Facebook parent company Meta on Thursday (August 18) announced that it has banned one of the United States' most influential anti-vaccination groups, the Children's Health Defense (CHD) from its social media platform for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Talking to AFP Meta spokesperson Aaron Simpson said that CHD's Facebook and Instagram accounts have been closed on Wednesday and that the ban was placed after repeated violations of Meta's misinformation rules.

CHD which was founded by the nephew of the late president John F. Kennedy has accused Meta of acting as a proxy for the government and attempting to stifle its free speech rights and muzzle criticism of the administration.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Kenya gives hate speech ultimatum to Facebook, misinformation common on TikTok

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The group said that its 'de-platformed' social media accounts had hundreds of thousands of followers and that the ban caught them off guard.

Robert Kennedy Jr., the founder of CHD, said in a news release that "Facebook is acting here as a surrogate for the federal government's crusade to silence all criticism of draconian government policies."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-fluffs-its-lines-yet-again-fails-to-catch-misinformation-in-ads-ahead-of-brazil-elections-507202">Facebook fluffs its lines yet again; fails to catch misinformation in ads ahead of Brazil elections</a>

The organisation published a screenshot of the ban notification that says that the accounts had been suspended for breaking Meta's rules on "misinformation that could lead to real world harm."

<img alt="Source CHD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f755fd5c-ce23-4ebb-a6d6-ceade5e0ac37" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chd-facebook-instagram-unpublish-suspend-1024x768.jpg" />

Screenshot of the notification informing CHD of the account ban. (Image courtesy: CHD Website)

CHD also contended that the ban "dovetails" a lawsuit it filed against Meta, charging the tech giant with violating free speech rights by relying on the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to determine the scientific validity of Covid-19 information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coward-jair-bolsonaro-lands-in-controversy-tries-to-snatch-phone-off-a-heckler-watch-video-here-508247">'Coward' Jair Bolsonaro gets into a spat, tries to snatch phone off demonstrator. Watch video here!</a>

As per the information published on the group's website regarding the lawsuit "CHD alleges Facebook entered into an agreement with the White House to censor an entire category of speech, de-platformed CHD Chairman Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and removed CHD’s “donate” button on Facebook, directing traffic instead to a third-party fact-checking organization that solicits donations."

The district court in the Northern District of California dismissed the case in June 2021, and according to court documents the anti-vaccine group has appealed against the decision.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Facebook parent company Meta on Thursday (August 18) announced that it has banned one of the United States' most influential anti-vaccination groups, the Children's Health Defense (CHD) from its social media platform for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic.

Facebook parent company Meta on Thursday (August 18) announced that it has banned one of the United States' most influential anti-vaccination groups, the Children's Health Defense (CHD) from its social media platform for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic. Talking to AFP Meta spokesperson Aaron Simpson said that CHD's Facebook and Instagram accounts have been closed on Wednesday and that the ban was placed after repeated violations of Meta's misinformation rules. CHD which was founded by the nephew of the late president John F. Kennedy has accused Meta of acting as a proxy for the government and attempting to stifle its free speech rights and muzzle criticism of the administration. Watch | Kenya gives hate speech ultimatum to Facebook, misinformation common on TikTok The group said that its 'de-platformed' social media accounts had hundreds of thousands of followers and that the ban caught them off guard. Robert Kennedy Jr., the founder of CHD, said in a news release that "Facebook is acting here as a surrogate for the federal government's crusade to silence all criticism of draconian government policies." Also read | Facebook fluffs its lines yet again; fails to catch misinformation in ads ahead of Brazil elections The organisation published a screenshot of the ban notification that says that the accounts had been suspended for breaking Meta's rules on "misinformation that could lead to real world harm." Screenshot of the notification informing CHD of the account ban. (Image courtesy: CHD Website) CHD also contended that the ban "dovetails" a lawsuit it filed against Meta, charging the tech giant with violating free speech rights by relying on the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to determine the scientific validity of Covid-19 information. Also read | 'Coward' Jair Bolsonaro gets into a spat, tries to snatch phone off demonstrator. Watch video here! As per the information published on the group's website regarding the lawsuit "CHD alleges Facebook entered into an agreement with the White House to censor an entire category of speech, de-platformed CHD Chairman Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and removed CHD’s “donate” button on Facebook, directing traffic instead to a third-party fact-checking organization that solicits donations." The district court in the Northern District of California dismissed the case in June 2021, and according to court documents the anti-vaccine group has appealed against the decision. (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.

