The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner — known for its fun albeit ferocious jabs at Washington — took a more solemn tone this year as what many see as the brazen attack on press freedom across the globe was on painful display.

US: Joe Biden attends White House Correspondents’ Dinner, hosted by Roy Wood Jr.

On today's This World - U.S. President Joe Biden has announced his re-election bid months after former President Donald Trump said he is running for office. Who will win this time? China is in damage control mode. Xi Jinping spoke to Ukraine's Zelensky on phone days after China's ambassador to France questioned Ukraine's sovereignty. China is now planning to send diplomats to Ukraine to put together a peace plan.

It is Trump vs Biden again!; China's massive faux pas

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced his re-election bid months after former President Donald Trump said he is running for office. While there is no guarantee yet that Trump will be able to secure the Republican nomination, it looks like it will be Trump Vs Biden again in 2024. Who will win this time? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

US: Who is likely to win a Trump vs Biden battle?

Elon Musk-owned Twitter has modified its regulations, allowing cannabis companies to advertise their products on the platform freely. The modifications come after Twitter became the first major platform earlier this year to allow cannabis advertisements.&nbsp;

"Going forward, certified advertisers may feature packaged cannabis products in ad creative,"&nbsp;the company stated in a press release. Previously, the companies could not show any product in their ads nor could they promote their sale. However, they could link the ads to their websites.&nbsp;

"They may also continue responsibly linking to their owned and operated web pages and e-commerce experiences for CBD, THC, and cannabis-related products and services. We have also made some changes for medical licensees and opened up additional recreational markets," it added.&nbsp;

The microblogging platform added that it was looking forward to helping customers unlock the power of Twitter ads and connect with the cannabis conversation to drive the business forward.&nbsp;

While Twitter allows cannabis companies to advertise, its rivals such as Meta and Google have prohibited&nbsp;such ads.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-merges-twitter-with-x-corp-581535">WATCH |&nbsp;Elon Musk merges Twitter with X Corp</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/musk-unveils-plan-for-creators-to-make-money-on-twitter-says-platform-will-not-keep-any-money-582530#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

<h2>Musk and his 420 connection</h2>

Recreational marijuana is already legal in several US states and Twitter owner Musk has been one of the most&nbsp;420-friendly (420 is the specific time in the afternoon of April 20 when pot smokers annually celebrate the drug) entrepreneurs in the business.&nbsp;Musk in various interviews has batted for the use of psychedelics to open human consciousness.&nbsp;

In 2018, Musk said&nbsp;he was mulling a buyout of Tesla for $420 per share. However,&nbsp;during a court testimony later, Musk clarified that his price offer wasn't meant to be a marijuana reference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“420 was not chosen because of a joke; it was chosen because there was a 20 percent premium over the stock price," said Musk, adding, "There is some, I think, karma around 420. I should question whether that is good or bad karma at this point."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-testifies-in-second-day-of-tesla-tweet-trial-says-buying-share-at-420-was-no-joke-555339">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Elon Musk testifies in second day of Tesla tweet trial; says buying share at $420 was no joke</a>

Ever since taking over Twitter after completing the $44 billion deal, Musk has been seeking new avenues to generate revenues for the company. He has already fired more than 80 per cent of the Twitter staff to make the books leaner.

Musk started the Twitter Blue subscription service last year under which any user can receive the blue checkmark after paying a certain fee and providing identification proof.

Earlier this year, Musk&nbsp;informed that creators on Twitter will be able to charge certain money from users to access their content, ranging from 'longform text to hours-long video'.&nbsp;

Creators have been given the freedom to offer monthly subscriptions in the $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 bracket. Musk, in a tweet thread, informed that for the next 12 months, the creators will be making most of the money as Twitter will not charge anything.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-is-c-powerful-hallucinogenic-concoction-said-to-open-door-to-spirit-world-566067">ALSO READ |&nbsp;What is Ayahuasca? Powerful hallucinogenic concoction said to open doors to 'spirit' world</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Elon Musk-owned Twitter has modified its regulations, allowing cannabis companies to advertise their products on the platform freely. The modifications come after Twitter became the first major platform earlier this year to allow cannabis advertisements.

Elon Musk-owned Twitter has modified its regulations, allowing cannabis companies to advertise their products on the platform freely. The modifications come after Twitter became the first major platform earlier this year to allow cannabis advertisements. "Going forward, certified advertisers may feature packaged cannabis products in ad creative," the company stated in a press release. Previously, the companies could not show any product in their ads nor could they promote their sale. However, they could link the ads to their websites. "They may also continue responsibly linking to their owned and operated web pages and e-commerce experiences for CBD, THC, and cannabis-related products and services. We have also made some changes for medical licensees and opened up additional recreational markets," it added. The microblogging platform added that it was looking forward to helping customers unlock the power of Twitter ads and connect with the cannabis conversation to drive the business forward. While Twitter allows cannabis companies to advertise, its rivals such as Meta and Google have prohibited such ads. WATCH | Elon Musk merges Twitter with X Corp × Musk and his 420 connection Recreational marijuana is already legal in several US states and Twitter owner Musk has been one of the most 420-friendly (420 is the specific time in the afternoon of April 20 when pot smokers annually celebrate the drug) entrepreneurs in the business. Musk in various interviews has batted for the use of psychedelics to open human consciousness. In 2018, Musk said he was mulling a buyout of Tesla for $420 per share. However, during a court testimony later, Musk clarified that his price offer wasn't meant to be a marijuana reference. “420 was not chosen because of a joke; it was chosen because there was a 20 percent premium over the stock price," said Musk, adding, "There is some, I think, karma around 420. I should question whether that is good or bad karma at this point." ALSO READ | Elon Musk testifies in second day of Tesla tweet trial; says buying share at $420 was no joke Ever since taking over Twitter after completing the $44 billion deal, Musk has been seeking new avenues to generate revenues for the company. He has already fired more than 80 per cent of the Twitter staff to make the books leaner. Musk started the Twitter Blue subscription service last year under which any user can receive the blue checkmark after paying a certain fee and providing identification proof. Earlier this year, Musk informed that creators on Twitter will be able to charge certain money from users to access their content, ranging from 'longform text to hours-long video'. Creators have been given the freedom to offer monthly subscriptions in the $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 bracket. Musk, in a tweet thread, informed that for the next 12 months, the creators will be making most of the money as Twitter will not charge anything. ALSO READ | What is Ayahuasca? Powerful hallucinogenic concoction said to open doors to 'spirit' world (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Elon Musk's 420 strategy: Twitter relaxes cannabis advertising rules to attract more companies

Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world.&nbsp;

“This development is clearly destabilising in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, impacting on global stability,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that the US and NATO's quest for&nbsp;"decisive military superiority" would bring nothing but "escalating tension and provoke an arms race".&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Washington Declaration?</h2>

The declaration was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's six-day state visit to the US. Under the provisions, Seoul&nbsp;will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.&nbsp;

As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.

Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</a>

<h2>Biden issues warning to Kim</h2>

After signing the declaration, in a joint presser, Biden&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.

"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse

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The comment as well as the declaration also riled up China, North Korea's steadfast partner.&nbsp;Beijing issued a statement warning the two countries&nbsp;not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling upon them to&nbsp;play a constructive role.

"All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world.

Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world. “This development is clearly destabilising in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, impacting on global stability,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. It added that the US and NATO's quest for "decisive military superiority" would bring nothing but "escalating tension and provoke an arms race". What is the Washington Declaration? The declaration was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's six-day state visit to the US. Under the provisions, Seoul will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement Biden issues warning to Kim After signing the declaration, in a joint presser, Biden said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × The comment as well as the declaration also riled up China, North Korea's steadfast partner. Beijing issued a statement warning the two countries not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling upon them to play a constructive role. "All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia says US-South Korea nuclear deal could destabilise region

Two commanders belonging to the unit of Jack Teixeira (the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking intelligence documents) have been temporarily suspended by the US Air Force, a spokesman informed on Wednesday.

Two commanders belonging to the unit of Jack Teixeira (the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking intelligence documents) have been temporarily suspended by the US Air Force, a spokesman informed on Wednesday. The Air Force spokesperson without naming the officers said the operation commander and detachment commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing had been benched, pending further investigation. "The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, has suspended the commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron pending further investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of classified information," the Air Force spokesperson said. "This means that both the squadron's state Air National Guard operational commander and current federal orders administrative commander have been suspended pending completion of the Department of the Air Force Inspector General Investigation. Also, the Department of Air Force has temporarily removed these individuals' access to classified systems and information." ALSO READ | Who is Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman arrested in US documents leak case? What did Jack Teixeira do? The suspension comes in the backdrop of one of the largest classified intelligence leaks in US history. 21-year-old Teixeira allegedly leaked the sensitive documents in a chatroom for gamers, Thug Shaker Central, on Discord, an instant messaging platform, primarily used by the gaming community. According to reports, Teixeira leaked highly sensitive information including details about troop movement in Russia’s war with Ukraine. Teixeira said in the chat group that he was able to access the documents because he worked on a “military base". The accused was referring to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base where he was assigned the task to manage and troubleshoot computers and communications systems for the Air Force. ALSO WATCH | Pentagon Intel Leak: Ukrainian air defence in peril × One of the chatroom members where Teixeira leaked the files stated that he wanted others to be concerned about world affairs and thought sharing insider information would protect them from the troubled world. While Teixeira had been leaking the classified documents for several months it was only earlier this year that the US authorities became aware of such a breach. After US media carried the reports, a manhunt was launched the nab the mole. After much speculation, Teixeira was arrested earlier this month. He has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information and willful retention of classified documents. The authorities say he might be slapped with more charges as additional evidence is presented to a grand jury. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Air Force suspends two commanders belonging to unit of Jack Teixeira, the classified docs leaker

The recent spate of wildfires and rain may have caused widespread loss of human life and property across the US state of California but it may also have presented a unique opportunity to make a fortune to the public.

