If you think about Black Friday sales, what comes to mind? Probably shoes, electronic gadgets or maybe even toys but for America it also means guns. As the citizens rushed to the markets to take advantage of one of the most awaited sales of the year, the FBI was busy doing background checks only to find that last Friday was likely the third highest day for gun sales ever.

Black Friday Sale: Surge in gun sales come as Biden threatens to ban popular arms

The United States on Friday (December 3) unveiled B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. The bomber is designed to fly without a crew on board.&nbsp;

The bomber was unveiled at a slickly choreographed ceremony at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman is manufacturing the bomber. The ceremony opened with US national anthem as older bombers roared over a crowd that included top US officials.

Dramatic music played and lights flashed as the doors of a hanger holding the new aircraft slowly opened, and the crowd applauded as the cloth covering it was pulled away to reveal a sleek grey bomber that is on track to cost nearly $700 million per plane.

"The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades. It is a testament to America's enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in remarks at the ceremony.

Many specifics of the aircraft are being kept under wraps, but the plane will offer significant advances over existing bombers in the US fleet, which Austin highlighted in his remarks.

He hailed its range -- "no other long-range bomber can match its efficiency" -- and its durability, saying it is "designed to be the most maintainable bomber ever built".

Like the F-22 and F-35 warplanes, the B-21 features stealth technology, which minimizes an aircraft's signature through both its shape and the materials it is constructed from, making it harder for adversaries to detect.

"Fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into this aircraft," Austin said. "Even the most sophisticated air defence systems will struggle to detect the B-21 in the sky."

The plane is also built with an "open system architecture," which allows for the incorporation of "new weapons that haven't even been invented yet," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Friday (December 3) unveiled B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. The bomber is designed to fly without a crew on board.

The United States on Friday (December 3) unveiled B-21 Raider, a high-tech stealth bomber that can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. The bomber is designed to fly without a crew on board. The bomber was unveiled at a slickly choreographed ceremony at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman is manufacturing the bomber. The ceremony opened with US national anthem as older bombers roared over a crowd that included top US officials. Dramatic music played and lights flashed as the doors of a hanger holding the new aircraft slowly opened, and the crowd applauded as the cloth covering it was pulled away to reveal a sleek grey bomber that is on track to cost nearly $700 million per plane. "The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades. It is a testament to America's enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in remarks at the ceremony. Many specifics of the aircraft are being kept under wraps, but the plane will offer significant advances over existing bombers in the US fleet, which Austin highlighted in his remarks. He hailed its range -- "no other long-range bomber can match its efficiency" -- and its durability, saying it is "designed to be the most maintainable bomber ever built". Like the F-22 and F-35 warplanes, the B-21 features stealth technology, which minimizes an aircraft's signature through both its shape and the materials it is constructed from, making it harder for adversaries to detect. "Fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into this aircraft," Austin said. "Even the most sophisticated air defence systems will struggle to detect the B-21 in the sky." The plane is also built with an "open system architecture," which allows for the incorporation of "new weapons that haven't even been invented yet," he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US unveils new B-21 stealth bomber capable of uncrewed flight

A&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;judge&nbsp;on Friday dismissed an&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;against&nbsp;Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that&nbsp;strained&nbsp;US-China&nbsp;relations.

Meng, whose father Ren Zhengfei founded&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and is the telecommunications company's chief executive, entered an agreement with&nbsp;US&nbsp;prosecutors last year for the case to be dismissed four years after her December 2018 arrest.

Prosecutors accused Meng of bank fraud and other crimes for misleading HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks about Huawei's relationship with a company that operated in Iran.

They said Meng's actions put banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions.

Huawei&nbsp;has pleaded not guilty to related&nbsp;US&nbsp;criminal charges.

US&nbsp;District&nbsp;Judge&nbsp;Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn dismissed Meng's&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again.

A lawyer for Meng and a spokeswoman for&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Canada following her arrest at a Vancouver airport.

She entered a deferred prosecution agreement with&nbsp;US&nbsp;prosecutors in Sept. 2021 in which she acknowledged having made false statements about&nbsp;Huawei's Iran business.

On the day Donnelly approved that agreement, Meng flew home to Shenzhen.

