Israel advances plans to build around 3,000 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, defying the US' strongest criticism to date of such projects.

Israel moves ahead with new West Bank settlement homes plan despite US opposition

On October 24, Financial Times reported that the Chinese military tested two earth-circling hypersonic weapons in July and August, raising eyebrows across the world.

The missile circled the Earth at a low altitude and a velocity of more than five times the speed of sound, although it missed its target by more than 30 kilometres (19 miles), according to the report.

The news of the test spread like wildfire, with the US dubbing it a Sputnik moment — a reference to a tectonic event in 1957 when the erstwhile-USSR&nbsp;took the lead in global space race and launched the first artificial intelligence satellite, stunning Washington.

The test comes at a time when there have been growing tensions between the US and China over a range of issues including Taiwan, trade disputes and speculation that Covid originated in a virology lab in Wuhan, which Beijing denies.

<h2>What are hypersonic missiles?</h2>

Hypersonic weapons are normally defined as fast, low-flying and highly manoeuvrable weapons designed to be too quick and agile for traditional missile defence systems.

These missiles are launched by a rocket into Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of Mach 5 and above, at least five times the speed of sound or 6,174 kilometres (3,836 miles) per hour, before manoeuvring towards a target.&nbsp;

There are two main types of hypersonic weapons —hypersonic cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles.

Hypersonic cruise missiles, which are powered by scramjet engine, are limited to below 100,000 feet (30,000m), whereas hypersonic glide vehicles can travel higher.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-conducted-two-hypersonic-missile-tests-report-422644">China conducted two hypersonic missile tests: Report</a>

The hypersonic missile tested by China belongs to the hypersonic glide variant.

Depending on the design, they are capable of carrying nuclear payloads, raising strategic concerns for not just the US, but also to its rival India.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-confirms-chinas-hypersonic-missile-test-with-concern-424634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Which countries have hypersonic technology?</h2>

Apart from China, US and Russia have also been developing hypersonic weapon technology.

Russia has been developing a range of new hypersonic weapons that President Vladimir Putin has dubbed “invincible.”

In July it successfully tested the Zircon, a ship-launched hypersonic missile.

It already has Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles and the air-launched Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles in its arsenal. Russian officials say the Avangard has reached a staggering 33,000 kilometres per hour during tests

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-conducts-mid-course-anti-ballistic-missile-test-report-361442">China conducts mid-course anti-ballistic missile test: Report</a>

According to a recent report by the US Independent Congressional Research Service, the US,&nbsp;Russia, and China possess the most advanced hypersonic weapons programs, although the Financial Times article suggests that China has now taken the lead.&nbsp;

A number of other countries, including Australia, India, France, Germany, and Japan, are also developing hypersonic weapons technology. North Korea reportedly test-fired a newly developed hypersonic missile just last month.&nbsp;

<h2>India’s hypersonic missile programme</h2>

India is also working on hypersonic missiles and hopes to have one by 2025.

On 7 September 2020, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully test-fired Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), making it only the fourth country in the world after the US, China and Russia to develop and test the technology.

India is also working on a hypersonic version&nbsp;of the BrahMos cruise missile.

(With inputs from agencies)

On October 24, Financial Times reported that the Chinese military tested two earth-circling hypersonic weapons in July and August, raising eyebrows across the world.

On October 24, Financial Times reported that the Chinese military tested two earth-circling hypersonic weapons in July and August, raising eyebrows across the world. The missile circled the Earth at a low altitude and a velocity of more than five times the speed of sound, although it missed its target by more than 30 kilometres (19 miles), according to the report. The news of the test spread like wildfire, with the US dubbing it a Sputnik moment — a reference to a tectonic event in 1957 when the erstwhile-USSR took the lead in global space race and launched the first artificial intelligence satellite, stunning Washington. The test comes at a time when there have been growing tensions between the US and China over a range of issues including Taiwan, trade disputes and speculation that Covid originated in a virology lab in Wuhan, which Beijing denies. What are hypersonic missiles? Hypersonic weapons are normally defined as fast, low-flying and highly manoeuvrable weapons designed to be too quick and agile for traditional missile defence systems. These missiles are launched by a rocket into Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of Mach 5 and above, at least five times the speed of sound or 6,174 kilometres (3,836 miles) per hour, before manoeuvring towards a target. There are two main types of hypersonic weapons —hypersonic cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. Hypersonic cruise missiles, which are powered by scramjet engine, are limited to below 100,000 feet (30,000m), whereas hypersonic glide vehicles can travel higher. Also read | China conducted two hypersonic missile tests: Report The hypersonic missile tested by China belongs to the hypersonic glide variant. Depending on the design, they are capable of carrying nuclear payloads, raising strategic concerns for not just the US, but also to its rival India. Watch Which countries have hypersonic technology? Apart from China, US and Russia have also been developing hypersonic weapon technology. Russia has been developing a range of new hypersonic weapons that President Vladimir Putin has dubbed “invincible.” In July it successfully tested the Zircon, a ship-launched hypersonic missile. It already has Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles and the air-launched Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles in its arsenal. Russian officials say the Avangard has reached a staggering 33,000 kilometres per hour during tests Also read | China conducts mid-course anti-ballistic missile test: Report According to a recent report by the US Independent Congressional Research Service, the US, Russia, and China possess the most advanced hypersonic weapons programs, although the Financial Times article suggests that China has now taken the lead. A number of other countries, including Australia, India, France, Germany, and Japan, are also developing hypersonic weapons technology. North Korea reportedly test-fired a newly developed hypersonic missile just last month. India’s hypersonic missile programme India is also working on hypersonic missiles and hopes to have one by 2025. On 7 September 2020, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully test-fired Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), making it only the fourth country in the world after the US, China and Russia to develop and test the technology. India is also working on a hypersonic version of the BrahMos cruise missile. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer | Why is there a brouhaha over China’s hypersonic missile test and how other nations fare?

A Miami influencer and model has come under fire on social media after she mourned her father’s death on Instagram with a series of photos posing in front of her father's open casket. 
 