The recent spate of wildfires and rain may have caused widespread loss of human life and property across the US state of California but it may also have presented a unique opportunity to make a fortune to the public. If reports are to be believed, California might witness 'Gold Rush 2.0' in the coming months as locals have found pieces of gold that were unearthed by natural events. Nearly 175 years after the first gold rush, amateur miners are trekking towards the western slope of the Sierra Nevada - an area also referred to as the 'Gold Country'. According to historians, up until now, only 10 to 15 per cent of California's gold has been discovered and the miners are hoping that they might get their hands on the remaining 85 per cent. After the wildfires of last year loosened the soil, the torrential winter rainfall blasted millions of gallons of water through the mountain streams and rivers. The loose soil helped push the water downstream, carrying gold deposits as people started calling it 'flood gold'. “Anytime you can stand next to a river, and you hear the boulders tumbling, you know the gold is moving, too,” Jim Eakin, owner of a local firewood business was quoted as saying by The New York Times. ALSO READ | LOTTERY! 4.6 kg gold nugget, worth $250,000, discovered by amateur digger The treasure seekers of the valley routinely gather at the Gold Country Treasure Seekers Club and display their finds. According to one of the regulars at the club, they have seen more gold in the last two meetings than in the last two years combined. “There was $50,000 of gold up at that table. We’ve had more gold in the last two meetings than I’ve seen in the last two years," said the regular. Albert Fausel, a third-generation owner of a Hardware store in Placerville (a 15-minute drive from the valley) is now selling metal detectors to amateur miners looking to make a fortune. Using a metal detector has been the go-to method of the majority of gold enthusiasts to find the precious metal. WATCH | Digger unearths archaeological treasure from a burial cave in Israel × Biggest Gold Rush season incoming? According to Mark Dayton, a metal detector expert, it is the biggest event of his life and he fully expects the season to get crazier. "As the water comes down really quickly, especially in steep canyons. It hits the banks and washes fresh dirt right off the banks and liberates new fresh deposits of gold right into the water," said Dayton. "This year's going to be unprecedented. Time to go get some gold. Best time to begin seeking gold deposits will be June and July, when the river levels begin to lower." An ounce of gold is expected to fetch anyone around $2,000. However, not everyone is alright with the gold rush. Environmentalists are of the view that the original gold rush caused tremendous damage to nature as is suggested by 47,000 mines that remain abandoned across the state. Concerns are being raised that water quality may degrade as more miners make their way up the valley. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amateur treasure hunters flock to California for Gold Rush 2.0 after heavy rain, wildfires

Democrat transgender legislator Zooey Zephyr has been barred from the House floor for breaking decorum after she made a plea to her colleagues to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors On Wednesday, the Republicans brought the motion and got it passed with a 68-32 vote which essentially means Zephyr will be allowed to vote but is barred from the House floor, anteroom or gallery for the remainder of the legislative session, scheduled to end on May 10.

Democrat transgender legislator Zooey Zephyr has been barred from the House floor for breaking decorum after she made a plea to her colleagues to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors On Wednesday, the Republicans brought the motion and got it passed with a 68-32 vote which essentially means Zephyr will be allowed to vote but is barred from the House floor, anteroom or gallery for the remainder of the legislative session, scheduled to end on May 10. The kerfuffle that ensued in the Montana House of Representatives last week has turned into international news with transgender rights forming the pivot of the issue. Zephyr's statement in the House After legislation banning gender-affirming care was introduced in the House, Zephyr, a first-term representative from Missoula said such a ban would lead to more suicides and that it was 'tantamount to torture'. “This body should be ashamed. If you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands," said Zephyr. After Zephyr's statement, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton stood up and said, “I will note that this is entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for. We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other." WATCH | Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne × Later, the Montana Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers wrote a letter, accusing Zephyr of espousing 'hateful rhetoric'. The Caucus also demanded Zephyr be censured for the speech. "For attempting to shame the Montana legislative body and by using inappropriate and uncalled-for language during a floor debate over amendments concerning Senate Bill 99 - to ban sex changes of minor children" stated the Republican leaders. However, Zephyr refused to apologise and said, "When the speaker asks me to apologise on behalf of decorum, what he is really asking me to do is be silent when my community is facing bills that get us killed. He is asking me to be complicit in this legislature's eradication of our community. And I refuse to do so." While Zephyr has only been barred from the House floor, two Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee earlier this month received a harsher punishment. After a similar break in decorum in the statehouse, both leaders were expelled as the Republicans used their supermajority to full effect. ALSO READ | US: Tennessee House expels two Black Democrats for gun violence protests, spares White lawmaker (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Montana transgender Democrat leader barred from House floor for 'blood on your hands' comment

Nearly a week after Pakistan announced it had placed its first order for discounted Russian crude oil, the USA has said it has no problem and will not oppose the deal.

Nearly a week after Pakistan announced it had placed its first order for discounted Russian crude oil, the USA has said it has no problem and will not oppose the deal. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the White House had left the door open for such purchases even though it had placed restrictions on Russian oil after the Ukraine invasion last year. “Look, each country is going to make its own sovereign decisions as it relates to its energy supply,” said Patel. “One of the reasons that the United States, through the G7, has been a big proponent of the price cap is to ensure that steps are not being taken to keep Russian energy off the market because we understand that there is a demand for supply." In December last year, the G7 and EU countries set a price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian oil. Even then, US stated Pakistan can purchase oil from Russia despite not signing the Washington-backed price cap. “But we also need to take steps to ensure that Russian energy markets are not turning out to be a windfall for [President] Putin’s war machine,” Mr Patel warned. “And so, again, countries will make their own sovereign decisions. We have never tried to keep Russian energy off the market," he added. WATCH | Is Pakistan's economic crisis getting worse? × While the West, especially the US imposes heavy sanctions on Moscow, President Vladimir Putin has been selling oil at discounted prices to countries such as India and China. Pakistan places the order With Pakistan reeling under a severe economic crisis, the leaders in Islamabad finally decided to take the plunge to order Russian oil earlier this week. Under the deal, Pakistan will buy only crude, not refined fuels, informed Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik. Imports are expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day (bpd ALSO READ | Pakistan purchases first cargo of discounted Russian oil The 100,000 bpd from Russia should significantly reduce Pakistan's dependence on fuel from the Middle East. Currently, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the main suppliers of crude to Islamabad. According to statistics from analytics company Kpler, Islamabad bought 154,000 bpd of oil in 2022, roughly maintaining the level from the previous year. Notably, Pakistan has been negotiating the release of $1.1 billion tranche of a $6.5 billion bailout package from International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid defaulting. Despite securing financing from UAE and Saudi Arabia to meet the pre-conditions laid down by the monetary body, it will take some time for the money to roll in. Until then, Russia's discounted oil may allow Islamabad to breathe a little bit easy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

White House responds to Pakistan purchasing discounted Russian oil

South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons while the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea, according to a new agreement, known as the Washington Declaration, signed on Wednesday by President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol in the White House.

South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons while the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea, according to a new agreement, known as the Washington Declaration, signed on Wednesday by President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol in the White House. The declaration will help in 'deterring and defending' by engaging in joint training, information training and military exercises. A US-South Korean consultative group will also be created under the declaration. It will provide Seoul with more information and input on nuclear policy but with the caveat that Washington will have the sole command of its weapons. As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea - a marked difference from the Cold War strategy when US nuclear weapons were deployed to protect its allies in Europe. "The United States has not taken these steps, really, since the height of the Cold War with our very closest handful of allies in Europe. And we are seeking to ensure that by undertaking these new procedures, these new steps, that our commitment to extended deterrence is unquestionable," a senior official was quoted as saying by AFP. ALSO READ | Leaked Pentagon documents reveal South Korea's turmoil over sending arms to Ukraine S Koreans want the development of nuclear weapons The signing of the accord comes against the backdrop of the majority of South Koreans showing support to build an independent nuclear force. A recent survey showed that 71 per cent of Koreans believed that the time was right for the country to develop its own arsenal. In the last year and a half, North Korea has ramped up its military programmes involving nuclear weapons. It has been firing missiles indiscriminately, including several ICBMs and has openly stated that it will not concede its nuclear capabilities. Seoul for San Francisco? South Koreans are wary of trusting the US. The idea has gained prominence, especially after N Korea developed missiles that are capable of reaching major US cities. Many fear that Washington may sacrifice Seoul for San Francisco, if push comes to shove. Earlier this year, even President Yoon himself discussed the possibility of such a situation. “It’s possible that the problem gets worse and our country will introduce tactical nuclear weapons or build them on our own. If that’s the case, we can have our own nuclear weapons pretty quickly, given our scientific and technological capabilities.” ALSO WATCH | North Korean missile could hit US in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US missile defence However, Yoon did not pursue the line of thought for long and took a quiet reversal on it. South Korea is a signatory to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty - meaning it cannot obtain nuclear weapons. Hence, signing the agreement with the US appears to be the safer bet, experts suggest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement

A bill aiming to curtail caste-based discrimination, brought in the US state of California has cleared its first legislative hurdle. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted in favour of the legislation setting it up for the next committee to evaluate it on other benchmarks.

