Six years of Donald Trump’s tax returns were made public by a congressional panel, ending the former president’s long-running effort to break precedent and keep them secret.

US House Committee releases Trump's tax records of past six years

US: Donald Trump's tax records made public, paid little or no taxes over years | WION

Brazil's outgoing President&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro&nbsp;landed in Florida on Friday after delivering an emotional speech to his supporters. However, Bolsonaro made an early exit as his tenure will end when his leftist rival, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will assume office.&nbsp;Although Bolsonaro's stay is not yet confirmed, the security staff was already present on his arrival. With two days left in Lula's oath ceremony, Bolsonaro might face charges for breaking Brazil's democratic tradition. His presidential plane departed from Brazil at 2 PM.&nbsp;

Earlier this Friday, he urged his supporters to continue their fight against Lula, followed by his departure to Florida. During the speech, he discussed the key highlights of his tenure and aspired to safeguard his legacy. 
 
Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/former-pope-benedict-xvi-passes-away-at-95-in-vatican-city-548306">Former Pope Benedict XVI passes away at 95 in Vatican City</a>

Bolsonaro's defeat in the most fraught elections of the generation followed&nbsp;a week of silence in Brazil. Some of Bolsonaro's supporters refused to accept his defeat and made baseless claims. The transition has created a tense environment in Brazil, accompanied by riots and bombing last week.&nbsp;

After Bolsonaro's sudden exit, Vice President Hamilton Maurao has taken over as the acting President of Brazil. However, Mourao will not give the presidential sash to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"I am in flight, back soon," said Bolsonaro. However, there is no other statement from his side raising questions on who will hand the sash to Lula, CNN Brazil reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Romania court extends definition of Andrew Tate, house raided in Bucharest

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Furthermore, many supporters on the right are disappointed by Bolsonaro's exit. His reputation has taken a downturn due to his silence after the polls.&nbsp;

During his speech, some supporters called him a 'coward' at the entrance of the Alvorada Palace, his residence. While some people still stand with the outgoing President, many have expressed disappointment on his action.

The retired military officer has served as the 38th President of Brazil since 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Brazil's outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro landed in Florida on Friday after delivering an emotional speech to his supporters. However, Bolsonaro made an early exit as his tenure will end when his leftist rival, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will assume office.

Brazil's outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro landed in Florida on Friday after delivering an emotional speech to his supporters. However, Bolsonaro made an early exit as his tenure will end when his leftist rival, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will assume office. Although Bolsonaro's stay is not yet confirmed, the security staff was already present on his arrival. With two days left in Lula's oath ceremony, Bolsonaro might face charges for breaking Brazil's democratic tradition. His presidential plane departed from Brazil at 2 PM. Earlier this Friday, he urged his supporters to continue their fight against Lula, followed by his departure to Florida. During the speech, he discussed the key highlights of his tenure and aspired to safeguard his legacy. Also Read| Former Pope Benedict XVI passes away at 95 in Vatican City Bolsonaro's defeat in the most fraught elections of the generation followed a week of silence in Brazil. Some of Bolsonaro's supporters refused to accept his defeat and made baseless claims. The transition has created a tense environment in Brazil, accompanied by riots and bombing last week. After Bolsonaro's sudden exit, Vice President Hamilton Maurao has taken over as the acting President of Brazil. However, Mourao will not give the presidential sash to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "I am in flight, back soon," said Bolsonaro. However, there is no other statement from his side raising questions on who will hand the sash to Lula, CNN Brazil reported. Watch | Romania court extends definition of Andrew Tate, house raided in Bucharest Furthermore, many supporters on the right are disappointed by Bolsonaro's exit. His reputation has taken a downturn due to his silence after the polls. During his speech, some supporters called him a 'coward' at the entrance of the Alvorada Palace, his residence. While some people still stand with the outgoing President, many have expressed disappointment on his action. The retired military officer has served as the 38th President of Brazil since 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Brazil: Outgoing President Bolsonaro lands in US ahead of Lula's inauguration

The authorities at a Mexican airport discovered four human skulls inside a package which was to be couriered to the United States, said local authorities on Friday.&nbsp;As per the statement released by the National Guard, the authorities discovered the four skulls wrapped in aluminium foil and plastic inside a box made of cardboard at central Mexico's Queretaro Intercontinental Airport.

The National Guard stated that the package was shipped from the western coastal state of Michoacan, which is the country's one of most violent regions, and was supposed to reach at an address in Manning, South Carolina.&nbsp;

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The National Guard added that their officers were called by the airport authorities in the city of Queretaro after strange shapes were seen in the X-ray machine when the cardboard box was scanned through it.&nbsp;

The National Guard refused to reveal any details about the identity or age of the skulls or any possible motive behind shipping the human skulls.&nbsp;

They stated that the package, regardless of how the sender got the skulls or whether they were being shipped for any medical studies, will violate the laws of Mexico regarding how the corpses should be handled.

WATCH | Bolivia's Day of the Skulls brings out the living and the dead

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The person or organisation sending the human remains need to get a competent health authority's special permit which was not obtained in this case, the National Guard said.&nbsp;

Michoacan is among the most violent states in Mexico and Viagras drug cartel has long dominated the city of Apatzingan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The authorities at a Mexican airport discovered four human skulls inside a package which was to be couriered to the United States, said local authorities on Friday.

The authorities at a Mexican airport discovered four human skulls inside a package which was to be couriered to the United States, said local authorities on Friday. As per the statement released by the National Guard, the authorities discovered the four skulls wrapped in aluminium foil and plastic inside a box made of cardboard at central Mexico's Queretaro Intercontinental Airport. The National Guard stated that the package was shipped from the western coastal state of Michoacan, which is the country's one of most violent regions, and was supposed to reach at an address in Manning, South Carolina. ALSO READ| Russian researchers attempt to 're-awaken' ancient viruses that killed giant woolly mammoths The National Guard added that their officers were called by the airport authorities in the city of Queretaro after strange shapes were seen in the X-ray machine when the cardboard box was scanned through it. The National Guard refused to reveal any details about the identity or age of the skulls or any possible motive behind shipping the human skulls. They stated that the package, regardless of how the sender got the skulls or whether they were being shipped for any medical studies, will violate the laws of Mexico regarding how the corpses should be handled. WATCH | Bolivia's Day of the Skulls brings out the living and the dead The person or organisation sending the human remains need to get a competent health authority's special permit which was not obtained in this case, the National Guard said. Michoacan is among the most violent states in Mexico and Viagras drug cartel has long dominated the city of Apatzingan. (With inputs from agencies)

Four human skulls found inside package bound for US at Mexican airport

Suspect in the killings of four students of University of Idaho, has been arrested in Pennsylvania. The 28-year-old Bryan Christopher Kohberger was arrested by the Pennsylvania state police at his home.

US: Idaho killing suspect arrested, motive of brutal killing not revealed

One of the most recognisable news anchors Barbara Walters has died at the age of 93. Walters was the first female anchor on an evening broadcast and one of TV's prominent interviewer. Her agency said Walters died at her home in New York.

US: Legendary TV Journalist Barbara Walters passes away at 93 in New York

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of four Idaho university students, who were found stabbed in a home near the campus last month.&nbsp;The man, who has been identified as Bryan C Kohberger, was arrested on Friday in Chestnuthill Township in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;The news of the arrest comes after Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kernodle’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were found the murdered&nbsp;at their off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13.

Kohberger, who briefly appeared in court Friday morning, was listed as a PhD student in criminal justice at Washington State University in Pullman, less than 16 kilometres (10 miles) from where the killings took place.

For weeks, the local police and the FBI have been trying hard to locate the murderer. They received nearly 20,000 tips and collected thousands of evidence before nabbing the culprit. The FBI had reportedly dispatched more than 60 agents to the case as the identity of the killer could not be ascertained.

