UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. 
 
In a report to the UN&nbsp;Security Council, Guterres also urged the United States to 'extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects'. 
 
The 15-member council will on Tuesday discuss the secretary-general's biannual report on the implementation of a 2015 resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. 
 
Guterres' appeal to Washington comes amid talks to revive the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of many foreign sanctions against it. 
 
Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump abandoned the pact in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Tehran to start violating some of the nuclear limits in 2019. 
 
"I appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the plan," said Guterres, who also appealed to Iran to return to full implementation of the deal. 
 
Iran has refined uranium up to a purity of roughly 60%, far above the deal's limit of 3.67% and much closer to the 90% suitable for atom bomb cores, though it maintains that it seeks only civilian nuclear power and could quickly reverse its moves if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the 2015 deal. 
 
Guterres said: "I continue to believe that a full restoration of the Plan remains the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. In a report to the UN Security Council, Guterres also urged the United States to 'extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects'. The 15-member council will on Tuesday discuss the secretary-general's biannual report on the implementation of a 2015 resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. Guterres' appeal to Washington comes amid talks to revive the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of many foreign sanctions against it. Former US President Donald Trump abandoned the pact in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Tehran to start violating some of the nuclear limits in 2019. "I appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the plan," said Guterres, who also appealed to Iran to return to full implementation of the deal. Iran has refined uranium up to a purity of roughly 60%, far above the deal's limit of 3.67% and much closer to the 90% suitable for atom bomb cores, though it maintains that it seeks only civilian nuclear power and could quickly reverse its moves if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the 2015 deal. Guterres said: "I continue to believe that a full restoration of the Plan remains the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful."

UN chief urges US to remove Iran sanctions as agreed in 2015

The United States on Tuesday banned ticket sales for air travel to and from Belarus, acting after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident journalist aboard. 
 
The order is Washington's latest response to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's harsh crackdown against months of pro-democracy protests over his alleged rigging of an August 2020 election. The longtime ruler denies election fraud. 
 
The United States and the European Union have refused to recognise his victory and imposed sanctions against top Belarusian officials and other targets. 
 
In issuing the ban, the US&nbsp;Transportation Department said the State Department had determined that limiting travel between the United States and Belarus was in Washington's foreign policy interest following the diversion of the Ryanair flight. 
 
The order still would permit "the operation of any transportation deemed to be in the national interest of the United States, including on humanitarian or national security grounds," according to the text. 
 
It said the order would extend to 'interline' travel in which tickets are purchased through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines. 
 
The directive, under consideration for several weeks, is mostly symbolic since relatively few tickets are purchased for travel to Belarus from US-based travel services. 
 
It is open for public comment until July 1. 
 
After the May 23 forced landing of the Ryanair flight en route from Athens to Vilnius, the US&nbsp;government advised passenger airlines to use extreme caution when flying over Belarus. At the time, the United States stopped short of imposing any restrictions. 
 
The 'Notice to Airmen' does not apply to cargo carriers, such as United Parcel Service and Fedex Corp that fly over Belarus. 
 
United Airlines flies a route to India that sometimes is routed near Belarus, but no other US&nbsp;passenger carrier typically flies through the former Soviet republic's airspace.

The United States on Tuesday banned ticket sales for air travel to and from Belarus, acting after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident journalist aboard.

The United States on Tuesday banned ticket sales for air travel to and from Belarus, acting after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident journalist aboard. The order is Washington's latest response to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's harsh crackdown against months of pro-democracy protests over his alleged rigging of an August 2020 election. The longtime ruler denies election fraud. The United States and the European Union have refused to recognise his victory and imposed sanctions against top Belarusian officials and other targets. In issuing the ban, the US Transportation Department said the State Department had determined that limiting travel between the United States and Belarus was in Washington's foreign policy interest following the diversion of the Ryanair flight. The order still would permit "the operation of any transportation deemed to be in the national interest of the United States, including on humanitarian or national security grounds," according to the text. It said the order would extend to 'interline' travel in which tickets are purchased through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines. The directive, under consideration for several weeks, is mostly symbolic since relatively few tickets are purchased for travel to Belarus from US-based travel services. It is open for public comment until July 1. After the May 23 forced landing of the Ryanair flight en route from Athens to Vilnius, the US government advised passenger airlines to use extreme caution when flying over Belarus. At the time, the United States stopped short of imposing any restrictions. The 'Notice to Airmen' does not apply to cargo carriers, such as United Parcel Service and Fedex Corp that fly over Belarus. United Airlines flies a route to India that sometimes is routed near Belarus, but no other US passenger carrier typically flies through the former Soviet republic's airspace.

US bans ticket sales for passenger flights to Belarus

The US has announced an additional $41 million assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million.

In April and May, India struggled with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new cases.

Hospitals were reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

“India came to the assistance of the United States during this country’s time of need, and now the United States stands with the people of India as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on June 28.

USAID announced an additional $41 million in support to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for COVID-19 and future health emergencies.

USAID’s assistance will support access to COVID-19 testing, pandemic-related mental health services, timely referrals to medical services, and access to healthcare in remote areas, the independent agency of the U.S. federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance said.

Through this additional funding, USAID will continue to partner with India to strengthen healthcare supply chains and electronic health information systems, support its vaccination efforts, and mobilise and coordinate private sector relief, it said.

USAID has contributed more than $200 million for India’s COVID-19 relief and response efforts since the pandemic began, including more than $50 million in emergency supplies and training for more than 2,14,000 frontline health workers on infection prevention and control, benefiting more than 42 million Indians, according to a media release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tells-un-weekend-airstrikes-were-aimed-at-deterring-iran-394796">Also Read |&nbsp;US tells UN weekend airstrikes were aimed at deterring Iran</a>

The US is providing significant emergency assistance to the hardest-hit countries in South Asia, including India and Nepal, by allocating more than $300 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which President Joe Biden had signed on March 11.

In May, President Biden announced $100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India.

The US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for coronavirus-related efforts in India.

With record-breaking fundraising, the US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has shipped or en route nearly 120 ventilators and over 1,000 oxygen concentrators, a release said on June 3.

Also, India will be a significant recipient of the US vaccines after Mr. Biden announced details of his administration’s decision to send 25 million COVID-19 shots to countries across the globe.

India has been included in both the identified categories — direct supply to neighbours and partner countries, and under the COVAX initiative.

The US has announced an additional $41 million assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million.

The US has announced an additional $41 million assistance to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies, taking the total aid to more than $200 million. In April and May, India struggled with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new cases. Hospitals were reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. “India came to the assistance of the United States during this country’s time of need, and now the United States stands with the people of India as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on June 28. USAID announced an additional $41 million in support to help India respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the country’s preparedness for COVID-19 and future health emergencies. USAID’s assistance will support access to COVID-19 testing, pandemic-related mental health services, timely referrals to medical services, and access to healthcare in remote areas, the independent agency of the U.S. federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance said. Through this additional funding, USAID will continue to partner with India to strengthen healthcare supply chains and electronic health information systems, support its vaccination efforts, and mobilise and coordinate private sector relief, it said. USAID has contributed more than $200 million for India’s COVID-19 relief and response efforts since the pandemic began, including more than $50 million in emergency supplies and training for more than 2,14,000 frontline health workers on infection prevention and control, benefiting more than 42 million Indians, according to a media release. Also Read | US tells UN weekend airstrikes were aimed at deterring Iran The US is providing significant emergency assistance to the hardest-hit countries in South Asia, including India and Nepal, by allocating more than $300 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which President Joe Biden had signed on March 11. In May, President Biden announced $100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India. The US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million for coronavirus-related efforts in India. With record-breaking fundraising, the US-India Chambers of Commerce Foundation has shipped or en route nearly 120 ventilators and over 1,000 oxygen concentrators, a release said on June 3. Also, India will be a significant recipient of the US vaccines after Mr. Biden announced details of his administration’s decision to send 25 million COVID-19 shots to countries across the globe. India has been included in both the identified categories — direct supply to neighbours and partner countries, and under the COVAX initiative.

