U.S. President Joe Biden has warned his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that the latter could be losing international support because of the rising civilian casualty in Gaza. In his harshest public criticism yet of Netanyahu, Biden has asked Netanyahu to change. Israel has responded by saying that the war will continue with or without international support.

Israel-Hamas War: The death toll in Gaza has crossed 18,000

Israel-Gaza War: Biden says Netanyahu must change | Is Bibi losing international support?

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern about the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war. To know more watch this interview with Dr Adam Day, Head in Geneva office, UN Centre for Policy Research.

Pressure mounts on Israel over deaths in Gaza, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern on the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war.

US expresses concerns over Gaza casualties, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

<p>US cyber experts and government officials have warned that Chinese hackers have deeply infiltrated the country’s critical infrastructure, including water, power, communication and transport entities.</p>

<p>As per a report published in the Washington Post, these hackers are directly linked with China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA).</p>

<p>The aim of this expansive Chinese intrusion is clear: To limit the USA’s ability to play a larger role in Asian conflicts, especially in a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan and to cause chaos within the US and stir instability in the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Hawaii: A special target</strong></h2>

<p>The Post reported that a Hawaiian water utility was amongst the various entities targeted by the Chinese hackers.</p>

<p>Hawaii is where the US stations its troops and warships meant for patrolling the Indo-Pacific area. The island also serves as the headquarters of the US Indo-Pacific Command.</p>

<p>By interfering with Hawaii’s critical infrastructure, China likely wants to jeopardise the USA’s ability to intervene in a conflict involving Taiwan.</p>

<p>“This is stuff they pretty clearly see as relevant to a Taiwan scenario,” Joe McReynolds, a China security studies fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, was quoted as saying by The Post.</p>

<h2><strong>Dangerous designs</strong></h2>

<p>According to Chinese military officials, the PLA plans to coincide their cyber attacks on enemy targets with aerial strikes using the air force.</p>

<p>Hackers would target satellite networks, along with military logistics systems, of the enemy while airstrikes will reduce their military equipment to ashes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Mandiant: Chinese hackers attack several government agencies</strong></p>

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<p>“If Beijing feared that a major conflict with the United States was imminent, it almost certainly would consider undertaking aggressive cyber operations against US homeland critical infrastructure and military assets worldwide,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>'Win a war without fighting'</strong></h2>

<p>The sophisticated cyber attack regime aims to provide China with the ability to win a war without even fighting it.</p>

<p>“It is very clear that Chinese attempts to compromise critical infrastructure are in part to pre-position themselves to be able to disrupt or destroy that critical infrastructure in the event of a conflict," said Brandon Wales, executive director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-cyber-threat-dragon-is-targeting-indian-telecom-and-defence-392350"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Chinese cyber threat: Dragon is targeting Indian telecom and defence</strong></a></p>

<p>In August, Chinese hackers tried to infiltrate the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state’s electrical grid, demonstrating their will to target civilian infrastructure in the event of a conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US cyber experts and government officials have warned that Chinese hackers have deeply infiltrated the country’s critical infrastructure, including water, power, communication and transport entities.

US cyber experts and government officials have warned that Chinese hackers have deeply infiltrated the country’s critical infrastructure, including water, power, communication and transport entities. As per a report published in the Washington Post, these hackers are directly linked with China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA). The aim of this expansive Chinese intrusion is clear: To limit the USA’s ability to play a larger role in Asian conflicts, especially in a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan and to cause chaos within the US and stir instability in the country. Hawaii: A special target The Post reported that a Hawaiian water utility was amongst the various entities targeted by the Chinese hackers. Hawaii is where the US stations its troops and warships meant for patrolling the Indo-Pacific area. The island also serves as the headquarters of the US Indo-Pacific Command. By interfering with Hawaii’s critical infrastructure, China likely wants to jeopardise the USA’s ability to intervene in a conflict involving Taiwan. “This is stuff they pretty clearly see as relevant to a Taiwan scenario,” Joe McReynolds, a China security studies fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, was quoted as saying by The Post. Dangerous designs According to Chinese military officials, the PLA plans to coincide their cyber attacks on enemy targets with aerial strikes using the air force. Hackers would target satellite networks, along with military logistics systems, of the enemy while airstrikes will reduce their military equipment to ashes. Watch: Mandiant: Chinese hackers attack several government agencies × “If Beijing feared that a major conflict with the United States was imminent, it almost certainly would consider undertaking aggressive cyber operations against US homeland critical infrastructure and military assets worldwide,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence was quoted as saying. 'Win a war without fighting' The sophisticated cyber attack regime aims to provide China with the ability to win a war without even fighting it. “It is very clear that Chinese attempts to compromise critical infrastructure are in part to pre-position themselves to be able to disrupt or destroy that critical infrastructure in the event of a conflict," said Brandon Wales, executive director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Also read: Chinese cyber threat: Dragon is targeting Indian telecom and defence In August, Chinese hackers tried to infiltrate the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state’s electrical grid, demonstrating their will to target civilian infrastructure in the event of a conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

PLA-backed hackers infiltrated USA’s water, power and communication entities: Report

Ukrainian President Zelensky who will be travelling to US this week to meet President Joe Biden, will plead his case before Republicans who are opposed to sending more money for Ukraine's fight against Russia.

Ukraine's Zelensky to meet President Biden as war funding against Russia is decreasing

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<p>The Republican majority House on Thursday (Dec 7) voted to censure Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman for triggering a false fire alarm at the US Capitol complex that forced the evacuation of an office building, prior to a crucial vote in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The GOP-led censure resolution passed by a vote of 214 to 191. It was introduced by Rep. Lissa McClain who defended her resolution saying Bowman pulled the alarm to cause "chaos and stop the House from doing its business". At the time, the lawmakers were scrambling to pass a bill to fund the government before a shutdown deadline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is reprehensible that a member of Congress would go to such lengths to prevent House Republicans from bringing forth a vote to keep the government operating and Americans receiving their paychecks," said McClain during the session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the vote, Bowman was called into the well of the House floor to be officially reprimanded while Speaker Mike Johnson publically announced the censure. Several Democratic lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts walked and stood behind Bowman during the proceedings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scott-morrison-becomes-the-first-former-pm-to-be-censured-by-the-australian-parliament-538686"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Scott Morrison becomes the first former PM to be censured by the Australian parliament</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Bowman pleads guilty&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After being caught on camera, Bowman initially played the innocent card, saying he had pulled the button by mistake as he thought it would open the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was trying to get to a door. I thought the alarm would open the door, and I pulled the fire alarm to open the door by accident. I was just trying to get to my vote and the door that’s usually open wasn’t open, it was closed.” Bowman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in October, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanour count and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and serve three months of probation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, arguing his case, he took the fight to the Republicans and said the GOP was wasting time by introducing such&nbsp;motions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s painfully obvious to myself, my colleagues and the American people that the Republican Party is deeply unserious and unable to legislate," he said, adding that the censure proves the inability of Republicans to "govern and serve the American people".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cocaine-in-white-house-exposes-americas-drug-problem-612399"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Cocaine in White House exposes America's drug problem</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is a censure?</strong></h2>

<p>A censure is a parliamentary jingo and a way for the members to formally express disapproval towards a congressman. It is not as severe as an expulsion. While largely symbolic and unenforceable, censures can have deep political consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bowman becomes the 27th person overall and the third just this year to be censured by the chamber. Last month, the GOP lawmakers censured Rashid Talib for her views on the Israel-Hamas war. In June, Adam Schiff of California was given the tap for his comments from years ago about the investigation into former president Donald Trump's ties to Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Republican majority House on Thursday (Dec 7) voted to censure Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman for triggering a false fire alarm at the US Capitol complex that forced the evacuation of an office building, prior to a crucial vote in September.

The Republican majority House on Thursday (Dec 7) voted to censure Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman for triggering a false fire alarm at the US Capitol complex that forced the evacuation of an office building, prior to a crucial vote in September. The GOP-led censure resolution passed by a vote of 214 to 191. It was introduced by Rep. Lissa McClain who defended her resolution saying Bowman pulled the alarm to cause "chaos and stop the House from doing its business". At the time, the lawmakers were scrambling to pass a bill to fund the government before a shutdown deadline. “It is reprehensible that a member of Congress would go to such lengths to prevent House Republicans from bringing forth a vote to keep the government operating and Americans receiving their paychecks," said McClain during the session. After the vote, Bowman was called into the well of the House floor to be officially reprimanded while Speaker Mike Johnson publically announced the censure. Several Democratic lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts walked and stood behind Bowman during the proceedings. Also read | Scott Morrison becomes the first former PM to be censured by the Australian parliament Bowman pleads guilty After being caught on camera, Bowman initially played the innocent card, saying he had pulled the button by mistake as he thought it would open the door. “I was trying to get to a door. I thought the alarm would open the door, and I pulled the fire alarm to open the door by accident. I was just trying to get to my vote and the door that’s usually open wasn’t open, it was closed.” Bowman said. However, in October, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanour count and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and serve three months of probation. On Wednesday, arguing his case, he took the fight to the Republicans and said the GOP was wasting time by introducing such motions. “It’s painfully obvious to myself, my colleagues and the American people that the Republican Party is deeply unserious and unable to legislate," he said, adding that the censure proves the inability of Republicans to "govern and serve the American people". Watch | Gravitas: Cocaine in White House exposes America's drug problem × What is a censure? A censure is a parliamentary jingo and a way for the members to formally express disapproval towards a congressman. It is not as severe as an expulsion. While largely symbolic and unenforceable, censures can have deep political consequences. Bowman becomes the 27th person overall and the third just this year to be censured by the chamber. Last month, the GOP lawmakers censured Rashid Talib for her views on the Israel-Hamas war. In June, Adam Schiff of California was given the tap for his comments from years ago about the investigation into former president Donald Trump's ties to Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Democrat Jamaal Bowman censured for pulling fire alarm ahead of key US House vote

<p>The iPhone vs Android discourse has been a source of heated debate across the globe. The discussion, however, may have come to a conclusion after a recent bizarre incident in the US state of Washington where&nbsp;thieves&nbsp;returned a phone they stole from a man because it was an Android, not an iPhone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;<em>ABC</em>-affiliate&nbsp;<em>KATV,&nbsp;</em>the incident took place last month when the woman, who is not yet identified, told the publication that her husband insisted that he meet her outside their apartment in Northwest DC to park the car for her. The woman was returning home in the early morning hours after working.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as soon as the man parked the car, two masked&nbsp;thieves came up to him and robbed him. "They robbed him, took everything he had in his pockets, took the keys to my truck, got in and pulled off," the woman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just when it looked certain that the thieves had caused significant financial damage to the couple, the two returned.&nbsp;While one of the robbers was in a BMW, the other approached the couple on foot at&nbsp;the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW.</p>

<p>"They basically looked at that phone and were like 'Oh, that's an Android? We don't want this. I thought it was an iPhone'," the woman added.</p>

<p>And although the encounter lasted a few seconds, it had a profound impact on the life of the couple who were not only mugged near their home but could have lost far more as both robbers were seemingly armed.</p>

<p>"That was my income," she said, referring to the car. "That was the way I made money. I did Uber Eats and Instacart so, that was our livelihood."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/android-devices-are-at-high-risk-of-hacking-625845"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Android devices are at high risk of hacking</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Do not fall victim to the streets</strong></h2>

<p>Bizarrely enough, the incident happened on the same day as when a public hearing was scheduled in DC on the surge in crime in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DC Police Chief Pamela made bold claims saying crime was done in the city by projecting impressive numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Carjackings are down 7 per cent.&nbsp;Assault with a dangerous weapon is down 6 per cent&nbsp;and vehicle theft is down 11 per cent. Overall, indexed violent crime is down three crimes and robbery is up 14 crimes over the prior period in 2023," said Pamela.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tata-to-manufacture-iphones-for-domestic-and-global-markets-in-india-651976"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India's Tata group to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the victims of the carjacking incident disagreed with Pamela, saying:&nbsp;"Yeah, those numbers are not adding up.&nbsp;We're seeing rapid numbers of carjackings every day. It's getting younger and younger."</p>

<p>The woman also advised those who robbed her husband saying they should not fall "victim to the streets".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The iPhone vs Android discourse has been a source of heated debate across the globe. The discussion, however, may have come to a conclusion after a recent bizarre incident in the US state of Washington where thieves returned a phone they stole from a man because it was an Android, not an iPhone.