Meta bans US' biggest anti-vaccine group for spreading misinformation, gets accused of 'stifling free speech'

The former US Vice-President Mike Pence said that he'll consider testifying before the January 6th if invited to do so. WION correspondent Susan Tehrani brings us a detailed overview.

Mike Pence: Will consider testifying before Congress Committee, investigating Jan 6 attack

In another evidence of increased US backing for the island, the United States and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to begin trade negotiations under a new initiative which is sure to anger China. The two sides stated that they intended to negotiate accords with "economically meaningful outcomes."

In June, just days after the Biden administration removed the Chinese-claimed island from its Asia-focused economic strategy intended to challenge China's expanding influence, Washington and Taipei presented the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. The first round of negotiations is anticipated to begin early this fall, according to the office of the US Trade Representative, which stated that the two parties had "reached consensus on the negotiating mandate."

Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi said in a statement, "We plan to pursue an ambitious schedule for achieving high-standard commitments and meaningful outcomes covering the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st-century economy."&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-were-heartbroken-were-exhausted-france-battles-monster-wildfire-506842">&nbsp;IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire'</a>

The United States and Taiwan have established a robust agenda for discussions on topics like trade facilitation, sound regulatory standards, and removing discriminatory trade obstacles, according to the negotiating mandate released along with the statement. The formal negotiations will begin with the goal of coming to agreements with "high standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes," it was stated.

It made no mention of the potential for a comprehensive free trade agreement, which Taiwan has been urging for. Washington has been eager to increase assistance for Taiwan despite the absence of formal diplomatic connections, particularly as it comes under increased political pressure from China to recognise its sovereignty claims.

(with inputs from agencies)

In another evidence of increased US backing for the island, the United States and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to begin trade negotiations under a new initiative which is sure to anger China.

In another evidence of increased US backing for the island, the United States and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to begin trade negotiations under a new initiative which is sure to anger China. The two sides stated that they intended to negotiate accords with "economically meaningful outcomes." In June, just days after the Biden administration removed the Chinese-claimed island from its Asia-focused economic strategy intended to challenge China's expanding influence, Washington and Taipei presented the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. The first round of negotiations is anticipated to begin early this fall, according to the office of the US Trade Representative, which stated that the two parties had "reached consensus on the negotiating mandate." Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi said in a statement, "We plan to pursue an ambitious schedule for achieving high-standard commitments and meaningful outcomes covering the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st-century economy." Also Read: IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire' The United States and Taiwan have established a robust agenda for discussions on topics like trade facilitation, sound regulatory standards, and removing discriminatory trade obstacles, according to the negotiating mandate released along with the statement. The formal negotiations will begin with the goal of coming to agreements with "high standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes," it was stated. It made no mention of the potential for a comprehensive free trade agreement, which Taiwan has been urging for. Washington has been eager to increase assistance for Taiwan despite the absence of formal diplomatic connections, particularly as it comes under increased political pressure from China to recognise its sovereignty claims. (with inputs from agencies)

US, Taiwan begin formal talks under new trade initiative in move that will anger China

A CEO of an American start-up recently posted a crying selfie on social media. He said he had to fire some employees because of his poor decision making. Palki Sharma tells you how the internet reacted to the crying selfie, and how the episode has important lessons in personal branding.

Gravitas: The 'crying CEO' and lessons in personal branding

The US has tested a long-range nuclear missile. The test comes after US officials vowed to continue sailing warships through the Taiwan Strait. How will America stand up to China's aggression? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: US tests nuclear missile after China's Taiwan drills

According to data made public by American safety regulators, automakers recorded roughly 400 crashes involving vehicles with automated driver-assist systems, that included&nbsp;273 Teslas.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning against using the statistics to contrast different automakers, claiming that they weren't weighted according to the volume of each manufacturer's vehicles employing the systems or their mileage.