US announces $41 million additional COVID-19 assistance to India

The top US commander in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;Tuesday did not rule out conducting airstrikes against the Taliban if they pressed on with their campaign of capturing new territory across the violence-wracked country.

Fighting has surged across the rugged countryside since early May when the US military began its final withdrawal of troops, with the Taliban claiming to have recently captured more than 100 of the over 400 districts across&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"What I like to see is no airstrikes, but to get to no airstrikes, you stop all violence," General Scott Miller told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday, according to video footage obtained by AFP from US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

"The best way to stop those, and I have actually told the Taliban this, is stop the offensive operations and air strikes," he said, insisting that the US military still has the firepower to conduct airstrikes against the insurgents even as it continues the withdrawal.

The remaining US troops are expected to be out by the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war.

The Taliban's claims of capturing districts are often disputed by government officials and are difficult to independently verify.

But experts say one of the main reasons the Taliban has been able to capture scores of new districts in recent weeks is the lack of US air support to Afghan ground forces fighting across rural terrains.

Miller, who is soon to transition to another commander, acknowledged that any loss of territory has an impact on the overall security in the country.

"Because districts start representing key terrain as it relates to the security of the people, of the provincial capitals and certainly security of the capital," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-of-hong-kong-security-law-crackdown-on-people-and-the-press-394849">Also Read |&nbsp;A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press</a>

The Taliban recently captured a key border crossing with Tajikistan in the north along with other districts surrounding the city of Kunduz, effectively laying a siege to the city.

The insurgents have also encircled almost all major cities in the country, raising fears that they would also make a military push to capture Kabul after the US and NATO forces leave.

"A military takeover is not in the interest of anyone, certainly not for the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan," Miller said, adding that the overall security situation was "not good".

"That's something that's recognised by the Afghan security forces and they are making the appropriate adjustments as we move forward," he said.

Faced with the Taliban's blistering assault, the Afghan interior ministry said Tuesday it has created a 4,000 member "rapid reaction force" to be led by retired army generals who would fight the Taliban along with regular security forces.

The top US commander in Afghanistan Tuesday did not rule out conducting airstrikes against the Taliban if they pressed on with their campaign of capturing new territory across the violence-wracked country.

The top US commander in Afghanistan Tuesday did not rule out conducting airstrikes against the Taliban if they pressed on with their campaign of capturing new territory across the violence-wracked country. Fighting has surged across the rugged countryside since early May when the US military began its final withdrawal of troops, with the Taliban claiming to have recently captured more than 100 of the over 400 districts across Afghanistan. "What I like to see is no airstrikes, but to get to no airstrikes, you stop all violence," General Scott Miller told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday, according to video footage obtained by AFP from US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "The best way to stop those, and I have actually told the Taliban this, is stop the offensive operations and air strikes," he said, insisting that the US military still has the firepower to conduct airstrikes against the insurgents even as it continues the withdrawal. The remaining US troops are expected to be out by the September 11 deadline announced by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war. The Taliban's claims of capturing districts are often disputed by government officials and are difficult to independently verify. But experts say one of the main reasons the Taliban has been able to capture scores of new districts in recent weeks is the lack of US air support to Afghan ground forces fighting across rural terrains. Miller, who is soon to transition to another commander, acknowledged that any loss of territory has an impact on the overall security in the country. "Because districts start representing key terrain as it relates to the security of the people, of the provincial capitals and certainly security of the capital," he said. Also Read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press The Taliban recently captured a key border crossing with Tajikistan in the north along with other districts surrounding the city of Kunduz, effectively laying a siege to the city. The insurgents have also encircled almost all major cities in the country, raising fears that they would also make a military push to capture Kabul after the US and NATO forces leave. "A military takeover is not in the interest of anyone, certainly not for the people of Afghanistan," Miller said, adding that the overall security situation was "not good". "That's something that's recognised by the Afghan security forces and they are making the appropriate adjustments as we move forward," he said. Faced with the Taliban's blistering assault, the Afghan interior ministry said Tuesday it has created a 4,000 member "rapid reaction force" to be led by retired army generals who would fight the Taliban along with regular security forces.

US commmander warns Taliban to stop Afghan offensive or face air strikes

The US&nbsp;military appears just days away from completing its withdrawal from Afghanistan, well ahead of the September&nbsp;11 deadline set by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. 
 
The withdrawal of troops and equipment from Afghanistan would not include forces that will remain to protect diplomats at the US&nbsp;embassy and potentially assist securing Kabul airport. 
 
US&nbsp;officials have told Reuters that embassy presence could be around 650 troops. 
 
The US military stopped publicly detailing the pace of its withdrawal after it was more than 50 per cent complete earlier in June. 
 
The disclosure of the brisk pace of the US&nbsp;withdrawal comes as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country. The Pentagon now estimates the Taliban control 81 of the country's 419 district centers. 
 
Peace talks in Qatar, meanwhile, have failed to make significant progress. 
 
The Pentagon said earlier on Tuesday that the US&nbsp;withdrawal would not necessarily signify the end of NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, but referred further queries to NATO. 
 
The withdraw of US-led NATO forces has raised concerns that the country could erupt in full-scale civil war, potentially providing al Qaeda space in which to rebuild and plan new attacks on US&nbsp;and other targets. 
 
A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban denies al Qaeda has a presence in Afghanistan. 
 
US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected on Wednesday to meet his Germany counterpart at the Pentagon. Germany, which had the second largest contingent of troops after the United States in Afghanistan, announced on Tuesday that it had concluded its withdrawal from Afghanistan. 
 
It was unclear if the pace of the US&nbsp;withdrawal would still allow first for a planned evacuation of thousands of vulnerable Afghan interpreters and their families, something that had been expected before the US&nbsp;pullout.

The US military appears just days away from completing its withdrawal from Afghanistan, well ahead of the September 11 deadline set by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war, US officials told Reuters on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The US military appears just days away from completing its withdrawal from Afghanistan, well ahead of the September 11 deadline set by President Joe Biden to end America's longest war, US officials told Reuters on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The withdrawal of troops and equipment from Afghanistan would not include forces that will remain to protect diplomats at the US embassy and potentially assist securing Kabul airport. US officials have told Reuters that embassy presence could be around 650 troops. The US military stopped publicly detailing the pace of its withdrawal after it was more than 50 per cent complete earlier in June. The disclosure of the brisk pace of the US withdrawal comes as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country. The Pentagon now estimates the Taliban control 81 of the country's 419 district centers. Peace talks in Qatar, meanwhile, have failed to make significant progress. The Pentagon said earlier on Tuesday that the US withdrawal would not necessarily signify the end of NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, but referred further queries to NATO. The withdraw of US-led NATO forces has raised concerns that the country could erupt in full-scale civil war, potentially providing al Qaeda space in which to rebuild and plan new attacks on US and other targets. A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban denies al Qaeda has a presence in Afghanistan. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected on Wednesday to meet his Germany counterpart at the Pentagon. Germany, which had the second largest contingent of troops after the United States in Afghanistan, announced on Tuesday that it had concluded its withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was unclear if the pace of the US withdrawal would still allow first for a planned evacuation of thousands of vulnerable Afghan interpreters and their families, something that had been expected before the US pullout.