A bill aiming to curtail caste-based discrimination, brought in the US state of California has cleared its first legislative hurdle. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted in favour of the legislation setting it up for the next committee to evaluate it on other benchmarks. The bill was brought in last month by Senator Aisha Wahab - the first Muslim and Afghan American elected to the state legislature. After the committee's approval, Wahab said she had received death threats after proposing the legislation. “We’ve hit a nerve and exposed a form of discrimination many never even knew existed. Caste is an invisible shackle placed on people at birth. Those of us not raised in that system can’t possibly understand what it does to one’s psyche, the inter-generational trauma it causes," said Wahab who represents the Hayward district in northern California. Earlier, Wahab told BBC that she herself did not experience caste discrimination but was aware of the social evil because of the area she grew up in. "I've had friends tell me that their parents immigrated to this country because they belong to different castes and [their] families weren't accepting of that," Wahab was quoted as saying by the BBC. WATCH | Seattle bans caste discrimination: Cheers and celebrations pour in × What is the caste system? The caste system is an archaic form of social division in South Asia, especially India. Generally, caste is an ascribed status with Brahmins sitting at the top of the hierarchy order while the Dalit community comes at the bottom. The US lawmakers are of the view that caste-based discrimination has proliferated in the country as well with even big tech companies facing the problem. However, not everyone seems to agree with the legislation. Rakhi Israni, an attorney and California resident, who testified before the committee stated that bill was 'unconstitutional' in its structure. “If this bill is adopted, caste will be the only discrimination law category that is not facially neutral/ Everyone has a race. Everyone has a colour. Everyone has an age. Not everyone has a caste. This bill is facially discriminatory," she told the committee. According to an AP report, during the course of hearing in front of the committee, about 220 people said they support the bill while 420 said they oppose it. ALSO READ | California: Afghan-American lawmaker seeks law against caste discrimination Prior to the bill in California, Seattle became the first city in the US to outlaw caste discrimination. In February, the city council voted to add caste to the anti-discrimination laws. If the bill is approved, California will become the first US state to make caste discrimination illegal by adding it as a protected category in the state’s anti-discrimination laws. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

California takes a step ahead in passing bill against caste discrimination

An elementary school in the US state of Vermont has issued a circular stating it will no longer be using words such as 'male', 'boy', 'girl' and&nbsp;'female' while teaching fifth-grade students about human reproductive systems and puberty.

Sara Jablonski, principal of the Founders Memorial School sent a letter to parents last week where she announced the removal of the said words and adopting a 'gender-inclusive' language.&nbsp;

"In an effort to align our curriculum with our equity policy, teachers will be using gender-inclusive language throughout this unit. With any differences, we strive to use “person-first” language as the best practice," read the note to parents.&nbsp;

"We will be using the following language with students:&nbsp;Person who produces sperm in place of boy, male, and assigned male at birth/&nbsp;Person who produces eggs in place of girl, female and assigned female at birth," it added.&nbsp;

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New language rules just dropped for 5th graders in Vermont and they don't include the words boy and girl or male and female. <a href="https://t.co/Bjent7kh6x">pic.twitter.com/Bjent7kh6x</a>
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The school added that it was in the process of editing worksheets and that some may still reflect the old&nbsp;terms. Those looking for more information could approach the main office where a 'binder' of what material teachers will be using has been kept.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-idaho-and-indiana-approve-legislation-banning-gender-affirming-care-579807">ALSO READ |&nbsp;USA: Idaho and Indiana approve legislation banning gender-affirming healthcare</a>

<h2>Negative reaction from netizens and parents' group</h2>

The letter was sent to the parents’ rights group Parents Defending Education (PDE) whose Director Erika Sanzi shared it on Twitter, thereby attracting attention from the netizens.&nbsp;

"Speaking about anyone in this way is dehumanising in any context but these new language rules specifically apply to a health unit for 5th graders about puberty and reproduction," a spokesperson of PDE was quoted as saying by Fox Digital.&nbsp;

“It is clear that the school has decided to be derelict in their duty to educate students in the name of equity. If anyone is wondering what it looks like when an elementary school has been captured by gender ideology, this is it.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/transgender-rights-activists-clash-with-neo-nazis-in-melbourne-573615">WATCH |&nbsp;Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-idaho-and-indiana-approve-legislation-banning-gender-affirming-care-579807#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

The letter received negative reactions with one netizen saying, “Absurd. A person who produces sperm is, by definition, a male. A person who produces eggs is, by definition, a female,” while another added, "This&nbsp;is why I left teaching in the system 6 years ago but also why I’m leaving America. It is past the point of no return. The breakdown of reality and gaslighting is straight from the communist playbook. I’ll take my love of teaching &amp; reason to El Salvador &amp; never look back."

Notably, the&nbsp;Essex Westford School District’s school board in 2021 had accepted and adopted new equity policy under which the educational institutions have been instructed to use anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming perspectives 'to inform curriculum decisions starting in Pre-K'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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An elementary school in the US state of Vermont has issued a circular stating it will no longer be using words such as 'male', 'boy', 'girl' and 'female' while teaching fifth-grade students about human reproductive systems and puberty.

An elementary school in the US state of Vermont has issued a circular stating it will no longer be using words such as 'male', 'boy', 'girl' and 'female' while teaching fifth-grade students about human reproductive systems and puberty. Sara Jablonski, principal of the Founders Memorial School sent a letter to parents last week where she announced the removal of the said words and adopting a 'gender-inclusive' language. "In an effort to align our curriculum with our equity policy, teachers will be using gender-inclusive language throughout this unit. With any differences, we strive to use “person-first” language as the best practice," read the note to parents. "We will be using the following language with students: Person who produces sperm in place of boy, male, and assigned male at birth/ Person who produces eggs in place of girl, female and assigned female at birth," it added. New language rules just dropped for 5th graders in Vermont and they don't include the words boy and girl or male and female. pic.twitter.com/Bjent7kh6x — Erika Sanzi (@esanzi) April 25, 2023 × The school added that it was in the process of editing worksheets and that some may still reflect the old terms. Those looking for more information could approach the main office where a 'binder' of what material teachers will be using has been kept. ALSO READ | USA: Idaho and Indiana approve legislation banning gender-affirming healthcare Negative reaction from netizens and parents' group The letter was sent to the parents’ rights group Parents Defending Education (PDE) whose Director Erika Sanzi shared it on Twitter, thereby attracting attention from the netizens. "Speaking about anyone in this way is dehumanising in any context but these new language rules specifically apply to a health unit for 5th graders about puberty and reproduction," a spokesperson of PDE was quoted as saying by Fox Digital. “It is clear that the school has decided to be derelict in their duty to educate students in the name of equity. If anyone is wondering what it looks like when an elementary school has been captured by gender ideology, this is it.” WATCH | Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne × The letter received negative reactions with one netizen saying, “Absurd. A person who produces sperm is, by definition, a male. A person who produces eggs is, by definition, a female,” while another added, "This is why I left teaching in the system 6 years ago but also why I’m leaving America. It is past the point of no return. The breakdown of reality and gaslighting is straight from the communist playbook. I’ll take my love of teaching & reason to El Salvador & never look back." Notably, the Essex Westford School District’s school board in 2021 had accepted and adopted new equity policy under which the educational institutions have been instructed to use anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming perspectives 'to inform curriculum decisions starting in Pre-K'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Person who produces sperm': US school deletes 'male', 'female' terms from reproductive system lessons

Joe Biden is expected to announce is re-election bid in the age of 82. He is already the oldest President the country has ever seen. Doubts like will he be able to able to win his nomination smoothly, are arising. To know more, watch the video.

82 year old Biden to kick-off 2024 Election Campaign

US houseware retailer Bed Bath & Beyond has filed for bankruptcy. It is in order to shut its operations. The company is about to shut its 360 stores. The reason behind the bankruptcy is said to be growing e-commerce.

