In Pics | Countries that have legalised cryptocurrencies

A new virus is picking up the steam. Should it be considered as a new threat? While the cases of COVID & RSV are falling, another respiratory virus called HMPV is spreading. In early March, around 20% of antigen tests & nearly 11% of PCR tests for HMPV were positive in the US. Cases of human metapneumovirus spiked this spring.

What is HMPV respiratory virus that is wreaking havoc in the US?

<p>The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers. About 30 soldiers were injured. The election to choose the mayors, boycotted by Serbs had seen a paltry voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serbs here do not see ethnic Albanian mayors to be their real representatives.</p>

<p>The US expelled Kosovo from an ongoing US-led military exercise in Europe. US Ambassador in Kosovan capital Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier made the announcement.</p>

<p>"For Kosovo, this exercise is over," Hovenier said in comments to local media in Pristina.</p>

<p>US is the among the biggest international backers of Kosovo and had supported its independence from Serbia in 2008. The expulsion from military exercise is being seen as the first US step to indicate Kosovo that all is&nbsp;not well in the current scenario.</p>

<p>The US ambassador also threatened Kosovo with an unprecedented move to end diplomatic support and stop international lobbying for recognition of the Balkan nation.</p>

<p>Serbia's allies, Russia and China have refused to recognise Kosovo so far. This had kept the nation from having a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p>"You don’t find a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the United States to respond to Kosovo’s other interests, such as engaging in non-recognisers or working actively to advance Kosovo’s European or Euro-Atlantic trajectory," Hovenier said.</p>

<p>The US ambassador added that "the actions taken by the government of Kosovo...have created this crisis atmosphere in the north".</p>

<p>"We have asked prime minister Kurti very directly to take immediate steps to achieve de-escalation in the north. He has not been responsive to those requests," Hovenier said.</p>

<h2><strong>The clashes</strong></h2>

<p>Kosovan government, on Monday sought to install the ethnic Albanian mayors using police force. The clashes&nbsp;erupted soon. NATO troops had to intervene and control the crowd using shields and baton. Molotov cocktails were hurled at the NATO troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 30 peacekeepers — 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians — were wounded in the clashes, according to a KFOR press release.</p>

<p>Among the protesters, 52 were injured, three of them "seriously", while five Serbs were arrested for taking part in the clashes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers.

The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers. About 30 soldiers were injured. The election to choose the mayors, boycotted by Serbs had seen a paltry voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serbs here do not see ethnic Albanian mayors to be their real representatives. The US expelled Kosovo from an ongoing US-led military exercise in Europe. US Ambassador in Kosovan capital Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier made the announcement. "For Kosovo, this exercise is over," Hovenier said in comments to local media in Pristina. US is the among the biggest international backers of Kosovo and had supported its independence from Serbia in 2008. The expulsion from military exercise is being seen as the first US step to indicate Kosovo that all is not well in the current scenario. The US ambassador also threatened Kosovo with an unprecedented move to end diplomatic support and stop international lobbying for recognition of the Balkan nation. Serbia's allies, Russia and China have refused to recognise Kosovo so far. This had kept the nation from having a seat at the United Nations. "You don’t find a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the United States to respond to Kosovo’s other interests, such as engaging in non-recognisers or working actively to advance Kosovo’s European or Euro-Atlantic trajectory," Hovenier said. The US ambassador added that "the actions taken by the government of Kosovo...have created this crisis atmosphere in the north". "We have asked prime minister Kurti very directly to take immediate steps to achieve de-escalation in the north. He has not been responsive to those requests," Hovenier said. The clashes Kosovan government, on Monday sought to install the ethnic Albanian mayors using police force. The clashes erupted soon. NATO troops had to intervene and control the crowd using shields and baton. Molotov cocktails were hurled at the NATO troops. A total of 30 peacekeepers — 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians — were wounded in the clashes, according to a KFOR press release. Among the protesters, 52 were injured, three of them "seriously", while five Serbs were arrested for taking part in the clashes. 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.

US expels Kosovo from military exercises after ethnic Serb clashes leave NATO troops injured

The UN Nuclear chief stressed that the world is fortunate a nuclear accident hasn’t happened in Ukraine. IAEA Chief pushed Moscow and Kyiv to commit to preventing any attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Russian and Ukrainian envoys at the United Nations blamed each other's countries for the crisis, although they did not reject the principles put forward by the IAEA.

