In Pics | The return of Taliban in Afghanistan, and the US retreat

President Joe Biden strongly defended his decision to pull US military forces out of Afghanistan, saying the Afghan people must decide their own future. He also added that the Afghan military has the ability to repel the Taliban.

Biden says Afghan military is capable to repel Taliban

Dozens of US State attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court against Google. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

World Business Watch: Dozens of US States sue Google alleging antitrust violations

US President Joe Biden said he will know more on Thursday about the attempted ransomware attack centered on the Florida IT firm Kaseya. Biden made the comment to reporters as he returned to the White House from a trip to Chicago. The president received a briefing by administration officials earlier on Wednesday about their efforts to combat ransomware.

Biden says he will know more on Thursday about attempted ransomware attack

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's trip to the United States has kicked off a political storm in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan's close aids accused Bilawal of trying to strike a deal with Washington.

Pakistan: PPP, PTI spar over Bilawal's 'private' visit to US

COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly in the United States as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread at a time when the vaccination drive has become largely stagnate.

COVID-19 cases rapidly rising in US as Delta variant dominates

The US has spent 20 years and $1000 billion on the war in Afghanistan. Now, it is leaving Afghanistan to its fate. Afghan Forces are surrendering their weapons to the Taliban, as US forces exit quietly. WION's Palki tells you how the US is abandoning Afghanistan.

Gravitas: The United States has abandoned Afghanistan

<p>Facebook&nbsp;is leading the fast-growing&nbsp;market&nbsp;of "social&nbsp;commerce" that is expected to be worth some $36 billion in the United States this year, a research firm said Wednesday.</p>

<p>A report by&nbsp;market&nbsp;tracker eMarketer estimated some 56 million US residents would be making at least one purchase on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;this year, giving the&nbsp;social&nbsp;media giant a 22.3 per cent share.</p>

<p>Another 32 million people will have bought something on&nbsp;Facebook-owned Instagram, giving it a 12.9 per cent share, according to eMarketer's forecast of&nbsp;social&nbsp;commerce.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-hits-1-trillion-value-after-judge-rejects-antitrust-complaints-394581">Facebook hits $1 trillion value after judge rejects antitrust complaints</a></strong></p>

<p>The number three player is Pinterest, with a forecasted 13.9 million buyers, or 5.6 per cent of the&nbsp;market, the report said.</p>

<p>According to eMarketer, US&nbsp;social&nbsp;commerce&nbsp;sales will rise by 35.8 per cent to $36.62 billion this year, a slip deceleration from the pandemic-fueled 39 per cent growth pace in 2020.</p>

<p>Overall, some 90 million Americans will be using&nbsp;social&nbsp;commerce, which could reach around five per cent of US retail sales by 2024, according to the group.</p>

<p>The report is based on direct sales of products or services or through links to retailers from&nbsp;social&nbsp;platforms, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/instagram">Instagram</a>, Pinterest, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tiktok">TikTok</a>, WeChat and others.</p>

<p>It excludes travel and event tickets, tips and gifts, money transfers, gambling and food services.</p>

<p>Despite the strong growth, the United States lags behind China, which has been a leader in&nbsp;social&nbsp;commerce&nbsp;and is expected to have some 424 million people making purchases on its platforms such as WeChat this year.</p>

<p>"US marketers can look to China as a roadmap for&nbsp;social&nbsp;commerce's development, as many of the trends that will drive its growth, like livestream shopping, originated in China," said eMarketer senior analyst Jasmine Enberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Keep in mind, however, that it's not an apples-to-apples comparison," she added.</p>

<p>"The&nbsp;social&nbsp;and e-commerce&nbsp;landscapes in the US are far more fragmented than those in China, and consumer behavior and attitudes toward digital shopping,&nbsp;social&nbsp;media consumption, online privacy and payments are different as well."</p>


Facebook is leading the fast-growing market of "social commerce" that is expected to be worth some $36 billion in the United States this year, a research firm said Wednesday.

