It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, IAEA warns of 'Nuclear disaster' as fighting in Zaporizhzhya intensifies.

Russia-Ukraine war: UN nuclear watchdog calls for end to military action near plant

Amid the ongoing China-Taiwan crisis after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, China is all set to hold drills in the South yellow sea.

Beijing continues to escalate tensions as it plans to hold drills in the South yellow sea

India and the US are all set to hold the 18th edition of War games which is a series of military exercises that includes participation of troops from both the countries. The military drills will be held in mid-October.

India, US to carry out mega military exercise; Joint drills to take part near LAC

US President Joe Biden has now tested negative for COVID-19 after suffering a 'rebound' last Saturday. He has remained inactive during key events.

Joe Biden tests negative for COVID; Biden suffered a 'rebound' last Saturday

Chinese military violates median line in Taiwan strait as Beijing continues to escalate tensions

Former US President Donald Trump has won 2024 President nomination straw poll. Trump called the ongoing January 6 probe a 'Witch Hunt'.

Trump wins 2024 Prez nomination straw poll as he calls January 6 probe a 'Witch Hunt'

Senate Democrats have reached an accord on eleventh-hour changes to their top-priority economic legislation, clearing a major hurdle to moving the measure through the chamber in coming days.

US: Democrats agree to last-minute changes to economic bill

Russia says it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with Washington at the presidential level, a day after the drug conviction of US basketball star Brittney Griner. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: Russia is open to talks on Brittney Griner prisoner swap

U.S. President Joe Biden touts new data on jobs after the U.S. job market surges in July. The unemployment rate in the U.S. dipped to 3.5% in July.

U.S. President Biden touts new data on jobs: U.S. job market surges in July

The bus carrying 50 migrants has arrived in New York City. Volunteers will help migrants find shelter. These migrants came from Texas.

The first bus carrying 50 migrants arrives in NYC: Volunteers help migrants find shelter

China, U.S. tensions over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit have escalated. China has suspended cooperation with the U.S. U.S. summoned the Chinese envoy over drills.

China, U.S. tensions over Taiwan escalate as China suspends cooperation with the U.S.

In its first significant attempt to tackle the climate crisis according to president Joe Biden, the climate bill which is a part of his inflation reduction act will not only help rewire the American economy but also act as an important step in averting disastrous global heating.

Biden takes victory lap with climate act; Climate bill to slash emissions by 40%

Big win for Biden before mid-term polls: Democrats agree on economic bill

The drug smuggling conviction in Russia of US basketball star Brittney Griner has raised the question of a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington. Is Russia ready for a prisoner swap? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: What will it take to get Brittney Griner home?

Hong Kong's new Chief Executive has received a salary hike. John Lee is now paid more than U.S. President Joe Biden. Who are the world's highest paid leaders? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: World's highest paid leaders

Early morning of July 31, 2022 marked the culmination of the United States’ relentless 11-year hunt for its most wanted terrorist — al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri — bringing closure to the kin of 9/11 victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zawahiri met a violent death, and since the US had picked an unmanned advanced technology warfare option for the precision strike in the upscale, highly-secure neighbourhood of Kabul, it knew collecting DNA sample for identity confirmation testing, as in Osama Bin Laden’s case, was not possible, and must have ensured a visual feed and photographic evidence to confirm the kill. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The visuals of the killing must have been gory, given one of the two, or both, likely options of the Hellfire RNX missiles being used to exterminate the biggest bugbear of United States. One Hellfire variant uses sword-like blades and a set of six rotors that can shred even the metal bodies of tanks and armoured vehicles to reach the target. Two such missiles fired at Zawahiri would have inflicted lethal gashes and left the third-floor balcony of the safehouse in the tony Sherpur locality of Kabul quite bloodied.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anas-mallick-abduction-taliban-assault-wion-reporters-crew-before-releasing-them-504249" hreflang="en">Anas Mallick abduction: Taliban assault WION's crew before releasing them</a> 
 
The other option is a Hellfire RNX with small-munition equivalent to a hand grenade. Two missiles on target would have severely dismembered the target. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The al-Qaeda has not confirmed Zawahiri’s death, while Taliban issued a vague statement denying any knowledge of his presence in Kabul, saying it will probe US claims. The US has still not shared the evidence (it must be having) to prove Zawahiri’s annihilation.&nbsp; 
 
