China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea

"U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in statement that Curtis Wilbur entered the waters without permission, adding that its ships and planes followed the U.S. vessel and "expelled" it.

The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit.

The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters.

China has been aggressive in its claims in South China Sea. It claims&nbsp;almost entire South China Sea. As a result,&nbsp; Chinese assertions about its territorial waters in the South China Sea are almost always met with with counter claims and protests from nations in the region.&nbsp;

China stakes claim over&nbsp;waters demarcated by the so-called 'neine dash line'

The US has often carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. This has been a cause of friction between the two countries.

The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea "U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

China on Thursday said that a US warship illegally entered its territorial waters in South China Sea "U.S. (vessel) did not get approval from the Chinese government and made an unauthorised entry into the sea around China's Paracel Islands, which violated China's sovereignty and security," said Zhao Lijian Chinese foreign ministry spokesman. Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in statement that Curtis Wilbur entered the waters without permission, adding that its ships and planes followed the U.S. vessel and "expelled" it. The US Seventh Fleet described it as a "routine" transit. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. China has been aggressive in its claims in South China Sea. It claims almost entire South China Sea. As a result, Chinese assertions about its territorial waters in the South China Sea are almost always met with with counter claims and protests from nations in the region. China stakes claim over waters demarcated by the so-called 'neine dash line' The US has often carried out freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. This has been a cause of friction between the two countries. The South China Sea and its various islands are claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies)

China says US warship entered its waters in South China Sea

The US has the world's most powerful military. It can demonstrate authority in any theatre of conflict. A new report now claims that the US has a secret and undercover force of 60,000 officers, that pursues terrorists from Pakistan to West Africa. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: All about America's "secret army"

The United States has the most powerful military in the world. It can demonstrate authority in any part of the world in any theatre of war whether it is&nbsp;land, air or&nbsp;high seas. No one in the world can miss American deployments in foreign lands.

But, the US has a secret and undercover army of 60,000 officers and the world knows nothing about it.

A report claims these shadow warriors are spread out across the world's biggest conflict zones, from Pakistan to West Africa. The Pentagon's secret army is low profile and they operate under false identities and disguises. Sometimes, they operate even behind enemy lines. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

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A new report claims US has some 60,000 clandestine officers. This is the largest undercover force that the world has ever known. This secret army has been created by the US Department of Defence, better known as the Pentagon.

Reports say this force is 10 times bigger than the number of CIA’s spies. They carry out domestic and foreign assignments both in military uniforms and under civilian cover. No one knows who these officers are and exactly what they do because America has never talked about this secret force.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-closely-tracking-uncontrolled-chinese-rocket-re-entering-atmosphere-pentagon-383094" hreflang="en">US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon</a>

Unlike the rest of the American intelligence branches, this secret army hasn't been discussed by the US Congress at all. The US government may want to keep it that way, but American publication Newsweek has managed to access some details.

It says more than half of this secret army is engaged as special operations forces. They pursue terrorists in countries like Pakistan and West Africa. Some could even be deployed behind the borders of North Korea and Iran - two countries that are direct adversaries of America.

The other wing is of military intelligence specialists who are collectors, counter intelligence agents, and linguists. They’re deployed with a cover identity to protect them. This secret army also has a small, but a growing cyber intelligence wing. Sitting behind their computers, they hunt for high value targets using information in the public domain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pentagon-cancels-border-wall-construction-projects-381894" hreflang="en">Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects</a>

They are also involved in influence campaigns on social media. America is said to have the most extensive and sophisticated intelligence network in the world. Reports say such an initiative challenges America's domestic laws and goes against the military code of conduct and also goes against the Geneva Convention of Human Rights.

The United States has the most powerful military in the world. It can demonstrate authority in any part of the world in any theatre of war whether it is land, air or high seas.

The United States has the most powerful military in the world. It can demonstrate authority in any part of the world in any theatre of war whether it is land, air or high seas. No one in the world can miss American deployments in foreign lands. But, the US has a secret and undercover army of 60,000 officers and the world knows nothing about it. A report claims these shadow warriors are spread out across the world's biggest conflict zones, from Pakistan to West Africa. The Pentagon's secret army is low profile and they operate under false identities and disguises. Sometimes, they operate even behind enemy lines. Watch: A new report claims US has some 60,000 clandestine officers. This is the largest undercover force that the world has ever known. This secret army has been created by the US Department of Defence, better known as the Pentagon. Reports say this force is 10 times bigger than the number of CIA’s spies. They carry out domestic and foreign assignments both in military uniforms and under civilian cover. No one knows who these officers are and exactly what they do because America has never talked about this secret force. Also read: US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon Unlike the rest of the American intelligence branches, this secret army hasn't been discussed by the US Congress at all. The US government may want to keep it that way, but American publication Newsweek has managed to access some details. It says more than half of this secret army is engaged as special operations forces. They pursue terrorists in countries like Pakistan and West Africa. Some could even be deployed behind the borders of North Korea and Iran - two countries that are direct adversaries of America. The other wing is of military intelligence specialists who are collectors, counter intelligence agents, and linguists. They’re deployed with a cover identity to protect them. This secret army also has a small, but a growing cyber intelligence wing. Sitting behind their computers, they hunt for high value targets using information in the public domain. Also read: Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects They are also involved in influence campaigns on social media. America is said to have the most extensive and sophisticated intelligence network in the world. Reports say such an initiative challenges America's domestic laws and goes against the military code of conduct and also goes against the Geneva Convention of Human Rights.

All you need to know about Pentagon's newly discovered 'secret army'

Big pharma is actively lobbying against patent waivers for vaccines. In the US, lobbyists are dictating talking points to lawmakers. While at the European Union, top decision-makers are trapped in big pharma's eco chamber. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Big pharma is blocking vaccine patent waivers

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government.&nbsp;

Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. &nbsp;

"What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics."&nbsp;

"Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added.&nbsp;

"For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said.&nbsp;

An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide.&nbsp;

Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail.&nbsp;

"I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday called for a US diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, criticising China for human rights abuses and saying global leaders, who attend would lose their moral authority. US lawmakers have been increasingly vocal about an Olympic boycott or venue change, and have lashed out at American corporations, arguing their silence about what the State Department has deemed a genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China was abetting the Chinese government. Pelosi, a Democrat, told a bipartisan congressional hearing on the issue that heads of state around the world should shun the games, scheduled for February. "What I propose, and join those who are proposing, is a diplomatic boycott," Pelosi said, in which "lead countries of the world withhold their attendance at the Olympics." "Let's not honor the Chinese government by having heads of state go to China," she added. "For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing, while you're sitting there in your seat, really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said. An independent United Nations panel said in 2018 it had received credible reports that at least one million Uyghurs and other Muslims had been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region. Beijing describes them as vocational training centers to stamp out extremism, and strongly rejects accusations of abuse and genocide. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said that US attempts to interfere in China's domestic affairs over the Olympics were doomed to fail. "I wonder what makes some US politicians think they actually have the so-called 'moral authority'? On human rights issues, they are in no position, either historically or currently, to make wanton groundless criticism against China," Liu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pelosi calls for US, world leaders to boycott China's 2022 Olympics 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that The United States wants to avoid any militarisation of the arctic region. Antony Blinken arrives in Iceland to attend Artic Council meet on 19th May. 'The Arctic region is prone to climate change, what we need to avoid is any military build-up in that reigion', says Blinken. Arctic region is rich in natural resources like crude oil; the race has started to extract resoruces from the region and Russia wants to lead the race.