From July 2021&nbsp;to May 15, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anne-heche-passes-away-actress-taken-off-life-support-after-horrific-car-crash-506953">crashes </a>were reported.&nbsp;According to CNBC, Autopilot, "full self-driving," traffic aware cruise control, and other driver-assist technologies that have some steering and speed control were all in use when Tesla's vehicles crashed. The systems are in around 830,000 automobiles owned by the corporation.

<img alt="tesla" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b24bba9-2353-4602-93c9-b524f98f66f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%20%2831%29.png" />

The NTSB released this image of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor electric car that was involved in a fatal accident near Miami that killed two people on Sept. 13, 2021.

More than 100 automakers and autonomous vehicle technology companies were ordered by the NHTSA in June 2021 to report serious crashes as soon as they become aware of them and to reveal less serious crashes by the 15th day of the following month. The organisation is analysing the systems' functionality to determine whether new restrictions could be required.

As reported by the New York Times, the administrator of the organisation, Steven Cliff, stated that when more data is gathered, "NHTSA will be better equipped to identify any emerging hazards or trends and learn more about how these technologies are operating in the real world."

Tesla may have a high crash rate because it employs telematics to track its cars and obtain real-time crash information. The NHTSA stated that because other automakers lack this capability, their submissions may be delayed or incomplete.

Nearly 70% of the 392 crashes recorded by the twelve automakers were caused by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-buying-any-sports-team-elon-musk-clarifies-after-claiming-he-is-going-to-buy-manchester-united-507666">Tesla.</a> Although the Austin, Texas, carmaker refers to its technologies as Autopilot and "Full Self-Driving," it insists that drivers must always be prepared to take over control of the vehicles. In addition, the NHTSA reported that six people suffered significant injuries and five people died in crashes utilising driver-assist systems.

According to NHTSA, manufacturers were not required to record how many vehicles they have on the road with the devices, how far those vehicles have gone, or when the systems are being used. According to an agency official, those numbers are not currently quantifiable.

NHTSA may, however, later look for such data. In the interim, it is now able to learn about accidents much more quickly than in the past thanks to the additional data. The government stated that it is currently using the crash data to look for trends and discuss them with the companies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian luxury car sales are booming, global challenges still remain: Audi India

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According to data made public by American safety regulators, automakers recorded roughly 400 crashes involving vehicles with automated driver-assist systems, that included 273 Teslas.

According to data made public by American safety regulators, automakers recorded roughly 400 crashes involving vehicles with automated driver-assist systems, that included 273 Teslas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning against using the statistics to contrast different automakers, claiming that they weren't weighted according to the volume of each manufacturer's vehicles employing the systems or their mileage. From July 2021 to May 15, the crashes were reported. According to CNBC, Autopilot, "full self-driving," traffic aware cruise control, and other driver-assist technologies that have some steering and speed control were all in use when Tesla's vehicles crashed. The systems are in around 830,000 automobiles owned by the corporation. The NTSB released this image of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor electric car that was involved in a fatal accident near Miami that killed two people on Sept. 13, 2021. More than 100 automakers and autonomous vehicle technology companies were ordered by the NHTSA in June 2021 to report serious crashes as soon as they become aware of them and to reveal less serious crashes by the 15th day of the following month. The organisation is analysing the systems' functionality to determine whether new restrictions could be required. As reported by the New York Times, the administrator of the organisation, Steven Cliff, stated that when more data is gathered, "NHTSA will be better equipped to identify any emerging hazards or trends and learn more about how these technologies are operating in the real world." Tesla may have a high crash rate because it employs telematics to track its cars and obtain real-time crash information. The NHTSA stated that because other automakers lack this capability, their submissions may be delayed or incomplete. Nearly 70% of the 392 crashes recorded by the twelve automakers were caused by Tesla. Although the Austin, Texas, carmaker refers to its technologies as Autopilot and "Full Self-Driving," it insists that drivers must always be prepared to take over control of the vehicles. In addition, the NHTSA reported that six people suffered significant injuries and five people died in crashes utilising driver-assist systems. According to NHTSA, manufacturers were not required to record how many vehicles they have on the road with the devices, how far those vehicles have gone, or when the systems are being used. According to an agency official, those numbers are not currently quantifiable. NHTSA may, however, later look for such data. In the interim, it is now able to learn about accidents much more quickly than in the past thanks to the additional data. The government stated that it is currently using the crash data to look for trends and discuss them with the companies. (With inputs from agencies) Also watch | Indian luxury car sales are booming, global challenges still remain: Audi India

US: Nearly 400 crashes linked to self-driving, driver-assist technologies since last summer

Taiwan on Wednesday unveiled its most advanced fighter jet. The Taiwanese military demonstrated its determination to defend the democratically governed island.