Facebook is leading the fast-growing market of "social commerce" that is expected to be worth some $36 billion in the United States this year, a research firm said Wednesday. A report by market tracker eMarketer estimated some 56 million US residents would be making at least one purchase on Facebook this year, giving the social media giant a 22.3 per cent share. Another 32 million people will have bought something on Facebook-owned Instagram, giving it a 12.9 per cent share, according to eMarketer's forecast of social commerce. Also read | Facebook hits $1 trillion value after judge rejects antitrust complaints The number three player is Pinterest, with a forecasted 13.9 million buyers, or 5.6 per cent of the market, the report said. According to eMarketer, US social commerce sales will rise by 35.8 per cent to $36.62 billion this year, a slip deceleration from the pandemic-fueled 39 per cent growth pace in 2020. Overall, some 90 million Americans will be using social commerce, which could reach around five per cent of US retail sales by 2024, according to the group. The report is based on direct sales of products or services or through links to retailers from social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, WeChat and others. It excludes travel and event tickets, tips and gifts, money transfers, gambling and food services. Despite the strong growth, the United States lags behind China, which has been a leader in social commerce and is expected to have some 424 million people making purchases on its platforms such as WeChat this year. "US marketers can look to China as a roadmap for social commerce's development, as many of the trends that will drive its growth, like livestream shopping, originated in China," said eMarketer senior analyst Jasmine Enberg. "Keep in mind, however, that it's not an apples-to-apples comparison," she added. "The social and e-commerce landscapes in the US are far more fragmented than those in China, and consumer behavior and attitudes toward digital shopping, social media consumption, online privacy and payments are different as well."

Facebook leads surging 'social commerce' market: Survey

<p>President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only 'minimal damage' on American businesses.<br />
<br />
"It appears to have caused minimal damage to US&nbsp;businesses, but we're still gathering information," Biden told reporters following a briefing from advisers.<br />
<br />
"I feel good about our ability to be able to respond."<br />
<br />
Friday's ransomware attack scrambled the data of hundreds of small businesses worldwide, including many in the United States. REvil, a prolific, Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate, took credit for the breach.<br />
<br />
The president's comments follow a statement from Kaseya that the attack never posed a threat to critical US&nbsp;infrastructure, which Biden declared off-limits during a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.<br />
<br />
But the attack was another illustration of how cybercriminals believed to be operating from Russia are running amok in the United States. Biden has sought to push Putin to bring Russian cybercriminals to heel, so far to little visible effect.<br />
<br />
Attacks have escalated recently.<br />
<br />
Last month REvil extorted an $11 million ransom out of meatpacker JBS after snarling its supply chain. In May, an intrusion by another Russia-linked group at major US&nbsp;fuel transporter Colonial Pipeline led to panic buying, price spikes, and gasoline shortages up and down the East Coast.<br />
<br />
The Republican National Committee said on Tuesday, it learned over the weekend that third-party provider Synnex Corp had been breached, but an investigation by Microsoft Corp determined that no RNC data had been accessed.<br />
<br />
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier on Tuesday that senior US&nbsp;officials would meet their Russian counterparts next week to discuss the ransomware menace.<br />
<br />
"If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own," she said.<br />
<br />
The Russian Embassy in Washington and the US&nbsp;National Security Council did not return messages seeking further details about the meeting.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, Biden will meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community to discuss ransomware and US&nbsp;efforts to counter it, Psaki said.<br />
<br />
The hack that struck Kaseya's clients, many of whom are back office IT shops commonly referred to as managed service providers, did not have the same kind of impact in the United States as the ransoming of Colonial Pipeline.<br />
<br />
Disruption elsewhere was more severe.<br />
<br />
In Sweden, many of the 800 grocery stores run by the Coop chain are still in the process of recovering from the attack, which knocked out most of its supermarkets, though a spokesman said, "we have more open stores than closed ones now."<br />
<br />
In New Zealand, 11 schools and several kindergartens were affected.<br />
<br />
Germany's cybersecurity watchdog, BSI, said on Tuesday that it was aware of three IT service providers in Germany that were affected, with a spokesperson estimating that several hundred companies were touched overall.<br />
<br />
"In Germany, there are no cases as prominent as the one in Sweden," the spokesperson added.<br />
<br />
The hackers, who claimed responsibility for the breach, have demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses' data, although they have indicated a willingness to temper their demands in private conversations with a cybersecurity expert.<br />
<br />
Kaseya's CEO said he would not reveal whether his company planned to pay the ransom or not, or even whether it was negotiating with REvil.<br />
<br />
Psaki said that while the administration discouraged such payments, questions about whether the data would be ransomed should be directed to Kaseya.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only 'minimal damage' on American businesses.