Shortly afterwards,&nbsp;China&nbsp;released two Canadians it had been holding, and two American siblings who had been prevented from leaving the country were allowed to fly home.

Meng, 50, now serves as&nbsp;Huawei's rotating chairwoman and deputy chairwoman, as well as&nbsp;CFO.

The United States still views&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;as a national security threat.

On Nov. 25, the Biden administration banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and&nbsp;China's ZTE Corp because they posed an "unacceptable risk" to national security.

&nbsp;

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A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed an indictment against Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that strained US-China relations.

A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed an indictment against Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that strained US-China relations. Meng, whose father Ren Zhengfei founded Huawei and is the telecommunications company's chief executive, entered an agreement with US prosecutors last year for the case to be dismissed four years after her December 2018 arrest. Prosecutors accused Meng of bank fraud and other crimes for misleading HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks about Huawei's relationship with a company that operated in Iran. They said Meng's actions put banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated US sanctions. Huawei has pleaded not guilty to related US criminal charges. US District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn dismissed Meng's indictment with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again. A lawyer for Meng and a spokeswoman for Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Canada following her arrest at a Vancouver airport. She entered a deferred prosecution agreement with US prosecutors in Sept. 2021 in which she acknowledged having made false statements about Huawei's Iran business. On the day Donnelly approved that agreement, Meng flew home to Shenzhen. Shortly afterwards, China released two Canadians it had been holding, and two American siblings who had been prevented from leaving the country were allowed to fly home. Meng, 50, now serves as Huawei's rotating chairwoman and deputy chairwoman, as well as CFO. The United States still views Huawei as a national security threat. On Nov. 25, the Biden administration banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from Huawei and China's ZTE Corp because they posed an "unacceptable risk" to national security. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US judge dismisses indictment against Huawei CFO that strained US-China relations

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (December 2) said that the US has designated China, Iran and Russia among others, as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act.&nbsp;In a statement, Blinken said that the countries designated as such, were engaging in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

The list includes other countries also with Algeria, the Central African Republic, Comoros and Vietnam being placed on the watchlist.

Several groups, including the Kremlin-aligned Wagner Group, a private paramilitary organization that is active in Syria, Africa and Ukraine, were also designated as entities of particular concern. The Wagner group was designated over its activities in the Central African Republic, Blinken said.

"Around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs," Blinken said.

"The United States will not stand by in the face of these abuses."

Blinken added that Washington would welcome opportunity to meet all the governments to discuss concrete steps to be taken for their removal from the list.

Washington has increased pressure on Iran over the brutal crackdown on protesters. Women have waved and burned headscarves - mandatory under Iran's conservative dress codes - during the demonstrations that mark one of the boldest challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (December 2) said that the US has designated China, Iran and Russia among others, as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (December 2) said that the US has designated China, Iran and Russia among others, as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act. In a statement, Blinken said that the countries designated as such, were engaging in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. The list includes other countries also with Algeria, the Central African Republic, Comoros and Vietnam being placed on the watchlist. Several groups, including the Kremlin-aligned Wagner Group, a private paramilitary organization that is active in Syria, Africa and Ukraine, were also designated as entities of particular concern. The Wagner group was designated over its activities in the Central African Republic, Blinken said. "Around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs," Blinken said. "The United States will not stand by in the face of these abuses." Blinken added that Washington would welcome opportunity to meet all the governments to discuss concrete steps to be taken for their removal from the list. Washington has increased pressure on Iran over the brutal crackdown on protesters. Women have waved and burned headscarves - mandatory under Iran's conservative dress codes - during the demonstrations that mark one of the boldest challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US puts Iran, China, Russia on watchlist over religious freedom for severe violations

Is the US still trying to convince China to convince Russia to back-off? What does Xi Jinping's "US doesn't know how to get along with the world" remark mean? Here's what happened in the opening notes when US President Biden met China's Xi for the first time

Truth behind US-China handshake

US has imposed fresh sanctions on North Korean officials involved in development and testing of ICBM. This comes after the missile launched last month that landed just near Japan.

South Korea and Japan impose sanctions on North Korea

The Pentagon has said that US defense secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Turkish counterpart and expressed opposition to Turkiye launching a new operation in Syria.

