Five foetuses have been discovered at a Washington residence belonging to an anti-abortion activist, police say.

Lauren Handy, 28, the leader of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) group describes herself as a “Catholic anarchist.”

Police said that they were investigating a “potential bio-hazard material” when the foetuses were discovered, according to a report in the BBC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-us-state-passes-abortion-bounty-hunter-law-465052">Another US state passes abortion 'bounty hunter' law</a>

Handy was indicted separately on Wednesday for attempting to force entry into an abortion clinic in the year 2020.

On Wednesday, she was pictured outside the property as the investigators removed items from the basement in bags and coolers.

Ms Handy told local news outlet WUSA9 that “people would freak out when they heard” what was inside the containers being seized.

According to the Washington police, they could not confirm about the residence where the foetuses were found was in fact Ms Handy’s. However, two law enforcement officials told the Washington Post that the house was where Ms Handy was detained and lived or stayed there.

"There doesn't seem to be anything criminal in nature about that except for how they got into this house," Ashan Benedict, executive assistant Washington DC police chief, said at a news conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-law-punishes-abortion-with-prison-for-up-to-25-years-460621">Guatemala law punishes abortion with prison for up to 25 years</a>

Recently, Ms Handy claimed to have gained an access to a foetal tissue organ bank at the University of Washington in Seattle, but the university stated that no tissue or organ were taken.

According to a separate federal indictment released on Thursday, Ms Handy had arranged an appointment with the Washington Surgi-Clinic, an abortion provider, under the name Hazel Jenkins on October 22, 2020 claiming she wanted an abortion.

The indictment claims that when she arrived, a group “forcefully entered the clinic,” knocking over a clinic employee and also injuring her ankle.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hands-off-my-body-thousands-protests-against-anti-abortion-laws-in-us-417791">'Hands off my body': Thousands protests against anti-abortion laws in US</a>

According to the indictment, Ms Handy and eight other members of this group are accused of conspiring to injuring, oppress, threaten and intimidate patients and staff in violation of their federal rights. They are also charged with violating the Freedom of Access to

Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) for using force to interfere with the clinic’s services.

Each one of them could face up to 11 years in prison and a fine up to $350,000 (£266,000) if convicted.

Watch |&nbsp;Bounty Hunter law: Idaho bans abortion after six weeks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bounty-hunter-law-idaho-bans-abortion-after-six-weeks-465549/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Five foetuses have been discovered at a Washington residence belonging to an anti-abortion activist, police say. Lauren Handy, 28, the leader of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) group describes herself as a “Catholic anarchist.

Five foetuses have been discovered at a Washington residence belonging to an anti-abortion activist, police say. Lauren Handy, 28, the leader of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) group describes herself as a “Catholic anarchist.” Police said that they were investigating a “potential bio-hazard material” when the foetuses were discovered, according to a report in the BBC. Also read | Another US state passes abortion 'bounty hunter' law Handy was indicted separately on Wednesday for attempting to force entry into an abortion clinic in the year 2020. On Wednesday, she was pictured outside the property as the investigators removed items from the basement in bags and coolers. Ms Handy told local news outlet WUSA9 that “people would freak out when they heard” what was inside the containers being seized. According to the Washington police, they could not confirm about the residence where the foetuses were found was in fact Ms Handy’s. However, two law enforcement officials told the Washington Post that the house was where Ms Handy was detained and lived or stayed there. "There doesn't seem to be anything criminal in nature about that except for how they got into this house," Ashan Benedict, executive assistant Washington DC police chief, said at a news conference. Also read | Guatemala law punishes abortion with prison for up to 25 years Recently, Ms Handy claimed to have gained an access to a foetal tissue organ bank at the University of Washington in Seattle, but the university stated that no tissue or organ were taken. According to a separate federal indictment released on Thursday, Ms Handy had arranged an appointment with the Washington Surgi-Clinic, an abortion provider, under the name Hazel Jenkins on October 22, 2020 claiming she wanted an abortion. The indictment claims that when she arrived, a group “forcefully entered the clinic,” knocking over a clinic employee and also injuring her ankle. Also read | 'Hands off my body': Thousands protests against anti-abortion laws in US According to the indictment, Ms Handy and eight other members of this group are accused of conspiring to injuring, oppress, threaten and intimidate patients and staff in violation of their federal rights. They are also charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) for using force to interfere with the clinic’s services. Each one of them could face up to 11 years in prison and a fine up to $350,000 (£266,000) if convicted. Watch | Bounty Hunter law: Idaho bans abortion after six weeks

Five foetuses found at the home of an anti-abortion activist

US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh said that there will be consequences to countries that actively attempt to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia after it went to war with Ukraine. 
 
While interacting with the media, Singh red-flagged that if China breaches Line of Actual Control, Russia will not help. He said that Moscow and Beijing are now in a "no limits partnership". 
 