The iPhone vs Android discourse has been a source of heated debate across the globe. The discussion, however, may have come to a conclusion after a recent bizarre incident in the US state of Washington where thieves returned a phone they stole from a man because it was an Android, not an iPhone. According to ABC-affiliate KATV, the incident took place last month when the woman, who is not yet identified, told the publication that her husband insisted that he meet her outside their apartment in Northwest DC to park the car for her. The woman was returning home in the early morning hours after working. However, as soon as the man parked the car, two masked thieves came up to him and robbed him. "They robbed him, took everything he had in his pockets, took the keys to my truck, got in and pulled off," the woman said. Just when it looked certain that the thieves had caused significant financial damage to the couple, the two returned. While one of the robbers was in a BMW, the other approached the couple on foot at the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW. "They basically looked at that phone and were like 'Oh, that's an Android? We don't want this. I thought it was an iPhone'," the woman added. And although the encounter lasted a few seconds, it had a profound impact on the life of the couple who were not only mugged near their home but could have lost far more as both robbers were seemingly armed. "That was my income," she said, referring to the car. "That was the way I made money. I did Uber Eats and Instacart so, that was our livelihood." Watch | Android devices are at high risk of hacking × Do not fall victim to the streets Bizarrely enough, the incident happened on the same day as when a public hearing was scheduled in DC on the surge in crime in the state. DC Police Chief Pamela made bold claims saying crime was done in the city by projecting impressive numbers. "Carjackings are down 7 per cent. Assault with a dangerous weapon is down 6 per cent and vehicle theft is down 11 per cent. Overall, indexed violent crime is down three crimes and robbery is up 14 crimes over the prior period in 2023," said Pamela. Also read | India's Tata group to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets However, the victims of the carjacking incident disagreed with Pamela, saying: "Yeah, those numbers are not adding up. We're seeing rapid numbers of carjackings every day. It's getting younger and younger." The woman also advised those who robbed her husband saying they should not fall "victim to the streets". (With inputs from agencies)

'No thanks': Thieves return stolen Android phone saying they wanted iPhone

<p>Sajid Mir, one of the masterminds of the dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been allegedly poisoned in the Central Jail of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan, according to unconfirmed reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unsubstantiated reports, which WION cannot confirm at this stage, suggest that Mir was allegedly airlifted by&nbsp;the Pakistan Army to&nbsp;CMH Institute of Medical Sciences, Bahawalpur after being administered the poison.</p>

<p>He was shifted from the Lahore central jail a few months ago, where he had been holed up since last year.</p>

<p>The anti-terrorism court in Pakistan last year had sentenced him to a 15-year jail term in a&nbsp;terror financing case.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: One of the main conspirators of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiTerrorAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiTerrorAttacks</a>, Lashkar terrorist Sajid Mir poisoned by an unknown person inside Central Jail at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeraGhaziKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeraGhaziKhan</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>. He has been airlifted by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanArmy</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISI</a> and is now on ventilator support in CMH Bahawalpur.</p>
— Rishi Suri (@rishi_suri) <a href="https://twitter.com/rishi_suri/status/1731619051632574809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, several geopolitical pundits at the time stated&nbsp;it was a calculated move by Islamabad to get the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) off its back. FATF at the time had put Pakistan in its so-called grey list, which affected the country's economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mir's poisoning comes in the backdrop of several top terrorists in Pakistan and abroad, hostile to India's interests, being killed by unknown men or entities or dying in mysterious circumstances.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2611-mumbai-attacks-youngest-eyewitness-i-wanted-to-shoot-kasab-wion-exclusive-662782"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;26/11 Mumbai attacks' youngest eyewitness: 'I wanted to shoot Kasab' | WION Exclusive</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Sajid Mir?</strong></h2>

<p>Mir, the chief commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)&nbsp; believed to be in his mid-40s, has been wanted for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008. Alongside terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed, he planned the attacks which led to the death of 175 people including Americans and other foreigners.</p>

<p>The US had placed a $5 million bounty on his head after he was indicted in the US District Court in Chicago, Illinois on April 21, 2011.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was charged with conspiracy to injure property of foreign government; providing material support to terrorists; killing a citizen outside of the US&nbsp;and aiding and abetting; and bombing of places of public use.</p>

<p>The Rewards for Justice Programme of the United States Department of State had offered reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Sajid Mir.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-china-bolsters-pakistans-terror-infrastructure-as-world-remembers-2611-victims-662761"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained | How China bolsters Pakistan's terror infrastructure as world remembers 26/11 victims</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier this year, India slammed China for indulging in petty "geopolitical interests" after Beijing blocked New Delhi and Washington's joint proposal to list Mir as a global terrorist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we cannot get established terrorists who have been banned across global landscapes proscribed by the United Nations — for petty geopolitical interests —then we really do not have the genuine political will to sincerely fight this challenge of terrorism," Prakash Gupta, joint secretary, UN Political at Ministry of External Affairs had said at the time.</p>

<p>For a proposal to be adopted, it needs consensus from all the UN member countries.</p>

<p>Had the proposal&nbsp;been passed to list Mir as a global terrorist, he would have been subjected to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sajid Mir, one of the masterminds of the dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been allegedly poisoned in the Central Jail of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan, according to unconfirmed reports.

Sajid Mir, one of the masterminds of the dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has been allegedly poisoned in the Central Jail of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan, according to unconfirmed reports. The unsubstantiated reports, which WION cannot confirm at this stage, suggest that Mir was allegedly airlifted by the Pakistan Army to CMH Institute of Medical Sciences, Bahawalpur after being administered the poison. He was shifted from the Lahore central jail a few months ago, where he had been holed up since last year. The anti-terrorism court in Pakistan last year had sentenced him to a 15-year jail term in a terror financing case. BREAKING: One of the main conspirators of the #MumbaiTerrorAttacks, Lashkar terrorist Sajid Mir poisoned by an unknown person inside Central Jail at #DeraGhaziKhan in #Pakistan. He has been airlifted by the #PakistanArmy’s #ISI and is now on ventilator support in CMH Bahawalpur. — Rishi Suri (@rishi_suri) December 4, 2023 × However, several geopolitical pundits at the time stated it was a calculated move by Islamabad to get the global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) off its back. FATF at the time had put Pakistan in its so-called grey list, which affected the country's economy. Mir's poisoning comes in the backdrop of several top terrorists in Pakistan and abroad, hostile to India's interests, being killed by unknown men or entities or dying in mysterious circumstances. Watch | 26/11 Mumbai attacks' youngest eyewitness: 'I wanted to shoot Kasab' | WION Exclusive × Who is Sajid Mir? Mir, the chief commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) believed to be in his mid-40s, has been wanted for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008. Alongside terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed, he planned the attacks which led to the death of 175 people including Americans and other foreigners. The US had placed a $5 million bounty on his head after he was indicted in the US District Court in Chicago, Illinois on April 21, 2011. He was charged with conspiracy to injure property of foreign government; providing material support to terrorists; killing a citizen outside of the US and aiding and abetting; and bombing of places of public use. The Rewards for Justice Programme of the United States Department of State had offered reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Sajid Mir. Also read | Explained | How China bolsters Pakistan's terror infrastructure as world remembers 26/11 victims Earlier this year, India slammed China for indulging in petty "geopolitical interests" after Beijing blocked New Delhi and Washington's joint proposal to list Mir as a global terrorist. "If we cannot get established terrorists who have been banned across global landscapes proscribed by the United Nations — for petty geopolitical interests —then we really do not have the genuine political will to sincerely fight this challenge of terrorism," Prakash Gupta, joint secretary, UN Political at Ministry of External Affairs had said at the time. For a proposal to be adopted, it needs consensus from all the UN member countries. Had the proposal been passed to list Mir as a global terrorist, he would have been subjected to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo. (With inputs from agencies)

Was Sajid Mir poisoned in Pak jail? Here's what reports are saying about 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator

<p>Five bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the US Osprey, a military aircraft, carrying eight individuals that crashed last week (Nov 29) near the Japanese coast, according to an <em>AFP </em>report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The divers searching for the missing crew members had found the remains as well as the main fuselage of the aircraft wreckage after a lengthy operation in Yakushima.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Five&nbsp;bodies found in wreck of crashed Osprey off Japan,” the US military said, adding:&nbsp;“During a combined US-Japanese search and rescue dive in the vicinity of Yakushima, Japan… remains were discovered along with wreckage from the CV-22."</p>

<p>Of the eight individuals aboard the aircraft, one was recovered on the same day but the fate of the other seven members remained in jeopardy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-osprey-military-aircraft-crashes-off-japan-one-person-killed-wion-664353"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US&nbsp;Osprey military aircraft crashes off Japan, one person killed</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>A troubled history&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The CV-22 Osprey belonged to the US Yokota air base in Tokyo, as per defence ministry sources. The Osprey has a troubled history, marked by fatal crashes, including incidents in Australia and Norway.</p>

<p>Ever since the crash, Japan, a key US ally has sought suspension of all non-emergency V-22 Osprey flights over its territory.&nbsp;Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said Tokyo had made the request and voiced its concerns over flight safety.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-urges-suspension-of-osprey-flights-following-aircraft-crash-664473"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Japan urges suspension of US military's Osprey flights following fatal crash</strong></a></p>

<p>Days after the Japanese raised concerns, the Pentagon said the military unit which flew the V-22 was not carrying out operations but other aircraft will&nbsp;continue to fly after undergoing safety checks.</p>

<p>"We have already started sharing information about the accident with our Japanese partners, and have pledged to continue to do so in a timely and transparent manner," said Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.</p>

<p>Notably, a&nbsp;crash during a military exercise in northern Australia in August, earlier this year&nbsp;resulted in the death of three US marines. Four had died in another crash in Norway during a NATO exercise&nbsp;last year.</p>

<p>Last month, a helicopter crash in the Mediterranean killed five US service members during a training exercise, though the aircraft's origin wasn't specified.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Five bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the US Osprey, a military aircraft, carrying eight individuals that crashed last week (Nov 29) near the Japanese coast, according to an AFP report.

Five bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the US Osprey, a military aircraft, carrying eight individuals that crashed last week (Nov 29) near the Japanese coast, according to an AFP report. The divers searching for the missing crew members had found the remains as well as the main fuselage of the aircraft wreckage after a lengthy operation in Yakushima. “Five bodies found in wreck of crashed Osprey off Japan,” the US military said, adding: “During a combined US-Japanese search and rescue dive in the vicinity of Yakushima, Japan… remains were discovered along with wreckage from the CV-22." Of the eight individuals aboard the aircraft, one was recovered on the same day but the fate of the other seven members remained in jeopardy. Watch | US Osprey military aircraft crashes off Japan, one person killed × A troubled history The CV-22 Osprey belonged to the US Yokota air base in Tokyo, as per defence ministry sources. The Osprey has a troubled history, marked by fatal crashes, including incidents in Australia and Norway. Ever since the crash, Japan, a key US ally has sought suspension of all non-emergency V-22 Osprey flights over its territory. Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said Tokyo had made the request and voiced its concerns over flight safety. Also read | Japan urges suspension of US military's Osprey flights following fatal crash Days after the Japanese raised concerns, the Pentagon said the military unit which flew the V-22 was not carrying out operations but other aircraft will continue to fly after undergoing safety checks. "We have already started sharing information about the accident with our Japanese partners, and have pledged to continue to do so in a timely and transparent manner," said Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. Notably, a crash during a military exercise in northern Australia in August, earlier this year resulted in the death of three US marines. Four had died in another crash in Norway during a NATO exercise last year. Last month, a helicopter crash in the Mediterranean killed five US service members during a training exercise, though the aircraft's origin wasn't specified. (With inputs from agencies)

Five bodies recovered from the crashed US military Osprey aircraft off Japanese coast

<p>Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;won the American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, becoming the first to twice claim the honor by unanimous vote. The Los Angeles Angels standout who dazzles both on the mound and at the plate, was also the unanimous selection for AL MVP in 2021 in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.</p>

<p>His latest sweep of the 30 first-place votes follows a runner-up finish to slugger Aaron Judge last year. Atlanta Braves rightfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. of Venezuela was also a unanimous selection as the National League MVP after a scintillating season that saw him lead the NL in runs, hits, stolen bases and on-base percentage. Ohtani beat out fellow finalists Corey Seager and Marcus Semien of the World Series-winning Texas Rangers despite missing most of the final month of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. His second MVP award comes as he ponders his future as a free agent.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-taylor-swift-simone-biles-bring-star-power-to-stand-during-packers-vs-chiefs-665943">Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs</a></strong></p>

<p>He is widely expected to leave the Angels, who missed the playoffs again despite his exploits. Plenty of teams will be wooing him. Despite the injury that cut short his season, 2023 was his best campaign to date.</p>