It was a major breakthrough for the US and the news hogged limelight, taking some attention off China’s aggressive posturing on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taipei visit. It will also be seen as US posturing and flexing its expertise in advanced techno warfare, and not being bogged down by the military might of China and its threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The doggedness with which US intelligence and defence agencies have been pursuing the enemies of the state is highly praiseworthy and worth emulating for a country like India which has been battling terrorism and bleeding for decades now.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-defers-visit-of-chinas-satellite-tracking-ship-to-hambantota-port-504215">Sri Lanka defers visit of China's satellite tracking ship to Hambantota port</a>

While the Operation Neptune Star in May 2011 killing Zawahiri’s predecessor Osama bin Laden was then seen as highly audacious as the Red Squadron of US Navy SEAL Team Six shot him at the safehouse in Pakistan’s garrison city Abbottabad and carried away his body, the CIA and US defence agencies have since killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his right hand Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir among the key ‘enemies’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In contrast, India is still looking for action by Pakistan against Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki-Ur-Rehman Lakhvi, and Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar.&nbsp; 
 
As per Union Home Ministry officials, infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan into Kashmir continues unabated. As on July 5, 2022, there were 82 ‘foreign’ active terrorists in Kashmir against 59 locals. Will India finally take a leaf out of the US policy and hit its targets to end the inflow of terror into Kashmir from across the border is best left to conjecture, or imagination…&nbsp;

(Anuj Shrivastava is Senior News Editor, WION digital. He is always keen to use his&nbsp; insight to critically analyse developments, policies, decisions and anything of public interest.)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

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Early morning of July 31, 2022 marked the culmination of the United States’ relentless 11-year hunt for its most wanted terrorist — al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri — bringing closure to the kin of 9/11 victims.

Early morning of July 31, 2022 marked the culmination of the United States’ relentless 11-year hunt for its most wanted terrorist — al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri — bringing closure to the kin of 9/11 victims. Zawahiri met a violent death, and since the US had picked an unmanned advanced technology warfare option for the precision strike in the upscale, highly-secure neighbourhood of Kabul, it knew collecting DNA sample for identity confirmation testing, as in Osama Bin Laden’s case, was not possible, and must have ensured a visual feed and photographic evidence to confirm the kill. The visuals of the killing must have been gory, given one of the two, or both, likely options of the Hellfire RNX missiles being used to exterminate the biggest bugbear of United States. One Hellfire variant uses sword-like blades and a set of six rotors that can shred even the metal bodies of tanks and armoured vehicles to reach the target. Two such missiles fired at Zawahiri would have inflicted lethal gashes and left the third-floor balcony of the safehouse in the tony Sherpur locality of Kabul quite bloodied. Also read | Anas Mallick abduction: Taliban assault WION's crew before releasing them The other option is a Hellfire RNX with small-munition equivalent to a hand grenade. Two missiles on target would have severely dismembered the target. The al-Qaeda has not confirmed Zawahiri’s death, while Taliban issued a vague statement denying any knowledge of his presence in Kabul, saying it will probe US claims. The US has still not shared the evidence (it must be having) to prove Zawahiri’s annihilation. It was a major breakthrough for the US and the news hogged limelight, taking some attention off China’s aggressive posturing on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taipei visit. It will also be seen as US posturing and flexing its expertise in advanced techno warfare, and not being bogged down by the military might of China and its threats. The doggedness with which US intelligence and defence agencies have been pursuing the enemies of the state is highly praiseworthy and worth emulating for a country like India which has been battling terrorism and bleeding for decades now. Also read | Sri Lanka defers visit of China's satellite tracking ship to Hambantota port While the Operation Neptune Star in May 2011 killing Zawahiri’s predecessor Osama bin Laden was then seen as highly audacious as the Red Squadron of US Navy SEAL Team Six shot him at the safehouse in Pakistan’s garrison city Abbottabad and carried away his body, the CIA and US defence agencies have since killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his right hand Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir among the key ‘enemies’. In contrast, India is still looking for action by Pakistan against Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki-Ur-Rehman Lakhvi, and Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar. As per Union Home Ministry officials, infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan into Kashmir continues unabated. As on July 5, 2022, there were 82 ‘foreign’ active terrorists in Kashmir against 59 locals. Will India finally take a leaf out of the US policy and hit its targets to end the inflow of terror into Kashmir from across the border is best left to conjecture, or imagination… (Anuj Shrivastava is Senior News Editor, WION digital. He is always keen to use his insight to critically analyse developments, policies, decisions and anything of public interest.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Zawahiri killing: Tenacity of US agencies in hunting down enemies

The Russian government could be trying to extract significant concessions from America through a basketball player. 6 months ago, Russia had arrested Brittney Griner. She has been found guilty of smuggling and sentenced to 9 years in jail. The Biden administration is now under pressure to ensure Griner's release. Washington has offered a prisoner to the Kremlin. The question is will Putin accept Biden's offer?