US military days away from completing Afghan withdrawal: Sources

Australia said it has teamed up with the United States and Canada to launch an interactive map of deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals that are expected to be in hot demand as the world moves to cleaner forms of energy. 
 
The map contains the world’s largest dataset of minerals, such cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements and has more than 7,000 mineral samples from over 60 countries, which could help identify new areas of critical minerals. 
 
The data can be used by governments to identify options to diversify their critical minerals sources and by companies to better target their exploration strategies, Keith Pitt, the minister for resources, water and northern Australia, said in a statement. 
 
"While Australia is known across the world for its rich gold and iron ore deposits, our country also has an abundance of critical minerals, which are key to everything from iPhones to fighter jets," he added. 
 
China is the dominant supplier of rare earths, which are used in electric vehicle batteries, a wide range of consumer products as well as satellites and lasers. Western governments have been keen to diversify procurement amid trade and political tensions with Beijing. 
 
The United States said this month, it would work with allies to secure the minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and process them domestically. 
 
The dataset was compiled by Geoscience Australia, the Geological Survey of Canada and the United States Geological Survey. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Australia said it has teamed up with the United States and Canada to launch an interactive map of deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals that are expected to be in hot demand as the world moves to cleaner forms of energy.

Australia said it has teamed up with the United States and Canada to launch an interactive map of deposits of rare earths and other critical minerals that are expected to be in hot demand as the world moves to cleaner forms of energy. The map contains the world’s largest dataset of minerals, such cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements and has more than 7,000 mineral samples from over 60 countries, which could help identify new areas of critical minerals. The data can be used by governments to identify options to diversify their critical minerals sources and by companies to better target their exploration strategies, Keith Pitt, the minister for resources, water and northern Australia, said in a statement. "While Australia is known across the world for its rich gold and iron ore deposits, our country also has an abundance of critical minerals, which are key to everything from iPhones to fighter jets," he added. China is the dominant supplier of rare earths, which are used in electric vehicle batteries, a wide range of consumer products as well as satellites and lasers. Western governments have been keen to diversify procurement amid trade and political tensions with Beijing. The United States said this month, it would work with allies to secure the minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and process them domestically. The dataset was compiled by Geoscience Australia, the Geological Survey of Canada and the United States Geological Survey. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia, US and Canada launch interactive map for critical minerals

US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans said on Monday they opposed Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, meaning the panel will likely advance the bill this week with only Democratic support. 
 
A spokesperson for Representative Michael McCaul, the top committee Republican, said he opposed the 'Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act',&nbsp;or Eagle Act, which the committee will consider on Wednesday. 
 
The desire for a hard line in dealings with China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided US&nbsp;Congress, which is narrowly controlled by President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats. 
 
However, the two parties disagree on how best to deal with China. For example, Republicans object to provisions in the Eagle Act that would authorise funding for climate initiatives. 
 
But Republicans also said they felt the Eagle Act calls for too many studies and would be a missed opportunity to take meaningful action like tightening control of technology exports and regulating access to some types of sensitive personal data, such as Americans' health information. 
 
"It's largely just a messaging bill," a Republican aide said. 
 
The Eagle Act was introduced in May by Democratic Foreign Affairs Chairman Gregory Meeks. 
 
The Senate on June 8 passed by a strong bipartisan 68-32 majority its own sweeping China bill, the "US&nbsp;Innovation and Competition Act," or USICA, which authorises about $190 billion for provisions to strengthen US&nbsp;technology and research, and approved $54 billion to increase US&nbsp;production and research into semiconductors and telecommunications equipment. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans said on Monday they opposed Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, meaning the panel will likely advance the bill this week with only Democratic support.

US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans said on Monday they opposed Democratic-led legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China and push Beijing on human rights, meaning the panel will likely advance the bill this week with only Democratic support. A spokesperson for Representative Michael McCaul, the top committee Republican, said he opposed the 'Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act', or Eagle Act, which the committee will consider on Wednesday. The desire for a hard line in dealings with China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the deeply divided US Congress, which is narrowly controlled by President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats. However, the two parties disagree on how best to deal with China. For example, Republicans object to provisions in the Eagle Act that would authorise funding for climate initiatives. But Republicans also said they felt the Eagle Act calls for too many studies and would be a missed opportunity to take meaningful action like tightening control of technology exports and regulating access to some types of sensitive personal data, such as Americans' health information. "It's largely just a messaging bill," a Republican aide said. The Eagle Act was introduced in May by Democratic Foreign Affairs Chairman Gregory Meeks. The Senate on June 8 passed by a strong bipartisan 68-32 majority its own sweeping China bill, the "US Innovation and Competition Act," or USICA, which authorises about $190 billion for provisions to strengthen US technology and research, and approved $54 billion to increase US production and research into semiconductors and telecommunications equipment. (With inputs from agencies)

US House Republicans oppose Democratic-led China bill

US military spokesperson Colonel Wayne Marotto has said that American forces in Syria launched “self-defence” artillery attacks on Monday after being hit by a barrage of missiles.

The exchange of fire came a day after the Pentagon launched three strikes in eastern Syria and western Iraq, which it claimed were directed at pro-Iran militants.

The attack on Monday evening resulted in no injuries, according to a US military spokesman.

This is a vital and strategic location, and US forces supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces have a base here.

"US Forces in Syria, while under multiple rocket attack, acted in self-defence and conducted counter-battery artillery fire at rocket launching positions," wrote Colonel Wayne Marotto, the spokesperson for the US-led Coalition to defeat ISIS.

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Initial report: At approx. 7:44 PM local time, U.S. Forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. We will provide updates when we have more information.
— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) <a href="https://twitter.com/OIRSpox/status/1409596661698117632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“There are no injuries and damage is being assessed,” Marotto wrote.

Footage broadcast by Syrian state news agency SANA shows rockets allegedly being fired towards a US military base at the Al-Omar oil field in eastern Syria's Deir Ezzor province. 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-carries-out-air-strikes-in-iraq-and-syria-target-iran-backed-militia-groups-394356/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

SANA did not say who was behind the rocket fire, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed it on pro-Iranian militias. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-drones-with-7000-km-range-says-irans-top-commander-394311">We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander</a>

The development came less than 24 hours after the US launched airstrikes against three targets it said were used by pro-Iran groups in eastern Syria and western Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)

US military spokesperson Colonel Wayne Marotto has said that American forces in Syria launched “self-defence” artillery attacks on Monday after being hit by a barrage of missiles.

US military spokesperson Colonel Wayne Marotto has said that American forces in Syria launched “self-defence” artillery attacks on Monday after being hit by a barrage of missiles. The exchange of fire came a day after the Pentagon launched three strikes in eastern Syria and western Iraq, which it claimed were directed at pro-Iran militants. The attack on Monday evening resulted in no injuries, according to a US military spokesman. This is a vital and strategic location, and US forces supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces have a base here. "US Forces in Syria, while under multiple rocket attack, acted in self-defence and conducted counter-battery artillery fire at rocket launching positions," wrote Colonel Wayne Marotto, the spokesperson for the US-led Coalition to defeat ISIS. Initial report: At approx. 7:44 PM local time, U.S. Forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. We will provide updates when we have more information. — OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) June 28, 2021 × “There are no injuries and damage is being assessed,” Marotto wrote. Footage broadcast by Syrian state news agency SANA shows rockets allegedly being fired towards a US military base at the Al-Omar oil field in eastern Syria's Deir Ezzor province. Watch: SANA did not say who was behind the rocket fire, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights blamed it on pro-Iranian militias. Also Read | We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander The development came less than 24 hours after the US launched airstrikes against three targets it said were used by pro-Iran groups in eastern Syria and western Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria

More than 100 people gathered for a beach vigil Monday night to commemorate victims and those still missing after last week’s condo collapse near Miami.