The US does not want to see a rapid acceleration in India's imports from Russia of energy and other commodities prohibited by global sanctions regimes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-negotiations-set-to-resume-as-attacks-still-continue-467302">Russia-Ukraine War: Negotiations for peace set to resume as attacks still continue</a> 
 
Singh is seen as the architect of American sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
"What we would not like to see is a rapid acceleration of India's&nbsp;imports from Russia as it relates to energy or any other any other exports that are currently being prohibited by the US or by other aspects of the international sanctions regime," he said in response to a question about India`s recent decision to take up Russia's offer of discounted crude oil. 
 
He also said: "I come here in a spirit of friendship to explain the mechanisms of our sanctions, the importance of joining us to express shared resolve and to advance shared interests. And yes, there are consequences to countries that actively attempt to circumvent or backfill these sanctions," he said, while also acknowledging that India and Russia are engaged in efforts to find a payments solution that is a workaround to the sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-to-visit-india-466477">Ukraine war: Russian foreign minister Lavrov to visit India on March 31</a> 
 
Stressing that "friends don't set red lines", Singh said: "We are very keen for all countries, especially our allies and partners, not to create mechanisms that prop up the rouble and that attempt to undermine the dollar-based financial system," he added. 
 
"No one should kid themselves - Russia is going to be the junior partner in this relationship with China. And the more leverage that China gains over Russia, the less favourable that is for India. I don`t think anyone would believe that if China once again breached the Line of [Actual] Control, that Russia would come running to India`s defence," he added. 
 
After he arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday, Singh met commerce minister Piyush Goyal and officials of the Prime Minister's Office, National Security Council and external affairs ministry.

Watch |&nbsp;Sergey Lavrov to meet PM Modi, Russia turns to India for support amid global isolation

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US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh said that there will be consequences to countries that actively attempt to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia after it went to war with Ukraine.

US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh said that there will be consequences to countries that actively attempt to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia after it went to war with Ukraine. While interacting with the media, Singh red-flagged that if China breaches Line of Actual Control, Russia will not help. He said that Moscow and Beijing are now in a "no limits partnership". The US does not want to see a rapid acceleration in India's imports from Russia of energy and other commodities prohibited by global sanctions regimes. Also read | Russia-Ukraine War: Negotiations for peace set to resume as attacks still continue Singh is seen as the architect of American sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. "What we would not like to see is a rapid acceleration of India's imports from Russia as it relates to energy or any other any other exports that are currently being prohibited by the US or by other aspects of the international sanctions regime," he said in response to a question about India`s recent decision to take up Russia's offer of discounted crude oil. He also said: "I come here in a spirit of friendship to explain the mechanisms of our sanctions, the importance of joining us to express shared resolve and to advance shared interests. And yes, there are consequences to countries that actively attempt to circumvent or backfill these sanctions," he said, while also acknowledging that India and Russia are engaged in efforts to find a payments solution that is a workaround to the sanctions. Also read | Ukraine war: Russian foreign minister Lavrov to visit India on March 31 Stressing that "friends don't set red lines", Singh said: "We are very keen for all countries, especially our allies and partners, not to create mechanisms that prop up the rouble and that attempt to undermine the dollar-based financial system," he added. "No one should kid themselves - Russia is going to be the junior partner in this relationship with China. And the more leverage that China gains over Russia, the less favourable that is for India. I don`t think anyone would believe that if China once again breached the Line of [Actual] Control, that Russia would come running to India`s defence," he added. After he arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday, Singh met commerce minister Piyush Goyal and officials of the Prime Minister's Office, National Security Council and external affairs ministry. Watch | Sergey Lavrov to meet PM Modi, Russia turns to India for support amid global isolation

If China breaches LAC, Russia will not help: US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh

The President of the United States has promised to end the nightmare of Americans detained in Russia. The statement comes after Joe Biden met with the parents of Trevor Reed, a former US marine who's imprisoned in Russia.

Biden promises to end the 'nightmare' of Americans jailed in Russia

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a&nbsp;US court was told during a hearing.

Between 2012 and 2015, a group of three British men known as “the Beatles”, took more than 20 westerners hostage under IS’s reign of terror. Prosecutors allege that El Shafee Elshiekh, who currently is on trial in Virginia, US, was the member nicknamed as Ringo by the hostages.

Federico Motka, an Italian-born aid worker, who grew up in UK, told the federal courthouse that he and David Haines, a British fellow aid worker, were forced to fight John Cantlie, an American journalist James Foley and a British war correspondent and photographer, in a “royal rumble” organised by the militant group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-bashar-al-assad-visits-uae-in-first-trip-to-arab-state-since-2011-463729">Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011</a>

“They were super excited about it,” Motka, describing 14 months of brutality at the hands of his IS kidnappers, told the court on Thursday. “We were so weak and shattered we could barely lift our arms.”