U.S. wants to ‘avoid a militarisation’ of the Arctic: Antony Blinken

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.

The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a gathering of eight&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;in Reykjavik will be the highest-level&nbsp;meeting since US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden took office in January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-russia-fight-it-out-or-resolve-issues-377626">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?</a>&nbsp;

Ties have been fraught since March when&nbsp;Biden,&nbsp;not long into his presidency,&nbsp;said he regarded President Vladimir Putin as a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador for consultations. The envoy still has not returned.

Washington then imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over "malign" activities denied by Moscow, pushing Russia to retaliate in kind. It later barred the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy from hiring local staff.

Given the adversarial prelude, immediate gains from the&nbsp;meeting between Blinken and Lavrov are likely to be modest, though they could pave the way for a Putin-Biden summit next month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-address-bidens-climate-summit-despite-crisis-in-us-russia-ties-378679">Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties</a>

The summit idea was floated by the White House last month, but it has still not been publicly confirmed. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Monday cited government sources touting Switzerland as the likeliest venue.

US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price said Lavrov and Blinken would&nbsp;meet&nbsp;after a&nbsp;meeting of the Arctic Council, a regional grouping of eight nations. The talks are scheduled to start at 2115 GMT.

Washington's relations with Moscow have been at post-Cold War lows for years, strained over everything from election meddling allegations to Ukraine and the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

"We don't seek to escalate, we are simply looking for a more predictable, stable relationship," a senior State Department official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-poses-biggest-threat-to-us-intelligence-report-says-377501">China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says</a>

Besides the summit, the talks could broach the subject of their diplomatic missions that have been crimped by tit-for-tat expulsions as well as progress on nuclear arms control.

Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Wednesday to back Moscow's exit from the Open Skies treaty, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries and which Washington quit in November under Donald Trump.

Russia, which says it may complete the withdrawal process in December, has said it would consider staying in the treaty if&nbsp;Biden rejoins it, but that it has so far seen no sign that will happen.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday, that strategic stability should be high on the agenda of a possible Putin-Biden&nbsp;meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-russia-at-ukraine-door-us-and-eu-look-for-options-377610">With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options</a>

Lavrov, 71, has been the face of Kremlin&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;policy since 2004 as Moscow has asserted what it says is its rightful standing as a world power. Russia has beefed up its military presence in the Arctic and invested in northern infrastructure.

Blinken accused Moscow on Tuesday of making "unlawful maritime claims" on the regulation of&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;vessels transiting the shipping route over Russia's long northern coastline. He said Washington was worried about the region's increasing militarization.

Lavrov on Monday dismissed NATO concerns about increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, saying Moscow was right to ensure the security of its northern coastline.

He said Moscow would wait to see what Washington meant by stable and predictable ties with Russia.

"If that means stable, predictable sanctions then that's not what's needed."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to hold talks on Wednesday night ahead of a possible presidential summit in June in an attempt to improve the dire relations between the former Cold War foes. The face-to-face talks on the sidelines of a gathering of eight foreign ministers in Reykjavik will be the highest-level meeting since US President Joe Biden took office in January. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Ties have been fraught since March when Biden, not long into his presidency, said he regarded President Vladimir Putin as a "killer", prompting Moscow to recall its US ambassador for consultations. The envoy still has not returned. Washington then imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over "malign" activities denied by Moscow, pushing Russia to retaliate in kind. It later barred the US Embassy from hiring local staff. Given the adversarial prelude, immediate gains from the meeting between Blinken and Lavrov are likely to be modest, though they could pave the way for a Putin-Biden summit next month. Also read | Putin to address Biden's climate summit despite crisis in US-Russia ties The summit idea was floated by the White House last month, but it has still not been publicly confirmed. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Monday cited government sources touting Switzerland as the likeliest venue. US State Department spokesman Ned Price said Lavrov and Blinken would meet after a meeting of the Arctic Council, a regional grouping of eight nations. The talks are scheduled to start at 2115 GMT. Washington's relations with Moscow have been at post-Cold War lows for years, strained over everything from election meddling allegations to Ukraine and the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "We don't seek to escalate, we are simply looking for a more predictable, stable relationship," a senior State Department official said. Also read | China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says Besides the summit, the talks could broach the subject of their diplomatic missions that have been crimped by tit-for-tat expulsions as well as progress on nuclear arms control. Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Wednesday to back Moscow's exit from the Open Skies treaty, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries and which Washington quit in November under Donald Trump. Russia, which says it may complete the withdrawal process in December, has said it would consider staying in the treaty if Biden rejoins it, but that it has so far seen no sign that will happen. The Kremlin said on Wednesday, that strategic stability should be high on the agenda of a possible Putin-Biden meeting. Also read | With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options Lavrov, 71, has been the face of Kremlin foreign policy since 2004 as Moscow has asserted what it says is its rightful standing as a world power. Russia has beefed up its military presence in the Arctic and invested in northern infrastructure. Blinken accused Moscow on Tuesday of making "unlawful maritime claims" on the regulation of foreign vessels transiting the shipping route over Russia's long northern coastline. He said Washington was worried about the region's increasing militarization. Lavrov on Monday dismissed NATO concerns about increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, saying Moscow was right to ensure the security of its northern coastline. He said Moscow would wait to see what Washington meant by stable and predictable ties with Russia. "If that means stable, predictable sanctions then that's not what's needed."