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only 'minimal damage' on American businesses. "It appears to have caused minimal damage to US businesses, but we're still gathering information," Biden told reporters following a briefing from advisers. "I feel good about our ability to be able to respond." Friday's ransomware attack scrambled the data of hundreds of small businesses worldwide, including many in the United States. REvil, a prolific, Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate, took credit for the breach. The president's comments follow a statement from Kaseya that the attack never posed a threat to critical US infrastructure, which Biden declared off-limits during a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. But the attack was another illustration of how cybercriminals believed to be operating from Russia are running amok in the United States. Biden has sought to push Putin to bring Russian cybercriminals to heel, so far to little visible effect. Attacks have escalated recently. Last month REvil extorted an $11 million ransom out of meatpacker JBS after snarling its supply chain. In May, an intrusion by another Russia-linked group at major US fuel transporter Colonial Pipeline led to panic buying, price spikes, and gasoline shortages up and down the East Coast. The Republican National Committee said on Tuesday, it learned over the weekend that third-party provider Synnex Corp had been breached, but an investigation by Microsoft Corp determined that no RNC data had been accessed. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier on Tuesday that senior US officials would meet their Russian counterparts next week to discuss the ransomware menace. "If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own," she said. The Russian Embassy in Washington and the US National Security Council did not return messages seeking further details about the meeting. On Wednesday, Biden will meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community to discuss ransomware and US efforts to counter it, Psaki said. The hack that struck Kaseya's clients, many of whom are back office IT shops commonly referred to as managed service providers, did not have the same kind of impact in the United States as the ransoming of Colonial Pipeline. Disruption elsewhere was more severe. In Sweden, many of the 800 grocery stores run by the Coop chain are still in the process of recovering from the attack, which knocked out most of its supermarkets, though a spokesman said, "we have more open stores than closed ones now." In New Zealand, 11 schools and several kindergartens were affected. Germany's cybersecurity watchdog, BSI, said on Tuesday that it was aware of three IT service providers in Germany that were affected, with a spokesperson estimating that several hundred companies were touched overall. "In Germany, there are no cases as prominent as the one in Sweden," the spokesperson added. The hackers, who claimed responsibility for the breach, have demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses' data, although they have indicated a willingness to temper their demands in private conversations with a cybersecurity expert. Kaseya's CEO said he would not reveal whether his company planned to pay the ransom or not, or even whether it was negotiating with REvil. Psaki said that while the administration discouraged such payments, questions about whether the data would be ransomed should be directed to Kaseya. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden says ransomware attack caused 'minimal damage' to US companies

The US coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region Kurt Campbell said that US President Joe Biden will host a Quad meeting with the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan this year. Campbell made the remarks at an event hosted by the Asia Society think tank.

Joe Biden to host Indian PM Modi & other Quad leaders this year

According to the Pentagon, the US military has withdrawn more than 90% of its troops and equipment from Afghanistan. The United States has officially handed over seven facilities to the Afghan military.

US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than 90% complete says Pentagon

<p>Saudi Arabia's deputy defence minister on Tuesday became the highest-ranking Saudi envoy to visit Washington since Joe Biden became president in January, and held talks with senior officials on the Yemen war and threats from Iran.<br />
<br />
The minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, is the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto ruler.</p>

<p>A White House statement on the minister's meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sullivan "emphasised the importance of progress in advancing human rights in the Kingdom."<br />
<br />
The two officials discussed the US&nbsp;partnership with Saudi Arabia, regional security and "the US&nbsp;commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups."<br />
<br />
The prince also met with Colin Kahl, the US&nbsp;defence undersecretary for policy, and the two discussed 'efforts to end the war in Yemen and the shared US-Saudi commitment to counter Iran's destabilising activities' and other issues, the Pentagon said.<br />
<br />
The meetings were to give Saudi Arabia a sense of how relations with the United States have shifted from the pro-Saudi policies of former Republican President Donald Trump.<br />
<br />
A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Iran-aligned Houthi group ousted the country's government from Sanaa. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system.<br />
<br />
Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government is now in Aden, though Hadi is based in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have died in six years of war and millions are on the brink of famine.<br />
<br />
Psaki said talks would also cover Saudi defence needs.<br />
<br />
"They'll discuss the longstanding partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, regional security and the US&nbsp;commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups," she said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Saudi Arabia's deputy defence minister on Tuesday became the highest-ranking Saudi envoy to visit Washington since Joe Biden became president in January, and held talks with senior officials on the Yemen war and threats from Iran.