<p>As a designated hitter, Ohtani led the AL in home runs with 44, in on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654) and total bases (325). He hit 26 doubles and eight triples with 20 stolen bases and 95 runs-batted-in. He hit over .300 for the first time in his six-year major league career. In 23 pitching starts he went 10-5 with a 3.14 earned-run-average and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. He had the lowest batting average against (.184) among all AL pitchers with at least 130 innings.</p>

<p>It marked Ohtani's second straight season with at least 10 wins on the mound and 10 home runs at the plate. The only other AL/NL player to accomplish that was Babe Ruth -- the Hall of Famer Ohtani is often compared to -- back in 1918. Ohtani's season featured a stunning June, when he hit 15 home runs, seven doubles and three triples with 29 runs-batted in in 27 games.</p>

<p>At the same time on the mound he went 2-2 with3.26 earned-run-average and 37 strikeouts. He was named to the All-Star Game as both a starting pitcher and a designated hitter for the third straight season. Acuna, meanwhile, displayed an historic blend of power and speed to help the Braves notch 104 regular-season wins. He beat Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts and Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman for the award.</p>

<p>Acuna, 25, recorded 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases -- the first 40-70 season in history. He led all of MLB in hits with 217, runs with 149, stolen bases with 73 and total bases with 383. Acuna was the top vote-getter in All-Star voting -- ahead of Ohtani.</p>


Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani won the American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, becoming the first to twice claim the honor by unanimous vote. The Los Angeles Angels standout who dazzles both on the mound and at the plate, was also the unanimous selection for AL MVP in 2021 in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani won the American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, becoming the first to twice claim the honor by unanimous vote. The Los Angeles Angels standout who dazzles both on the mound and at the plate, was also the unanimous selection for AL MVP in 2021 in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. His latest sweep of the 30 first-place votes follows a runner-up finish to slugger Aaron Judge last year. Atlanta Braves rightfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. of Venezuela was also a unanimous selection as the National League MVP after a scintillating season that saw him lead the NL in runs, hits, stolen bases and on-base percentage. Ohtani beat out fellow finalists Corey Seager and Marcus Semien of the World Series-winning Texas Rangers despite missing most of the final month of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. His second MVP award comes as he ponders his future as a free agent. Also Read: Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs He is widely expected to leave the Angels, who missed the playoffs again despite his exploits. Plenty of teams will be wooing him. Despite the injury that cut short his season, 2023 was his best campaign to date. As a designated hitter, Ohtani led the AL in home runs with 44, in on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654) and total bases (325). He hit 26 doubles and eight triples with 20 stolen bases and 95 runs-batted-in. He hit over .300 for the first time in his six-year major league career. In 23 pitching starts he went 10-5 with a 3.14 earned-run-average and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. He had the lowest batting average against (.184) among all AL pitchers with at least 130 innings. It marked Ohtani's second straight season with at least 10 wins on the mound and 10 home runs at the plate. The only other AL/NL player to accomplish that was Babe Ruth -- the Hall of Famer Ohtani is often compared to -- back in 1918. Ohtani's season featured a stunning June, when he hit 15 home runs, seven doubles and three triples with 29 runs-batted in in 27 games. At the same time on the mound he went 2-2 with3.26 earned-run-average and 37 strikeouts. He was named to the All-Star Game as both a starting pitcher and a designated hitter for the third straight season. Acuna, meanwhile, displayed an historic blend of power and speed to help the Braves notch 104 regular-season wins. He beat Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts and Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman for the award. Acuna, 25, recorded 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases -- the first 40-70 season in history. He led all of MLB in hits with 217, runs with 149, stolen bases with 73 and total bases with 383. Acuna was the top vote-getter in All-Star voting -- ahead of Ohtani.

MLB: Shohei Ohtani becomes first to win historic American League Most Valuable Player award twice

<p>The inmate who stabbed&nbsp;ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin 22 times at the federal prison in Arizona has been charged with attempted murder, prosecutors informed on Friday (Dec 1).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chauvin is the main convict in the George Flyod murder case where he knelt on the neck of Floyd and smothered him to death in Minneapolis&nbsp;in the midwestern state of Minnesota. He has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for denying civil rights to his victim.</p>

<p>It was last month that Chauvin was stabbed with a shiv in the law library of the prison. The suspect has been identified as 52-year-old John Turscak and according to the criminal complaint, he stabbed Chauvin to invoke the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Turscak told the corrections officers that he would have killed (Chauvin) had they not responded so quickly," the complaint says.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-officer-convicted-in-george-floyds-killing-seriously-injured-after-stabbing-incident-in-prison-report-662614"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ex-officer convicted in George Floyd's killing stabbed in prison, seriously injured: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Apart from attempted murder, Turscak has also been charged with&nbsp;assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Notably, the attempted murder charge alone carries a sentence of up to 20 years in&nbsp;prison.</p>

<p>According to reports,&nbsp;Turscak, who led a faction of the Mexican Mafia in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, had been planning the attack for a month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No information has been provided on Chauvin's health but initial reports claimed that he was in serious condition after the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/george-floyd-death-derek-chauvin-former-police-officer-sentenced-to-prison-for-21-years-495672" target="_blank"><strong>&nbsp;George Floyd death: Derek Chauvin, former police officer sentenced to prison for 21 years</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/george-floyd-death-derek-chauvin-former-police-officer-sentenced-to-prison-for-21-years-495672/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>George Floyd's murder&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Chauvin, who is white, pressed a knee on his neck for nine-and-a-half minutes on the street outside a convenience store where Floyd was suspected of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three other former officers who were at the scene received lesser state and federal sentences for their roles in Floyd’s death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video of Floyd's killing showed former officer J. Alexander Kueng holding the black man's back while Tou Thao kept bystanders back during the incident.</p>

<p>A Justice Department probe into the workings of the Minneapolis police revealed that officers in the department routinely restored to violent and&nbsp;racist practices, "including unjustified deadly force".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The city of Minneapolis&nbsp;also settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Floyd family, agreeing to pay his relatives $27 million.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The inmate who stabbed ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin 22 times at the federal prison in Arizona has been charged with attempted murder, prosecutors informed on Friday (Dec 1).

The inmate who stabbed ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin 22 times at the federal prison in Arizona has been charged with attempted murder, prosecutors informed on Friday (Dec 1). Chauvin is the main convict in the George Flyod murder case where he knelt on the neck of Floyd and smothered him to death in Minneapolis in the midwestern state of Minnesota. He has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for denying civil rights to his victim. It was last month that Chauvin was stabbed with a shiv in the law library of the prison. The suspect has been identified as 52-year-old John Turscak and according to the criminal complaint, he stabbed Chauvin to invoke the Black Lives Matter movement. "Turscak told the corrections officers that he would have killed (Chauvin) had they not responded so quickly," the complaint says. Also read | Ex-officer convicted in George Floyd's killing stabbed in prison, seriously injured: Report Apart from attempted murder, Turscak has also been charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Notably, the attempted murder charge alone carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. According to reports, Turscak, who led a faction of the Mexican Mafia in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, had been planning the attack for a month. No information has been provided on Chauvin's health but initial reports claimed that he was in serious condition after the attack. WATCH: George Floyd death: Derek Chauvin, former police officer sentenced to prison for 21 years George Floyd's murder Chauvin, who is white, pressed a knee on his neck for nine-and-a-half minutes on the street outside a convenience store where Floyd was suspected of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Three other former officers who were at the scene received lesser state and federal sentences for their roles in Floyd’s death. The video of Floyd's killing showed former officer J. Alexander Kueng holding the black man's back while Tou Thao kept bystanders back during the incident. A Justice Department probe into the workings of the Minneapolis police revealed that officers in the department routinely restored to violent and racist practices, "including unjustified deadly force". The city of Minneapolis also settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Floyd family, agreeing to pay his relatives $27 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Inmate who stabbed George Floyd killer Derek Chauvin 22 times charged by prosecutors

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<p>A US federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 1) stated that former president Donald Trump can be sued over the events of January 6, 2021, that led to the attack on the US Capitol with his supporters attempting to overturn the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan who wrote the opinion, everything a president does or says while in office is not protected under presidential immunity. The judge cited several examples where Trump or, for that matter, any president was not protected from liability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not that President Trump could not establish his entitlement to immunity...it is that he has not done so," read the ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in Washington observed that when a first-term president seeks a second term, his re-election campaign is not an official presidential act.</p>

<p>"When a sitting president running for a second term... speaks at a campaign rally funded and organised by his re-election campaign committee, he is not carrying out the official duties of the presidency. He is acting as office-seeker, not office-holder," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opinion concluded that when the 'president' acts outside the functions of the office, he does not continue to enjoy immunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When he acts in an unofficial, private capacity, he is subject to civil suits like any private citizen.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/capitol-hill-riots-probe-no-end-to-trumps-troubles-jan-6-panel-releases-witness-testimony-545654"><strong>Watch | Capitol Hill Riots probe: No end to Trump's troubles; Jan 6 panel releases witness testimony</strong></a></p>

<h2><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/capitol-hill-riots-probe-no-end-to-trumps-troubles-jan-6-panel-releases-witness-testimony-545654/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></h2>

<h2><strong>Ramifications for Trump?</strong></h2>

<p>The decision by the court allows three lawsuits against Trump, brought by the Capitol Police officers and members of Congress to go through. Half a dozen other lawsuits previously filed against Trump might also emerge from dormancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision could have significant ramifications as Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential elections. He already is facing a barrage of other court cases but being tried for the insurrection attempts could have the worst possible effect on his campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, a US Congressional panel report held Trump responsible for the January 6 riots. The committee called for Trump to never be allowed to hold office again. To substantiate the claims, the report cited at least 200 acts where Trump and his allies attempted to overturn the presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 800-page report was published after conducting 1,000-plus interviews and examination of a large number of documents, phone records, texts and more.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 1) stated that former president Donald Trump can be sued over the events of January 6, 2021, that led to the attack on the US Capitol with his supporters attempting to overturn the election.

A US federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 1) stated that former president Donald Trump can be sued over the events of January 6, 2021, that led to the attack on the US Capitol with his supporters attempting to overturn the election. According to Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan who wrote the opinion, everything a president does or says while in office is not protected under presidential immunity. The judge cited several examples where Trump or, for that matter, any president was not protected from liability. "It is not that President Trump could not establish his entitlement to immunity...it is that he has not done so," read the ruling. The three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in Washington observed that when a first-term president seeks a second term, his re-election campaign is not an official presidential act. "When a sitting president running for a second term... speaks at a campaign rally funded and organised by his re-election campaign committee, he is not carrying out the official duties of the presidency. He is acting as office-seeker, not office-holder," it added. The opinion concluded that when the 'president' acts outside the functions of the office, he does not continue to enjoy immunity. "When he acts in an unofficial, private capacity, he is subject to civil suits like any private citizen.” Watch | Capitol Hill Riots probe: No end to Trump's troubles; Jan 6 panel releases witness testimony Ramifications for Trump? The decision by the court allows three lawsuits against Trump, brought by the Capitol Police officers and members of Congress to go through. Half a dozen other lawsuits previously filed against Trump might also emerge from dormancy. The decision could have significant ramifications as Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential elections. He already is facing a barrage of other court cases but being tried for the insurrection attempts could have the worst possible effect on his campaign. Last year, a US Congressional panel report held Trump responsible for the January 6 riots. The committee called for Trump to never be allowed to hold office again. To substantiate the claims, the report cited at least 200 acts where Trump and his allies attempted to overturn the presidential election. The 800-page report was published after conducting 1,000-plus interviews and examination of a large number of documents, phone records, texts and more. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump doesn't have 'presidential immunity', can be sued for Jan 6 riots, says appeals court

<p>A US federal judge has blocked the ban issued on short-video sharing app TikTok by the state of Montana. The ban was to come into effect from January 1 but District Judge Donald Molloy issued the block, saying it violated the free speech right of users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, earlier this year, Montana's Republican-dominated legislature became the first state in the US to pass a complete ban on the app. The state argued that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok whose parent company ByteDance is based out of Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Judge Molloy&nbsp;said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses". He previously observed that&nbsp;TikTok users voluntarily provide their personal data, despite state officials suggesting the app was stealing it from the users.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued that the ban was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addressed the "serious, widespread concerns" about data privacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok users file lawsuit to block Montana ban&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-users-file-lawsuit-to-block-montana-ban-593978/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>TikTok goes to court</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Notably, soon after Montana&nbsp;Governor Greg Gianforte signed the legislation, affirming the ban,&nbsp;TikTok sued the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana," the company said in the court filing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/montana-becomes-first-us-state-to-ban-tiktok-free-speech-supporters-call-move-unconstitutional-593492"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok, free speech supporters call move 'unconstitutional'</strong></a></p>

<p>If the law was implemented, come New Year's, the state of Montana was looking to&nbsp;impose fines of $10,000 for each violation by TikTok and additional fines of $10,000 per day if it violates the ban.</p>

<h2><strong>TikTok's growing popularity</strong></h2>

<p>TikTok, which has over 150 million American users,&nbsp;has grown&nbsp;quite popular among teenagers.&nbsp;According to the Pew Research Centre, 67 per cent&nbsp;of 13&nbsp;to 17-year-olds in the United States use TikTok, while 16 per cent&nbsp;of all adolescents use the app fairly daily. TikTok claims that the "vast majority" of its users are over the age of 18.</p>

<p>However, owing to the Chinese connection, the app has become the target&nbsp;of politicians and state authorities, particularly in the US. Montana was being seen as the ideal laboratory to experiment how far the legislators could reach, to ban the app.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But with the federal court putting its foot down and blocking the ban, other Republican states that were eyeing similar legislation would have to hold their horses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US federal judge has blocked the ban issued on short-video sharing app TikTok by the state of Montana. The ban was to come into effect from January 1 but District Judge Donald Molloy issued the block, saying it violated the free speech right of users.

