A team of US politicians is heading to Europe to try and calm tensions over the Northern Ireland post-Brexit protocol. The group of nine representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties kicks off a six-day trip.

US: Nancy Pelosi warns to not alter Northern Ireland deal

Remains of a world war 2 US airman has been found in Thailand. The discovered remains were sent back to the United States.

Remains of WWII US airman found in Thailand: Discovered remains sent to the US

Nordic countries Sweden and Finland have applied for NATO membership. However, Turkey is the lone roadblock to their NATO bids. US President Biden said that new NATO members are not a threat.

US President Joe Biden: New NATO members are not a threat

Reports suggest that US President Joe Biden will soon meet the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. According to that report, the Biden administration officials are in talks with the Saudis for potential in-person meeting while Biden is overseas next month

Biden vowed to make Saudi Prince MBS 'a Pariah'

Joe Biden is heading to Asia for a Pacific pivot amid the war in Europe. Biden is hoping to sell his new Indo-Pacific Economic forum as an alternative to China's BRI. What challenges await Biden in the Indo-Pacific? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Joe Biden heads to Asia: What's on the agenda?

The US government now plans to send planes to bring baby formula from overseas. The dangerous shortage is forcing parents to turn towards potentially dangerous alternatives. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: America's dangerous shortage of baby formula

American aerospace giant&nbsp;Boeing's&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;capsule was heading for the&nbsp;International Space Station&nbsp;Thursday, in a critical uncrewed test flight that followed years of failures and false starts.

The spacecraft encountered some&nbsp;propulsion&nbsp;troubles early in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for orbital maneuvering failing for unclear reasons but NASA officials said the mission remained&nbsp;on&nbsp;track.

The Orbital Test Flight 2 (OFT-2) mission blasted off at 6:54 pm Eastern Time (2254 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the spaceship fixed atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-team-departs-iss-to-come-back-to-earth-476702">NASA astronaut team departs ISS to come back to Earth</a>

Its success is key to repairing&nbsp;Boeing's frayed reputation after the first bid, back in 2019, failed to dock with the&nbsp;ISS&nbsp;due to software bugs one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry.

A second try was scheduled in August of last year, but&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should, and the capsule was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes.

At a post-launch press conference, senior NASA official Steve Sitch said: "Overall, the spacecraft is doing really well," but he also flagged two anomalies that engineers were now working to understand.

The first was that two out of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located&nbsp;on&nbsp;Starliner's aft side had initially fired but then shut down, forcing a third to take up their slack.

The second issue was that a device known as a sublimator responsible for cooling the spacecraft was initially slow to get started.

NASA is looking to certify&nbsp;Starliner&nbsp;as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station,&nbsp;a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia quits the International Space Station

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-quits-the-international-space-station-475874/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Seeking redemption

Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts&nbsp;$4.2 billion to&nbsp;Boeing, and $2.6 billion to SpaceX in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost.&nbsp;

Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven.&nbsp;

In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead, and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform while&nbsp;Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars.

Starliner&nbsp;should dock with the&nbsp;ISS&nbsp;about 24 hours after launch, and deliver more than 500 pounds (226 kilograms) of cargo, including food and provisions such as clothes and sleeping bags for the current crew&nbsp;on&nbsp;the station.

Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer a play&nbsp;on&nbsp;the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors in order to learn what human astronauts would experience.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-spacex-capsule-returns-to-earth-after-six-months-mission-476783">In Pics: SpaceX crew returns to Earth after six-month mission</a>

"We are a little jealous of Rosie," said NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission should OFT-2 succeed.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five to ten days in space, then undock and return to Earth, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States.&nbsp;

NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter&nbsp;problems.&nbsp;

"It's a really critical step for us and moving towards having two routinely flying crewed vehicles who can bring our crew to and from&nbsp;ISS," Dana Weigel, deputy program manager for the&nbsp;ISS, told reporters this week.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

American aerospace giant Boeing's Starliner capsule was heading for the International Space Station Thursday, in a critical uncrewed test flight that followed years of failures and false starts.

