Police officers in New Jersey revealed their racist bias while breaking up a teenage brawl. A white teen was let off, while a black teenager was pinned down and cuffed. What is America's plan to tackle institutional racism among police officers? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US cops manhandle black teen but let off white teen

The Ukraine crisis is nothing short of an information warfare. From troop deployment, to details of possible false flag attack, Intelligence is being shared openly. Palki Sharma will tell you why this crisis is also about CIA vs KGB.

Gravitas: CIA Vs KGB: How it is playing out in the Ukraine crisis

E-commerce sites operated by China's Tencent Holdings Ltd and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd have been included on the US government's latest "notorious markets" list.

US adds e-commerce sites operated by Tencent, Alibaba to 'notorious markets' list for counterfeit

Elon Musk and Tesla have accused the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of endless and unrelenting harassment. The accusation came in a letter to US District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan.

Tesla and Elon Musk accuses US Securities and Exchange for 'unrelenting' harassment

The US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin is in Warsaw to talk about bilateral defense cooperation and security relations with Poland's Ministry of National Defense.

Will continue to defend our eastern flank, says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

China is finding itself a 'great opportunity' to strengthen its strategic tie-ups in the Middle East as the US is now slowly withdrawing. China seeks to expand itself in the fields of energy, technology, and infrastructure.

China has started building a relationship with several countries. In January, senior representatives from Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey, had visited China to discuss investments in security technology, infrastructure and energy resources including oil, reports a Canada-based think tank, International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS).&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud became the first foreign minister to come to China, as per IFFRAS.

A meeting between Faisal Al Saud and Wang Yi, Foreign Minister and State Councillor was held in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. As a part of the meeting, these two nations expressed their interest in each other's schemes such as "Vision 2030" and "Green Middle East."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pla-chopper-spotted-near-taiwan-during-routine-drills-454202">Also read |&nbsp;China's PLA chopper spotted near Taiwan during 'routine drills'</a>

An interest was also expressed in the "Belt and Road Initiative" of China.

Several other ministers who have visited China include Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Oman's Sayyid BadrAlbusaidi, and Baharain's Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.&nbsp;

IFFRAS analysts believe that these meetings may lead to several free trade agreements.&nbsp;

Not just physical visits, there have been many virtual meetings as well between the Arab nations and China.

China has also massively contributed to the Covid pandemic times in a bid to boost its relationship with the Middle East. As per IFFRAS, Sinopharm has developed a local Covid vaccine manufacturing plant in the Kizad zone of UAE.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China is finding itself a 'great opportunity' to strengthen its strategic tie-ups in the Middle East as the US is now slowly withdrawing. China seeks to expand itself in the fields of energy, technology, and infrastructure.

China is finding itself a 'great opportunity' to strengthen its strategic tie-ups in the Middle East as the US is now slowly withdrawing. China seeks to expand itself in the fields of energy, technology, and infrastructure. China has started building a relationship with several countries. In January, senior representatives from Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey, had visited China to discuss investments in security technology, infrastructure and energy resources including oil, reports a Canada-based think tank, International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS). Saudi Arabia's Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud became the first foreign minister to come to China, as per IFFRAS. A meeting between Faisal Al Saud and Wang Yi, Foreign Minister and State Councillor was held in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. As a part of the meeting, these two nations expressed their interest in each other's schemes such as "Vision 2030" and "Green Middle East." Also read | China's PLA chopper spotted near Taiwan during 'routine drills' An interest was also expressed in the "Belt and Road Initiative" of China. Several other ministers who have visited China include Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Oman's Sayyid BadrAlbusaidi, and Baharain's Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani. IFFRAS analysts believe that these meetings may lead to several free trade agreements. Not just physical visits, there have been many virtual meetings as well between the Arab nations and China. China has also massively contributed to the Covid pandemic times in a bid to boost its relationship with the Middle East. As per IFFRAS, Sinopharm has developed a local Covid vaccine manufacturing plant in the Kizad zone of UAE. (With inputs from agencies)

To replace US, China aims to strengthen relations in Middle East: Report

Tensions have risen in eastern Ukraine as Russian-controlled separatists there shelled a nursery school in Donbass and warned of escalation. Also, the United States has warned that Russia is now preparing to launch an invasion in the coming days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school

US State department's Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in a briefing, where WION was present said, "On the issue of Russia and Ukraine, I can say that there was an open and honest discussion between Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar".&nbsp;

He explained that the discussion is "reflective of the close relationship we have with one another. This is a complex issue for the United States. It’s a complex issue for India as well. We share values, and we talk about every issue, including the tough ones."