<h3>WATCH | US house panel releases Trump's tax records of past six years</h3>

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The grisly murder rocked the city of 25,000 people and was described by law enforcement agencies as “the worst they’ve seen”. Photos showed blood oozing down the side of the building.

The police have been looking for a white Hyundai sedan, which is said to have been spotted near the campus on the night of the murders. Officials said that the suspect was using a long knife to eliminate the students—the motive for which is yet to be ascertained.

The murders were first reported by two surviving roommates—Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke. The murders took place between 3 and 4 am. They had reached the place after they could not reach their friends and called the police.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of four Idaho university students, who were found stabbed in a home near the campus last month.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of four Idaho university students, who were found stabbed in a home near the campus last month. The man, who has been identified as Bryan C Kohberger, was arrested on Friday in Chestnuthill Township in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. The news of the arrest comes after Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kernodle’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were found the murdered at their off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13. Kohberger, who briefly appeared in court Friday morning, was listed as a PhD student in criminal justice at Washington State University in Pullman, less than 16 kilometres (10 miles) from where the killings took place. For weeks, the local police and the FBI have been trying hard to locate the murderer. They received nearly 20,000 tips and collected thousands of evidence before nabbing the culprit. The FBI had reportedly dispatched more than 60 agents to the case as the identity of the killer could not be ascertained. WATCH | US house panel releases Trump's tax records of past six years The grisly murder rocked the city of 25,000 people and was described by law enforcement agencies as “the worst they’ve seen”. Photos showed blood oozing down the side of the building. The police have been looking for a white Hyundai sedan, which is said to have been spotted near the campus on the night of the murders. Officials said that the suspect was using a long knife to eliminate the students—the motive for which is yet to be ascertained. The murders were first reported by two surviving roommates—Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke. The murders took place between 3 and 4 am. They had reached the place after they could not reach their friends and called the police. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

28-year-old suspect arrested for brutal killing of four Idaho university students

A Chinese military aircraft came in close proximity with the US jet over the South China Sea last week and forced the American jet to make unsafe evasive manoeuvres to avoid a collision, the US military said.

The incident is said to have taken place on December 21, when a Chinese Navy J-11 fighter jet came within 3 meters of US RC-135 aircraft, a US Air Force reconnaissance plane with about 30 people on board, the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement on Thursday.

"We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law," it added.

The Indo-Pacific command is responsible for overseeing US military operations in the contested South China Sea region.

The US military claimed that the Chinese jet performed an “unsafe manoeuvre”, forcing the US jet to take evasive measures to avoid it. It also shared a video of the Chinese jet being in close proximity to the US recon aircraft.&nbsp;

<h2>Belarus summons Ukraine envoy over air defence missile</h2>

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A US military spokesperson told Reuters news agency that the Chinese jet came within 10 feet of the plane's wing, but 20 feet from its nose.

“The RC-135 was in international airspace over the South China Sea and was lawfully conducting routine operations,” the statement said.

The US has raised the issue through diplomatic and military channels through lines of communication with the Chinese government.

“The U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Force is dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and will continue to fly, sail and operate at sea and in international airspace with due regard for the safety of all vessels and aircraft under international law,” the statement said.

China claims the South China Sea as part of its territorial waters, though the US does not recognise these territorial claims and routinely conducts operations there.

It has been vying for freedom of navigation operations through the South China Sea and regularly engages with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to press with its objective.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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A Chinese military aircraft came in close proximity with the US jet over the South China Sea last week and forced the American jet to make unsafe evasive manoeuvres to avoid a collision, the US military said.

A Chinese military aircraft came in close proximity with the US jet over the South China Sea last week and forced the American jet to make unsafe evasive manoeuvres to avoid a collision, the US military said. The incident is said to have taken place on December 21, when a Chinese Navy J-11 fighter jet came within 3 meters of US RC-135 aircraft, a US Air Force reconnaissance plane with about 30 people on board, the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement on Thursday. "We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law," it added. The Indo-Pacific command is responsible for overseeing US military operations in the contested South China Sea region. The US military claimed that the Chinese jet performed an “unsafe manoeuvre”, forcing the US jet to take evasive measures to avoid it. It also shared a video of the Chinese jet being in close proximity to the US recon aircraft. Belarus summons Ukraine envoy over air defence missile A US military spokesperson told Reuters news agency that the Chinese jet came within 10 feet of the plane's wing, but 20 feet from its nose. “The RC-135 was in international airspace over the South China Sea and was lawfully conducting routine operations,” the statement said. The US has raised the issue through diplomatic and military channels through lines of communication with the Chinese government. “The U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Force is dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and will continue to fly, sail and operate at sea and in international airspace with due regard for the safety of all vessels and aircraft under international law,” the statement said. China claims the South China Sea as part of its territorial waters, though the US does not recognise these territorial claims and routinely conducts operations there. It has been vying for freedom of navigation operations through the South China Sea and regularly engages with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to press with its objective. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese aircraft came within 3 metres of US jet, nearly avoided collision: American military

Chinese fighter jet came dangerously to U.S. Airforce plane over the disputed South China Sea. This close encounter happened last week, according to the U.S. military.

China, U.S. military jets in close encounter over the disputed South China sea

US house panel releases Trump's tax records of past six years

Days after a massive blizzard devastated Buffalo, the city is still digging out from the snow as some residents are stranded without food.

WION Climate Tracker: Buffalo residents deal with storm aftermath

In a recent lawsuit against Hershey Co, a consumer sued the company for selling dark chocolate containing dangerous levels of toxic metals like lead and cadmium.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Christopher Lazazzaro filed a proposed class action in the federal court, Central Islip, New York, against the multinational company based in the US, Bussiness Today reported.

Lazazzaro, a Nassau County resident in New York, sued the chocolate manufacturer after consumer reports disclosed the scientific testing results of 28 dark chocolate bars for lead and cadmium.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-court-jails-suu-kyi-for-33-years-as-secretive-trial-ends-547950">Myanmar court jails Suu Kyi for 33 years as secretive trial ends</a>

He accused the chocolate company of hiding the number of metal contents in many of its products, including Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa.

High levels of metal content would turn off repeating customers as they are under a 'serious health risk.' As per Lazazzaro, consumers rely on Hershey for their truthfulness about product ingredients.&nbsp;

According to some studies, dark chocolate contains antioxidants and low sugar levels that help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Watch|&nbsp;EXCLUSIVE: Ex-member of Knesset Dov Lipman speaks to WION

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But the report says that all 28 bars contain heavy and toxic metals. However, 23, including Dove, Godiva, Lind, and Trader Joe, had a significant amount of lead, cadmium, or both. Such harmful levels can prove highly dangerous for people who eat an ounce of chocolate in one day.&nbsp;

The chocolate bars high in lead are Hershey's Special Dark bar and Lily's 70% bar, while the chocolate bar high in both, lead and cadmium, is Lily's 85% bar.&nbsp;

However, Hershey's, the company that bought Lily's in 2021, did not immediately respond to it.

The lawsuit aims for at least $5 million in damages, including at least $500 per transaction under the law of New York. However, Lazazzaro's lawyers did not comment further on the other planned lawsuits.

The case is Lazazzaro v Hershey Co, US District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 22-07923.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In a recent lawsuit against Hershey Co, a consumer sued the company for selling dark chocolate containing dangerous levels of toxic metals like lead and cadmium.