Jayne Rivera&nbsp;recently took to Instagram to bid farewell to her father and wrote, &nbsp;"Butterfly fly away. Rip Papi you were my best friend. A life well-lived." &nbsp;In the pictures, Jayne, all smiles, was seen wearing a revealing black suit dress. In one of the photos, she appears praying, and in the other, she is just posing confidently with all good impressions.&nbsp; 
 
Soon after she shared the pictures, they went viral and instantly drew criticism from netizens with many calling her out for being "disrespectful" to her late father.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-%E2%80%98squid-game%E2%80%99-creator-hits-back-at-nba-star-lebron-james-maybe-he-could-make-his-own-sequel-424706" hreflang="en">‘Squid Game’ creator hits back at NBA star LeBron James: Maybe he could make his own sequel</a> 
 
Reportedly, &nbsp;she deactivated her Instagram account which had over 85,000 followers.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sardar-udham-oscars-snub-list-of-films-that-won-despite-showing-hatred-424703">Sardar Udham Oscars snub: List of films that won despite showing hatred</a> 
 
Responding to her post, one social media user wrote, “I’m horrified at the level of shallowness displayed here”.&nbsp;

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are you serious? <a href="https://t.co/qUSffIgWsr">https://t.co/qUSffIgWsr</a>
— Lennie Salinas (@LennieSalinas74) <a href="https://twitter.com/LennieSalinas74/status/1453139128585949187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Call me a prude, but I can never recall seeing an open-shoulder outfit at a funeral, much less posing in front of the casket!” another wrote.&nbsp;

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“Hi, my name is Jayne Rivera and I like taking photo shoots during my dad’s funeral. Yup, that’s him in the casket.” 
She’s posted EIGHT photos on Instagram in various poses. 
🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/IN80MOvm4V">pic.twitter.com/IN80MOvm4V</a>
— Myron My (@myronmy9) <a href="https://twitter.com/myronmy9/status/1452972020241559557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Instagram influencers really are the lowest form of human <a href="https://t.co/ldiT2FywXS">https://t.co/ldiT2FywXS</a>
— Spooky Edgeworth (@MoranonGrievh) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoranonGrievh/status/1453181772951326728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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''This Instagram model’s father passed away, and she did a photoshoot with the open casket,'' a user wrote. Meanwhile, other&nbsp;described it as “the most horrific Instagram post”&nbsp;

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Okay, so, I have finally seen the worst social media post of all-time, and I need to share it just so y'all know how far the bar has been crushed into the ground: <a href="https://t.co/4jgf3rm8jm">https://t.co/4jgf3rm8jm</a>
— Henry GRAVES Abrams 🧟‍♂️🪦☯️ (@Seven16) <a href="https://twitter.com/Seven16/status/1452899270554648579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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this Instagram model’s father passed away,,,, and she did a photo shoot with the open casket…. <a href="https://t.co/u1EVNxaajz">pic.twitter.com/u1EVNxaajz</a>
— Mac McCann (@MacMcCannTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MacMcCannTX/status/1453030106528632836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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You didn’t even show the worst one 😭 you can see her dad’s crossed hands too 💀 <a href="https://t.co/AMuYGSor7q">pic.twitter.com/AMuYGSor7q</a>
— Apollo¹⁰²⁴ (@imtootalkative) <a href="https://twitter.com/imtootalkative/status/1453157148951785472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A Miami influencer and model has come under fire on social media after she mourned her father’s death on Instagram with a series of photos posing in front of her father's open casket.

A Miami influencer and model has come under fire on social media after she mourned her father’s death on Instagram with a series of photos posing in front of her father's open casket. Jayne Rivera recently took to Instagram to bid farewell to her father and wrote, "Butterfly fly away. Rip Papi you were my best friend. A life well-lived." In the pictures, Jayne, all smiles, was seen wearing a revealing black suit dress. In one of the photos, she appears praying, and in the other, she is just posing confidently with all good impressions. Soon after she shared the pictures, they went viral and instantly drew criticism from netizens with many calling her out for being "disrespectful" to her late father. Also read: ‘Squid Game’ creator hits back at NBA star LeBron James: Maybe he could make his own sequel Reportedly, she deactivated her Instagram account which had over 85,000 followers. In pics: Sardar Udham Oscars snub: List of films that won despite showing hatred Responding to her post, one social media user wrote, “I’m horrified at the level of shallowness displayed here”. are you serious? https://t.co/qUSffIgWsr — Lennie Salinas (@LennieSalinas74) October 26, 2021 × “Call me a prude, but I can never recall seeing an open-shoulder outfit at a funeral, much less posing in front of the casket!” another wrote. “Hi, my name is Jayne Rivera and I like taking photo shoots during my dad’s funeral. Yup, that’s him in the casket.” She’s posted EIGHT photos on Instagram in various poses. 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/IN80MOvm4V — Myron My (@myronmy9) October 26, 2021 × Instagram influencers really are the lowest form of human https://t.co/ldiT2FywXS — Spooky Edgeworth (@MoranonGrievh) October 27, 2021 × ''This Instagram model’s father passed away, and she did a photoshoot with the open casket,'' a user wrote. Meanwhile, other described it as “the most horrific Instagram post” Okay, so, I have finally seen the worst social media post of all-time, and I need to share it just so y'all know how far the bar has been crushed into the ground: https://t.co/4jgf3rm8jm — Henry GRAVES Abrams 🧟‍♂️🪦☯️ (@Seven16) October 26, 2021 × this Instagram model’s father passed away,,,, and she did a photo shoot with the open casket…. pic.twitter.com/u1EVNxaajz — Mac McCann (@MacMcCannTX) October 26, 2021 × You didn’t even show the worst one 😭 you can see her dad’s crossed hands too 💀 pic.twitter.com/AMuYGSor7q — Apollo¹⁰²⁴ (@imtootalkative) October 27, 2021 ×

Viral: US model poses in front of father's open casket, gets brutally trolled

China strongly opposes any official or military connections between the US and Taiwan, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

The statements were made by Wang Wenbin, a ministry spokesperson, in response to a query regarding CNN reporting on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who purportedly confirmed that "US forces are training military on the island."&nbsp; 
 
"We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges and military contacts between the United States and Taiwan, oppose US interference in China's internal affairs, and attempts to provoke and stir up trouble," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. 
 
"The one China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations.The US should not underestimate the strong determination of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wang added.

Authoritarian China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, vowing to reclaim it one day, by force if necessary, and has ratcheted up its threats in recent years. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-president-confirms-american-troops-stationed-in-the-island-training-taiwanese-military-424618">Also read | Taiwan’s President confirms American troops stationed in the island training Taiwanese military</a>

Tsai told CNN on Thursday that a limited number of US troops were stationed in Taiwan to assist with training, and that she had "confidence" that the US military would protect the island in the case of a Chinese invasion.

Beijing was enraged by the remarks.&nbsp;

Tsai is the first Taiwan President in decades to acknowledge the presence of US troops on the island for training purposes. The last official US garrison left was in 1979, the year Washington switched formal diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. However, there were US media reports last year hinting at small deployments. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-wants-its-us-office-to-be-renamed-china-retaliates-report-412894">Taiwan wants its US office to be renamed; China retaliates: Report</a>

According to CNN, the US military posted and then deleted a video in early 2020 that showed US Army Special Forces training soldiers in Taiwan.

In November 2020, Taiwan's Defence Ministry announced and then denied to local media that US troops were training local soldiers on the island.

The comments from Tsai came after US President Joe Biden last week asserted that Washington would defend Taipei if China attacked.

But a White House spokesman later told some US media outlets that the president's remarks did not signify a change in policy. The US has a law that requires it to help Taiwan defend itself. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-any-form-of-us-taiwan-official-contacts-china-warns-america-377317">Stop any form of US-Taiwan official contacts: China warns America</a>

Tsai told CNN that Taiwan was a “beacon” of democracy that needed to be defended to uphold faith worldwide in democratic values.