Washington warns against Syrian incursion, Pentagon chief cautions Turkiye on strikes

US President Joe Biden said that he would be willing to speak to Vladimir Putin for the first time since the Ukraine invasion if the Russian leader truly wants to end the war.

Russia Ukraine War: Moscow accuses US, NATO of being directly involved in conflict

Despite high inflation and a sluggish economy, US firms continued to hire steadily in the month of&nbsp;November. 
According to data released by the Labor Department on Friday, the economy added 263,000 jobs as the unemployment rate stood at 3.7 per cent, which is close to a 53-year low. The number of employment added in November was somewhat lower than the 284,000 jobs added in October. Even though borrowing costs have increased and inflation has skyrocketed, the US labour market has consistently added thousands of jobs each month. Comparing November to the same month last year, the average hourly salary increased by 5.1 per cent.&nbsp;

As per Fed Chair Jerome Powell, inflation was soaring too rapidly for the central bank to immediately reduce employment and wages. To force inflation back toward its 2 per cent annual objective, the Fed increased its benchmark rate from close to zero in March to about&nbsp;four per cent. US families have benefited from consistent hiring and growing wages as consumer spending increased at a solid rate in October after accounting for inflation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-conspiracy-theorist-alex-jones-declares-bankruptcy-in-texas-court-539562">American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones declares bankruptcy in Texas court</a>

The US economy increased at a swift 2.9 per cent annual pace in the most recent quarter after contracting in the first half of the year. Along with consumer spending strength, a surge in exports also contributed to growth.

Along with tech powerhouses like Amazon, Meta, and Twitter announcing job layoffs, small organisations like DoorDash, Redfin, Best Buy, and the Gap have also said they will lay off staff.

A gauge of industrial activity fell to a level in November that showed the manufacturing sector may be declining for the first time since May 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Despite high inflation and a sluggish economy, US firms continued to hire steadily in the month of November. According to data released by the Labor Department on Friday, the economy added 263,000 jobs as the unemployment rate stood at 3.

Despite high inflation and a sluggish economy, US firms continued to hire steadily in the month of November. According to data released by the Labor Department on Friday, the economy added 263,000 jobs as the unemployment rate stood at 3.7 per cent, which is close to a 53-year low. The number of employment added in November was somewhat lower than the 284,000 jobs added in October. Even though borrowing costs have increased and inflation has skyrocketed, the US labour market has consistently added thousands of jobs each month. Comparing November to the same month last year, the average hourly salary increased by 5.1 per cent. As per Fed Chair Jerome Powell, inflation was soaring too rapidly for the central bank to immediately reduce employment and wages. To force inflation back toward its 2 per cent annual objective, the Fed increased its benchmark rate from close to zero in March to about four per cent. US families have benefited from consistent hiring and growing wages as consumer spending increased at a solid rate in October after accounting for inflation. Also read | American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones declares bankruptcy in Texas court The US economy increased at a swift 2.9 per cent annual pace in the most recent quarter after contracting in the first half of the year. Along with consumer spending strength, a surge in exports also contributed to growth. Along with tech powerhouses like Amazon, Meta, and Twitter announcing job layoffs, small organisations like DoorDash, Redfin, Best Buy, and the Gap have also said they will lay off staff. A gauge of industrial activity fell to a level in November that showed the manufacturing sector may be declining for the first time since May 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US hiring remains robust in November; adds 263,000 new jobs despite soaring inflation

Alex Jones, a far-right US conspiracy theorist who has been ordered to pay up to $1.5 billion to the families of Sandy Hook school massacre victims, filed for bankruptcy on Friday. Jones, who falsely asserted for years that the 2012 massacre was fake, submitted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition to a Texas court. He stated in the petition that he had obligations of between $1 billion and $10 billion and assets valued between $1 million and $10 million. Jones, the founder of the website InfoWars and the broadcaster of a well-known radio programme, has been held responsible for defamation in a number of cases brought by the family members of the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy that left 20 children and six teachers dead.