In a recent lawsuit against Hershey Co, a consumer sued the company for selling dark chocolate containing dangerous levels of toxic metals like lead and cadmium. On Wednesday, Christopher Lazazzaro filed a proposed class action in the federal court, Central Islip, New York, against the multinational company based in the US, Bussiness Today reported. Lazazzaro, a Nassau County resident in New York, sued the chocolate manufacturer after consumer reports disclosed the scientific testing results of 28 dark chocolate bars for lead and cadmium. Also read| Myanmar court jails Suu Kyi for 33 years as secretive trial ends He accused the chocolate company of hiding the number of metal contents in many of its products, including Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa. High levels of metal content would turn off repeating customers as they are under a 'serious health risk.' As per Lazazzaro, consumers rely on Hershey for their truthfulness about product ingredients. According to some studies, dark chocolate contains antioxidants and low sugar levels that help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Watch| EXCLUSIVE: Ex-member of Knesset Dov Lipman speaks to WION But the report says that all 28 bars contain heavy and toxic metals. However, 23, including Dove, Godiva, Lind, and Trader Joe, had a significant amount of lead, cadmium, or both. Such harmful levels can prove highly dangerous for people who eat an ounce of chocolate in one day. The chocolate bars high in lead are Hershey's Special Dark bar and Lily's 70% bar, while the chocolate bar high in both, lead and cadmium, is Lily's 85% bar. However, Hershey's, the company that bought Lily's in 2021, did not immediately respond to it. The lawsuit aims for at least $5 million in damages, including at least $500 per transaction under the law of New York. However, Lazazzaro's lawyers did not comment further on the other planned lawsuits. The case is Lazazzaro v Hershey Co, US District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 22-07923. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hershey Co facing lawsuit over harmful metals found in chocolate bars

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention might start collecting wastewater from aeroplanes on international routes to track emerging coronavirus variants.

According to infectious disease experts, the policy would effectively track the coronavirus and narrow its entrance into the United States. Earlier this week, the US imposed new travel guidelines for international travel, including mandatory Covid tests for passengers from China, Reuters reported.

However, Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, believes that travel restrictions are unsuccessful in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and are only valid from a political outlook.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/china-will-see-25k-deaths-a-day-during-covid-peak-in-jan-uk-health-firm-says-547963">China will see 25K deaths a day during Covid peak in Jan, UK health firm says</a>

In support of the policy, the US CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund wrote in an email, "Previous COVID-19 wastewater surveillance has shown to be a valuable tool, and aeroplane wastewater surveillance could be an option."

Last week, Seattle and Los Angeles became a part of the voluntary genomic sequencing, making the number of airports amassing details from positive tests to seven. However, experts say that it may not provide a significant sample size.

Watch|&nbsp;China: Hospitals under seige as covid crisis worsens

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Test results of wastewater from airlines will paint a clearer picture of the mutations in the deadly coronavirus, as per Dr Eric Topol, a genomics expert and director of Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California. Dr Topol refers to the policy as a 'good tactic.' He says that the US needs to elevate its methods due to China's lack of data transparency.&nbsp;

However, China claims that the fusses over its COVID-19 statistics are unsupported. But other countries, like Italy, Japan, and France, have imposed strict travel restrictions for Chinese citizens or people travelling from China.&nbsp;

French researchers say requesting a mandatory negative COVID-19 report before onboarding international flights are unlikely to prevent coronavirus from spreading. As per a report, they found the Omicron variant in wastewater from two commercial aeroplanes that flew from Ethiopia to France in December 2021.

In July, California researchers also reported that wastewater samples in San Diego had Alpha, Delta, Epsilon, and Omicron variants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention might start collecting wastewater from aeroplanes on international routes to track emerging coronavirus variants.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention might start collecting wastewater from aeroplanes on international routes to track emerging coronavirus variants. According to infectious disease experts, the policy would effectively track the coronavirus and narrow its entrance into the United States. Earlier this week, the US imposed new travel guidelines for international travel, including mandatory Covid tests for passengers from China, Reuters reported. However, Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, believes that travel restrictions are unsuccessful in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and are only valid from a political outlook. Also read| China will see 25K deaths a day during Covid peak in Jan, UK health firm says In support of the policy, the US CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund wrote in an email, "Previous COVID-19 wastewater surveillance has shown to be a valuable tool, and aeroplane wastewater surveillance could be an option." Last week, Seattle and Los Angeles became a part of the voluntary genomic sequencing, making the number of airports amassing details from positive tests to seven. However, experts say that it may not provide a significant sample size. Watch| China: Hospitals under seige as covid crisis worsens Test results of wastewater from airlines will paint a clearer picture of the mutations in the deadly coronavirus, as per Dr Eric Topol, a genomics expert and director of Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California. Dr Topol refers to the policy as a 'good tactic.' He says that the US needs to elevate its methods due to China's lack of data transparency. However, China claims that the fusses over its COVID-19 statistics are unsupported. But other countries, like Italy, Japan, and France, have imposed strict travel restrictions for Chinese citizens or people travelling from China. French researchers say requesting a mandatory negative COVID-19 report before onboarding international flights are unlikely to prevent coronavirus from spreading. As per a report, they found the Omicron variant in wastewater from two commercial aeroplanes that flew from Ethiopia to France in December 2021. In July, California researchers also reported that wastewater samples in San Diego had Alpha, Delta, Epsilon, and Omicron variants. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US plans to sample airline wastewater as COVID-19 cases rise in China

United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7&nbsp;trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023. The 4000-page bill includes record military spending, funding for students with disabilities, affordable housing for families, and so on.&nbsp;

The bill was due for the presidential signature by late Friday and was signed hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. where Biden is currently vacationing.

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Today, I signed the bipartisan omnibus bill, ending a year of historic progress. 
 
It'll invest in medical research, safety, veteran health care, disaster recovery, VAWA funding – and gets crucial assistance to Ukraine. 
 
Looking forward to more in 2023. <a href="https://t.co/KTI1R9qMij">pic.twitter.com/KTI1R9qMij</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1608603506470010882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The legislation was passed in Congress last week with a Senate, bipartisan vote of 68-29, with the support of 18 of the 50 Senate Republicans. It was also passed in the Democrat-controlled House with Republican support 225-201, days before Christmas. At the time, Biden had said that this move shows that the two opposition parties can work together.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-17-trillion-spending-bill-including-45-bn-ukraine-aid-avoids-partial-shutdown-546204">US House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, including $45 bn Ukraine aid, avoids partial shutdown</a>

However, House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to become the Speaker when his party takes over and Congress opens on January 3, called the bill a “monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body”, during the floor debate. Noting that the bill spends too much, but not enough to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the US.&nbsp;

Notably, the bill accounts for record military spending and emergency aid to Ukraine (amid its conflict with Russia), additional aid and funding for students with disabilities and protecting workers' rights which also includes more job-training resources, as well as affordable housing for families, veterans and those fleeing domestic violence.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-congress-passes-17-trillion-spending-bill-aims-at-averting-govt-shutdown-546216">US: Congress passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, aims at averting govt shutdown</a>

The “bipartisan omnibus bill”, as the US president called it, also includes at least a six per cent increase for domestic initiatives to $772.5 billion while the spending on defence has increased by 10 per cent to $858 billion.&nbsp;

Lawmakers also provided nearly $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies which was more than what Biden had asked for and a $40 billion emergency spending to help communities across the country as they recover from natural disasters, like drought, hurricanes, and so on.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565">US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</a>

Notably, the bill also includes an overhaul of the 19th-century Electoral Count Act which is seemingly a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s bid to persuade Republican lawmakers and then Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of incumbent president Biden’s win after the elections had concluded.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7 trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023.