“Here is this island of 23 million people trying hard every day to protect ourselves and protect our democracy and making sure that our people have the kind of freedom they deserve,” she said.

"If we fail, then that means people that believe in these values would doubt whether these are values that they (should) be fighting for,” she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

China strongly opposes any official or military connections between the US and Taiwan, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

China strongly opposes any official or military connections between the US and Taiwan, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday. The statements were made by Wang Wenbin, a ministry spokesperson, in response to a query regarding CNN reporting on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who purportedly confirmed that "US forces are training military on the island." "We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges and military contacts between the United States and Taiwan, oppose US interference in China's internal affairs, and attempts to provoke and stir up trouble," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. "The one China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations.The US should not underestimate the strong determination of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wang added. Authoritarian China considers self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, vowing to reclaim it one day, by force if necessary, and has ratcheted up its threats in recent years. Also read | Taiwan’s President confirms American troops stationed in the island training Taiwanese military Tsai told CNN on Thursday that a limited number of US troops were stationed in Taiwan to assist with training, and that she had "confidence" that the US military would protect the island in the case of a Chinese invasion. Beijing was enraged by the remarks. Tsai is the first Taiwan President in decades to acknowledge the presence of US troops on the island for training purposes. The last official US garrison left was in 1979, the year Washington switched formal diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. However, there were US media reports last year hinting at small deployments. Also read | Taiwan wants its US office to be renamed; China retaliates: Report According to CNN, the US military posted and then deleted a video in early 2020 that showed US Army Special Forces training soldiers in Taiwan. In November 2020, Taiwan's Defence Ministry announced and then denied to local media that US troops were training local soldiers on the island. The comments from Tsai came after US President Joe Biden last week asserted that Washington would defend Taipei if China attacked. But a White House spokesman later told some US media outlets that the president's remarks did not signify a change in policy. The US has a law that requires it to help Taiwan defend itself. Also read | Stop any form of US-Taiwan official contacts: China warns America Tsai told CNN that Taiwan was a “beacon” of democracy that needed to be defended to uphold faith worldwide in democratic values. “Here is this island of 23 million people trying hard every day to protect ourselves and protect our democracy and making sure that our people have the kind of freedom they deserve,” she said. "If we fail, then that means people that believe in these values would doubt whether these are values that they (should) be fighting for,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

'US should not underestimate China': Beijing firmly opposes military contacts between US, Taiwan

The United States has issued its first-ever passport offering a third gender designation, 'X' for those who identify as intersex.

US issues first-ever passport with 'X' gender marker

US ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, has expressed 'grave concerns' that &nbsp;Russian mercenaries may be deployed to Mali and undermine international efforts to defeat violent extremism

"We believe Niger’s partners must address security together," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement after her&nbsp; 
talks with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum.

Security provision must be "inclusive, equitable," while respecting human rights, she said, praising Niger's own democratic example.

"To that end, I expressed our grave concerns about reports that Russian mercenaries may deploy to Mali and the risk that would pose to regional peace and security and the broader Sahel," Thomas-Greenfield said.&nbsp;

"Russian mercenaries engage in human rights abuses of civilians, extract steep costs in payments and mineral concessions, and deprive local citizens of critically needed resources," the US envoy said.&nbsp;

"Any role for Russian mercenaries in the region will likely exacerbate the current security situation. Instead, we hope Niger will work with us on our common goal: countering terrorism and denying violent extremism a home."

Mali has seen two coups in last nine months. The UN delegation visited Mali on Saturday and Sunday to press the military-led interim government to restore democracy.

The Wagner group, with which Moscow denies any link, provides maintenance services, military equipment and training in the countries where they are deployed.

But France and other critics accuse the Wagner group of benefitting from their resources and of serving Kremlin interests.

Wagner personnel have been reported in the Central African Republic and other African countries, as well as in Syria and Libya.

Despite a 2015 peace agreement, poor and landlocked Mali, home to at least 20 ethnic groups, has been racked by jihadist and intercommunal violence, as well as coups in August 2020 and May this year.

Military intervention by France and the UN has failed to quell an Islamist insurgency that has swept into central Mali and spilled over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, leaving thousands dead and forcing hundreds of thousands more from their homes.

French officials say the possible future presence of the Wagner group would be incompatible with the French military presence.&nbsp;

At the start of October, the French army said it had seen no sign of a Wagner deployment in Mali.

(With inputs from agencies)

US ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, has expressed 'grave concerns' that Russian mercenaries may be deployed to Mali and undermine international efforts to defeat violent extremism "We believe Niger’s partners must address security together," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement after her talks with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum.

US ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, has expressed 'grave concerns' that Russian mercenaries may be deployed to Mali and undermine international efforts to defeat violent extremism "We believe Niger’s partners must address security together," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement after her talks with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. Security provision must be "inclusive, equitable," while respecting human rights, she said, praising Niger's own democratic example. "To that end, I expressed our grave concerns about reports that Russian mercenaries may deploy to Mali and the risk that would pose to regional peace and security and the broader Sahel," Thomas-Greenfield said. "Russian mercenaries engage in human rights abuses of civilians, extract steep costs in payments and mineral concessions, and deprive local citizens of critically needed resources," the US envoy said. "Any role for Russian mercenaries in the region will likely exacerbate the current security situation. Instead, we hope Niger will work with us on our common goal: countering terrorism and denying violent extremism a home." Mali has seen two coups in last nine months. The UN delegation visited Mali on Saturday and Sunday to press the military-led interim government to restore democracy. The Wagner group, with which Moscow denies any link, provides maintenance services, military equipment and training in the countries where they are deployed. But France and other critics accuse the Wagner group of benefitting from their resources and of serving Kremlin interests. Wagner personnel have been reported in the Central African Republic and other African countries, as well as in Syria and Libya. Despite a 2015 peace agreement, poor and landlocked Mali, home to at least 20 ethnic groups, has been racked by jihadist and intercommunal violence, as well as coups in August 2020 and May this year. Military intervention by France and the UN has failed to quell an Islamist insurgency that has swept into central Mali and spilled over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, leaving thousands dead and forcing hundreds of thousands more from their homes. French officials say the possible future presence of the Wagner group would be incompatible with the French military presence. At the start of October, the French army said it had seen no sign of a Wagner deployment in Mali. (With inputs from agencies)

US worries over possible 'Russian mercenaries' in Mali

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is nearing an agreement to plead guilty to criminal conduct to resolve a multiyear emissions fraud probe surrounding Ram pickup trucks and Jeep sport-utility vehicles with diesel engines.

Fiat Chrysler nears plea deal in US emissions fraud probe

US airlines are preparing for long lines of travellers when the United States lifts its international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers on November 8.