UN pushes Russia & Ukraine to protect Europe's largest nuclear power facility | Details

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of seeking to frighten Russia after drones hit Moscow's high-rises as the drones struck in and around Moscow. The US said that it does not support attacks inside Russia.

Putin slams Ukraine after drone attack | US says, 'Kyiv must use arms to defend & retake areas'

Putin slams Ukraine as drones hit Moscow, says 'Kyiv seeking to frighten Russians'

In Pics | Panic hits Seoul after North Korea attempts satellite launch

<p>Under heat from conservatives, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy worked&nbsp;frantically&nbsp;Tuesday (May 30)&nbsp;to persuade other Republicans to support the debt ceiling and budget agreement he signed&nbsp;with President Joe Biden in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic US&nbsp;default.</p>

<p>Leaders of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus slammed the deal for falling well short of the expenditure cutbacks they seek, vowing to block its approval in Congress, as reported by the Associated press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican Study Committee, a far larger conservative bloc, remained silent. Even rank-and-file moderate conservatives were divided, leaving McCarthy urgently seeking support.</p>

<p>The House Rules Committee voted 7-6 Tuesday to send a bill to the entire House dealing with the federal debt ceiling, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.</p>

<p>The House as a whole is set to vote on Wednesday.</p>

<h2><strong>What would an approval from both the House and Senate mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Quick passage by both the House and Senate would ensure that federal payments continue to be issued to social security beneficiaries, veterans, and others, as well as preventing economic turmoil across&nbsp;the world by allowing the Treasury to continue paying US bills.</p>

<p>The agreement, as outlined in the 99-page law, would limit spending over the next two years, but it contains environmental policy changes and enhanced job requirements for certain senior food aid recipients, both of which Democrats fiercely oppose.</p>

<p>According to the White House, Biden was communicating directly to lawmakers, making more than 100 one-on-one calls. Top administration officials are on their way to Capitol Hill to inform Democrats secretly ahead of the scheduled vote on Wednesday.</p>

<p>With few members anticipated to be completely happy, Biden and McCarthy are hoping to gain majority approval from the Senate.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lashes-out-at-kosovo-after-clashes-with-ethnic-serbs-598528">US expels Kosovo from military exercises after ethnic Serb clashes involving NATO troops</a></p>

<p>The House plans to vote on the bill on Wednesday and send it to the Senate, where Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader McConnell are aiming for passage by the end of the week.</p>

<p>Schumer referred to the bill as a "sensible compromise." McCarthy, according to McConnell, "deserves our thanks."</p>

<p>Senators, who had mostly stood on the sidelines during much of the president's and House Speaker's deliberations, began to intervene more aggressively in the argument.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Is United States provoking China by using Philippines?</strong></p>

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<p>Some senators are pressing on modifications from both the left and right edges to modify the plan. This might need lengthy deliberations, delaying ultimate acceptance of the agreement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Under heat from conservatives, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy worked frantically Tuesday (May 30) to persuade other Republicans to support the debt ceiling and budget agreement he signed with President Joe Biden in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic US default.

Under heat from conservatives, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy worked frantically Tuesday (May 30) to persuade other Republicans to support the debt ceiling and budget agreement he signed with President Joe Biden in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic US default. Leaders of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus slammed the deal for falling well short of the expenditure cutbacks they seek, vowing to block its approval in Congress, as reported by the Associated press. The Republican Study Committee, a far larger conservative bloc, remained silent. Even rank-and-file moderate conservatives were divided, leaving McCarthy urgently seeking support. The House Rules Committee voted 7-6 Tuesday to send a bill to the entire House dealing with the federal debt ceiling, with two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. The House as a whole is set to vote on Wednesday. What would an approval from both the House and Senate mean? Quick passage by both the House and Senate would ensure that federal payments continue to be issued to social security beneficiaries, veterans, and others, as well as preventing economic turmoil across the world by allowing the Treasury to continue paying US bills. The agreement, as outlined in the 99-page law, would limit spending over the next two years, but it contains environmental policy changes and enhanced job requirements for certain senior food aid recipients, both of which Democrats fiercely oppose. According to the White House, Biden was communicating directly to lawmakers, making more than 100 one-on-one calls. Top administration officials are on their way to Capitol Hill to inform Democrats secretly ahead of the scheduled vote on Wednesday. With few members anticipated to be completely happy, Biden and McCarthy are hoping to gain majority approval from the Senate. ALSO READ | US expels Kosovo from military exercises after ethnic Serb clashes involving NATO troops The House plans to vote on the bill on Wednesday and send it to the Senate, where Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican Leader McConnell are aiming for passage by the end of the week. Schumer referred to the bill as a "sensible compromise." McCarthy, according to McConnell, "deserves our thanks." Senators, who had mostly stood on the sidelines during much of the president's and House Speaker's deliberations, began to intervene more aggressively in the argument. ALSO WATCH | Is United States provoking China by using Philippines? Some senators are pressing on modifications from both the left and right edges to modify the plan. This might need lengthy deliberations, delaying ultimate acceptance of the agreement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Debt limit deal heads to vote in full House while McCarthy seeks Republican approval