US offers prisoner swap to Russia | Fate of WNBA player hangs in balance

After infuriating China over her trip to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met South Korean political leaders in Seoul on Thursday. She vowed to support to denuclearise North Korea.

Nancy Pelosi vows to support to denuclearise North Korea

In order to break the dominance and reduce dependence on China in mining and processing rare earth minerals, the United States recently announced the formation of a global alliance called the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).&nbsp;

Apart from the US, the other countries to have joined this partnership are: Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the UK, and the European Commission.

The partnership was announced at the world’s largest mining event, held in Toronto in June.&nbsp;

“Demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy and other technologies, is projected to expand significantly in the coming decades. The MSP will help catalyse investment from governments and the private sector for strategic opportunities — across the full value chain — that adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards,” the US State Department said in a statement issued on June 14.

However, as per reports, there have been growing concerns in India over being left out of the US-led partnership that seeks to end dependency on China. And New Delhi’s apprehension is quite justified given that the country has been pushing for EV and electronics, for which rare earth minerals are needed.

What is MSP?

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is an ambitious new alliance formed by the US to secure supply chains of critical minerals. It comes in the backdrop of recorded demand for critical minerals, which are essential for&nbsp;clean energy&nbsp;and other technologies.

The goal of the alliance is to ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled&nbsp;in a manner that supports the ability of countries to realise the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments.

The focus would be on the supply chains of minerals such as&nbsp;Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium&nbsp;and also the 17 “rare earth” minerals.

What is a critical mineral?

There is no global definition of critical minerals, but essentially, they are mineral deposits with high economic vulnerability and high global supply chain risk.

Rare earth (RE) comprises seventeen elements and are classified as light RE elements (LREE) and heavy RE elements (HREE).

There is an immense range of these of course and many countries already have their own specific lists of what they currently consider critical minerals – depending on their industrial production requirements.

But globally, there is a gap between projected supply and projected demand for many critical minerals by the end of this decade, especially in cobalt and lithium.

What are major critical minerals?

The major critical minerals are Graphite, Lithium and Cobalt. They are used for making EV batteries and are also critical for making semiconductors and high-end electronics manufacturing.

These minerals are also used in manufacturing fighter jets,&nbsp;drones,&nbsp;radio sets&nbsp;and other critical equipment, hence it is critical for aerospace, communications and defence industries.

Who are the top producers of critical minerals?

According to a report released by the International Energy Agency in 2021 and subsequently updated in March 2022, the major producers of critical minerals globally are Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia and South Africa.

In terms of processing, China rules the roost. While others include Indonesia, Chile and Japan.

Notably, none of these countries, except Japan and Australia, are represented in the MSP.

India’s concerns

Some of the rare earth elements available India are: Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Samarium. While others classified as heavy RE elements such as Dysprosium, Terbium, Europium are not available in extractable quantity.

India relies heavily on China for HREE, which is one of the leading producers with an estimated 70 per cent of the global production.

Hence, there is a lot at stake for India. Which is why Union Finance Ministry, according to The Indian Express, have reportedly communicated with the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of how New Delhi can join the 11-member group.

(With inputs from agencies)

In order to break the dominance and reduce dependence on China in mining and processing rare earth minerals, the United States recently announced the formation of a global alliance called the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).