A US federal judge has blocked the ban issued on short-video sharing app TikTok by the state of Montana. The ban was to come into effect from January 1 but District Judge Donald Molloy issued the block, saying it violated the free speech right of users. In May, earlier this year, Montana's Republican-dominated legislature became the first state in the US to pass a complete ban on the app. The state argued that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok whose parent company ByteDance is based out of Beijing. However, Judge Molloy said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses". He previously observed that TikTok users voluntarily provide their personal data, despite state officials suggesting the app was stealing it from the users. Meanwhile, Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued that the ban was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addressed the "serious, widespread concerns" about data privacy. WATCH | TikTok users file lawsuit to block Montana ban TikTok goes to court Notably, soon after Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed the legislation, affirming the ban, TikTok sued the state. "We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana," the company said in the court filing. Also read | Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok, free speech supporters call move 'unconstitutional' If the law was implemented, come New Year's, the state of Montana was looking to impose fines of $10,000 for each violation by TikTok and additional fines of $10,000 per day if it violates the ban. TikTok's growing popularity TikTok, which has over 150 million American users, has grown quite popular among teenagers. According to the Pew Research Centre, 67 per cent of 13 to 17-year-olds in the United States use TikTok, while 16 per cent of all adolescents use the app fairly daily. TikTok claims that the "vast majority" of its users are over the age of 18. However, owing to the Chinese connection, the app has become the target of politicians and state authorities, particularly in the US. Montana was being seen as the ideal laboratory to experiment how far the legislators could reach, to ban the app. But with the federal court putting its foot down and blocking the ban, other Republican states that were eyeing similar legislation would have to hold their horses. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Federal judge blocks Montana's TikTok ban, calls it unconstitutional

<p>Amid claims made by the US government that&nbsp;it foiled an assassination attempt against a Sikh separatist leader on its soil by an Indian man, Canada's Justin Trudeau has chimed in with a response. The Canadian prime minister urged India to take Ottawa's allegations seriously, referring to the murder of another separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Canada have been in a diplomatic standoff ever since Trudeau addressed the&nbsp;parliament and said his government had 'credible allegations' that New Delhi was involved in the killing of the Khalistani separatist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The news coming out of the United States further underscores what we've been talking about from the very beginning, which is that India needs to take this seriously,"&nbsp;Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa.</p>

<p>"The Indian government needs to work with us to ensure that we're getting to the bottom of this," he added.</p>

<p>Notably, Trudeau had remained quiet on the issue for some time but hours after US Justice Department on Wednesday (Nov 29) said it was&nbsp;charging a 52-year-old Indian man for a plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the liberal Canadian PM came up with a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Justice Department said the Indian man, identified as Nikhil Gupta, arrested by Czech authorities in June, had worked with an Indian government employee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canadian-minister-dodges-direct-question-on-nijjar-killing-evidence-wion-649352"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Canadian minister dodges direct question on Nijjar killing evidence&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canadian-minister-dodges-direct-question-on-nijjar-killing-evidence-wion-649352/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Ottawa yet to submit proof</strong></h2>

<p>After Trudeau's allegations concerning Nijjar, diplomatic animosity reached a tipping point between the two nations,&nbsp;with a&nbsp;series of mutual expulsions of diplomats taking place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi was the first to temporarily suspend certain visa services which put Ottawa in a fix. However, despite the allegations, the Canadian government is yet to present proof to back up its allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-indian-national-with-conspiracy-to-assassinate-sikh-separatist-664387"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun</strong></a></p>

<p>Nijjar, the 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief was shot&nbsp;dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada. He&nbsp;had moved to Canada in the late 1990s and was declared a designated terrorist by India in 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid claims made by the US government that it foiled an assassination attempt against a Sikh separatist leader on its soil by an Indian man, Canada's Justin Trudeau has chimed in with a response.

Amid claims made by the US government that it foiled an assassination attempt against a Sikh separatist leader on its soil by an Indian man, Canada's Justin Trudeau has chimed in with a response. The Canadian prime minister urged India to take Ottawa's allegations seriously, referring to the murder of another separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver, earlier this year. India and Canada have been in a diplomatic standoff ever since Trudeau addressed the parliament and said his government had 'credible allegations' that New Delhi was involved in the killing of the Khalistani separatist. "The news coming out of the United States further underscores what we've been talking about from the very beginning, which is that India needs to take this seriously," Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. "The Indian government needs to work with us to ensure that we're getting to the bottom of this," he added. Notably, Trudeau had remained quiet on the issue for some time but hours after US Justice Department on Wednesday (Nov 29) said it was charging a 52-year-old Indian man for a plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the liberal Canadian PM came up with a statement. The Justice Department said the Indian man, identified as Nikhil Gupta, arrested by Czech authorities in June, had worked with an Indian government employee. "The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement. Watch | Canadian minister dodges direct question on Nijjar killing evidence Ottawa yet to submit proof After Trudeau's allegations concerning Nijjar, diplomatic animosity reached a tipping point between the two nations, with a series of mutual expulsions of diplomats taking place. New Delhi was the first to temporarily suspend certain visa services which put Ottawa in a fix. However, despite the allegations, the Canadian government is yet to present proof to back up its allegations. Also read | US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun Nijjar, the 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief was shot dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada. He had moved to Canada in the late 1990s and was declared a designated terrorist by India in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Piggybacking on USA's allegations, Trudeau urges India to take Canada's claims seriously

Former US Secretary of State and National Security adviser Henry Kissinger passed away on Wednesday. The controversial Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger left an indelible mark on US foreign policy leaders and others across the world offered glowing tributes to him.

Former U.S Diplomat Henry Kissinger, an unapologetic realist dies at 100 | WION

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<p>US President Joe Biden will not attend the COP28 climate summit, scheduled to begin in Dubai later this week, the White House said on Sunday (Nov 26). Instead, Biden will send top US officials to attend the all-important summit.</p>

<p>The schedule released by the White House showed neither Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris heading to Dubai this week. A top official confirmed to news agency <em>AFP </em>that Biden was not planning to attend the summit during a second window, close to the end of the talks on December 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his place, John Kerry, the&nbsp;US climate envoy and former secretary of state and senator, will be leading day-to-day negotiations for Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Although we don't have any travel updates to share for the President at this time, the Administration looks forward to a robust and productive COP28 where Special Envoy John Kerry, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and Senior Advisor John Podesta, among others, will continue to build on the Administration's historic actions to tackle the climate crisis," the White House said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-climate-summit-2023-france-shares-new-coal-exclusion-policy-ahead-of-cop-28-661132" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | COP28 Climate Summit 2023: France shares new "Coal Exclusion Policy" ahead of COP 28</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Why is Biden skipping COP 28?</strong></h2>

<p>Biden skipping the COP summit comes at a time when he has put climate change at the centre of his policymaking. His signature legislative achievement Inflation Reduction Act channels billions of dollars to the green economy including through incentives for electric cars.</p>

<p>He attended the previous two summits in Glasgow and Egypt when there was no precedence of US presidents regularly attending the COP summits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previous reports stated Biden's attention towards the pressing demands of the Middle East (Israel-Hamas war) and an intensifying presidential campaign as the reasons for giving the summit a miss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden's&nbsp;absence&nbsp;will be noted as almost 70,000 delegates flock to Dubai for the first session on Thursday (Nov 30). While Biden will be missing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS)&nbsp;during COP 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-be-on-two-day-uae-visit-for-world-climate-action-summit-during-cop28-663143"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi to be on two-day UAE visit for World Climate Action Summit during COP28</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Negotiations during COP28</strong></h2>

<p>Negotiations during the conference may centre on the funds intended to support developing and poor countries for climate impacts, including funding for adaptation.</p>

<p>Developing countries may call on developed nations to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and significantly increase financial and technological support to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden will not attend the COP28 climate summit, scheduled to begin in Dubai later this week, the White House said on Sunday (Nov 26). Instead, Biden will send top US officials to attend the all-important summit.

US President Joe Biden will not attend the COP28 climate summit, scheduled to begin in Dubai later this week, the White House said on Sunday (Nov 26). Instead, Biden will send top US officials to attend the all-important summit. The schedule released by the White House showed neither Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris heading to Dubai this week. A top official confirmed to news agency AFP that Biden was not planning to attend the summit during a second window, close to the end of the talks on December 12. In his place, John Kerry, the US climate envoy and former secretary of state and senator, will be leading day-to-day negotiations for Washington. "Although we don't have any travel updates to share for the President at this time, the Administration looks forward to a robust and productive COP28 where Special Envoy John Kerry, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and Senior Advisor John Podesta, among others, will continue to build on the Administration's historic actions to tackle the climate crisis," the White House said. Watch | COP28 Climate Summit 2023: France shares new "Coal Exclusion Policy" ahead of COP 28 × Why is Biden skipping COP 28? Biden skipping the COP summit comes at a time when he has put climate change at the centre of his policymaking. His signature legislative achievement Inflation Reduction Act channels billions of dollars to the green economy including through incentives for electric cars. He attended the previous two summits in Glasgow and Egypt when there was no precedence of US presidents regularly attending the COP summits. Previous reports stated Biden's attention towards the pressing demands of the Middle East (Israel-Hamas war) and an intensifying presidential campaign as the reasons for giving the summit a miss. Biden's absence will be noted as almost 70,000 delegates flock to Dubai for the first session on Thursday (Nov 30). While Biden will be missing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) during COP 28. Also read | PM Modi to be on two-day UAE visit for World Climate Action Summit during COP28 Negotiations during COP28 Negotiations during the conference may centre on the funds intended to support developing and poor countries for climate impacts, including funding for adaptation. Developing countries may call on developed nations to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and significantly increase financial and technological support to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden to skip COP28 climate summit, says White House

<p>In what comes as an embarrassment for the US security and intelligence apparatus, the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was heckled by a gang of Khalistani elements at a New York gurdwara.</p>

<p>The incident on Sunday (Nov 26) happened when Sandhu visited the Hicksville Gurdwara in Long Island on the occasion of Gurpurab (birth anniversary of first Sikh guru Guru Nanak). As soon as Sandhu arrived at the gurdwara, the Khalistani protesters, allegedly belonging to the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group, started shouting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hecklers accused the ambassador of plotting the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and also conspiring to get another terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun murdered.</p>

<p>A video of the exchange between Sandhu and the Khalistani protesters has gone viral on social media.</p>

<p>"You are responsible for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. You plotted to kill Pannun. Do not dare to raise hands on him. Why are you not answering?" the hecklers could be heard shouting in Punjabi. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-taking-inputs-shared-by-us-related-to-terrorists-nexus-seriously-bagchi-661637"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India reacts to western media reports of US intel on Pannun's assassination plot</strong></a></p>

<p>BJP national spokesperson RP Singh took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and shared the video, alleging that the protest was led by one Himmat Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Himmat Singh who led the pro-Khalistanis at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused ambassador Sandhu for India's role in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was President of Surrey Gurdwara and the coordinator for Canadian Chapter of the Khalistan Referendum," wrote Singh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Khalistanies tried to heckle Indian Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandhuTaranjitS</a> with basless Questions for his role in the failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant, (SFJ) and Khalistan Referendum campaign.<br />
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Himmat Singh who led the pro Khalistanies at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused… <a href="https://t.co/JW5nqMQSxO">pic.twitter.com/JW5nqMQSxO</a></p>
— RP Singh National Spokesperson BJP (@rpsinghkhalsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/rpsinghkhalsa/status/1728975549090128253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Sandhu completes&nbsp;participation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the ruckus, Sandhu participated in 'Kirtan', or devotional songs ceremony,&nbsp;during his stay at the gurdwara and reflected on Guru Nanak's message of togetherness and unity.</p>

<p>He also partook in langar (community feast) with the community members.</p>

<p>"Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, &amp; equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all," Sandhu posted later on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, &amp; equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all. <a href="https://t.co/i45M2TuSdf">pic.twitter.com/i45M2TuSdf</a></p>
— Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS/status/1728934985263087804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In July, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during an emergency parliament gathering stated&nbsp;he had 'credible allegations' that New Delhi was involved in the killing of&nbsp;45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, western media reported that Indian elements were responsible for hatching a plan to&nbsp;kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who has taken shelter in the US.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In what comes as an embarrassment for the US security and intelligence apparatus, the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was heckled by a gang of Khalistani elements at a New York gurdwara.