United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7 trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023. The 4000-page bill includes record military spending, funding for students with disabilities, affordable housing for families, and so on. The bill was due for the presidential signature by late Friday and was signed hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. where Biden is currently vacationing. Today, I signed the bipartisan omnibus bill, ending a year of historic progress. It'll invest in medical research, safety, veteran health care, disaster recovery, VAWA funding – and gets crucial assistance to Ukraine. Looking forward to more in 2023. pic.twitter.com/KTI1R9qMij — President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2022 × The legislation was passed in Congress last week with a Senate, bipartisan vote of 68-29, with the support of 18 of the 50 Senate Republicans. It was also passed in the Democrat-controlled House with Republican support 225-201, days before Christmas. At the time, Biden had said that this move shows that the two opposition parties can work together. ALSO READ | US House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, including $45 bn Ukraine aid, avoids partial shutdown However, House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to become the Speaker when his party takes over and Congress opens on January 3, called the bill a “monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body”, during the floor debate. Noting that the bill spends too much, but not enough to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the US. Notably, the bill accounts for record military spending and emergency aid to Ukraine (amid its conflict with Russia), additional aid and funding for students with disabilities and protecting workers' rights which also includes more job-training resources, as well as affordable housing for families, veterans and those fleeing domestic violence. ALSO WATCH | US: Congress passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, aims at averting govt shutdown The “bipartisan omnibus bill”, as the US president called it, also includes at least a six per cent increase for domestic initiatives to $772.5 billion while the spending on defence has increased by 10 per cent to $858 billion. Lawmakers also provided nearly $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies which was more than what Biden had asked for and a $40 billion emergency spending to help communities across the country as they recover from natural disasters, like drought, hurricanes, and so on. ALSO READ | US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure Notably, the bill also includes an overhaul of the 19th-century Electoral Count Act which is seemingly a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s bid to persuade Republican lawmakers and then Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of incumbent president Biden’s win after the elections had concluded. (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.

US President Biden signs $1.7 trillion government spending bill for upcoming fiscal year

The United States oil giant, ExxonMobil Corp, has filed a lawsuit against the European Union in a bid to block the 27-nation bloc’s new windfall tax on oil and gas companies. This comes after the European Commission proposed to levy a windfall tax on the profits of energy producers at the General Court of the EU, in Luxembourg, on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The windfall tax is imposed on a firm which has benefitted from something they were not directly responsible for, in this case, it could be energy firms making profits for their products, partly due to the supply chain issues as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the company has argued that Brussels exceeded its legal authority by imposing the proposed tax and called it “counterproductive”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-oil-companies-not-declaring-significant-source-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-report-520946">Major oil companies not declaring significant source of greenhouse gas emissions: Report</a>

The lawsuit also argues that the measure is a tax the right of which is reserved with the national governments and challenges the use of the EU Treaty’s Article 122, an emergency procedure that excludes the European Parliament, to enact the legislation. This also comes after the company as well as the oil sector has made record profits this year, due to high energy prices and soaring inflation across the world, which has renewed calls to impose additional taxes on the sector.&nbsp;

In October, ExxonMobil reported a quarterly profit of at least $20 billion. A month prior, the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the plan for oil, gas, and coal companies to pay what she called a “crisis contribution” on the increased profits this year. However, Exxon spokesperson Casey Norton, said that the move discourages investments and undermines investor confidence.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-energy-crisis-dims-christmas-lights-defies-crisis-by-using-power-efficient-lights-537866">Europe: Energy crisis dims Christmas lights; defies crisis by using power efficient lights</a>

He added, “Whether we invest here primarily depends on how attractive and globally competitive Europe will be.” The lawsuit was first reported by Financial Times, on Wednesday, which was filed through the company’s subsidiaries in Germany and the Netherlands. In September, the EU countries passed an emergency package of legislation aimed at tackling soaring energy prices and a minimum 33 per cent tax which it referred to as the “crisis contribution”.&nbsp;

The relevant profits could be from fiscal years 2022 or 2023, depending on the country, said the EU. If passed, the windfall profit tax in question would cost at least $2 billion by the end of next year, said CFO Kathryn Mikells during a call with analysts, earlier this month, reported Reuters. The energy giant has also noted that they have invested $3 billion in the past decade in refinery projects in European countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-oil-giant-ongc-partners-up-with-exxonmobil-for-deepwater-exploration-507906">Indian oil giant ONGC partners up with ExxonMobil for deepwater exploration</a>

In reference to these projects, Exxon believes&nbsp;they are helping deliver more energy products at a time when Europe struggles to reduce its imports from Russia. “We will continue to work with EU leaders to address these issues. Thoughtful policy is critical,” said the company. On the other hand, the European Commission has said that it has noted Exxon’s legal application and that decision is now up to the Luxembourg-based General Court, “to rule on this case”, reported the Financial Times.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United States oil giant, ExxonMobil Corp, has filed a lawsuit against the European Union in a bid to block the 27-nation bloc’s new windfall tax on oil and gas companies.

The United States oil giant, ExxonMobil Corp, has filed a lawsuit against the European Union in a bid to block the 27-nation bloc’s new windfall tax on oil and gas companies. This comes after the European Commission proposed to levy a windfall tax on the profits of energy producers at the General Court of the EU, in Luxembourg, on Wednesday. The windfall tax is imposed on a firm which has benefitted from something they were not directly responsible for, in this case, it could be energy firms making profits for their products, partly due to the supply chain issues as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the company has argued that Brussels exceeded its legal authority by imposing the proposed tax and called it “counterproductive”. ALSO READ | Major oil companies not declaring significant source of greenhouse gas emissions: Report The lawsuit also argues that the measure is a tax the right of which is reserved with the national governments and challenges the use of the EU Treaty’s Article 122, an emergency procedure that excludes the European Parliament, to enact the legislation. This also comes after the company as well as the oil sector has made record profits this year, due to high energy prices and soaring inflation across the world, which has renewed calls to impose additional taxes on the sector. In October, ExxonMobil reported a quarterly profit of at least $20 billion. A month prior, the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the plan for oil, gas, and coal companies to pay what she called a “crisis contribution” on the increased profits this year. However, Exxon spokesperson Casey Norton, said that the move discourages investments and undermines investor confidence. ALSO WATCH | Europe: Energy crisis dims Christmas lights; defies crisis by using power efficient lights He added, “Whether we invest here primarily depends on how attractive and globally competitive Europe will be.” The lawsuit was first reported by Financial Times, on Wednesday, which was filed through the company’s subsidiaries in Germany and the Netherlands. In September, the EU countries passed an emergency package of legislation aimed at tackling soaring energy prices and a minimum 33 per cent tax which it referred to as the “crisis contribution”. The relevant profits could be from fiscal years 2022 or 2023, depending on the country, said the EU. If passed, the windfall profit tax in question would cost at least $2 billion by the end of next year, said CFO Kathryn Mikells during a call with analysts, earlier this month, reported Reuters. The energy giant has also noted that they have invested $3 billion in the past decade in refinery projects in European countries. ALSO READ | Indian oil giant ONGC partners up with ExxonMobil for deepwater exploration In reference to these projects, Exxon believes they are helping deliver more energy products at a time when Europe struggles to reduce its imports from Russia. “We will continue to work with EU leaders to address these issues. Thoughtful policy is critical,” said the company. On the other hand, the European Commission has said that it has noted Exxon’s legal application and that decision is now up to the Luxembourg-based General Court, “to rule on this case”, reported the Financial Times. (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.

Energy giant ExxonMobil sues European Union in a bid to block new windfall tax

The United States Supreme Court, on Tuesday, upheld the controversial Trump-era immigration policy called Title 42. This comes after the apex court halted its expiration which was due on December 21 in a 5-4 ruling.&nbsp;

The policy was implemented during former US President Donald Trump’s time in office, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to limit the movement and spread of disease across the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;

What happened in the recent ruling?

As mentioned earlier, the SCOTUS upheld the policy Title 42, as it is called, by Chief Justice John Roberts. This comes after the incumbent US President Joe Biden’s administration had appealed to end the pandemic-era restriction. The case will be argued in February 2023, meanwhile, the restriction will remain in place at least until a decision is made potentially&nbsp;by the end of June.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/title-42-us-supreme-court-keeps-controversial-trump-era-border-restriction-policy-in-place-547198">Title 42: US Supreme Court keeps controversial Trump-era border restriction policy in place</a>

The ruling also followed a stay order on Title 42 which was imposed last week and also comes amid the recent surge of migrants at the border&nbsp;with thousands of people entering the US. Furthermore, the apex court’s decision also said that they will hear oral arguments on the issue of whether states have the right to intervene in the upcoming legal battle for Title 42.&nbsp;

Arguing against the Covid-era restriction, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote that even if states have the right to intervene and the restriction in question is lawfully adopted, the emergency based on which “those orders were premised has long since lapsed.”&nbsp;

They added, “the current border crisis is not a Covid crisis,” and that the “courts should not be in the business of perpetuating administrative edicts designed for one emergency only because elected officials have failed to address a different emergency. We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort.”

