistic missile ‘Fattah’, on Tuesday (June 6), reported the state-run IRNA news agency. The missile is said to be capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and can reportedly penetrate the most advanced&nbsp;missile defence systems.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Fattah’: What do we know about Iran’s new missile?</h2>

The hypersonic missile named by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei&nbsp;'Fattah' in Farsi, which roughly translates to “the opener,”&nbsp;as per Al Jazeera, was unveiled&nbsp;on Tuesday, at a ceremony, the images of which were posted by the state media.&nbsp;

It showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the unveiling of the missile. "Today we feel that the deterrent power has been formed. This power is an anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries," said Raisi&nbsp;at the event, as per the Associated Press.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-fateh-missile-that-iran-is-rumored-to-deliver-to-russia-526073">What is the Fateh missile that Iran is rumored to deliver to Russia?</a>

“The precision-guided Fattah hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 km and it is capable of penetrating all defence shields,” said the head of the IRGC’s aerospace force, Amirali Hajizadeh, as quoted by Reuters citing the Iranian state television. The missile can move at a speed of up to Mach 15 (5,145 metres or 16,880 feet per second), reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

“It can bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States and the Zionist regime, including Israel's Iron Dome,” reported Reuters, citing Iran’s state TV, adding that the missile is a “big generational leap in the field of missiles”.&nbsp;

This missile also comes months after the IRGC aerospace chief first made the announcement back in November at an event marking the death anniversary of Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, known as the father of Iranian missile technology.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-developed-a-hypersonic-missile-that-can-penetrate-advanced-air-defence-system-532874">Iran claims it has developed hypersonic missile that can ‘penetrate advanced air defence system’</a>

“The Fattah cannot be destroyed by any other missile due to how it moves in different directions and at different altitudes,” said Hajizadeh, on Tuesday, as quoted by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran’s supposed nuclear ambitions raise concerns</h2>

The announcement last year prompted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi to express concern, as hypersonic missiles, like ballistic missiles,&nbsp;can be equipped with nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

However, Grossi said that the new missile would not have “any influence” on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear activities. The United States had unilaterally withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed renewed sanctions. Since then, Tehran has not been obligated to follow the strict limits it agreed to on&nbsp;its nuclear activities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-developed-long-range-cruise-missile-565701">&nbsp;Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West</a>

Meanwhile, countries in the West and Israel have raised concerns over Iran’s missile programme, which they say can be used to carry nuclear warheads. However,&nbsp;Tehran has said that it is not pursuing any such plans.&nbsp;

Israel, which the Islamic Republic refuses to recognise, had also recently suggested the possibility of military action against Iran as efforts by six world powers to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal have stalled.

<h2>Iran’s ‘Khaibar’ ballistic missile</h2>

Late last month, Iran claimed to have&nbsp;successfully test-launched its 4th generation Khorramshahr, “Khaibar.” The missile in question was the surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres and was able to carry a 1,500 kg warhead.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-iran-claims-to-have-successfully-conducted-test-launch-of-ballistic-missile-596561/#about-the-test-launch-596566">In pics | Iran claims to have successfully conducted test-launch of ballistic missile</a>