Airlines brace for early ‘long lines’ when US lifts COVID-19 travel restrictions

Senator Kyrsten Sinema seems to be in limelight nowadays for various reasons. After becoming a roadblock to US President Joe Biden's economic and social agenda, Sinema has caused a stir by donning a denim vest while presiding over the US Senate on Tuesday. &nbsp;

A video of the Democrat leader from Arizona in the vest in Senate went viral. She is already known for her splashy style and colorful wigs. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-support-for-bolsonaro-as-brazil-senate-backs-criminal-charges-424309">Trump announces support for Bolsonaro as Brazil Senate backs criminal charges</a>

The clip was shared by Jeremy Art, a senior social media specialist with C-SPAN. It garnered around 700,000 views within three hours with numerous comments. &nbsp;

Karen Tumulty, who is an editor and columnist with the Washington Post, also pointed out that there used to be a sign for scribes forbidding denim from being worn inside the chambers.

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There used to be a sign in the Senate Press Gallery admonishing journalists they were not allowed to wear denim into the chamber. Hill reporters: is it still there? <a href="https://t.co/1K1CF17nao">https://t.co/1K1CF17nao</a>
— Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) <a href="https://twitter.com/ktumulty/status/1453115590386896897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In her tweet, Tumulty asked, "Is it still there?" &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/isis-k-could-have-the-capability-to-attack-the-us-within-6-12-months-pentagon-424310" hreflang="en">ISIS-K could have the capability to attack the US within 6-12 months: Pentagon</a>

There is still a sign forbidding purses, overcoats, hats, bags and denim from being worn inside the Senate chambers, confirmed Washington Post reporter Paul Kane. &nbsp;

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A fascinating fashion choice here <a href="https://t.co/lwhPmpYBnF">https://t.co/lwhPmpYBnF</a>
— Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) <a href="https://twitter.com/MollyJongFast/status/1453110442029682695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a post, Molly Jong-Fast, an editor with the Daily Beast, said, "A fascinating fashion choice here." &nbsp;

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The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that the opening riff of "Bad to the Bone" must play whenever Sinema presides <a href="https://t.co/hdcajouJCi">https://t.co/hdcajouJCi</a>
— David Weigel (@daveweigel) <a href="https://twitter.com/daveweigel/status/1453110473688113156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Washington Post’s David Weigel said, "The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that the opening riff of 'Bad to the Bone' must play whenever Sinema presides." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Senator Kyrsten Sinema seems to be in limelight nowadays for various reasons. After becoming a roadblock to US President Joe Biden's economic and social agenda, Sinema has caused a stir by donning a denim vest while presiding over the US Senate on Tuesday.

Senator Kyrsten Sinema seems to be in limelight nowadays for various reasons. After becoming a roadblock to US President Joe Biden's economic and social agenda, Sinema has caused a stir by donning a denim vest while presiding over the US Senate on Tuesday. A video of the Democrat leader from Arizona in the vest in Senate went viral. She is already known for her splashy style and colorful wigs. Also Read: Trump announces support for Bolsonaro as Brazil Senate backs criminal charges The clip was shared by Jeremy Art, a senior social media specialist with C-SPAN. It garnered around 700,000 views within three hours with numerous comments. Karen Tumulty, who is an editor and columnist with the Washington Post, also pointed out that there used to be a sign for scribes forbidding denim from being worn inside the chambers. There used to be a sign in the Senate Press Gallery admonishing journalists they were not allowed to wear denim into the chamber. Hill reporters: is it still there? https://t.co/1K1CF17nao — Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) October 26, 2021 × In her tweet, Tumulty asked, "Is it still there?" Also Read | ISIS-K could have the capability to attack the US within 6-12 months: Pentagon There is still a sign forbidding purses, overcoats, hats, bags and denim from being worn inside the Senate chambers, confirmed Washington Post reporter Paul Kane. A fascinating fashion choice here https://t.co/lwhPmpYBnF — Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) October 26, 2021 × In a post, Molly Jong-Fast, an editor with the Daily Beast, said, "A fascinating fashion choice here." The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that the opening riff of "Bad to the Bone" must play whenever Sinema presides https://t.co/hdcajouJCi — David Weigel (@daveweigel) October 26, 2021 × Washington Post’s David Weigel said, "The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that the opening riff of 'Bad to the Bone' must play whenever Sinema presides." (With inputs from agencies)

Donning denim vest in Senate, US lawmaker Kyrsten Sinema causes stir on social media

The United States has voiced 'strong' opposition toward the Israeli government’s push to expand settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. This comes after Israel announced construction tenders for 1,355 housing units in the West Bank.

US 'strongly' opposes Israel's new West Bank settlement homes expansion plan

Israel to build over 3,000 settler homes, US denounces expansion plans

US President Joe Biden will meet with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Rome on Friday. The bilateral meeting will be ahead of the G20 summit in the Italian capital. Biden will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican the same day.

Biden to meet Macron in Rome, attempt to repair damage to US-France relations

According to a newly republished data by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), hate crimes against Asian-origin people rose by 76% in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In August, the FBI issued hate crime data but due to an error in reporting Ohio's statistics, the data was incomplete. The agency has now corrected the technical issue in Ohio's reporting system.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2020, 279 hate crime incidents against Asian-origin people were reported as compared to 158 reported incidents in 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-revokes-top-chinese-telecom-firms-licence-over-national-security-concerns-424403" hreflang="en">US revokes top Chinese telecom firm's licence over 'national security' concerns</a>

According to FBI data released on Monday, over 60% of hate crimes in the United States were carried out on the basis of an individual's race.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jay Greenberg, deputy assistant director, FBI's criminal division, told ABC News' Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas, "Every hate crime is an attack on the community."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The FBI official said most hate crimes are directed at African Americans, but acknowledged there was a spike in anti-Asian hate crimes due to Covid.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-man-sues-dating-website-after-not-finding-enough-single-ladies-in-his-age-range-424409" hreflang="en">US man sues dating website after not finding 'enough single ladies' in his age range</a> &nbsp;

In total, there were around 8,052 single-bias incidents, crimes motivated by one type of bias, involving 11,126 victims. Comparatively, there were around 7,103 single-bias incidents involving 8,552 victims in 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The agency said 20% hate crimes targeted a person's sexual orientation while 13% hate crimes that occurred in 2020 were due to religious bias.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a newly republished data by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), hate crimes against Asian-origin people rose by 76% in 2020. In August, the FBI issued hate crime data but due to an error in reporting Ohio's statistics, the data was incomplete.