He further added that the trio humiliated them even more by mocking their forced fight, the Daily Telegraph reported. According to the Associated Press, during the summer of 2013, the hostages were told that the losers of the fight were being held captive at a facility known as “the box” that would be waterboarded.

Motka, in 2013, was surveying the needs of refugee camps, when he and Haines were captured.

He is the first surveying captive to testify at Elsheikh’s trial.

“They said I was a posh wanker because I went to boarding school,” Motka testified. “They said I was arrogant, and they were going to take me down a peg.”

When the judge stepped in to ask what the phrase “posh wanker” meant, there was a moment of uncomfortable laughter, forcing Motka to explain the term’s meaning.

He further told all the things that happened with them, from playing games with them, to giving them dog names to which they were supposed to respond immediately, made them wear orange jumpsuits to replicate the “conditions to the detainees at Guantánamo Bay”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-promises-to-pay-syrian-army-fighters-1100-to-fight-in-ukraine-watchdog-462529">Russia promises to pay Syrian army fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog</a>

The United States and United Kingdom did not pay for the release of hostages, which further led to the execution of Haines, British aid worker Alan Henning and four other Americans named in Elsheikh’s indictment – Foley, Steven Sotloff, Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. He is accused of being involved in their murders.

In opening statements, the prosecutors mentioned three British citizens - Elsheikh, his long-term friend Alenxanda Kotey and Mohammed Emwazi, who is also known as “Jihadi John,” who frequently carried out the job of executioner.

Mohammed Emwazi was killed in a drone strike, while Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to Virginia to face trials.

Lat year, Kotey pleaded guilty in a plea bargain.

The trials still continue as Elshiekh’s defence lawyer Edward MacMahon said there was “no dispute” about the horror the hostages’ fate.

MacMahon&nbsp;further said, there was no doubt that Elsheikh has gone to Syria to fight the IS, and there is no evidence to support that he was one of the members of “Beatles.”

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-syrias-assad-returns-to-the-world-stage-466752/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a US court was told during a hearing.

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a US court was told during a hearing. Between 2012 and 2015, a group of three British men known as “the Beatles”, took more than 20 westerners hostage under IS’s reign of terror. Prosecutors allege that El Shafee Elshiekh, who currently is on trial in Virginia, US, was the member nicknamed as Ringo by the hostages. Federico Motka, an Italian-born aid worker, who grew up in UK, told the federal courthouse that he and David Haines, a British fellow aid worker, were forced to fight John Cantlie, an American journalist James Foley and a British war correspondent and photographer, in a “royal rumble” organised by the militant group. Also read | Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011 “They were super excited about it,” Motka, describing 14 months of brutality at the hands of his IS kidnappers, told the court on Thursday. “We were so weak and shattered we could barely lift our arms.” He further added that the trio humiliated them even more by mocking their forced fight, the Daily Telegraph reported. According to the Associated Press, during the summer of 2013, the hostages were told that the losers of the fight were being held captive at a facility known as “the box” that would be waterboarded. Motka, in 2013, was surveying the needs of refugee camps, when he and Haines were captured. He is the first surveying captive to testify at Elsheikh’s trial. “They said I was a posh wanker because I went to boarding school,” Motka testified. “They said I was arrogant, and they were going to take me down a peg.” When the judge stepped in to ask what the phrase “posh wanker” meant, there was a moment of uncomfortable laughter, forcing Motka to explain the term’s meaning. He further told all the things that happened with them, from playing games with them, to giving them dog names to which they were supposed to respond immediately, made them wear orange jumpsuits to replicate the “conditions to the detainees at Guantánamo Bay”. Also read | Russia promises to pay Syrian army fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog The United States and United Kingdom did not pay for the release of hostages, which further led to the execution of Haines, British aid worker Alan Henning and four other Americans named in Elsheikh’s indictment – Foley, Steven Sotloff, Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. He is accused of being involved in their murders. In opening statements, the prosecutors mentioned three British citizens - Elsheikh, his long-term friend Alenxanda Kotey and Mohammed Emwazi, who is also known as “Jihadi John,” who frequently carried out the job of executioner. Mohammed Emwazi was killed in a drone strike, while Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to Virginia to face trials. Lat year, Kotey pleaded guilty in a plea bargain. The trials still continue as Elshiekh’s defence lawyer Edward MacMahon said there was “no dispute” about the horror the hostages’ fate. MacMahon further said, there was no doubt that Elsheikh has gone to Syria to fight the IS, and there is no evidence to support that he was one of the members of “Beatles.” Watch | The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

Islamic States captives were forced to fight each other until they passed out, trial told

President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation's strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. And allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration's plans to combat rising gas prices. The duration of the release hasn't been finalised but could last for several months. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-makes-the-pure-terror-of-lynching-a-federal-crime-466801">Biden makes the 'pure terror' of lynching a federal crime</a>

High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The president has seen his popularity sink as inflation reached a 40-year high in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after Russia invaded Ukraine. Crude oil on Wednesday traded at nearly $105 a barrel, up from about $60 a year ago.