US, Taiwan aim to reach 'economically meaningful outcomes'

US President Joe Biden has signed the inflation reduction act into law. He hailed the bill as significant step against climate change. The package aims to make sweeping changes to US economy and to help utilities to lower-emission energy sources.

Biden signs inflation reduction act into law | US to spend $430 bn to fight climate change

Liz Cheney may have lost her GOP primary but she still has a lot of work ahead of her. Third-term congresswoman Cheney vows to take on Former US President Donald Trump.

Third-term congresswoman Liz Cheney loses Wyoming primary GOP to Trump-backed candidate

In a major development, United States agency for International developments has announced three aid packages with $150 million. US has announced aid but refused to release frozen Afghan funds.

US announces $150 Mn aid for Afghanistan

After the assassination of al-Qaeda chief Ayman-al Zawahiri in Kabul, the Biden administration chose not to release any of the $7 billion of foreign assets held by Afghanistan’s central bank on US soil and has halted negotiations with the Taliban on the funds. But at the same time, in order to strengthen international assistance, USAID, the global humanitarian assistance arm of the US, has announced three aid packages worth $150 million for Afghanistan.

This week marks the one-year somber anniversary of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Following the militant group’s announcement of banning girls from attending schools after sixth grade, this investment is the most recent one to upgrade different sectors in the country. The USAID will give $30 million to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, for the betterment of Afghan women. An amount of $40 million will go to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the remaining $80 million to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-in-order-to-address-near-universal-poverty-ngos-demand-assets-to-be-unfrozen-507113">Afghanistan: In order to address 'near-universal poverty' NGOs demand assets to be unfrozen</a>

Biden administration officials cited that Zawahiri’s living safely in Afghanistan, until the drone strike killed him, played a significant role in the decision to freeze funds. This decision also dashes expectations for an economic resurgence in the country. 
 
In conversation with WSJ, US Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West said that the Taliban’s hiding the al-Qaeda chief underlines deep concerns the country has regarding the flow of funds to the terrorist group. When further asked about whether the group can obtain aid for people, the representative responded that the authorities don’t see the group as being responsible enough for managing the assets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/secret-schools-afghan-girls-defy-taliban-take-huge-risks-to-keep-studying-506597">Secret schools: Afghan girls defy Taliban, take huge risks to continue studies</a>

In the past, US President Joe Biden stated that he intends to give the families of 9/11 victims half of the $7 billion fund and the remaining to a trust fund for humanitarian relief to the Afghan people. However, considering that it would ultimately be the Taliban delivering the aid, this option seems out of the relevance line. However, critics have criticised Biden’s decision stating it was an unfair collective punishment for the Afghans. 
 
However, it seems as&nbsp;if the US is now trying to normalise relations with the Taliban. The latest engagements made by the US in form of aid are being looked at as an engagement and reach out to the Taliban to bring the relation&nbsp;back on track.

But now one question arises can the Biden administration after the Zawahiri’s killing go further? The US would want further information on this. On the other hand, the Taliban apparently be seeking recognition and a bailout from its financial crisis.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After the assassination of al-Qaeda chief Ayman-al Zawahiri in Kabul, the Biden administration chose not to release any of the $7 billion of foreign assets held by Afghanistan’s central bank on US soil and has halted negotiations with the Taliban on the funds.