Bed Bath & Beyond to shut 360 stores amid being Bankrupt

An American Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing after its engine caught fire, having hit a flock of geese. The accident transpired 25 minutes after the plane took off in Ohio on Sunday early morning.&nbsp;

Videos of the incident went viral on social media platforms showing Flight 1958 returning to John Glenn International Airport in Columbus as flames and smoke billowed from the right engine.&nbsp;

According to FlightAware, the plane took off from the airport around 7:45 am bound&nbsp;for Phoenix, Arizona. However, around 8 am, when the plane was hovering over the Upper Arlington area, the pilots accessed something was wrong with the engine&nbsp;and the passenger jet was forced to turn back and head to the airport.&nbsp;

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Taken from Upper Arlington, Ohio. AA1958. <a href="https://t.co/yUSSMImaF7">pic.twitter.com/yUSSMImaF7</a>
— CBUS4LIFE (@Cbus4Life) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cbus4Life/status/1650113403854233600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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At 8:20 am, the plane landed back on the south runway of the airport. Firefighters and airport security quickly reached the plane and managed to douse the engine fire.&nbsp;

The authorities have confirmed there were no injuries on the plane and that the airport is still operational.&nbsp;

"Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire. The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational," tweeted the official handle of the airport.

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Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire. The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational. <a href="https://t.co/EeCJzfbVjA">pic.twitter.com/EeCJzfbVjA</a>
— John Glenn Intl Airport (@columbusairport) <a href="https://twitter.com/columbusairport/status/1650120357091725314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After the landing, the passengers alighted safely and were chauffeured to another flight that departed later in the morning.&nbsp;

According to one of the eyewitness passengers, he and others heard a loud clanking noise, with one of the pilots informing them that the plane had hit a flock of geese shortly after taking off.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration&nbsp;(FAA) has opened an investigation into the matter.

<h2>Not the first such incident</h2>

Notably, the incident comes a few days after another American Airlines flight was forced to return to the gate before takeoff&nbsp;due to mechanical difficulties at the&nbsp;Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).&nbsp;

A video made by the passenger showed flames coming out from under the aeroplane's wing as it taxied on the tarmac.&nbsp;

“American Airlines flight 2288, with service from Charlotte (CLT) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), returned to the gate before takeoff after reporting a mechanical issue. The aircraft taxied safely to the gate under its own power and was taken out of service for maintenance. We never want to disrupt our customer’s travel plans and apologize for the trouble this may have caused,” according to a statement from the airline.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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An American Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing after its engine caught fire, having hit a flock of geese. The accident transpired 25 minutes after the plane took off in Ohio on Sunday early morning.

An American Airlines Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing after its engine caught fire, having hit a flock of geese. The accident transpired 25 minutes after the plane took off in Ohio on Sunday early morning. Videos of the incident went viral on social media platforms showing Flight 1958 returning to John Glenn International Airport in Columbus as flames and smoke billowed from the right engine. According to FlightAware, the plane took off from the airport around 7:45 am bound for Phoenix, Arizona. However, around 8 am, when the plane was hovering over the Upper Arlington area, the pilots accessed something was wrong with the engine and the passenger jet was forced to turn back and head to the airport. Taken from Upper Arlington, Ohio. AA1958. pic.twitter.com/yUSSMImaF7 — CBUS4LIFE (@Cbus4Life) April 23, 2023 × At 8:20 am, the plane landed back on the south runway of the airport. Firefighters and airport security quickly reached the plane and managed to douse the engine fire. The authorities have confirmed there were no injuries on the plane and that the airport is still operational. "Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire. The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational," tweeted the official handle of the airport. Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire. The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational. pic.twitter.com/EeCJzfbVjA — John Glenn Intl Airport (@columbusairport) April 23, 2023 × After the landing, the passengers alighted safely and were chauffeured to another flight that departed later in the morning. According to one of the eyewitness passengers, he and others heard a loud clanking noise, with one of the pilots informing them that the plane had hit a flock of geese shortly after taking off. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the matter. Not the first such incident Notably, the incident comes a few days after another American Airlines flight was forced to return to the gate before takeoff due to mechanical difficulties at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). A video made by the passenger showed flames coming out from under the aeroplane's wing as it taxied on the tarmac. “American Airlines flight 2288, with service from Charlotte (CLT) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), returned to the gate before takeoff after reporting a mechanical issue. The aircraft taxied safely to the gate under its own power and was taken out of service for maintenance. We never want to disrupt our customer’s travel plans and apologize for the trouble this may have caused,” according to a statement from the airline. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | American Airlines flight forced to land after engine gets engulfed in flames

The wife of a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent has claimed that an American Airline flight attendant allegedly locked her in the aeroplane's bathroom alongside her three-year-old son due to racism.&nbsp;

Yazz Giraldo, alongside her husband Ali Moghaddam and children, was flying from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to New York in September last year. During the flight, one of her kids wanted to urgently use the loo.&nbsp;Seeing that most passengers were using the washroom in front of the plane which was near her seat, Giraldo took her little son there but was soon stopped in the tracks by the flight attendant.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/drunk-passenger-accused-of-forcibly-kissing-deltas-male-flight-attendant-585257">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Drunk passenger accused of forcibly kissing Delta's male flight attendant</a>

Afterwards, she was forced to go to the rear of the place to change the baby's diaper. There, another flight attendant told Giraldo that there was no restriction in using the nearby lavatory and she took her son in it.&nbsp;

<h2>Attendant locks&nbsp;Giraldo and her son</h2>

However, soon Giraldo heard a noise indicating she had been locked inside the washroom from outside.&nbsp;

“I closed the door, when I’m inside the bathroom I start hearing the noise, ‘tick, tick, tick. I freaked out. I was already under so much stress. I started to panic, I banged on the door a few times and I said, ‘Let me out of here'," she was quoted as saying bY NY Post.&nbsp;

Giraldo, a former TV host said she lost count of time inside the toilet and upon being released, could feel herself 'shaking'. However, a supervisor soon came onto the scene and started scolding her, alleging that the pilot was forced to put the plane under a 'terrorist attack' warning because of her.&nbsp;

"I immediately knew it was racism. I immediately knew I was being discriminated against," she added.&nbsp;

Giraldo believes she was racially targetted because the flight attendants had heard her talking in Farsi to her toddlers.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Moghaddam became aware of the drama after the police came to escort his family off the plane in New York.&nbsp;

“I dedicated about a decade of my life to public service, to protecting the community. Joint Terrorism Task Force, undercover, S.W.A.T., all of this...for my family to be labeled as terrorist and be marched off a plane just because we want to change a diaper?” said Moghaddam, a former Pennsylvania prosecutor&nbsp;

“For me there’s certain terms that have a history and connotation that is very negative. That word terrorism is unique, especially considering all my sacrifices…you don’t throw that around.”

WATCH | Air India Urination Case: Man arrested for peeing on woman on plane, sent to jail

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Meanwhile, American Airlines released a statement saying, “American strives to provide a positive and welcoming experience to everyone who travels with us and we take allegations of discrimination very seriously. We are reviewing the details of the lawsuit.”

Giraldo is currently undergoing therapy while the family has filed a discrimination lawsuit in a&nbsp;Brooklyn Federal Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The wife of a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent has claimed that an American Airline flight attendant allegedly locked her in the aeroplane's bathroom alongside her three-year-old son due to racism.

The wife of a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent has claimed that an American Airline flight attendant allegedly locked her in the aeroplane's bathroom alongside her three-year-old son due to racism. Yazz Giraldo, alongside her husband Ali Moghaddam and children, was flying from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to New York in September last year. During the flight, one of her kids wanted to urgently use the loo. Seeing that most passengers were using the washroom in front of the plane which was near her seat, Giraldo took her little son there but was soon stopped in the tracks by the flight attendant. ALSO READ | Drunk passenger accused of forcibly kissing Delta's male flight attendant Afterwards, she was forced to go to the rear of the place to change the baby's diaper. There, another flight attendant told Giraldo that there was no restriction in using the nearby lavatory and she took her son in it. Attendant locks Giraldo and her son However, soon Giraldo heard a noise indicating she had been locked inside the washroom from outside. “I closed the door, when I’m inside the bathroom I start hearing the noise, ‘tick, tick, tick. I freaked out. I was already under so much stress. I started to panic, I banged on the door a few times and I said, ‘Let me out of here'," she was quoted as saying bY NY Post. Giraldo, a former TV host said she lost count of time inside the toilet and upon being released, could feel herself 'shaking'. However, a supervisor soon came onto the scene and started scolding her, alleging that the pilot was forced to put the plane under a 'terrorist attack' warning because of her. "I immediately knew it was racism. I immediately knew I was being discriminated against," she added. Giraldo believes she was racially targetted because the flight attendants had heard her talking in Farsi to her toddlers. Meanwhile, Moghaddam became aware of the drama after the police came to escort his family off the plane in New York. “I dedicated about a decade of my life to public service, to protecting the community. Joint Terrorism Task Force, undercover, S.W.A.T., all of this...for my family to be labeled as terrorist and be marched off a plane just because we want to change a diaper?” said Moghaddam, a former Pennsylvania prosecutor “For me there’s certain terms that have a history and connotation that is very negative. That word terrorism is unique, especially considering all my sacrifices…you don’t throw that around.” WATCH | Air India Urination Case: Man arrested for peeing on woman on plane, sent to jail Meanwhile, American Airlines released a statement saying, “American strives to provide a positive and welcoming experience to everyone who travels with us and we take allegations of discrimination very seriously. We are reviewing the details of the lawsuit.” Giraldo is currently undergoing therapy while the family has filed a discrimination lawsuit in a Brooklyn Federal Court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ex-FBI agent's wife, son locked in plane bathroom, racial discrimination angle being probed

Dupree Glass and Juan Rayford, two US men wronged by the judicial system have been finally given their due. Having served nearly 17 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of attempted murder, the two men were declared innocent by a California judge earlier this week.