Still, oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59 per cent&nbsp;of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve capital discipline amid high prices was the reason they weren't pumping more, while fewer than 10 per cent&nbsp;blamed government regulation.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-apologies-for-saying-putin-cannot-remain-in-power-us-president-biden-466503">&nbsp;'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden</a>

The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.

The Biden administration in November announced the release of 50 million barrels from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Ukrainian war began, the U.S. And 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.

According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of Mar. 25.

News of the administration's planning was first reported by Bloomberg.

Watch |&nbsp;United States: Putin misled on how war progressed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-putin-misled-on-how-war-progressed-467047/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation's strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.

President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation's strategic petroleum reserve, according to two people familiar with the decision, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. And allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration's plans to combat rising gas prices. The duration of the release hasn't been finalised but could last for several months. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision. Also read | Biden makes the 'pure terror' of lynching a federal crime High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The president has seen his popularity sink as inflation reached a 40-year high in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after Russia invaded Ukraine. Crude oil on Wednesday traded at nearly $105 a barrel, up from about $60 a year ago. Still, oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59 per cent of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve capital discipline amid high prices was the reason they weren't pumping more, while fewer than 10 per cent blamed government regulation. Also read | 'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output. The Biden administration in November announced the release of 50 million barrels from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Ukrainian war began, the U.S. And 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S. According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of Mar. 25. News of the administration's planning was first reported by Bloomberg. Watch | United States: Putin misled on how war progressed

Joe Biden planning to tap oil reserve to control gas prices

Some reports have emerged that suggest a gap of 8-hours in former U.S. President Donald Trump's call logs during the period when Capitol Hill was stormed.

Reports: Gap of 8-hours in former U.S. President Donald Trump's call logs

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The White House claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being mislead by advisers who are afraid to inform him how awful the battle in Ukraine is going.

Meanwhile, British intelligence claims that Russian forces in Ukraine are demoralised, lack equipment, and refuse to obey orders.

According to the White House, Putin is apparently not being informed on the entire impact of sanctions on the Russian economy.

The Kremlin has yet to respond to the reports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-preparing-for-new-russian-offensive-in-the-east-dismisses-russian-claims-of-scaleback-467037">Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback</a>

The findings are "discomforting," according to Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby, because an uninformed Putin might result in a "less than faithful" endeavour to resolve the conflict through peace talks.&nbsp;

Earlier, President Joe Biden said in an exchange with reporters that he could not comment on the intelligence.

White House communications director Kate Bedingfield said that the administration is hopeful that divulging the finding could help prod Putin to reconsider his options in Ukraine, according to a U.S. official. The official was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The war has ground to a bloody stalemate in much of the country, with heavy casualties and Russian troop morale sinking as Ukrainian forces and volunteers put up an unexpectedly stout defense.

But the publicity could also risk further isolating Putin, who U.S. officials have said seems at least in part driven by a desire to win back Russian prestige lost by the fall of the Soviet Union.

“What it does is underscore that this has been a strategic blunder for Russia,” Bedingfield said of the intelligence finding. "But I’m not going to characterise how ... Vladimir Putin might be thinking about this.”

WATCH |&nbsp;United States: Putin misled on how war progressed&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The White House claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being mislead by advisers who are afraid to inform him how awful the battle in Ukraine is going. Meanwhile, British intelligence claims that Russian forces in Ukraine are demoralised, lack equipment, and refuse to obey orders. According to the White House, Putin is apparently not being informed on the entire impact of sanctions on the Russian economy. The Kremlin has yet to respond to the reports. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback The findings are "discomforting," according to Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby, because an uninformed Putin might result in a "less than faithful" endeavour to resolve the conflict through peace talks. Earlier, President Joe Biden said in an exchange with reporters that he could not comment on the intelligence. White House communications director Kate Bedingfield said that the administration is hopeful that divulging the finding could help prod Putin to reconsider his options in Ukraine, according to a U.S. official. The official was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The war has ground to a bloody stalemate in much of the country, with heavy casualties and Russian troop morale sinking as Ukrainian forces and volunteers put up an unexpectedly stout defense. But the publicity could also risk further isolating Putin, who U.S. officials have said seems at least in part driven by a desire to win back Russian prestige lost by the fall of the Soviet Union. “What it does is underscore that this has been a strategic blunder for Russia,” Bedingfield said of the intelligence finding. "But I’m not going to characterise how ... Vladimir Putin might be thinking about this.” WATCH | United States: Putin misled on how war progressed × (With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Putin being misled by fearful military advisers, US says

Taiwan's defence ministry has set up a working group to study the&nbsp;tactics&nbsp;of the&nbsp;war&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine, including how the country has been able to hold out against Russia, and has been&nbsp;discussing&nbsp;this with the United States, its minister said on Thursday.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has raised its alert level since the Russian invasion,&nbsp;wary of Beijing possibly making a similar move on the island, though it has reported no signs this is about to happen.