Family members, friends and residents sat cross-legged in the sand, holding glow-in-the-dark candle sticks and white roses as the sound of waves filled the air. People remained mostly silent as they grieved at the end of the fifth day of a harrowing search for survivors. Hopes have been dimming and frustration has built around the slow pace of rescue efforts.

A half-circle formed around Michelle Cash and her husband, Rich Gausman, who led a “sound healing” session on the beach behind the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. “Hope” was spelled in the nearby sand with wet seaweed and candlesticks.

As the session went on, people wiped away tears. Others clasped their hands in prayer. A cool breeze offered reprieve from the sweltering heat.

“The pain, the suffering that has been going on in this community will never be understood. Days will pass, months will pass, America, the world will forget about this,” said Leo Soto, 26, who started a makeshift memorial wall near the collapse site. “We have to live through this. We’ll never forget about this.”

Naomi Romo and Alfredo Garcia of Miami brought three bouquets of flowers to the vigil. Romo was in the same graduating class as Nicky Langesfeld, who lived in Unit 804 and is among those missing. Although Romo said she did not know Langesfeld well, she often passed her in the hallway when they both attended Ronald W. Reagan Doral Senior High School.

“It’s a person that you grew up seeing. I’ve seen her since middle school,” said Romo, a 25-year-old therapist. “Everything has been a shock. I’m just here to give any kind of support that I can offer.”

More than 100 people gathered for a beach vigil Monday night to commemorate victims and those still missing after last week’s condo collapse near Miami. Family members, friends and residents sat cross-legged in the sand, holding glow-in-the-dark candle sticks and white roses as the sound of waves filled the air.

More than 100 people gathered for a beach vigil Monday night to commemorate victims and those still missing after last week’s condo collapse near Miami. Family members, friends and residents sat cross-legged in the sand, holding glow-in-the-dark candle sticks and white roses as the sound of waves filled the air. People remained mostly silent as they grieved at the end of the fifth day of a harrowing search for survivors. Hopes have been dimming and frustration has built around the slow pace of rescue efforts. A half-circle formed around Michelle Cash and her husband, Rich Gausman, who led a “sound healing” session on the beach behind the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. “Hope” was spelled in the nearby sand with wet seaweed and candlesticks. As the session went on, people wiped away tears. Others clasped their hands in prayer. A cool breeze offered reprieve from the sweltering heat. “The pain, the suffering that has been going on in this community will never be understood. Days will pass, months will pass, America, the world will forget about this,” said Leo Soto, 26, who started a makeshift memorial wall near the collapse site. “We have to live through this. We’ll never forget about this.” Naomi Romo and Alfredo Garcia of Miami brought three bouquets of flowers to the vigil. Romo was in the same graduating class as Nicky Langesfeld, who lived in Unit 804 and is among those missing. Although Romo said she did not know Langesfeld well, she often passed her in the hallway when they both attended Ronald W. Reagan Doral Senior High School. “It’s a person that you grew up seeing. I’ve seen her since middle school,” said Romo, a 25-year-old therapist. “Everything has been a shock. I’m just here to give any kind of support that I can offer.”

Victims and those missing in condo collapse are remembered at a beach vigil

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday. 
 
The Sea Breeze military drills follow a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident.

In the military exercise in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine, more than&nbsp;30 countries are taking part, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills.

Russia says Crimea is its territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.

Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security.

Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part.

Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations.

Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine.

Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russia checked the readiness of its air defence system in Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Ukraine and NATO countries held military drills in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday. The Sea Breeze military drills follow a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. In the military exercise in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine, more than 30 countries are taking part, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. Russia says Crimea is its territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part. Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia checks Crimea air defence system as Ukraine, US start Black Sea drills: Interfax

The United States hopes for more stable and profitable relations with Russia but if the latter continues to 'attack', then Washington will respond, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a newspaper interview published on Tuesday. 
 
"If Russia continues to attack us, or to act as it did with the SolarWind attacks, the intrusions into our elections and the aggression against Navalny, then we will respond," he told Italian daily La Repubblica. 
 
Blinken, who was in Rome for a meeting on international efforts to combat Islamist militia, was referring to cyberattacks and the role of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-us-to-start-black-sea-military-drills-despite-russian-protest-394463">Ukraine, US to start Black Sea military drills despite Russian protest</a> 
 
Earlier this month, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Geneva that certain critical infrastructure should be 'off-limits' to cyberattacks. 
 
China was 'the most complicated'&nbsp;when it came to relations, Blinken added, but said the United States respected the different relations countries had with China and that it would not ask any of them to choose between the two countries, a Reuters report said. 
 
"It is, however, true that when we deal with China, as an opponent, a rival or a partner, we are much more effective if we act together," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-test-fires-new-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-report-394503">Russia test-fires new intercontinental ballistic missile: Report</a> 
 
Blinken also said that Italy had made important efforts in drafting legislation aimed at protecting its 5G network from 'unreliable sellers' and that it should continue to carry out checks should investments from other countries arrive. 
 
The United States has lobbied Italy and other European allies to avoid using equipment made by Huawei in their next- generation networks, saying the Chinese company could pose a security risk. Huawei has rejected the accusations. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States hopes for more stable and profitable relations with Russia but if the latter continues to 'attack', then Washington will respond, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a newspaper interview published on Tuesday.

The United States hopes for more stable and profitable relations with Russia but if the latter continues to 'attack', then Washington will respond, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a newspaper interview published on Tuesday. "If Russia continues to attack us, or to act as it did with the SolarWind attacks, the intrusions into our elections and the aggression against Navalny, then we will respond," he told Italian daily La Repubblica. Blinken, who was in Rome for a meeting on international efforts to combat Islamist militia, was referring to cyberattacks and the role of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Also Read: Ukraine, US to start Black Sea military drills despite Russian protest Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Geneva that certain critical infrastructure should be 'off-limits' to cyberattacks. China was 'the most complicated' when it came to relations, Blinken added, but said the United States respected the different relations countries had with China and that it would not ask any of them to choose between the two countries, a Reuters report said. "It is, however, true that when we deal with China, as an opponent, a rival or a partner, we are much more effective if we act together," he added. Also Read: Russia test-fires new intercontinental ballistic missile: Report Blinken also said that Italy had made important efforts in drafting legislation aimed at protecting its 5G network from 'unreliable sellers' and that it should continue to carry out checks should investments from other countries arrive. The United States has lobbied Italy and other European allies to avoid using equipment made by Huawei in their next- generation networks, saying the Chinese company could pose a security risk. Huawei has rejected the accusations. (With inputs from agencies)

US eyes more stable, profitable ties with Russia, Blinken tells paper

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday.

The first match on Centre Court since Djokovic's nailbiting victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 final -- 716 days ago -- was a classic David versus Goliath clash.

And while there was to be no dream Grand Slam debut for 19-year-old Draper, the match proved the perfect way to bring Centre Court back to life after it's enforced silence.

Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 253 Draper, but looked a little stunned as he struggled to find his footing on the greasy turf and contain the fearless hitting of the Briton.

Grand Slam main draw debutant Draper broke serve in the third game and made a mockery of his inexperience to win the opening set to huge roars from the crowd.

Twice Djokovic found himself on his backside in the first set and with the roof closed because of the rain that delayed play on the outside courts, the stage looked perfect for a Wimbledon shock of monumental proportions.

But Djokovic is not a 19-times Grand Slam champion for nothing and the Serb quickly snuffed out the danger, levelling the match by dominating a 26-minute second set.