This is the second such public acknowledgement from Washington that the matter has been discussed with New Delhi.&nbsp;

Earlier in January, Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman discussed the matter with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. The Ministry of external affairs also confirmed the issue being discussed.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi called "honest conversation" a "good description" of the issue being discussed. He said, "it was an exchange of views on how we see it".&nbsp;

India has made two statements at the United Nations Security Council on the matter calling for dialogue and de-escalation.

Meanwhile, the European Union has been sharing its perspective with India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-singapores-pm-cites-jawaharlal-nehrus-legacy-during-a-parliamentary-debate-on-democracy-454039">Also read |&nbsp;India pushes back on Singapore PM's 'criminal, rapists' remarks about Indian MPs</a>

Calling India "friend and partner" EU sources said "we have been presenting to the Indian side, our views" on Russia/Ukraine crisis and "rules-based system will be in interest to all".

The development is important as EAM Jaishankar will be in Europe from February 18 to 23, and will visit Germany and France.&nbsp;

In Germany, EAM will take part in Munich Security Conference and participate in a panel discussion on the Indo-Pacific. Later, he will visit Paris to take part in the EU ministerial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on February 22. He will hold a bilateral with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.&nbsp;

The visit to Europe will be closely watched given it happens in the shadow of the Ukraine crisis. The Indian foreign minister is expected to hold a whole host of bilateral meetings, including with a number of European FMs.&nbsp;He will also be part of the much-awaited Australia, India, Indonesia foreign ministers trilateral.&nbsp;

No India, Australia, France trilateral is expected given ties still have not normalised between Canberra and Paris since the Aukus pact.

US State department's Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in a briefing, where WION was present said, "On the issue of Russia and Ukraine, I can say that there was an open and honest discussion between Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar".

US State department's Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu in a briefing, where WION was present said, "On the issue of Russia and Ukraine, I can say that there was an open and honest discussion between Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar". He explained that the discussion is "reflective of the close relationship we have with one another. This is a complex issue for the United States. It’s a complex issue for India as well. We share values, and we talk about every issue, including the tough ones." This is the second such public acknowledgement from Washington that the matter has been discussed with New Delhi. Earlier in January, Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman discussed the matter with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. The Ministry of external affairs also confirmed the issue being discussed. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi called "honest conversation" a "good description" of the issue being discussed. He said, "it was an exchange of views on how we see it". India has made two statements at the United Nations Security Council on the matter calling for dialogue and de-escalation. Meanwhile, the European Union has been sharing its perspective with India. Also read | India pushes back on Singapore PM's 'criminal, rapists' remarks about Indian MPs Calling India "friend and partner" EU sources said "we have been presenting to the Indian side, our views" on Russia/Ukraine crisis and "rules-based system will be in interest to all". The development is important as EAM Jaishankar will be in Europe from February 18 to 23, and will visit Germany and France. In Germany, EAM will take part in Munich Security Conference and participate in a panel discussion on the Indo-Pacific. Later, he will visit Paris to take part in the EU ministerial forum for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific on February 22. He will hold a bilateral with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The visit to Europe will be closely watched given it happens in the shadow of the Ukraine crisis. The Indian foreign minister is expected to hold a whole host of bilateral meetings, including with a number of European FMs. He will also be part of the much-awaited Australia, India, Indonesia foreign ministers trilateral. No India, Australia, France trilateral is expected given ties still have not normalised between Canberra and Paris since the Aukus pact.

