China could invade Taiwan by the year 2027. Top US commanders are concerned as Beijing thrives to replace American military power in Asia. Democratic and self-ruled Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by authoritarian China.

Top US Commander fears Chinese invasion in Taiwan in next 6 years

The Joe Biden administration is granting temporary protected status to Venezuelan migrants living in the United States and is also working to coordinate international pressure against President Nicolas Maduro to hold free and fair elections.

US grants temporary protection to Venezuelan refugees

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden.&nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs, in a statement said, "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region".&nbsp;

It explained, "the Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges, such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change."&nbsp;

Covid vaccines will be a key focus, with leaders discussing 'ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic' and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region', the release mentioned.&nbsp;

So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings--one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. Last month's telephonic conversation between the four foreign ministers, US State Secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S Jaishankar saw key focus being on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet, said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India."&nbsp;

He pointed that such meets would become a 'feature of the Indo Pacific engagement' but it will "not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat. it will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo pacific."&nbsp;

Quad is seen very suspiciously by China, which has termed it 'Asian Nato' something that has been dismissed by the grouping. The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe but lost support only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping had met. Last year, saw Australia being invited to Malabar exercises which saw all four Quad countries coming under one umbrella for naval exercises in the Indian ocean. Amid the covid pandemic, Quad plus meetings happened at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.&nbsp;

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden.

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden. India's ministry of external affairs, in a statement said, "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region". It explained, "the Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges, such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change." Covid vaccines will be a key focus, with leaders discussing 'ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic' and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region', the release mentioned. So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings--one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. Last month's telephonic conversation between the four foreign ministers, US State Secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S Jaishankar saw key focus being on Myanmar. Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet, said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India." He pointed that such meets would become a 'feature of the Indo Pacific engagement' but it will "not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat. it will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo pacific." Quad is seen very suspiciously by China, which has termed it 'Asian Nato' something that has been dismissed by the grouping. The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe but lost support only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping had met. Last year, saw Australia being invited to Malabar exercises which saw all four Quad countries coming under one umbrella for naval exercises in the Indian ocean. Amid the covid pandemic, Quad plus meetings happened at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.

First Quad leaders summit this Friday 

As NASA aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, the agency is looking to the US universities for lunar-focused research to bring about advancements in onsite resource utilisation and sustainable power solutions.&nbsp;

The US space agency on Monday said that it has selected six project proposals under its first-ever Lunar Surface Technology Research (LuSTR) solicitation.&nbsp;

"Our inaugural LuSTR opportunity targeted two technology areas within NASA's Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative that are essential to the agency's Artemis programme, which will land the first woman and next man on the Moon," Walt Engelund, Deputy Associate Administrator for programmes in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The systems developed by the US universities could make future exploration more accessible, robust, and exciting."&nbsp;

Through LuSTR, NASA selected three university-led proposals to research innovative ways to identify resources, like water, on the Moon, and inventive designs for extraction and utilisation equipment.&nbsp;

The University of Texas in El Paso will research an advanced thermal mining approach that could release, trap, and transport water vapour found on the Moon, NASA said.&nbsp;

Washington University in St Louis will build a rover-mounted drill to quantify the 3D distribution of water at the Moon's South Pole.&nbsp;

Michigan Technological University in Houghton will adapt a heated percussive cone penetrometer, an engineering instrument regularly used on Earth, to characterise the strength of lunar soil, or regolith.&nbsp;

Understanding a lunar region's regolith strength could inform methods of excavating water and building structures using local materials.&nbsp;

Complementing this research, three other university teams will mature next-generation energy storage and power distribution technologies.&nbsp;

The projects could help power in-situ resource utilisation operations and other robust infrastructure on the Moon.&nbsp;

The University of California in Santa Barbara will research wireless power transfer feasibility from a base station to multiple distant assets on the Moon.&nbsp;

Vanderbilt University in Nashville will look into using silicon carbide power components for lunar surface applications.&nbsp;

The Ohio State University in Columbus will explore flexible energy distribution between multiple, different power grids, that may use solar, radioisotope, and battery sources, that could be deployed on the lunar surface to support the Artemis programme, NASA said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

As NASA aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, the agency is looking to the US universities for lunar-focused research to bring about advancements in onsite resource utilisation and sustainable power solutions.