In what comes as an embarrassment for the US security and intelligence apparatus, the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was heckled by a gang of Khalistani elements at a New York gurdwara. The incident on Sunday (Nov 26) happened when Sandhu visited the Hicksville Gurdwara in Long Island on the occasion of Gurpurab (birth anniversary of first Sikh guru Guru Nanak). As soon as Sandhu arrived at the gurdwara, the Khalistani protesters, allegedly belonging to the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group, started shouting. The hecklers accused the ambassador of plotting the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and also conspiring to get another terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun murdered. A video of the exchange between Sandhu and the Khalistani protesters has gone viral on social media. "You are responsible for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. You plotted to kill Pannun. Do not dare to raise hands on him. Why are you not answering?" the hecklers could be heard shouting in Punjabi. Also read | India reacts to western media reports of US intel on Pannun's assassination plot BJP national spokesperson RP Singh took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and shared the video, alleging that the protest was led by one Himmat Singh. "Himmat Singh who led the pro-Khalistanis at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused ambassador Sandhu for India's role in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was President of Surrey Gurdwara and the coordinator for Canadian Chapter of the Khalistan Referendum," wrote Singh. Khalistanies tried to heckle Indian Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS with basless Questions for his role in the failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant, (SFJ) and Khalistan Referendum campaign. Himmat Singh who led the pro Khalistanies at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused… pic.twitter.com/JW5nqMQSxO — RP Singh National Spokesperson BJP (@rpsinghkhalsa) November 27, 2023 × Sandhu completes participation Despite the ruckus, Sandhu participated in 'Kirtan', or devotional songs ceremony, during his stay at the gurdwara and reflected on Guru Nanak's message of togetherness and unity. He also partook in langar (community feast) with the community members. "Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, & equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all," Sandhu posted later on X. Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, & equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all. pic.twitter.com/i45M2TuSdf — Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) November 27, 2023 × In July, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during an emergency parliament gathering stated he had 'credible allegations' that New Delhi was involved in the killing of 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Earlier this month, western media reported that Indian elements were responsible for hatching a plan to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who has taken shelter in the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Indian envoy visiting US gurdwara heckled by Khalistani protesters

<p>The northern US states of Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana are facing a major swine-related threat. The states have been forced to take measures to stop the exploding population of&nbsp;hard-to-eradicate “super pigs” in Canada from spilling over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These highly elusive crossbreed pigs are capable of surviving cold winters by tunnelling under snow. The super pigs have combined the size and high fertility of domestic swine and the survival skills of wild Eurasian boar to create a species that is far too powerful for nature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are currently roaming parts of Canada's Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with scientists calling them the "most invasive animal on the planet".</p>

<p>The wild pigs are responsible for a host of environmental damages that range from eating farmers’ crops to destroying trees and polluting water.</p>

<p>Such is their multiplying prowess that even if 65 per cent of the boars are culled every year, their population will continue to increase. Eradication of wild pigs is no longer possible in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/big-medical-breakthrough-as-pig-to-human-kidney-transplant-succeeds-for-a-month-626196"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Big medical breakthrough as pig-to-human kidney transplant succeeds for a month</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, the pigs are not native to North America despite being around on the continent for centuries.&nbsp;Ryan Brook, one of Canada's leading authorities on the problem, said that killing the wild pigs&nbsp;is not a viable solution, especially if the US does not want to end up in the same situation as its neighbour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nobody should be surprised when pigs start walking across that border if they haven’t already. The question is: What will be done about it?” Brook was quoted as saying by <em>The Associated Press</em>.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-chinese-scientists-grow-humanised-kidneys-in-pigs-633755">Also read | In a first, Chinese scientists grow humanised kidneys in pigs</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is the solution?</strong></h2>

<p>Brook,&nbsp;a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, believes outlawing the raising and&nbsp;transportation of wild pigs and being really aggressive with the diktat,&nbsp;within the state, is the best solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state of Minnesota is expected to release a report in February next year that identifies the gaps in its&nbsp;management plan and recommends new prevention steps.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;US Department of Agriculture launched the National Feral Swine Management Program, way back in 2014&nbsp;and since then, it has provided funding to 33 states. According to Mike Marlow, the assistant program director, the goal is to wipe out the wild pig population when their numbers are low or emerging.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think we’re making great strides toward success.&nbsp;But eradication is not in the near future," said Marlow, reflecting on the success of the program in states such as&nbsp;Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Washington where the wild pig&nbsp;population was low.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The northern US states of Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana are facing a major swine-related threat. The states have been forced to take measures to stop the exploding population of hard-to-eradicate “super pigs” in Canada from spilling over.

The northern US states of Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana are facing a major swine-related threat. The states have been forced to take measures to stop the exploding population of hard-to-eradicate “super pigs” in Canada from spilling over. These highly elusive crossbreed pigs are capable of surviving cold winters by tunnelling under snow. The super pigs have combined the size and high fertility of domestic swine and the survival skills of wild Eurasian boar to create a species that is far too powerful for nature. They are currently roaming parts of Canada's Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with scientists calling them the "most invasive animal on the planet". The wild pigs are responsible for a host of environmental damages that range from eating farmers’ crops to destroying trees and polluting water. Such is their multiplying prowess that even if 65 per cent of the boars are culled every year, their population will continue to increase. Eradication of wild pigs is no longer possible in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Watch | Big medical breakthrough as pig-to-human kidney transplant succeeds for a month × Notably, the pigs are not native to North America despite being around on the continent for centuries. Ryan Brook, one of Canada's leading authorities on the problem, said that killing the wild pigs is not a viable solution, especially if the US does not want to end up in the same situation as its neighbour. “Nobody should be surprised when pigs start walking across that border if they haven’t already. The question is: What will be done about it?” Brook was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Also read | In a first, Chinese scientists grow humanised kidneys in pigs What is the solution? Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, believes outlawing the raising and transportation of wild pigs and being really aggressive with the diktat, within the state, is the best solution. The state of Minnesota is expected to release a report in February next year that identifies the gaps in its management plan and recommends new prevention steps. The US Department of Agriculture launched the National Feral Swine Management Program, way back in 2014 and since then, it has provided funding to 33 states. According to Mike Marlow, the assistant program director, the goal is to wipe out the wild pig population when their numbers are low or emerging. “I think we’re making great strides toward success. But eradication is not in the near future," said Marlow, reflecting on the success of the program in states such as Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Washington where the wild pig population was low. (With inputs from agencies)

US facing new threat from Canada: Invasive 'super pigs' that destroy 'everything' reach borders

<p>A man in the US state of Florida has discovered a huge fossilised jawbone of a mammoth, believed to be at least 10,000 years old. John Kreatsoulas, a self-proclaimed fossil junkie made the discovery while diving in the alligator-infested waters of the Peace River, near the city of Arcadia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kreatsoulas, who runs Fossil Junkies Dig and Dive Charters, an organisation specialising in hosting fossil-hunting trips, made the discovery of the lifetime by innocuously stumbling upon the item, which he initially thought was a log.&nbsp;However, upon closer inspection, he realised it was a&nbsp;mandible.</p>

<p>"I grabbed onto it just to hold on for a second, and I realised,&nbsp;'wait for a second, that's not a tree, that was a mammoth jaw,'"&nbsp;Kreatsoulas was quoted as saying by NBC2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kreatsoulas explained that he only dives in the alligator-filled river in the wintertime when the gators are dormant. Moreover, it was tenacity that led to the discovery as a day earlier, one of&nbsp;Kreatsoulas' friends&nbsp;had to pull him out of the river after spotting an alligator nearby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So I went up to the surface, and when I got back up there, he said, ‘You didn’t see that big gator?’ I said, ‘No, I wasn’t looking for gators, I was looking for fossils!” said&nbsp;Kreatsoulas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aliens-mysterious-non-human-like-fossils-revealed-in-mexico-635619"><strong>Watch | Aliens? Mysterious non-human-like fossils revealed in Mexico</strong></a></p>

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<p>Explaining his fascination with the remnants of the past, Kreatsoulas added:&nbsp;“As a kid, my grandmother took me to the library, and they had a little fossil dig. There was a little shark’s teeth in a gravel box kit, and I was hooked."</p>

<p>Kreatsoulas will be taking his discovery to&nbsp;Ancient Artworks in Tampa where the jaw will be restored by adding the molars back onto it. He will also register the fossil with the state of Florida with the officials having the decisive say in if he can keep the discovery.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What kind of mammoth?</strong></h2>

<p>While it is unknown at this stage what kind of mammoth species head&nbsp;Kreatsoulas stumbled upon, experts argue that it could belong to&nbsp;Columbian mammoths (<em>Mammuthus columbi</em>) who inhabited North America during the&nbsp;Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million years to 11,700 years ago).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/woolly-mammoth-went-extinct-4000-years-ago-heres-how-a-us-startup-plans-to-revive-them-617737"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Woolly mammoth went extinct 4,000 years ago. Here's how a US startup plans to revive them</strong></a></p>

<p>Apart from North America, the Columbian mammoths were also found in Costa Rica. They were likely a hybrid between&nbsp;woolly mammoth (<em>Mammuthus primigenius</em>) and an unknown lineage of mammoth after arriving on the continent from Siberia around 1.5 million years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


A man in the US state of Florida has discovered a huge fossilised jawbone of a mammoth, believed to be at least 10,000 years old. John Kreatsoulas, a self-proclaimed fossil junkie made the discovery while diving in the alligator-infested waters of the Peace River, near the city of Arcadia.

A man in the US state of Florida has discovered a huge fossilised jawbone of a mammoth, believed to be at least 10,000 years old. John Kreatsoulas, a self-proclaimed fossil junkie made the discovery while diving in the alligator-infested waters of the Peace River, near the city of Arcadia. Kreatsoulas, who runs Fossil Junkies Dig and Dive Charters, an organisation specialising in hosting fossil-hunting trips, made the discovery of the lifetime by innocuously stumbling upon the item, which he initially thought was a log. However, upon closer inspection, he realised it was a mandible. "I grabbed onto it just to hold on for a second, and I realised, 'wait for a second, that's not a tree, that was a mammoth jaw,'" Kreatsoulas was quoted as saying by NBC2. Kreatsoulas explained that he only dives in the alligator-filled river in the wintertime when the gators are dormant. Moreover, it was tenacity that led to the discovery as a day earlier, one of Kreatsoulas' friends had to pull him out of the river after spotting an alligator nearby. “So I went up to the surface, and when I got back up there, he said, ‘You didn’t see that big gator?’ I said, ‘No, I wasn’t looking for gators, I was looking for fossils!” said Kreatsoulas. Watch | Aliens? Mysterious non-human-like fossils revealed in Mexico × Explaining his fascination with the remnants of the past, Kreatsoulas added: “As a kid, my grandmother took me to the library, and they had a little fossil dig. There was a little shark’s teeth in a gravel box kit, and I was hooked." Kreatsoulas will be taking his discovery to Ancient Artworks in Tampa where the jaw will be restored by adding the molars back onto it. He will also register the fossil with the state of Florida with the officials having the decisive say in if he can keep the discovery. What kind of mammoth? While it is unknown at this stage what kind of mammoth species head Kreatsoulas stumbled upon, experts argue that it could belong to Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) who inhabited North America during the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million years to 11,700 years ago). Also read | Woolly mammoth went extinct 4,000 years ago. Here's how a US startup plans to revive them Apart from North America, the Columbian mammoths were also found in Costa Rica. They were likely a hybrid between woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) and an unknown lineage of mammoth after arriving on the continent from Siberia around 1.5 million years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Fossilised jawbone of a mammoth dating back 10,000 years found in Florida