US, EU keep India clued up on Ukraine crisis

Tesla has accused the American Securities and Exchange Commission of harassment. The company has told the federal judge that the panel is persecuting the CEO Elon Musk through unrelenting and endless investigations.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk alleges persecution by SEC, moves court

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu. US suspects China's hand behind the crisis.

Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

Moscow still has the ability to launch a major attack, says the US as Russia pulls back troops announcing that its military drills in Crimea are over. Earlier, the West had warned of a Russian invasion into Ukraine on February 16. WION brings you more insights.

US and NATO unimpressed with Russia's troop pullback claim

Russia’s military announced the withdrawal of troops taking part in drills in annexed Crimea as Moscow signaled de-escalation in the Ukraine crisis.

Russia announces end of military drills in Crimea

The Biden administration on Thursday added WeChat’s e-commerce ecosystem and AliExpress, an e-commerce site owned by Alibaba, to an annual list of markets that the United States says engage in counterfeiting and copyright violations.

The administration said the activities caused significant financial losses for US&nbsp;businesses and workers and posed risks to consumer safety last year.

The Biden administration also removed from the list several of Amazon’s foreign stores, which the Trump administration had added for the first time to its report released in January last year.

The inclusion of Amazon’s stores in Britain, Canada, France, Germany and India prompted an outcry from the company, which claimed that its inclusion was driven by a “personal vendetta” on behalf of the Trump administration, despite consumer complaints about fake products on the platform.

The new report, released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday morning, identified 42 online markets and 35 physical markets that sold or eased trade in a wide array of counterfeit or pirated goods, including fake Nike products, pirated books and academic papers, music files and virtual items like video games.

The list included several major Chinese e-commerce businesses, like Taobao, an e-commerce site owned by Alibaba; DHGate, a business-to-business e-commerce platform; and Baidu Wangpan, a cloud storage service that allows users to share pirated movies, TV shows and books.

The trade representative said some countries had made progress in cracking down on the sale of counterfeit goods, including Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. It also said it had documented a shift of pirated goods from physical marketplaces to online, in part because of the effect of the pandemic at depressing global tourism.

The report also identified a new ecosystem: “piracy-as-a-service,” in which operators offer website templates, databases of infringed video content or other features that make it easy for customers to set up pirate operations.

“The global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods undermines critical US innovation and creativity and harms American workers,” Katherine Tai, the US trade representative, said in a statement. “This illicit trade also increases the vulnerability of workers involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit goods to exploitative labor practices, and the counterfeit goods can pose significant risks to the health and safety of consumers and workers around the world.”

The report also examined the impact of counterfeit goods on the people who manufacture them, part of the administration’s focus on how trade impacts workers. Because these businesses operate outside the law, counterfeiting and piracy often go hand in hand with unsafe working conditions, child labor, forced labor and other issues, the USTR said.

“Counterfeit manufacturing often occurs in clandestine work places outside the reach of labor market regulations and inspection systems, which increases the vulnerability of workers to exploitative labor practices,” the report said.

The report will result in no immediate penalties for the named companies, though it said the goal of publishing such a list was to “motivate appropriate action by the private sector and governments.”

Congress is mulling some actions that could clamp down on Chinese e-commerce sales to the United States, including of counterfeit goods, as part of a major legislative effort at promoting U.S. economic competitiveness with China.

One provision, proposed by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would raise the threshold for the dollar value of a good that can come into the United States duty-free from certain countries, namely China.

That level, called de minimis, is set at $800 in the United States. That is far above the level in many other countries, a policy that critics say has led to an explosion of imported e-commerce packages, including some unsafe and illicit goods.

The Biden administration on Thursday added WeChat’s e-commerce ecosystem and AliExpress, an e-commerce site owned by Alibaba, to an annual list of markets that the United States says engage in counterfeiting and copyright violations.