<p>The United States sanctioned 17 people and entities in China and Mexico on Tuesday for facilitating the creation of counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills, as the Biden administration works to reduce imports of the lethal substance.</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;Treasury Department, in a statement, said it slapped sanctions on seven entities and six people based in China, as well as one business and three people based in Mexico, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>It accused individuals of selling pill press machines and other equipment used to impress counterfeit trade markings onto illegally made tablets, which were frequently laced with fentanyl and bound for the United States.</p>

<p>“Treasury’s sanctions target every stage of the deadly supply chain fueling the surge in fentanyl poisonings and deaths across the country,” the Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in the statement.</p>

<p>“Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl constitute a leading cause of these deaths, devastating thousands of American families each year. We remain committed to using all authorities against enablers of illicit drug production to disrupt this deadly global production and counter the threat posed by these drugs," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-xylazine-flesh-eating-zombie-medicine-fuelling-overdoses-across-us-595898">Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US</a></p>

<p>According to research released&nbsp;earlier this month by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of drug overdose deaths containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl more than quadrupled in the United States between 2016 and 2021.</p>

<p>Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and it is increasingly being combined with other illegal substances, frequently with disastrous effects.</p>

<p>According to government estimates, the number of drug-related overdose deaths in the United States will exceed 100,000 by 2021, prompting the Biden administration to call for action.</p>

<h2><strong>Fentanyl deaths on the rise</strong></h2>

<p>Based on data provided by the consulting firm California Health Policy Strategies, drug overdoses now kill two to three times as many people in the region as car crashes. Synthetic opioid-related fatalities have surged by 1,027 per cent&nbsp;since 2017.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Fentanyl overdose crisis in USA: An American drug epidemic</strong></p>

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<p>National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS), which collects data on drug-related deaths under the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says that&nbsp;total drug overdose deaths increased from 2019 to 2021. As per&nbsp;NCHS data, over 160,000 persons in the United States died from a drug-related overdose in 2021 alone.</p>

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The United States sanctioned 17 people and entities in China and Mexico on Tuesday for facilitating the creation of counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills, as the Biden administration works to reduce imports of the lethal substance.

The United States sanctioned 17 people and entities in China and Mexico on Tuesday for facilitating the creation of counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills, as the Biden administration works to reduce imports of the lethal substance. The US Treasury Department, in a statement, said it slapped sanctions on seven entities and six people based in China, as well as one business and three people based in Mexico, as reported by Reuters. It accused individuals of selling pill press machines and other equipment used to impress counterfeit trade markings onto illegally made tablets, which were frequently laced with fentanyl and bound for the United States. “Treasury’s sanctions target every stage of the deadly supply chain fueling the surge in fentanyl poisonings and deaths across the country,” the Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in the statement. “Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl constitute a leading cause of these deaths, devastating thousands of American families each year. We remain committed to using all authorities against enablers of illicit drug production to disrupt this deadly global production and counter the threat posed by these drugs," he added. ALSO READ | Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US According to research released earlier this month by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of drug overdose deaths containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl more than quadrupled in the United States between 2016 and 2021. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and it is increasingly being combined with other illegal substances, frequently with disastrous effects. According to government estimates, the number of drug-related overdose deaths in the United States will exceed 100,000 by 2021, prompting the Biden administration to call for action. Fentanyl deaths on the rise Based on data provided by the consulting firm California Health Policy Strategies, drug overdoses now kill two to three times as many people in the region as car crashes. Synthetic opioid-related fatalities have surged by 1,027 per cent since 2017. ALSO READ | Fentanyl overdose crisis in USA: An American drug epidemic National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS), which collects data on drug-related deaths under the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says that total drug overdose deaths increased from 2019 to 2021. As per NCHS data, over 160,000 persons in the United States died from a drug-related overdose in 2021 alone. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Mexican entities in fentanyl action as crisis deepens