When Draper completely missed an overhead to drop serve in the second set, Djokovic roared in relief.

From that point on it was straightforward enough for Djokovic who looked immaculate as he completed his victory.

"It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world," Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court.

"It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back."

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday. The first match on Centre Court since Djokovic's nailbiting victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 final -- 716 days ago -- was a classic David versus Goliath clash. And while there was to be no dream Grand Slam debut for 19-year-old Draper, the match proved the perfect way to bring Centre Court back to life after it's enforced silence. Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 253 Draper, but looked a little stunned as he struggled to find his footing on the greasy turf and contain the fearless hitting of the Briton. Grand Slam main draw debutant Draper broke serve in the third game and made a mockery of his inexperience to win the opening set to huge roars from the crowd. Twice Djokovic found himself on his backside in the first set and with the roof closed because of the rain that delayed play on the outside courts, the stage looked perfect for a Wimbledon shock of monumental proportions. But Djokovic is not a 19-times Grand Slam champion for nothing and the Serb quickly snuffed out the danger, levelling the match by dominating a 26-minute second set. When Draper completely missed an overhead to drop serve in the second set, Djokovic roared in relief. From that point on it was straightforward enough for Djokovic who looked immaculate as he completed his victory. "It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world," Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court. "It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back."

Top 10 World News: Iraq lashes out at US, Russia tests new missile, more

Republic Day Parade 2024: We are only days away from celebrating India’s 75th Republic Day. Indians all over the country are pumped up to watch the annual grand parade in New Delhi. Our men and women in uniforms are also braving the chilly weather and practising for the show&nbsp;on the capital’s iconic Kartavya Path.

As the ritual of the day always has been since 1950 to invite the head of state of a foreign country as chief guest, this year India has invited France’s President Emmanuel Macron to grace the Republic Day parade with his presence.&nbsp;

The invitation to Macron is not just for pomp and show but has underlying geopolitical meaning to it.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-dark-ages-in-south-asia-2800-year-old-settlement-discovered-in-pm-modis-hometown-vadnagar-680744">No 'Dark Ages' in South Asia? 2800-year-old settlement discovered in PM Modi's hometown Vadnagar</a>

As we all wait for the day to watch tricolour balloons in the blue sky of New Delhi with the roaring sounds of Tejas and Sukhoi aircraft, here is a complete guide on buying tickets to the Republic Day Parade 2024.

<h2>Republic Day Parade 2024: Time and other details</h2>

Date: January 26

Day: Friday

Time of parade: 9:30-10:00 am

Parade path: Vijay Chowk to India Gate&nbsp;

Parade distance: 5 km

Venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi&nbsp;

<h2>Republic Day Parade 2024: Special features&nbsp;</h2>

This Republic Day, there will be two all-women contingents in the parade. The first, with 144 personnel, includes 60 soldiers from the Army and the rest from the Indian Air Force and Navy, featuring Agniveer soldiers.&nbsp;

The second contingent, led by women doctors, consists of nurses from the Armed Forces Medical Services.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-panic-indian-airlines-slipped-this-note-to-passenger-stuck-in-loo-for-entire-trip-680766">'Do not panic': Indian airlines slipped THIS note to passenger stuck in loo&nbsp;for entire trip</a>

Delhi Police will also feature an all-women contingent this year, for the first time in the force’s history.

<h2>Republic Day Parade 2024: Ticket prices</h2>

Indian nationals can take reserved or unreserved sets that are priced at ₹500 or ₹20 respectively. However, the booking for tickets started on January 10. The tickets will be available until January 25 but a limited number of tickets will be available per day.

<h2>Republic Day Parade 2024: How to buy tickets online, a step-to-step guide</h2>

1. Visit the Ministry of Defence’s official web portal at www.aamantran.mod.gov.in.

2. Login or create a new account.&nbsp;

3. Fill in personal details such as name, birthdate, mobile number, etc. Verify the authentication code sent to the registered mobile number (OTP).

4. Choose the desired event from the options that include the FDR Republic Day Parade, Republic Day Parade, and Beating the Retreat.&nbsp;

5. For verification purposes, provide attendee information and upload an original Photo ID.

6. Secure tickets by completing the online payment process.

<h2>Republic Day Parade 2024: How to buy tickets offline</h2>

Offline tickets will be available at IDTC Travel Counters, the Government of India Tourist Office and DTDC Counters.

Moreover, Departmental Sale Counters will sell the tickets from 10 am to 5:30 pm daily while the Parliament House Reception Office will sell the tickets from 11 am to 4 pm.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-vegetarian-man-served-dead-rat-at-mumbais-barbeque-nation-files-fir-over-companys-casual-response-680889">India: Vegetarian man 'served' dead rat at Mumbai's Barbeque Nation; files FIR over company's casual response</a>

The Government of India Tourist Office will remain closed on Sundays while the Parliament House Reception Office will remain closed on weekends and holidays.

1.&nbsp;Visit an authorised offline outlet or designated ticket counter for Republic Day events.

2.&nbsp;Provide identity proof and fill out a physical form with personal details including name, birth date, mobile number, etc.

3.&nbsp;Choose the desired event from the options that include FDR Republic Day Parade, Republic Day Parade, Beating the Retreat

4.&nbsp;For verification purposes, provide attendee information and provide a photocopy of the original Photo ID.

5.&nbsp;Secure tickets by completing the payment process,

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Republic Day Parade 2024: We are only days away from celebrating India’s 75th Republic Day. Indians all over the country are pumped up to watch the annual grand parade in New Delhi.

Republic Day Parade 2024: We are only days away from celebrating India’s 75th Republic Day. Indians all over the country are pumped up to watch the annual grand parade in New Delhi. Our men and women in uniforms are also braving the chilly weather and practising for the show on the capital’s iconic Kartavya Path. As the ritual of the day always has been since 1950 to invite the head of state of a foreign country as chief guest, this year India has invited France’s President Emmanuel Macron to grace the Republic Day parade with his presence. The invitation to Macron is not just for pomp and show but has underlying geopolitical meaning to it. Also Read | No 'Dark Ages' in South Asia? 2800-year-old settlement discovered in PM Modi's hometown Vadnagar As we all wait for the day to watch tricolour balloons in the blue sky of New Delhi with the roaring sounds of Tejas and Sukhoi aircraft, here is a complete guide on buying tickets to the Republic Day Parade 2024. Republic Day Parade 2024: Time and other details Date: January 26 Day: Friday Time of parade: 9:30-10:00 am Parade path: Vijay Chowk to India Gate Parade distance: 5 km Venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi Republic Day Parade 2024: Special features This Republic Day, there will be two all-women contingents in the parade. The first, with 144 personnel, includes 60 soldiers from the Army and the rest from the Indian Air Force and Navy, featuring Agniveer soldiers. The second contingent, led by women doctors, consists of nurses from the Armed Forces Medical Services. Also Read | 'Do not panic': Indian airlines slipped THIS note to passenger stuck in loo for entire trip Delhi Police will also feature an all-women contingent this year, for the first time in the force’s history. Republic Day Parade 2024: Ticket prices Indian nationals can take reserved or unreserved sets that are priced at ₹500 or ₹20 respectively. However, the booking for tickets started on January 10. The tickets will be available until January 25 but a limited number of tickets will be available per day. Republic Day Parade 2024: How to buy tickets online, a step-to-step guide 1. Visit the Ministry of Defence’s official web portal at www.aamantran.mod.gov.in. 2. Login or create a new account. 3. Fill in personal details such as name, birthdate, mobile number, etc. Verify the authentication code sent to the registered mobile number (OTP). 4. Choose the desired event from the options that include the FDR Republic Day Parade, Republic Day Parade, and Beating the Retreat. 5. For verification purposes, provide attendee information and upload an original Photo ID. 6. Secure tickets by completing the online payment process. Republic Day Parade 2024: How to buy tickets offline Offline tickets will be available at IDTC Travel Counters, the Government of India Tourist Office and DTDC Counters. Moreover, Departmental Sale Counters will sell the tickets from 10 am to 5:30 pm daily while the Parliament House Reception Office will sell the tickets from 11 am to 4 pm. Also Read | India: Vegetarian man 'served' dead rat at Mumbai's Barbeque Nation; files FIR over company's casual response The Government of India Tourist Office will remain closed on Sundays while the Parliament House Reception Office will remain closed on weekends and holidays. 1. Visit an authorised offline outlet or designated ticket counter for Republic Day events. 2. Provide identity proof and fill out a physical form with personal details including name, birth date, mobile number, etc. 3. Choose the desired event from the options that include FDR Republic Day Parade, Republic Day Parade, Beating the Retreat 4. For verification purposes, provide attendee information and provide a photocopy of the original Photo ID. 5. Secure tickets by completing the payment process, (With inputs from agencies)