Saudi Arabia's deputy defence minister on Tuesday became the highest-ranking Saudi envoy to visit Washington since Joe Biden became president in January, and held talks with senior officials on the Yemen war and threats from Iran. The minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, is the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto ruler. A White House statement on the minister's meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sullivan "emphasised the importance of progress in advancing human rights in the Kingdom." The two officials discussed the US partnership with Saudi Arabia, regional security and "the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups." The prince also met with Colin Kahl, the US defence undersecretary for policy, and the two discussed 'efforts to end the war in Yemen and the shared US-Saudi commitment to counter Iran's destabilising activities' and other issues, the Pentagon said. The meetings were to give Saudi Arabia a sense of how relations with the United States have shifted from the pro-Saudi policies of former Republican President Donald Trump. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Iran-aligned Houthi group ousted the country's government from Sanaa. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system. Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government is now in Aden, though Hadi is based in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have died in six years of war and millions are on the brink of famine. Psaki said talks would also cover Saudi defence needs. "They'll discuss the longstanding partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, regional security and the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi official in US for talks on Yemen, Iran

A silent genocide is underway in America. More than 150 people have died in 400 incidents of gun terror over the July 4 weekend. Why is Washington doing nothing about it?

Gravitas: U.S: 400 Shootings over Independence day weekend

<p>The US on Tuesday greeted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday as his supporters announced plans to establish a library in his honour in New York.<br />
<br />
"I am delighted to extend warm wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6. His Holiness is an inspiration to many around the world who are drawn to his messages of compassion, equality, and inclusivity, " Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said.<br />
<br />
"I have deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness’ grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans. I wish His Holiness the very best, " he added.<br />
<br />
On the occasion of his 86th birthday, Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, New York announced the launch of a $5 million public fundraising campaign to build a Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre.<br />
<br />
"Today we wish a happy birthday to his holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference.<br />
<br />
"We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality and, importantly, to human dignity. We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come, " Price said.<br />
<br />
Tenzin Choesang, the president of Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, said he is seeking support from donors for a project of great benefit to all of humanity - building the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre.<br />
<br />
"Our vision – one that is supported and shared by the Dalai Lama – is to encourage genuine human interconnection and unity in an increasingly divided world. The Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will do this by creating a transformational hub of compassionate and humane education that is open to everyone, both in-person and online, " he said in a statement.<br />
<br />
According to the monastery, the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will span 9,240 square feet and will serve as a repository for all the work of the current and previous Dalai Lamas, and a place for study and exploration for the public, including students, scholars, spiritual, civic and business leaders, and practitioners of all faiths.<br />
<br />
The Learning Centre will be a physical space as well as a virtual destination (via its robust website) for people across North America and the world, offering free and low-cost programmes.</p>


The US on Tuesday greeted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday as his supporters announced plans to establish a library in his honour in New York.

The US on Tuesday greeted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday as his supporters announced plans to establish a library in his honour in New York. "I am delighted to extend warm wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6. His Holiness is an inspiration to many around the world who are drawn to his messages of compassion, equality, and inclusivity, " Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said. "I have deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness’ grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans. I wish His Holiness the very best, " he added. On the occasion of his 86th birthday, Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, New York announced the launch of a $5 million public fundraising campaign to build a Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre. "Today we wish a happy birthday to his holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference. "We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality and, importantly, to human dignity. We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come, " Price said. Tenzin Choesang, the president of Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, said he is seeking support from donors for a project of great benefit to all of humanity - building the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre. "Our vision – one that is supported and shared by the Dalai Lama – is to encourage genuine human interconnection and unity in an increasingly divided world. The Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will do this by creating a transformational hub of compassionate and humane education that is open to everyone, both in-person and online, " he said in a statement. According to the monastery, the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will span 9,240 square feet and will serve as a repository for all the work of the current and previous Dalai Lamas, and a place for study and exploration for the public, including students, scholars, spiritual, civic and business leaders, and practitioners of all faiths. The Learning Centre will be a physical space as well as a virtual destination (via its robust website) for people across North America and the world, offering free and low-cost programmes.