<p>Gloria Richards, 34, works as a&nbsp;nanny for the children of the uber-rich&nbsp;when she doesn't perform on off-Broadway stages.&nbsp;In an interview with CNBC, Richards discussed the pros and cons&nbsp;of her job as a nanny.</p>

<p>She mentioned that&nbsp;her lucrative job as a nanny for&nbsp;billionaire's children&nbsp;pays her $2,000 (Rs 1.6 lakh) per&nbsp;day. What's more? She gets to travel the world in private planes with fully covered&nbsp;accommodation. She claims that caring for the children of billionaires accounts for 80 per cent&nbsp;to 90 per cent&nbsp;of her annual income.</p>

<p>Richards said, "I could nanny for, like, two months at the top of the year, and I'd be fine for the rest of the year," Richards, 34, tells CNBC Make It. "What feeds me is being able to work so closely with these kids."</p>

<p>She explained her work description by saying that nannying for the ultra-rich isn't necessarily about childcare. She stated that she spends the most of her working hours managing the school and social schedules of her children. She recalls being introduced to her charge only minutes before becoming an attendant on a private jet flight to Barbados.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bear-aware-police-rescue-curious-bear-trapped-inside-car-watch-video-598360">'Bear-aware': Police rescue curious bear trapped inside car. Watch video</a></p>

<h2><strong>Hefty compensation</strong></h2>

<p>She is compensated $2,000 for 12 to 15 hours of work. She said that she travels the world on private aircraft and yachts, drives Porsches and Teslas for work, and attends toddler birthday parties where iPads are given out as party favours.</p>

<p>"I've had full-blown interviews where [parents] are like, 'We're looking for someone to raise our kids,'" she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They tell me they had kids to pass on their trust funds, [and that] 'I'll hang out with them after boarding school when they can drink," she added.</p>

<p>However, she said that working with billionaires has its own set of difficulties, particularly for a Black woman nannying white children. She stated that she must manage cultural situations with sensitivity or risk losing her job.</p>

<p>"I'll be in, like, Switzerland, and they're telling me they can't pay me for three weeks because they don't have cash,"&nbsp;Richards said&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's also how they communicate when they don't like something you did. They'll stop paying you," she continued.</p>

<p>It's difficult for Richards to maintain her mental health while dealing with unpredictable client mood changes.</p>

<p>"I've had families go through an immense amount of grief in the public eye. I'm watching their divorces or deaths within the family.&nbsp;Sometimes I'm literally a shoulder to cry on. A second later, they'll turn on me," she added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Gloria Richards, 34, works as a nanny for the children of the uber-rich when she doesn't perform on off-Broadway stages. In an interview with CNBC, Richards discussed the pros and cons of her job as a nanny.