American aerospace giant Boeing's Starliner capsule was heading for the International Space Station Thursday, in a critical uncrewed test flight that followed years of failures and false starts. The spacecraft encountered some propulsion troubles early in its journey, with two thrusters responsible for orbital maneuvering failing for unclear reasons but NASA officials said the mission remained on track. The Orbital Test Flight 2 (OFT-2) mission blasted off at 6:54 pm Eastern Time (2254 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the spaceship fixed atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Also read | NASA astronaut team departs ISS to come back to Earth Its success is key to repairing Boeing's frayed reputation after the first bid, back in 2019, failed to dock with the ISS due to software bugs one that led to it burning too much fuel to reach its destination, and another that could have destroyed the vehicle during re-entry. A second try was scheduled in August of last year, but Starliner was rolled back from the launchpad to address sticky valves that weren't opening as they should, and the capsule was eventually sent back to the factory for fixes. At a post-launch press conference, senior NASA official Steve Sitch said: "Overall, the spacecraft is doing really well," but he also flagged two anomalies that engineers were now working to understand. The first was that two out of 12 orbital maneuvering and attitude control (OMAC) thrusters located on Starliner's aft side had initially fired but then shut down, forcing a third to take up their slack. The second issue was that a device known as a sublimator responsible for cooling the spacecraft was initially slow to get started. NASA is looking to certify Starliner as a second "taxi" service for its astronauts to the space station, a role that Elon Musk's SpaceX has provided since succeeding in a test mission for its Dragon capsule in 2020. Watch | Gravitas: Russia quits the International Space Station Seeking redemption Both companies were awarded fixed-price contracts $4.2 billion to Boeing, and $2.6 billion to SpaceX in 2014, shortly after the end of the Space Shuttle program, during a time when the United States was left reliant on Russian Soyuz rockets for rides to the orbital outpost. Boeing, with its hundred-year history, was considered by many as the sure shot, while then-upstart SpaceX was less proven. In reality, it was SpaceX that rocketed ahead, and recently sent its fourth routine crew to the research platform while Boeing's development delays have cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars. Starliner should dock with the ISS about 24 hours after launch, and deliver more than 500 pounds (226 kilograms) of cargo, including food and provisions such as clothes and sleeping bags for the current crew on the station. Its sole passenger is a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer a play on the World War II campaign icon Rosie the Riveter whose job is to collect flight data with her sensors in order to learn what human astronauts would experience. Also read | In Pics: SpaceX crew returns to Earth after six-month mission "We are a little jealous of Rosie," said NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who is expected to be among the first crew selected for a manned demonstration mission should OFT-2 succeed. The gumdrop-shaped capsule will spend about five to ten days in space, then undock and return to Earth, using giant parachutes to land in the desert of the western United States. NASA sees a second provider to low Earth orbit as a vital backup, should SpaceX encounter problems. "It's a really critical step for us and moving towards having two routinely flying crewed vehicles who can bring our crew to and from ISS," Dana Weigel, deputy program manager for the ISS, told reporters this week. 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.

Boeing's Starliner encounters propulsion problems on way to ISS

With the G7 and the US looking to support Ukraine through aid, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said that the industrial Donbas region has been ‘completely destroyed’ by the Russian forces, media reports said. The leader also accused Russia of carrying out senseless bombardments in its offensive. In a late-night video address, Zelensky said, "It is hell there - and that is not an exaggeration.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 12 people were killed in brutal and absolutely senseless bombardment of Severodonetsk on Thursday. “(There are) constant strikes on the Odesa region, on the cities of central Ukraine. The Donbas is completely destroyed. This is a deliberate and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible, to destroy as many houses, social facilities and enterprises as possible," the president added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-additional-military-aid-of-100-million-to-help-ukraine-in-ongoing-conflict-480560" hreflang="en">US to send additional military aid of $100 mn to help Ukraine in conflict</a>

This comes as the Group of Seven has agreed to provide Ukraine with $18.4 billion to help pay its bills on Thursday. These funds would speed up victory for the nation, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. &nbsp;

At the G7 finance leaders' meeting in Germany, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters, "The message was, 'We stand behind Ukraine. We're going to pull together with the resources that they need to get through this.'" &nbsp;&nbsp;

The US Senate has also sent a USD 40 billion Ukraine package, which was approved with an 86-11 vote, for final congressional approval on Thursday. It will provide economic, military and food aid to Ukraine and other US allies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a written statement, Biden said, "I applaud the Congress for sending a clear bipartisan message to the world that the people of the United States stand together with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom." &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

With the G7 and the US looking to support Ukraine through aid, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said that the industrial Donbas region has been ‘completely destroyed’ by the Russian forces, media reports said.