As NASA aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, the agency is looking to the US universities for lunar-focused research to bring about advancements in onsite resource utilisation and sustainable power solutions. The US space agency on Monday said that it has selected six project proposals under its first-ever Lunar Surface Technology Research (LuSTR) solicitation. "Our inaugural LuSTR opportunity targeted two technology areas within NASA's Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative that are essential to the agency's Artemis programme, which will land the first woman and next man on the Moon," Walt Engelund, Deputy Associate Administrator for programmes in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) said in a statement. "The systems developed by the US universities could make future exploration more accessible, robust, and exciting." Through LuSTR, NASA selected three university-led proposals to research innovative ways to identify resources, like water, on the Moon, and inventive designs for extraction and utilisation equipment. The University of Texas in El Paso will research an advanced thermal mining approach that could release, trap, and transport water vapour found on the Moon, NASA said. Washington University in St Louis will build a rover-mounted drill to quantify the 3D distribution of water at the Moon's South Pole. Michigan Technological University in Houghton will adapt a heated percussive cone penetrometer, an engineering instrument regularly used on Earth, to characterise the strength of lunar soil, or regolith. Understanding a lunar region's regolith strength could inform methods of excavating water and building structures using local materials. Complementing this research, three other university teams will mature next-generation energy storage and power distribution technologies. The projects could help power in-situ resource utilisation operations and other robust infrastructure on the Moon. The University of California in Santa Barbara will research wireless power transfer feasibility from a base station to multiple distant assets on the Moon. Vanderbilt University in Nashville will look into using silicon carbide power components for lunar surface applications. The Ohio State University in Columbus will explore flexible energy distribution between multiple, different power grids, that may use solar, radioisotope, and battery sources, that could be deployed on the lunar surface to support the Artemis programme, NASA said. (With inputs from agencies)

US varsities to develop lunar power tech for NASA 

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's private aerospace company SpaceX has sought approval from regulators in the US to connect its Starlink satellite Internet network to large vehicles including trucks and ships.&nbsp;

The request, filed with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), marks a move to expand the Starlink satellite Internet network from rural areas to other sectors.&nbsp;

"This application would serve the public interest by authorising a new class of ground-based components for SpaceX's satellite system that will expand the range of broadband capabilities available to moving vehicles throughout the United States and to moving vessels and aircraft worldwide," SpaceX Director of Satellite policy David Goldman wrote in a letter to the FCC filed on Friday, according to a report in CNBC on Monday.&nbsp;

After the report, Musk clarified that SpaceX is not connecting the Starlink satellite Internet network to Tesla cars.&nbsp;

"Not connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big. This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks &amp; Rvs," he said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Musk had said last month that Internet speed of its Starlink satellite-based internet service, which aims to provide cheaper web for millions in remote areas across the world, will double to 300 Mbps this year.&nbsp;

The company currently promises speeds between 50 and 150 Mbps for the Starlink project that plans to deliver high-speed internet through a network of about 12,000 satellites. It has already put over 1,000 of its Starlink satellites in orbit.&nbsp;

Musk had earlier said that Starlink will list publicly after the cash flow of the service becomes "reasonably well".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's private aerospace company SpaceX has sought approval from regulators in the US to connect its Starlink satellite Internet network to large vehicles including trucks and ships.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's private aerospace company SpaceX has sought approval from regulators in the US to connect its Starlink satellite Internet network to large vehicles including trucks and ships. The request, filed with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), marks a move to expand the Starlink satellite Internet network from rural areas to other sectors. "This application would serve the public interest by authorising a new class of ground-based components for SpaceX's satellite system that will expand the range of broadband capabilities available to moving vehicles throughout the United States and to moving vessels and aircraft worldwide," SpaceX Director of Satellite policy David Goldman wrote in a letter to the FCC filed on Friday, according to a report in CNBC on Monday. After the report, Musk clarified that SpaceX is not connecting the Starlink satellite Internet network to Tesla cars. "Not connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big. This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks & Rvs," he said in a tweet. Musk had said last month that Internet speed of its Starlink satellite-based internet service, which aims to provide cheaper web for millions in remote areas across the world, will double to 300 Mbps this year. The company currently promises speeds between 50 and 150 Mbps for the Starlink project that plans to deliver high-speed internet through a network of about 12,000 satellites. It has already put over 1,000 of its Starlink satellites in orbit. Musk had earlier said that Starlink will list publicly after the cash flow of the service becomes "reasonably well". (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX wants to beam Starlink Internet into trucks, ships 

US sanctions imposed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, known as the Ceasar Act, is complicating the return of Syria to the Arab fold, the UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The return of Syria to the Arab League is in the interest of Syria and other countries of the region, he told a told a joint news conference in Abu Dhabi, with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there recently, pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area.&nbsp;