After the assassination of al-Qaeda chief Ayman-al Zawahiri in Kabul, the Biden administration chose not to release any of the $7 billion of foreign assets held by Afghanistan’s central bank on US soil and has halted negotiations with the Taliban on the funds. But at the same time, in order to strengthen international assistance, USAID, the global humanitarian assistance arm of the US, has announced three aid packages worth $150 million for Afghanistan. This week marks the one-year somber anniversary of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Following the militant group’s announcement of banning girls from attending schools after sixth grade, this investment is the most recent one to upgrade different sectors in the country. The USAID will give $30 million to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, for the betterment of Afghan women. An amount of $40 million will go to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the remaining $80 million to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Also read | Afghanistan: In order to address 'near-universal poverty' NGOs demand assets to be unfrozen Biden administration officials cited that Zawahiri’s living safely in Afghanistan, until the drone strike killed him, played a significant role in the decision to freeze funds. This decision also dashes expectations for an economic resurgence in the country. In conversation with WSJ, US Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West said that the Taliban’s hiding the al-Qaeda chief underlines deep concerns the country has regarding the flow of funds to the terrorist group. When further asked about whether the group can obtain aid for people, the representative responded that the authorities don’t see the group as being responsible enough for managing the assets. Also read | Secret schools: Afghan girls defy Taliban, take huge risks to continue studies In the past, US President Joe Biden stated that he intends to give the families of 9/11 victims half of the $7 billion fund and the remaining to a trust fund for humanitarian relief to the Afghan people. However, considering that it would ultimately be the Taliban delivering the aid, this option seems out of the relevance line. However, critics have criticised Biden’s decision stating it was an unfair collective punishment for the Afghans. However, it seems as if the US is now trying to normalise relations with the Taliban. The latest engagements made by the US in form of aid are being looked at as an engagement and reach out to the Taliban to bring the relation back on track. But now one question arises can the Biden administration after the Zawahiri’s killing go further? The US would want further information on this. On the other hand, the Taliban apparently be seeking recognition and a bailout from its financial crisis. (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 refuses to release $7bn frozen funds to Afghanistan, but commits to $150mn aid packages

The massive Space Launch System moon rocket from NASA, which is topped with an uncrewed astronaut capsule, started an hours-long crawl to its launchpad on Tuesday night in preparation for the behemoth's first test flight this month.

The 98-metre-tall rocket is set to launch its initial journey into orbit on August 29 without any human crew. It will be an important, long-awaited demonstration mission to the moon for NASA's Artemis programme, the country's multibillion-dollar endeavour to send people back to the moon as training for trips to Mars.

Around 10 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT) on Tuesday, the <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-applications-of-chinas-yuan-wang-5-in-space-and-spying-operations-507490">Space</a>&nbsp;Launch System left its assembly building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and started the six-kilometre (four-mile) journey to its launchpad. The Space Launch System has been developed over the previous ten years with the help of Boeing Co.

The rollout will take about 11 hours at less than 1 mph (1.6 kph).

The NASA Orion astronaut capsule, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., is perched atop the rocket. It is intended to split from the rocket in outer space, transport people to the moon, and then come together with another spacecraft to deliver astronauts to the lunar surface.

Without any humans inside, the Orion spacecraft will launch from the Space Launch System on August 29 for the Artemis 1 mission. It will orbit the moon for 42 days before returning to Earth for an ocean splashdown.

On September 2 and September 5, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has backup launch dates in case terrible launch weather or a minor technical issue prevents a launch on August 29.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Why is space junk a problem?

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The massive Space Launch System moon rocket from NASA, which is topped with an uncrewed astronaut capsule, started an hours-long crawl to its launchpad on Tuesday night in preparation for the behemoth's first test flight this month.

The massive Space Launch System moon rocket from NASA, which is topped with an uncrewed astronaut capsule, started an hours-long crawl to its launchpad on Tuesday night in preparation for the behemoth's first test flight this month. The 98-metre-tall rocket is set to launch its initial journey into orbit on August 29 without any human crew. It will be an important, long-awaited demonstration mission to the moon for NASA's Artemis programme, the country's multibillion-dollar endeavour to send people back to the moon as training for trips to Mars. Around 10 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT) on Tuesday, the Space Launch System left its assembly building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and started the six-kilometre (four-mile) journey to its launchpad. The Space Launch System has been developed over the previous ten years with the help of Boeing Co. The rollout will take about 11 hours at less than 1 mph (1.6 kph). The NASA Orion astronaut capsule, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., is perched atop the rocket. It is intended to split from the rocket in outer space, transport people to the moon, and then come together with another spacecraft to deliver astronauts to the lunar surface. Without any humans inside, the Orion spacecraft will launch from the Space Launch System on August 29 for the Artemis 1 mission. It will orbit the moon for 42 days before returning to Earth for an ocean splashdown. On September 2 and September 5, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has backup launch dates in case terrible launch weather or a minor technical issue prevents a launch on August 29. (With inputs from agencies) Also Watch | WION Fineprint: Why is space junk a problem?