With the G7 and the US looking to support Ukraine through aid, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said that the industrial Donbas region has been ‘completely destroyed’ by the Russian forces, media reports said. The leader also accused Russia of carrying out senseless bombardments in its offensive. In a late-night video address, Zelensky said, "It is hell there - and that is not an exaggeration.” Around 12 people were killed in brutal and absolutely senseless bombardment of Severodonetsk on Thursday. “(There are) constant strikes on the Odesa region, on the cities of central Ukraine. The Donbas is completely destroyed. This is a deliberate and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible, to destroy as many houses, social facilities and enterprises as possible," the president added. Also Read: US to send additional military aid of $100 mn to help Ukraine in conflict This comes as the Group of Seven has agreed to provide Ukraine with $18.4 billion to help pay its bills on Thursday. These funds would speed up victory for the nation, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. At the G7 finance leaders' meeting in Germany, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters, "The message was, 'We stand behind Ukraine. We're going to pull together with the resources that they need to get through this.'" The US Senate has also sent a USD 40 billion Ukraine package, which was approved with an 86-11 vote, for final congressional approval on Thursday. It will provide economic, military and food aid to Ukraine and other US allies. In a written statement, Biden said, "I applaud the Congress for sending a clear bipartisan message to the world that the people of the United States stand together with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and freedom." WATCH WION LIVE HERE (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. ×

As G7, US look to help Ukraine with aid, President Zelensky says Donbas region completely destroyed

US President Joe Biden kick-started his first leg of the Asian tour with his visit to South Korea on Friday as Washington looks to boost its alliance in the region which has been witnessing rising Chinese commercial and military power.

Notably, this is Biden’s first trip to the Asian region after he became the president.

The president landed at the Osan Air Base, south of Seoul. He is expected to hold talks with his recently elected counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol on some pressing issues, including North Korea.

Moreover, there are reports that North Korea may be using his trip to test an underground nuclear or intercontinental ballistic missile.

According to CNN, which has quoted officials, Pyongyang has been getting ready to fuel an intercontinental ballistic missile, one of the key final stages in preparing for a test launch.

The White House said it has prepared for all contingencies, including a test occurring while Biden is on the Korean peninsula.

Biden will also visit US and South Korean troops, but will not make the traditional presidential trek to the fortified frontier known as the DMZ between South and North Korea, the White House said.

Hours ahead of Biden arriving, Suk-yeol signalled a warm welcome, tweeting: "A mountain shows its way to the summit to those who seek it. I am confident the ROK-US alliance that seeks to uphold the values of democracy and human rights shall only elevate in the future."

After his three-day trip, Biden will next travel to Japan for bilateral talks with the country's prime minister Fumio Kishida.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden in South Korea to reaffirm key alliance

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-in-south-korea-to-reaffirm-key-alliance-480715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Apart from that, he will also be meeting the leaders of Japan, Australia and India for the Quad gathering and launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework&nbsp;(IPEF), an agreement that seeks to set standards on supply chains, worker protections, decarbonisation and anti-corruption.

Earlier this week at a White House reception, Biden said that his trip was intended "to affirm the importance of our Indo-Pacific alliances" and "celebrate the indispensable partnerships" in the region, including through cultural ties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-additional-military-aid-of-100-million-to-help-ukraine-in-ongoing-conflict-480560" hreflang="en">US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict</a>

Before his trip began, the White House said that Biden’s aim is to send a “powerful message” to China and others about what the world could look like if democracies “stand together to shape the rules of the road”.