In October, a Connecticut jury decided to pay $965 million to the families of the eight Sandy Hook victims as well as to the FBI agent who had sued Jones for slander. Later, the trial's judge added an extra $473 million in punitive damages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-barack-obama-pauses-his-speech-to-let-a-four-year-old-speak-at-atlanta-rally-539430">Barack Obama pauses his speech to let a four-year-old speak at Atlanta rally</a>

In a separate trial, a jury in Texas found Jones liable for the death of a couple's six-year-old son by the 20-year-old shooter who carried out the Sandy Hook massacre.

A second Jones-owned company, Free Speech Systems, filed for bankruptcy in July after InfoWars filed for bankruptcy in April. A debtor may restructure their assets in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case with the assistance of the court.

Jones cited his debts to a number of the Sandy Hook families in the personal bankruptcy petition, where he also claimed that he has between 50 and 99 creditors.

Next rapper Kanye West's controversial appearance on the InfoWars show, when he professed his "love" of Nazis and respect for Adolf Hitler, Jones filed for bankruptcy the following day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-rejects-joe-bidens-terms-for-ukraine-talks-says-offensive-will-continue-539410">Russia rejects Joe Biden's terms for Ukraine talks, says offensive will continue</a>

The Sandy Hook tragedy was "manufactured" by pro-gun control activists, according to Jones, who also claimed that the parents were "crisis actors" on his programme for years. However, Jones has subsequently conceded that it was "100 per cent genuine."

Jones was charged with making enormous earnings from the specific products he allegedly sold on his website.

Jones, a fervent follower of former US&nbsp;president Donald Trump, is also being investigated in connection with the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Alex Jones, a far-right US conspiracy theorist who has been ordered to pay up to $1.5 billion to the families of Sandy Hook school massacre victims, filed for bankruptcy on Friday.

Alex Jones, a far-right US conspiracy theorist who has been ordered to pay up to $1.5 billion to the families of Sandy Hook school massacre victims, filed for bankruptcy on Friday. Jones, who falsely asserted for years that the 2012 massacre was fake, submitted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition to a Texas court. He stated in the petition that he had obligations of between $1 billion and $10 billion and assets valued between $1 million and $10 million. Jones, the founder of the website InfoWars and the broadcaster of a well-known radio programme, has been held responsible for defamation in a number of cases brought by the family members of the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy that left 20 children and six teachers dead. In October, a Connecticut jury decided to pay $965 million to the families of the eight Sandy Hook victims as well as to the FBI agent who had sued Jones for slander. Later, the trial's judge added an extra $473 million in punitive damages. Also read | Barack Obama pauses his speech to let a four-year-old speak at Atlanta rally In a separate trial, a jury in Texas found Jones liable for the death of a couple's six-year-old son by the 20-year-old shooter who carried out the Sandy Hook massacre. A second Jones-owned company, Free Speech Systems, filed for bankruptcy in July after InfoWars filed for bankruptcy in April. A debtor may restructure their assets in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case with the assistance of the court. Jones cited his debts to a number of the Sandy Hook families in the personal bankruptcy petition, where he also claimed that he has between 50 and 99 creditors. Next rapper Kanye West's controversial appearance on the InfoWars show, when he professed his "love" of Nazis and respect for Adolf Hitler, Jones filed for bankruptcy the following day. Also read | Russia rejects Joe Biden's terms for Ukraine talks, says offensive will continue The Sandy Hook tragedy was "manufactured" by pro-gun control activists, according to Jones, who also claimed that the parents were "crisis actors" on his programme for years. However, Jones has subsequently conceded that it was "100 per cent genuine." Jones was charged with making enormous earnings from the specific products he allegedly sold on his website. Jones, a fervent follower of former US president Donald Trump, is also being investigated in connection with the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones declares bankruptcy in Texas court

Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, paused his&nbsp;speech in Atlanta so a four-year-old could say a few words. Obama and Senator Raphael Warnock pushed Democratic voters to continue pushing an apparent head start in early voting in the Georgia Senate race against Republican Herschel Walker as the former president spoke at a rally in Atlanta and was interrupted&nbsp;by a young boy, as per a CNN report.

