On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Cuban government had made a rare request to President Joe Biden and his government&nbsp;for assistance after Hurricane Ian tore through the island nation on Tuesday. This comes after years of tensions and amid recent US sanctions imposed on Cuban officials.&nbsp;

The island nation of 11 million plunged into darkness after Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 27, as it also destroyed the country’s agriculture and homes. Meanwhile, Cubans have staged several protests against the government because of power outages, which come amid the ongoing shortages of food, fuel and medicines.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-devastating-hurricane-ian-strikes-cuba-heading-towards-florida-520373#cubas-darkest-storm-passage-520367">In pics | Devastating hurricane Ian hits Cuba, heading towards Florida</a>

The report citing a review of communications via email indicated that Washington has assessed that Cuban authorities would prioritise hospitals, water pumping facilities and other critical infrastructure if the US were to provide aid.&nbsp;

Previously, President Biden had promised to re-engage with Havana after years of tensions between the two countries. However, following Cuba’s crackdown on protests, last July the US placed sanctions on Cuban officials. On the other hand, the Cuban government accused the US of meddling and blamed them for the widespread protests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Cuban government had made a rare request to President Joe Biden and his government for assistance after Hurricane Ian tore through the island nation on Tuesday.

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Cuban government had made a rare request to President Joe Biden and his government for assistance after Hurricane Ian tore through the island nation on Tuesday. This comes after years of tensions and amid recent US sanctions imposed on Cuban officials. The island nation of 11 million plunged into darkness after Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 27, as it also destroyed the country’s agriculture and homes. Meanwhile, Cubans have staged several protests against the government because of power outages, which come amid the ongoing shortages of food, fuel and medicines. ALSO READ: In pics | Devastating hurricane Ian hits Cuba, heading towards Florida The report citing a review of communications via email indicated that Washington has assessed that Cuban authorities would prioritise hospitals, water pumping facilities and other critical infrastructure if the US were to provide aid. Previously, President Biden had promised to re-engage with Havana after years of tensions between the two countries. However, following Cuba’s crackdown on protests, last July the US placed sanctions on Cuban officials. On the other hand, the Cuban government accused the US of meddling and blamed them for the widespread protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Ian battered Cuba makes rare request to US for assistance as island plunges into darkness

Hurricane Ian left a trail of destruction in Florida where it left at least 19 dead and a lot of debris. It also destroyed majority houses. The storm has left millions without power and residents are now slowly returning to homes only to find that their life earnings have been completely ravaged.

Hurricane Ian leaves trail of destruction behind; millions live without electricity in Florida

Seems like it's the season of gaffes for the Biden administration - from US President Joe Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris, they are making blunder and that too publicly. Know more about it by watching this video.

US President Joe Biden gets confused on stage, looks for dead lawmaker in crowd

Singer, Rapper & Songwriter Lizzo is also a classically trained flautist. She played a historical crystal flute for her fans during a concert in Washington D.C.

WION Fineprint: Lizzo wows fans by playing a 200-year-old crystal flute

On the last leg of her Asia tour, US Vice President Kamala Harris visited the demilitarised zone that divides the Korean Peninsula. Harris is the first senior White House official from the Biden administration to visit the area.

WION Dispatch: Kamala Harris meets Yoon Suk-yeol amid North Korea threat

Security researchers claim that the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) utilised hundreds of seriously defective websites for secret communications that even an "amateur sleuth" might have discovered.&nbsp;

Dozens of US sources in China in 2011 and 2012 are said to have died as a result of the vulnerabilities, while Iran is said to have executed or imprisoned other CIA operatives as a result of the problems.&nbsp;

Security specialists at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, who began looking into the issue after receiving a tip from Reuters reporter Joel Schectmann, conducted the latest study.