&nbsp;Biden’s Asia trip is also “fundamentally about” building personal ties with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters en route to South Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-looking-to-construct-military-bases-in-pakistan-report-480699" hreflang="en">China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report</a>

“In both cases, he’s looking for the opportunity to just spend time to get to know these leaders … so that when they need to pick up the phone in a crisis or to respond to a major world event, there’s a baseline of trust and understanding and almost like a common operating language,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

US President Joe Biden kick-started his first leg of the Asian tour with his visit to South Korea on Friday as Washington looks to boost its alliance in the region which has been witnessing rising Chinese commercial and military power.

US President Joe Biden kick-started his first leg of the Asian tour with his visit to South Korea on Friday as Washington looks to boost its alliance in the region which has been witnessing rising Chinese commercial and military power. Notably, this is Biden’s first trip to the Asian region after he became the president. The president landed at the Osan Air Base, south of Seoul. He is expected to hold talks with his recently elected counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol on some pressing issues, including North Korea. Moreover, there are reports that North Korea may be using his trip to test an underground nuclear or intercontinental ballistic missile. According to CNN, which has quoted officials, Pyongyang has been getting ready to fuel an intercontinental ballistic missile, one of the key final stages in preparing for a test launch. The White House said it has prepared for all contingencies, including a test occurring while Biden is on the Korean peninsula. Biden will also visit US and South Korean troops, but will not make the traditional presidential trek to the fortified frontier known as the DMZ between South and North Korea, the White House said. Hours ahead of Biden arriving, Suk-yeol signalled a warm welcome, tweeting: "A mountain shows its way to the summit to those who seek it. I am confident the ROK-US alliance that seeks to uphold the values of democracy and human rights shall only elevate in the future." After his three-day trip, Biden will next travel to Japan for bilateral talks with the country's prime minister Fumio Kishida. Watch | US President Joe Biden in South Korea to reaffirm key alliance Apart from that, he will also be meeting the leaders of Japan, Australia and India for the Quad gathering and launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), an agreement that seeks to set standards on supply chains, worker protections, decarbonisation and anti-corruption. Earlier this week at a White House reception, Biden said that his trip was intended "to affirm the importance of our Indo-Pacific alliances" and "celebrate the indispensable partnerships" in the region, including through cultural ties. Also read | US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict Before his trip began, the White House said that Biden’s aim is to send a “powerful message” to China and others about what the world could look like if democracies “stand together to shape the rules of the road”. Biden’s Asia trip is also “fundamentally about” building personal ties with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters en route to South Korea. Also read | China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report “In both cases, he’s looking for the opportunity to just spend time to get to know these leaders … so that when they need to pick up the phone in a crisis or to respond to a major world event, there’s a baseline of trust and understanding and almost like a common operating language,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US prez Joe Biden kick-starts his Asian trip to boost Indo-Pacific ties

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to visit Russia in the run-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Imran Khan met Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, the day when Russia's invasion of Ukraine started.

“As far as the former Prime Minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. Pakistan's prime minister conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time the current conflict will start,” said Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari. He is on his maiden US visit.He was speaking at a press conference at United Nations headquarters on Thursday (May 20).

Imran Khan, who has been ousted from his office recently, had fired major salvos at US in his last days in the office. He had alleged a 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. He mentioned US later on. He even said that he had documentary evidence of the conspiracy but was never able to come up with credible proof which supported his claims beyond doubt.

Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari's US visit is being seen by many as a damage-control exercise after Imran Khan's constant tirade against the US, which has been an ally of Pakistan right from Cold War years.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-meets-pakistans-foreign-minister-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-480293">US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a>