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Obama closing his speech: 
 
“We will be setting an example for a 4 year old right here…They’re watching now to see if we’re gonna get tired, and I’m gonna tell them right now, ‘we’re not gonna be tired.’” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamWarnock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamWarnock</a> <a href="https://t.co/fbUNmd2vJo">pic.twitter.com/fbUNmd2vJo</a>
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Barack Obama repeated what the boy&nbsp;said, "You say, “We have got the power." “That's a four-year-old here. He is only four and he is making sense,” Obama added.

“If they didn't get tired, you can't get tired,” Barack Obama told the crowd.

“When again and again you serve up bald-faced lies, that says something about the kind of person you are and the kind of leader you would be if elected to the United States Senate,” Barack Obama said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-rejects-joe-bidens-terms-for-ukraine-talks-says-offensive-will-continue-539410">Russia rejects Joe Biden's terms for Ukraine talks, says offensive will continue</a>

More than 1.4 million votes have already been cast, despite Democrats' all-out effort to win as many votes as they can.

“We've got to keep on showing up,” Raphael Warnock said, adding, “We've got to keep on voting. We cannot let up for even a moment. We've got to keep our foot on the gas all the way to victory.”

“I believe in my soul that Georgia knows that Georgia is better than Herschel Walker,” Warnock said.

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Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, paused his speech in Atlanta so a four-year-old could say a few words. Obama and Senator Raphael Warnock pushed Democratic voters to continue pushing an apparent head start in early voting in the Georgia Senate race against Republican Herschel Walker as the former president spoke at a rally in Atlanta and was interrupted by a young boy, as per a CNN report.

Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, paused his speech in Atlanta so a four-year-old could say a few words. Obama and Senator Raphael Warnock pushed Democratic voters to continue pushing an apparent head start in early voting in the Georgia Senate race against Republican Herschel Walker as the former president spoke at a rally in Atlanta and was interrupted by a young boy, as per a CNN report. Obama closing his speech: “We will be setting an example for a 4 year old right here…They’re watching now to see if we’re gonna get tired, and I’m gonna tell them right now, ‘we’re not gonna be tired.’” #TeamWarnock pic.twitter.com/fbUNmd2vJo — Adam Smith (@AdamJSmithGA) December 2, 2022 × No one throws shade better than Barack Obama. No one. 🔥pic.twitter.com/qFY20TWrMh — Jo 🌻 (@JoJoFromJerz) December 2, 2022 × Barack Obama repeated what the boy said, "You say, “We have got the power." “That's a four-year-old here. He is only four and he is making sense,” Obama added. “If they didn't get tired, you can't get tired,” Barack Obama told the crowd. “When again and again you serve up bald-faced lies, that says something about the kind of person you are and the kind of leader you would be if elected to the United States Senate,” Barack Obama said. Also read | Russia rejects Joe Biden's terms for Ukraine talks, says offensive will continue More than 1.4 million votes have already been cast, despite Democrats' all-out effort to win as many votes as they can. “We've got to keep on showing up,” Raphael Warnock said, adding, “We've got to keep on voting. We cannot let up for even a moment. We've got to keep our foot on the gas all the way to victory.” “I believe in my soul that Georgia knows that Georgia is better than Herschel Walker,” Warnock said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Barack Obama pauses his speech to let a four-year-old speak at Atlanta rally

Democrats already control the U.S. Senate by the slimmest of margins. But the final balance of power will be decided in the southern state of Georgia on December 6th with a runoff election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.

WION-VOA Co-Production | Dec 6: Georgia Senate runoff

The US appeals court dealt former president Donald Trump a fresh blow Thursday, rejecting his effort to keep prosecutors from examining thousands of government documents he held in his Florida home after leaving office.

US appeals court rules against Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago documents case

Biden: Ready to speak to Putin if he is looking for way to end war

The Democratic Party has elected Hakeem Jeffries as the new leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. Who exactly is the man set to replace Nancy Pelosi? Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Hakeem Jeffries elected Democrat House Leader

US President Joe Biden says that he would be ready to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin but only "if he is looking for a way to end the war."

Biden: Ready to speak to Putin 'if he is looking for a way to end the war'

Weeks after Russia pulled out from Ukraine's Kherson region, Ukrainian military has now said that Russia has also pulled out. This comes as a first official report of a Russian withdrawal from what is now the new frontline of Southern Ukrainian warzone.