US and Russian foreign ministers to meet in Iceland in bid to ease friction

The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned recent comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the Jewish people as anti-Semitic, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.&nbsp;

"We urge President Erdogan and other Turkish leaders to refrain from incendiary remarks, which could incite further violence," Price said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Anti-Semitic language has no place anywhere," he said. &nbsp;

Price did not specify which Erdogan remarks the United States considered anti-Semitic. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.&nbsp;

Erdogan, a vocal defender of the Palestinians, has criticised Israel for conducting air strikes on Gaza and called it a 'terror state' after Israeli police fired rubber bullets at rock-throwing Palestinians in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned recent comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the Jewish people as anti-Semitic, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned recent comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the Jewish people as anti-Semitic, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. "We urge President Erdogan and other Turkish leaders to refrain from incendiary remarks, which could incite further violence," Price said in a statement. "Anti-Semitic language has no place anywhere," he said. Price did not specify which Erdogan remarks the United States considered anti-Semitic. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for clarification. Erdogan, a vocal defender of the Palestinians, has criticised Israel for conducting air strikes on Gaza and called it a 'terror state' after Israeli police fired rubber bullets at rock-throwing Palestinians in Jerusalem. (With inputs from agencies)

US condemns Erdogan comments on Jewish people as anti-Semitic 

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday it would repeal the changes made by the Trump administration to an important law made to stop banks from discriminating against racial minorities and the poor. &nbsp;

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, one of the nation's bank regulators, said it plans to reconsider the regulations it wrote in 2020 governing a law known as the Community Reinvestment Act. The Civil Rights Era law requires banks to document how well they are lending to the communities that surround their branches, in an effort to make sure that banks are not just lending to the wealthy or to white customers. &nbsp;

The OCC said it plans to start from scratch, and told banks to effectively ignore the 2020 changes while the agency rewrites the regulations. &nbsp;

Trump's Comptroller of the Currency, Joseph Otting, had made revising the Community Reinvestment Act a cornerstone of his tenure. The law is widely respected by the industry and activists alike, but both sides have agreed for years that law was out of date. Many banks now operate entirely online, ATMs are ubiquitous, and it was increasingly more difficult to define what a ‘community' was in order to comply with the law. &nbsp;

But the changes the OCC made last year were considered too broad for many activists and for Congressional Democrats, who oversee banks on the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee.&nbsp;

For example, banks would have been given credit under the law for issuing credit cards and personal loans something banks were already doing, particularly the largest institutions. &nbsp;

The regulations would have also given banks credit, under certain circumstances, for loans they make to build or improve facilities such as sports stadiums and hospitals.&nbsp;

The argument from activists was that the changes would have made it easier for many banks to pass their CRA exams, and would disincentivise them from opening branches or approving mortgages in low income neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

"CRA was, and still is, a civil rights bill," said Black Rep Gregory Meeks, D-New York, last year at a Congressional committee to review Otting's changes. "Your proposal would undermine that."&nbsp;

The changes proposed by Otting were so drastic that the other two bank regulators that have authority under the law, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, refused to sign on. This left banks wondering, which regulator to follow when it came to compliance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday it would repeal the changes made by the Trump administration to an important law made to stop banks from discriminating against racial minorities and the poor.

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday it would repeal the changes made by the Trump administration to an important law made to stop banks from discriminating against racial minorities and the poor. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, one of the nation's bank regulators, said it plans to reconsider the regulations it wrote in 2020 governing a law known as the Community Reinvestment Act. The Civil Rights Era law requires banks to document how well they are lending to the communities that surround their branches, in an effort to make sure that banks are not just lending to the wealthy or to white customers. The OCC said it plans to start from scratch, and told banks to effectively ignore the 2020 changes while the agency rewrites the regulations. Trump's Comptroller of the Currency, Joseph Otting, had made revising the Community Reinvestment Act a cornerstone of his tenure. The law is widely respected by the industry and activists alike, but both sides have agreed for years that law was out of date. Many banks now operate entirely online, ATMs are ubiquitous, and it was increasingly more difficult to define what a ‘community' was in order to comply with the law. But the changes the OCC made last year were considered too broad for many activists and for Congressional Democrats, who oversee banks on the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee. For example, banks would have been given credit under the law for issuing credit cards and personal loans something banks were already doing, particularly the largest institutions. The regulations would have also given banks credit, under certain circumstances, for loans they make to build or improve facilities such as sports stadiums and hospitals. The argument from activists was that the changes would have made it easier for many banks to pass their CRA exams, and would disincentivise them from opening branches or approving mortgages in low income neighbourhoods. "CRA was, and still is, a civil rights bill," said Black Rep Gregory Meeks, D-New York, last year at a Congressional committee to review Otting's changes. "Your proposal would undermine that." The changes proposed by Otting were so drastic that the other two bank regulators that have authority under the law, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, refused to sign on. This left banks wondering, which regulator to follow when it came to compliance.

Biden reverses Trump changes to law that prevented racial discrimination by banks 

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles.&nbsp;

"Despite the PRC's dramatic build-up of its nuclear arsenal, unfortunately it continues to resist discussing nuclear risk reduction bilaterally with the United States," said Robert Wood, referring to the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;

"To date, Beijing has not been willing to engage meaningfully or establish expert discussions similar to those we have with Russia. We sincerely hope that will change," he added.&nbsp;

In an apparent rebuttal, China's envoy later told the same virtual UN meeting that Beijing was prepared for dialogue.&nbsp;

"We stand ready to carry out positive dialogue and exchange with all parties to jointly explore effective measures to reduce nuclear risk and to contribute to global strategic security," Ji Zhaoyu said.&nbsp;

The exchange came at a discussion on the Prevention of Nuclear War at the 65-member UN Conference on Disarmament based in Geneva. The body, which makes decisions by consensus, has not reached a major agreement in decades but is often the theatre for tense rhetorical exchanges between superpowers.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Russia and the United States agreed to extend the New START arms control treaty for five years, preserving the last treaty limiting deployments of the world's two largest strategic nuclear arsenals.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden are set to discuss arms control and security issues at a meeting and strategic nuclear stability will be on the agenda. Wood said on Tuesday, he hoped that such bilateral discussions may lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and future arms control treaties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles.

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles. "Despite the PRC's dramatic build-up of its nuclear arsenal, unfortunately it continues to resist discussing nuclear risk reduction bilaterally with the United States," said Robert Wood, referring to the People's Republic of China. "To date, Beijing has not been willing to engage meaningfully or establish expert discussions similar to those we have with Russia. We sincerely hope that will change," he added. In an apparent rebuttal, China's envoy later told the same virtual UN meeting that Beijing was prepared for dialogue. "We stand ready to carry out positive dialogue and exchange with all parties to jointly explore effective measures to reduce nuclear risk and to contribute to global strategic security," Ji Zhaoyu said. The exchange came at a discussion on the Prevention of Nuclear War at the 65-member UN Conference on Disarmament based in Geneva. The body, which makes decisions by consensus, has not reached a major agreement in decades but is often the theatre for tense rhetorical exchanges between superpowers. Earlier this year, Russia and the United States agreed to extend the New START arms control treaty for five years, preserving the last treaty limiting deployments of the world's two largest strategic nuclear arsenals. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden are set to discuss arms control and security issues at a meeting and strategic nuclear stability will be on the agenda. Wood said on Tuesday, he hoped that such bilateral discussions may lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and future arms control treaties. (With inputs from agencies)

US says China is resisting nuclear arms talks 

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

President Joe Biden, who has announced a USD 100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India, is deeply engaged with the assistance program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

"The President is, of course, keeping abreast of the COVID pandemic - how it's impacting different regions in the world, including our important partners in India. And he has been deeply engaged as we've made determinations about the type of relief and assistance that we can and should provide," Psaki said.