In order to break the dominance and reduce dependence on China in mining and processing rare earth minerals, the United States recently announced the formation of a global alliance called the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP). Apart from the US, the other countries to have joined this partnership are: Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the UK, and the European Commission. The partnership was announced at the world’s largest mining event, held in Toronto in June. “Demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy and other technologies, is projected to expand significantly in the coming decades. The MSP will help catalyse investment from governments and the private sector for strategic opportunities — across the full value chain — that adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards,” the US State Department said in a statement issued on June 14. However, as per reports, there have been growing concerns in India over being left out of the US-led partnership that seeks to end dependency on China. And New Delhi’s apprehension is quite justified given that the country has been pushing for EV and electronics, for which rare earth minerals are needed. What is MSP? Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is an ambitious new alliance formed by the US to secure supply chains of critical minerals. It comes in the backdrop of recorded demand for critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy and other technologies. The goal of the alliance is to ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled in a manner that supports the ability of countries to realise the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments. The focus would be on the supply chains of minerals such as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium and also the 17 “rare earth” minerals. What is a critical mineral? There is no global definition of critical minerals, but essentially, they are mineral deposits with high economic vulnerability and high global supply chain risk. Rare earth (RE) comprises seventeen elements and are classified as light RE elements (LREE) and heavy RE elements (HREE). There is an immense range of these of course and many countries already have their own specific lists of what they currently consider critical minerals – depending on their industrial production requirements. But globally, there is a gap between projected supply and projected demand for many critical minerals by the end of this decade, especially in cobalt and lithium. What are major critical minerals? The major critical minerals are Graphite, Lithium and Cobalt. They are used for making EV batteries and are also critical for making semiconductors and high-end electronics manufacturing. These minerals are also used in manufacturing fighter jets, drones, radio sets and other critical equipment, hence it is critical for aerospace, communications and defence industries. Who are the top producers of critical minerals? According to a report released by the International Energy Agency in 2021 and subsequently updated in March 2022, the major producers of critical minerals globally are Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia and South Africa. In terms of processing, China rules the roost. While others include Indonesia, Chile and Japan. Notably, none of these countries, except Japan and Australia, are represented in the MSP. India’s concerns Some of the rare earth elements available India are: Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Samarium. While others classified as heavy RE elements such as Dysprosium, Terbium, Europium are not available in extractable quantity. India relies heavily on China for HREE, which is one of the leading producers with an estimated 70 per cent of the global production. Hence, there is a lot at stake for India. Which is why Union Finance Ministry, according to The Indian Express, have reportedly communicated with the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of how New Delhi can join the 11-member group. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Minerals Security Partnership that seeks to end China's dominance and why is India keen to join it?

President Joe Biden is pushing back against low approval ratings by touting a measure that he says will help the U.S. create jobs and fight inflation. The CHIPS and Science Act also aims to boost U.S. competitiveness against China by allocating billions of dollars toward domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research. VOA's White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US passes new CHIPS and Science Act

Monkeypox infections have nearly doubled in the US in two weeks.

Take a look.&nbsp;

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Data sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States (Last updated on Aug 4, 2022)

Click on the respective state for the number of confirmed cases.&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of Thursday, cases have been reported in all states other than two. In the end of July, there were 44 states and Washington, D.C.; at the beginning of June, there were 14 states and Washington, D.C.

Since the start of May, the US&nbsp;has documented more than 6,000 instances altogether. The total number surpasses 25,000 globally.

Close physical contact is the primary method of viral transmission. Most occurrences in recent times have involved males who had intercourse with other men.

The outbreak was deemed a public health emergency by the World Health Organization last month. California, Illinois, and New York state have declared states of emergency due to the ongoing spread of monkeypox in the past week.

Monkeypox infections have nearly doubled in the US in two weeks. Take a look. × Data sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States (Last updated on Aug 4, 2022) Click on the respective state for the number of confirmed cases.

Monkeypox infections have nearly doubled in the US in two weeks. Take a look. × Data sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States (Last updated on Aug 4, 2022) Click on the respective state for the number of confirmed cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of Thursday, cases have been reported in all states other than two. In the end of July, there were 44 states and Washington, D.C.; at the beginning of June, there were 14 states and Washington, D.C. Since the start of May, the US has documented more than 6,000 instances altogether. The total number surpasses 25,000 globally. Close physical contact is the primary method of viral transmission. Most occurrences in recent times have involved males who had intercourse with other men. The outbreak was deemed a public health emergency by the World Health Organization last month. California, Illinois, and New York state have declared states of emergency due to the ongoing spread of monkeypox in the past week.

Interactive data map: Monkeypox now a public health emergency in the US

A Russian court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges. The court near Moscow convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics.

Brittney Griner: US basketball star sentenced for nine years on drug charges

US senators have approved Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO. More than half of all NATO member parliaments have ratified the alliance's Nordic expansion. Palki Sharma gets you the latest on the Ukraine war front.

Gravitas: US senate ratifies Finland & Sweden's NATO accession

Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence. The case against Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, plunged her into a geopolitical maelstrom after Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February&nbsp;24.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden had previously agreed on a diplomatic channel that should be used to discuss possible prisoner exchanges. "We are ready to discuss this topic, but within the framework of the channel that was agreed upon by presidents Putin and Biden," Lavrov said during a visit to Cambodia.