US greets Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday

<p>Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the UN&nbsp;atomic watchdog said on Tuesday, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon and that three European powers said threatened talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.<br />
<br />
Iran's steps, disclosed by the International Atomic Energy Agency,&nbsp;also drew criticism from the United States, which called them an 'unfortunate step backwards'. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Tehran said it is taking these steps to develop fuel for a research reactor.<br />
<br />
US&nbsp;and European officials made clear that Iran's decision would complicate, and potentially torpedo, indirect US-Iranian talks seeking to bring both nations back into compliance with the 2015 deal, which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump.<br />
<br />
The deal imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear programme to make it harder for Tehran to develop fissile material for nuclear weapons in return for the lifting of economic sanctions. After Trump withdrew, Iran began violating many of the restrictions.<br />
<br />
Tehran has already produced a small amount of uranium metal this year that was not enriched. That is a breach of the deal, which bans all work on uranium metal since it can be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb.<br />
<br />
"Today, Iran informed the Agency that UO2 (uranium oxide) enriched up to 20% U–235 would be shipped to the R&amp;D laboratory at the Fuel Fabrication Plant in Esfahan, where it would be converted to UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) and then to uranium metal enriched to 20% U–235, before using it to manufacture the fuel," an IAEA statement said.<br />
<br />
A confidential IAEA report said the agency had confirmed that Iran had taken steps to begin the process of producing enriched uranium metal.</p>

<p>Britain, France and Germany said on Tuesday they had 'grave concern' about Iran's decision, which violates the nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).<br />
<br />
"Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&amp;D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon," they said in a joint statement issued by Britain's foreign ministry.<br />
<br />
"With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations," they said, and urged Iran to return to the talks in the Austrian capital, which began in April and adjourned on June 20. No date has been set for a next round.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the UN atomic watchdog said on Tuesday, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon and that three European powers said threatened talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the UN atomic watchdog said on Tuesday, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon and that three European powers said threatened talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Iran's steps, disclosed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, also drew criticism from the United States, which called them an 'unfortunate step backwards'. Meanwhile, Tehran said it is taking these steps to develop fuel for a research reactor. US and European officials made clear that Iran's decision would complicate, and potentially torpedo, indirect US-Iranian talks seeking to bring both nations back into compliance with the 2015 deal, which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump. The deal imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear programme to make it harder for Tehran to develop fissile material for nuclear weapons in return for the lifting of economic sanctions. After Trump withdrew, Iran began violating many of the restrictions. Tehran has already produced a small amount of uranium metal this year that was not enriched. That is a breach of the deal, which bans all work on uranium metal since it can be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb. "Today, Iran informed the Agency that UO2 (uranium oxide) enriched up to 20% U–235 would be shipped to the R&D laboratory at the Fuel Fabrication Plant in Esfahan, where it would be converted to UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) and then to uranium metal enriched to 20% U–235, before using it to manufacture the fuel," an IAEA statement said. A confidential IAEA report said the agency had confirmed that Iran had taken steps to begin the process of producing enriched uranium metal. Britain, France and Germany said on Tuesday they had 'grave concern' about Iran's decision, which violates the nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon," they said in a joint statement issued by Britain's foreign ministry. "With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations," they said, and urged Iran to return to the talks in the Austrian capital, which began in April and adjourned on June 20. No date has been set for a next round. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran takes steps to make enriched uranium metal; US, Europe powers dismayed

Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal. Iran's decision drew criticism from the United States, which called them an 'unfortunate step backwards'.

Iran takes steps to make enriched Uranium metal, decision draws criticism

<p>Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on July 4 posted a video of himself waving American-flag waving while surfboard-riding. The video has created a stir on the internet. In the video, Zuckerberg can be seen gliding through the water while holding the US flag.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video gives a perfect Independence day vibe as in the background, one can hear John Denver's anthem to West Virginia, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" playing. The Facebook CEO appears to be riding an electric surfboard on an idyllic-looking lake.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Since uploaded, the video has gone viral with people sharing it all across social media. "This is some meme materials", wrote an Instagram user in the comment section. Another person wrote, "Here is Mark Zuckerberg proving he’s not just richer than you, he’s more patriotic".&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Zuckerberg " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f5285a7-83f4-4979-8ee3-6b0c8113add8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202021-07-06%20at%2010.31.25%20AM.png" /></p>

<p>Fouth of July&nbsp;is an American holiday celebrating independence.&nbsp;While July 4th was made a federal holiday only in 1941, the tradition actually goes back to 1776.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-why-fourth-of-july-is-a-big-thing-in-usa-395755"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explainer: Why Fourth of July is a big thing in USA</strong></a></p>