Analysts have said they do not expect the United States to seek a significant broadening of ties with Pakistan`s new government, but to remain mostly focused on security cooperation, especially on counterterrorism and Afghanistan.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Wednesday after Blinken and Bhutto-Zardari met that the pair affirmed a "shared desire for a strong and prosperous bilateral relationship."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to visit Russia in the run-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to visit Russia in the run-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Imran Khan met Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, the day when Russia's invasion of Ukraine started. “As far as the former Prime Minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. Pakistan's prime minister conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time the current conflict will start,” said Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari. He is on his maiden US visit.He was speaking at a press conference at United Nations headquarters on Thursday (May 20). Imran Khan, who has been ousted from his office recently, had fired major salvos at US in his last days in the office. He had alleged a 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. He mentioned US later on. He even said that he had documentary evidence of the conspiracy but was never able to come up with credible proof which supported his claims beyond doubt. Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari's US visit is being seen by many as a damage-control exercise after Imran Khan's constant tirade against the US, which has been an ally of Pakistan right from Cold War years. Also Read | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Analysts have said they do not expect the United States to seek a significant broadening of ties with Pakistan`s new government, but to remain mostly focused on security cooperation, especially on counterterrorism and Afghanistan. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Wednesday after Blinken and Bhutto-Zardari met that the pair affirmed a "shared desire for a strong and prosperous bilateral relationship." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'No one has sixth sense': Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

US President Joe Biden has embarked on his first trip to Asia. He is currently in South Korea. Bilateral and the Quad summit are on the agenda.

US President Joe Biden in South Korea to reaffirm key alliance

US President Joe Biden has embarked on his first trip to Asia. He now arrived in South Korea. Bilaterals and the Quad summit are on the agenda.

US President Joe Biden's first Asia trip: Biden arrives in South Korea

The United States has approved Pfizer's booster shots for the 5-11 age group against COVID-19. The decision comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are increasing in the US.

The US approves Pfizer booster shots for the 5-11 age group against COVID-19

The US is going to send an additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion, media reports said. The announcement of this move of the President Joe Biden’s administration was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war, the US has been helping Ukraine by providing different kinds of weapons. &nbsp;

In sending this military aid to Ukraine, Biden is using his Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for the tenth time. The aid would account for the $100 million, which is remaining in the PDA funding. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-provide-extra-500-millions-euros-worth-of-military-support-to-ukraine-478592" hreflang="en">European Union to provide extra 500 million euros worth of military support to Ukraine</a>

The PDA authorises Biden to transfer excess weapons from US stocks without the approval of Congress in case of an emergency. &nbsp;

In a statement, Blinken said, "Ukraine's courageous defense forces remain firmly in the fight. The United States, as well as more than 40 Allies and partner countries, are working round the clock to expedite shipments of arms and equipment essential to Ukraine's defense." &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Around 18 more tactical vehicles, 18 additional 155 mm howitzers and three additional counter-artillery radars are being sent in the new defense package, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby in a media briefing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In total, US military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began has reached about $3.9 billion in arms and equipment, said Blinken. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The US is going to send an additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion, media reports said. The announcement of this move of the President Joe Biden’s administration was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday.

The US is going to send an additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion, media reports said. The announcement of this move of the President Joe Biden’s administration was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war, the US has been helping Ukraine by providing different kinds of weapons. In sending this military aid to Ukraine, Biden is using his Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for the tenth time. The aid would account for the $100 million, which is remaining in the PDA funding. Also Read: European Union to provide extra 500 million euros worth of military support to Ukraine The PDA authorises Biden to transfer excess weapons from US stocks without the approval of Congress in case of an emergency. In a statement, Blinken said, "Ukraine's courageous defense forces remain firmly in the fight. The United States, as well as more than 40 Allies and partner countries, are working round the clock to expedite shipments of arms and equipment essential to Ukraine's defense." WATCH WION LIVE HERE Around 18 more tactical vehicles, 18 additional 155 mm howitzers and three additional counter-artillery radars are being sent in the new defense package, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby in a media briefing. In total, US military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began has reached about $3.9 billion in arms and equipment, said Blinken. (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. ×

US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently in the United States. He now defended former PM Imran Khan's Moscow visit.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto defends former PM Imran Khan's Moscow visit

The world is going through a food crisis amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States has now slammed Russia for amplifying the crisis.

The food crisis worsens across the globe: The US slams Russia for amplifying the crisis

While speaking at an event, Former US President George W Bush condemned the full-scale invasion by Russia as "brutal" and "unjustified". However, he mistakenly said "invasion of Iraq". In no time, he corrected himself: "I mean, Ukraine".