Dupree Glass and Juan Rayford, two US men wronged by the judicial system have been finally given their due. Having served nearly 17 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of attempted murder, the two men were declared innocent by a California judge earlier this week. Under a new state law, the two men are to receive $140 for every day they spent behind bars, or about $900,000. The state Victims Compensation Board is likely to approve the new compensation while the attorneys of the victims plan on suing the state, county and district attorney's office for wrongful prosecution. “I thought about this day for so long. I thought about it when I was locked up for 17 years. I thought about it for my last two years being free. I waited for this day because, you know, I knew I was innocent of every crime they said I committed,” Rayford said after the ruling. “I’m not big for words. But today is a wonderful day. For 20 years we’ve been living this nightmare. It’s finally over. We can go on with our lives,” added Glass. WATCH | 20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison × Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke, in a long, detailed ruling set the two defendants innocent and concluded the trial which began in October last year. The two men were set free following a state appeals court panel decision to vacate their convictions. During the hearing, in a dramatic turn of events, the actual shooter, Chad Brandon McZeal, a gang member, who is already serving life imprisonment in an unrelated case, confessed to the crime. Teenagers when arrested Glass and Rayford were 17 and 18 respectively when they were arrested after an altercation turned into a shooting involving a group of teenagers in Lancaster, north of Los Angeles. In the kerfuffle, two people were struck by bullets but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, according to court filings. However, both were arrested and convicted of 11 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to a harsh punishment of 11 consecutive life sentences. The two men were convicted, primarily on the testimony of just two witnesses who later recanted their stories. From the beginning, Glass and Rayford maintained their innocence and said they were not involved in the shooting in any capacity. Innocence Rights project at the University of California, Irvine School of Law picked their case and managed to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that the two were not responsible for the shooting. Notably, this is not the first time that individuals have been dealt the wrong card by the US judicial system. Last year, 69-year-old Maurice Hastings was released from a California prison having spent 38 years for a 1983 murder and two attempted murders, which, he, in fact, never committed. ALSO READ | USA: Man wrongly incarcerated for 38 years released after DNA test (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Two men wrongly imprisoned for 17 years declared innocent; to receive $900k in compensation

The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation.

The US will not be exploring any possibility of recognising the Taliban as Afghanistan's ruler at a UN-hosted meeting in Doha next week. US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the meeting's agenda was never to discuss such a situation. “The intent and the purpose of this meeting was never to discuss recognition of the Taliban, and any discussion at this meeting about recognition would be unacceptable to us,” said Patel. His statement was echoed by Senator Jim Risch, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee who also slammed the UN for even thinking about such a proposal. “The UN needs a wake-up call. Any talk of recognition of the Taliban is absolutely absurd. This murderous regime continues to deny women the ability to work or go to school while millions of Afghans are in dire humanitarian need," he tweeted. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × UN says it is ready to take baby steps The statements by the White House and the lawmakers comes in the backdrop of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stating that the UN was ready to take baby steps towards recognising the Taliban. “We’ll gather them now in another two weeks in the region, (at a) meeting of envoys across the board - the region and internationally - with the secretary-general for the first time,” said Amina, adding, “And out of that, we hope that we will find those baby steps to put us back on the pathway to recognition.” When quizzed if the Taliban was seeking recognition, Mohammed replied in the affirmative, “Yes. The Taliban clearly want recognition. And that’s the leverage we have." ALSO READ | After education, Taliban prohibits women from attending Eid celebrations Ever since the Taliban gained control over Afghanistan after the USA's abject surrender and subsequent pullout, human rights in the country have gone for a toss. The women students have been barred from attending schools and universities and it looks highly unlikely that they will be allowed back anytime soon. On Friday, the Taliban issued another regressive order, forbidding women to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in two provinces. Apart from banning celebrations and dining, the Taliban has also passed orders stating that male doctors cannot diagnose or treat women. Hospitals have been directed to keep a close eye on proceedings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US rejects talks of recognising Taliban after UN bats for it

A transgender Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives is facing heat for using language that has not gone down well her Republican counterparts.&nbsp;Representative Zooey Zephyr was making an impassioned plea to her colleagues to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors saying it would 'tantamount to torture', when the Conservatives took offence.&nbsp;

“This body should be ashamed.&nbsp;If you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands," said Zephyr.&nbsp;

After Zephyr's statement, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton stood and said, “I will note that this is entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for. We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other,"&nbsp;

Later, the Montana Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers wrote a letter, accusing&nbsp;Zephyr of espousing 'hateful rhetoric'. Later on the same day, the Caucus took to Twitter and demanded Zephyr be censured for the speech.

"For attempting to shame the Montana legislative body and by using inappropriate and uncalled-for language during a floor debate over amendments concerning Senate Bill 99 - to ban sex changes of minor children" stated the Republican leaders.&nbsp;

<h2>Zephyr misgendered&nbsp;</h2>

Zephyr, who represents&nbsp;Montana's 100th House District replied saying the Caucus had misgendered her by using 'his' pronoun in the letter.&nbsp;

“It is disheartening that the Montana Freedom Caucus would stoop so low as to misgender me in their letter, further demonstrating their disregard for the dignity and humanity of transgender individuals. Their call for ‘civility and respect’ is hypocritical given their actions," said&nbsp;Zephyr.&nbsp;

“It is particularly troubling that the moment they were confronted with the impact their legislation has, they chose to silence the only trans woman elected to public office in Montana as opposed to doing the right thing and voting down this harmful legislation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/transgender-rights-activists-clash-with-neo-nazis-in-melbourne-573615">WATCH |&nbsp;Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/transgender-rights-activists-clash-with-neo-nazis-in-melbourne-573615/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-idaho-and-indiana-approve-legislation-banning-gender-affirming-care-579807#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

<h2>Other states have banned gender-affirming care</h2>

Montana is not the first US state to bring in a legislation banning gender-affirming care. Earlier this month,&nbsp;Idaho and Indiana passed similar bills, making sure that&nbsp;minors will not be able to transition from their assigned gender at birth.&nbsp;

Those against passing the bill say that banning healthcare facilities is an impediment for the trans community kids who might require vital and often life-saving care. They added that most procedures available to trans kids are reversible and safe.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-idaho-and-indiana-approve-legislation-banning-gender-affirming-care-579807">ALSO READ | USA: Idaho and Indiana approve legislation banning gender-affirming healthcare</a>

Meanwhile, the supporters of the legislation argue that such procedures are harmful and carry lifelong repercussions and that only an adult should take the decisions - not the minor or their parents.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A transgender Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives is facing heat for using language that has not gone down well her Republican counterparts.

A transgender Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives is facing heat for using language that has not gone down well her Republican counterparts. Representative Zooey Zephyr was making an impassioned plea to her colleagues to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors saying it would 'tantamount to torture', when the Conservatives took offence. “This body should be ashamed. If you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands," said Zephyr. After Zephyr's statement, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton stood and said, “I will note that this is entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for. We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other," Later, the Montana Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers wrote a letter, accusing Zephyr of espousing 'hateful rhetoric'. Later on the same day, the Caucus took to Twitter and demanded Zephyr be censured for the speech. "For attempting to shame the Montana legislative body and by using inappropriate and uncalled-for language during a floor debate over amendments concerning Senate Bill 99 - to ban sex changes of minor children" stated the Republican leaders. Zephyr misgendered Zephyr, who represents Montana's 100th House District replied saying the Caucus had misgendered her by using 'his' pronoun in the letter. “It is disheartening that the Montana Freedom Caucus would stoop so low as to misgender me in their letter, further demonstrating their disregard for the dignity and humanity of transgender individuals. Their call for ‘civility and respect’ is hypocritical given their actions," said Zephyr. “It is particularly troubling that the moment they were confronted with the impact their legislation has, they chose to silence the only trans woman elected to public office in Montana as opposed to doing the right thing and voting down this harmful legislation." WATCH | Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne × Other states have banned gender-affirming care Montana is not the first US state to bring in a legislation banning gender-affirming care. Earlier this month, Idaho and Indiana passed similar bills, making sure that minors will not be able to transition from their assigned gender at birth. Those against passing the bill say that banning healthcare facilities is an impediment for the trans community kids who might require vital and often life-saving care. They added that most procedures available to trans kids are reversible and safe. ALSO READ | USA: Idaho and Indiana approve legislation banning gender-affirming healthcare Meanwhile, the supporters of the legislation argue that such procedures are harmful and carry lifelong repercussions and that only an adult should take the decisions - not the minor or their parents. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Republicans want transgender lawmaker censured for condemning bill banning gender-affirming healthcare

China is neither approaching the border talks with India seriously nor with a sense of goodwill, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu said in a recent interview with PTI.