Additionally, Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor also voted to deny the stay but&nbsp;did not sign a dissent, unlike the aforementioned justices. Meanwhile, White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said on Tuesday, that the Biden administration will comply with the order and prepare for the February review.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-supreme-court-rules-to-keep-title-42-in-place-547308">U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42 in place</a>

She added, “At the same time, we are advancing our preparations to manage the border in a secure, orderly, and humane way when Title 42 eventually lifts and will continue expanding legal pathways for immigration.” The press secretary also noted that Title 42 was a health measure and not an immigration enforcement measure, therefore, it should not be extended indefinitely.&nbsp;

What is Title 42?

Title 42 dates back to 1944 and is a public health law which grants emergency powers to US health officials to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and keep it outside the country. In this case, it included the Border Patrol turning away thousands of migrants&nbsp;at the southern US borders from entering, on the grounds that they could bring COVID-19 into the country.&nbsp;

In March 2020, the Trump administration implemented the law which had only been invoked one other time in American history, in 1929, during a meningitis outbreak when ships from China and the Philippines were barred from entering US ports.&nbsp;

The Trump administration's&nbsp;decision at the time was justified by saying that the order is designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through immigration detention facilities, where all migrants are typically briefly held before&nbsp;either being released or deported.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrants-at-us-mexico-border-brave-bitter-cold-title-42-restrictions-to-stay-or-go-546435">Migrants at US-Mexico border brave bitter cold; Title 42 restrictions to stay or go?</a>

Notably, the former US president and his administration who have been in favour of tightening restrictions along the border also claimed that for the first time they could use a public-health emergency order to turn away migrants.

“Every week, our border agents encounter thousands of unscreened, unvetted and unauthorised entries from dozens of countries. But now it’s with the national emergencies and all of the other things that we’ve declared, we can actually do something about it,” the now-former President had said at the time, reported the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

This also included those who are seeking asylum which under the country’s immigration law should typically invoke a process under which the migrant must be allowed to stay in the country long enough to plead their case. So far, the policy has been used 2.5 million times to expel migrants at&nbsp;the border, although this&nbsp;also accounts for people who repeatedly tried to enter the country.&nbsp;

Furthermore, while the Biden administration continued the policy many from his Democratic party had pushed the president to end these measures, while others, particularly in the border states said that the restriction should remain in place and that the US is not prepared to deal with the sudden influx of asylum-seekers.&nbsp; 
 
What has happened in the courts, so far?

Last year, a group representing immigrants were denied the right to seek asylum and they in turn filed a lawsuit to end the use of Title 42. Thus began the long court battle which could decide the fate of thousands at the country’s southern borders.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-stays-title-42-which-blocks-mexican-migrants-from-entering-the-country-544656">US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country</a>

In April, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that they would lift Title 42 as vaccines and treatments were mitigating the pandemic situation in the country. However, the next month, a federal judge in Louisiana ruled in the favour of 19 Republican-led states which sought the continuation of the restriction till 2025 and kept the order in place. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Biden administration also attempted to end the policy, earlier this year, in May, by arguing that the policy is no longer justified on the grounds that it was implemented. However, before they could do so, a Louisiana federal judge blocked them and said they had not used the correct administrative procedure which required public notice and time to gather public comment to end the policy in place.&nbsp;

However, in November, Washington Judge Emmet Sullivan’s ruling rendered the decision moot, saying that the policy’s implementation must end on December 21. Meanwhile, a group of Republican-led states intervened and argued that the cancellation of Title 42 would cause “an enormous disaster” at the border and will cost the state law enforcement, education, and health care.&nbsp;

Therefore, the case reached the SCOTUS who last week put a stay on the order and temporarily continued the implementation of the restriction to thoroughly study each side’s argument. The decision, on Tuesday, extended this temporary stay indefinitely with the next hearing in February.&nbsp;

Which migrants are getting affected by Title 42?

Notably, not all asylum seekers are getting affected by the policy as the Biden administration does not enforce Title 42 with children travelling alone but only single adults and families. Furthermore, the enforcement also differs by nationality, affecting migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-judge-blocks-joe-bidens-plan-to-end-title-42-481121">US judge blocks Joe Biden's plan to end 'Title 42'</a>

Additionally, Mexico allows them to be returned from the US and last month also began accepting Venezuelans expelled from the American border due to Title 42 which led to a massive drop in the number of people from Venezuela applying for asylum. Meanwhile, countries like Cuba make it difficult for the US to get their country’s migrants back, causing their numbers to increase at the border.&nbsp; 
 
What would happen if Title 42 was no longer in effect?

If the restriction was to be lifted, border experts believe that there might be an influx of migrants and those who had been refused entry due to Title 42,&nbsp;will make another attempt to enter&nbsp;the US. However, the asylum-seekers will be interviewed by the border authorities and determine who has a credible threat of being persecuted in their home countries, but the process could take years till then they can stay in the country until a final decision is made.&nbsp;

What does the Biden administration plan to do about the sudden influx of migrants at the US borders?

Earlier this year, the border city of El Paso, Texas announced a seven-day emergency, which the city’s Mayor Oscar Leeser, a Democrat, said would help local authorities to deal with the influx of migrants sleeping on the streets. He also warned that the city is at capacity with more than 2,500 migrants arriving from Mexico each day.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-stunt-85-migrants-dropped-outside-vp-kamala-harris-house-amid-18-degree-temprature-546644">Political 'stunt': 85 migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' house amid -18 degree temperature</a>

On Tuesday, in the aforementioned press briefing the White House press secretary said that the government is working to manage the border in a secure, orderly and humane manner when Title 42 is lifted.&nbsp;

“Today’s orders give Republicans in Congress plenty of time to move past and join their Democratic colleagues in solving the challenge at our border by passing comprehensive reform measures and delivering the additional funds for border security that President Biden has requested,” Jean-Pierre added.&nbsp;

This is in reference to the increase in funding the Biden administration has asked for the Department of Homeland Security which outlined a plan, in a statement, earlier this month, should Title 42 be lifted to tackle the issue in a safe and humane method. According to the government, it will help the department during the transition phase.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United States Supreme Court, on Tuesday, upheld the controversial Trump-era immigration policy called Title 42. This comes after the apex court halted its expiration which was due on December 21 in a 5-4 ruling.