Responding to a question on India's COVID-19 situation, Psaki said the United States will continue to work through how it can provide assistance to its important partner during this difficult time.

"We expect our assistance to be about USD 100 million. We've sent seven air shipments funded by the US Agency for International Development to India. The seventh flight, carrying additional oxygen concentrators via commercial shipping centre, arrived today, and that is critical for a number of the patients who have already been - are already battling COVID," she said.

"We will continue to provide a range of assistance. We will remain in touch about what the direct needs are on the ground, and hope that we can play a constructive role in reducing the numbers and bringing some relief to the people of India," Psaki said.

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday. President Joe Biden, who has announced a USD 100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India, is deeply engaged with the assistance program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. "The President is, of course, keeping abreast of the COVID pandemic - how it's impacting different regions in the world, including our important partners in India. And he has been deeply engaged as we've made determinations about the type of relief and assistance that we can and should provide," Psaki said. Responding to a question on India's COVID-19 situation, Psaki said the United States will continue to work through how it can provide assistance to its important partner during this difficult time. "We expect our assistance to be about USD 100 million. We've sent seven air shipments funded by the US Agency for International Development to India. The seventh flight, carrying additional oxygen concentrators via commercial shipping centre, arrived today, and that is critical for a number of the patients who have already been - are already battling COVID," she said. "We will continue to provide a range of assistance. We will remain in touch about what the direct needs are on the ground, and hope that we can play a constructive role in reducing the numbers and bringing some relief to the people of India," Psaki said.

Will keep providing assistance to India in fight against COVID-19: US

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region.&nbsp;

The US has previously accused Russia of demanding foreign vessels to request permissions to pass and requiring Russian maritime pilots to board the ships, while threatening to use force against vessels failing to comply.&nbsp;

"We've seen Russia advance unlawful maritime claims, particularly its regulation of foreign vessels transiting the Northern Sea route, which are inconsistent with international law," Blinken said at a joint briefing with Iceland's foreign minister in Reykjavik. &nbsp;

Russia has ambitious plans to build ports along the so-called Northern Sea Route, which would shorten the distance between China and Europe, and has beefed up its military presence along its Arctic coastline. &nbsp;

"We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic," Blinked said. This increases the risk of 'accidents and miscalculations', he said, while it 'undermined the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region'. &nbsp;

In attempts to defend freedom of access and navigation on the Northern Sea Route, the US navy twice last year conducted exercises with European allies in the Barents Sea close to Russia for the first time since the mid-1980s.&nbsp;

The US has urged Russia to submit its regulatory scheme to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consideration, but Russia had yet to do so, Blinken said. &nbsp;

"The regulatory scheme that Russia has put forward does not give due regard, as required by international law, to navigation rights and freedom to the territorial seas and exclusive economic zone," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region.

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region. The US has previously accused Russia of demanding foreign vessels to request permissions to pass and requiring Russian maritime pilots to board the ships, while threatening to use force against vessels failing to comply. "We've seen Russia advance unlawful maritime claims, particularly its regulation of foreign vessels transiting the Northern Sea route, which are inconsistent with international law," Blinken said at a joint briefing with Iceland's foreign minister in Reykjavik. Russia has ambitious plans to build ports along the so-called Northern Sea Route, which would shorten the distance between China and Europe, and has beefed up its military presence along its Arctic coastline. "We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic," Blinked said. This increases the risk of 'accidents and miscalculations', he said, while it 'undermined the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region'. In attempts to defend freedom of access and navigation on the Northern Sea Route, the US navy twice last year conducted exercises with European allies in the Barents Sea close to Russia for the first time since the mid-1980s. The US has urged Russia to submit its regulatory scheme to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consideration, but Russia had yet to do so, Blinken said. "The regulatory scheme that Russia has put forward does not give due regard, as required by international law, to navigation rights and freedom to the territorial seas and exclusive economic zone," he said.

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic, says Blinken 

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday released their tax returns, according to which in 2020, she had an income of more than USD 1 million as compared to his USD 607,336.

The President and the first lady, Jill, a teacher, filed their income tax return jointly and reported federal adjusted gross income of USD 607,336, down from USD 985,223 in 2019.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence ">Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence&nbsp;</a>

The first couple paid USD 157,414 in federal income tax and their 2020 effective federal income tax rate is 25.9 per cent, the White House said.

On the other hand, the Vice President and second gentleman Doug Emhoff reported federal adjusted gross income of USD 1,695,225.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Venmo account of Biden discovered in less than 10 minutes: Report ">Venmo account of Biden discovered in less than 10 minutes: Report</a>&nbsp;

They paid USD 621,893 in federal income tax, amounting to a 2020 effective federal income tax rate of 36.7 per cent. They also paid USD 125,004 in California income tax.

The second gentleman paid USD 56,997 in District of Columbia income tax. They contributed USD 27,006 to charity in 2020.

According to the White House, the President and the first lady also reported donating USD 30,704 or about 5.1 per cent of their total income&nbsp;to 10 different charities.

The largest reported gift to charity was USD 10,000 to the Beau Biden Foundation, a public charity dedicated to ensuring that all children are free from the threat of abuse.

The President and the first lady also released their Delaware income tax return and reported paying USD 28,794 in Delaware income tax.

The first lady also released her Virginia income tax return and reported paying USD 443 in Virginia income tax.

As required by law, the President and Vice President also released their public financial disclosure reports.

The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires high-level federal officials to publicly disclose their personal financial interests.

The public filing system serves to prevent financial conflicts of interest by providing for a systematic review of the finances of government officials.