China is neither approaching the border talks with India seriously nor with a sense of goodwill, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu said in a recent interview with PTI. Reflecting on the border tension between the two neighbouring countries that has been ongoing for the last few years, Lu said Beijing was not taking a constructive position. "We see little evidence that the Chinese government is seriously approaching these talks with a sense of goodwill. What we see is the opposite. We see provocations that happen on the line of actual control on a pretty regular basis," he was quoted as saying by the news agency. The US leader added that India could count on USA's support as it engaged with China, adding that the dispute could only be solved through "a negotiated settlement and through direct conversations between the two countries". Lu's statement comes a day after a top US commander said Washington was providing assistance to India to counter China in the border areas and also develop a defence industrial base. WATCH | India-China border standoff: What comes next | Troops pulled back from a major flashpoint × US providing assistance to India Admiral John Christopher Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command during a hearing on Indo-Pacific National Security Challenges conducted by the House Armed Services Committee said Washington and New Delhi faced the same security challenge from Beijing in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. “We value our partnership with India, and we've been increasing it and doing a lot more, over time. They have the same security challenge, primary security challenger that we do, and it's real on their northern border. Two skirmishes now in over the past nine or 10 months on that border, as they continue to get pressurised by the PRC for border gains," said Aquilino. ALSO READ | India, US facing same security threat from China, says top US Indo-Pacific commander The admiral noted that the US had assisted India in the form of supplying cold weather gear and other capabilities that they might need to defend the border areas. "Additionally, we’re expanding our cooperation in the form of production as India tries to work to develop its own industrial base. So, C-130 critical components made in India, helicopter critical frameworks made in India. That is expanding the partnership and moving them towards self-sufficiency and increased partnership with the United States." Over the last few months, there has been an uptick in outreach attempts from the US on the India-China border issue. Media reports in the states last month claimed that the Biden administration, for the first time, provided real-time insights to Indian government. The details helped India neutralise the incursion attempts by the PLA troops in Northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China not approaching border talks with India seriously, says Washington

Straight out of a slick Hollywood heist movie, two burglars in the US state of Washington managed to break into an Apple store and steal as many as 436 units of iPhones, costing approximately $500,000.

Straight out of a slick Hollywood heist movie, two burglars in the US state of Washington managed to break into an Apple store and steal as many as 436 units of iPhones, costing approximately $500,000. The incident transpired at the Apple Store in the Alderwood Mall, Seattle when the facility was closed. The thieves did their homework and managed to sneak in by cutting a hole in the bathroom wall of a coffee shop next door to enter the backroom of the Apple store. The clever manoeuvre allowed the burglars to bypass Apple's security system. The Apple security team as well as the shop employees had no information about the stolen merchandise until they arrived for work the next day. Lynwood Police confirmed that apart from the iPhones, Apple merchandise worth thousands of dollars was also stolen by the crafty thieves. “Approximately 436 iPhones in total were taken out of the back. As of right now, no [fingerprints] have been found and the subjects entered wearing masks,” Lynwood Police Department Communications Manager Maren McKay was quoted as saying by Fox News. “No arrests have been made at this point, but detectives are currently investigating any information and leads.” WATCH | Tim Cook opens India's first retail Apple store in Mumbai × Surprised the Apple shop was adjacent: Coffee shop worker Eric Marks, the regional retail manager of the Coffee shop expressed surprise at the robbery and said even he did not know that the shop was adjacent to the Apple store. “[It was a] 24-by-18 hole cut in the wall into what appears to be the back room of the Apple Store. I’m surprised we were the conduit for them to get to the Apple Store. I had no clue we were so close or adjacent to them," Marks was quoted as saying by Seattle's local news channel, King 5 News. “Our front door was locked. They pried our front door open,” said Marks, adding that the break-in will cost the store around $2,000 in repairs. ALSO READ | Apple gains from India's surging retail market, but don't bet on a Made-in-India boost yet Meanwhile, Seattle Coffee Gear CEO Mike Atkinson took to Twitter to post a picture of the hole made in his shop's bathroom. "Two men broke into one of our retail locations. Why? To cut a hole in our bathroom wall to access the Apple Store next door and steal $500k worth of Iphones," tweeted Atkinson. Apple products are known to be expensive with the latest iPhone 14 starting at around $699. The thieves could easily be able to sell them in the black market and reap huge profits. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Thieves break into Apple store through bathroom of adjacent shop, steal 436 iPhones worth $500,000

The United States and Mexico will bid to co-host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the football federations from the two countries said on Wednesday. US Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation (MFF) announced their plans one month before a May 19 deadline set by FIFA for hopeful host nations to formally submit bids.

The United States has hosted the Women's World Cup twice before, in 1999 and 2003, while Mexico has never held the tournament. If successful, the tournament would take place one year after the 2026 men's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Together for 2027. 🇺🇸🇲🇽 
 
The United States and Mexico will bid to host <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAWWC</a> 2027 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/t93UzXqb1L">pic.twitter.com/t93UzXqb1L</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-inter-milan-set-up-all-italian-semis-clash-with-ac-milan-after-beating-benfica-in-quarters-584223">Champions League: Inter Milan set up all-Italian-semis clash with AC Milan after beating Benfica in quarters</a>

"The United States has always been a global leader for the women's game and we would be honored to co-host the world's premier event for women's soccer along with Mexico," US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement.

"Hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup provides us an incredible opportunity to cap off two historic years of World Cup soccer in the CONCACAF region, helping us continue to grow the game among our confederation associations," Parlow Cone added.

MFF president Yon de Luisa said staging the tournament would be a catalyst for women's football in Mexico.

"It is with pleasure that we are teaming up again with the US Soccer Federation in the pursuit of this World Cup for our region, which will undoubtedly be historic," de Luisa said.

The host for the 2027 World Cup is expected to be decided at the FIFA Congress in May 2024.

The US-Mexico bid will face competition from a joint bid by Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands as well as bids from South Africa and Brazil.

The US-Mexico announcement comes ahead of this year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The United States and Mexico will bid to co-host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the football federations from the two countries said on Wednesday. US Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation (MFF) announced their plans one month before a May 19 deadline set by FIFA for hopeful host nations to formally submit bids.

The United States and Mexico will bid to co-host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the football federations from the two countries said on Wednesday. US Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation (MFF) announced their plans one month before a May 19 deadline set by FIFA for hopeful host nations to formally submit bids. The United States has hosted the Women's World Cup twice before, in 1999 and 2003, while Mexico has never held the tournament. If successful, the tournament would take place one year after the 2026 men's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Together for 2027. 🇺🇸🇲🇽 The United States and Mexico will bid to host @FIFAWWC 2027 🏆 pic.twitter.com/t93UzXqb1L — U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) April 20, 2023 × ALSO READ: Champions League: Inter Milan set up all-Italian-semis clash with AC Milan after beating Benfica in quarters "The United States has always been a global leader for the women's game and we would be honored to co-host the world's premier event for women's soccer along with Mexico," US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. "Hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup provides us an incredible opportunity to cap off two historic years of World Cup soccer in the CONCACAF region, helping us continue to grow the game among our confederation associations," Parlow Cone added. MFF president Yon de Luisa said staging the tournament would be a catalyst for women's football in Mexico. "It is with pleasure that we are teaming up again with the US Soccer Federation in the pursuit of this World Cup for our region, which will undoubtedly be historic," de Luisa said. The host for the 2027 World Cup is expected to be decided at the FIFA Congress in May 2024. The US-Mexico bid will face competition from a joint bid by Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands as well as bids from South Africa and Brazil. The US-Mexico announcement comes ahead of this year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

USA, Mexico set to jointly bid for 2027 Women's World Cup

The US is providing assistance to India to counter its adversary China on the border areas and also develop defence industrial base, a top American commander has said, adding that Washington and New Delhi faced the same security challenge from Beijing in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.