"If the Americans decide to once again resort to public diplomacy ... that is their business and I would even say that it is their problem."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was prepared to engage with Moscow through the established diplomatic channels. He said Griner’s conviction highlighted her wrongful detention by Russia and further compounded the injustice that had been done to her.&nbsp; 
 
The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a swap, saying that if prisoner exchanges were discussed in the media, they would never happen.

"The Americans have already made that mistake, suddenly deciding to use megaphone diplomacy to resolve these issues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "This is not how they are resolved."&nbsp;Peskov declined to comment on the court’s ruling on Griner. When asked if she could be pardoned, he said that the clemency procedure was coded in Russian laws.

Griner’s sentence — which Biden called "unacceptable" — could pave the way for a prisoner swap that would include the 31-year-old athlete and a prolific Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison term in the United States. The United States has already made what Blinken called a "substantial offer" to secure the release of Americans detained in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brittney-griner-guilty-of-deliberate-drug-smuggling-how-it-panned-out-for-two-time-olympic-gold-medallist-503715">Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling: How it panned out for two-time Olympic gold medallist</a>

‘A SERIOUS PROPOSAL’ 
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said after Griner’s sentencing that the United States had made Russia a serious proposal. "We urge them to accept it," he said. "They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it." Kirby did not provide further detail on the U.S. proposal. 
 
Washington has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan, sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters.

Russia had tried to add convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany, to the proposed swap, a source familiar with the proceedings also told Reuters. Russia and the United States staged a prisoner swap in April, trading former Marine Trevor Reed for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States.

Griner was arrested on Feb. 17 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish&nbsp; oil in her luggage. The United States argued she was wrongly detained and being used as a political bargaining chip by Moscow. Russian officials dismissed the U.S. assertion, saying Griner had broken Russian law and should be judged accordingly.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-court-finds-basketball-star-brittney-griner-guilty-of-deliberate-drug-smuggling-503695">Russia court finds basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling</a>

Griner, who had been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, said she had made an honest mistake by inadvertently packing her vape cartridges as she rushed to make her flight. She pleaded guilty to the changes against her but insisted that she did not intend to break Russian law.

Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence.

Russia said on Friday it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States in private, a day after a Russian court jailed U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner for nine years for a drugs offence. The case against Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, plunged her into a geopolitical maelstrom after Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden had previously agreed on a diplomatic channel that should be used to discuss possible prisoner exchanges. "We are ready to discuss this topic, but within the framework of the channel that was agreed upon by presidents Putin and Biden," Lavrov said during a visit to Cambodia. "If the Americans decide to once again resort to public diplomacy ... that is their business and I would even say that it is their problem." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was prepared to engage with Moscow through the established diplomatic channels. He said Griner’s conviction highlighted her wrongful detention by Russia and further compounded the injustice that had been done to her. The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a swap, saying that if prisoner exchanges were discussed in the media, they would never happen. "The Americans have already made that mistake, suddenly deciding to use megaphone diplomacy to resolve these issues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "This is not how they are resolved." Peskov declined to comment on the court’s ruling on Griner. When asked if she could be pardoned, he said that the clemency procedure was coded in Russian laws. Griner’s sentence — which Biden called "unacceptable" — could pave the way for a prisoner swap that would include the 31-year-old athlete and a prolific Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison term in the United States. The United States has already made what Blinken called a "substantial offer" to secure the release of Americans detained in Russia, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. ALSO READ | Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling: How it panned out for two-time Olympic gold medallist ‘A SERIOUS PROPOSAL’ White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said after Griner’s sentencing that the United States had made Russia a serious proposal. "We urge them to accept it," he said. "They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it." Kirby did not provide further detail on the U.S. proposal. Washington has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and Whelan, sources familiar with the situation have told Reuters. Russia had tried to add convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, imprisoned in Germany, to the proposed swap, a source familiar with the proceedings also told Reuters. Russia and the United States staged a prisoner swap in April, trading former Marine Trevor Reed for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States. Griner was arrested on Feb. 17 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. The United States argued she was wrongly detained and being used as a political bargaining chip by Moscow. Russian officials dismissed the U.S. assertion, saying Griner had broken Russian law and should be judged accordingly. ALSO READ | Russia court finds basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling Griner, who had been prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, said she had made an honest mistake by inadvertently packing her vape cartridges as she rushed to make her flight. She pleaded guilty to the changes against her but insisted that she did not intend to break Russian law. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

Brittney Griner convicted: A day after verdict, Russia ready to discuss swap with US

China announced that it is cancelling several defence meetings, suspending key climate talks with the United States after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit.