Former US President Bush condemns 'brutal invasion of Iraq' in public gaffe

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Energy Department launched a&nbsp;program&nbsp;on Thursday to fund four large-scale projects across the country that can remove&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide from the air, investing $3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in a nascent&nbsp;technology the Biden administration says is necessary to meet a goal of achieving net zero emissions by mid century.

The agency released a formal notice saying it would fund the $3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;program&nbsp;created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastucture Law that would create four regional direct air capture hubs&nbsp;to spur the widespread deployment of the&nbsp;technology and&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide transport and storage infrastructure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenhouse-gas-sea-level-all-broke-records-in-2021-says-un-warns-of-climate-catastrophe-480233">Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe'</a>

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report last month that said the world will need “carbon dioxide removal”&nbsp;technologies - ranging from planting trees that soak&nbsp;up&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;to grow, to costly&nbsp;technologies to suck&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide directly from the air to meet global goals to curb climate change.

“The UN's latest climate report made clear that removing legacy&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;pollution from the air through direct air capture and safely storing it is an essential weapon in our fight against the climate crisis,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

Carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;technology has gained major attention and investment in recent months. There are three major direct air capture projects under&nbsp;development&nbsp;that have emerged in North America and Europe but they are only sucking&nbsp;up&nbsp;small amounts of CO2 from the air currently.

Watch |&nbsp;Aviation leaves huge carbon footprint, new report says only 1 of 50 goals met

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aviation-leaves-huge-carbon-footprint-new-report-says-only-1-of-50-goals-met-477942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier this year,&nbsp;technology firms Google, Shopify, Meta, and Stripe launched a $1&nbsp;billion&nbsp;fund that will buy&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;credits over the next decade as a way to incentivize rapid deployment of the&nbsp;technology.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk last year offered inventors $100 million in prize money to develop new&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;technologies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-a-taxibot-employed-at-airports-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-474961">What is a TaxiBot employed at airports to reduce carbon emissions?</a>

The DOE said that by midcentury,&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;will need to be deployed at the gigaton scale, meaning it would need to be able to sequester the equivalent of emissions from approximately 250 million vehicles driven in one year.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

The US Energy Department launched a program on Thursday to fund four large-scale projects across the country that can remove carbon dioxide from the air, investing $3.

The US Energy Department launched a program on Thursday to fund four large-scale projects across the country that can remove carbon dioxide from the air, investing $3.5 billion in a nascent technology the Biden administration says is necessary to meet a goal of achieving net zero emissions by mid century. The agency released a formal notice saying it would fund the $3.5 billion program created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastucture Law that would create four regional direct air capture hubs to spur the widespread deployment of the technology and carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure. Also read | Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe' The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report last month that said the world will need “carbon dioxide removal” technologies - ranging from planting trees that soak up carbon to grow, to costly technologies to suck carbon dioxide directly from the air to meet global goals to curb climate change. “The UN's latest climate report made clear that removing legacy carbon pollution from the air through direct air capture and safely storing it is an essential weapon in our fight against the climate crisis,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Carbon removal technology has gained major attention and investment in recent months. There are three major direct air capture projects under development that have emerged in North America and Europe but they are only sucking up small amounts of CO2 from the air currently. Watch | Aviation leaves huge carbon footprint, new report says only 1 of 50 goals met Earlier this year, technology firms Google, Shopify, Meta, and Stripe launched a $1 billion fund that will buy carbon removal credits over the next decade as a way to incentivize rapid deployment of the technology. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk last year offered inventors $100 million in prize money to develop new carbon removal technologies. Also read | What is a TaxiBot employed at airports to reduce carbon emissions? The DOE said that by midcentury, carbon removal will need to be deployed at the gigaton scale, meaning it would need to be able to sequester the equivalent of emissions from approximately 250 million vehicles driven in one year. 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 launches $3.5 billion programme to speed development of up carbon removal tech

US President Joe Biden has embarked on his first trip to Asia. North Korea and China will remain in focus for Biden's Asia trip.