War in Ukraine | Lavrov: US, NATO directly involved in war

Why have Syria Kurds halted all joint counter-terrorism operations with the US-led coalition?

If you are planning a visit to the US, here's an update on the visa appointments for you. The US embassy in India informed that it has opened several B1/B2 interview waiver appointments in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

US visa slots are open in India: Here's all you need to know

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-deputy-cm-o-panneerselvams-brother-sacked-from-aiadmk-for-anti-party-185356"> O Pannerselvam’s brother</a>, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-dmk-protest-over-cauvery-rajya-sabha-adjourned-till-230-pm-185646">the AIADMK</a> following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday.&nbsp;

However, this would not apply to deposed party leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran and they would never be re-inducted, senior AIADMK leader and state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here.

O Raja was re-inducted into the party only after he had expressed regret for his action, Jayakumar said but refused to divulge what kind of ‘anti-party activity’ actually prompted the leadership to sack him.

“If a sacked party functionary gives a (regret) letter, what the party will do– it will consider his regret and the request for re-induction,” he told reporters here.

He was responding to questions on Raja returning to the party fold in just about five days after his expulsion last week and said such things had happened during the time of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa also.

Raja was re-inducted in line with the “forget and forgive policy,” Jayakumar added.

“This is not a big issue. He expressed regret and the party took a decision (accordingly to take him back),” the minister said.

Raja was removed from all posts and the AIADMK’s primary membership by AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam and the joint coordinator, chief minister K Palaniswami, on December 19 for “going against the party’s policies and bringing disrepute to it.”

However, Raja was re-admitted Monday after he expressed regret for his action in person and through a letter, and requested that he be re-inducted into the party.

Asked if such a yardstick applied for Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran, Jayakumar replied in the negative.

“Anyone other than these two, if they express regret, will be taken back,” he said.

The AIADMK has already made it clear that even those siding with Dhinakaran post his fallout with chief minister Palaniswami last year, were welcome to return to the AIADMK, but the leader was not welcome.

Post his fallout, Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s brother, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into the AIADMK following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s brother, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into the AIADMK following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday. However, this would not apply to deposed party leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran and they would never be re-inducted, senior AIADMK leader and state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here. O Raja was re-inducted into the party only after he had expressed regret for his action, Jayakumar said but refused to divulge what kind of ‘anti-party activity’ actually prompted the leadership to sack him. “If a sacked party functionary gives a (regret) letter, what the party will do– it will consider his regret and the request for re-induction,” he told reporters here. He was responding to questions on Raja returning to the party fold in just about five days after his expulsion last week and said such things had happened during the time of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa also. Raja was re-inducted in line with the “forget and forgive policy,” Jayakumar added. “This is not a big issue. He expressed regret and the party took a decision (accordingly to take him back),” the minister said. Raja was removed from all posts and the AIADMK’s primary membership by AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam and the joint coordinator, chief minister K Palaniswami, on December 19 for “going against the party’s policies and bringing disrepute to it.” However, Raja was re-admitted Monday after he expressed regret for his action in person and through a letter, and requested that he be re-inducted into the party. Asked if such a yardstick applied for Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran, Jayakumar replied in the negative. “Anyone other than these two, if they express regret, will be taken back,” he said. The AIADMK has already made it clear that even those siding with Dhinakaran post his fallout with chief minister Palaniswami last year, were welcome to return to the AIADMK, but the leader was not welcome. Post his fallout, Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

Post ICBM test, US and Asian allies impose new sanctions on North Korea

United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to coordinate on the "challenge" of China and called for stability on the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;"The United States and France will continue to coordinate on our concerns regarding China's challenge to the rules-based international order, including respect for human rights, and to work together with China on important global issues like climate change," said a joint statement issued by the White House.

The two leaders also pledged to support Ukraine in its war against Russia and to&nbsp;hold Moscow responsible for war crimes.

In a joint statement issued after their Oval Office talks, the two leaders said they were committed to holding Russia to account "for widely documented atrocities and war crimes, committed both by its regular armed forces and by its proxies" in Ukraine.