Iran has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East and has produced missiles capable of&nbsp;hitting its rivals Israel and the US bases, as per media reports.&nbsp;The Islamic Republic has maintained that it will further develop its “defensive” missile programme.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Iran unveiled what is being described as its first-ever domestically-made hypersonic ballistic missile ‘Fattah’, on Tuesday (June 6), reported the state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran unveiled what is being described as its first-ever domestically-made hypersonic ballistic missile ‘Fattah’, on Tuesday (June 6), reported the state-run IRNA news agency. The missile is said to be capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and can reportedly penetrate the most advanced missile defence systems. ‘Fattah’: What do we know about Iran’s new missile? The hypersonic missile named by the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'Fattah' in Farsi, which roughly translates to “the opener,” as per Al Jazeera, was unveiled on Tuesday, at a ceremony, the images of which were posted by the state media. It showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the unveiling of the missile. "Today we feel that the deterrent power has been formed. This power is an anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries," said Raisi at the event, as per the Associated Press. ALSO READ | What is the Fateh missile that Iran is rumored to deliver to Russia? “The precision-guided Fattah hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 km and it is capable of penetrating all defence shields,” said the head of the IRGC’s aerospace force, Amirali Hajizadeh, as quoted by Reuters citing the Iranian state television. The missile can move at a speed of up to Mach 15 (5,145 metres or 16,880 feet per second), reported Al Jazeera. “It can bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States and the Zionist regime, including Israel's Iron Dome,” reported Reuters, citing Iran’s state TV, adding that the missile is a “big generational leap in the field of missiles”. This missile also comes months after the IRGC aerospace chief first made the announcement back in November at an event marking the death anniversary of Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, known as the father of Iranian missile technology. ALSO READ | Iran claims it has developed hypersonic missile that can ‘penetrate advanced air defence system’ “The Fattah cannot be destroyed by any other missile due to how it moves in different directions and at different altitudes,” said Hajizadeh, on Tuesday, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Iran’s supposed nuclear ambitions raise concerns The announcement last year prompted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi to express concern, as hypersonic missiles, like ballistic missiles, can be equipped with nuclear warheads. However, Grossi said that the new missile would not have “any influence” on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear activities. The United States had unilaterally withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed renewed sanctions. Since then, Tehran has not been obligated to follow the strict limits it agreed to on its nuclear activities. ALSO READ | Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West Meanwhile, countries in the West and Israel have raised concerns over Iran’s missile programme, which they say can be used to carry nuclear warheads. However, Tehran has said that it is not pursuing any such plans. Israel, which the Islamic Republic refuses to recognise, had also recently suggested the possibility of military action against Iran as efforts by six world powers to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal have stalled. Iran’s ‘Khaibar’ ballistic missile Late last month, Iran claimed to have successfully test-launched its 4th generation Khorramshahr, “Khaibar.” The missile in question was the surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres and was able to carry a 1,500 kg warhead. ALSO READ | In pics | Iran claims to have successfully conducted test-launch of ballistic missile Iran has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East and has produced missiles capable of hitting its rivals Israel and the US bases, as per media reports. The Islamic Republic has maintained that it will further develop its “defensive” missile programme. (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.

Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile ‘Fattah’: Here's what we know

The mother of a six-year-old boy who has been accused of shooting and critically injuring his first-grade teacher in Virginia earlier this year is now facing two new federal counts, according to court records filed on Monday (June 5).

Deja Taylor is accused of making a false statement while purchasing a handgun and of taking a controlled substance illegally while in possession of a gun. Taylor was previously charged with child abuse and endangerment in April on felony counts, reported CBS News.&nbsp;

Taylor "knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to Winfree Firearms," a gun shop in Grafton, Va., from which she purchased a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, court documents filed with the US&nbsp;District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia allege.&nbsp;

The documents also indicate that Taylor misrepresented her marijuana use on application forms submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On January 6, when she was seated at a reading table in her classroom, Abby Zwerner, a 25-year-old teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, was shot in the hand and the chest by a student. &nbsp;Since the incident, she has undergone four surgeries and spent over two weeks in the hospital.

The boy was not prosecuted in relation to the shooting, but his mother was, according to an indictment handed by a grand jury, charged with "felony child neglect and misdemeanour recklessly leaving a loaded firearm so as to endanger a child," Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn stated in April. According to WTVR, a CBS station, Taylor will go back to court in August to provide evidence for these allegations.

Police said that the youngster used his mother's lawfully acquired gun.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/only-in-america-an-epidemic-of-gun-violence-without-a-cure-556046">Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure</a>

The gun, according to family members, was locked up. They also mentioned that the six-year-old child had an acute disability.

Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school in April, charging administrators with willful disregard for repeated warnings that the student was armed and in a "violent mood"

<h2>America's perennial gun problem</h2>

In just the first few months of the year,&nbsp;shootings have frequently grabbed headlines.&nbsp;According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/">Gun Violence Archive</a>, at least 13,959 people have died in the United States from gun violence as of May 1, 2023&nbsp;- or around 115 people each day on average.