The Biden administration on Thursday added WeChat’s e-commerce ecosystem and AliExpress, an e-commerce site owned by Alibaba, to an annual list of markets that the United States says engage in counterfeiting and copyright violations. The administration said the activities caused significant financial losses for US businesses and workers and posed risks to consumer safety last year. The Biden administration also removed from the list several of Amazon’s foreign stores, which the Trump administration had added for the first time to its report released in January last year. The inclusion of Amazon’s stores in Britain, Canada, France, Germany and India prompted an outcry from the company, which claimed that its inclusion was driven by a “personal vendetta” on behalf of the Trump administration, despite consumer complaints about fake products on the platform. The new report, released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday morning, identified 42 online markets and 35 physical markets that sold or eased trade in a wide array of counterfeit or pirated goods, including fake Nike products, pirated books and academic papers, music files and virtual items like video games. The list included several major Chinese e-commerce businesses, like Taobao, an e-commerce site owned by Alibaba; DHGate, a business-to-business e-commerce platform; and Baidu Wangpan, a cloud storage service that allows users to share pirated movies, TV shows and books. The trade representative said some countries had made progress in cracking down on the sale of counterfeit goods, including Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. It also said it had documented a shift of pirated goods from physical marketplaces to online, in part because of the effect of the pandemic at depressing global tourism. The report also identified a new ecosystem: “piracy-as-a-service,” in which operators offer website templates, databases of infringed video content or other features that make it easy for customers to set up pirate operations. “The global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods undermines critical US innovation and creativity and harms American workers,” Katherine Tai, the US trade representative, said in a statement. “This illicit trade also increases the vulnerability of workers involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit goods to exploitative labor practices, and the counterfeit goods can pose significant risks to the health and safety of consumers and workers around the world.” The report also examined the impact of counterfeit goods on the people who manufacture them, part of the administration’s focus on how trade impacts workers. Because these businesses operate outside the law, counterfeiting and piracy often go hand in hand with unsafe working conditions, child labor, forced labor and other issues, the USTR said. “Counterfeit manufacturing often occurs in clandestine work places outside the reach of labor market regulations and inspection systems, which increases the vulnerability of workers to exploitative labor practices,” the report said. The report will result in no immediate penalties for the named companies, though it said the goal of publishing such a list was to “motivate appropriate action by the private sector and governments.” Congress is mulling some actions that could clamp down on Chinese e-commerce sales to the United States, including of counterfeit goods, as part of a major legislative effort at promoting U.S. economic competitiveness with China. One provision, proposed by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would raise the threshold for the dollar value of a good that can come into the United States duty-free from certain countries, namely China. That level, called de minimis, is set at $800 in the United States. That is far above the level in many other countries, a policy that critics say has led to an explosion of imported e-commerce packages, including some unsafe and illicit goods.

US adds WeChat and AliExpress to list of notorious piracy markets

Standoff between the United States and Mexico over Avocados continues. The United States department of agriculture has said that US imports of new Mexican avocado will stay suspended for as long as necessary to ensure safety of American inspectors who were threatened verbally in Mexico.

United States suspend Mexican avocado imports

Honduran&nbsp;ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled Wednesday.

The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs -- mainly from Colombia and Venezuela -- to the United States via Honduras since 2004.

In turn, he allegedly received "millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organisations in Honduras, Mexico and other places," according to a document from the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa.

A judge Wednesday decided to keep Hernandez in preventative detention "in order to guarantee his presence" at the second hearing in the case next month, Supreme Court spokesman Melvin Duarte said.&nbsp;

Hernandez, who was still in office just three weeks ago, was brought to court for his first hearing in the case in a convoy that included armored vehicles and a helicopter from the police station where he had spent the night.

Outside the court building, supporters from his rightwing National Party (NP) shouted, "He is not alone!" while backers of the leftist Libre party that recently ousted the NP from power celebrated Hernandez's fall from grace.

The judge -- whose name authorities are withholding for his own protection -- read Hernandez the charges in court Wednesday before ruling the former president will remain in preventative detention until the case's next hearing on March 16.

Previous extradition requests had taken no more than four months to adjudicate, he added.

The ex-president was placed in a room with a double bed and bathroom, and enough space to exercise, the head of Special Forces, Miguel Perez, said.