Citizen Lab said that it was able to trace "with high confidence" the use of a network of 885 websites to the CIA using just one website and publicly accessible information. It was discovered that the websites gave the impression of being about news, the weather, healthcare, and other respectable websites.&nbsp;

A motivated amateur sleuth could have identified the CIA network and linked it to the US government with the knowledge of just one website, according to a statement from Citizen Lab.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahsa-amini-death-senior-iran-cleric-calls-for-crackdown-on-protesters-521253">Mahsa Amini death: Senior Iran cleric calls for crackdown on protesters</a>

The CIA apparently stopped using the websites between 2004 and 2013, but Citizen Lab reported that a subset of them was still connected to active intelligence personnel or assets, including a current foreign contractor and a state department employee.

The story's beginnings may be traced back to 2018 when Yahoo News writers Jenna McLaughlin and Zach Dorfman revealed that Iran and China had infiltrated a system used by the CIA to interact with assets, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 dozen sources in China in 2011 and 2012. People with knowledge of the incident expressed worry to Yahoo News that those at fault had never been held accountable.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Security researchers claim that the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) utilised hundreds of seriously defective websites for secret communications that even an "amateur sleuth" might have discovered.

Security researchers claim that the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) utilised hundreds of seriously defective websites for secret communications that even an "amateur sleuth" might have discovered. Dozens of US sources in China in 2011 and 2012 are said to have died as a result of the vulnerabilities, while Iran is said to have executed or imprisoned other CIA operatives as a result of the problems. Security specialists at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, who began looking into the issue after receiving a tip from Reuters reporter Joel Schectmann, conducted the latest study. Citizen Lab said that it was able to trace "with high confidence" the use of a network of 885 websites to the CIA using just one website and publicly accessible information. It was discovered that the websites gave the impression of being about news, the weather, healthcare, and other respectable websites. A motivated amateur sleuth could have identified the CIA network and linked it to the US government with the knowledge of just one website, according to a statement from Citizen Lab. Also Read: Mahsa Amini death: Senior Iran cleric calls for crackdown on protesters The CIA apparently stopped using the websites between 2004 and 2013, but Citizen Lab reported that a subset of them was still connected to active intelligence personnel or assets, including a current foreign contractor and a state department employee. The story's beginnings may be traced back to 2018 when Yahoo News writers Jenna McLaughlin and Zach Dorfman revealed that Iran and China had infiltrated a system used by the CIA to interact with assets, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 dozen sources in China in 2011 and 2012. People with knowledge of the incident expressed worry to Yahoo News that those at fault had never been held accountable. (with inputs from agencies)

CIA's defective websites for covert communications exposed dozens of assets in China, Iran: Research

Are you applying for a U.S. Visa? You may have to wait until 2024 to get one. The waiting period for a U.S. Visa in New Delhi is 800 days. What explains this backlog? Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Why are American visas taking so long?

In the United States, after California, New York has advanced a plan on Thursday (Sept 29) to mandate zero emissions for all new automobiles sold in the state by the year 2035, state governor Kathy Hochul said.&nbsp;

Last year, after approving legislation, the governor declared that the government was pushing efforts on the accelerator after being forced by federal law to wait for California to enact its own legislation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-fossil-fuel-reserves-could-emit-35-trillion-tonnes-of-carbon-dioxide-517609">Also read |&nbsp;Global fossil fuel reserves 'could emit 3.5 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide'</a>

California in August ruled that until tailpipe pollutants are completely banned in 2035, an ever-increasing per cent&nbsp;of new cars sold to the state's 40 million residents must produce no exhaust pollutants, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The governor issued a directive to New York authorities for them to take regulatory action to assure that by 2035, all new passenger automobiles and pickup trucks sold in the state will have zero emissions. The direction had two interim goals of 35 per cent of sales in 2026 and 68 per cent in 2030. The governor further said that the authorities are on the right track to proving the plan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-revolutionary-is-the-ethereum-merge-in-reducing-carbon-footprint-of-crypto-mining-516969">Also read |&nbsp;How revolutionary is the Ethereum 'merge' in reducing carbon footprint of crypto mining?</a>

Additionally, internal combustion engine car emissions limits will gradually be tightened as a result of the laws. The federal government is also anticipated to give the state $175 million for its charging infrastructure.&nbsp;

As part of the global effort to tackle climate change, California and New York have recently focused on the polluting vehicle industry.&nbsp;

In contrast to the United States' attempt, the European Union, which intends to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035, and Britain, Singapore, and Israel are aiming to achieve it by the year 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In the United States, after California, New York has advanced a plan on Thursday (Sept 29) to mandate zero emissions for all new automobiles sold in the state by the year 2035, state governor Kathy Hochul said.