<p>The United States and the Philippines on Friday sealed a landmark nuclear deal that will let the US export nuclear tech and material to Manila. The Philippines is planning to use nuclear power in order to decarbonise and take further steps towards energy independence.</p>

<p>"The United States will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Apec Summit 2023: Xi says China hasn't occupied a 'single inch' of foreign land</strong></p>

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<p>Negotiations for the 123 Agreement&nbsp;started in November last year.</p>

<p>"We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippines' energy mix by 2032 and we are more than happy to pursue this path with the United States," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a speech. "Nuclear energy is one area where we can show the Philippines-U.S. alliance and partnership truly works."</p>

<p>The deal would still need stamp of approval from the US Congress post which it will allow peaceful&nbsp;transfer of nuclear material, information as well as equipment while adhering to requirements under non-proliferation.</p>

<p>By the end of last year, the US had 23 similar agreements with 47 countries, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and Taiwan.</p>

<p>The Philippines is seeking to reduce dependence on and retire coal plants in order to meet climate goals. To boost energy security, the country wants to tap nuclear power as alternative power source.</p>

<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/xi-and-bidens-pre-apec-meet-is-all-about-power-politics-659540">Opinion: Xi and Biden's pre-APEC meet is all about power politics</a></strong></p>

<p>The country in Southeast Asia is often affected by volatile global oil prices and suffers from seasonal power outages in addition to high electricity rates.</p>

<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apec-summit-biden-speaks-on-workers-rights-substantial-progress-on-ipef-659518">APEC summit: Biden speaks on workers' rights, 'substantial' progress on IPEF</a></strong></p>

<p>Attempts to pursue nuclear power hit roadblock in the Philippines in past. But the current president is exploring the possibility of reviving a nuclear power plant, which was mothballed during the rule of his namesake father.</p>

<p>The Bataan Nuclear power plant, which was completed in 1984, was not taken ahead in light of ouster of older Marcos, the Chernobyl accident and corruption allegations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States and the Philippines on Friday sealed a landmark nuclear deal that will let the US export nuclear tech and material to Manila. The Philippines is planning to use nuclear power in order to decarbonise and take further steps towards energy independence.

The United States and the Philippines on Friday sealed a landmark nuclear deal that will let the US export nuclear tech and material to Manila. The Philippines is planning to use nuclear power in order to decarbonise and take further steps towards energy independence. "The United States will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Watch | Apec Summit 2023: Xi says China hasn't occupied a 'single inch' of foreign land × Negotiations for the 123 Agreement started in November last year. "We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippines' energy mix by 2032 and we are more than happy to pursue this path with the United States," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a speech. "Nuclear energy is one area where we can show the Philippines-U.S. alliance and partnership truly works." The deal would still need stamp of approval from the US Congress post which it will allow peaceful transfer of nuclear material, information as well as equipment while adhering to requirements under non-proliferation. By the end of last year, the US had 23 similar agreements with 47 countries, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and Taiwan. The Philippines is seeking to reduce dependence on and retire coal plants in order to meet climate goals. To boost energy security, the country wants to tap nuclear power as alternative power source. Read | Opinion: Xi and Biden's pre-APEC meet is all about power politics The country in Southeast Asia is often affected by volatile global oil prices and suffers from seasonal power outages in addition to high electricity rates. Read | APEC summit: Biden speaks on workers' rights, 'substantial' progress on IPEF Attempts to pursue nuclear power hit roadblock in the Philippines in past. But the current president is exploring the possibility of reviving a nuclear power plant, which was mothballed during the rule of his namesake father. The Bataan Nuclear power plant, which was completed in 1984, was not taken ahead in light of ouster of older Marcos, the Chernobyl accident and corruption allegations. (With inputs from agencies)

US signs major nuclear deal with Philippines, to export tech, material for energy infra

<p>Corey Seager smashed a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers bounced back to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Monday (Oct 30) and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series.</p>

<p>Seager blasted a 421-foot home run over right field in the top of the third inning after Marcus Semien had driven in a run for Nathaniel Lowe earlier in the inning.</p>

<p>The Diamondbacks had routed Texas 9-1 in Arlington on Saturday to level the best-of-seven World Series. But it was a different story on Monday as Major League Baseball's showpiece final returned to Arizona for game three.</p>

<p>The Rangers suffered an early blow when starter Max Scherzer was pulled from the mound after just 36 scoreless pitches with an apparent back injury.</p>

<p>That forced Jon Gray, tabbed as the Rangers starter in game four, to come out of the bullpen to take over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gray preserved Ranger's three-run lead with three scoreless innings and the Texas pitchers continued to stay on top.</p>

<p>"He was the hero tonight," Seager said of Gray. "He came out and gave us some really big innings, he kept them off balance, he put up zeros and that's exactly what we needed in that moment."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mlb-adolis-garcia-helps-rangers-defeat-arizona-diamondbacks-in-world-series-opener-652213"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;MLB: Adolis Garcia helps Rangers defeat Arizona Diamondbacks in World Series opener</strong></a></p>

<p>Gray meanwhile said he had taken a "one pitch at a time" approach after being unexpectedly pressed into action after Scherzer's injury.</p>

<p>"One pitch at a time, focus on the execution, do your job and let everything else take of itself," Gray said.</p>

<p>"I knew that coming out of the bullpen things can happen really fast. So it was all about trying to slow things down and taking my time."</p>

<p>Rangers reliever Josh Sborz struck out two batters before Aroldis Chapman took over in the eighth inning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arizona finally threatened to build some momentum in the bottom of the eighth when Geraldo Perdomo's single to left field sent Emmanuel Rivera racing over home plate to cut the deficit to 3-1.</p>

<p>But the Diamondbacks' rally was halted in its tracks after a deft piece of glove work from Seager set up a double play that ended the inning with Perdomo out at second and Ketel Marte out at first.</p>

<p>Texas's line-up were unable to add to the lead in the ninth inning which left Rangers closer Jose Leclerc tasked with making the final three outs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leclerc duly took care of business, with Gabriel Moreno grounding out before striking out Christian Walker and Tommy Pham to end the game.</p>

<p>Game four takes place in Phoenix on Tuesday.</p>

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Corey Seager smashed a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers bounced back to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Monday (Oct 30) and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series.

Corey Seager smashed a two-run homer as the Texas Rangers bounced back to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 on Monday (Oct 30) and take a 2-1 lead in the World Series. Seager blasted a 421-foot home run over right field in the top of the third inning after Marcus Semien had driven in a run for Nathaniel Lowe earlier in the inning. The Diamondbacks had routed Texas 9-1 in Arlington on Saturday to level the best-of-seven World Series. But it was a different story on Monday as Major League Baseball's showpiece final returned to Arizona for game three. The Rangers suffered an early blow when starter Max Scherzer was pulled from the mound after just 36 scoreless pitches with an apparent back injury. That forced Jon Gray, tabbed as the Rangers starter in game four, to come out of the bullpen to take over. Gray preserved Ranger's three-run lead with three scoreless innings and the Texas pitchers continued to stay on top. "He was the hero tonight," Seager said of Gray. "He came out and gave us some really big innings, he kept them off balance, he put up zeros and that's exactly what we needed in that moment." Also read | MLB: Adolis Garcia helps Rangers defeat Arizona Diamondbacks in World Series opener Gray meanwhile said he had taken a "one pitch at a time" approach after being unexpectedly pressed into action after Scherzer's injury. "One pitch at a time, focus on the execution, do your job and let everything else take of itself," Gray said. "I knew that coming out of the bullpen things can happen really fast. So it was all about trying to slow things down and taking my time." Rangers reliever Josh Sborz struck out two batters before Aroldis Chapman took over in the eighth inning. Arizona finally threatened to build some momentum in the bottom of the eighth when Geraldo Perdomo's single to left field sent Emmanuel Rivera racing over home plate to cut the deficit to 3-1. But the Diamondbacks' rally was halted in its tracks after a deft piece of glove work from Seager set up a double play that ended the inning with Perdomo out at second and Ketel Marte out at first. Texas's line-up were unable to add to the lead in the ninth inning which left Rangers closer Jose Leclerc tasked with making the final three outs. Leclerc duly took care of business, with Gabriel Moreno grounding out before striking out Christian Walker and Tommy Pham to end the game. Game four takes place in Phoenix on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

MLB: Texas Rangers down Arizona Diamondbacks to take lead in World Series

<p>China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington DC amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday (Oct 26) made it clear that China wanted “constructive conversations," while talking to his counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>The key visit comes ahead of a potential visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the US to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.</p>

<p>"China and the United States need to have dialogue. Not only should we resume dialogue, the dialogue should be in-depth and comprehensive," Wang said, speaking through an interpreter.</p>

<p>Blinken responded: "I agree with what the foreign minister said."</p>

<p>The high-profile visit is the first between Chinese and US officials since the war broke out between Hamas and Israel. The US is hoping that Beijing can use its influence over Iran to prevent an escalation.</p>

<p>On Friday (Oct 27), Wang Yi will speak at the White House with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. He is also expected to meet President Joe Biden, although no official announcement has been made.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden-Xi meet</strong></h2>

<p>Wang's trip to Washington follows recent visits by several prominent US officials, including Blinken, to Beijing over the past few months.</p>

<p>Analysts anticipate that Wang's discussions will primarily revolve around the preparations for the expected meeting between President Biden and President Xi during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco from November 11 to 17. This would mark the first in-person encounter between Biden and Xi since their summit in Bali last November.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China, Philippines vessels collide, US: China violated international law</strong></p>

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<p>As they enter the APEC meeting, the two sides are approaching it with differing economic outlooks. Economic experts suggest that the United States has fared somewhat better than China amid the challenges of the global post-COVID-19 landscape.</p>

<h2><strong>Persistent US-China tensions</strong></h2>

<p>Wang Yi will aim to seek assurances from the US that Xi will have a smooth exit from the meeting without facing any embarrassment.</p>

<p>The Biden administration over the years has stepped up pressure on the communist nation, including by recently announcing new curbs on the export of advanced chips.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-china-chip-wars-biden-administration-imposes-new-curbs-on-chip-exports-to-china-651149"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US-China chip war: Biden administration imposes new curbs on exports to China</strong></a></p>

<p>Biden has also championed alliances in the face of China's rise. He has forged a new three-way military alliance with Australia and Britain and promoted the "Quad" with Australia, India and Japan.</p>

<p>The US and China have also traded barbs over Taiwan and the ongoing conflict in West Asia, where Biden has been Israel's foremost ally.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington DC amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday (Oct 26) made it clear that China wanted “constructive conversations," while talking to his counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington DC amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday (Oct 26) made it clear that China wanted “constructive conversations," while talking to his counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The key visit comes ahead of a potential visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the US to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. "China and the United States need to have dialogue. Not only should we resume dialogue, the dialogue should be in-depth and comprehensive," Wang said, speaking through an interpreter. Blinken responded: "I agree with what the foreign minister said." The high-profile visit is the first between Chinese and US officials since the war broke out between Hamas and Israel. The US is hoping that Beijing can use its influence over Iran to prevent an escalation. On Friday (Oct 27), Wang Yi will speak at the White House with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. He is also expected to meet President Joe Biden, although no official announcement has been made. Biden-Xi meet Wang's trip to Washington follows recent visits by several prominent US officials, including Blinken, to Beijing over the past few months. Analysts anticipate that Wang's discussions will primarily revolve around the preparations for the expected meeting between President Biden and President Xi during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco from November 11 to 17. This would mark the first in-person encounter between Biden and Xi since their summit in Bali last November. Watch: China, Philippines vessels collide, US: China violated international law × As they enter the APEC meeting, the two sides are approaching it with differing economic outlooks. Economic experts suggest that the United States has fared somewhat better than China amid the challenges of the global post-COVID-19 landscape. Persistent US-China tensions Wang Yi will aim to seek assurances from the US that Xi will have a smooth exit from the meeting without facing any embarrassment. The Biden administration over the years has stepped up pressure on the communist nation, including by recently announcing new curbs on the export of advanced chips. Also read: US-China chip war: Biden administration imposes new curbs on exports to China Biden has also championed alliances in the face of China's rise. He has forged a new three-way military alliance with Australia and Britain and promoted the "Quad" with Australia, India and Japan. The US and China have also traded barbs over Taiwan and the ongoing conflict in West Asia, where Biden has been Israel's foremost ally. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Need to have dialogue,’ China’s Wang Yi tells US as he lays groundwork for Xi-Biden meet

The White House announced Monday it is designating 31 technology hubs to improve American competitiveness in the technology sector. The hubs will be able to compete for $40 million to $75 million apiece in grants, the White House said.