Gloria Richards, 34, works as a nanny for the children of the uber-rich when she doesn't perform on off-Broadway stages. In an interview with CNBC, Richards discussed the pros and cons of her job as a nanny. She mentioned that her lucrative job as a nanny for billionaire's children pays her $2,000 (Rs 1.6 lakh) per day. What's more? She gets to travel the world in private planes with fully covered accommodation. She claims that caring for the children of billionaires accounts for 80 per cent to 90 per cent of her annual income. Richards said, "I could nanny for, like, two months at the top of the year, and I'd be fine for the rest of the year," Richards, 34, tells CNBC Make It. "What feeds me is being able to work so closely with these kids." She explained her work description by saying that nannying for the ultra-rich isn't necessarily about childcare. She stated that she spends the most of her working hours managing the school and social schedules of her children. She recalls being introduced to her charge only minutes before becoming an attendant on a private jet flight to Barbados. ALSO READ | 'Bear-aware': Police rescue curious bear trapped inside car. Watch video Hefty compensation She is compensated $2,000 for 12 to 15 hours of work. She said that she travels the world on private aircraft and yachts, drives Porsches and Teslas for work, and attends toddler birthday parties where iPads are given out as party favours. "I've had full-blown interviews where [parents] are like, 'We're looking for someone to raise our kids,'" she said. "They tell me they had kids to pass on their trust funds, [and that] 'I'll hang out with them after boarding school when they can drink," she added. However, she said that working with billionaires has its own set of difficulties, particularly for a Black woman nannying white children. She stated that she must manage cultural situations with sensitivity or risk losing her job. "I'll be in, like, Switzerland, and they're telling me they can't pay me for three weeks because they don't have cash," Richards said "That's also how they communicate when they don't like something you did. They'll stop paying you," she continued. It's difficult for Richards to maintain her mental health while dealing with unpredictable client mood changes. "I've had families go through an immense amount of grief in the public eye. I'm watching their divorces or deaths within the family. Sometimes I'm literally a shoulder to cry on. A second later, they'll turn on me," she added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Big fat paycheck! US woman earns ₹1.6 lakh ($2,000) per day by nannying billionaires' kids

Burden on one of the world's poorest countries continues to grow. As Sudan's neighbouring countries struggle to cope with the number of people fleeing the civil war.

Refugees flee fighting Sudan

Will India buy F-16 jets? US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti told WION that as of now 'anything is on the table'. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Will India buy F-16s? Watch US Ambassador Eric Garcetti's responds

The US debt ceiling crisis deal passed its first major hurdle in Congress on Wednesday. The agreement has survived a crucial procedural vote to set parameters for the decisive one on Thursday.

US Congress to vote on debt deal on Thursday; 13-member committee approves voting guidelines

Amid the speculation of possible thaw in US China ties China has now declined a US invitation for a meeting between defense secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Lee Shangh Fu according to the Pentagon he was invited for a meet in Singapore this week on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue according to officials China has declined that invitation overnight.

China declines invitation to meet Llyod Austin

<p>The Pentagon said on Monday (May 29) that China has declined an invitation for a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu. The proposal was for the meeting to take place in Singapore.</p>

<p>"Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore this week," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China.</p>

<p>"The PRC's concerning unwillingness to engage in meaningful military-to-military discussions will not diminish (the Defense Department's) commitment to seeking open lines of communication with the People's Liberation Army," Ryder said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Is the US&nbsp;prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia &amp; China?</strong></p>

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<p>AFP quoted an unnamed senior US defence official who described the declined invitation as "just the latest in a litany of excuses."</p>

<p>The official reportedly said that since 2021, China has "declined or failed to respond to over a dozen requests from the Department of Defence for key leader engagements, multiple requests for standing dialogues, and nearly ten working-level engagements."</p>

<p>The US government had sanctioned Li Shangfu in 2018 over China's purchase of Russian weapons. However, Pentagon says that sanctions do not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him.</p>

<p>Austin will travel to Singapore later this week to attend Shangri-La dialogue, a defence summit. Austin had met Li's predecessor Wei Fenghe at the summit last June.</p>

<p>Austin and Wei met again in Cambodia later in 2022, but tensions between Washington and Beijing soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Race for alliances</strong></h2>

<p>US officials including Austin have been working to strengthen and forge new alliances and partnerships in Asia in order to counter increasingly assertive moves by China. However, there are also signs that both sides are attempting to lessen the strain in relations.</p>

<p>US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna earlier this month, and President Joe Biden recently said ties between Washington and Beijing should thaw "very shortly," citing the spy balloon incident as a factor that had boosted tensions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-send-first-civilian-into-space-on-tuesday-who-is-the-civilian-astronaut-597660">China to send first civilian into space on Tuesday. Know who he is</a></strong></p>

<p>China and the US are also competing to gain influence among Pacific island nations. China has made forays into what was previously considered the backyard of Australia and New Zealand. Alarmed by China's political will to forge new alliances, US has lately shown readiness to build ties with Pacific island nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Pentagon said on Monday (May 29) that China has declined an invitation for a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu.