In the United States, after California, New York has advanced a plan on Thursday (Sept 29) to mandate zero emissions for all new automobiles sold in the state by the year 2035, state governor Kathy Hochul said. Last year, after approving legislation, the governor declared that the government was pushing efforts on the accelerator after being forced by federal law to wait for California to enact its own legislation. Also read | Global fossil fuel reserves 'could emit 3.5 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide' California in August ruled that until tailpipe pollutants are completely banned in 2035, an ever-increasing per cent of new cars sold to the state's 40 million residents must produce no exhaust pollutants, AFP reported. The governor issued a directive to New York authorities for them to take regulatory action to assure that by 2035, all new passenger automobiles and pickup trucks sold in the state will have zero emissions. The direction had two interim goals of 35 per cent of sales in 2026 and 68 per cent in 2030. The governor further said that the authorities are on the right track to proving the plan. Also read | How revolutionary is the Ethereum 'merge' in reducing carbon footprint of crypto mining? Additionally, internal combustion engine car emissions limits will gradually be tightened as a result of the laws. The federal government is also anticipated to give the state $175 million for its charging infrastructure. As part of the global effort to tackle climate change, California and New York have recently focused on the polluting vehicle industry. In contrast to the United States' attempt, the European Union, which intends to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035, and Britain, Singapore, and Israel are aiming to achieve it by the year 2030. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: New York introduces plan to ban new gas vehicles by 2035

The naval forces of South Korea, the United States of America and Japan will stage their major trilateral anti-submarine exercises for the first time in five years. The drills will be held in international waters of the Korean peninsula's east coast and it comes just a day after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles towards its East Coast.

Drills to counter North Korean threats; S. Korea, Japan and US to stage anti-submarine drills

US President Joe Biden has once again proved that he's a bit of a gaffe machine. In his latest slip-up, the president was speaking at the White House conference on hunger nutrition and health. During his address, Biden tried to acknowledge the presence of congresswoman Jackie Woloski who had died in a car accident just two months ago.

Where's Jackie? US President Joe Biden's latest gaffe, scans the room for deceased representative

Former US President Donald Trump has offered to negotiate a deal between Russia and Ukraine. He made this announcement on his social media platform - 'Truth Social'. Trump began his message by telling the US leadership to remain calm after the sabotage reports emerged.

Former US President Donald Trump ready to lead negotiations with Russian President Putin

At least six people were shot and injured in a mass shooting at a school in Oakland in California. According to authorities at least three of them suffered life-threatening injuries, the shooting took place at 12.45 PM local time.

US gun violence: Shooting at California school campus leaves six injured

The Covid pandemic is all part over, restrictions have been lifted ant the world is ready to travel again but if you want to visit the United States, it looks like you will have to wait till 2024, here's why!

Want a US visa? Wait till 2024! Indians fume at 800-day waiting period

After destroying houses and damaging power grids in Cuba, Hurricane Ian is nearing Florida, U.S. Reports say the Hurricane has gained speed and is now just shy of category 5. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Hurricane Ian nears Florida

Joe Biden is all set to host leaders of the Pacific island nations in a bid to tackle China's growing influence in the region. Reports say the island nations have rejected a draft US proposal, calling Washington's commitments 'insufficient'. Priyanka Sharma decodes Biden's Pacific plan.

Gravitas: Biden to host Pacific island leaders

The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;announced Wednesday billions of&nbsp;dollars&nbsp;in pledges from major corporations -- including the likes of fast food behemoth Burger King -- to craft a national strategy on ending the twin US challenges of&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;and&nbsp;obesity.