NASA's massive US moon rocket emerges for debut launch

The United States military said on Tuesday that it had carried out a test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which was postponed to prevent raising tensions with Beijing after China's display of force near Taiwan earlier this month

U.S. carries out ICBM test that was delayed due to Chinese show-of-force over Taiwan

Wyoming state's republican representative Liz Cheney lost the GOP primary. She was defeated by rival Harriet Hageman who is backed by the former US President Donald trump in a contest that further reinforces his grip on the party's base.

3-time congresswoman Liz Cheney loses Wyoming primary GOP to Trump-backed candidate

US officials say water supply to some Western US states in Mexico will be cut to avoid a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado river. The Western US states has been facing a drought for over 20 years now.

US government imposes water usage limits in West amid Colorado river drought

Rudy Giuliani's lawyer informed attorneys for the former New York mayor that he is a target of the criminal investigation into possible illegal attempts by then-President Donald Trump and others to interfere in the 2020 general election in Georgia.

US: Rudy Giuliani targeted by Georgia election probe, says his lawyer

The European Union says it's received Tehran's response on the final proposal to salvage the Iran nuclear deal and are now mulling the way forward.

EU studying Iran's response to final nuke text

The United States has successfully tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Tuesday after twice postponing the launch to avoid fueling tensions amid the ongoing Ukraine war and the Taiwan conflict.

US carries out Intercontinental missile test delayed over Taiwan conflict, Ukraine war

Another shooting incident has been reported in the United States of America. According to reports, at least about 3 people are said to have sustained injuries after the shooting incident at 'Six flags' great America amusement park in Illinois.

Three injured in shooting at 'Six flags' theme parks in Illinois

China continues its crackdown on Taiwan. In the latest, it has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials for supporting the island's independence, its state media reported.

US delegation's Taiwan visit irks China, sanctions 7 Taiwanese officials

A delegation of US lawmakers paid a visit to Taiwan. Beijing has responded with a dire threat. China's Defence Ministry has said that the PLA continues to "train and prepare for war". Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China threatens war after visit by US lawmakers

The top health official for the White House recently emphasised the enormous efforts made by India and the US to immunise their citizens as well as support other countries. The White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, claimed that the two countries contributed more than any other country to fight against the global virus.

The health official&nbsp;stated that he spent a lot of time considering and working on the pandemic during the previous two and a half years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-medicine-regulator-approves-first-bivalent-covid-19-booster-vaccine-507148">UK's medicine regulator approves first bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine</a>

Jha, during India’s 75th Independence celebration hosted by the country’s ambassador to the US, said, "I can't think of two nations that have done more to vaccinate and protect their own populations, and to donate and support and vaccinate and protect the world than India and the United States," PTI reported.

As per Jha, India and the US are the most important democracies in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-fourth-wave-fears-delhi-makes-masks-mandatory-in-public-places-506100">COVID-19 fourth wave fears: Delhi makes masks mandatory in public places</a>

Ashish further added, "As a proud Indian-American, I am grateful for the words that our President Joe Biden used, who reminded us that the three or three and a half million of us who are Indian Americans, the vibrant Indian American community, has made America more innovative, more inclusive, and a stronger nation," PTI reported.

He claimed that the two countries have been united by shared ideals of upholding human freedom and dignity, pluralism, and the rule of law. He further stated, "Those are values that people around the world yearn for." And when our two nations work to promote those values, we make the world a better place," PTI reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The top health official for the White House recently emphasised the enormous efforts made by India and the US to immunise their citizens as well as support other countries.