Mohamed Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, was due to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the start of a three-day visit.&nbsp;

Meeting Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, Al Khaja, 40, said he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador" to Israel, where, he said, he and his hosts were discussing "the model of how we operate".&nbsp;

"My mission here is to foster and develop this relationship...and we hope this will bring peace and prosperity to the people in the Middle East," he said.&nbsp;

The UAE and Israel formalised ties in a Washington ceremony on September 15, brought together by shared concern about Iran.&nbsp;

Their so-called 'Abraham Accords', joined by Bahrain, have uncorked tourism and commerce between Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Palestinians have been critical of the rapprochement, worried that their own unmet statehood goal might be sidelined.&nbsp;

Israel opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in January. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital but this is not widely recognised abroad. The Palestinians want their own capital in the east of the city, which Israel captured in a 1967 war.&nbsp;

The UAE would follow Jordan and Egypt in setting up an embassy in or near coastal metropolis Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US sanctions imposed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, known as the Ceasar Act, is complicating the return of Syria to the Arab fold, the UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed said on Tuesday.

US sanctions imposed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, known as the Ceasar Act, is complicating the return of Syria to the Arab fold, the UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed said on Tuesday. The return of Syria to the Arab League is in the interest of Syria and other countries of the region, he told a told a joint news conference in Abu Dhabi, with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Meanwhile, the first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there recently, pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area. Mohamed Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, was due to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the start of a three-day visit. Meeting Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, Al Khaja, 40, said he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador" to Israel, where, he said, he and his hosts were discussing "the model of how we operate". "My mission here is to foster and develop this relationship...and we hope this will bring peace and prosperity to the people in the Middle East," he said. The UAE and Israel formalised ties in a Washington ceremony on September 15, brought together by shared concern about Iran. Their so-called 'Abraham Accords', joined by Bahrain, have uncorked tourism and commerce between Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Palestinians have been critical of the rapprochement, worried that their own unmet statehood goal might be sidelined. Israel opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in January. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital but this is not widely recognised abroad. The Palestinians want their own capital in the east of the city, which Israel captured in a 1967 war. The UAE would follow Jordan and Egypt in setting up an embassy in or near coastal metropolis Tel Aviv. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE minister: US sanctions complicate Syria's return to Arab fold 

Afghanistan is a playground for power rivalry. For the longest time, it was U.S. Vs Russia. Now, it is China and Pakistan Vs India. What is New Delhi's Strategy?

Gravitas: What is India's Afghanistan strategy?

In a letter to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pitched for India's role alongside other regional players in Afghanistan. But, the US also wants the Taliban to have a seat at the table. What should India do?

Gravitas: Afghan Peace Talks: The United States wants India involved

US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday met with Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process, US State Department said.&nbsp;

"US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Khalilzad visited Islamabad today, he met Pakistani officials including Chief of Army Staff. Ambassador Khalilzad thanked Pakistani counterparts for their assistance and asked for Pakistan's continued commitment to the peace process," the US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price said.&nbsp;

The development comes ahead of the deadline for the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan this May. Price said that Khalilzad will stay in Doha for a period of time to work on the Afghan peace process. &nbsp;

"Ambassador Khalilzad remains in the region. I understand that he had a relatively quick trip to Pakistan and I understand that he will be based in Doha for some time," Price said. &nbsp;

"I wouldn't want to prejudge how things may unfold in coming hours and in coming days." A statement from the US Embassy in Islamabad said Khalilzad had 'stressed the need to accelerate progress towards a just and durable peace in Afghanistan' during the meetings with Bajwa and with government officials.&nbsp;

"Ambassador Khalilzad emphasised Pakistan's continued important role in the peace process, especially to help Afghans achieve a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire,'' the statement added.&nbsp;

The US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has earlier this week visited Kabul and Doha in the last week. The Afghan government on Monday said Islamabad is a direct party to the Afghanistan conflict and treating it as a 'normal neighbour' would not help the peace process in the war-torn country.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan," Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday met with Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process, US State Department said.