The private sector pledges were unveiled as President Joe Biden hosted what the administration touted as the first big White House summit on food and diet since Richard Nixon was in office more than half a century ago.

Nearly 42 per cent of American adults are technically&nbsp;obese&nbsp;and about 10 per cent of US households suffer food insecurity, according to the latest government statistics.

Biden told the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;Conference on&nbsp;Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that government, Congress, private companies and society must work together to end&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;and reduce diet-related diseases in the United States by 2030.

"If you can’t feed your child, what the hell else matters?" he asked the audience of Congress members, activists, health experts and food industry representatives including top chef and humanitarian Jose Andres. "In America, no child should go to bed hungry. No parent should die of disease that can be prevented."

Because Congress is unlikely to fund major federal dietary programs, Biden finds his hands largely tied. However, officials said he was using the power of the presidency to get major companies involved and that the response has been strong.

"We know that we can only achieve the goals... if we rally a whole of society response," a senior official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Officials briefing reporters said that $8 billion in public and private sector commitments already made include pledges from more than 100 organizations, ranging from hospitals to tech companies and food industry players.

"All have committed to bold and in some cases, paradigm shifting commitments that will meaningfully improve nutrition, promote physical activity, and reduce&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;and diet related disease over the next seven years," an official said.

What's 'healthy'?

The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;says that poor diets are behind ever-rising cases of diseases like type 2 diabetes,&nbsp;obesity, hypertension, and certain cancers, warning that "there is no silver bullet to address these complex issues, and there is no overnight fix."

One idea being pushed by the administration is to regulate the use of the term "healthy" on food packaging.

"More than 80 percent of people in the US aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruit and dairy. And most people consume too much added sugars, saturated fat and sodium," the US Food and Drug Administration said.

For now, the quickest response is coming from the private sector.

S2G investments, which champions "a more humane and healthy planet," and food industry innovation specialists&nbsp;Food Systems for the Future are set to launch a $2.5 billion private investor coalition over the next three years.

The National Restaurant Association will expand a project aimed at getting children to eat healthier food at 45,000 more outlets, including at chains like Burger King.

IT and communications giant Cisco will contribute $500 million over five years for healthier meals and food production in areas where it does business.

Officials acknowledged that there is no enforcement mechanism for the spending programs but "we will continue to certainly work closely with these partners to ensure they execute on the actions committed to."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The White House announced Wednesday billions of dollars in pledges from major corporations -- including the likes of fast food behemoth Burger King -- to craft a national strategy on ending the twin US challenges of hunger and obesity.

The White House announced Wednesday billions of dollars in pledges from major corporations -- including the likes of fast food behemoth Burger King -- to craft a national strategy on ending the twin US challenges of hunger and obesity. The private sector pledges were unveiled as President Joe Biden hosted what the administration touted as the first big White House summit on food and diet since Richard Nixon was in office more than half a century ago. Nearly 42 per cent of American adults are technically obese and about 10 per cent of US households suffer food insecurity, according to the latest government statistics. Biden told the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that government, Congress, private companies and society must work together to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases in the United States by 2030. "If you can’t feed your child, what the hell else matters?" he asked the audience of Congress members, activists, health experts and food industry representatives including top chef and humanitarian Jose Andres. "In America, no child should go to bed hungry. No parent should die of disease that can be prevented." Because Congress is unlikely to fund major federal dietary programs, Biden finds his hands largely tied. However, officials said he was using the power of the presidency to get major companies involved and that the response has been strong. "We know that we can only achieve the goals... if we rally a whole of society response," a senior official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Officials briefing reporters said that $8 billion in public and private sector commitments already made include pledges from more than 100 organizations, ranging from hospitals to tech companies and food industry players. "All have committed to bold and in some cases, paradigm shifting commitments that will meaningfully improve nutrition, promote physical activity, and reduce hunger and diet related disease over the next seven years," an official said. What's 'healthy'? The White House says that poor diets are behind ever-rising cases of diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and certain cancers, warning that "there is no silver bullet to address these complex issues, and there is no overnight fix." One idea being pushed by the administration is to regulate the use of the term "healthy" on food packaging. "More than 80 percent of people in the US aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruit and dairy. And most people consume too much added sugars, saturated fat and sodium," the US Food and Drug Administration said. For now, the quickest response is coming from the private sector. S2G investments, which champions "a more humane and healthy planet," and food industry innovation specialists Food Systems for the Future are set to launch a $2.5 billion private investor coalition over the next three years. The National Restaurant Association will expand a project aimed at getting children to eat healthier food at 45,000 more outlets, including at chains like Burger King. IT and communications giant Cisco will contribute $500 million over five years for healthier meals and food production in areas where it does business. Officials acknowledged that there is no enforcement mechanism for the spending programs but "we will continue to certainly work closely with these partners to ensure they execute on the actions committed to." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