According to a newly republished data by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), hate crimes against Asian-origin people rose by 76% in 2020. In August, the FBI issued hate crime data but due to an error in reporting Ohio's statistics, the data was incomplete. The agency has now corrected the technical issue in Ohio's reporting system. In 2020, 279 hate crime incidents against Asian-origin people were reported as compared to 158 reported incidents in 2019. Also Read: US revokes top Chinese telecom firm's licence over 'national security' concerns According to FBI data released on Monday, over 60% of hate crimes in the United States were carried out on the basis of an individual's race. Jay Greenberg, deputy assistant director, FBI's criminal division, told ABC News' Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas, "Every hate crime is an attack on the community." The FBI official said most hate crimes are directed at African Americans, but acknowledged there was a spike in anti-Asian hate crimes due to Covid. Also Read: US man sues dating website after not finding 'enough single ladies' in his age range In total, there were around 8,052 single-bias incidents, crimes motivated by one type of bias, involving 11,126 victims. Comparatively, there were around 7,103 single-bias incidents involving 8,552 victims in 2019. The agency said 20% hate crimes targeted a person's sexual orientation while 13% hate crimes that occurred in 2020 were due to religious bias. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid pandemic in 2020, hate crimes against Asians rose 76% in US, says FBI

&nbsp;A menacing early season nor’easter battered the New York City area Tuesday, as heavy rains, strong winds and the threat of flash floods arrived in a region already scarred by deadly extreme weather this summer.

The storm dumped more than 3 inches of rain in parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Tuesday, with more expected through the night. But as of Tuesday evening, it had yet to match the intensity of the deluge brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida last month.

After a lull Tuesday afternoon, rain began falling again in the evening, and the storm system was expected to linger through Wednesday morning. Meteorologists warned that the storm could still produce heavy winds, significant rainfall and flash flooding across the Northeast.

The sprawling nor’easter began to move up through eastern Massachusetts, including Boston and Cape Cod late Tuesday, dumping up to 4 inches in some areas. The state was reporting about 27,000 power outages just after midnight, with winds of up to 70 mph bringing down trees along the coast.

Around New York City, the storm’s resurgence Tuesday night threatened to snarl Wednesday morning’s commute, and officials warned that heavy winds, which began Tuesday afternoon and were expected to continue overnight and into Wednesday, could bring more power outages

The easternmost part of Long Island, the southeastern corner of Connecticut and parts of coastal Massachusetts and coastal Rhode Island were under a high wind warning until Wednesday afternoon, with the Weather Service cautioning that “widespread power outages are expected.”

Utilities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut reported hundreds of outages throughout the day, and officials said that they expected to see increased power failures in all three states, particularly in coastal areas, as winds intensified.

“We almost certainly expect that number to go up, perhaps dramatically, with the higher winds that are coming later,” said Gov. Philip Murphy of New Jersey.

Roads flooded across the region, with flood warnings in effect through Wednesday on the Saddle River in Lodi, New Jersey, and the Ramapo River in northern New Jersey and Orange and Rockland counties in New York. The Weather Service extended a flood warning in Warren County and Sussex County through Wednesday morning after seeing “minor flooding” near streams and creeks.

The Weather Service also said there would most likely be minor flooding in southern Connecticut and on Long Island.

Nelson Vaz, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in New York, said that forecasters were concerned about flooding in northeastern New Jersey, where “some of the rivers are starting to come over their banks.”

Though New York City’s mass transit system experienced some interruptions, the storm had far less effect than the remnants of Ida. Some buses and commuter trains, including New Jersey Transit and the Metro-North Railroad, experienced scattered weather-related delays, but the subway was operating as expected.

As of Tuesday afternoon, intensive flash flooding had yet to materialize, though earlier in the day, parts of northeastern New Jersey that had been inundated last month — including the state’s largest cities, Newark, Jersey City and Paterson — were placed under a flash flood warning that coincided with the morning commute.

Several public school districts in those areas decided to close in anticipation of the storm. Rutgers University asked instructors to move all of their classes online Tuesday.

“In order to keep all students safe, all schools will be closed,” said Franklin Walker, the superintendent of Jersey City’s public school system, one of the largest in the state. Schools in nearby Bayonne and in Montclair were also closed.

Parts of central New Jersey were also under similar flood warnings early Tuesday, with meteorologists warning of “life-threatening flash flooding” in Monmouth County in particular. The Weather Service warned residents not to drive into flooded roads and cautioned that storm runoff would most likely cause flooding in urban areas and low-lying spots.

New Jersey state troopers had responded to 188 crashes by 10 a.m. Tuesday, the state’s police superintendent, Col. Patrick Callahan, said.

By Tuesday night, more than 4.3 inches of rain had been recorded in Brooklyn, more than 5.3 inches in Suffolk County and more than 5.2 inches in northern New Jersey, according to the Weather Service. A flash flood watch was in effect for parts of Long Island and Connecticut into Tuesday.

The rain started falling again Tuesday evening and was expected to continue through the night across much of the region.

Some storm drains in Midtown Manhattan were straining to keep up with the heavy rains filling the streets, backing up at the corners and creating large puddles for pedestrians to navigate. The Police Department reported flooding that in some cases blocked traffic during rush hour on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a key traffic artery.

Winds of up to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph, were expected across coastal areas, including New York City, into Wednesday morning, raising the prospect of downed trees and power failures. Vaz said that parts of Long Island were particularly likely to experience very strong gusts.

Officials moved quickly to prepare for the nor’easter, in part scarred by the intensity of several storms this summer that exposed the region’s vulnerability to the extreme weather events made more frequent and intense by climate change.

“We’re not looking outside and seeing Ida today; however, every storm has to be taken seriously,” Joseph Fiordaliso, who leads New Jersey’s utility board, said at a news conference.

“Someday maybe we’ll just have a regular rainstorm. We don’t seem to get those much anymore,” he said, adding, “Climate change is real, and we have to work to mitigate as much of it as we possibly can.”

The threats were brought into stark relief last month, when torrential rain brought by Ida unleashed rushing waters that killed 11 people, including a toddler and his parents, in basement apartments in New York City. At least 43 people died across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut amid the hurricane’s watery remnants.

Both Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York and Murphy declared states of emergency Monday evening, directing agencies under their command to be ready to act on emergency response plans.

In New York City, officials advised residents of basement apartments like those that flooded last month to be ready “to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain,” and urged anyone living in flood-prone areas to “keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand” to protect their homes.

A menacing early season nor’easter battered the New York City area Tuesday, as heavy rains, strong winds and the threat of flash floods arrived in a region already scarred by deadly extreme weather this summer.