The possible impact of the&nbsp;war&nbsp;on China's military thinking on&nbsp;Taiwan, and how China could attack the island, has been widely debated in official circles in Taipei.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-leaving-chernobyl-nuclear-site-have-been-infected-with-radiation-sickness-reports-467130">Russian forces leaving Chernobyl nuclear site hit by radiation sickness: Reports</a>

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said they had had "contact" with foreign countries to talk about how the&nbsp;war&nbsp;was being fought, and had set up their own working group to study it.

Topics&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is following include Russia's poor military performance and&nbsp;Ukraine's resistance, he said.

"It is not only discussed in exchange meetings between the United States and&nbsp;Taiwan, but also discussed with other countries that have regular contacts with&nbsp;Taiwan," Chiu added, without giving details.

Taiwan's team on&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;includes academics from the National Defence University, he said.

"However, we will not make remarks rashly, but through internal discussions which are important, to get results that are helpful for building armaments and preparing for&nbsp;war."

While&nbsp;Taiwanese officials have seen many parallels in the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;war&nbsp;and their own situation, including having their own giant neighbour with territorial ambitions, they have also pointed to major differences.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-russia-ukraine-conflict-taiwan-mulls-extending-compulsory-military-service-464968">Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service</a>

Taiwan&nbsp;has talked, for example, of the "natural barrier" of the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait which would make China putting troops on the ground much more difficult than Russia just crossing over its land border with&nbsp;Ukraine.

Taiwan&nbsp;also has a large and well-equipped air force, and is developing its own formidable missile strike capability.

China has been stepping up its military pressure against&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the past two years or so.

Taiwan&nbsp;rejects China's sovereignty claims, and says only the island's people can decide their future.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war reverberates in Taiwan: Matsu islanders fear Chinese action

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Taiwan's defence ministry has set up a working group to study the tactics of the war in Ukraine, including how the country has been able to hold out against Russia, and has been discussing this with the United States, its minister said on Thursday.

Taiwan's defence ministry has set up a working group to study the tactics of the war in Ukraine, including how the country has been able to hold out against Russia, and has been discussing this with the United States, its minister said on Thursday. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has raised its alert level since the Russian invasion, wary of Beijing possibly making a similar move on the island, though it has reported no signs this is about to happen. The possible impact of the war on China's military thinking on Taiwan, and how China could attack the island, has been widely debated in official circles in Taipei. Also read | Russian forces leaving Chernobyl nuclear site hit by radiation sickness: Reports Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said they had had "contact" with foreign countries to talk about how the war was being fought, and had set up their own working group to study it. Topics Taiwan is following include Russia's poor military performance and Ukraine's resistance, he said. "It is not only discussed in exchange meetings between the United States and Taiwan, but also discussed with other countries that have regular contacts with Taiwan," Chiu added, without giving details. Taiwan's team on Ukraine includes academics from the National Defence University, he said. "However, we will not make remarks rashly, but through internal discussions which are important, to get results that are helpful for building armaments and preparing for war." While Taiwanese officials have seen many parallels in the Ukraine war and their own situation, including having their own giant neighbour with territorial ambitions, they have also pointed to major differences. Also read | Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service Taiwan has talked, for example, of the "natural barrier" of the Taiwan Strait which would make China putting troops on the ground much more difficult than Russia just crossing over its land border with Ukraine. Taiwan also has a large and well-equipped air force, and is developing its own formidable missile strike capability. China has been stepping up its military pressure against Taiwan over the past two years or so. Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims, and says only the island's people can decide their future. Watch | Ukraine war reverberates in Taiwan: Matsu islanders fear Chinese action

Taiwan studying Ukraine war tactics, discussing with US, says defence minister

Oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;plunged on Thursday on news that the United States was considering the&nbsp;release&nbsp;of up to 180 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the near 50-year history of the SPR.

Brent crude futures for May fell $4.11, or 3.6 per cent, to $109.34 a barrel by 0637 GMT. The May contract expires on Thursday and the most actively traded June futures were down $4.36 at $107.08, having earlier slid by more than $6.

US West Texas Intermediate futures for May delivery fell $5.33, or 4.9 per cent, to $102.49 a barrel after touching a low of $100.85.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-single-out-and-detain-us-citizens-state-dept-issues-another-travel-advisory-466846">‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory</a>

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will give remarks later on Thursday regarding his administration's actions aimed at lowering gasoline prices that have risen to&nbsp;record&nbsp;highs since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

Such a&nbsp;release&nbsp;would help the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;market to rebalance in 2022 by increasing supply by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for six months, Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note.