US President Joe Biden heads to East Asia: North Korea, China in focus for Asia trip

Officials have discovered a tunnel linking US & Mexico. It is suspected that the tunnel was used to smuggle drugs. The tunnel runs from Mexico to a warehouse in California. The tunnel reportedly has rail & ventilation systems, electricity & reinforced walls. US authorities said it was unknown how long the tunnel had been operating. The owner of the property said he was unaware of the tunnel’s existence

This secret drug tunnel was used to smuggle drugs

The United States is facing a baby formula shortage. US President Joe Biden has invoked a defence production act to airlift baby formulas from overseas.

Biden invokes defence production act as the US launches operation 'Fly formula'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday met Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the UN headquarters here and discussed strengthening their economic and commercial ties, as well as regional security situation, amid unprecedented deterioration in bilateral ties during the previous Imran Khan regime.

The two leaders also discussed Afghan stability, support for Ukraine, and democratic principles.

"BBhuttoZardari and I reaffirmed our shared desire for a strong and prosperous U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relationship. I look forward to expanding our cooperation on climate, trade and investment, and regional peace and security issues," Blinken tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> and I reaffirmed our shared desire for a strong and prosperous U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relationship. I look forward to expanding our cooperation on climate, trade and investment, and regional peace and security issues. <a href="https://t.co/bFhGZFsNxg">pic.twitter.com/bFhGZFsNxg</a>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1526979089965490181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-europe-and-morocco-visits-476474">US secretary of state Antony Blinken tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Europe and Morocco visits</a>

Pakistan's relations with the US have been lukewarm, especially under the Biden administration.

Bilwal's US visit is taking place amid unprecedented deterioration in Pakistan-US ties, triggered by former prime minister Khan's claim that Washington conspired with Pakistan's Opposition leaders to topple his government. The Biden administration had rubbished Khan's repeated allegations.

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, in a readout of the meeting, said that they discussed expanding partnership in climate, investment, trade, and health as well as people-to-people ties.

They underscored the importance of US-Pakistan cooperation on regional peace, counterterrorism, Afghan stability, support for Ukraine, and democratic principles, the readout said.

Blinken welcomed Pakistan's Chairmanship of the G77 and committed to advancing climate action and global food security.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto meets US counterpart Antony Blinken

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-fm-bilawal-bhutto-meets-us-counterpart-antony-blinken-480276/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bilawal, who assumed charge as the foreign minister, is on a maiden visit to the US at the invitation of Blinken to attend the ministerial meeting on the "Global Food Security Call to Action" to be held at the United Nations later Wednesday. The US is President of the UN Security Council for the month of May and Blinken is in New York to convene meetings to mobilise action on global food security.

In his remarks before his meeting with Bilawal, the first face-to-face interaction between the two ministers, Blinken said Washington is "very pleased" to be working with the foreign minister and with a new government in Pakistan.

"We're both here, of course, first and foremost for the ministerial meeting we're having a little bit later today on food security. This is a challenge that we're seeing around the world. There was a pre-existing condition, as it were when it comes to food insecurity in many places. It's been exacerbated dramatically by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, adding another 40 million people to those who are food insecure," he said.

On May 19, Blinken will chair the first signature event of the United States' presidency of the UN Security Council: an open debate focusing on the critical links between conflict and food security.

Blinken also added that "this is an important opportunity" for the two countries to "talk about the many issues where we're working together."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fm-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-to-visit-us-china-and-switzerland-in-a-week-479104">Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to visit US, China and Switzerland in a week</a>

"We want to focus on the work we're doing to strengthen our economic and commercial ties between the US and Pakistan; of course, focus on regional security. And Pakistan is now in the chairmanship of the G77 and the United States is looking forward to strengthening our own relations and dialogue and communication with the G77," he said.

Bilawal said Islamabad is aware that recent geopolitical events have aggravated the global food security situation "and countries like Pakistan have already been facing challenges in food security, water security, and energy insecurity because of a whole host of issues ranging from climate change to issues in our neighbourhood. So this particular initiative is most welcome and most important."