White House announces multi-billion dollar plan to attack obesity, hunger

Covid restrictions have been lifted in several parts of the world and people are ready to travel again but if you want to visit the US, it looks like you might have to wait till 2024. As the waiting time for US visa appointment in New Delhi is 833 days, that is almost a two-year-long wait.

Indians fume as US visa has 800-days waiting period

Plastic pollution has now become one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The rapid rise in production of disposable plastic products has overwhelmed the ability to deal with them. Although, now in an attempt to control plastic pollution, the US is planning to form coalition of countries to drive negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty.

WION Climate Tracker: US seeks to form coalition of countries to control plastic pollution

A US company debuts its first electric plane test flight, flying the battery-powered Alice for 8 minutes in central Washington state.

WION Business News | US company debuts all-electric aircraft

Hurricane Ian is gaining strength as it moves towards the American coast. The warm winds from the Gulf of Mexico will likely elevate the top winds to 130 kmph. After getting 67% stronger in less than a day as it made landfall in Cuba, the hurricane is now bearing down in Cuba.

WION Climate Tracker: Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian; 2.5 million people ordered to evacuate

In a bid to boost America's chip manufacturing sector, US Vice President Kamala Harris met the heads of Japanese semiconductor firms. The meeting comes just a month after US President Biden signed the industrial policy bill into law which aims to boost America's domestic production of chips.

US Vice President Kamala Harris meets heads of Japanese semiconductor firms

On Tuesday, United States Senate majority leader, Charles Schumer (Democrat- New York) and Minority leader Mitch McConnell (Republican- Kentucky) endorsed the Electoral Count Reform Act which aims to protect future elections from subversion by making changes to the 19th-century law. These reforms were also made in response to the January 6 insurrection.&nbsp;

This legislation will reform the 1887 Electoral Count Act which in addition to the constitution also governs how the states and Congress certify electors and announce the presidential election winner. McConnell's endorsement will give the bipartisan effort a major boost while also putting him at odds with former US president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

McConnell took to the Senate floor and announced, “I strongly support the modest changes that our colleagues in the working group have fleshed out after months of detailed discussions. I'll proudly support the legislation, provided that nothing more than technical changes are made to its current form.”&nbsp;

He noted how the “Congress’s process for counting the presidential electors’ votes was written 135 years ago. The chaos that came to a head on January 6th of last year certainly underscored the need for an update.” 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-new-voting-bill-talks-for-real-or-for-show-448404">Are new voting bill talks for real or for show?</a>

“So did Januaries 2001, 2005 and 2017. In each of which, Democrats tried to challenge the lawful election of a Republican president,” the Senate minority leader said. This was in reference to how the Democrats had objected the last three times a Republican candidate won the presidential election. While the GOP had also objected when Dem candidate Joe Biden became president. This legislation would make it difficult to sustain such objections&nbsp;

Notably, at least 147 Republicans in both the House and Senate had objected to the results in key states that Biden had won. On the other hand, reportedly a few Democrats had objected to George W Bush’s victory in 2000 and 2004 and Trump’s victory in 2016.&nbsp;