US: White House announces 31 tech hubs to focus on AI, clean energy and more

<p>In a tit-for-tat violence, where Hamas attacked Israel and then Israel took recourse to ‘reprisal attacks’, much is lost in the ‘fog of war’. The debate (slanted) in the Western press is ‘Israel’s right to defend itself’ and ‘proportionality’. This is not to deny any nation-state its legitimate right of/for defending itself but to put matters into perspective: What constitutes ‘the right to self-defence'? Does it have boundaries or limits? Who determines that? What is proportionality (in war)? What are its ‘legitimate’ parameters? And, again, who determined it? These are not and should not be mere ‘catchwords’ or ‘buzzwords’ that can be bandied about cavalierly. How these are defined and employed in practice pertains to the ‘pity of war’- something the Middle East may be on the cusp of. Against all norms and canons of international law, Israel, after Hamas attacks, is indulging in an organised orgy of violence. And it is getting away with it. Why?</p>

<p>The answer is multidimensional but one major prong of it is the West’s collective guilt over the Holocaust that caused immense suffering, death and depredation to European Jews. In a ‘never again’ formulation, by crafting the tenets of Zionism – that sought to create a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine, Israel was established in 1948. Israel also crafted a self-identity for itself that suggested it being a ‘western outpost’,‘ a citadel of civilisation’ in a sea of ‘Arab despotism’. The Arabs, especially Palestinians, in this schema were denigrated as uncivilised barbarians and a regressive despotic race - &nbsp;an echo of which the world is witnessing in the likes of Ben Shapiro who leave no stone unturned to dehumanise Palestinians. The explicit and implied aim of Shapiro is to ‘manufacture consent’ and complicity in the killing, maiming and dispossession of Palestinians. All this may be rationalised as the rhetorical flourishes and ‘bull shit’ based on self-righteousness and dismissed. But, nay, not so easy. This discourse is as insidious as its end game. But what is this endgame and who enables it?</p>

<p>The latter question first. Rewind a week or more to the attacks on Israel which took the country by surprise. An enraged Israel post these attacks had made up its mind: It wanted to destroy the Hamas. But, the country needed political cover for this- something that was ably provided by Western political leaders- Joseph Biden, Lloyd Austin, Ursula Van Meyer of the EU, Keir Starmer of the British Labor Party and, Rishi Sunak and other wannabes. How was this cover deployed and maintained? By drawing an equivalence between ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Hamas - something that is etched in the collective consciousness of the Western publics. Ah, yes to prove themselves right and validate their quest, it was alleged Hamas had murdered (decapitated) 40 babies. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-supports-israels-report-on-gaza-hospital-strike-condemns-hamas-648337">Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', says Biden during Israel trip</a></strong></p>

<p>Enabled and emboldened by this, Israel embarked on carpet bombing of Gaza. Ostensible premise: Root out Hamas. This cruel, horrific bombing, withholding of food, water and other essentials meshes into Israel’s endgame. What is that? Key elements of this deliberate, coldly calculated pogrom are: instrumentalise bombing campaigns to harass, harry and kill Palestinians. Orchestrate their movement towards the Egyptian border and create a refugee crisis for Arab states, invade Gaza, finish off Hamas, include the West Bank into the pogrom – essentially and basically ethnically cleanse Palestine. The follow-up appears to be in the nature of creating a rump group of Palestinians- say Bedouins or collaborators or those who cannot leave and forge ‘peace’ with them. Lo and Behold, Israel triumphs and ‘solves’ the Palestinian conflict. The world looks on and cheers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-and-egypt-refuse-to-accept-palestinian-refugees-as-israel-continues-retaliatory-strikes-648436">Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel continues retaliatory strikes</a></strong></p>

<p>But this approach is fundamentally wrong, politically insidious and morally odious. It amounts to being complicit in the disappearance of an entire peoples. It also has geo-political and security implications: the Middle East becomes a fraught flashpoint on the cusp of war that will have global implications and it reduces drastically the global security for both states and people. Regarding the latter, there have already been four victims: a 6-year-old Palestinian child, a teacher in France and two Swedes in Belgium. Because Israel’s odious actions polarise the world, its constituent peoples and sets them against each other. There’s every likelihood of more attacks vigilante violence and lone wolf attacks. The world then has become suddenly a very dangerous place for everyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Protests erupt after attack on Gaza Hospital</strong></p>

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<p>Can this be remedied while ‘too much water has flowed under the bridge’, but ‘a stitch in time saves nine’? There still may be hope. For this to be galvanised, Western political leadership must take the initiative. Their (especially the United States’) foreign policies and the media must not be forever held hostage to elite capture. This is the broad outline. In the realm of immediacy, Israel must be, should be restrained. Only the West can do it. It then shares and has a moral responsibility to create and craft peace. If it does, the region, the west and the world will be better for it!</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a tit-for-tat violence, where Hamas attacked Israel and then Israel took recourse to ‘reprisal attacks’, much is lost in the ‘fog of war’. The debate (slanted) in the Western press is ‘Israel’s right to defend itself’ and ‘proportionality’.

In a tit-for-tat violence, where Hamas attacked Israel and then Israel took recourse to ‘reprisal attacks’, much is lost in the ‘fog of war’. The debate (slanted) in the Western press is ‘Israel’s right to defend itself’ and ‘proportionality’. This is not to deny any nation-state its legitimate right of/for defending itself but to put matters into perspective: What constitutes ‘the right to self-defence'? Does it have boundaries or limits? Who determines that? What is proportionality (in war)? What are its ‘legitimate’ parameters? And, again, who determined it? These are not and should not be mere ‘catchwords’ or ‘buzzwords’ that can be bandied about cavalierly. How these are defined and employed in practice pertains to the ‘pity of war’- something the Middle East may be on the cusp of. Against all norms and canons of international law, Israel, after Hamas attacks, is indulging in an organised orgy of violence. And it is getting away with it. Why? The answer is multidimensional but one major prong of it is the West’s collective guilt over the Holocaust that caused immense suffering, death and depredation to European Jews. In a ‘never again’ formulation, by crafting the tenets of Zionism – that sought to create a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine, Israel was established in 1948. Israel also crafted a self-identity for itself that suggested it being a ‘western outpost’,‘ a citadel of civilisation’ in a sea of ‘Arab despotism’. The Arabs, especially Palestinians, in this schema were denigrated as uncivilised barbarians and a regressive despotic race - an echo of which the world is witnessing in the likes of Ben Shapiro who leave no stone unturned to dehumanise Palestinians. The explicit and implied aim of Shapiro is to ‘manufacture consent’ and complicity in the killing, maiming and dispossession of Palestinians. All this may be rationalised as the rhetorical flourishes and ‘bull shit’ based on self-righteousness and dismissed. But, nay, not so easy. This discourse is as insidious as its end game. But what is this endgame and who enables it? The latter question first. Rewind a week or more to the attacks on Israel which took the country by surprise. An enraged Israel post these attacks had made up its mind: It wanted to destroy the Hamas. But, the country needed political cover for this- something that was ably provided by Western political leaders- Joseph Biden, Lloyd Austin, Ursula Van Meyer of the EU, Keir Starmer of the British Labor Party and, Rishi Sunak and other wannabes. How was this cover deployed and maintained? By drawing an equivalence between ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Hamas - something that is etched in the collective consciousness of the Western publics. Ah, yes to prove themselves right and validate their quest, it was alleged Hamas had murdered (decapitated) 40 babies. Also Read | Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', says Biden during Israel trip Enabled and emboldened by this, Israel embarked on carpet bombing of Gaza. Ostensible premise: Root out Hamas. This cruel, horrific bombing, withholding of food, water and other essentials meshes into Israel’s endgame. What is that? Key elements of this deliberate, coldly calculated pogrom are: instrumentalise bombing campaigns to harass, harry and kill Palestinians. Orchestrate their movement towards the Egyptian border and create a refugee crisis for Arab states, invade Gaza, finish off Hamas, include the West Bank into the pogrom – essentially and basically ethnically cleanse Palestine. The follow-up appears to be in the nature of creating a rump group of Palestinians- say Bedouins or collaborators or those who cannot leave and forge ‘peace’ with them. Lo and Behold, Israel triumphs and ‘solves’ the Palestinian conflict. The world looks on and cheers. Also Read | Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel continues retaliatory strikes But this approach is fundamentally wrong, politically insidious and morally odious. It amounts to being complicit in the disappearance of an entire peoples. It also has geo-political and security implications: the Middle East becomes a fraught flashpoint on the cusp of war that will have global implications and it reduces drastically the global security for both states and people. Regarding the latter, there have already been four victims: a 6-year-old Palestinian child, a teacher in France and two Swedes in Belgium. Because Israel’s odious actions polarise the world, its constituent peoples and sets them against each other. There’s every likelihood of more attacks vigilante violence and lone wolf attacks. The world then has become suddenly a very dangerous place for everyone. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Protests erupt after attack on Gaza Hospital × Can this be remedied while ‘too much water has flowed under the bridge’, but ‘a stitch in time saves nine’? There still may be hope. For this to be galvanised, Western political leadership must take the initiative. Their (especially the United States’) foreign policies and the media must not be forever held hostage to elite capture. This is the broad outline. In the realm of immediacy, Israel must be, should be restrained. Only the West can do it. It then shares and has a moral responsibility to create and craft peace. If it does, the region, the west and the world will be better for it! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'The pity of war’: Why Israel must be stopped

<p>Simone&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;claimed her 20th world title as she continued her return from a two-year break to lead the United States to a seventh straight women's team gold at the world gymnastics championships in Antwerp on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The USA extended their domination going back to 2011, in the absence of Russia, the last team to beat them in a major competition.</p>

<p>"It's crazy, we still pulled it out, I'm really proud of the team," said&nbsp;Biles.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/major-league-soccer-inter-miamis-playoff-hopes-fade-after-chicago-rout-sans-messi-642729">Major League Soccer: Inter Miami's playoff hopes fade after Chicago rout sans Messi</a></p>

<p>"It's the seventh title in a row for the United States. For some girls, it's their first World Championship, I'm excited to share that with them."</p>

<p>The Americans scored 167.729 points to take gold ahead of Brazil (165.530) with Olympic hosts France winning bronze (164.064).</p>

<p>"She's the leader, having someone so inspiring and so encouraging... Team USA came together and we did what we needed to do tonight," said&nbsp;Biles' teammate Shilese Jones.</p>

<p>The team victory gives&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;her 26th world medal and a record-extending 20th world title.</p>

<p>And she could extend that tally as she is still in the running for five other podiums in Antwerp.</p>

<p>The Texan has made an impressive comeback, two years after the Tokyo Olympics.</p>

<p>Arriving in Japan as the big favourite thanks to her four gold medals won five years earlier in Rio de Janeiro,&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;broke down in full view of a global audience, withdrawing from four of the five finals.</p>

<p>She explained that she was fighting against the "twisties", a temporary mental block whereby gymnasts lose their sense of where they are in the air, with the risk of injury when they land.</p>

<h2>I'm not 16 any more'</h2>

<p>In Antwerp, however, she seems to be getting her career back on track.</p>

<p>It was in the same city that&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;won her first world gold 10 years ago during her first world championships, when she claimed four medals, including two golds.</p>

<p>"I think each and every time you are crowned world champion it feels a little bit different,"&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;told journalists in Belgium.</p>

<p>"I'm still surprised, I'm 26, I'm a little bit older so it feels just as good as the first one just because we broke records, we came together, we had fight. It's different but it's exciting.</p>

<p>"I'm not like 16 any more, I'm 26, like everything feels different.</p>

<p>"I'm thinking a little bit more about my gymnastics. It's not so carefree.</p>

<p>"Staying at the top and just pushing day in, day out is a little bit harder because I'm older, my body is tired and everybody's like 'Gosh she looks great' and I'm like, I feel I'm going to die sometimes and then I come out here and I rely on my training and get back to work."&nbsp;</p>

<p>To achieve this latest title, the 1.42m gymnast didn't even need to perform her incredible Yurchenko double pike which now bears her name.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, she settled for a Cheng, executed to perfection to launch the American campaign.</p>

<p>Despite a slight imbalance on the beam, her overall performance, highlighted by scoring 15.166 on the floor, was again strong, like on Sunday during the qualifications.</p>

<p>Biles, Shilese Jones, Leanne Wong and Skye Blakely resisted a comeback from the Brazilians, who won the first team medal in their history.</p>

<p>The other member of the American team, Joscelyn Roberson, was injured in the vault warm-up and did not compete.</p>

<p>Reigning all-around world champion Rebeca Andrade impressed for Brazil, delivering a classy performance on the floor, scoring 14.666.</p>

<p>The surprise came from France who snatched bronze largely thanks to Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos,&nbsp;Biles' training partner in the United States.</p>

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Simone Biles claimed her 20th world title as she continued her return from a two-year break to lead the United States to a seventh straight women's team gold at the world gymnastics championships in Antwerp on Wednesday.