Biden and Macron also pledged to uphold the “unwavering” alliance between the two countries during the latter’s visit to the White House on Thursday. Macron was greeted by service members from the army, marines and the air force.&nbsp;

"France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in freedom’s cause," Biden told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eases-covid-restrictions-in-beijing-hints-at-possible-change-in-stance-report-539115">China eases Covid restrictions in Beijing, hints at possible change in stance</a>

Macron also emphasised on the friendship between the two countries that dates back to the US independence struggle and said, "We need to become brothers in arms once more."&nbsp;

The relationship between the two countries suffered a bit in the recent past with Macron blaming Biden’s economic policies for an inevitable trade war. The Inflation Reduction Act or IRA will see an investment of around $4 million into environmentally-friendly industries but several European countries have expressed their concern as it can possibly lead to a race to invest in the green economy sector.&nbsp;

"The consequence of the IRA is that you will perhaps fix your issue but you will increase my problem. I'm sorry to be so straightforward," Macron said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-backs-eu-plan-to-create-tribunal-for-russian-officials-over-ukraine-war-539161">France backs EU plan to create tribunal for Russian officials over Ukraine war</a>

However, Biden has maintained that the IRA will not pose any threat to the European companies.&nbsp;

According to AFP, one of the major topics of discussion will be the rise of China on the global stage and the alliances it has forged in the Pacific Islands. "Europe has since 2018 its own, unique strategy for relations with China," tweeted French embassy spokesman Pascal Confavreux in Washington.

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United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to coordinate on the "challenge" of China and called for stability on the Taiwan Strait.

United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to coordinate on the "challenge" of China and called for stability on the Taiwan Strait. "The United States and France will continue to coordinate on our concerns regarding China's challenge to the rules-based international order, including respect for human rights, and to work together with China on important global issues like climate change," said a joint statement issued by the White House. The two leaders also pledged to support Ukraine in its war against Russia and to hold Moscow responsible for war crimes. In a joint statement issued after their Oval Office talks, the two leaders said they were committed to holding Russia to account "for widely documented atrocities and war crimes, committed both by its regular armed forces and by its proxies" in Ukraine. Biden and Macron also pledged to uphold the “unwavering” alliance between the two countries during the latter’s visit to the White House on Thursday. Macron was greeted by service members from the army, marines and the air force. "France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in freedom’s cause," Biden told reporters. Also read | China eases Covid restrictions in Beijing, hints at possible change in stance Macron also emphasised on the friendship between the two countries that dates back to the US independence struggle and said, "We need to become brothers in arms once more." The relationship between the two countries suffered a bit in the recent past with Macron blaming Biden’s economic policies for an inevitable trade war. The Inflation Reduction Act or IRA will see an investment of around $4 million into environmentally-friendly industries but several European countries have expressed their concern as it can possibly lead to a race to invest in the green economy sector. "The consequence of the IRA is that you will perhaps fix your issue but you will increase my problem. I'm sorry to be so straightforward," Macron said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. Also read | France backs EU plan to create tribunal for Russian officials over Ukraine war However, Biden has maintained that the IRA will not pose any threat to the European companies. According to AFP, one of the major topics of discussion will be the rise of China on the global stage and the alliances it has forged in the Pacific Islands. "Europe has since 2018 its own, unique strategy for relations with China," tweeted French embassy spokesman Pascal Confavreux in Washington.

Macron, Biden pledge to hold Russia accountable for committing 'war crimes' in Ukraine

Intense storm spawning dozens of tornadoes stored through large swathes of territory in the southern parts of the United States. Heavy thunderstorms rolled from eastern Texas to Georgia and as far as Indiana and in Mississippi - tornadoes damaged numerous homes.

WION Climate Tracker | US: Two dead as tornadoes hammer country; storms batter Alabama, Mississippi

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the subsidies paid to the US companies under a green energy plan could split the West. The remarks came at a time when Macron is on a state visit to the United States. In a speech at the French embassy in Washington, Macron voice support for the environmental goals of President Biden's key policies.