The Pentagon said on Monday (May 29) that China has declined an invitation for a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu. The proposal was for the meeting to take place in Singapore. "Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore this week," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China. "The PRC's concerning unwillingness to engage in meaningful military-to-military discussions will not diminish (the Defense Department's) commitment to seeking open lines of communication with the People's Liberation Army," Ryder said. Watch | Is the US prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia & China? × AFP quoted an unnamed senior US defence official who described the declined invitation as "just the latest in a litany of excuses." The official reportedly said that since 2021, China has "declined or failed to respond to over a dozen requests from the Department of Defence for key leader engagements, multiple requests for standing dialogues, and nearly ten working-level engagements." The US government had sanctioned Li Shangfu in 2018 over China's purchase of Russian weapons. However, Pentagon says that sanctions do not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Austin will travel to Singapore later this week to attend Shangri-La dialogue, a defence summit. Austin had met Li's predecessor Wei Fenghe at the summit last June. Austin and Wei met again in Cambodia later in 2022, but tensions between Washington and Beijing soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country. Race for alliances US officials including Austin have been working to strengthen and forge new alliances and partnerships in Asia in order to counter increasingly assertive moves by China. However, there are also signs that both sides are attempting to lessen the strain in relations. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna earlier this month, and President Joe Biden recently said ties between Washington and Beijing should thaw "very shortly," citing the spy balloon incident as a factor that had boosted tensions. Also Read | China to send first civilian into space on Tuesday. Know who he is China and the US are also competing to gain influence among Pacific island nations. China has made forays into what was previously considered the backyard of Australia and New Zealand. Alarmed by China's political will to forge new alliances, US has lately shown readiness to build ties with Pacific island nations. (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 ×

China declines invitation to meet US Defence Secretary Austin: Pentagon

This is a busy time for the India-US relationship where the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the United States in the month of June. From a NATO plus alliance to the sale of F-16s to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the PM’s visit to the US in June- Ambassador Eric Garcetti speaks to WION.

Eric Garcetti on India-US relations and PM Modi's June visit to the US

In first days of the Ukraine war, Turkey emerged as an irreplaceable mediator between Moscow & Kyiv, as western nations were not enthusiastic about talking to Putin. The growing importance of Turkey's defence industry has made it an important player which directly affects western interests. the Turkish-made Bayraktar tb-2 armed drones have proven themselves very effective in multiple conflicts in the past years.

US President Biden & his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO

<p>A shooting episode along a beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida,&nbsp;left nine&nbsp;people&nbsp;injured and several others scrambling for cover on Memorial Day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many&nbsp;of those injured were transferred to a children's hospital, according to Deanna Bettineschi, a police spokesman who spoke to the Associated Press. However, police are&nbsp;yet to announce the victims' ages or any information about their current condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Preliminary investigation suggests that a confrontation between two groups resulted in firing. One suspect has been arrested, while another is still underway.</p>

<p>On Monday evening, videos released on Twitter showed emergency care staff responding to and treating many people with injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inquiry will be heavily staffed, according to police. Officials were also preparing an area for family members to reunite.</p>

<p>Hollywood Beach is a popular beach area located 11 miles (17 kilometres) south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles (32 km) north of Miami. With the Memorial Day vacation, the beach was expecting more people than normal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: There are reports of a mass shooting on Hollywood Beach in Florida. According to CBS, at least seven people were shot and some of the victims are young children.<br />
<br />
Permitless carry became law in the state in April. <a href="https://t.co/C8P7iGhxaR">pic.twitter.com/C8P7iGhxaR</a></p>
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) <a href="https://twitter.com/shannonrwatts/status/1663337777210195968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>America's unique struggle with gun violence</strong></h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The majority of these deaths have taken place&nbsp;in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois and Louisiana.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Have mass shootings made the United States the most dangerous country to live in?</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-bus-driver-and-passenger-open-fire-at-each-other-on-moving-bus-597765">Bus driver and passenger open fire at each other on moving bus</a></p>

<p>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 an average dying from gun violence each day.</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in mass shootings in the US</strong></h2>

<p>Data from the Washington-based Gun Violence Archive shows that&nbsp;there were&nbsp;more than 600 mass shootings in the United States in 2022 alone, more than double the 336 mass shootings documented four years prior. A mass shooting is defined roughly as any incident in which four or more individuals, excluding the perpetrator, are shot or killed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A shooting episode along a beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, left nine people injured and several others scrambling for cover on Memorial Day. Many of those injured were transferred to a children's hospital, according to Deanna Bettineschi, a police spokesman who spoke to the Associated Press.