A menacing early season nor’easter battered the New York City area Tuesday, as heavy rains, strong winds and the threat of flash floods arrived in a region already scarred by deadly extreme weather this summer. The storm dumped more than 3 inches of rain in parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Tuesday, with more expected through the night. But as of Tuesday evening, it had yet to match the intensity of the deluge brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida last month. After a lull Tuesday afternoon, rain began falling again in the evening, and the storm system was expected to linger through Wednesday morning. Meteorologists warned that the storm could still produce heavy winds, significant rainfall and flash flooding across the Northeast. The sprawling nor’easter began to move up through eastern Massachusetts, including Boston and Cape Cod late Tuesday, dumping up to 4 inches in some areas. The state was reporting about 27,000 power outages just after midnight, with winds of up to 70 mph bringing down trees along the coast. Around New York City, the storm’s resurgence Tuesday night threatened to snarl Wednesday morning’s commute, and officials warned that heavy winds, which began Tuesday afternoon and were expected to continue overnight and into Wednesday, could bring more power outages The easternmost part of Long Island, the southeastern corner of Connecticut and parts of coastal Massachusetts and coastal Rhode Island were under a high wind warning until Wednesday afternoon, with the Weather Service cautioning that “widespread power outages are expected.” Utilities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut reported hundreds of outages throughout the day, and officials said that they expected to see increased power failures in all three states, particularly in coastal areas, as winds intensified. “We almost certainly expect that number to go up, perhaps dramatically, with the higher winds that are coming later,” said Gov. Philip Murphy of New Jersey. Roads flooded across the region, with flood warnings in effect through Wednesday on the Saddle River in Lodi, New Jersey, and the Ramapo River in northern New Jersey and Orange and Rockland counties in New York. The Weather Service extended a flood warning in Warren County and Sussex County through Wednesday morning after seeing “minor flooding” near streams and creeks. The Weather Service also said there would most likely be minor flooding in southern Connecticut and on Long Island. Nelson Vaz, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in New York, said that forecasters were concerned about flooding in northeastern New Jersey, where “some of the rivers are starting to come over their banks.” Though New York City’s mass transit system experienced some interruptions, the storm had far less effect than the remnants of Ida. Some buses and commuter trains, including New Jersey Transit and the Metro-North Railroad, experienced scattered weather-related delays, but the subway was operating as expected. As of Tuesday afternoon, intensive flash flooding had yet to materialize, though earlier in the day, parts of northeastern New Jersey that had been inundated last month — including the state’s largest cities, Newark, Jersey City and Paterson — were placed under a flash flood warning that coincided with the morning commute. Several public school districts in those areas decided to close in anticipation of the storm. Rutgers University asked instructors to move all of their classes online Tuesday. “In order to keep all students safe, all schools will be closed,” said Franklin Walker, the superintendent of Jersey City’s public school system, one of the largest in the state. Schools in nearby Bayonne and in Montclair were also closed. Parts of central New Jersey were also under similar flood warnings early Tuesday, with meteorologists warning of “life-threatening flash flooding” in Monmouth County in particular. The Weather Service warned residents not to drive into flooded roads and cautioned that storm runoff would most likely cause flooding in urban areas and low-lying spots. New Jersey state troopers had responded to 188 crashes by 10 a.m. Tuesday, the state’s police superintendent, Col. Patrick Callahan, said. By Tuesday night, more than 4.3 inches of rain had been recorded in Brooklyn, more than 5.3 inches in Suffolk County and more than 5.2 inches in northern New Jersey, according to the Weather Service. A flash flood watch was in effect for parts of Long Island and Connecticut into Tuesday. The rain started falling again Tuesday evening and was expected to continue through the night across much of the region. Some storm drains in Midtown Manhattan were straining to keep up with the heavy rains filling the streets, backing up at the corners and creating large puddles for pedestrians to navigate. The Police Department reported flooding that in some cases blocked traffic during rush hour on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a key traffic artery. Winds of up to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph, were expected across coastal areas, including New York City, into Wednesday morning, raising the prospect of downed trees and power failures. Vaz said that parts of Long Island were particularly likely to experience very strong gusts. Officials moved quickly to prepare for the nor’easter, in part scarred by the intensity of several storms this summer that exposed the region’s vulnerability to the extreme weather events made more frequent and intense by climate change. “We’re not looking outside and seeing Ida today; however, every storm has to be taken seriously,” Joseph Fiordaliso, who leads New Jersey’s utility board, said at a news conference. “Someday maybe we’ll just have a regular rainstorm. We don’t seem to get those much anymore,” he said, adding, “Climate change is real, and we have to work to mitigate as much of it as we possibly can.” The threats were brought into stark relief last month, when torrential rain brought by Ida unleashed rushing waters that killed 11 people, including a toddler and his parents, in basement apartments in New York City. At least 43 people died across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut amid the hurricane’s watery remnants. Both Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York and Murphy declared states of emergency Monday evening, directing agencies under their command to be ready to act on emergency response plans. In New York City, officials advised residents of basement apartments like those that flooded last month to be ready “to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain,” and urged anyone living in flood-prone areas to “keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand” to protect their homes.

Heavy rain soaks New York as nor’easter pounds the region

Citing "national security" concerns, the United States has revoked the license of one of China's biggest telecoms companies, reported BBC. &nbsp;

The Chinese telecom company will have to stop providing services in the US in 60 days. &nbsp;

The Chinese government's control of the company gave it the opportunity "to access, store, disrupt, and/or misroute US communications", said officials. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/father-shoots-son-after-refusing-to-stop-playing-guitar-us-court-documents-424388" hreflang="en">Father shoots son after refusing to stop playing guitar: US court documents</a>

It in turn allows it "to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the US", they said. &nbsp;

China Telecom, which has been providing telecom services in the US for nearly 20 years, called the decision "disappointing". &nbsp;

In a statement, it said, "We plan to pursue all available options while continuing to serve our customers." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-man-spends-money-received-from-covid-relief-loan-on-a-58000-pokemon-card-424400" hreflang="en">US man spends money received from Covid relief loan on a $58,000 Pokemon card</a>

The company, China Telecom, is one of three firms that dominate China's market. It has hundreds of millions of customers in 110 countries. It provides services ranging from broadband internet to mobile and landline telephone networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The decision came hours after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen spoke to China's Vice Premier Liu He about the state of the global economy. &nbsp;

It is the latest Chinese telecom firm to be targeted by US officials over national security concerns. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Citing "national security" concerns, the United States has revoked the license of one of China's biggest telecoms companies, reported BBC. The Chinese telecom company will have to stop providing services in the US in 60 days.

Citing "national security" concerns, the United States has revoked the license of one of China's biggest telecoms companies, reported BBC. The Chinese telecom company will have to stop providing services in the US in 60 days. The Chinese government's control of the company gave it the opportunity "to access, store, disrupt, and/or misroute US communications", said officials. Also Read | Father shoots son after refusing to stop playing guitar: US court documents It in turn allows it "to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the US", they said. China Telecom, which has been providing telecom services in the US for nearly 20 years, called the decision "disappointing". In a statement, it said, "We plan to pursue all available options while continuing to serve our customers." Also Read: US man spends money received from Covid relief loan on a $58,000 Pokemon card The company, China Telecom, is one of three firms that dominate China's market. It has hundreds of millions of customers in 110 countries. It provides services ranging from broadband internet to mobile and landline telephone networks. The decision came hours after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen spoke to China's Vice Premier Liu He about the state of the global economy. It is the latest Chinese telecom firm to be targeted by US officials over national security concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

US revokes top Chinese telecom firm's licence over 'national security' concerns

Spurned over not finding “enough single ladies” on a dating website, a 29-year-old man from Colorado, US, has sued the CEO of the company, claiming that the website does not have enough profiles of women.