The US is providing assistance to India to counter its adversary China on the border areas and also develop defence industrial base, a top American commander has said, adding that Washington and New Delhi faced the same security challenge from Beijing in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. The statements were made by Admiral John Christopher Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command during a hearing on Indo-Pacific National Security Challenges conducted by the House Armed Services Committee. “We value our partnership with India, and we've been increasing it and doing a lot more, over time. They have the same security challenge, primary security challenger that we do, and it's real on their northern border. Two skirmishes now in over the past nine or 10 months on that border, as they continue to get pressurised by the PRC for border gains," said Aquilino. The US admiral was responding to a question from Indian- American Congressman Ro Khanna who said the relationship between India and China had soured with the latter treating other countries as 'junior' partners. “I would like you to reflect on the importance of the relationship – postcolonialism India and China had a relationship to emerge as the Asian voice. But that relationship now has really soured with a concern that there should not be a hegemon in Asia and that China is treating other countries as junior partners,” said Khanna. WATCH | India-China border standoff: What comes next | Troops pulled back from a major flashpoint × Aquilino answered that US and India were on the same page when it came to the China threat. "We also have the desire to operate together, based on the world's largest democracy. We have common values, and we also have people-to-people ties for a number of years. I met with General (Anil) Chauhan, my counterpart, at the Raisina Dialogue not long ago. I've been to India five times now in the past two years." Want to be India's partner of choice Responding to another question from Congressman Patrick Ryan, the admiral noted that the US had assisted India in the form of supplying cold weather gear and other capabilities that they might need to defend the border areas. "Additionally, we’re expanding our cooperation in the form of production as India tries to work to develop its own industrial base. So, C-130 critical components made in India, helicopter critical frameworks made in India. That is expanding the partnership and moving them towards self-sufficiency and increased partnership with the United States,” added Aquilino. Meanwhile, Jedidiah P Royal, principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific Security during the hearing added that Washington wanted to be India's preferred partner of choice. “We want to make sure that the US defence industrial base is in the best position possible to be India’s partner of choice moving forward." “We’re already delivering offers under the context of the ISAT arrangement. This is a real moment of convergence for the United States and India and we’re looking to take full advantage of it, going forward.” Washington aids India to avoid Chinese incursion Aquilino's statement comes nearly a month after US media reported that Washington provided crucial military intelligence to New Delhi last year to thwart the Chinese threat. The reports claimed that the US government, for the first time, provided real-time insights to their Indian counterparts. The details helped India neutralise the incursion attempts by the PLA troops in Northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector. ALSO READ | Did US share military intelligence with India to thwart Chinese threat? White House responds "India was able to repel a Chinese military incursion in contested border territory in the high Himalayas late last year due to unprecedented intelligence-sharing with the US military," read the report. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, US facing same security threat from China, says top US Indo-Pacific commander

Lawmakers in the US state of Florida have approved a legislation that permits death penalty for those convicted of sexually abusing minors. The bill, backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was passed by a 34-5 vote in the Senate.&nbsp;Notably, the dissenting votes came from three Democrat and two Republican leaders respectively.&nbsp;

The bill, once turned into law will allow juries to hand out death sentences by votes of at least 8-4, after previously requiring a unanimous decision. If fewer than eight jury members recommend the death penalty, the convict would receive life sentence(s).&nbsp;

The bill was passed last week in the Florida House of Representatives 95-14 and now only requires&nbsp;DeSantis' signature. It would apply to those convicted of abusing a child under the age of 12.&nbsp;

“My view is, you have some of these people that will be serial rapists of six, seven-year-old kids.&nbsp;I think the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment when you have situations like that," said DeSantis after passing of the legislation.&nbsp;

It was a bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by&nbsp;State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie) and State Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers). They argued that paedophiles were more&nbsp;likely to repeat their crimes and thus deserved the death penalty.&nbsp;

“Once a predator has a child ensnared, they will harm that child over and over and over again.&nbsp;And then move on to another innocent child," said&nbsp;Book.&nbsp;

"There is no statute of limitations on this crime (for victims).&nbsp;There is no end. It's always with you."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-governor-ron-desantis-signs-six-week-abortion-ban-into-law-582526">WATCH |&nbsp;Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs six-week abortion ban into law</a>

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<h2>Lawmakers hope to change US Supreme Court's decision</h2>

The lawmakers are hoping that the passing of the bill will ultimately lead to the US Supreme Court reversing its 2008 decision the barred capital punishment for those who raped children. The bill even mentions that the 2008 US Supreme Court decision, in a case known as Kennedy v. Louisiana, was "wrongly decided."

"We have a completely different (US) Supreme Court makeup.&nbsp;We have a completely different Florida Supreme Court makeup than when Kennedy v. Louisiana was issued. I know everybody in this room hopes that nobody is put to death for this crime. Because if someone is put to death for this crime, it means that a poor innocent child was raped," said Martin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-extends-dont-say-gay-ban-on-sexuality-gender-identity-teachings-to-all-grades-584362">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Florida extends 'Don't Say Gay' ban on sexuality &amp; gender identity teachings to all grades</a>

With the apex court consisting of six conservative and three liberal judges, the Republicans are hopeful that the decision will be overturned sometime soon.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Lawmakers in the US state of Florida have approved a legislation that permits death penalty for those convicted of sexually abusing minors. The bill, backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was passed by a 34-5 vote in the Senate.

Lawmakers in the US state of Florida have approved a legislation that permits death penalty for those convicted of sexually abusing minors. The bill, backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was passed by a 34-5 vote in the Senate. Notably, the dissenting votes came from three Democrat and two Republican leaders respectively. The bill, once turned into law will allow juries to hand out death sentences by votes of at least 8-4, after previously requiring a unanimous decision. If fewer than eight jury members recommend the death penalty, the convict would receive life sentence(s). The bill was passed last week in the Florida House of Representatives 95-14 and now only requires DeSantis' signature. It would apply to those convicted of abusing a child under the age of 12. “My view is, you have some of these people that will be serial rapists of six, seven-year-old kids. I think the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment when you have situations like that," said DeSantis after passing of the legislation. It was a bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie) and State Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers). They argued that paedophiles were more likely to repeat their crimes and thus deserved the death penalty. “Once a predator has a child ensnared, they will harm that child over and over and over again. And then move on to another innocent child," said Book. "There is no statute of limitations on this crime (for victims). There is no end. It's always with you." WATCH | Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs six-week abortion ban into law × Lawmakers hope to change US Supreme Court's decision The lawmakers are hoping that the passing of the bill will ultimately lead to the US Supreme Court reversing its 2008 decision the barred capital punishment for those who raped children. The bill even mentions that the 2008 US Supreme Court decision, in a case known as Kennedy v. Louisiana, was "wrongly decided." "We have a completely different (US) Supreme Court makeup. We have a completely different Florida Supreme Court makeup than when Kennedy v. Louisiana was issued. I know everybody in this room hopes that nobody is put to death for this crime. Because if someone is put to death for this crime, it means that a poor innocent child was raped," said Martin. ALSO READ | Florida extends 'Don't Say Gay' ban on sexuality & gender identity teachings to all grades With the apex court consisting of six conservative and three liberal judges, the Republicans are hopeful that the decision will be overturned sometime soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

USA: Florida approves bill allowing capital punishment for child rapists

A man named Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr. has been arrested in Austin, Texas for shooting two cheerleaders after one of them mistakenly got into the wrong car. According to a police statement, the incident took place in the parking lot of HEB - a supermarket chain.

A man named Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr. has been arrested in Austin, Texas for shooting two cheerleaders after one of them mistakenly got into the wrong car. According to a police statement, the incident took place in the parking lot of HEB - a supermarket chain. The officers arrived at the lot around 12:15 AM on Tuesday after receiving reports of shots being fired. "Information suggests that an altercation occurred in the parking lot of HEB, and multiple shots were fired into a vehicle. Two occupants of the vehicle were struck by gunfire," read the statement released. "One victim was treated and released on scene. The other sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital by helicopter, where they remain in critical condition." Woodlands Elite, a local cheerleading company informed that four of its cheerleaders were involved in the accident. They have been identified as Payton, Keyona, Heather and Genesis. The cheerleaders had been using the parking lot as a carpool zone. The company has reportedly started a GoFundMe page to bear the medical expenses of the employees. WATCH | Gun violence in US: At least 160 shooting incidents in 2023 as mass shootings on rise × Cheerleader Heather Roth in an Instagram Live revealed that she alongside her three friends arrived at the lot just after midnight, There, she opened the door to a car she thought was hers but saw Tello Rodriguez. Despite apologising and quickly retreating to her friend's car, the shooter started firing his gun. While a bullet grazed Roth, Payton Washington was shot in the leg and back. The police confirmed that Payton was shot twice and is currently in critical condition, undergoing operations in the intensive care unit. Afterwards, the detectives and crime units worked through the night and managed to nab Tello Rodriguez who was taken into custody and charged with Deadly Conduct, a third-degree felony. "This is still an active investigation. Additional or enhanced charges may be filed," the officers added. Not the first incident Last week, a Black teen was shit by a homeowner in the state of Missouri after he rang the doorbell by mistake. 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was out to pick up his brothers from a friend's house when the incident transpired. ALSO READ | Missouri teen, Ralph Yarl, shot at by homeowner after he rang the wrong doorbell The homeowner, said to be an octogenarian white man shot Yarl twice in the head and arm, according to police reports. “Ralph Yarl was picking up his younger brothers when he mistakenly rang the doorbell at the wrong house. A man shot Ralph twice and now he’s in critical condition. His family needs support during this tragedy,” tweeted Benjamin Crump, a civil rights attorney representing Yarl and his family. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Man shoots two cheerleaders after one mistakenly got into wrong car

Lawmakers in USA's Iowa state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that allows minors to work longer hours and&nbsp;serve alcohol in restaurants, which is banned under current labour laws. The bill passed 32-17 with most Republicans supporting it barring two.&nbsp;

Sens. Charlie McClintock and Jeff Taylor protested against the legislation and joined the Democratic party in the opposition. Under the bill's language, minors between 16 and 17 will be allowed to work till 9:00 pm during the school year and until 11:00 pm over the summer. Kids in the same age bracket can serve alcohol at restaurants if their parents sign a declaration, granting them permission.&nbsp;