"Those finances are set forth in annual disclosures, which are reviewed and certified by the independent Office of Government Ethics. Neither the President nor the Vice President have any conflicts of interest," the White House said.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday released their tax returns, according to which in 2020, she had an income of more than USD 1 million as compared to his USD 607,336.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday released their tax returns, according to which in 2020, she had an income of more than USD 1 million as compared to his USD 607,336. The President and the first lady, Jill, a teacher, filed their income tax return jointly and reported federal adjusted gross income of USD 607,336, down from USD 985,223 in 2019. Also read- Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence The first couple paid USD 157,414 in federal income tax and their 2020 effective federal income tax rate is 25.9 per cent, the White House said. On the other hand, the Vice President and second gentleman Doug Emhoff reported federal adjusted gross income of USD 1,695,225. Also read- Venmo account of Biden discovered in less than 10 minutes: Report They paid USD 621,893 in federal income tax, amounting to a 2020 effective federal income tax rate of 36.7 per cent. They also paid USD 125,004 in California income tax. The second gentleman paid USD 56,997 in District of Columbia income tax. They contributed USD 27,006 to charity in 2020. According to the White House, the President and the first lady also reported donating USD 30,704 or about 5.1 per cent of their total income to 10 different charities. The largest reported gift to charity was USD 10,000 to the Beau Biden Foundation, a public charity dedicated to ensuring that all children are free from the threat of abuse. The President and the first lady also released their Delaware income tax return and reported paying USD 28,794 in Delaware income tax. The first lady also released her Virginia income tax return and reported paying USD 443 in Virginia income tax. As required by law, the President and Vice President also released their public financial disclosure reports. The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires high-level federal officials to publicly disclose their personal financial interests. The public filing system serves to prevent financial conflicts of interest by providing for a systematic review of the finances of government officials. "Those finances are set forth in annual disclosures, which are reviewed and certified by the independent Office of Government Ethics. Neither the President nor the Vice President have any conflicts of interest," the White House said.

Biden reports drop in income, releases tax returns

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.&nbsp;

Biden is facing growing pressure from lawmakers in his own Democratic Party to play a more vocal role, but US officials say he and his team have opted for a quieter effort, talking with Israeli officials and US allies in the Arab world.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-asks-israel-for-justification-for-strike-on-media-building-385736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most constructive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.&nbsp;

Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted.&nbsp;

The White House said Biden 'encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians' and that the two leaders 'discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza’.&nbsp;

"The president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House statement said.&nbsp;

Supporters of the Biden administration demanded quicker action.&nbsp;

“We’re really frustrated that the administration is not moving with more urgency,” said Logan Bayroff, spokesman for J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobbying group.&nbsp;

Twenty-eight senators, more than half of the Democratic caucus, issued a statement on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire 'to prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict.'&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday, he also wanted to see a ceasefire reached quickly.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has increasingly relied on Egypt because of its influence with Hamas, whose rocket barrages into Israeli cities have prompted a fierce response from Israel and led to the biggest outbreak in hostilities since 2014. &nbsp;

The administration would like to get on a glide path to de-escalation in coming days, leading to what a source familiar with the situation called a humanitarian pause in the violence to let relief assistance be delivered to Gaza and build a sustainable calm.&nbsp;

The United States was believed to be preparing significant initiatives on Gaza humanitarian reconstruction, the source said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations. Biden is facing growing pressure from lawmakers in his own Democratic Party to play a more vocal role, but US officials say he and his team have opted for a quieter effort, talking with Israeli officials and US allies in the Arab world. Watch: US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building "Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most constructive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted. The White House said Biden 'encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians' and that the two leaders 'discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza’. "The president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House statement said. Supporters of the Biden administration demanded quicker action. “We’re really frustrated that the administration is not moving with more urgency,” said Logan Bayroff, spokesman for J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobbying group. Twenty-eight senators, more than half of the Democratic caucus, issued a statement on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire 'to prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict.' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday, he also wanted to see a ceasefire reached quickly. The Biden administration has increasingly relied on Egypt because of its influence with Hamas, whose rocket barrages into Israeli cities have prompted a fierce response from Israel and led to the biggest outbreak in hostilities since 2014. The administration would like to get on a glide path to de-escalation in coming days, leading to what a source familiar with the situation called a humanitarian pause in the violence to let relief assistance be delivered to Gaza and build a sustainable calm. The United States was believed to be preparing significant initiatives on Gaza humanitarian reconstruction, the source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence 

Gravitas Plus with Palki Sharma | U.S. is among the worst countries for racial equality, but it routinely lectures India, other countries on treatment of minorities. U.S. discriminates against minorities, but Joe Biden and Kamala Harris tell the world 'America is not racist'.

Gravitas Plus: US is among the worst countries for racial equality

Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration's top medical adviser said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial disparities in living conditions and access to healthcare across the US that required serious action to fix.&nbsp;

During a commencement address given virtually to new graduates of Emory University, the president's chief medical adviser pointed to higher rates of COVID-19 deaths among Black Americans, Latino Americans, and members of other minority groups as evidence of 'social determinants' that caused the pandemic to hit those communities especially hard, The Hill reported.&nbsp;

"Now, very few of these comorbidities [with COVID-19] have racial determinants. Almost all relate to the social determinants of health dating back to disadvantageous conditions that some people of color find themselves in from birth regarding the availability of an adequate diet, access to health care, and the undeniable effects of racism in our society," he said. &nbsp;

Fauci said correcting societal wrongs will take a commitment of decades, and he urged the graduates to be part of the solution.&nbsp;

He said that the infectious disease disparately hospitalised and killed people of color. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last fall that Black Americans as well as those who are Hispanic or Latino were dying at disproportionately higher rates from COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.&nbsp;

Researchers have linked the higher rates of deaths in those groups to social factors including housing and employment as well as some health factors including higher rates of diabetes and other underlying conditions in those communities. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration's top medical adviser said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial disparities in living conditions and access to healthcare across the US that required serious action to fix.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration's top medical adviser said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial disparities in living conditions and access to healthcare across the US that required serious action to fix. During a commencement address given virtually to new graduates of Emory University, the president's chief medical adviser pointed to higher rates of COVID-19 deaths among Black Americans, Latino Americans, and members of other minority groups as evidence of 'social determinants' that caused the pandemic to hit those communities especially hard, The Hill reported. "Now, very few of these comorbidities [with COVID-19] have racial determinants. Almost all relate to the social determinants of health dating back to disadvantageous conditions that some people of color find themselves in from birth regarding the availability of an adequate diet, access to health care, and the undeniable effects of racism in our society," he said. Fauci said correcting societal wrongs will take a commitment of decades, and he urged the graduates to be part of the solution. He said that the infectious disease disparately hospitalised and killed people of color. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last fall that Black Americans as well as those who are Hispanic or Latino were dying at disproportionately higher rates from COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic white Americans. Researchers have linked the higher rates of deaths in those groups to social factors including housing and employment as well as some health factors including higher rates of diabetes and other underlying conditions in those communities. (With inputs from agencies)

Fauci says pandemic exposed 'undeniable effects of racism' in US 

As American and NATO forces prepare to leave the Afghanistan, interpreters who helped the United States soldiers for years are now fearing for their lives and are facing the prospect of Taliban reprisals.