US carries out air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria 

The United States Air Force (USAF) attacks on eastern Syria near the Iraqi border killed at least five Iran-backed militia fighters on Monday. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, "at least 5 Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters were killed and numerous more were wounded in an attack by US bombers.

The United States Air Force (USAF) attacks on eastern Syria near the Iraqi border killed at least five Iran-backed militia fighters on Monday. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, "at least 5 Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters were killed and numerous more were wounded in an attack by US bombers." According to the US Department of Defence, US combat aircraft have hit Iranian-backed insurgents' positions in the Syrian-Iraqi border region. Watch: The war monitor also confirmed the news that military positions were among the targets attacked. The strikes are the second such US attack on Iran-backed militias in Syria since President Joe Biden came to power, according to the Pentagon. Also Read | We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander "At President Biden's direction, US military forces earlier this evening conducted defensive precision airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region. The targets were selected because these facilities are utilized by Iran-backed militias that are engaged in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq," the Pentagon said in a statement late on Sunday. Also read: Secret UK defence documents found at a bus stop in Kent "Specifically, the US strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one location in Iraq, both of which lie close to the border between those countries. Several Iran-backed militia groups, including Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH) and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), used these facilities," the statement added. In recent months, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly attacked, with the US regularly blaming Iran-linked Iraqi militias for rocket and other assaults against US forces stationed in Iraq. According to the Observatory, US strikes on facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in east Syria killed more than 20 combatants in February. The strikes were in response for a rocket attack in Iraq that killed one civilian contractor and injured a US military member and other coalition troops, according to the Pentagon. (With inputs from agencies)

Five militia fighters killed in US strikes near Syria-Iraq border

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that 10,000 Islamic State fighters continue to be held in detention in camps run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and that this situation was 'untenable'. 
 
Speaking at the opening of a meeting in Rome to renew international efforts to combat the Islamist militia, Blinken said Washington continued to urge countries, including the 78 member countries of the coalition against Islamic State, to take back their citizens, who had joined the group. 
 
"This situation is simply untenable. It just can't persist indefinitely. The United States continues to urge countries of origin, including coalition partners, to repatriate, rehabilitate, and where applicable, prosecute their citizens," Blinken said in his opening remarks. 
 
Another key element of defeating Islamic State on a permanent basis required addressing the threats from the group outside Iraq and Syria, and namely in Africa, Blinken said. 
 
Originally an offshoot of al Qaeda, Islamic State seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria from 2014, imposing a reign of terror with public beheadings and attacks by supporters abroad. 
 
Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in 2017 but has since waged a steady insurgency across parts of northern Iraq and a porous border with neighbouring Syria. 
 
Recent months have witnessed more than 25 deadly attacks that Iraqi officials attribute to Islamic State militants. The January bombing of a crowded Baghdad market killed more than 30 people. 
 
Militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have also grown stronger in recent years, despite the deployment of thousands of regional, Western and UN&nbsp;troops across West Africa's Sahel region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that 10,000 Islamic State fighters continue to be held in detention in camps run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and that this situation was 'untenable'.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that 10,000 Islamic State fighters continue to be held in detention in camps run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and that this situation was 'untenable'. Speaking at the opening of a meeting in Rome to renew international efforts to combat the Islamist militia, Blinken said Washington continued to urge countries, including the 78 member countries of the coalition against Islamic State, to take back their citizens, who had joined the group. "This situation is simply untenable. It just can't persist indefinitely. The United States continues to urge countries of origin, including coalition partners, to repatriate, rehabilitate, and where applicable, prosecute their citizens," Blinken said in his opening remarks. Another key element of defeating Islamic State on a permanent basis required addressing the threats from the group outside Iraq and Syria, and namely in Africa, Blinken said. Originally an offshoot of al Qaeda, Islamic State seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria from 2014, imposing a reign of terror with public beheadings and attacks by supporters abroad. Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in 2017 but has since waged a steady insurgency across parts of northern Iraq and a porous border with neighbouring Syria. Recent months have witnessed more than 25 deadly attacks that Iraqi officials attribute to Islamic State militants. The January bombing of a crowded Baghdad market killed more than 30 people. Militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have also grown stronger in recent years, despite the deployment of thousands of regional, Western and UN troops across West Africa's Sahel region.

Blinken: 'Untenable' for 10,000 IS fighters still to be held in Syria

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has told Boeing that its planned 777X is not yet ready for a significant certification step and warned it "realistically" will not certify the airplane until mid-to-late 2023.

World Business Watch: US FAA says no realistic approval before mid-2023 for Boeing 777X

A key witness whose testimony was used in the indictment of Julian Assange has admitted to lying. Sigurdur Ingi Thordarson was recruited by US authorities to build a case against Assange after misleading them to believe he was previously a close associate of his.

Julian Assange Case: Key witness admits to lying in testimony to help FBI

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israel's new Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met in Rome on Sunday. Yair Lipid opened the meeting with a reference to past mistakes made by Israel and an aim to fix them together.

Antony Blinken meets Yair Lipid in Rome to fix 'mistakes' made in past

In response to drone attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq, America has carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria. At least 5 Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters have been killed and several others wounded in the attack.

US carries out air strikes in Iraq and Syria, target Iran-backed militia groups

Ukraine and the United States will start a military exercise involving more than 30 countries in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine on Monday, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. 
 
Sea Breeze 2021 follows a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. 
 
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and says it is Russian territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. 
 
Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. 
 
Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US&nbsp;missile destroyer USS Ross and the US&nbsp;Marine Corps will take part. 
 
Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. 
 
Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. 
 
Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

Ukraine and the United States will start a military exercise involving more than 30 countries in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine on Monday, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills.

Ukraine and the United States will start a military exercise involving more than 30 countries in the Black Sea and southern Ukraine on Monday, despite Russian calls to cancel the drills. Sea Breeze 2021 follows a rise in tensions between NATO and Moscow, which said last week it had fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea. Britain rejected Russia's account of the incident. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and says it is Russian territory, but the peninsula is internationally recognised as part of Ukraine. Russia's embassy in Washington called last week for the drills to be cancelled, and the Russian defence ministry said it would react if necessary to protect its own national security. Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and around 30 ships and 40 aircraft. US missile destroyer USS Ross and the US Marine Corps will take part. Ukraine says the main goal is to gain experience in joint actions during multinational peacekeeping and security operations. Relations between Kyiv and Moscow plummeted after Russia seized Crimea and over Russia's support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. Tension rose again this year when Russia massed troops on the border with Ukraine, where some of them remain along with their equipment.