The top health official for the White House recently emphasised the enormous efforts made by India and the US to immunise their citizens as well as support other countries. The White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, claimed that the two countries contributed more than any other country to fight against the global virus. The health official stated that he spent a lot of time considering and working on the pandemic during the previous two and a half years. Also read | UK's medicine regulator approves first bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine Jha, during India’s 75th Independence celebration hosted by the country’s ambassador to the US, said, "I can't think of two nations that have done more to vaccinate and protect their own populations, and to donate and support and vaccinate and protect the world than India and the United States," PTI reported. As per Jha, India and the US are the most important democracies in the world. Also read | COVID-19 fourth wave fears: Delhi makes masks mandatory in public places Ashish further added, "As a proud Indian-American, I am grateful for the words that our President Joe Biden used, who reminded us that the three or three and a half million of us who are Indian Americans, the vibrant Indian American community, has made America more innovative, more inclusive, and a stronger nation," PTI reported. He claimed that the two countries have been united by shared ideals of upholding human freedom and dignity, pluralism, and the rule of law. He further stated, "Those are values that people around the world yearn for." And when our two nations work to promote those values, we make the world a better place," PTI reported. (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.

White House health official claims India and US did more than any other country in fighting against COVID-19

Iran has finally responded to the European Union's draft text that was revealed last week to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, although no details of Iran's response have been revealed yet reports suggest that Iran is still looking for ways to continue its negotiation on certain issues.

Iran demands US flexibility over Nuke deal

Warning of an impending heat risk, a new study has claimed that an "extreme heat belt" is forming in the north of Chicago that could affect more than 100 million people in the next 30 years

The research, which was released on Monday by nonprofit First Street Foundation, said that this "heat belt" could encompass the America's heartland stretching from Texas and Louisiana north to the Great Lakes, reports AFP.

They said this could shoot up the heat index up to 125 Fahrenheit (52C) at least one day per year by 2053, affecting 107 million people in 2053.

The heat index is commonly referred to as the “feels like” temperature. It represents what the outside temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity and air temperature are combined.

"These increases in local temperatures result in significant implications for communities that are not acclimated to warmer weather relative to their normal climate," the report said.

The biggest shift in the local temperature has been predicted to occur in Miami-Dade County, Florida, where the current hottest temperature touches 103 Fahrenheit seven days per year. The number is expected to increase to 34 days at 103 degrees by 2053, according to the study.

The report further warned that the increase in the use of air conditioning as a result of such temperature spikes will further strain energy grids, leading to more frequent and longer lasting brownouts.

The findings came days after the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s monthly climate reporton August 8 found that last month was the country’s third-hottest July since record-keeping began nearly 130 years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Warning of an impending heat risk, a new study has claimed that an "extreme heat belt" is forming in the north of Chicago that could affect more than 100 million people in the next 30 years The research, which was released on Monday by nonprofit First Street Foundation, said that this "heat belt" could encompass the America's heartland stretching from Texas and Louisiana north to the Great Lakes, reports AFP.

Warning of an impending heat risk, a new study has claimed that an "extreme heat belt" is forming in the north of Chicago that could affect more than 100 million people in the next 30 years The research, which was released on Monday by nonprofit First Street Foundation, said that this "heat belt" could encompass the America's heartland stretching from Texas and Louisiana north to the Great Lakes, reports AFP. They said this could shoot up the heat index up to 125 Fahrenheit (52C) at least one day per year by 2053, affecting 107 million people in 2053. The heat index is commonly referred to as the “feels like” temperature. It represents what the outside temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity and air temperature are combined. "These increases in local temperatures result in significant implications for communities that are not acclimated to warmer weather relative to their normal climate," the report said. The biggest shift in the local temperature has been predicted to occur in Miami-Dade County, Florida, where the current hottest temperature touches 103 Fahrenheit seven days per year. The number is expected to increase to 34 days at 103 degrees by 2053, according to the study. The report further warned that the increase in the use of air conditioning as a result of such temperature spikes will further strain energy grids, leading to more frequent and longer lasting brownouts. The findings came days after the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s monthly climate reporton August 8 found that last month was the country’s third-hottest July since record-keeping began nearly 130 years ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US could witness ‘extreme heat’ by 2053: Report

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