Ian Cross, 29 has sued Denver Dating Co. for an undisclosed amount of damages, according to The Denver Post. He has accused the Nevada-based group of fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and deceptive trade practices.

According to the lawsuit, Cross “was interested in engaging a dating service to meet single women his age” and met with a representative named Lisa from the company in January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-government-launches-islamic-dating-app-to-create-healthy-families-397809">Iran&nbsp;government launches&nbsp;Islamic dating app to create 'healthy' families&nbsp;</a>

The representative told Cross that their dating services has a “huge” database of single women in the 25 to 35 age range, and there was a recent influx of new members in that age range because of the ‘wave of breakups’ due to the pandemic, the lawsuit states.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-dating-apps-dont-destroy-love-says-study-354034">&nbsp;Dating apps don't destroy love, says study</a>

Cross believed Lisa’s claims and paid $9,409 for the membership in February. However, he later discovered that there were only five women in the 18 to 35 age range active in the database, according to the lawsuit.

“The Denver Dating Co. uses online reviews of fake or fictitious customers in order to create a false impression with the public regarding the quality and characteristics of its service,” the lawsuit reads.

Several complaints have been filed against The Denver Dating Co., alleging among other things that the company had poor communication skills and used “high pressure sales tactics” to sign new customers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spurned over not finding “enough single ladies” on a dating website, a 29-year-old man from Colorado, US, has sued the CEO of the company, claiming that the website does not have enough profiles of women.

Spurned over not finding “enough single ladies” on a dating website, a 29-year-old man from Colorado, US, has sued the CEO of the company, claiming that the website does not have enough profiles of women. Ian Cross, 29 has sued Denver Dating Co. for an undisclosed amount of damages, according to The Denver Post. He has accused the Nevada-based group of fraudulent inducement, breach of contract and deceptive trade practices. According to the lawsuit, Cross “was interested in engaging a dating service to meet single women his age” and met with a representative named Lisa from the company in January. Also read | Iran government launches Islamic dating app to create 'healthy' families The representative told Cross that their dating services has a “huge” database of single women in the 25 to 35 age range, and there was a recent influx of new members in that age range because of the ‘wave of breakups’ due to the pandemic, the lawsuit states. Also read | Dating apps don't destroy love, says study Cross believed Lisa’s claims and paid $9,409 for the membership in February. However, he later discovered that there were only five women in the 18 to 35 age range active in the database, according to the lawsuit. “The Denver Dating Co. uses online reviews of fake or fictitious customers in order to create a false impression with the public regarding the quality and characteristics of its service,” the lawsuit reads. Several complaints have been filed against The Denver Dating Co., alleging among other things that the company had poor communication skills and used “high pressure sales tactics” to sign new customers. (With inputs from agencies)

US man sues dating website after not finding 'enough single ladies' in his age range

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Sudanese prime minister Abdalla Hamdok after the military released him from custody. Blinken expressed his deep concern over the ongoing takeover and emphasized the need for the Sudanese military to refrain from violence against protesters.

Sudan Coup: US Secy of State Blinken speaks with PM Hamdok after his release

A man based in Georgia, US, who received coronavirus relief aid from the government, used the majority of the money to buy a Pokemon card.

Vinath Oudomsine from Dublin was charged on October 19 for fraudulently applying for money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the CARES Act, which aims to help small businesses experiencing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, 2020.

The federal prosecutors say that he made false statements about the number of employees working in his company and the firm’s gross revenue when he applied for the relief.

They said the Small Business Administration deposited $85,000 in his bank account the following month.

Federal prosecutors say Oudomsine used $57,789 to buy a Pokemon card.

They argued that the loans, meant for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, can be used for expenses such as payroll, sick leave, production costs, debt and rent or mortgage payments, but Oudomsine “unjustly enriched himself."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-retail-giant-target-stops-selling-pokemon-cards-for-safety-of-staff-and-shoppers-384697">US retail giant Target stops selling Pokémon cards for safety of staff and shoppers</a>

Authorities, however, didn’t specify which Pokemon card Oudomsine allegedly bought with the federal funds.

Oudomsine faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-pokemon-live-action-series-in-works-at-netflix-400907">&nbsp;Pokemon live-action series in works at Netflix</a>

Rare Pokémon cards have a huge market among enthusiasts and usually sells for thousands of dollars.

&nbsp;Collectors have known to be bidding up prices&nbsp;for trading cards, video games and other mementos.

In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which made more small businesses eligible for the SBA’s economic-injury disaster loans.

The expansion was meant to help the owners of small businesses cover the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic by providing them with an emergency loan they could use on expenses such as payroll, production costs, and rent.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man based in Georgia, US, who received coronavirus relief aid from the government, used the majority of the money to buy a Pokemon card. Vinath Oudomsine from Dublin was charged on October 19 for fraudulently applying for money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the CARES Act, which aims to help small businesses experiencing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, 2020.

A man based in Georgia, US, who received coronavirus relief aid from the government, used the majority of the money to buy a Pokemon card. Vinath Oudomsine from Dublin was charged on October 19 for fraudulently applying for money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the CARES Act, which aims to help small businesses experiencing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, 2020. The federal prosecutors say that he made false statements about the number of employees working in his company and the firm’s gross revenue when he applied for the relief. They said the Small Business Administration deposited $85,000 in his bank account the following month. Federal prosecutors say Oudomsine used $57,789 to buy a Pokemon card. They argued that the loans, meant for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, can be used for expenses such as payroll, sick leave, production costs, debt and rent or mortgage payments, but Oudomsine “unjustly enriched himself." Also read | US retail giant Target stops selling Pokémon cards for safety of staff and shoppers Authorities, however, didn’t specify which Pokemon card Oudomsine allegedly bought with the federal funds. Oudomsine faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted. Also read | Pokemon live-action series in works at Netflix Rare Pokémon cards have a huge market among enthusiasts and usually sells for thousands of dollars. Collectors have known to be bidding up prices for trading cards, video games and other mementos. In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which made more small businesses eligible for the SBA’s economic-injury disaster loans. The expansion was meant to help the owners of small businesses cover the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic by providing them with an emergency loan they could use on expenses such as payroll, production costs, and rent. (With inputs from agencies)

US man spends money received from Covid relief loan on a $58,000 Pokemon card

US Senators put executives from YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat on the defensive, questioning them about how they are ensuring young users’ safety on their platforms.

US lawmakers questions YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok on kids’ online safety

The United States backed Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations system amid China's continued efforts to limit the island's international participation.

US backs Taiwan's attempt to expand UN participation, seeks bigger role

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on all nations to defend the status quo of the United Nations-backed international order. Xi's comments came in a speech in Beijing at a meeting to mark the 50th anniversary of China's admission to the UN.

Xi slams US over support to Taiwan, calls for maintaining international order

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers from 33 countries. The list includes all Schengen countries and 26 European Nations bloc. The new guidelines will come into effect from November 8.