<p>On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress assembled and decided that the thirteen (13) American colonies are no longer subordinate to the Colonial British rulers and the then British Monarch, King George III.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, they voted in favour of independence and on 4th July 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to sign the historic 'Declaration of Independence'.</p>

<p>Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document was the first step towards the formation of the country we know today as the United States of America.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Made popular by&nbsp; Abraham Lincoln who used these words in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, these words from the declaration have come to represent the ethos of human rights.</p>


Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on July 4 posted a video of himself waving American-flag waving while surfboard-riding. The video has created a stir on the internet.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on July 4 posted a video of himself waving American-flag waving while surfboard-riding. The video has created a stir on the internet. In the video, Zuckerberg can be seen gliding through the water while holding the US flag. The video gives a perfect Independence day vibe as in the background, one can hear John Denver's anthem to West Virginia, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" playing. The Facebook CEO appears to be riding an electric surfboard on an idyllic-looking lake. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) × Since uploaded, the video has gone viral with people sharing it all across social media. "This is some meme materials", wrote an Instagram user in the comment section. Another person wrote, "Here is Mark Zuckerberg proving he’s not just richer than you, he’s more patriotic". Fouth of July is an American holiday celebrating independence. While July 4th was made a federal holiday only in 1941, the tradition actually goes back to 1776. Also read | Explainer: Why Fourth of July is a big thing in USA On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress assembled and decided that the thirteen (13) American colonies are no longer subordinate to the Colonial British rulers and the then British Monarch, King George III. So, they voted in favour of independence and on 4th July 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies came together to sign the historic 'Declaration of Independence'. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document was the first step towards the formation of the country we know today as the United States of America. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Made popular by Abraham Lincoln who used these words in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, these words from the declaration have come to represent the ethos of human rights.

Mark Zuckerberg's surfing video holding US flag creates stir on the internet

<p>President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support &nbsp;for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Under your leadership&nbsp;and in coalition with civil society leaders you are preserving those ideals of freedom democracy and sovereignty," Biden wrote in a letter addressed to Guaido and sent through the Office of Venezuelan Affairs in neighboring Colombia, an official in that office told AFP.</p>

<p>The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of Venezuela's independence, on July 5, 1811.</p>

<p>Biden said that Guaido is guiding his country "through a peaceful democratic transition of power."</p>

<p>Guaido is recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela's interim leader as head of the National Assembly after Maduro declared victory in 2018 elections widely decried as fraudulent.</p>

<p>The administration of former US president Donald Trump imposed severe financial sanctions on Venezuela and its national oil company PDVSA in an unsuccessful effort to oust the leftist as Venezuela has plunged deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-28-with-117-missing-396088"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing</strong></a></p>

<p>The United States and the European Union said in June, however, that they would be willing to renegotiate certain sanctions if the Venezuelans made strides toward "credible elections."</p>

<p>Guaido on Monday led rallies calling for new elections, after the main opposition parties boycotted the 2018 presidential election and the 2020 legislative elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maduro is totally opposed to the idea as gubernatorial and mayoral elections are coming up in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maduro on Friday accused the United States of plotting to assassinate him, rhetorically asking if Biden had approved a plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Has Joe Biden signed off on Donald Trump's orders to bring a civil war to Venezuela and to kill us? Yes or no? I'm asking," he said, referring to a visit by CIA director William Burns and SouthCom chief Craig Faller to Colombia and Brazil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington and Caracas broke off diplomatic relations in 2019 after the White House's recognition of Guaido's mandate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US embassy in Caracas is closed, with matters relating to the countries' relationship now handled at an office in Bogota.</p>