A shooting episode along a beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida, left nine people injured and several others scrambling for cover on Memorial Day. Many of those injured were transferred to a children's hospital, according to Deanna Bettineschi, a police spokesman who spoke to the Associated Press. However, police are yet to announce the victims' ages or any information about their current condition. Preliminary investigation suggests that a confrontation between two groups resulted in firing. One suspect has been arrested, while another is still underway. On Monday evening, videos released on Twitter showed emergency care staff responding to and treating many people with injuries. The inquiry will be heavily staffed, according to police. Officials were also preparing an area for family members to reunite. Hollywood Beach is a popular beach area located 11 miles (17 kilometres) south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles (32 km) north of Miami. With the Memorial Day vacation, the beach was expecting more people than normal. BREAKING: There are reports of a mass shooting on Hollywood Beach in Florida. According to CBS, at least seven people were shot and some of the victims are young children. Permitless carry became law in the state in April. pic.twitter.com/C8P7iGhxaR — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) May 30, 2023 × America's unique struggle with gun violence 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. 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. ALSO WATCH | Have mass shootings made the United States the most dangerous country to live in? 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. 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. ALSO READ | Bus driver and passenger open fire at each other on moving bus 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 an average dying from gun violence each day. Rise in mass shootings in the US Data from the Washington-based Gun Violence Archive shows that there were more than 600 mass shootings in the United States in 2022 alone, more than double the 336 mass shootings documented four years prior. A mass shooting is defined roughly as any incident in which four or more individuals, excluding the perpetrator, are shot or killed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Florida beach boardwalk shooting: 9 injured after 'dispute' between groups, 1 detained

Republican and Democratic leaders scrambled to secure congressional support for a bill aimed at avoiding a catastrophic US debt default, with just one week left before the government starts running out of money.

Republicans  and Democrats race against time for US debt crisis bill in Congress

<p>Apple supplier Foxconn is ramping up efforts at&nbsp;recruitment and retaining employees&nbsp;at the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China ahead of the launch of a new model. The model in question is iPhone 15 which is expected to be launched in September by the United States-based tech giant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also indicates Foxconn’s commitment to continue assembling iPhones in the capital of central Henan province amid Apple’s reported efforts to shift the ongoing manufacturing supply chain away from China.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>From a rise in pay to bonuses: What is being offered to employees?</strong></h2>

<p>The Taiwan-based Foxconn said that new workers at the plant in Zhengzhou will receive bonuses of up to $424 (3,000 yuan) if they managed to stay on the job for at least 90 days, with hourly pay of up to 21 yuan ($3), reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The announcement was made on the messaging app WeChat over the weekend by Foxconn’s integrated Digital Product Business Group, which is responsible for iPhone production.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, existing factory workers can obtain a referral bonus of 500 yuan ($71), provided the person stays at the company for a month, reported BBC. However, this is not Foxconn’s first attempt to retain its workers.<br />
<br />
As per the report by SCMP, the company has raised worker benefits twice this month.&nbsp;This includes offering one of the highest loyalty bonuses to new recruits who remain employed for at least three months, which was raised to 2,500 yuan on May 22 from 2,000 yuan on May 3, said the media report.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the world’s largest iPhone factory</strong></h2>

<p>Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant, also known as iPhone City, is the world’s largest iPhone factory.&nbsp;As per reports, it&nbsp;employs more than 200,000 workers and assembles nearly 80 per cent of the global supply of Apple's&nbsp;flagship device.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the facility witnessed major disruptions due to China’s strict zero-Covid policy, last year, which has since prompted the company to diversify its production&nbsp;of the US tech giant’s flagship device to India and Vietnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, hundreds of workers protested at the Zhengzhou plant over COVID-19-related restrictions, and reported overdue pay, while workers also complained about the lack of food and medication. The disruptions in November and December also led to the US-based tech giant’s first quarterly decline in revenue since 2019, said Apple chief executive Tim Cook, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Foxconn’s CEO said that the Taiwan-based company has no plans to leave its second-largest base in China’s Chengdu and its “important” production base there, after the announcement of its significant expansion in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seemingly in a bid to reaffirm its commitment to China Foxconn also opened a new global business base in Zhengzhou, earlier this year, reported SCMP. This comes amid reports of the company opening an iPhone production facility in the Indian city of Chennai.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Apple supplier Foxconn is ramping up efforts at recruitment and retaining employees at the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China ahead of the launch of a new model.