"This would remain, however, a&nbsp;release&nbsp;of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;inventories, not a persistent source of supply for coming years. Such a&nbsp;release&nbsp;would therefore not resolve the structural supply deficit, years in the making."

International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries are due to meet on Friday at 1200 GMT to decide on a collective&nbsp;oil&nbsp;release, a spokesperson for New Zealand's energy minister said on Thursday.

News of the potential&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;release&nbsp;overshadowed a meeting set for Thursday between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia. The group known as OPEC+ is expected to stick to its deal to increase&nbsp;oil&nbsp;production gradually.

The&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;oil&nbsp;release&nbsp;could be effective in reducing wild volatility and curtail sharp upward movements, but&nbsp;prices&nbsp;need a long-term solution, said Avtar Sandu, a commodities manager at Phillip Futures.

Oil&nbsp;settled up around 3 per cent on Wednesday as peace talks stalled between Ukraine and Russia, which calls its actions a "special operation".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-germany-sounds-early-warning-over-russian-gas-supply-466972">Ukraine war: Germany sounds 'early warning' over Russian gas supply</a>

Russia is the world's second-largest&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exporter and Western sanctions imposed as punishment for the invasion have disrupted flows from the country.

In early March the Biden administration said it would sell 30 million barrels from the strategic reserve as part of a global&nbsp;release&nbsp;of 60 million barrels to lower&nbsp;prices.

In November the United States announced a plan to&nbsp;release&nbsp;50 million barrels from the SPR, mostly through exchanges where the buyer agrees to replace the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;later.

"If it turns out to be as much as that, it would be significant and so would certainly help to a certain extent to fill the shortfall, but not all of it," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, referring to the 180 million barrels figure.

"Another key question is whether this volume would be part of a wider coordinated&nbsp;release. I guess we need to also see if this would be a straightforward&nbsp;release&nbsp;or an exchange."

The&nbsp;release&nbsp;comes after&nbsp;U.S. commercial&nbsp;oil&nbsp;inventories fell by 3.4 million barrels in the week to March 25, surpassing forecasts of a 1 million barrel drop. At the same time, implied demand for gasoline and distillates declined.

The slower demand came as&nbsp;U.S. production rose by 100,000 bpd to 11.7 million bpd after stagnating at 11.6 million bpd since early February.

Watch |&nbsp;India: New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil, US may restrict other countries' oil purchase

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Oil prices plunged on Thursday on news that the United States was considering the release of up to 180 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the near 50-year history of the SPR.

Oil prices plunged on Thursday on news that the United States was considering the release of up to 180 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the near 50-year history of the SPR. Brent crude futures for May fell $4.11, or 3.6 per cent, to $109.34 a barrel by 0637 GMT. The May contract expires on Thursday and the most actively traded June futures were down $4.36 at $107.08, having earlier slid by more than $6. US West Texas Intermediate futures for May delivery fell $5.33, or 4.9 per cent, to $102.49 a barrel after touching a low of $100.85. Also read | ‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory US President Joe Biden will give remarks later on Thursday regarding his administration's actions aimed at lowering gasoline prices that have risen to record highs since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Such a release would help the oil market to rebalance in 2022 by increasing supply by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for six months, Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note. "This would remain, however, a release of oil inventories, not a persistent source of supply for coming years. Such a release would therefore not resolve the structural supply deficit, years in the making." International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries are due to meet on Friday at 1200 GMT to decide on a collective oil release, a spokesperson for New Zealand's energy minister said on Thursday. News of the potential U.S. release overshadowed a meeting set for Thursday between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia. The group known as OPEC+ is expected to stick to its deal to increase oil production gradually. The U.S. oil release could be effective in reducing wild volatility and curtail sharp upward movements, but prices need a long-term solution, said Avtar Sandu, a commodities manager at Phillip Futures. Oil settled up around 3 per cent on Wednesday as peace talks stalled between Ukraine and Russia, which calls its actions a "special operation". Also read | Ukraine war: Germany sounds 'early warning' over Russian gas supply Russia is the world's second-largest oil exporter and Western sanctions imposed as punishment for the invasion have disrupted flows from the country. In early March the Biden administration said it would sell 30 million barrels from the strategic reserve as part of a global release of 60 million barrels to lower prices. In November the United States announced a plan to release 50 million barrels from the SPR, mostly through exchanges where the buyer agrees to replace the oil later. "If it turns out to be as much as that, it would be significant and so would certainly help to a certain extent to fill the shortfall, but not all of it," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, referring to the 180 million barrels figure. "Another key question is whether this volume would be part of a wider coordinated release. I guess we need to also see if this would be a straightforward release or an exchange." The release comes after U.S. commercial oil inventories fell by 3.4 million barrels in the week to March 25, surpassing forecasts of a 1 million barrel drop. At the same time, implied demand for gasoline and distillates declined. The slower demand came as U.S. production rose by 100,000 bpd to 11.7 million bpd after stagnating at 11.6 million bpd since early February. Watch | India: New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil, US may restrict other countries' oil purchase

Oil prices dive as US considers record reserves release

Major US and foreign automakers have backed environmental protection agencies new tougher vehicle emission regulations in a court challenge brought by some states.