President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government. "Under your leadership and in coalition with civil society leaders you are preserving those ideals of freedom democracy and sovereignty," Biden wrote in a letter addressed to Guaido and sent through the Office of Venezuelan Affairs in neighboring Colombia, an official in that office told AFP. The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of Venezuela's independence, on July 5, 1811. Biden said that Guaido is guiding his country "through a peaceful democratic transition of power." Guaido is recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela's interim leader as head of the National Assembly after Maduro declared victory in 2018 elections widely decried as fraudulent. The administration of former US president Donald Trump imposed severe financial sanctions on Venezuela and its national oil company PDVSA in an unsuccessful effort to oust the leftist as Venezuela has plunged deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crisis. Also read | Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing The United States and the European Union said in June, however, that they would be willing to renegotiate certain sanctions if the Venezuelans made strides toward "credible elections." Guaido on Monday led rallies calling for new elections, after the main opposition parties boycotted the 2018 presidential election and the 2020 legislative elections. Maduro is totally opposed to the idea as gubernatorial and mayoral elections are coming up in November. Maduro on Friday accused the United States of plotting to assassinate him, rhetorically asking if Biden had approved a plan. "Has Joe Biden signed off on Donald Trump's orders to bring a civil war to Venezuela and to kill us? Yes or no? I'm asking," he said, referring to a visit by CIA director William Burns and SouthCom chief Craig Faller to Colombia and Brazil. Washington and Caracas broke off diplomatic relations in 2019 after the White House's recognition of Guaido's mandate. The US embassy in Caracas is closed, with matters relating to the countries' relationship now handled at an office in Bogota.

Biden reaffirms support for Venezuela opposition leader

<p>A drone was intercepted and shot down near the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad on Monday, without causing casualties, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters.<br />
<br />
The sources said the drone failed to reach the embassy compound.<br />
<br />
Earlier,&nbsp;a volley of rockets targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said.</p>

<p>The attack was&nbsp;the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm.</p>

<p>At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services.</p>

<p>A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission.</p>

<p>Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014.</p>

<p>Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds later.</p>

<p>On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years.</p>

<p>Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A drone was intercepted and shot down near the US embassy in Baghdad on Monday, without causing casualties, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters. The sources said the drone failed to reach the embassy compound.

A drone was intercepted and shot down near the US embassy in Baghdad on Monday, without causing casualties, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters. The sources said the drone failed to reach the embassy compound. Earlier, a volley of rockets targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said. The attack was the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm. At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services. A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission. Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness said. The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014. Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds later. On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years. Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone shot down near US embassy in Baghdad, no casualties: Security sources

<p>China’s cybersecurity watchdog suggested Didi Global Inc delay its initial public offering and urged it to review its network security, weeks before the Chinese ride-hailing giant went public, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.<br />
<br />
It isn’t known whether Didi carried out its own review, according to the WSJ report. But a person close to the company told the newspaper, the company ultimately decided to go ahead with the IPO as it faced increasing investor pressure for a big payout.<br />
<br />
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched the investigation into Didi on Friday, just two days after the company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, the agency ordered a suspension of app downloads for Didi after it found the company illegally collected personal user data.<br />
<br />
Didi said in a statement on Monday, it had no knowledge before its $4.4 billion listing that CAC would start to investigate the company and order its app to be taken down.<br />
<br />
Officials in Beijing, especially those at CAC, were wary of the ride-hailing giant’s troves of data potentially falling into foreign hands as a result of the greater public disclosure associated with a US&nbsp;listing, according to the WSJ report.<br />
<br />
Chinese internet regulators have tightened rules for the country's tech giants in recent years, asking companies to collect, store and handle key data properly.<br />
<br />
Didi, which offers services in China and more than 15 other markets, gathers vast amounts of real-time mobility data every day.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China’s cybersecurity watchdog suggested Didi Global Inc delay its initial public offering and urged it to review its network security, weeks before the Chinese ride-hailing giant went public, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

China’s cybersecurity watchdog suggested Didi Global Inc delay its initial public offering and urged it to review its network security, weeks before the Chinese ride-hailing giant went public, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. It isn’t known whether Didi carried out its own review, according to the WSJ report. But a person close to the company told the newspaper, the company ultimately decided to go ahead with the IPO as it faced increasing investor pressure for a big payout. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched the investigation into Didi on Friday, just two days after the company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. On Sunday, the agency ordered a suspension of app downloads for Didi after it found the company illegally collected personal user data. Didi said in a statement on Monday, it had no knowledge before its $4.4 billion listing that CAC would start to investigate the company and order its app to be taken down. Officials in Beijing, especially those at CAC, were wary of the ride-hailing giant’s troves of data potentially falling into foreign hands as a result of the greater public disclosure associated with a US listing, according to the WSJ report. Chinese internet regulators have tightened rules for the country's tech giants in recent years, asking companies to collect, store and handle key data properly. Didi, which offers services in China and more than 15 other markets, gathers vast amounts of real-time mobility data every day. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese regulators suggested ride-hailing giant Didi delay its US IPO: Report