Hernandez had surrendered to police Tuesday, hours after the judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

His wife, Ana Garcia, said in a statement that "as a family we are experiencing difficult times," but that "God is our main strength."

'Juancho goes to New York'

In power for eight years until January 27, when leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras's first woman president, Hernandez was taken from his home in the capital Tegucigalpa by&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;police acting in coordination with American agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The rightwing politician -- who served two successive terms clouded by corruption claims -- offered no resistance, and allowed officers to cuff his hands and feet and fit him out in a bullet-proof vest.

Dozens of people with banners celebrated outside Hernandez's home, while in other cities, people took to the streets with loudspeakers singing, "Juancho goes to New York," using a nickname.

The US Embassy document said Hernandez is accused of shielding drug traffickers from investigation, arrest and extradition, and providing them with classified information about ongoing investigations.

He allegedly made members of the police and military protect drug shipments in Honduras and "allowed brutal acts of violence to be committed without consequence."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wake-up-call-us-sea-level-to-rise-majorly-by-2050-reveals-study-454053">Also read |&nbsp;'Wake-up call': US sea level to rise majorly by 2050, reveals study</a>

Hernandez is also accused of accepting a million dollars earned from the activities of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in exchange for protecting his Sinaloa cartel's activities in Honduras.

'Defend myself'

Hernandez vowed Tuesday to cooperate with domestic authorities, saying in an audio message on Twitter he was ready to appear in court and "defend myself."

Though Hernandez had portrayed himself as an ally of the US war on drugs during his tenure, traffickers caught in the United States claimed to have paid bribes to the president's inner circle.

Alleged associate Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez was sentenced in the United States last week to life in prison and a fine of $151.7 million for smuggling tons of cocaine into the country -- with Hernandez's aid, according to prosecutors.

Hernandez's brother, former&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;congressman Tony Hernandez, was given a life sentence in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking.

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "according to multiple, credible media reports," Hernandez "has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking and using the proceeds of illicit activity to facilitate political campaigns."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-officials-on-hunt-for-giant-white-shark-that-ate-swimmer-454078">Also read |&nbsp;Sydney officials on hunt for ‘giant’ white shark that ‘ate’ swimmer</a>

Hernandez denies the claims, which he said were part of a revenge plot by traffickers that his government had captured or extradited to the United States.

'Bankrupt' state

His lawyer, Hermes Ramirez, insisted Monday that Hernandez enjoyed immunity from prosecution as a member of the Guatemala-based Central American Parliament, Parlacen, which he joined hours after leaving office.

During his term in office, Hernandez was accused of unjustly expanding presidential powers, including over the justice system and the country's election tribunal.

His re-election in 2017 was met with widespread protests against an alleged fraudulent campaign in the poverty- and violence-ridden country.

According to the embassy document, drug money financed both Hernandez's election in 2013 and his re-election.

Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled Wednesday.

Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, will remain in prison for at least a month as the extradition case against him proceeds, a judge in the capital Tegucigalpa ruled Wednesday. The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs -- mainly from Colombia and Venezuela -- to the United States via Honduras since 2004. In turn, he allegedly received "millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organisations in Honduras, Mexico and other places," according to a document from the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa. A judge Wednesday decided to keep Hernandez in preventative detention "in order to guarantee his presence" at the second hearing in the case next month, Supreme Court spokesman Melvin Duarte said. Hernandez, who was still in office just three weeks ago, was brought to court for his first hearing in the case in a convoy that included armored vehicles and a helicopter from the police station where he had spent the night. Outside the court building, supporters from his rightwing National Party (NP) shouted, "He is not alone!" while backers of the leftist Libre party that recently ousted the NP from power celebrated Hernandez's fall from grace. The judge -- whose name authorities are withholding for his own protection -- read Hernandez the charges in court Wednesday before ruling the former president will remain in preventative detention until the case's next hearing on March 16. Previous extradition requests had taken no more than four months to adjudicate, he added. The ex-president was placed in a room with a double bed and bathroom, and enough space to exercise, the head of Special Forces, Miguel Perez, said. Hernandez had surrendered to police Tuesday, hours after the judge issued a warrant for his arrest. His wife, Ana Garcia, said in a statement that "as a family we are experiencing difficult times," but that "God is our main strength." 'Juancho goes to New York' In power for eight years until January 27, when leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras's first woman president, Hernandez was taken from his home in the capital Tegucigalpa by Honduran police acting in coordination with American agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration. The rightwing politician -- who served two successive terms clouded by corruption claims -- offered no resistance, and allowed officers to cuff his hands and feet and fit him out in a bullet-proof vest. Dozens of people with banners celebrated outside Hernandez's home, while in other cities, people took to the streets with loudspeakers singing, "Juancho goes to New York," using a nickname. The US Embassy document said Hernandez is accused of shielding drug traffickers from investigation, arrest and extradition, and providing them with classified information about ongoing investigations. He allegedly made members of the police and military protect drug shipments in Honduras and "allowed brutal acts of violence to be committed without consequence." Also read | 'Wake-up call': US sea level to rise majorly by 2050, reveals study Hernandez is also accused of accepting a million dollars earned from the activities of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman in exchange for protecting his Sinaloa cartel's activities in Honduras. 'Defend myself' Hernandez vowed Tuesday to cooperate with domestic authorities, saying in an audio message on Twitter he was ready to appear in court and "defend myself." Though Hernandez had portrayed himself as an ally of the US war on drugs during his tenure, traffickers caught in the United States claimed to have paid bribes to the president's inner circle. Alleged associate Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez was sentenced in the United States last week to life in prison and a fine of $151.7 million for smuggling tons of cocaine into the country -- with Hernandez's aid, according to prosecutors. Hernandez's brother, former Honduran congressman Tony Hernandez, was given a life sentence in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking. Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "according to multiple, credible media reports," Hernandez "has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking and using the proceeds of illicit activity to facilitate political campaigns." Also read | Sydney officials on hunt for ‘giant’ white shark that ‘ate’ swimmer Hernandez denies the claims, which he said were part of a revenge plot by traffickers that his government had captured or extradited to the United States. 'Bankrupt' state His lawyer, Hermes Ramirez, insisted Monday that Hernandez enjoyed immunity from prosecution as a member of the Guatemala-based Central American Parliament, Parlacen, which he joined hours after leaving office. During his term in office, Hernandez was accused of unjustly expanding presidential powers, including over the justice system and the country's election tribunal. His re-election in 2017 was met with widespread protests against an alleged fraudulent campaign in the poverty- and violence-ridden country. According to the embassy document, drug money financed both Hernandez's election in 2013 and his re-election.

Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition

US intelligence continues to work on what may be its most crucial task of the moment, trying to crack a probable date of Russia's potential attack on Ukraine. It is perhaps the biggest challenge for the CIA currently.

CIA fails to crack a Ukraine attack date

Despite Moscow's assertion that it is withdrawing soldiers from the border, US President Joe Biden stated that the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is "extremely high" and might occur in "next several days".

Russia could attack on Ukraine in 'next several days', says US President Joe Biden

CIA fails to crack a Ukraine attack date; US drums up war rhetoric on Ukraine

While the purported Russian invasion plan of Ukraine on February 16 didn't materialize, the West remains alert, wary of Russian military build-up at the border.

US: Russia's claims of withdrawing troops 'false'

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a press conference in Brussels, as he discussed ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine with NATO partners.

Ukraine's sovereignty is our priority, says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

US intelligence reports wrongly predicted February 16 as the date of Russia's invasion. On the same day, Moscow announced that several soldiers and tanks are returning after military drills. Why did the west drum up fears of war? Has Putin abandoned his invasion plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is opening a formal investigation into 416,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of unexpected brake activation tied to its driver assistance system Autopilot.

The preliminary evaluation covers 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States after the agency received 354 complaints about the issue over the past nine months.

NHTSA said the vehicles under review have an advanced driver assistance system that Tesla calls Autopilot that allows them to brake and steer automatically within its lanes.