Automakers back US government's vehicle emissions rules

The world powers are competing to dominate the Arctic region. Russia's Arctic gas ambitions are at risk. New orders for special vessels to ship fuel are in doubt.

World powers compete to dominate the Arctic

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden signed a bill making lynching a federal hate crime, putting an end to more than a century of delays in criminalising the symbol of what he called "pure terror."

The new law will punish anyone convicted of lynching for up to 30 years, ending what researchers say was an unbroken history of impunity over the thousands of lynchings that took place between the end of the Civil War and 1950.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-ukraine-enhances-eus-resolve-to-act-in-indo-pacific-says-top-diplomat-gabriele-466800" hreflang="en">War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele</a>

The bill is named after the tragically murdered 14-year-old black teen Bill Emmett Till, who sparked the civil rights movement during the 1950s.

President Biden was joined at the Rose Garden ceremony by Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the first Black female vice president, and Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of anti-lynching activist and pioneering Black journalist Ida B. Wells.

Biden said lynching was "pure terror," noting the horrific practice of killing mostly black Americans in public, often in front of enthusiastic white crowds in the post-slavery United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-still-doubts-that-russia-is-serious-in-talks-with-ukraine-blinken-466765" hreflang="en">United States still doubts that Russia is serious in talks with Ukraine: Blinken</a>

However, Biden warned that "racial hate isn't an old problem, it's a persistent problem," stating that "hate never goes away, it only hides."

VP Harris also warned that "lynching is not a relic of the past."

"Racial acts of terror still occur in our nation," she said.&nbsp;

Earlier this month the Senate had unanimously passed this bill. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said that the long delay has proven to be "a stain on America".

Watch |&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden says Asia-Pacific is still a priority as he hosts Singapore PM Loong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-says-asia-pacific-is-still-a-priority-as-he-hosts-singapore-pm-loong-466806/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In August 1955, Bill Emmett Till was abducted and murdered while visiting relatives in the US southern state of Mississippi. The mutilated body of the teenager was discovered three days later in a nearby river.

This was in response to a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, alleging that he had propositioned her in a store and touched her on the arm, hand, and waist.&nbsp;

The mother of Till famously demanded that her son's remains be displayed in an open casket so that everyone could see what had been done.

A white Mississippi jury acquitted two men charged with murder, Roy Bryant, Carolyn Bryant's husband, and J W Milam, his half-brother. Later, the pair admitted that they had killed the boy in a magazine interview.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden signed a bill making lynching a federal hate crime, putting an end to more than a century of delays in criminalising the symbol of what he called "pure terror.

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden signed a bill making lynching a federal hate crime, putting an end to more than a century of delays in criminalising the symbol of what he called "pure terror." The new law will punish anyone convicted of lynching for up to 30 years, ending what researchers say was an unbroken history of impunity over the thousands of lynchings that took place between the end of the Civil War and 1950. Also read | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele The bill is named after the tragically murdered 14-year-old black teen Bill Emmett Till, who sparked the civil rights movement during the 1950s. President Biden was joined at the Rose Garden ceremony by Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the first Black female vice president, and Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of anti-lynching activist and pioneering Black journalist Ida B. Wells. Biden said lynching was "pure terror," noting the horrific practice of killing mostly black Americans in public, often in front of enthusiastic white crowds in the post-slavery United States. Also read | United States still doubts that Russia is serious in talks with Ukraine: Blinken However, Biden warned that "racial hate isn't an old problem, it's a persistent problem," stating that "hate never goes away, it only hides." VP Harris also warned that "lynching is not a relic of the past." "Racial acts of terror still occur in our nation," she said. Earlier this month the Senate had unanimously passed this bill. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said that the long delay has proven to be "a stain on America". Watch | U.S. President Joe Biden says Asia-Pacific is still a priority as he hosts Singapore PM Loong In August 1955, Bill Emmett Till was abducted and murdered while visiting relatives in the US southern state of Mississippi. The mutilated body of the teenager was discovered three days later in a nearby river. This was in response to a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, alleging that he had propositioned her in a store and touched her on the arm, hand, and waist. The mother of Till famously demanded that her son's remains be displayed in an open casket so that everyone could see what had been done. A white Mississippi jury acquitted two men charged with murder, Roy Bryant, Carolyn Bryant's husband, and J W Milam, his half-brother. Later, the pair admitted that they had killed the boy in a magazine interview. (WIth inputs from agencies)

Biden makes the 'pure terror' of lynching a federal crime

U.S. President Joe Biden has called the Asia-Pacific as he hosted Singapore PM Loong. Both U.S. and Singapore condemned Russia's war.