US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday met with Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process, US State Department said. "US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Khalilzad visited Islamabad today, he met Pakistani officials including Chief of Army Staff. Ambassador Khalilzad thanked Pakistani counterparts for their assistance and asked for Pakistan's continued commitment to the peace process," the US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price said. The development comes ahead of the deadline for the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan this May. Price said that Khalilzad will stay in Doha for a period of time to work on the Afghan peace process. "Ambassador Khalilzad remains in the region. I understand that he had a relatively quick trip to Pakistan and I understand that he will be based in Doha for some time," Price said. "I wouldn't want to prejudge how things may unfold in coming hours and in coming days." A statement from the US Embassy in Islamabad said Khalilzad had 'stressed the need to accelerate progress towards a just and durable peace in Afghanistan' during the meetings with Bajwa and with government officials. "Ambassador Khalilzad emphasised Pakistan's continued important role in the peace process, especially to help Afghans achieve a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire,'' the statement added. The US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has earlier this week visited Kabul and Doha in the last week. The Afghan government on Monday said Islamabad is a direct party to the Afghanistan conflict and treating it as a 'normal neighbour' would not help the peace process in the war-torn country. "Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan," Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy Khalilzad meets Pak Army chief to discuss Afghan peace 

As Taiwan continues to remain at the forefront of the escalating tensions between the United States and China, the White House on Monday said that Washington will continue to contribute to Taiwan's self-defence capabilities." &nbsp;

Our position on Taiwan remains clear. We will stand with friends and allies to advanced our shared prosperity, security and values. And in the Indo-Pacific region, we maintain our long-standing commitment," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in a press briefing.&nbsp;

"We maintain our long-standing commitments as outlined in the three communicates, the Taiwan Relations Act and the six assurances. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability. So, our position remains the same," she added.&nbsp;

Sputnik citing an official reported that a State Department bilateral fact sheet stated the US and Taiwan enjoy an unofficial relationship, but Washington does not support the Island's independence.&nbsp;

A 1979 pact with China switched US diplomatic recognition to Beijing, although The Taiwan Relations Act, passed by Congress in that same year, allows Washington to support the island's defensive capabilities. &nbsp;

Deeming one-China policy as outdated and counter-productive, recently two United States congressmen have introduced a resolution calling for the US government to resume formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. &nbsp;

The bill, US Congress House Concurrent Resolution 21, was sponsored by US House representatives Tom Tiffany and Scott Perry on February 26, Focus Taiwan reported. &nbsp;

The resolution called US government to scrap the one-China policy. The new resolution urged the US government to resume normal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan, and support Taiwan's membership in international organizations.&nbsp;

According to the texts of the bill, the 'one China policy' is obsolete, does not serve the people of Taiwan or the US and fails to reflect the reality that Taiwan has been a sovereign and independent country for over 70 years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Taiwan continues to remain at the forefront of the escalating tensions between the United States and China, the White House on Monday said that Washington will continue to contribute to Taiwan's self-defence capabilities.

As Taiwan continues to remain at the forefront of the escalating tensions between the United States and China, the White House on Monday said that Washington will continue to contribute to Taiwan's self-defence capabilities." Our position on Taiwan remains clear. We will stand with friends and allies to advanced our shared prosperity, security and values. And in the Indo-Pacific region, we maintain our long-standing commitment," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in a press briefing. "We maintain our long-standing commitments as outlined in the three communicates, the Taiwan Relations Act and the six assurances. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability. So, our position remains the same," she added. Sputnik citing an official reported that a State Department bilateral fact sheet stated the US and Taiwan enjoy an unofficial relationship, but Washington does not support the Island's independence. A 1979 pact with China switched US diplomatic recognition to Beijing, although The Taiwan Relations Act, passed by Congress in that same year, allows Washington to support the island's defensive capabilities. Deeming one-China policy as outdated and counter-productive, recently two United States congressmen have introduced a resolution calling for the US government to resume formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The bill, US Congress House Concurrent Resolution 21, was sponsored by US House representatives Tom Tiffany and Scott Perry on February 26, Focus Taiwan reported. The resolution called US government to scrap the one-China policy. The new resolution urged the US government to resume normal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan, and support Taiwan's membership in international organizations. According to the texts of the bill, the 'one China policy' is obsolete, does not serve the people of Taiwan or the US and fails to reflect the reality that Taiwan has been a sovereign and independent country for over 70 years. (With inputs from agencies)

US to continue assisting Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, says White House 

New guidelines issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that fully vaccinated people can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing.

CDC says fully vaccinated people can gather without masks

The United Kingdom lost market share in the United States, Germany and China during the COVID-19 pandemic due to global trade chaos, Brexit and poor productivity, according to new research published.

World Business Watch: UK market share in US, Germany, China falls

According to reports, US State Secretary Antony Blinken has written to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proposing a United Nations-facilitated peace conference with representatives of six countries including India.