Apple supplier Foxconn is ramping up efforts at recruitment and retaining employees at the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China ahead of the launch of a new model. The model in question is iPhone 15 which is expected to be launched in September by the United States-based tech giant. It also indicates Foxconn’s commitment to continue assembling iPhones in the capital of central Henan province amid Apple’s reported efforts to shift the ongoing manufacturing supply chain away from China. From a rise in pay to bonuses: What is being offered to employees? The Taiwan-based Foxconn said that new workers at the plant in Zhengzhou will receive bonuses of up to $424 (3,000 yuan) if they managed to stay on the job for at least 90 days, with hourly pay of up to 21 yuan ($3), reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The announcement was made on the messaging app WeChat over the weekend by Foxconn’s integrated Digital Product Business Group, which is responsible for iPhone production. Meanwhile, existing factory workers can obtain a referral bonus of 500 yuan ($71), provided the person stays at the company for a month, reported BBC. However, this is not Foxconn’s first attempt to retain its workers. As per the report by SCMP, the company has raised worker benefits twice this month. This includes offering one of the highest loyalty bonuses to new recruits who remain employed for at least three months, which was raised to 2,500 yuan on May 22 from 2,000 yuan on May 3, said the media report. About the world’s largest iPhone factory Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant, also known as iPhone City, is the world’s largest iPhone factory. As per reports, it employs more than 200,000 workers and assembles nearly 80 per cent of the global supply of Apple's flagship device. However, the facility witnessed major disruptions due to China’s strict zero-Covid policy, last year, which has since prompted the company to diversify its production of the US tech giant’s flagship device to India and Vietnam. Additionally, hundreds of workers protested at the Zhengzhou plant over COVID-19-related restrictions, and reported overdue pay, while workers also complained about the lack of food and medication. The disruptions in November and December also led to the US-based tech giant’s first quarterly decline in revenue since 2019, said Apple chief executive Tim Cook, as per reports. However, Foxconn’s CEO said that the Taiwan-based company has no plans to leave its second-largest base in China’s Chengdu and its “important” production base there, after the announcement of its significant expansion in India. Seemingly in a bid to reaffirm its commitment to China Foxconn also opened a new global business base in Zhengzhou, earlier this year, reported SCMP. This comes amid reports of the company opening an iPhone production facility in the Indian city of Chennai. 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.

Foxconn hikes pay for workers in world’s largest iPhone factory ahead of new model launch

Amid speculations of a possible thaw in US-China ties, China has now declined a US invitation for a meeting between defense secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu. According to the Pentagon he was invited for a meeting in Singapore this week on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue. According to officials China declined the invitation overnight.

China declines the invitation to meet Lloyd Austin

The American economy is at a tipping point. US debt has now reached a level equal to the annual output of it's economy. The government has till June fifth- a week, to reach a bipartisan deal that will ensure the nation does not default on it's debt payment. While the deal remains to be inked, leaders from either side of the aisle have now reassured the American people that an agreement has been reached 'in principle'.

Congress to vote on debt crisis bill tomorrow

Race against time for US debt crisis bill in Congress

<p>A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be.</p>

<p>The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>United Nations talks in Paris</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and&nbsp;needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Global plastic problem</strong></h2>

<p>A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP.</p>

<p>Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do different countries and groups want?</strong></h2>

<p>The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday.</p>

<p>The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Environmental groups about the treaty</strong></h2>

<p>A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks.</p>

<p>“Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do the plastic producers want?</strong></h2>

<p>Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution.

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be. The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. United Nations talks in Paris The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year. Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.” The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay. French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message. Global plastic problem A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain. So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP. Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled. Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. What do different countries and groups want? The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible. The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”. “We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday. The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040. “We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased. However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry. Environmental groups about the treaty A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group. They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult. “If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW. Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks. “Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”. What do the plastic producers want? Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.” They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic. On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals. “So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW. (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.

Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks

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