U.S. President Joe Biden says Asia-Pacific is still a priority as he hosts Singapore PM Loong

The International space station that so many of us often forget was launched way back in 1998 and has long been a symbol of US-Russian collaboration, now it's interesting to see how will Russia's invasion of Ukraine change things up in space?

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Can USA & Russia cooperate in space?

U.S. President Biden signed a historic anti-lynching law which makes lynching a federal crime in the U.S. now. It is named after 14-year-old Emmett Till who was brutally murdered in a racist attack in Mississippi in 1955.

Lynching is now a federal crime in U.S. as Joe Biden signs historic anti-lynching law

Job exits in the US rose to 4.35 million in February, as the phenomenon known as 'The Great Resignation' continues. There were 11.27 million openings in the month. The labour shortage has left businesses struggling to find staff, despite offering higher wages.

The great resignation continues: 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs

The United States is preparing to take on the BA.2 variant of COVID-19 by allowing people aged 50 & above to receive a booster dose.

U.S: People aged 50 & above to get a booster dose to prepare for BA.2 variant

Amid the ongoing chip shortage worldwide, The U.S. Senate has approved a $52 billion chips bill. The chip shortage has disrupted production.

U.S. Senate approves $52 billion chips bill to curb chip shortage woes

Wealthy Americans may have to shell out more soon as the World's largest economy unveiled a minimum income tax for billionaires. It is a part of President Joe Biden's budget proposal for the current year.

U.S. President Biden's budget blueprint for 2023: Biden proposes a 20% tax on the rich

As the pandemic fades away, there is a huge rebound in airline travel. Amid this massive recovery, Jetblue plans to add 5,000 jobs in New York.

Jetblue to add 5,000 jobs in New York amid a rebound in airline travel post-pandemic

U.S. President Biden's budget blueprint for 2023: Higher taxes on the rich, lower deficits

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This storm had a K-index of 5. This, said the alert,&nbsp;may have caused Aurora borealis to be visible from few states in the US.

What are auroras?

Our Sun constantly gives out a stream of highly charged, magnetic particles. Solar storms refer to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). In the case of a solar storm, a flood of magnetic particles travels in the direction of our planet.&nbsp;

Our Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful effects of these magnetic particles emitted by the Sun. But these particles are able to interact with magnetic field of the Earth. This interaction results in what is visible from the surface of the Earth as aurora.

Though the NOAA gave an alert about the strong solar storm, NASA and NOAA differed in their predictions as to when the storm would impact the Earth.

“Fast Hit or Slow? An Earth-directed #solarstorm is on its way to Earth, but NASA &amp; NOAA predictions disagree on impact time. NASA says the impact will be near midnight on March 28, but NOAA believes 18 hours earlier. Either way #aurora could reach to mid-latitudes!" tweeted popular space weather forecaster Dr Tamitha Skov a few days ago.

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm.

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This storm had a K-index of 5. This, said the alert, may have caused Aurora borealis to be visible from few states in the US. What are auroras? Our Sun constantly gives out a stream of highly charged, magnetic particles. Solar storms refer to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). In the case of a solar storm, a flood of magnetic particles travels in the direction of our planet. Our Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful effects of these magnetic particles emitted by the Sun. But these particles are able to interact with magnetic field of the Earth. This interaction results in what is visible from the surface of the Earth as aurora. Though the NOAA gave an alert about the strong solar storm, NASA and NOAA differed in their predictions as to when the storm would impact the Earth. “Fast Hit or Slow? An Earth-directed #solarstorm is on its way to Earth, but NASA & NOAA predictions disagree on impact time. NASA says the impact will be near midnight on March 28, but NOAA believes 18 hours earlier. Either way #aurora could reach to mid-latitudes!" tweeted popular space weather forecaster Dr Tamitha Skov a few days ago.

A solar storm may have caused auroras in the US

Israel hosted foreign ministers from the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco and the U.S. at a desert retreat in the Negev. Will the summit begin a new era in Arab-Israel relations? Is America's dominance in West Asia coming to an end?

Historic Israeli-Arab Summit: The U.S. attempts to pacify miffed allies

Climate change has impacted the aviation sector in the U.S. and hot air makes it harder for a plane to fly. Under hot conditions, planes take more fuel to take off, airlines are planning for a hotter future.

Climate change impacts aviation sector, hot air makes it harder for plane to fly

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