US reopens its borders to 33 countries

New York City municipal employees marched across the Brooklyn Bridge against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The demonstrators included city workers with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Sanitation Department of New York (SDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Most of the&nbsp;workers have less than a week to get their COVID-19 vaccines or go on unpaid leave. The protests turned violent when some demonstrators tried to break into the arena as they clashed with security and police.

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Protests along the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestSideHighway?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestSideHighway</a> this morning as <a href="https://twitter.com/sunrisemvmtnyc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sunrisemvmtnyc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ExtinctionR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ExtinctionR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FFF_NYC_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FFF_NYC_</a> &amp; others block the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYC</a> streets to draw attention to Biden's failure to pass sufficient climate legislation<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoClimateNoDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoClimateNoDeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/mevsiq846h">pic.twitter.com/mevsiq846h</a> <a href="https://t.co/cUVNtyTuse">pic.twitter.com/cUVNtyTuse</a>
— Amini Fonua (@AminiFonua) <a href="https://twitter.com/AminiFonua/status/1452647733647618050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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NYC workers (fire, police, teachers) march in protest. Which city is next?? <a href="https://t.co/o2zsiGjNnm">pic.twitter.com/o2zsiGjNnm</a>
— Chris Hill (@leftychill) <a href="https://twitter.com/leftychill/status/1452679506553196552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This comes in as last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that regular COVID-19 testing would no longer be an option instead of vaccinations. he further said that the city employees, including first responders, would have until October 29 to get at least one dose of the vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-a-heavy-heart-amnesty-to-shut-hong-kong-offices-due-to-security-law-423965">Also read |&nbsp;'With a heavy heart': Amnesty to shut Hong Kong offices due to security law</a>

"It's time now. If you don't want to get vaccinated, you'll be put on unpaid leave. Well, the vast majority of human beings go to work to get paid. And also, I think for a lot of our first responders, there's a calling. They believe in the work, they care about the work. Those two factors I think are going to cause the vast majority to get vaccinated," Mayor de Blasio said.

He also offered a $500 incentive for city workers to get vaccinated. As a result of this, several unions are now demanding back pay for workers who already got vaccinated without a bonus.

The PBA has filed a lawsuit in Staten Island state Supreme Court seeking to overturn the vaccine mandate.

PBA President Pat Lynch said they are looking forward to filing a request for a temporary restraining order asking the court to bar the city and the NYPD from implementing the mandate, reports AP.

New York City municipal employees marched across the Brooklyn Bridge against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The demonstrators included city workers with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Sanitation Department of New York (SDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD).

New York City municipal employees marched across the Brooklyn Bridge against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The demonstrators included city workers with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Sanitation Department of New York (SDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD). Most of the workers have less than a week to get their COVID-19 vaccines or go on unpaid leave. The protests turned violent when some demonstrators tried to break into the arena as they clashed with security and police. Protests along the #WestSideHighway this morning as @sunrisemvmtnyc @ExtinctionR @FFF_NYC_ & others block the #NYC streets to draw attention to Biden's failure to pass sufficient climate legislation#NoClimateNoDeal pic.twitter.com/mevsiq846h pic.twitter.com/cUVNtyTuse — Amini Fonua (@AminiFonua) October 25, 2021 × NYC workers (fire, police, teachers) march in protest. Which city is next?? pic.twitter.com/o2zsiGjNnm — Chris Hill (@leftychill) October 25, 2021 × This comes in as last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that regular COVID-19 testing would no longer be an option instead of vaccinations. he further said that the city employees, including first responders, would have until October 29 to get at least one dose of the vaccine. Also read | 'With a heavy heart': Amnesty to shut Hong Kong offices due to security law "It's time now. If you don't want to get vaccinated, you'll be put on unpaid leave. Well, the vast majority of human beings go to work to get paid. And also, I think for a lot of our first responders, there's a calling. They believe in the work, they care about the work. Those two factors I think are going to cause the vast majority to get vaccinated," Mayor de Blasio said. He also offered a $500 incentive for city workers to get vaccinated. As a result of this, several unions are now demanding back pay for workers who already got vaccinated without a bonus. The PBA has filed a lawsuit in Staten Island state Supreme Court seeking to overturn the vaccine mandate. PBA President Pat Lynch said they are looking forward to filing a request for a temporary restraining order asking the court to bar the city and the NYPD from implementing the mandate, reports AP.

Emergency workers protest against vaccine mandate in New York

In a latest development in the unresolved US-Russian tensions, nationals of Russia will have to travel to Warsaw for getting US immigrant visas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In effect since October 12, the US visa move has prompted a heated rejoinder from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosi-says-were-almost-there-on-huge-us-legislative-bills-423654" hreflang="en">Pelosi says 'we're almost there' on huge US legislative bills</a>

Zakharova wrote on the Telegram platform that US diplomats had long been "destroying" the consular services system in Russia. It has turned what should be a routine and technical procedure "into a real hell." &nbsp;

For its part, the state department pinned the blame on Moscow. In a statement received by AFP, a State Department spokesman, said, "The Russian government's decision to prohibit the United States from retaining, hiring or contracting Russian or third-country staff severely impacts our ability to provide consular services." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-coast-guard-evacuates-16-as-burning-container-ship-emits-toxic-gas-off-pacific-coast-423707" hreflang="en">Canadian Coast Guard evacuates 16 as burning container ship emits toxic gas off Pacific coast</a>

"The extremely limited number of consular staff in Russia at this time does not allow us to provide routine visa or US citizen services. We realise this is a significant change for visa applicants,” added spokesman. &nbsp;

The department also cautioned that don’t travel to Warsaw until an appointment is booked with the embassy there. The statement recognised that the shift of visa services to Warsaw was not an "ideal solution." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a latest development in the unresolved US-Russian tensions, nationals of Russia will have to travel to Warsaw for getting US immigrant visas. In effect since October 12, the US visa move has prompted a heated rejoinder from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

In a latest development in the unresolved US-Russian tensions, nationals of Russia will have to travel to Warsaw for getting US immigrant visas. In effect since October 12, the US visa move has prompted a heated rejoinder from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Also Read: Pelosi says 'we're almost there' on huge US legislative bills Zakharova wrote on the Telegram platform that US diplomats had long been "destroying" the consular services system in Russia. It has turned what should be a routine and technical procedure "into a real hell." For its part, the state department pinned the blame on Moscow. In a statement received by AFP, a State Department spokesman, said, "The Russian government's decision to prohibit the United States from retaining, hiring or contracting Russian or third-country staff severely impacts our ability to provide consular services." Also Read: Canadian Coast Guard evacuates 16 as burning container ship emits toxic gas off Pacific coast "The extremely limited number of consular staff in Russia at this time does not allow us to provide routine visa or US citizen services. We realise this is a significant change for visa applicants,” added spokesman. The department also cautioned that don’t travel to Warsaw until an appointment is booked with the embassy there. The statement recognised that the shift of visa services to Warsaw was not an "ideal solution." (With inputs from agencies)

Now, Russians will have to visit Warsaw to get immigrant visas for US

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