French President Emmanuel Macron blasts US trade subsidies, says 'it may split the West'

As the guest of honour for the first-ever red, white, and blue-themed White House state dinner, French President Emmanuel Macron will be served butter-poached Maine lobster, beef with shallot marmalade, and an American cheese trio on Thursday. Roasted pears, creme fraiche ice cream, and orange chiffon cake will be served for dessert. The White House, together with first lady Jill Biden, planned the sumptuous dinner in order to showcase the bond&nbsp;between America and its longest friend, France. This included everything from the meal to the entertainment to the table decorations and other finishing touches. The United States reserves a state dinner, a high diplomatic honour, for its closest friends.

“The design of this dinner was inspired by the shared colours of our flags, red white and blue, and our common values, liberty and democracy, equality and fellowship,” Biden said. “These form the bedrock upon which our enduring friendship was built.”

<img alt="white house state dinner" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b374a706-70dc-44fa-a77e-856497d152d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ap_2701099e3eba408599c95c3b3890fd95-1.jpg" />

First lady Jill Biden, center, accompanied by White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo, fourth from left, White House executive chef Cris Comerford, third from left, and White House executive pastry chef Susie Morrison, second from left, speaks during a media preview for the State Dinner with President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. Photo credits: AP

The first lady claimed she was managing the meal the same way her mother did when she was a child and dining with her family. "Even if we were merely having fish sticks from the freezer," her mother said, she still took out the china, fresh flowers, and lighted candles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-calls-for-us-france-to-be-brothers-in-arms-during-white-house-visit-539216">Emmanuel Macron calls for US, France to be 'brothers in arms' during White House visit</a>

The first state dinner to be held at the White House since 2019 will be "a statement of welcome and friendship, a means to connect via a language that transcends words," according to Biden. She gave a quick speech in the preview area before leaving without taking any questions from the media.

The Bidens place a priority on "making visitors feel comfortable and at home," according to Carlos Elizondo, the White House's social secretary, who has served the couple for more than 10 years.

Around 300 people are anticipated at the opulent, black-tie dinner party, which will take place under a heated tent on the South Lawn. They will be seated at tables that are a combination of square and rectangles, draped in dark blue silk tablecloths, and embellished with red candles and bouquets of red, white, and blue flowers, including roses and irises, the national flower of France.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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As the guest of honour for the first-ever red, white, and blue-themed White House state dinner, French President Emmanuel Macron will be served butter-poached Maine lobster, beef with shallot marmalade, and an American cheese trio on Thursday.

As the guest of honour for the first-ever red, white, and blue-themed White House state dinner, French President Emmanuel Macron will be served butter-poached Maine lobster, beef with shallot marmalade, and an American cheese trio on Thursday. Roasted pears, creme fraiche ice cream, and orange chiffon cake will be served for dessert. The White House, together with first lady Jill Biden, planned the sumptuous dinner in order to showcase the bond between America and its longest friend, France. This included everything from the meal to the entertainment to the table decorations and other finishing touches. The United States reserves a state dinner, a high diplomatic honour, for its closest friends. “The design of this dinner was inspired by the shared colours of our flags, red white and blue, and our common values, liberty and democracy, equality and fellowship,” Biden said. “These form the bedrock upon which our enduring friendship was built.” First lady Jill Biden, center, accompanied by White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo, fourth from left, White House executive chef Cris Comerford, third from left, and White House executive pastry chef Susie Morrison, second from left, speaks during a media preview for the State Dinner with President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. Photo credits: AP The first lady claimed she was managing the meal the same way her mother did when she was a child and dining with her family. "Even if we were merely having fish sticks from the freezer," her mother said, she still took out the china, fresh flowers, and lighted candles. Also read | Emmanuel Macron calls for US, France to be 'brothers in arms' during White House visit The first state dinner to be held at the White House since 2019 will be "a statement of welcome and friendship, a means to connect via a language that transcends words," according to Biden. She gave a quick speech in the preview area before leaving without taking any questions from the media. The Bidens place a priority on "making visitors feel comfortable and at home," according to Carlos Elizondo, the White House's social secretary, who has served the couple for more than 10 years. Around 300 people are anticipated at the opulent, black-tie dinner party, which will take place under a heated tent on the South Lawn. They will be seated at tables that are a combination of square and rectangles, draped in dark blue silk tablecloths, and embellished with red candles and bouquets of red, white, and blue flowers, including roses and irises, the national flower of France. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

What's on the menu? Biden welcomes Macron to White House state dinner

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