Simone Biles claimed her 20th world title as she continued her return from a two-year break to lead the United States to a seventh straight women's team gold at the world gymnastics championships in Antwerp on Wednesday. The USA extended their domination going back to 2011, in the absence of Russia, the last team to beat them in a major competition. "It's crazy, we still pulled it out, I'm really proud of the team," said Biles. Also Read: Major League Soccer: Inter Miami's playoff hopes fade after Chicago rout sans Messi "It's the seventh title in a row for the United States. For some girls, it's their first World Championship, I'm excited to share that with them." The Americans scored 167.729 points to take gold ahead of Brazil (165.530) with Olympic hosts France winning bronze (164.064). "She's the leader, having someone so inspiring and so encouraging... Team USA came together and we did what we needed to do tonight," said Biles' teammate Shilese Jones. The team victory gives Biles her 26th world medal and a record-extending 20th world title. And she could extend that tally as she is still in the running for five other podiums in Antwerp. The Texan has made an impressive comeback, two years after the Tokyo Olympics. Arriving in Japan as the big favourite thanks to her four gold medals won five years earlier in Rio de Janeiro, Biles broke down in full view of a global audience, withdrawing from four of the five finals. She explained that she was fighting against the "twisties", a temporary mental block whereby gymnasts lose their sense of where they are in the air, with the risk of injury when they land. I'm not 16 any more' In Antwerp, however, she seems to be getting her career back on track. It was in the same city that Biles won her first world gold 10 years ago during her first world championships, when she claimed four medals, including two golds. "I think each and every time you are crowned world champion it feels a little bit different," Biles told journalists in Belgium. "I'm still surprised, I'm 26, I'm a little bit older so it feels just as good as the first one just because we broke records, we came together, we had fight. It's different but it's exciting. "I'm not like 16 any more, I'm 26, like everything feels different. "I'm thinking a little bit more about my gymnastics. It's not so carefree. "Staying at the top and just pushing day in, day out is a little bit harder because I'm older, my body is tired and everybody's like 'Gosh she looks great' and I'm like, I feel I'm going to die sometimes and then I come out here and I rely on my training and get back to work." To achieve this latest title, the 1.42m gymnast didn't even need to perform her incredible Yurchenko double pike which now bears her name. On Wednesday, she settled for a Cheng, executed to perfection to launch the American campaign. Despite a slight imbalance on the beam, her overall performance, highlighted by scoring 15.166 on the floor, was again strong, like on Sunday during the qualifications. Biles, Shilese Jones, Leanne Wong and Skye Blakely resisted a comeback from the Brazilians, who won the first team medal in their history. The other member of the American team, Joscelyn Roberson, was injured in the vault warm-up and did not compete. Reigning all-around world champion Rebeca Andrade impressed for Brazil, delivering a classy performance on the floor, scoring 14.666. The surprise came from France who snatched bronze largely thanks to Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos, Biles' training partner in the United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Simone Biles leads USA to seventh straight women's team gold at World Gymnastic Championships

House Republicans have branded the first day of their impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden a success, saying they justified their case.

US:  Republicans began impeachment inquiry hearings into Joe Biden

A 25-year-old woman convicted of killing & dismembering her ex-boyfriend was seen smiling in court. Priyanka Sharma brings you the story of the gruesome crime.

Gravitas: Murderer smiles in court after being convicted for killing Ex-lover

<p>Ahead of the hotly anticipated 2024 US presidential elections as well as the general elections in India, X (formerly known as Twitter) has fired its election team working to prevent disruptions during the polls.</p>

<p>Former X CEO Elon Musk took to the platform and confirmed that the 'election integrity' team was 'gone'. Responding to a post that said X had reportedly cut half of its team, Musk said:&nbsp;“Oh you mean the ‘Election Integrity’ Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone.”</p>

<p>According to a <em>Guardian </em>report, a number of staff members working out of the Dublin office, including Aaron Rodericks, the co-lead of the election disinformation team have left the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sudden firing of the election staff suggests that the workers were not aware that Musk was mulling such a move. Last month, Roderick posted a recruitment ad on LinkedIn, saying he was looking to hire eight staffers ahead of more than 70 elections worldwide in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If you have a passion for protecting the integrity of elections and civic events, X is certainly at the centre of the conversation!” he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh you mean the “Election Integrity” Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone.</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1707147926789554422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/musk-points-finger-at-anti-defamation-league-for-xs-ad-sales-slump-threatens-legal-showdown-632487"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Musk points finger at anti-defamation league for X's ad sales slump, threatens legal showdown</strong></a></p>

<p>Ever since taking over X last year, Musk has not shied away from cutting flab in the company. He fired more than half the employees, including those working in the once-sizeable "trust and safety" team. The likes of Yoel Roth and Ella Irwin lasted only a handful of months in their respective divisions, once Musk arrived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The billionaire is of the view that X and its partisan executives under the previous leadership were allowed to dictate the election content on the platform which eventually interfered with the voting patterns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-to-transform-x-into-a-super-app-with-calling-feature-631052"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk to transform X into a super app with calling feature</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU's disinformation campaign</strong></h2>

<p>Interestingly, Musk firing his election integrity staff comes days after the European Union said X was found to have the&nbsp;highest ratio of disinformation posts of all large social media platforms. The 27-nation bloc warned Musk to comply with sweeping new laws on fake news and Russian propaganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Mr Musk knows he is not off the hook by leaving the code of practice.&nbsp;There are obligations under the hard law. So my message for Twitter/X is you have to comply. We will be watching what you do," said&nbsp;Věra Jourová, European commissioner, responsible&nbsp;for the implementation of the new anti-disinformation code.</p>

<p>EU's claims that disinformation has risen on the platform might not be good news for X and its ad revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Musk, X's&nbsp;advertising revenue has plummeted by 60 per cent&nbsp;in the US as influential voices urged the advertisers to give the platform a skip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Ahead of the hotly anticipated 2024 US presidential elections as well as the general elections in India, X (formerly known as Twitter) has fired its election team working to prevent disruptions during the polls.

Ahead of the hotly anticipated 2024 US presidential elections as well as the general elections in India, X (formerly known as Twitter) has fired its election team working to prevent disruptions during the polls. Former X CEO Elon Musk took to the platform and confirmed that the 'election integrity' team was 'gone'. Responding to a post that said X had reportedly cut half of its team, Musk said: “Oh you mean the ‘Election Integrity’ Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone.” According to a Guardian report, a number of staff members working out of the Dublin office, including Aaron Rodericks, the co-lead of the election disinformation team have left the company. The sudden firing of the election staff suggests that the workers were not aware that Musk was mulling such a move. Last month, Roderick posted a recruitment ad on LinkedIn, saying he was looking to hire eight staffers ahead of more than 70 elections worldwide in 2024. “If you have a passion for protecting the integrity of elections and civic events, X is certainly at the centre of the conversation!” he wrote. Oh you mean the “Election Integrity” Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 27, 2023 × Also read | Musk points finger at anti-defamation league for X's ad sales slump, threatens legal showdown Ever since taking over X last year, Musk has not shied away from cutting flab in the company. He fired more than half the employees, including those working in the once-sizeable "trust and safety" team. The likes of Yoel Roth and Ella Irwin lasted only a handful of months in their respective divisions, once Musk arrived. The billionaire is of the view that X and its partisan executives under the previous leadership were allowed to dictate the election content on the platform which eventually interfered with the voting patterns. Watch | Elon Musk to transform X into a super app with calling feature × EU's disinformation campaign Interestingly, Musk firing his election integrity staff comes days after the European Union said X was found to have the highest ratio of disinformation posts of all large social media platforms. The 27-nation bloc warned Musk to comply with sweeping new laws on fake news and Russian propaganda. “Mr Musk knows he is not off the hook by leaving the code of practice. There are obligations under the hard law. So my message for Twitter/X is you have to comply. We will be watching what you do," said Věra Jourová, European commissioner, responsible for the implementation of the new anti-disinformation code. EU's claims that disinformation has risen on the platform might not be good news for X and its ad revenue. According to Musk, X's advertising revenue has plummeted by 60 per cent in the US as influential voices urged the advertisers to give the platform a skip. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Yeah, they’re gone...': Musk fires election integrity team ahead of 2024 election season

The F-35 fighter jet is arguably the world's most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet. A single F-35 fighter costs an average of a $100 million. But the F-35 weapons program over the course of its life span will cost the American exchequer a staggering $1.7 trillion. Making the F-35 fighter jet program, the most expensive weapons program in history anywhere in the world. But does the F-35 fighter jet justify the cost of its development? Mohammed Saleh explores.

Can the United States' F-35 compete with Russian & Chinese fighter jets?

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<p>US banking giant JPMorgan Chase has reached an agreement with the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to settle claims that it had empowered disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of teenage girls. The parties reached a settlement just weeks before a trial was scheduled to begin at a federal court in Manhattan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bank did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement which will give $55 million to Virgin Islands charities and the American territory's anti-trafficking efforts. The remaining amount will cover attorneys' fees incurred by the Virgin Islands as part of the litigation in federal court in New York.</p>

<p>"While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes," JPMorgan said</p>

<p>The settlement comes in the backdrop of JPMorgan, the largest US bank, agreeing to pay $290 million to nearly 200 victims of Epstein in a similar class action lawsuit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virgin-islands-levels-new-accusations-against-jpmorgan-says-bank-ignored-epsteins-misdeeds-619375"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US Virgin Islands levels new accusations against JPMorgan, says bank ignored Epstein's misdeeds</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>The lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase</strong></h2>

<p>The Virgin Islands government sued the bank in December last year, alleging that it knew about Epstein's predatory behaviour. It added that the bank turned a blind eye to evidence of human trafficking for over a decade as Epstein's account and the clients he brought to the bank made him extremely valuable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the US Virgin Islands subpoenaed documents from billionaire Elon Musk as part of its lawsuit against the bank. Google co-founder Larry Page was also to be served the same legal document but the government failed to locate him.</p>

<p>The government said it had been unable to locate Page, who co-founded and co-owns Alphabet Inc, despite good faith attempts, which included hiring an investigative firm to search public record databases.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/private-islands-owned-by-jeffrey-epstein-588779"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did Epstein do?</strong></h2>

<p>Epstein was accused of sexually exploiting dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida between 2002 and 2005.</p>

<p>However, the majority of his sexual exploits took place on the 72-acre Little St. James Island which he purchased in 1998 for $7.95 million. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US banking giant JPMorgan Chase has reached an agreement with the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to settle claims that it had empowered disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of teenage girls.

US banking giant JPMorgan Chase has reached an agreement with the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to settle claims that it had empowered disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of teenage girls. The parties reached a settlement just weeks before a trial was scheduled to begin at a federal court in Manhattan. The bank did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement which will give $55 million to Virgin Islands charities and the American territory's anti-trafficking efforts. The remaining amount will cover attorneys' fees incurred by the Virgin Islands as part of the litigation in federal court in New York. "While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes," JPMorgan said The settlement comes in the backdrop of JPMorgan, the largest US bank, agreeing to pay $290 million to nearly 200 victims of Epstein in a similar class action lawsuit. Also read | US Virgin Islands levels new accusations against JPMorgan, says bank ignored Epstein's misdeeds The lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase The Virgin Islands government sued the bank in December last year, alleging that it knew about Epstein's predatory behaviour. It added that the bank turned a blind eye to evidence of human trafficking for over a decade as Epstein's account and the clients he brought to the bank made him extremely valuable. Earlier, the US Virgin Islands subpoenaed documents from billionaire Elon Musk as part of its lawsuit against the bank. Google co-founder Larry Page was also to be served the same legal document but the government failed to locate him. The government said it had been unable to locate Page, who co-founded and co-owns Alphabet Inc, despite good faith attempts, which included hiring an investigative firm to search public record databases. WATCH | Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein × What did Epstein do? Epstein was accused of sexually exploiting dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida between 2002 and 2005. However, the majority of his sexual exploits took place on the 72-acre Little St. James Island which he purchased in 1998 for $7.95 million. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

JPMorgan settles Epstein sex trafficking lawsuit with US Virgin Islands, to pay $75million

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