The United States Supreme Court, on Tuesday, upheld the controversial Trump-era immigration policy called Title 42. This comes after the apex court halted its expiration which was due on December 21 in a 5-4 ruling. The policy was implemented during former US President Donald Trump’s time in office, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to limit the movement and spread of disease across the US-Mexico border. What happened in the recent ruling? As mentioned earlier, the SCOTUS upheld the policy Title 42, as it is called, by Chief Justice John Roberts. This comes after the incumbent US President Joe Biden’s administration had appealed to end the pandemic-era restriction. The case will be argued in February 2023, meanwhile, the restriction will remain in place at least until a decision is made potentially by the end of June. ALSO READ | Title 42: US Supreme Court keeps controversial Trump-era border restriction policy in place The ruling also followed a stay order on Title 42 which was imposed last week and also comes amid the recent surge of migrants at the border with thousands of people entering the US. Furthermore, the apex court’s decision also said that they will hear oral arguments on the issue of whether states have the right to intervene in the upcoming legal battle for Title 42. Arguing against the Covid-era restriction, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote that even if states have the right to intervene and the restriction in question is lawfully adopted, the emergency based on which “those orders were premised has long since lapsed.” They added, “the current border crisis is not a Covid crisis,” and that the “courts should not be in the business of perpetuating administrative edicts designed for one emergency only because elected officials have failed to address a different emergency. We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort.” Additionally, Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor also voted to deny the stay but did not sign a dissent, unlike the aforementioned justices. Meanwhile, White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said on Tuesday, that the Biden administration will comply with the order and prepare for the February review. ALSO WATCH | U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42 in place She added, “At the same time, we are advancing our preparations to manage the border in a secure, orderly, and humane way when Title 42 eventually lifts and will continue expanding legal pathways for immigration.” The press secretary also noted that Title 42 was a health measure and not an immigration enforcement measure, therefore, it should not be extended indefinitely. What is Title 42? Title 42 dates back to 1944 and is a public health law which grants emergency powers to US health officials to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and keep it outside the country. In this case, it included the Border Patrol turning away thousands of migrants at the southern US borders from entering, on the grounds that they could bring COVID-19 into the country. In March 2020, the Trump administration implemented the law which had only been invoked one other time in American history, in 1929, during a meningitis outbreak when ships from China and the Philippines were barred from entering US ports. The Trump administration's decision at the time was justified by saying that the order is designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through immigration detention facilities, where all migrants are typically briefly held before either being released or deported. ALSO WATCH | Migrants at US-Mexico border brave bitter cold; Title 42 restrictions to stay or go? Notably, the former US president and his administration who have been in favour of tightening restrictions along the border also claimed that for the first time they could use a public-health emergency order to turn away migrants. “Every week, our border agents encounter thousands of unscreened, unvetted and unauthorised entries from dozens of countries. But now it’s with the national emergencies and all of the other things that we’ve declared, we can actually do something about it,” the now-former President had said at the time, reported the Wall Street Journal. This also included those who are seeking asylum which under the country’s immigration law should typically invoke a process under which the migrant must be allowed to stay in the country long enough to plead their case. So far, the policy has been used 2.5 million times to expel migrants at the border, although this also accounts for people who repeatedly tried to enter the country. Furthermore, while the Biden administration continued the policy many from his Democratic party had pushed the president to end these measures, while others, particularly in the border states said that the restriction should remain in place and that the US is not prepared to deal with the sudden influx of asylum-seekers. What has happened in the courts, so far? Last year, a group representing immigrants were denied the right to seek asylum and they in turn filed a lawsuit to end the use of Title 42. Thus began the long court battle which could decide the fate of thousands at the country’s southern borders. ALSO READ | US Supreme Court stays 'Title 42' which blocks Mexican migrants from entering the country In April, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that they would lift Title 42 as vaccines and treatments were mitigating the pandemic situation in the country. However, the next month, a federal judge in Louisiana ruled in the favour of 19 Republican-led states which sought the continuation of the restriction till 2025 and kept the order in place. Meanwhile, the Biden administration also attempted to end the policy, earlier this year, in May, by arguing that the policy is no longer justified on the grounds that it was implemented. However, before they could do so, a Louisiana federal judge blocked them and said they had not used the correct administrative procedure which required public notice and time to gather public comment to end the policy in place. However, in November, Washington Judge Emmet Sullivan’s ruling rendered the decision moot, saying that the policy’s implementation must end on December 21. Meanwhile, a group of Republican-led states intervened and argued that the cancellation of Title 42 would cause “an enormous disaster” at the border and will cost the state law enforcement, education, and health care. Therefore, the case reached the SCOTUS who last week put a stay on the order and temporarily continued the implementation of the restriction to thoroughly study each side’s argument. The decision, on Tuesday, extended this temporary stay indefinitely with the next hearing in February. Which migrants are getting affected by Title 42? Notably, not all asylum seekers are getting affected by the policy as the Biden administration does not enforce Title 42 with children travelling alone but only single adults and families. Furthermore, the enforcement also differs by nationality, affecting migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. ALSO WATCH | US judge blocks Joe Biden's plan to end 'Title 42' Additionally, Mexico allows them to be returned from the US and last month also began accepting Venezuelans expelled from the American border due to Title 42 which led to a massive drop in the number of people from Venezuela applying for asylum. Meanwhile, countries like Cuba make it difficult for the US to get their country’s migrants back, causing their numbers to increase at the border. What would happen if Title 42 was no longer in effect? If the restriction was to be lifted, border experts believe that there might be an influx of migrants and those who had been refused entry due to Title 42, will make another attempt to enter the US. However, the asylum-seekers will be interviewed by the border authorities and determine who has a credible threat of being persecuted in their home countries, but the process could take years till then they can stay in the country until a final decision is made. What does the Biden administration plan to do about the sudden influx of migrants at the US borders? Earlier this year, the border city of El Paso, Texas announced a seven-day emergency, which the city’s Mayor Oscar Leeser, a Democrat, said would help local authorities to deal with the influx of migrants sleeping on the streets. He also warned that the city is at capacity with more than 2,500 migrants arriving from Mexico each day. ALSO WATCH | Political 'stunt': 85 migrants dropped outside VP Kamala Harris' house amid -18 degree temperature On Tuesday, in the aforementioned press briefing the White House press secretary said that the government is working to manage the border in a secure, orderly and humane manner when Title 42 is lifted. “Today’s orders give Republicans in Congress plenty of time to move past and join their Democratic colleagues in solving the challenge at our border by passing comprehensive reform measures and delivering the additional funds for border security that President Biden has requested,” Jean-Pierre added. This is in reference to the increase in funding the Biden administration has asked for the Department of Homeland Security which outlined a plan, in a statement, earlier this month, should Title 42 be lifted to tackle the issue in a safe and humane method. According to the government, it will help the department during the transition phase. (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: US Supreme Court upholds Trump-era border policy 'Title 42'. What does it mean?

In pics | Niagara falls partially freezes over after 'blizzard of the century'

The Canadian man, later identified as David DePape, accused of attacking the United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco residence has pleaded not guilty to the state criminal charges, on Wednesday. The 82-year-old was allegedly attacked with a hammer, earlier this year, in October and sustained “serious injuries”.&nbsp;

The six charges against the alleged assailant also include attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and threatening a family member of a public official. The 42-year-old accused has pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations, said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-david-depape-paul-pelosis-alleged-attacker-529326">Who is David DePape, Paul Pelosi's alleged attacker?</a>

DePape had also waived his right to a speedy trial and the next hearing has been scheduled for February 23, added Jenkins. The accused had also been charged with several federal criminal charges including assault and attempted kidnapping, in November, he also pleaded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-suspect-of-the-attack-on-pelosis-husband-pleads-not-guilty-in-court-530381">not guilty</a> to those in relation to the attack on the House speaker’s husband.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-fbi-attacker-wanted-to-kidnap-nancy-pelosi-530095">United States | FBI: Attacker wanted to kidnap Nancy Pelosi</a>

According to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court, the attack against 82-year-old Paul Pelosi took place when the intruder looking for the Speaker, who was in Washington DC at the time, instead confronted her husband who was eventually able to call the police. The court documents from last month also show that DePape entered their San Francisco house looking for the House Speaker to “seriously harm her”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-paul-pelosi-released-from-hospital-six-days-after-being-attacked-531032">US: Paul Pelosi discharged from San Francisco hospital a week after being attacked</a>

It added that when the police arrived minutes later, they saw the two struggling with the hammer after which the intruder grabbed the hammer and hit Paul Pelosi with it over the head. Subsequently, he was taken to a San Francisco hospital after he sustained multiple injuries including a skull fracture and “serious injuries to his right arm and hands.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The Canadian man, later identified as David DePape, accused of attacking the United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco residence has pleaded not guilty to the state criminal charges, on Wednesday.