Ukraine, US to start Black Sea military drills despite Russian protest

Israel has serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna, new foreign minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, as he pledged to fix 'the mistakes made' in US-Israeli relations in recent years. 
 
In their first face-to-face meeting since Israel's new government was sworn in two weeks ago, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lapid had a very positive and warm discussion, according to US&nbsp;officials. 
 
The main topics were the nuclear deal and Israel's normalisation accords with Gulf Arab states, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza and the status of East Jerusalem, a topic that helped fuel the latest wave of violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in May. 
 
"Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal that is being put together in Vienna. We believe the way to discuss those disagreements is through direct and professional conversations, not in press conferences," Lapid said, in brief remarks ahead of the meeting in Rome. 
 
Iran and the United States have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers that imposed restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions. 
 
Blinken told Lapid that Washington would remain in close contact with Israel over the Iran negotiations, US&nbsp;officials said. 
 
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a nationalist atop a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax. 
 
Netanyahu's particularly close ties with Trump followed an acrimonious relationship with his predecessor Barack Obama, which some critics said had alienated Democrats and compromised US&nbsp;bipartisan support for Israel. 
 
Biden, since taking office on January&nbsp;20, has repeatedly expressed Washington's support for Israel but has been more measured in his approach than Trump. 
 
Lapid acknowledged the need for repair. "In the past few years, mistakes were made. Israel's bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together." 
 
Blinken also reiterated to Lapid Washington's concerns over Israeli attempts to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and the status of the city's al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, US&nbsp;officials said. 
 
Blinken also conveyed to Lapid the necessity of getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where 250 Palestinians were killed and scores of buildings were destroyed last month by Israeli air strikes. 
 
Biden has worked to repair ties with the Palestinians and abandon what they said was the one-sided US&nbsp;policy towards the conflict. His administration has pledged to resume hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and humanitarian assistance and work towards reopening the Palestinians' diplomatic mission in Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna, new foreign minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, as he pledged to fix 'the mistakes made' in US-Israeli relations in recent years.

Israel has serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna, new foreign minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, as he pledged to fix 'the mistakes made' in US-Israeli relations in recent years. In their first face-to-face meeting since Israel's new government was sworn in two weeks ago, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lapid had a very positive and warm discussion, according to US officials. The main topics were the nuclear deal and Israel's normalisation accords with Gulf Arab states, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza and the status of East Jerusalem, a topic that helped fuel the latest wave of violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in May. "Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal that is being put together in Vienna. We believe the way to discuss those disagreements is through direct and professional conversations, not in press conferences," Lapid said, in brief remarks ahead of the meeting in Rome. Iran and the United States have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers that imposed restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions. Blinken told Lapid that Washington would remain in close contact with Israel over the Iran negotiations, US officials said. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a nationalist atop a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax. Netanyahu's particularly close ties with Trump followed an acrimonious relationship with his predecessor Barack Obama, which some critics said had alienated Democrats and compromised US bipartisan support for Israel. Biden, since taking office on January 20, has repeatedly expressed Washington's support for Israel but has been more measured in his approach than Trump. Lapid acknowledged the need for repair. "In the past few years, mistakes were made. Israel's bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together." Blinken also reiterated to Lapid Washington's concerns over Israeli attempts to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and the status of the city's al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, US officials said. Blinken also conveyed to Lapid the necessity of getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where 250 Palestinians were killed and scores of buildings were destroyed last month by Israeli air strikes. Biden has worked to repair ties with the Palestinians and abandon what they said was the one-sided US policy towards the conflict. His administration has pledged to resume hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and humanitarian assistance and work towards reopening the Palestinians' diplomatic mission in Washington. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal

India has overtaken the US in the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While India launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16, and has administered over 323.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;doses till date, the US which started its inoculation drive on December 14, 2020 has given over 323.3&nbsp;million&nbsp;doses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"India achieves another milestone in COVID-19 vaccination and overtakes USA in total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered," the ministry said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's cumulative vaccination coverage exceeded 323.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;on Sunday. A total of 32,36,63,297 vaccine doses have been administered through 43,21,898 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Monday, the ministry said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It said 17,21,268 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the data, so far 1,01,98,257 healthcare workers have taken the first dose while 72,07,617 have taken the second dose.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 1,74,42,767 frontline workers have received the first dose while 93,99,319 have taken the second&nbsp;dose.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the 18-44 age group, 8,46,51,696 individuals have taken then first dose, while 19,01,190 have received the second dose.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 45-59 age group, 8,71,11,445 people have been administered the first dose, while 1,48,12,349 have taken the second dose.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Besides, 6,75,29,713 people aged above 60 years have received the first dose, while, 2,34,08,944 have taken the second dose.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new phase of&nbsp;universalisation&nbsp;of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

India has overtaken the US in the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. While India launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16, and has administered over 323.

India has overtaken the US in the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. While India launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16, and has administered over 323.6 million doses till date, the US which started its inoculation drive on December 14, 2020 has given over 323.3 million doses. "India achieves another milestone in COVID-19 vaccination and overtakes USA in total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered," the ministry said. India's cumulative vaccination coverage exceeded 323.6 million on Sunday. A total of 32,36,63,297 vaccine doses have been administered through 43,21,898 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Monday, the ministry said. It said 17,21,268 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. According to the data, so far 1,01,98,257 healthcare workers have taken the first dose while 72,07,617 have taken the second dose. As many as 1,74,42,767 frontline workers have received the first dose while 93,99,319 have taken the second dose. In the 18-44 age group, 8,46,51,696 individuals have taken then first dose, while 19,01,190 have received the second dose. In the 45-59 age group, 8,71,11,445 people have been administered the first dose, while 1,48,12,349 have taken the second dose. Besides, 6,75,29,713 people aged above 60 years have received the first dose, while, 2,34,08,944 have taken the second dose. The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21. (With inputs from agencies)

India overtakes US in total number of vaccines administered: Govt  

Five people died in a&nbsp;hot&nbsp;air&nbsp;balloon&nbsp;accident&nbsp;in Albuquerque, in the southwestern United States, the city's police announced Saturday.

The&nbsp;accident&nbsp;caused power outages in the area for several hours after the&nbsp;balloon&nbsp;came into contact with a power line.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, 4 individuals died as a result of their wounds from the&nbsp;hot&nbsp;air&nbsp;balloon&nbsp;crash," Albuquerque police said on Twitter, adding that one person was taken to a hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-cdu-chancellor-candidate-nord-stream-could-be-halted-if-russia-abuses-it-394200">Also Read |&nbsp;German CDU chancellor candidate: Nord Stream could be halted if Russia abuses it</a>

Authorities said later Saturday that the adult male had died of his injuries.

"Our prayers go out to the friends and family of all five people who tragically lost their lives," police said on Twitter.

Early Saturday morning, some 13,000 people were without power because of the&nbsp;accident, local utility PNM tweeted.

Power was later restored to all affected customers, it said.&nbsp;

Five people died in a hot air balloon accident in Albuquerque, in the southwestern United States, the city's police announced Saturday. The accident caused power outages in the area for several hours after the balloon came into contact with a power line.

Five people died in a hot air balloon accident in Albuquerque, in the southwestern United States, the city's police announced Saturday. The accident caused power outages in the area for several hours after the balloon came into contact with a power line. "Unfortunately, 4 individuals died as a result of their wounds from the hot air balloon crash," Albuquerque police said on Twitter, adding that one person was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Also Read | German CDU chancellor candidate: Nord Stream could be halted if Russia abuses it Authorities said later Saturday that the adult male had died of his injuries. "Our prayers go out to the friends and family of all five people who tragically lost their lives," police said on Twitter. Early Saturday morning, some 13,000 people were without power because of the accident, local utility PNM tweeted. Power was later restored to all affected customers, it said.