Afghans who helped US fear being left behind and reprisals by Taiwan

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.&nbsp;

Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10.&nbsp;

"Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX.&nbsp;

Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. &nbsp;

Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement.&nbsp;

In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday.&nbsp;

Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation.&nbsp;

"Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said.&nbsp;

Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation.&nbsp;

Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal. Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10. "Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX. Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement. In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday. Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation. "Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said. Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation. Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao. Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. (With inputs from agencies)

Gold hits over three-month high on virus worries, lower US yields 

While India struggles to shake off the virus, the developed world is taking off the masks. Locals of the US can, now, ditch the mask at most places if they have taken both the shots of a vaccine and the United Kingdom has brought in new rules for hugging.

Americans can take off their masks while walking on the streets, inside restaurants, offices and most public places. They don't need a mask if they are fully vaccinated.

Joe Biden was quick to follow the new advice from experts. Soon after they made the announcement, the US President appeared for a press conference at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris without a mask. Some reporters were spotted without a mask too, but the rest of America is still cautious and everyone is not taking off the mask yet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-these-countries-are-taking-off-the-mask-385134">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-these-countries-are-taking-off-the-mask-385134/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

America's Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says people can stop wearing a mask in most public places but they still need to have one on if they are on a plane, in airports, trains, transit hubs and places like hospitals and doctor's offices.

The US is not the only country that's ditching the mask. Several countries in the developed world are easing their rules.

In Australia, citizens can leave the mask behind for most public places where physical distancing is possible. In neighbouring New Zealand, people need to wear the mask at just two locations: public transport and flights. Israel, too, offers the option of roaming around without a mask.

The UK has asked its citizens to keep the mask on at crowded locations, but human contact is allowed. In fact, Britain has new hugging rules that state you can hug a loved one, but conditions apply and the government calls it "a cautious hug". Hugs must be done outdoors, without face-to-face contact and it shouldn't last very long. In addition to this, if you are hugging someone who is not vaccinated, then you need to keep your mask on while doing it.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who famously shook hands at the beginning of the pandemic, got infected and landed in an ICU but he now has advice on hugging.

"If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world, greeting others with a smile,” Joe Biden said.

“This doesn't mean we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. In fact, more than a year into this pandemic, we all know that close contact such as hugging, is a direct way of transmitting this disease. So I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones, whether they've had a vaccine, one or two doses, and whether there has been time for that vaccine to take effect. "

Whether it is the US or the UK, rules to ditch the mask remain the same. Virus containment and vaccination with their massive vaccine stockpiles and aggressive inoculation efforts, countries in the West have found the exit from this pandemic.

While India struggles to shake off the virus, the developed world is taking off the masks. Locals of the US can, now, ditch the mask at most places if they have taken both the shots of a vaccine and the United Kingdom has brought in new rules for hugging.

While India struggles to shake off the virus, the developed world is taking off the masks. Locals of the US can, now, ditch the mask at most places if they have taken both the shots of a vaccine and the United Kingdom has brought in new rules for hugging. Americans can take off their masks while walking on the streets, inside restaurants, offices and most public places. They don't need a mask if they are fully vaccinated. Joe Biden was quick to follow the new advice from experts. Soon after they made the announcement, the US President appeared for a press conference at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris without a mask. Some reporters were spotted without a mask too, but the rest of America is still cautious and everyone is not taking off the mask yet. Watch | America's Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says people can stop wearing a mask in most public places but they still need to have one on if they are on a plane, in airports, trains, transit hubs and places like hospitals and doctor's offices. The US is not the only country that's ditching the mask. Several countries in the developed world are easing their rules. In Australia, citizens can leave the mask behind for most public places where physical distancing is possible. In neighbouring New Zealand, people need to wear the mask at just two locations: public transport and flights. Israel, too, offers the option of roaming around without a mask. The UK has asked its citizens to keep the mask on at crowded locations, but human contact is allowed. In fact, Britain has new hugging rules that state you can hug a loved one, but conditions apply and the government calls it "a cautious hug". Hugs must be done outdoors, without face-to-face contact and it shouldn't last very long. In addition to this, if you are hugging someone who is not vaccinated, then you need to keep your mask on while doing it. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who famously shook hands at the beginning of the pandemic, got infected and landed in an ICU but he now has advice on hugging. "If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world, greeting others with a smile,” Joe Biden said. “This doesn't mean we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. In fact, more than a year into this pandemic, we all know that close contact such as hugging, is a direct way of transmitting this disease. So I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones, whether they've had a vaccine, one or two doses, and whether there has been time for that vaccine to take effect. " Whether it is the US or the UK, rules to ditch the mask remain the same. Virus containment and vaccination with their massive vaccine stockpiles and aggressive inoculation efforts, countries in the West have found the exit from this pandemic.

Mask free and hugs: How the West is rushing towards exit from pandemic lockdowns

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board' on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban.&nbsp;

"Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview.&nbsp;

Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organised system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there."&nbsp;

"The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added.&nbsp;

These remarks come as Ghani met Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa earlier this week and discussed Pakistan's role in the peace process and the escalation of violence in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"President Ashraf Ghani attached great importance to the role of the regional countries particularly Pakistan in establishing peace in Afghanistan and the country's influence on the Taliban," the Afghan Presidential Palace said in a statement on Monday.&nbsp;

Afghanistan and Pakistan have no choice but to opt for mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and economic cooperation, Ghani had said. &nbsp;

Ghani further said that there is no military solution for the ongoing war in Afghanistan and that the Taliban's insistence to stick to a military solution is unacceptable for the people of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has seen a spike in the incidents of violence in recent weeks, leading to casualties of Afghan security forces and civilians. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete by September 11. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board' on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board' on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban. "Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview. Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organised system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there." "The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added. These remarks come as Ghani met Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa earlier this week and discussed Pakistan's role in the peace process and the escalation of violence in Afghanistan. "President Ashraf Ghani attached great importance to the role of the regional countries particularly Pakistan in establishing peace in Afghanistan and the country's influence on the Taliban," the Afghan Presidential Palace said in a statement on Monday. Afghanistan and Pakistan have no choice but to opt for mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and economic cooperation, Ghani had said. Ghani further said that there is no military solution for the ongoing war in Afghanistan and that the Taliban's insistence to stick to a military solution is unacceptable for the people of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has seen a spike in the incidents of violence in recent weeks, leading to casualties of Afghan security forces and civilians. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani 

Fighters of a local militia opposed to Myanmar's junta have pulled back from the northwestern town of Mindat after days of assault by combat troops backed by artillery, a member of the group said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The United States and Britain called on the army to avoid civilian casualties and a shadow National Unity Government formed by loyalists of Myanmar's detained elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appealed for international help.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls for comment.&nbsp;