NHTSA said: "Complainants report that the rapid deceleration can occur without warning, at random, and often repeatedly in a single drive cycle."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-weighs-penalty-against-tesla-for-exaggerating-mileage-453748">South Korea weighs penalty against Tesla for exaggerating mileage</a>

Owners say they have raised concerns with Tesla, which has dismissed the complaints saying the braking is normal, and some have called it "phantom braking".

The owner of a 2021 Tesla Model Y told NHTSA in October that while driving on a highway at 80 miles per hour "the car braked hard and decelerated from 80 mph to 69 mph in less than a second.

The braking was so violent, my head snapped forward and I almost lost control of the car."

NHTSA in August opened a formal safety probe into Tesla`s Autopilot system in 765,000 U.S. vehicles after a series of crashes involving Tesla models and emergency vehicles.

Earlier this month, NHTSA confirmed it was reviewing consumer complaints that Tesla vehicles were activating the brakes unnecessarily.

A preliminary evaluation is the first phase before NHTSA could issue a formal recall demand.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-donated-tesla-shares-worth-57-billion-to-charity-last-year-453478">Elon Musk donated Tesla shares worth $5.7 billion to charity last year</a>

In May, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said dropping a radar sensor from its partially automated driving system would address "phantom braking," which some Tesla drivers have long complained about. Tesla, which disbanded its media relations department, did not respond to a request for comment.

Tesla has come under increasing scrutiny from NHTSA, which is investigating several issues and the electric vehicle manufacturer has issued 10 recalls since October, including many for software issues and some under pressure from the agency.

Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, the group that represents state highway safety agencies, said on Twitter "another day, another issue with Tesla.

Good to see NHTSA being more active in reigning this company in."

In November, Tesla recalled nearly 12,000 US&nbsp;vehicles sold since 2017 because a communication error may cause a false forward-collision warning or unexpected activation of the emergency brakes.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea investigates Tesla on mileage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-investigates-tesla-on-mileage-453381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The recall was prompted after a software update on Oct. 23 to vehicles in its limited early access version 10.3 Full-Self Driving (FSD) (Beta) population.

FSD is an advanced driver assistance system that handles some driving tasks but Tesla and NHTSA say it does not make vehicles autonomous.

The recall came after NHTSA in October asked Tesla why it had not issued a recall to address software updates made to its Autopilot driver-assistance system to improve the vehicles` ability to detect emergency vehicles.

Last week, Tesla recalled 578,607 U.S. vehicles because pedestrians may not be able to hear a required warning sound of an approaching car due to loud music or other sounds played by its "Boombox" feature.

Musk said last week on Twitter "the fun police made us do it (sigh)."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is opening a formal investigation into 416,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of unexpected brake activation tied to its driver assistance system Autopilot.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is opening a formal investigation into 416,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of unexpected brake activation tied to its driver assistance system Autopilot. The preliminary evaluation covers 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States after the agency received 354 complaints about the issue over the past nine months. NHTSA said the vehicles under review have an advanced driver assistance system that Tesla calls Autopilot that allows them to brake and steer automatically within its lanes. NHTSA said: "Complainants report that the rapid deceleration can occur without warning, at random, and often repeatedly in a single drive cycle." Also read | South Korea weighs penalty against Tesla for exaggerating mileage Owners say they have raised concerns with Tesla, which has dismissed the complaints saying the braking is normal, and some have called it "phantom braking". The owner of a 2021 Tesla Model Y told NHTSA in October that while driving on a highway at 80 miles per hour "the car braked hard and decelerated from 80 mph to 69 mph in less than a second. The braking was so violent, my head snapped forward and I almost lost control of the car." NHTSA in August opened a formal safety probe into Tesla`s Autopilot system in 765,000 U.S. vehicles after a series of crashes involving Tesla models and emergency vehicles. Earlier this month, NHTSA confirmed it was reviewing consumer complaints that Tesla vehicles were activating the brakes unnecessarily. A preliminary evaluation is the first phase before NHTSA could issue a formal recall demand. Also read | Elon Musk donated Tesla shares worth $5.7 billion to charity last year In May, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said dropping a radar sensor from its partially automated driving system would address "phantom braking," which some Tesla drivers have long complained about. Tesla, which disbanded its media relations department, did not respond to a request for comment. Tesla has come under increasing scrutiny from NHTSA, which is investigating several issues and the electric vehicle manufacturer has issued 10 recalls since October, including many for software issues and some under pressure from the agency. Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, the group that represents state highway safety agencies, said on Twitter "another day, another issue with Tesla. Good to see NHTSA being more active in reigning this company in." In November, Tesla recalled nearly 12,000 US vehicles sold since 2017 because a communication error may cause a false forward-collision warning or unexpected activation of the emergency brakes. Watch | South Korea investigates Tesla on mileage The recall was prompted after a software update on Oct. 23 to vehicles in its limited early access version 10.3 Full-Self Driving (FSD) (Beta) population. FSD is an advanced driver assistance system that handles some driving tasks but Tesla and NHTSA say it does not make vehicles autonomous. The recall came after NHTSA in October asked Tesla why it had not issued a recall to address software updates made to its Autopilot driver-assistance system to improve the vehicles` ability to detect emergency vehicles. Last week, Tesla recalled 578,607 U.S. vehicles because pedestrians may not be able to hear a required warning sound of an approaching car due to loud music or other sounds played by its "Boombox" feature. Musk said last week on Twitter "the fun police made us do it (sigh)."