China cancels several defence meetings, calls off climate talks with US

Four US police officers have been detained and charged in connection with Breonna Taylor's shooting death. On March 13, 2020, while carrying out a "no-knock" search warrant, plainclothes officers shot and killed Ms Taylor inside her Louisville, Kentucky, home. The 26-year-old hospital employee was with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker when police invaded the residence shortly after midnight and shot her. Racial injustice protests spread across the nation after her death.

Three of the four cops, according to federal authorities, colluded to forge the arrest warrant that resulted in Ms Taylor's death. Former Louisville detective Brett Hankison was the only officer engaged in the raid who had previously faced charges. The only one of the four people charged on Thursday who was present when Ms Taylor was shot was him.

Prosecutors claim that days after the shooting, Mr Jaynes and Ms Goodlett met in a parking garage to plan a cover narrative to support the fabricated evidence that resulted in the search warrant. The Taylor family sued the Louisville police in 2020, and they settled for $12 million (£9 million).

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-mexicos-71-year-old-basketball-player-granny-jordan-is-now-viral-tiktok-celebrity-503886">&nbsp;WATCH | Mexico's 71-year-old basketball player 'Granny Jordan' is now viral TikTok celebrity</a>

During the raid, Kenneth Walker shot Sgt. John Mattingly, a police officer, in the leg after mistaking him for an intruder. The attempted murder charge against him was dropped, nevertheless. A court permanently dropped the case against Mr Walker after he claimed he had fired in self-defence, ensuring he will never face such charges again. During anti-racism demonstrations that took place across the US in the summer of 2020, Ms Taylor's death, along with the deaths of two black men, George Floyd in Minnesota and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, were mentioned.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Four US police officers have been detained and charged in connection with Breonna Taylor's shooting death. On March 13, 2020, while carrying out a "no-knock" search warrant, plainclothes officers shot and killed Ms Taylor inside her Louisville, Kentucky, home.

Four US police officers have been detained and charged in connection with Breonna Taylor's shooting death. On March 13, 2020, while carrying out a "no-knock" search warrant, plainclothes officers shot and killed Ms Taylor inside her Louisville, Kentucky, home. The 26-year-old hospital employee was with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker when police invaded the residence shortly after midnight and shot her. Racial injustice protests spread across the nation after her death. Three of the four cops, according to federal authorities, colluded to forge the arrest warrant that resulted in Ms Taylor's death. Former Louisville detective Brett Hankison was the only officer engaged in the raid who had previously faced charges. The only one of the four people charged on Thursday who was present when Ms Taylor was shot was him. Prosecutors claim that days after the shooting, Mr Jaynes and Ms Goodlett met in a parking garage to plan a cover narrative to support the fabricated evidence that resulted in the search warrant. The Taylor family sued the Louisville police in 2020, and they settled for $12 million (£9 million). Also Read: WATCH | Mexico's 71-year-old basketball player 'Granny Jordan' is now viral TikTok celebrity During the raid, Kenneth Walker shot Sgt. John Mattingly, a police officer, in the leg after mistaking him for an intruder. The attempted murder charge against him was dropped, nevertheless. A court permanently dropped the case against Mr Walker after he claimed he had fired in self-defence, ensuring he will never face such charges again. During anti-racism demonstrations that took place across the US in the summer of 2020, Ms Taylor's death, along with the deaths of two black men, George Floyd in Minnesota and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, were mentioned. (with inputs from agencies)

US police fatally shoot medical technician, sparks countrywide racial injustice protests

Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington have resumed in Vienna which aim to salvage the 2015 Nuclear deal as Iran has refused to hold direct talks with the United States. EU's Enrique Mora is coordinating the talks between the US and Iranian officials.

US: Not going to wait forever for Iran to take this deal

Al-Qaeda chief and a key 9/11 mastermind Ayman Al-Zawahiri was killed in a US drone strike on the 30th of July, a drone flown by CIA found Zawahiri in the balcony of his Kabul safe house, the agency operatives fired the missile ending an over 20-year long hunt.

US, Taliban yet to release material evidence of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri's death

Donald Trump-endorsed candidates won big in Tuesday's primaries, the latest proof that the former president remains the most influential and still holds his immense grip over the Republican Party.

Former President Donald Trump-backed candidates prevail in US midterm primaries

After infuriating China over her trip to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met South Korean political leaders in Seoul on Thursday.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi meets South Korean leaders

The U.S. Senate ratified adding Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a move aimed at bolstering the military alliance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Senate ratifies NATO membership for Finland and Sweden

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