Report: Antony Blinken proposes UN-led meeting on Afghan peace

According to reports, the United Kingdom could join the historic Quad including four of the world's biggest economic powerhouses, with a new groundbreaking defence and foreign relations.

Reports say UK could join the historic Quad in new alliance

US President Joe Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of his administration's efforts to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.

Joe Biden's signs executive order to expand voting access

The Governor of New York has decided not to step down even after serious allegations against him. The decision remains the same even after top US officials demand his resignation.

New York: Andrew Cuomo continues to stay defiant

The United States and South Korea have reached a new arrangement for sharing the cost of the American troop presence, which is intended as a bulwark against the threat of North Korean aggression, both countries announced.

United States and South Korea agree on sharing American troop's cost

The trial of a former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death is set to begin today. WION brings all you need to know before the trial.

George Floyd's murder trial to begin with the selection of jury

A B-52 US bomber has been deployed over the Israeli skies and this also has been done a second time in the Biden administration. Israeli fighter jets have escorted the bombers in the skies. A step has been taken to deter aggression between Iran and the US.

US flies two B-52 bombers over Israel amid tensions with Iran

In Pics: George Floyd, whose fall, fuelled a complete movement

China urged the United States on Sunday to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation as soon as possible and work together on issues like climate change, while accusing Washington of bringing chaos in the name of spreading democracy.&nbsp;

Last week, US President Joe Biden singled out a 'growing rivalry with China' as a key challenge facing the United States, with his top diplomat describing the Asian country as 'the biggest geopolitical test' of this century.&nbsp;

Speaking at his annual news conference, the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, struck a tough line even as he outlined where the world's two biggest economies could work together.&nbsp;

Questioned about recent US-China frictions over Taiwan, Xinjiang and the disputed South China Sea, Wang said Beijing 'will never accept baseless accusations and smears'.&nbsp;

The United States used democracy and human rights as a basis for arbitrarily interfering with other countries' affairs, he said. "The US should realise this as soon as possible, otherwise the world will continue to experience instability."&nbsp;

Wang added that differences between China and the United States must be managed carefully, the two sides must advocate healthy competition not zero-sum finger-pointing, and that areas like climate change and fighting the pandemic were where they could cooperate.&nbsp;

"It is hoped that the United States and China will meet each other halfway and lift the various unreasonable restrictions placed on Sino-US cooperation to date as soon as possible, and not create new obstacles artificially."&nbsp;

The United States and China are at odds over influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Beijing's economic practices, Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights in China's Xinjiang region.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has indicated it will broadly continue the tough approach to China taken by former President Donald Trump, but do so in coordination with allies.&nbsp;

Wang warned that on Chinese-claimed Taiwan, there was no room for compromise, urging the new US government to change the previous administration's 'dangerous acts of playing with fire'.&nbsp;

Biden's team says the US commitment to democratic Taiwan is 'rock solid'.&nbsp;

During Trump's administration, the United States levied a series of sanctions against China and its officials over Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Beijing's economic policies, which have not been lifted under the new administration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China urged the United States on Sunday to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation as soon as possible and work together on issues like climate change, while accusing Washington of bringing chaos in the name of spreading democracy.

China urged the United States on Sunday to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation as soon as possible and work together on issues like climate change, while accusing Washington of bringing chaos in the name of spreading democracy. Last week, US President Joe Biden singled out a 'growing rivalry with China' as a key challenge facing the United States, with his top diplomat describing the Asian country as 'the biggest geopolitical test' of this century. Speaking at his annual news conference, the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, struck a tough line even as he outlined where the world's two biggest economies could work together. Questioned about recent US-China frictions over Taiwan, Xinjiang and the disputed South China Sea, Wang said Beijing 'will never accept baseless accusations and smears'. The United States used democracy and human rights as a basis for arbitrarily interfering with other countries' affairs, he said. "The US should realise this as soon as possible, otherwise the world will continue to experience instability." Wang added that differences between China and the United States must be managed carefully, the two sides must advocate healthy competition not zero-sum finger-pointing, and that areas like climate change and fighting the pandemic were where they could cooperate. "It is hoped that the United States and China will meet each other halfway and lift the various unreasonable restrictions placed on Sino-US cooperation to date as soon as possible, and not create new obstacles artificially." The United States and China are at odds over influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Beijing's economic practices, Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights in China's Xinjiang region. The Biden administration has indicated it will broadly continue the tough approach to China taken by former President Donald Trump, but do so in coordination with allies. Wang warned that on Chinese-claimed Taiwan, there was no room for compromise, urging the new US government to change the previous administration's 'dangerous acts of playing with fire'. Biden's team says the US commitment to democratic Taiwan is 'rock solid'. During Trump's administration, the United States levied a series of sanctions against China and its officials over Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Beijing's economic policies, which have not been lifted under the new administration. (With inputs from agencies)