<p>Police in USA's Georgia state were searching on Monday for a shooter after the person drove onto a golf course, killed an employee and fled, leaving two corpses in his pickup truck.</p>

<p>On&nbsp;Saturday (local time) five shots were heard on Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw a city 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta, according to a witness quoted by local channel WXIA</p>

<p>Police officials found body of one man who was later identified as club pro Eugene Siller, on a green. He had been shot in the head, police spokeswoman Shenise Barner told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.</p>

<p>The two men whose bodies were then found in the back of the truck were also gunshot victims, police said.&nbsp;<br />
Authorities did not elaborate on a possible motive.</p>

<p>Nearby Kennesaw State University issued an alert shortly after the shooting, warning of the possible presence of an "armed and dangerous" man.</p>

<p>The university later lifted the alert, saying there was "no credible threat to (the) campus."</p>

<p>The United States has a long and painful history of deadly gun violence, in the form of a steady daily toll of shootings as well as high-profile mass killings that have targeted schools, work places and shopping centers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Police in USA's Georgia state were searching on Monday for a shooter after the person drove onto a golf course, killed an employee and fled, leaving two corpses in his pickup truck.

Police in USA's Georgia state were searching on Monday for a shooter after the person drove onto a golf course, killed an employee and fled, leaving two corpses in his pickup truck. On Saturday (local time) five shots were heard on Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw a city 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta, according to a witness quoted by local channel WXIA Police officials found body of one man who was later identified as club pro Eugene Siller, on a green. He had been shot in the head, police spokeswoman Shenise Barner told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The two men whose bodies were then found in the back of the truck were also gunshot victims, police said. Authorities did not elaborate on a possible motive. Nearby Kennesaw State University issued an alert shortly after the shooting, warning of the possible presence of an "armed and dangerous" man. The university later lifted the alert, saying there was "no credible threat to (the) campus." The United States has a long and painful history of deadly gun violence, in the form of a steady daily toll of shootings as well as high-profile mass killings that have targeted schools, work places and shopping centers. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Police seek killer after 3 bodies at golf club

<p>Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he would discuss with his US&nbsp;counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday a plan for Turkey to operate and guard Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding there was no final decision yet.<br />
<br />
Ankara has offered to run and guard the airport after NATO's withdrawal, and has been in talks with allies, namely the United States, on financial, political and logistical support. Security of the airport is key for the operations of diplomatic missions out of Afghanistan after the withdrawal.<br />
<br />
Speaking to a group of reporters after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Akar said talks on the details of the mission were still underway, and that the airport must be operational so the Afghan government is not isolated from the world following the pullout.<br />
<br />
"From making certain decisions at the United Nations, NATO, to reaching an agreement with the Afghan government, as well as political, financial, and logistical support, we are in contact with various countries. Meanwhile, our talks with the Americans also continue," Akar said. "No final decision has been made yet, but our talks continue."<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he would discuss with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday a plan for Turkey to operate and guard Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding there was no final decision yet.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he would discuss with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday a plan for Turkey to operate and guard Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding there was no final decision yet. Ankara has offered to run and guard the airport after NATO's withdrawal, and has been in talks with allies, namely the United States, on financial, political and logistical support. Security of the airport is key for the operations of diplomatic missions out of Afghanistan after the withdrawal. Speaking to a group of reporters after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Akar said talks on the details of the mission were still underway, and that the airport must be operational so the Afghan government is not isolated from the world following the pullout. "From making certain decisions at the United Nations, NATO, to reaching an agreement with the Afghan government, as well as political, financial, and logistical support, we are in contact with various countries. Meanwhile, our talks with the Americans also continue," Akar said. "No final decision has been made yet, but our talks continue." (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish, US defence ministers to discuss Kabul airport plan on Wednesday

China’s cyberspace regulator ordered app stores to remove Didi Chuxing, dealing a major blow to a country's biggest ride-hailing firm that just days ago pulled off one of the largest US initial public offerings (IPOs) of the past decade.

World Business Watch: China blocks 'Didi' from app stores days after US IPO

The United States marked its 245th Independence day on July 4. Fireworks light up the sky above Washington DC. President Joe Biden threw a huge party to and hailed the country's effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

US celebrates 245th Independence day with fireworks and parades

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