US investigates 416,000 Tesla vehicles over unexpected braking reports

US sea levels are expected to rise to a foot over the next 30 years, revealed a major US federal government report. It claims that the sea levels along the US shoreline are expected to rise 10-12 inches on average by 2050.&nbsp;

It is projected that the sea levels will be higher along the Atlantic and Gulf shores. This is because of greater land subsidence there.&nbsp;

This development makes Americans vulnerable to disastrous flooding.&nbsp;

Bill Nelson, administrator of Nasa, in a report by The Guardian said, "Sea levels are continuing to rise at an alarming rate, endangering communities around the world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-billion-thats-how-much-governments-fund-every-year-to-human-extinction-and-climate-change-454012">Also read |&nbsp;$1.8 billion; that's how much governments contribute every year to human extinction &amp; climate change</a>

Rick Spinrad, the administrator of the National oceanic and atmospheric administration, said that the report comes as a “wake-up call.”&nbsp;

The study has been designed as a planning tool to mitigate and adapt to rising sea levels.&nbsp;

The seawater has already risen by about a foot since 1920. This is a &nbsp;faster increase than the 6-8 inches which is experienced regularly. This is expected to double within 30 years around the US.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US sea levels are expected to rise to a foot over the next 30 years, revealed a major US federal government report. It claims that the sea levels along the US shoreline are expected to rise 10-12 inches on average by 2050.

US sea levels are expected to rise to a foot over the next 30 years, revealed a major US federal government report. It claims that the sea levels along the US shoreline are expected to rise 10-12 inches on average by 2050. It is projected that the sea levels will be higher along the Atlantic and Gulf shores. This is because of greater land subsidence there. This development makes Americans vulnerable to disastrous flooding. Bill Nelson, administrator of Nasa, in a report by The Guardian said, "Sea levels are continuing to rise at an alarming rate, endangering communities around the world." Also read | $1.8 billion; that's how much governments contribute every year to human extinction & climate change Rick Spinrad, the administrator of the National oceanic and atmospheric administration, said that the report comes as a “wake-up call.” The study has been designed as a planning tool to mitigate and adapt to rising sea levels. The seawater has already risen by about a foot since 1920. This is a faster increase than the 6-8 inches which is experienced regularly. This is expected to double within 30 years around the US. (With inputs from agencies)

'Wake-up call': US sea level to rise majorly by 2050, reveals study

The negotiators engaged in the talks in Vienna are just days away from a final decision on salvaging the Iranian nuclear deal. The United States and Iran have indicated that they are closer than ever on reaching an agreement.

Nuclear deal negotiations just days away from a final decision

us-1

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

us 1