Five die in US hot air balloon accident

The recent dismissal of a white New York professor for reading aloud the "N-word" from a Mark Twain novel has shone a spotlight on the use of&nbsp;racial&nbsp;slurs&nbsp;in&nbsp;American&nbsp;classrooms.

It has renewed a long-standing debate about how books from some of the United States' most famous authors should be taught during an age of reckoning with&nbsp;racial&nbsp;injustice.

After years of hearing the term read from the texts of writers such as Twain and William Faulkner, students are increasingly taking a stand.

"There was no reason that I should have to go to my class and hear that slur," said Dylan Gilbert recalling the time in 2019 when her white English teacher at the University of Michigan uttered the term while reciting a passage from Faulkner.

Gilbert, who is Black, walked out of class.

"It felt like a reminder that even though I had gotten into Michigan I would still not be afforded the same opportunity for a safe learning environment as my white peers," she told AFP.

The issue came into sharp focus again last month when Hannah Berliner Fischthal, who is white, departed St. John's University in Queens, NYC.&nbsp;

She apologized after upsetting several students by pronouncing the&nbsp;racial&nbsp;slur out loud while reading an extract from Twain's 1894 book "Pudd'nhead Wilson" -- having first explained the context for the word in Twain's text and saying she hoped it would not cause offence.

The incident came after another professor, also white, this time at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania was dismissed for using the&nbsp;slur during a course.

"The word has such a history and such a psychological-emotional impact that just hearing the word, for some people, can be disruptive," said Arizona State University English professor Neal Lester, who is Black.

Derived from a Latin word, it became widely used in 18th Century America, partly to dehumanize African Americans and cast them as an inferior race.

Lester says he never says the word in his classroom.&nbsp;

Vershawn Young, a Black communications professor, takes a different view.

When, in June 2020, his employer, the University of Waterloo, announced that the word was banned on campus, Young refused to adhere to the new rule.

"When reading from a text, I say the word," he told AFP. "When students quote the text, they too are free to speak what they read. However, they also may replace the word with its euphemism. What they can't do is ignore it."

Young says he always prepares his students that it is coming so they aren't shocked.&nbsp;

"Outside of quotes, I do not use the word because I recognize my authority in relation to the multiple sensitivities that my students embody," he added.

Censorship

In an article in The Conversation last year, Young wrote that the ban on his campus censored Black professors like himself.

"I belong to multiple Black communities, where we use the N-word in six or seven culturally rich ways," he wrote, adding that banning it "serves the purposes of white supremacy."

In recent decades it has been culturally acceptable for Black people to use the word. It is regularly heard in discussions, movies or music, hip-hop songs being the most obvious example.&nbsp;

"Hearing a non-black person say the N-word is always offensive and harmful to me," said Gilbert, the student who objected to her white teacher using it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-former-finance-minister-javid-appointed-as-health-minister-394201">Also Read |&nbsp;UK's former finance minister Javid appointed as health minister</a>

"(But) I have no problem with Black people saying (it). In my personal opinion the word is never violent or threatening to me when it comes out of Black person's mouth," she added.

Wendy Kaminer, a lawyer and writer who used to be an&nbsp;American&nbsp;Civil Liberties Union board member, said "the distinction between quoting a&nbsp;racial&nbsp;slur and using a&nbsp;racial&nbsp;slur has been completely erased."

"I think that's quite problematic," she told AFP.

Kaminer says the disappearance of the word from university campuses is part of a wider trend that started in the 1990s of banning other terms, including relating to sexuality and minorities.

She&nbsp;thinks the United States, where freedom of speech is enshrined in the constitution, is moving towards a more western European approach to the regulation of what people can and can't say.

For Lester, the Arizona State University professor, the answer is to talk about the word and its complex history without uttering it.

"I've had many conversations in class around the word without actually saying it," she said.&nbsp;

"That in and of itself is not a huge intellectual gymnastics routine."

The recent dismissal of a white New York professor for reading aloud the "N-word" from a Mark Twain novel has shone a spotlight on the use of racial slurs in American classrooms.

The recent dismissal of a white New York professor for reading aloud the "N-word" from a Mark Twain novel has shone a spotlight on the use of racial slurs in American classrooms. It has renewed a long-standing debate about how books from some of the United States' most famous authors should be taught during an age of reckoning with racial injustice. After years of hearing the term read from the texts of writers such as Twain and William Faulkner, students are increasingly taking a stand. "There was no reason that I should have to go to my class and hear that slur," said Dylan Gilbert recalling the time in 2019 when her white English teacher at the University of Michigan uttered the term while reciting a passage from Faulkner. Gilbert, who is Black, walked out of class. "It felt like a reminder that even though I had gotten into Michigan I would still not be afforded the same opportunity for a safe learning environment as my white peers," she told AFP. The issue came into sharp focus again last month when Hannah Berliner Fischthal, who is white, departed St. John's University in Queens, NYC. She apologized after upsetting several students by pronouncing the racial slur out loud while reading an extract from Twain's 1894 book "Pudd'nhead Wilson" -- having first explained the context for the word in Twain's text and saying she hoped it would not cause offence. The incident came after another professor, also white, this time at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania was dismissed for using the slur during a course. "The word has such a history and such a psychological-emotional impact that just hearing the word, for some people, can be disruptive," said Arizona State University English professor Neal Lester, who is Black. Derived from a Latin word, it became widely used in 18th Century America, partly to dehumanize African Americans and cast them as an inferior race. Lester says he never says the word in his classroom. Vershawn Young, a Black communications professor, takes a different view. When, in June 2020, his employer, the University of Waterloo, announced that the word was banned on campus, Young refused to adhere to the new rule. "When reading from a text, I say the word," he told AFP. "When students quote the text, they too are free to speak what they read. However, they also may replace the word with its euphemism. What they can't do is ignore it." Young says he always prepares his students that it is coming so they aren't shocked. "Outside of quotes, I do not use the word because I recognize my authority in relation to the multiple sensitivities that my students embody," he added. Censorship In an article in The Conversation last year, Young wrote that the ban on his campus censored Black professors like himself. "I belong to multiple Black communities, where we use the N-word in six or seven culturally rich ways," he wrote, adding that banning it "serves the purposes of white supremacy." In recent decades it has been culturally acceptable for Black people to use the word. It is regularly heard in discussions, movies or music, hip-hop songs being the most obvious example. "Hearing a non-black person say the N-word is always offensive and harmful to me," said Gilbert, the student who objected to her white teacher using it. Also Read | UK's former finance minister Javid appointed as health minister "(But) I have no problem with Black people saying (it). In my personal opinion the word is never violent or threatening to me when it comes out of Black person's mouth," she added. Wendy Kaminer, a lawyer and writer who used to be an American Civil Liberties Union board member, said "the distinction between quoting a racial slur and using a racial slur has been completely erased." "I think that's quite problematic," she told AFP. Kaminer says the disappearance of the word from university campuses is part of a wider trend that started in the 1990s of banning other terms, including relating to sexuality and minorities. She thinks the United States, where freedom of speech is enshrined in the constitution, is moving towards a more western European approach to the regulation of what people can and can't say. For Lester, the Arizona State University professor, the answer is to talk about the word and its complex history without uttering it. "I've had many conversations in class around the word without actually saying it," she said. "That in and of itself is not a huge intellectual gymnastics routine."

Classrooms grapple with racial slurs in classic American novels

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