The vast majority of deaths from gun violence this year have been suicides. In 2023, there were 66 suicide fatalities on average each day.&nbsp;

There have been 184 mass shootings in 2023 so far, which is defined by the Gun Violence Archive as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed. These mass shootings have led to 248 deaths and 744 injuries.

The majority of these deaths have taken place&nbsp;in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois and Louisiana.

Alabama became the most recent state in the United States to eliminate the requirement for a state permit that includes a background check to carry a concealed handgun.&nbsp;In simple terms, a person no longer needs a license to legally carry a concealed handgun in public as per this law.

Also watch |&nbsp;US gun violence crisis: How easy is it to buy guns?

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With this move, half of the 50 states in the US now let anyone carry handguns without a permit—a provision that was restricted to Vermont and Alaska 13 years ago.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention firearm fatality data for 2020,&nbsp;the total number of deaths from firearm-related incidents in the US rose to 45,222 in 2020, the most the CDC has ever documented since it started keeping track of such deaths in 1968.&nbsp;This roughly translates to 124 individuals on average dying from gun violence each day.

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The mother of a six-year-old boy who has been accused of shooting and critically injuring his first-grade teacher in Virginia earlier this year is now facing two new federal counts, according to court records filed on Monday (June 5).

The mother of a six-year-old boy who has been accused of shooting and critically injuring his first-grade teacher in Virginia earlier this year is now facing two new federal counts, according to court records filed on Monday (June 5). Deja Taylor is accused of making a false statement while purchasing a handgun and of taking a controlled substance illegally while in possession of a gun. Taylor was previously charged with child abuse and endangerment in April on felony counts, reported CBS News. Taylor "knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to Winfree Firearms," a gun shop in Grafton, Va., from which she purchased a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, court documents filed with the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia allege. The documents also indicate that Taylor misrepresented her marijuana use on application forms submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. On January 6, when she was seated at a reading table in her classroom, Abby Zwerner, a 25-year-old teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, was shot in the hand and the chest by a student. Since the incident, she has undergone four surgeries and spent over two weeks in the hospital. The boy was not prosecuted in relation to the shooting, but his mother was, according to an indictment handed by a grand jury, charged with "felony child neglect and misdemeanour recklessly leaving a loaded firearm so as to endanger a child," Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn stated in April. According to WTVR, a CBS station, Taylor will go back to court in August to provide evidence for these allegations. Police said that the youngster used his mother's lawfully acquired gun. Also read | Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure The gun, according to family members, was locked up. They also mentioned that the six-year-old child had an acute disability. Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school in April, charging administrators with willful disregard for repeated warnings that the student was armed and in a "violent mood" America's perennial gun problem In just the first few months of the year, shootings have frequently grabbed headlines. According to the Gun Violence Archive, at least 13,959 people have died in the United States from gun violence as of May 1, 2023 - or around 115 people each day on average. The vast majority of deaths from gun violence this year have been suicides. In 2023, there were 66 suicide fatalities on average each day. There have been 184 mass shootings in 2023 so far, which is defined by the Gun Violence Archive as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed. These mass shootings have led to 248 deaths and 744 injuries. The majority of these deaths have taken place in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois and Louisiana. Alabama became the most recent state in the United States to eliminate the requirement for a state permit that includes a background check to carry a concealed handgun. In simple terms, a person no longer needs a license to legally carry a concealed handgun in public as per this law. Also watch | US gun violence crisis: How easy is it to buy guns? With this move, half of the 50 states in the US now let anyone carry handguns without a permit—a provision that was restricted to Vermont and Alaska 13 years ago. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention firearm fatality data for 2020, the total number of deaths from firearm-related incidents in the US rose to 45,222 in 2020, the most the CDC has ever documented since it started keeping track of such deaths in 1968. This roughly translates to 124 individuals on average dying from gun violence each day. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Mother of 6-year-old boy who shot teacher faces new federal charges

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