The fighting in the hill town of Mindat, about 100 km (60 miles) from the Indian border in Chin state, is some of the heaviest since the coup plunged Myanmar into chaos with daily protests, strikes and the emergence of new local militias.&nbsp;

"To avoid confrontation, we retreated out of concern over damage to the town," said one fighter, adding that only women and children remained in the town of more than 40,000 that was now largely occupied by the army.&nbsp;

"Since all the boys and men are involved in this fight, all of them are on the run."&nbsp;

The US-funded RFA website quoted a member of the group as saying five of its fighters were killed, but it believed it had inflicted losses several times that many on the army, widely known as the Tatmadaw.&nbsp;

Army-controlled Myawaddy television said on Saturday that some security forces were killed and others missing after attacks by 'unscrupulous people'. Security forces would work day and night to bring order, it added.&nbsp;

The fighting marks the emergence of the Chinland Defence Force, one of several new groups to spring up in opposition to the junta in a country, which already had about two dozen ethnic armed groups.&nbsp;

The fighters also say they are part of the People's Defence Forces of the shadow government.&nbsp;

"We would like to urge the international community to take immediate actions to end all violence of the Tatmadaw and protect the defenceless people of Mindat," the National Unity Government said in a statement.&nbsp;

The US and British embassies in Myanmar voiced concern for civilians in Mindat.&nbsp;

"The military’s use of weapons of war against civilians, including this week in Mindat, is a further demonstration of the depths the regime will sink to hold onto power," the US embassy said in a statement. "We call on the military to cease violence against civilians."&nbsp;

Britain's mission said evidence of atrocities should be sent to UN investigators 'so perpetrators can be held to account'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Fighters of a local militia opposed to Myanmar's junta have pulled back from the northwestern town of Mindat after days of assault by combat troops backed by artillery, a member of the group said on Sunday.

Fighters of a local militia opposed to Myanmar's junta have pulled back from the northwestern town of Mindat after days of assault by combat troops backed by artillery, a member of the group said on Sunday. The United States and Britain called on the army to avoid civilian casualties and a shadow National Unity Government formed by loyalists of Myanmar's detained elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appealed for international help. A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls for comment. The fighting in the hill town of Mindat, about 100 km (60 miles) from the Indian border in Chin state, is some of the heaviest since the coup plunged Myanmar into chaos with daily protests, strikes and the emergence of new local militias. "To avoid confrontation, we retreated out of concern over damage to the town," said one fighter, adding that only women and children remained in the town of more than 40,000 that was now largely occupied by the army. "Since all the boys and men are involved in this fight, all of them are on the run." The US-funded RFA website quoted a member of the group as saying five of its fighters were killed, but it believed it had inflicted losses several times that many on the army, widely known as the Tatmadaw. Army-controlled Myawaddy television said on Saturday that some security forces were killed and others missing after attacks by 'unscrupulous people'. Security forces would work day and night to bring order, it added. The fighting marks the emergence of the Chinland Defence Force, one of several new groups to spring up in opposition to the junta in a country, which already had about two dozen ethnic armed groups. The fighters also say they are part of the People's Defence Forces of the shadow government. "We would like to urge the international community to take immediate actions to end all violence of the Tatmadaw and protect the defenceless people of Mindat," the National Unity Government said in a statement. The US and British embassies in Myanmar voiced concern for civilians in Mindat. "The military’s use of weapons of war against civilians, including this week in Mindat, is a further demonstration of the depths the regime will sink to hold onto power," the US embassy said in a statement. "We call on the military to cease violence against civilians." Britain's mission said evidence of atrocities should be sent to UN investigators 'so perpetrators can be held to account'. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar anti-coup fighters retreat from town as US makes appeal 

Schools in the United States should continue to use masks for the 2020-2021 academic year as all students will not be fully vaccinated, the US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Saturday.

The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools "should implement and layer prevention strategies and should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing."

Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination for teachers and staff provide additional layers of COVID-19 protection in schools. The recommendation comes after the agency on Thursday said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

The CDC said masks should be worn at all times by all people in school facilities and buses while maintaining a six-foot distance between teachers and students. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday announced that people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need their masks indoors and outdoors.

In a guideline on its website, the CDC said that if people are fully vaccinated, they can resume their activities without any further restrictions prior to the pandemic. "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," it said.

Schools in the United States should continue to use masks for the 2020-2021 academic year as all students will not be fully vaccinated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Saturday.

Schools in the United States should continue to use masks for the 2020-2021 academic year as all students will not be fully vaccinated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Saturday. The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools "should implement and layer prevention strategies and should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing." Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination for teachers and staff provide additional layers of COVID-19 protection in schools. The recommendation comes after the agency on Thursday said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places. The CDC said masks should be worn at all times by all people in school facilities and buses while maintaining a six-foot distance between teachers and students. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday announced that people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need their masks indoors and outdoors. In a guideline on its website, the CDC said that if people are fully vaccinated, they can resume their activities without any further restrictions prior to the pandemic. "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," it said.

US schools should continue to use masks: CDC

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. &nbsp;

A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. &nbsp;

Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. &nbsp;

In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. &nbsp;

At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States.&nbsp;

The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising. In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States. The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem. Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters in major US cities decry airstrikes over Gaza 

New&nbsp;York, which has long prided itself on being one of the world's safest cities, is experiencing a surge in&nbsp;crime, with the topic becoming a central theme of a&nbsp;mayoral&nbsp;race&nbsp;set to be decided in June.

Crime&nbsp;was endemic in the Big Apple in the 1970s and 1980s when America's largest metropolis was gripped by a budgetary crisis, but it has been on a continuous downward trend since the mid-1990s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child">Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child</a>

However, the picture has deteriorated drastically since last summer. What initially looked like a byproduct of the movement against police violence following George Floyd's murder and social dislocation caused by the pandemic appears no longer to be the case.

From knife attacks on the subway to a surge in shootings, including in Times Square last weekend, violence is 'definitely up,'&nbsp;says John Pfaff, a criminal law professor at Fordham University.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="New York Police probe 'hate crime' targetting Chinese American man">New York Police probe 'hate crime' targetting Chinese American man</a>

'The spike of 2020 does run the risk of continuing into 2021,'&nbsp;he told AFP.

"I see a huge economic uncertainty, a huge emotional stress, you have institutions that are shut down across the board. All these things are going to contribute to violence and then that violence can be somewhat self-perpetuating going forward," Pfaff added.