The endorsement gives a major boost to the legislation led by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D- West Virginia). This comes amid the bipartisan sponsors trying to push the bill before the end of the year and the next election cycle.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, last week, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy with most Republicans in the house opposed their chamber’s more expansive bill with only a handful of GOP members supporting it. However, the bill was passed by 229-203 votes.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-us-president-donald-trump-vow-to-pardon-january-6-rioters-teases-3rd-run-for-the-white-house-448928">Former US President Donald Trump vow to pardon January 6 rioters, teases 3rd run for the White house</a>

Notably, McConnell has long been in favour of tightening election laws. The resulting bill, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, was approved in the Rules Committee by 14-1 with the lone opposition of Sen Ted Cruz (R- Texas). The committee had adopted some revisions to the existing bill and sent it to the Senate floor for a vote.&nbsp;

The new reforms would limit the vice president’s role to “solely ministerial”, while also raising the threshold for objecting to a state’s Electoral College results from one member of each chamber to at least one-fifth of the chamber. While the House would also require at least one-third of the members to back up the objection.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Senate Rules Committee also adopted some new provisions closely related to those mentioned in the bill passed by the House. This included a provision that allows officials to delay elections in case of an “act of god” where officials can declare a failed election due to events like natural disasters. This was done to prevent any future claims of voter fraud which could allow the state to refuse to certify valid votes.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/memos-show-roots-of-trumps-focus-on-jan-6-and-alternate-electors-450155">Memos show roots of Trump’s focus on Jan. 6 and alternate electors</a>

These reforms have been placed in the light of the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol where former US President Donald Trump and his supporters tried to stop then Vice President Mike Pence from certifying the election results. Therefore, both the bills in the House and Senate have formally established that a VP’s role is purely ceremonial.&nbsp;

The Senate bill takes this one step further stating that it denies the VP to “solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate or resolve disputes over the proper list of electors, the validity of electors, or the votes of electors.” This comes after Trump publicly pressured states, members of Congress, including Pence to undo Biden’s win and while he did not succeed it highlighted the need for stronger laws for future elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

On Tuesday, United States Senate majority leader, Charles Schumer (Democrat- New York) and Minority leader Mitch McConnell (Republican- Kentucky) endorsed the Electoral Count Reform Act which aims to protect future elections from subversion by making changes to the 19th-century law.