He said he looks forward to increasing engagement between Pakistan and the US, working with the Biden administration to "improvetrade relations between Pakistan and the US and create opportunities for American investors, and Pakistani investors, and Pakistani businessmen, and American entrepreneurs to work together."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday met Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the UN headquarters here and discussed strengthening their economic and commercial ties, as well as regional security situation, amid unprecedented deterioration in bilateral ties during the previous Imran Khan regime.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday met Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the UN headquarters here and discussed strengthening their economic and commercial ties, as well as regional security situation, amid unprecedented deterioration in bilateral ties during the previous Imran Khan regime. The two leaders also discussed Afghan stability, support for Ukraine, and democratic principles. "BBhuttoZardari and I reaffirmed our shared desire for a strong and prosperous U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relationship. I look forward to expanding our cooperation on climate, trade and investment, and regional peace and security issues," Blinken tweeted. .@BBhuttoZardari and I reaffirmed our shared desire for a strong and prosperous U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relationship. I look forward to expanding our cooperation on climate, trade and investment, and regional peace and security issues. pic.twitter.com/bFhGZFsNxg — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 18, 2022 × Also read | US secretary of state Antony Blinken tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Europe and Morocco visits Pakistan's relations with the US have been lukewarm, especially under the Biden administration. Bilwal's US visit is taking place amid unprecedented deterioration in Pakistan-US ties, triggered by former prime minister Khan's claim that Washington conspired with Pakistan's Opposition leaders to topple his government. The Biden administration had rubbished Khan's repeated allegations. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, in a readout of the meeting, said that they discussed expanding partnership in climate, investment, trade, and health as well as people-to-people ties. They underscored the importance of US-Pakistan cooperation on regional peace, counterterrorism, Afghan stability, support for Ukraine, and democratic principles, the readout said. Blinken welcomed Pakistan's Chairmanship of the G77 and committed to advancing climate action and global food security. Watch | Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto meets US counterpart Antony Blinken Bilawal, who assumed charge as the foreign minister, is on a maiden visit to the US at the invitation of Blinken to attend the ministerial meeting on the "Global Food Security Call to Action" to be held at the United Nations later Wednesday. The US is President of the UN Security Council for the month of May and Blinken is in New York to convene meetings to mobilise action on global food security. In his remarks before his meeting with Bilawal, the first face-to-face interaction between the two ministers, Blinken said Washington is "very pleased" to be working with the foreign minister and with a new government in Pakistan. "We're both here, of course, first and foremost for the ministerial meeting we're having a little bit later today on food security. This is a challenge that we're seeing around the world. There was a pre-existing condition, as it were when it comes to food insecurity in many places. It's been exacerbated dramatically by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, adding another 40 million people to those who are food insecure," he said. On May 19, Blinken will chair the first signature event of the United States' presidency of the UN Security Council: an open debate focusing on the critical links between conflict and food security. Blinken also added that "this is an important opportunity" for the two countries to "talk about the many issues where we're working together." Also read | Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to visit US, China and Switzerland in a week "We want to focus on the work we're doing to strengthen our economic and commercial ties between the US and Pakistan; of course, focus on regional security. And Pakistan is now in the chairmanship of the G77 and the United States is looking forward to strengthening our own relations and dialogue and communication with the G77," he said. Bilawal said Islamabad is aware that recent geopolitical events have aggravated the global food security situation "and countries like Pakistan have already been facing challenges in food security, water security, and energy insecurity because of a whole host of issues ranging from climate change to issues in our neighbourhood. So this particular initiative is most welcome and most important." He said he looks forward to increasing engagement between Pakistan and the US, working with the Biden administration to "improvetrade relations between Pakistan and the US and create opportunities for American investors, and Pakistani investors, and Pakistani businessmen, and American entrepreneurs to work together." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

The conundrum over NATO entry continues. US, NATO are ready to welcome Sweden & Finland into the alliance but Turkey is blocking their applications. Analysts say that Turkey is using its position in NATO to extract compensations. There will be political pressure on Turkey if it blocks the applications. Turkey’s veto may be used as leverage against existing NATO members. What does Turkey want?

Turkey, NATO & US: The big chaos over Sweden & Finland alliance bids

The US auto safety agency has opened an investigation into the fatal Tesla vehicle crash that killed three people.

US auto safety agency opens probe into fatal Tesla crash that killed three

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1