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;is gradually beginning to emerge from the coronavirus crisis and unemployment is falling, but&nbsp;crime&nbsp;statistics are far from improving.&nbsp;

The latest figures, released on May 9, showed 505 victims of shootings since the beginning of January, the highest in 10 years. It was up from 275 for the same period in 2020.

There have been 146 murders so far this year, up 40 percent from 2019 when 104 people were killed and up 27 percent on last year.&nbsp;

Officially,&nbsp;crime&nbsp;in the subway is down 43 percent, but many experts note that is misleading as ridership plummeted with the pandemic.

A shooting in broad daylight in Times Square on May 8, which injured two women and a child, propelled&nbsp;rising&nbsp;violent&nbsp;crime&nbsp;to the forefront of the&nbsp;mayoral&nbsp;campaign, six weeks before the Democratic primary on June 22.

The primary effectively nominates the winner of the November election due to the unpopularity of Republicans in&nbsp;New&nbsp;York.

The main candidates -- which include ex-presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Brooklyn president and ex-police officer Eric Adams, and ex-Wall Street executive Raymond McGuire, have all promised decisive action to improve safety if elected.

And during their first virtual debate on Thursday night, the subject kept coming back like a boomerang.

On Friday, Pat Foye, president of the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;transport authority, increased the pressure, demanding 'an immediate injection'&nbsp;of hundreds of police officers at stations, where their presence has already been reinforced in recent weeks.

He even described&nbsp;New&nbsp;York's outgoing mayor, the left-leaning Democrat Bill de Blasio as 'irresponsible,'&nbsp;accusing him of 'ignoring the reality'&nbsp;of passengers.

When asked about it on local radio, De Blasio repeated his mantra:&nbsp;crime&nbsp;will drop with the resumption of economic activity, which is taking shape with almost all pandemic-era restrictions about to be lifted.

He accused Foye of "fear-mongering" at the behest of Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who frequently accuses the mayor of inaction on&nbsp;crime.

Republicans are also trying to use the rise in violence to their advantage. Some in the camp, like Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, present&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;as a no-go area, far from the reality on the ground.

Others, especially in Democratic circles, call for perspective.

"Nobody is saying to me, 'I feel so unsafe'," said Susan Kang, professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

'It is a way to shift the political narrative to the issue of police.'

'Even if the&nbsp;crime&nbsp;numbers are growing, the numbers are still quite low,'&nbsp;she added, especially when most US cities have witnessed an increase over the past year.

The movement against police violence has pushed some Democrats to demand a reduction in the budget of the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;police force, which is the largest in the country with around 35,000 officers. They want to see money redirected to underprivileged communities.

Kang regrets that the discussion is now moving towards police deployments being insufficient.

"Times Square has a significant presence of police officers already. To what extent would more police officers improve the situation?" she asked.

Whatever approach is taken, the situation is 'only going to get worse in the next few weeks,'&nbsp;believes Christopher Herrmann, another expert at John Jay.

'The&nbsp;new&nbsp;mayor is going to walk in with this pile of bad news on his desk,'&nbsp;he said.

New York, which has long prided itself on being one of the world's safest cities, is experiencing a surge in crime, with the topic becoming a central theme of a mayoral race set to be decided in June.

New York, which has long prided itself on being one of the world's safest cities, is experiencing a surge in crime, with the topic becoming a central theme of a mayoral race set to be decided in June. Crime was endemic in the Big Apple in the 1970s and 1980s when America's largest metropolis was gripped by a budgetary crisis, but it has been on a continuous downward trend since the mid-1990s. Also read: Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child However, the picture has deteriorated drastically since last summer. What initially looked like a byproduct of the movement against police violence following George Floyd's murder and social dislocation caused by the pandemic appears no longer to be the case. From knife attacks on the subway to a surge in shootings, including in Times Square last weekend, violence is 'definitely up,' says John Pfaff, a criminal law professor at Fordham University. Also read: New York Police probe 'hate crime' targetting Chinese American man 'The spike of 2020 does run the risk of continuing into 2021,' he told AFP. "I see a huge economic uncertainty, a huge emotional stress, you have institutions that are shut down across the board. All these things are going to contribute to violence and then that violence can be somewhat self-perpetuating going forward," Pfaff added. New York is gradually beginning to emerge from the coronavirus crisis and unemployment is falling, but crime statistics are far from improving. The latest figures, released on May 9, showed 505 victims of shootings since the beginning of January, the highest in 10 years. It was up from 275 for the same period in 2020. There have been 146 murders so far this year, up 40 percent from 2019 when 104 people were killed and up 27 percent on last year. Officially, crime in the subway is down 43 percent, but many experts note that is misleading as ridership plummeted with the pandemic. A shooting in broad daylight in Times Square on May 8, which injured two women and a child, propelled rising violent crime to the forefront of the mayoral campaign, six weeks before the Democratic primary on June 22. The primary effectively nominates the winner of the November election due to the unpopularity of Republicans in New York. The main candidates -- which include ex-presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Brooklyn president and ex-police officer Eric Adams, and ex-Wall Street executive Raymond McGuire, have all promised decisive action to improve safety if elected. And during their first virtual debate on Thursday night, the subject kept coming back like a boomerang. On Friday, Pat Foye, president of the New York transport authority, increased the pressure, demanding 'an immediate injection' of hundreds of police officers at stations, where their presence has already been reinforced in recent weeks. He even described New York's outgoing mayor, the left-leaning Democrat Bill de Blasio as 'irresponsible,' accusing him of 'ignoring the reality' of passengers. When asked about it on local radio, De Blasio repeated his mantra: crime will drop with the resumption of economic activity, which is taking shape with almost all pandemic-era restrictions about to be lifted. He accused Foye of "fear-mongering" at the behest of Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who frequently accuses the mayor of inaction on crime. Republicans are also trying to use the rise in violence to their advantage. Some in the camp, like Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, present New York as a no-go area, far from the reality on the ground. Others, especially in Democratic circles, call for perspective. "Nobody is saying to me, 'I feel so unsafe'," said Susan Kang, professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 'It is a way to shift the political narrative to the issue of police.' 'Even if the crime numbers are growing, the numbers are still quite low,' she added, especially when most US cities have witnessed an increase over the past year. The movement against police violence has pushed some Democrats to demand a reduction in the budget of the New York police force, which is the largest in the country with around 35,000 officers. They want to see money redirected to underprivileged communities. Kang regrets that the discussion is now moving towards police deployments being insufficient. "Times Square has a significant presence of police officers already. To what extent would more police officers improve the situation?" she asked. Whatever approach is taken, the situation is 'only going to get worse in the next few weeks,' believes Christopher Herrmann, another expert at John Jay. 'The new mayor is going to walk in with this pile of bad news on his desk,' he said.

Rising crime takes centre stage in New York mayoral race

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