The Canadian man, later identified as David DePape, accused of attacking the United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco residence has pleaded not guilty to the state criminal charges, on Wednesday. The 82-year-old was allegedly attacked with a hammer, earlier this year, in October and sustained “serious injuries”. The six charges against the alleged assailant also include attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and threatening a family member of a public official. The 42-year-old accused has pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations, said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, in a statement. ALSO READ | Who is David DePape, Paul Pelosi's alleged attacker? DePape had also waived his right to a speedy trial and the next hearing has been scheduled for February 23, added Jenkins. The accused had also been charged with several federal criminal charges including assault and attempted kidnapping, in November, he also pleaded not guilty to those in relation to the attack on the House speaker’s husband. ALSO WATCH | United States | FBI: Attacker wanted to kidnap Nancy Pelosi According to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court, the attack against 82-year-old Paul Pelosi took place when the intruder looking for the Speaker, who was in Washington DC at the time, instead confronted her husband who was eventually able to call the police. The court documents from last month also show that DePape entered their San Francisco house looking for the House Speaker to “seriously harm her”. ALSO READ | US: Paul Pelosi discharged from San Francisco hospital a week after being attacked It added that when the police arrived minutes later, they saw the two struggling with the hammer after which the intruder grabbed the hammer and hit Paul Pelosi with it over the head. Subsequently, he was taken to a San Francisco hospital after he sustained multiple injuries including a skull fracture and “serious injuries to his right arm and hands.” (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.

US: Suspect in Paul Pelosi attack pleads not guilty on state charges

More than 14,000 customers in the Tacoma, Washington, area lost power on Sunday when four power substations were vandalised, according to authorities. According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, the Tacoma Public Utilities' first substation in Spanaway, Washington, was attacked at roughly 5:30 a.m. local time.

US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area

Christmas calls for celebrations and lights everywhere, but in Washington over 14,000 people suffered power outages after&nbsp;a series of burglaries and vandalism at different power stations in the state.&nbsp;

The incident happened on early Christmas Day around 2:30 am when Puget Sound Energy substation&nbsp;experienced a power outage "where the fenced areas were broken into and the equipment vandalised," the Pierce county sheriff's office said in its statement, the Guardian reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pence-is-not-running-for-president-his-adviser-clarifies-547038">Also read |&nbsp;Mike Pence is not running for president, his adviser clarifies</a>

In the sheriff's other statement it stated that "The suspect(s) gained access to the fenced area and vandalized the equipment which caused the fire."

Three hours later, around 5:30 am, nearly 10 miles away a break in vandalism or "force entry" in Tacoma Public Utilities led to a power outage.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area

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Addressing the incident, the&nbsp;company on Sunday on its Facebook page said, "Unfortunately, the impacts to our system from today’s deliberate damage are more severe in some places than initial testing indicated."

According to Pierce County Sgt Darren Moss told King 5, "There’s a good possibility they are related, we are going to be investigating to see if this was coordinated by a specific group or people." He added, "but at this time all we know is that we have burglaries where the power was purposefully knocked out."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/once-in-a-lifetime-weather-disaster-leaves-at-least-60-dead-in-us-546886">Also read |&nbsp;'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster leaves at least 60 dead in US</a>

Until now there have been six attacks this month so far across Oregon and Washington.&nbsp;

A similar instance occurred in North Carolina at the beginning of December when a gunman opened fire at two stations.

Although no suspects have been identified for any instance, some of these assaults have been carried out by extremists driven online and far-right agendas.&nbsp;

King 5 reported that over 7,000 individuals were affected as the power poured before Christmas morning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Christmas calls for celebrations and lights everywhere, but in Washington over 14,000 people suffered power outages after a series of burglaries and vandalism at different power stations in the state.

Christmas calls for celebrations and lights everywhere, but in Washington over 14,000 people suffered power outages after a series of burglaries and vandalism at different power stations in the state. The incident happened on early Christmas Day around 2:30 am when Puget Sound Energy substation experienced a power outage "where the fenced areas were broken into and the equipment vandalised," the Pierce county sheriff's office said in its statement, the Guardian reported. Also read | Mike Pence is not running for president, his adviser clarifies In the sheriff's other statement it stated that "The suspect(s) gained access to the fenced area and vandalized the equipment which caused the fire." Three hours later, around 5:30 am, nearly 10 miles away a break in vandalism or "force entry" in Tacoma Public Utilities led to a power outage. Watch | US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area Addressing the incident, the company on Sunday on its Facebook page said, "Unfortunately, the impacts to our system from today’s deliberate damage are more severe in some places than initial testing indicated." According to Pierce County Sgt Darren Moss told King 5, "There’s a good possibility they are related, we are going to be investigating to see if this was coordinated by a specific group or people." He added, "but at this time all we know is that we have burglaries where the power was purposefully knocked out." Also read | 'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster leaves at least 60 dead in US Until now there have been six attacks this month so far across Oregon and Washington. A similar instance occurred in North Carolina at the beginning of December when a gunman opened fire at two stations. Although no suspects have been identified for any instance, some of these assaults have been carried out by extremists driven online and far-right agendas. King 5 reported that over 7,000 individuals were affected as the power poured before Christmas morning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Over 14,000 people suffered power outages after attack on energy stations in Washington

Visitors step on the frozen Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, after the extreme weather over the weekend sent temperatures to below freezing in all mainland US states.

Visitors walk on thin ice at DC's frozen Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

In a setback for migrants seeking refuge in the United States, the US Supreme Court has voted to keep Title 42 in place. The Trump-era policy blocked thousands of people from crossing the US-Mexico border. Title 42 gives the US government power automatically expel undocumented migrants seeking entry inside the country.

US Top Court rules to keep Title 42 in place; White House urges 'comprehensive' immigration reforms

Earlier this year, in November, amid the Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting in Indonesia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the leaders present to step and stop the Russian invasion of Kyiv.&nbsp;

It was then that he first mentioned his 10-point peace plan which Zelensky said would end the conflict, “justly and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law”. Since then the Ukrainian president has spoken about his plan with the United States President Joe Biden during his&nbsp;visit to Washington, last week.&nbsp;

Recently, he also sought help from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their call, for the implementation. This was preceded by Zelensky calling upon world leaders to hold a Global Peace Summit based on the plan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-slammed-the-west-for-trying-to-tear-apart-russia-546534">Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia</a>

Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan:&nbsp;

1. Radiation and nuclear safety, focusing on restoring security around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which is now Russian-occupied.

2. Food security, including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain exports to the world’s poorest nations.

3. Energy security, with a focus on price restrictions on Russian energy resources, as well as aiding Ukraine with restoring its power infrastructure, half of which has been damaged by Russian attacks.

4. Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and children deported to Russia.

5. Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it according to the UN Charter, which Zelenskyy said is “not up to negotiations”.

6. Withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia.

7. Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.

8. The prevention of ecocide, and the protection of the environment, with a focus on demining and restoring water treatment facilities. 
 
9. Prevention of an escalation of conflict and building security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine.

10. Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the involved parties.

What does the proposal miss?

A report by The i, a British national newspaper, said that while the analysts have called the list “maximalist” and unrealistic, it also offers better scope for negotiations moving forward. Notably, while Ukraine has emphasised on “territorial integrity”, it fails to mention Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-zelenskys-peace-plan-demands-punishment-for-russia-518849">Gravitas: Zelensky's "peace plan" demands punishment for Russia</a>

Furthermore, while the Ukrainian president has previously shown interest in negotiations with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, his officials have also reportedly called for his ouster. On December 25, Putin during his interview with state television, Rossiya 1 said, “We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are.”