China urges US to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation 

The Chinese government's top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi on Sunday said the electoral system in Hong Kong must be improved for long-term stability, saying reform would bring about a 'brighter future' for the city.&nbsp;

China's plan to dramatically reform Hong Kong's electoral system, unveiled this week during the country's annual parliamentary session, is expected to upend the territory's governance and ensure Beijing loyalists are in charge.&nbsp;

Speaking at his annual news conference at the parliamentary session, Wang said there was no democracy in Hong Kong during colonial times, and that China has confidence electoral reforms will be beneficial.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's transition from chaos to governance is fully in the interests of all parties," said Wang.&nbsp;

A year ago, China imposed a tough national security law on the former British colony, saying it was needed following months of sometimes violent anti-government protests.&nbsp;

Beijing has since said that it will directly vet electoral candidates for the city's legislature and declared that only 'patriots' should rule Hong Kong.&nbsp;

"Loving Hong Kong and patriotism are exactly the same," said Wang on Sunday, adding that changes to the electoral system are constitutional and justified.&nbsp;

It comes a week after Hong Kong police detained 47 pro-democracy activists on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion, the largest such mass arrest to date under the new national security law.&nbsp;

China's actions in Hong Kong have been condemned by the United States and its allies to the anger of the Chinese government, which has said Hong Kong issues are an internal matter with which foreigners have no right to interfere.&nbsp;

Supporters of the national security law, which punishes what it broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, have said the legislation is necessary to restore stability in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Chinese government's top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi on Sunday said the electoral system in Hong Kong must be improved for long-term stability, saying reform would bring about a 'brighter future' for the city.

The Chinese government's top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi on Sunday said the electoral system in Hong Kong must be improved for long-term stability, saying reform would bring about a 'brighter future' for the city. China's plan to dramatically reform Hong Kong's electoral system, unveiled this week during the country's annual parliamentary session, is expected to upend the territory's governance and ensure Beijing loyalists are in charge. Speaking at his annual news conference at the parliamentary session, Wang said there was no democracy in Hong Kong during colonial times, and that China has confidence electoral reforms will be beneficial. "Hong Kong's transition from chaos to governance is fully in the interests of all parties," said Wang. A year ago, China imposed a tough national security law on the former British colony, saying it was needed following months of sometimes violent anti-government protests. Beijing has since said that it will directly vet electoral candidates for the city's legislature and declared that only 'patriots' should rule Hong Kong. "Loving Hong Kong and patriotism are exactly the same," said Wang on Sunday, adding that changes to the electoral system are constitutional and justified. It comes a week after Hong Kong police detained 47 pro-democracy activists on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion, the largest such mass arrest to date under the new national security law. China's actions in Hong Kong have been condemned by the United States and its allies to the anger of the Chinese government, which has said Hong Kong issues are an internal matter with which foreigners have no right to interfere. Supporters of the national security law, which punishes what it broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, have said the legislation is necessary to restore stability in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong needs electoral reform for 'brighter future', says China  

In the first full monthly employment report under President Joe Biden, the unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent.

US job growth beats expectations in February

The new US Defense Secretary&nbsp;Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March.&nbsp;His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries.

This will be the first in-person visit of any top Biden administration official to Delhi and comes two&nbsp;months after the new president took charge in Washington.

During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both ministers held talks in January, with a key focus on the Indo-Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington.

The visit happens&nbsp;as work is in progress for the Quad leadership meeting. The meet will be attended by US President Joe Biden,&nbsp;Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga.

Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India."

India and the US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising&nbsp;over $20 billion in defence sales to India.

US State Department last week said, "It’s these offers of advanced U.S. defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India’s security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."

The new US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March. His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries.

The new US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March. His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries. This will be the first in-person visit of any top Biden administration official to Delhi and comes two months after the new president took charge in Washington. During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both ministers held talks in January, with a key focus on the Indo-Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington. The visit happens as work is in progress for the Quad leadership meeting. The meet will be attended by US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga. Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India." India and the US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India. US State Department last week said, "It’s these offers of advanced U.S. defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India’s security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."

New US Defense Secretary Austin to visit India this month

us-1

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

us 1