On Tuesday, United States Senate majority leader, Charles Schumer (Democrat- New York) and Minority leader Mitch McConnell (Republican- Kentucky) endorsed the Electoral Count Reform Act which aims to protect future elections from subversion by making changes to the 19th-century law. These reforms were also made in response to the January 6 insurrection. This legislation will reform the 1887 Electoral Count Act which in addition to the constitution also governs how the states and Congress certify electors and announce the presidential election winner. McConnell's endorsement will give the bipartisan effort a major boost while also putting him at odds with former US president Donald Trump. McConnell took to the Senate floor and announced, “I strongly support the modest changes that our colleagues in the working group have fleshed out after months of detailed discussions. I'll proudly support the legislation, provided that nothing more than technical changes are made to its current form.” He noted how the “Congress’s process for counting the presidential electors’ votes was written 135 years ago. The chaos that came to a head on January 6th of last year certainly underscored the need for an update.” ALSO READ: Are new voting bill talks for real or for show? “So did Januaries 2001, 2005 and 2017. In each of which, Democrats tried to challenge the lawful election of a Republican president,” the Senate minority leader said. This was in reference to how the Democrats had objected the last three times a Republican candidate won the presidential election. While the GOP had also objected when Dem candidate Joe Biden became president. This legislation would make it difficult to sustain such objections Notably, at least 147 Republicans in both the House and Senate had objected to the results in key states that Biden had won. On the other hand, reportedly a few Democrats had objected to George W Bush’s victory in 2000 and 2004 and Trump’s victory in 2016. The endorsement gives a major boost to the legislation led by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D- West Virginia). This comes amid the bipartisan sponsors trying to push the bill before the end of the year and the next election cycle. Meanwhile, last week, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy with most Republicans in the house opposed their chamber’s more expansive bill with only a handful of GOP members supporting it. However, the bill was passed by 229-203 votes. ALSO WATCH: Former US President Donald Trump vow to pardon January 6 rioters, teases 3rd run for the White house Notably, McConnell has long been in favour of tightening election laws. The resulting bill, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, was approved in the Rules Committee by 14-1 with the lone opposition of Sen Ted Cruz (R- Texas). The committee had adopted some revisions to the existing bill and sent it to the Senate floor for a vote. The new reforms would limit the vice president’s role to “solely ministerial”, while also raising the threshold for objecting to a state’s Electoral College results from one member of each chamber to at least one-fifth of the chamber. While the House would also require at least one-third of the members to back up the objection. On Tuesday, the Senate Rules Committee also adopted some new provisions closely related to those mentioned in the bill passed by the House. This included a provision that allows officials to delay elections in case of an “act of god” where officials can declare a failed election due to events like natural disasters. This was done to prevent any future claims of voter fraud which could allow the state to refuse to certify valid votes. ALSO READ: Memos show roots of Trump’s focus on Jan. 6 and alternate electors These reforms have been placed in the light of the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol where former US President Donald Trump and his supporters tried to stop then Vice President Mike Pence from certifying the election results. Therefore, both the bills in the House and Senate have formally established that a VP’s role is purely ceremonial. The Senate bill takes this one step further stating that it denies the VP to “solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate or resolve disputes over the proper list of electors, the validity of electors, or the votes of electors.” This comes after Trump publicly pressured states, members of Congress, including Pence to undo Biden’s win and while he did not succeed it highlighted the need for stronger laws for future elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Jan. 6 Capitol riot: Bipartisan bill to prevent subversion of US elections gets support

Have you ever thought what these pumpkin pies and lattes cause to the environment? Farmers in US are now adopting more sustainable and regenerative practices so that now the pies and lattes now have a lower carbon footprint. Watch the video to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: US farmers adopt sustainable methods for better soil

As the pound continues to hit an all-time low against dollar, the Bank of England (BOE) on Wednesday announced that it will be temporarily buying bonds to calm the jangling nerves of the market.

As the pound continues to hit an all-time low against dollar, the Bank of England (BOE) on Wednesday announced that it will be temporarily buying bonds to calm the jangling nerves of the market. "The Bank will carry out temporary purchases of long-dated UK government bonds from 28 September. The purpose of these purchases will be to restore orderly market conditions," said the BOE in a statement. Reportedly, the auction for the selling of bonds will take place from today till October 14 and will be halted when "risks to market functioning are judged to have subsided." "The purchases will be carried out on whatever scale is necessary to effect this outcome. The operation will be fully indemnified by HM Treasury," it further added. As reported by WION, the tax cuts announced in the mini-budget by British finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng have resulted in the pound slipping to its lowest mark of $1.0327 against the dollar, for the first time since 1971. Read more: Pound hits all-time low against dollar as Liz Truss' tax cuts come under pressure The announcements made by Kwarteng included a number of tax cuts along with reliefs for homeowners and people looking for loans. However, Bloomberg reported that the UK current account deficit has also widened to a record level which has affected the pound negatively. While the pound takes a beating, the BOE, in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's demise has also announced a partial 'demonetisation'. Reportedly, by September 30, about £6 billion in old £50 notes and more than £5 billion in old £20 notes will no longer be recognised by UK businesses. The paper notes will be replaced by polymer £20 and £50 notes which have been in circulation for more than two years (since February 2020). Read more: Start of new era: King Charles III to appear on banknotes by mid-2024, confirms Bank of England Moreover, with the winter fast approaching and the UK, akin to the rest of Europe scrambling to fill its energy reserves, the price of utilities is expected to skyrocket, which could trigger inflation to record levels, stressing the pound further. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

As pound slips, Bank of England steps in to buy bonds and restore parity

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