Subsequently, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, Mykhailo Podolyak took to Twitter and said, “Russia single-handedly attacked Ukraine and is killing citizens…Russia doesn't want negotiations, but tries to avoid responsibility.”&nbsp;

Notably, Kyiv also broke away from the tradition where both countries celebrate Christmas on January 7 as opposed to December 25, in line with the Russian Orthodox Church which follows the ancient Julian calendar.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukrainian-president-zelensky-seeks-help-from-pm-modi-in-peace-keeping-formula-547047">Ukrainian President Zelensky seeks help from PM Modi in peace keeping formula</a>

Additionally, the Ukrainian president also called out Putin for speaking about negotiations and continuing to target and hit power stations, leaving millions without electricity and heat amidst freezing winter conditions.&nbsp;

Therefore, despite what the Russian president might have claimed for the second time, the evidence points to the contrary, who also in turn blamed Ukraine and its Western allies for the lack of talks, a stance which the West had rejected as Moscow's posturing as it continues to attack Kyiv.&nbsp;

In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, on Monday, said that Kyiv wants a peace summit within two months at the United Nations with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as mediator. He also spoke about how Russia must face the consequences for its alleged war crimes before direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-to-sign-elusive-grain-deal-to-resume-ukraine-black-sea-exports-499586">Ukraine and Russia to sign grain deal resuming Black Sea exports</a>

Furthermore, Ukraine’s foreign minister also invited other countries’ participation in the potential peace talks citing the example of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-president-erdogan-hopeful-to-extend-grain-deal-which-is-set-to-expire-on-november-19-534712">Turkey’s role</a> in the grain agreement. Meanwhile, the UN has given a cautious response and said, “As the secretary-general has said many times in the past, he can only mediate if all parties want him to mediate,” said UN spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez, on Monday.&nbsp;

How has Russia reacted to Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan?

Earlier this month, Russia had rejected Zelensky’s peace proposal and said that Ukraine needs to accept new territorial “realities”, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, which also included taking four Ukrainian regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson) under Moscow as its “new subjects”.&nbsp;

He also said that there is “no question” about Russia pulling out its troops from Ukraine by the end of this year. “They appeared as a result of referendums that took place in these territories. Without taking these new realities into account, no kind of progress is possible,” said Peskov. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelenskys-peace-plan-must-include-annexed-regions-says-kremlin-547406">Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin</a> 
 
Similarly, late Monday, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reiterated that the proposal of “demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy,”&nbsp;

He added, “The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army,” as per the Russian news agency, TASS. Furthermore, while Washington has given Ukraine billions of dollars in military aid, the country has been cautious with its approach to Zelensky’s peace plan as well as the proposed summit.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President talks to Indian PM over the phone

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Ukrainian president and Indian PM spoke on the phone for the fourth time since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, in February, earlier this year. Subsequently, Zelensky had also taken to Twitter and said that he spoke to PM Modi during which he wished for a successful G20 presidency.&nbsp;

“It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-ukraine-relations-president-zelensky-pm-modi-hold-fourth-phone-conversation-this-year-547078">India-Ukraine Relations: President Zelensky, PM Modi hold fourth phone conversation this year</a>

Additionally, the Indian government also mentioned PM Modi’s main priorities for India's G20 Presidency which include giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security.&nbsp;

While India has repeatedly been criticised by Western countries for its import of oil from Russia at a discounted price, New Delhi has defended its stance of putting its people first. Furthermore, India has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in Russia-Ukraine but has not outright condemned the conflict but maintained that the crisis is solved through dialogue and diplomacy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Earlier this year, in November, amid the Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting in Indonesia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the leaders present to step and stop the Russian invasion of Kyiv.

Earlier this year, in November, amid the Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting in Indonesia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the leaders present to step and stop the Russian invasion of Kyiv. It was then that he first mentioned his 10-point peace plan which Zelensky said would end the conflict, “justly and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law”. Since then the Ukrainian president has spoken about his plan with the United States President Joe Biden during his visit to Washington, last week. Recently, he also sought help from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their call, for the implementation. This was preceded by Zelensky calling upon world leaders to hold a Global Peace Summit based on the plan. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan: 1. Radiation and nuclear safety, focusing on restoring security around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which is now Russian-occupied. 2. Food security, including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain exports to the world’s poorest nations. 3. Energy security, with a focus on price restrictions on Russian energy resources, as well as aiding Ukraine with restoring its power infrastructure, half of which has been damaged by Russian attacks. 4. Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and children deported to Russia. 5. Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it according to the UN Charter, which Zelenskyy said is “not up to negotiations”. 6. Withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia. 7. Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. 8. The prevention of ecocide, and the protection of the environment, with a focus on demining and restoring water treatment facilities. 9. Prevention of an escalation of conflict and building security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine. 10. Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the involved parties. What does the proposal miss? A report by The i, a British national newspaper, said that while the analysts have called the list “maximalist” and unrealistic, it also offers better scope for negotiations moving forward. Notably, while Ukraine has emphasised on “territorial integrity”, it fails to mention Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Zelensky's "peace plan" demands punishment for Russia Furthermore, while the Ukrainian president has previously shown interest in negotiations with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, his officials have also reportedly called for his ouster. On December 25, Putin during his interview with state television, Rossiya 1 said, “We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are.” Subsequently, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, Mykhailo Podolyak took to Twitter and said, “Russia single-handedly attacked Ukraine and is killing citizens…Russia doesn't want negotiations, but tries to avoid responsibility.” Notably, Kyiv also broke away from the tradition where both countries celebrate Christmas on January 7 as opposed to December 25, in line with the Russian Orthodox Church which follows the ancient Julian calendar. ALSO WATCH | Ukrainian President Zelensky seeks help from PM Modi in peace keeping formula Additionally, the Ukrainian president also called out Putin for speaking about negotiations and continuing to target and hit power stations, leaving millions without electricity and heat amidst freezing winter conditions. Therefore, despite what the Russian president might have claimed for the second time, the evidence points to the contrary, who also in turn blamed Ukraine and its Western allies for the lack of talks, a stance which the West had rejected as Moscow's posturing as it continues to attack Kyiv. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, on Monday, said that Kyiv wants a peace summit within two months at the United Nations with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as mediator. He also spoke about how Russia must face the consequences for its alleged war crimes before direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow. ALSO READ | Ukraine and Russia to sign grain deal resuming Black Sea exports Furthermore, Ukraine’s foreign minister also invited other countries’ participation in the potential peace talks citing the example of Turkey’s role in the grain agreement. Meanwhile, the UN has given a cautious response and said, “As the secretary-general has said many times in the past, he can only mediate if all parties want him to mediate,” said UN spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez, on Monday. How has Russia reacted to Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan? Earlier this month, Russia had rejected Zelensky’s peace proposal and said that Ukraine needs to accept new territorial “realities”, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, which also included taking four Ukrainian regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson) under Moscow as its “new subjects”. He also said that there is “no question” about Russia pulling out its troops from Ukraine by the end of this year. “They appeared as a result of referendums that took place in these territories. Without taking these new realities into account, no kind of progress is possible,” said Peskov. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin Similarly, late Monday, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reiterated that the proposal of “demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy,” He added, “The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army,” as per the Russian news agency, TASS. Furthermore, while Washington has given Ukraine billions of dollars in military aid, the country has been cautious with its approach to Zelensky’s peace plan as well as the proposed summit. Ukrainian President talks to Indian PM over the phone Meanwhile, on Monday, the Ukrainian president and Indian PM spoke on the phone for the fourth time since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, in February, earlier this year. Subsequently, Zelensky had also taken to Twitter and said that he spoke to PM Modi during which he wished for a successful G20 presidency. “It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” said the Ukrainian president. ALSO WATCH | India-Ukraine Relations: President Zelensky, PM Modi hold fourth phone conversation this year Additionally, the Indian government also mentioned PM Modi’s main priorities for India's G20 Presidency which include giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security. While India has repeatedly been criticised by Western countries for its import of oil from Russia at a discounted price, New Delhi has defended its stance of putting its people first. Furthermore, India has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in Russia-Ukraine but has not outright condemned the conflict but maintained that the crisis is solved through dialogue and diplomacy. (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: What is Zelensky's 10-point peace plan which seeks world leaders’ support?

The US is bearing the brunt of a "once-in-a-lifetime" blizzard with flight disruptions amid the holiday season. Homes and vehicles are buried in snow as a thick snow blanket engulfs several parts of the country. At least 60 people have been killed in weather-related incidents.

Gravitas: 'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster in US

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