Additionally, the bill states that anyone under the age of 18 can do 'light' assembly line or packaging work s long as machines are not involved. It prohibits 14 and 15-year-olds from any mining or manufacturing work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-begins-crackdown-against-child-labour-566870">WATCH |&nbsp;US&nbsp;begins crackdown against child labour</a>

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To become a law, the bill will have to be passed by the House, which may not be a big issue since it is controlled by the Republicans. Afterwards, Governor Kim Reynolds will have to approve the law and she appears to be in its favour.&nbsp;

“Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not. It teaches the kids a lot. And if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money, I don’t think we should discourage that," said Reynolds.&nbsp;

<h2>Democrats against the legislation&nbsp;</h2>

Democrats have staunchly protested against the legislation saying it will endanger children by allowing them to work in dangerous fields.&nbsp;

“No Iowa teenager should be working in America’s deadliest jobs.&nbsp;Iowa Republican politicians want to solve the...workforce crisis on the literal backs of children," said&nbsp;Zach Wahls, the senate minority leader.&nbsp;

The Democrats attempted to include additional amendments to the bill like offering additional workers' compensation benefits to any teen that got injured on the job but could not be successful.&nbsp;

"Every parent wants their kids to grow up with every opportunity to succeed, not risk an early death by working in dangerous jobs.The legislation passed by the Senate tonight is every parent's worst nightmare," Charlie Wishman, the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO was quoted as saying by Insider.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-moves-to-contain-alarming-increase-in-child-labour-566778">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US moves to contain 'alarming' increase in child labour</a>

Since 2018, the number of illegally employed minors has increased by two-thirds in the USA. This uptick in child labour coincided with the massive influx of unaccompanied children trying to escape poverty and violence in Latin America. In the last fiscal year alone, 130,000 children were referred to US government shelters.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Lawmakers in USA's Iowa state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that allows minors to work longer hours and serve alcohol in restaurants, which is banned under current labour laws.

Lawmakers in USA's Iowa state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that allows minors to work longer hours and serve alcohol in restaurants, which is banned under current labour laws. The bill passed 32-17 with most Republicans supporting it barring two. Sens. Charlie McClintock and Jeff Taylor protested against the legislation and joined the Democratic party in the opposition. Under the bill's language, minors between 16 and 17 will be allowed to work till 9:00 pm during the school year and until 11:00 pm over the summer. Kids in the same age bracket can serve alcohol at restaurants if their parents sign a declaration, granting them permission. Additionally, the bill states that anyone under the age of 18 can do 'light' assembly line or packaging work s long as machines are not involved. It prohibits 14 and 15-year-olds from any mining or manufacturing work. WATCH | US begins crackdown against child labour × To become a law, the bill will have to be passed by the House, which may not be a big issue since it is controlled by the Republicans. Afterwards, Governor Kim Reynolds will have to approve the law and she appears to be in its favour. “Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not. It teaches the kids a lot. And if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money, I don’t think we should discourage that," said Reynolds. Democrats against the legislation Democrats have staunchly protested against the legislation saying it will endanger children by allowing them to work in dangerous fields. “No Iowa teenager should be working in America’s deadliest jobs. Iowa Republican politicians want to solve the...workforce crisis on the literal backs of children," said Zach Wahls, the senate minority leader. The Democrats attempted to include additional amendments to the bill like offering additional workers' compensation benefits to any teen that got injured on the job but could not be successful. "Every parent wants their kids to grow up with every opportunity to succeed, not risk an early death by working in dangerous jobs.The legislation passed by the Senate tonight is every parent's worst nightmare," Charlie Wishman, the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO was quoted as saying by Insider. ALSO READ | US moves to contain 'alarming' increase in child labour Since 2018, the number of illegally employed minors has increased by two-thirds in the USA. This uptick in child labour coincided with the massive influx of unaccompanied children trying to escape poverty and violence in Latin America. In the last fiscal year alone, 130,000 children were referred to US government shelters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Iowa passes controversial bill to allow teens to work longer hours, serve alcohol

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the economic sanctions imposed by the US on countries across the board have put the dollar's dominance at stake. As the US continues to plaster sanctions willy-nilly, targeted nations are seeking alternatives which puts the USD in jeopardy.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the economic sanctions imposed by the US on countries across the board have put the dollar's dominance at stake. As the US continues to plaster sanctions willy-nilly, targeted nations are seeking alternatives which puts the USD in jeopardy. "There is a risk when we use financial sanctions that are linked to the role of the dollar that over time it could undermine the hegemony of the dollar," Yellen was quoted as saying by CNN. "Of course, it does create a desire on the part of China, of Russia, of Iran to find an alternative," she said before adding, "But the dollar is used as a global currency for reasons that are not easy for other countries to find an alternative with the same properties." After casting aspersions over the health of the USD, Yellen added that sanctions were an 'extremely important tool' if used by the US and its allies as "a coalition of partners acting together". WATCH | US releases new Russia sanctions list, top energy, telecom firm prime target in list × US imposes fresh sanctions Yellen's response comes days after the US Treasury and State Departments sanctioned nearly 120 targets, including Chinese, UAE and Turkish firms to squeeze Russia for its ongoing war with Ukraine. Experts at the time suggested that sanctioning Turkish and UAE firms, which are US ally countries could have a negative effect. Meanwhile, a miffed China released a statement calling USA's action an 'illegal' move. “It is a typical unilateral sanction and a form of ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ which seriously damages the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and affects the security and stability of the global supply chain. China firmly opposes this,” read a statement released by the Chinese Commerce Ministry. ALSO READ | Beijing lodges protest after US sanctions Chinese firms dealing with Russia Has de-dollarisation started? The USD has been the king of currencies since 1944 when it officially became the reserve currency of the world, Since then, the dollar has enjoyed a sort of domination that very few other currencies have experienced. Additionally, it has granted the US an insurmountable influence over other economies. However, the de-dollarisation started especially since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Nations across the board have started asking if they can drop the USD and use other currencies to break the hegemony. Last month, India inked an agreement with as many as 18 countries to trade in Indian rupees. More recently, New Delhi announced it had signed an agreement with Malaysia to start trading in INR. Iran has also fully abandoned USD in its trade with China and Russia. Saudi Arabia, the centre of Islamic power and an OPEC member said it will abandon PetroDollar and accept PetroYuan. Beijing is aggressively moving to present Yuan as an alternative to USD. It has been using global platforms such as the BRICS, SCO and OPEC to do its bidding. Russia is also increasingly using Yuan in international trade. It is also mulling launching a joint BRICS currency. According to an IMF report, USD's global foreign-exchange reserves fell below 59 per cent in the final quarter of last year. The trend is expected to continue this year and Yellen's warning may suggest that the situation may have turned pear-shaped. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US dollar may lose its dominance if nations are sanctioned, warns Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

After the US Treasury and State departments sanctioned nearly 120 targets, including Chinese firms to squeeze Russia for its ongoing war with Ukraine, Beijing has responded, calling it an 'illegal' move.

After the US Treasury and State departments sanctioned nearly 120 targets, including Chinese firms to squeeze Russia for its ongoing war with Ukraine, Beijing has responded, calling it an 'illegal' move. Reportedly, five firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong were put on the sanctions list - meaning they cannot engage in trade with any US-based firms without receiving a special licence, which is highly unobtainable, to begin with. “It is a typical unilateral sanction and a form of ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ which seriously damages the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and affects the security and stability of the global supply chain. China firmly opposes this,” read a statement released by the Chinese Commerce Ministry. “The US should immediately correct its wrongdoing and stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies. China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” it added. WATCH | US releases new Russia sanctions list, top energy, telecom firm prime target in list × The companies sanctioned Avtex Semiconductor Limited, Allparts Trading Co., Maxtronic International Co., ETC Electronics Ltd., and STK Electronics Co. - all based and registered in Hong Kong were put on the new sanctions list. Washington justified its decision to sanction the companies by saying that they were suspected to be involved, or "pose a significant risk of being or becoming involved in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States". This is the second instance in as many months when the US has issued an embargo on Chinese companies. In February, Beijing lodged a similar protest after Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute Co. Ltd. was barred by the US state department. ALSO READ | US releases fresh sanctions list targeting firms, individuals supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine US sanctions list The list released on Wednesday primarily targetted Russian billionaire businessman Alisher Usmanov. It is believed that Usmanov is extremely close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president. The Treasury Department accused him of having a "wide network of businesses in financial safe havens and family members through which to conduct financial transactions, enabling him to potentially circumvent sanctions". Apart from China, firms from Turkey and the UAE which have been allegedly selling drones and other electronic gadgets to the Russian defence sector were also slapped with sanctions. China's 'neutral' stance on Russia-Ukraine war Notably, ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has established a "no-limits" friendship with Russia where it has refused to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness, all the while presenting itself as impartial. However, there have been hushed reports, ascertaining that China has been supplying arms to Russia. Other reports suggest that Chinese companies have been helping Russia in its surveillance programme. Beijing has time and again denied the claims saying it does not want to get involved in the war. On Friday, after German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, the latter reiterated the same line. “Regarding the export of military items, China adopts a prudent and responsible attitude. China will not provide weapons to relevant parties of the conflict, and manage and control the exports of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations,” he said. ALSO READ | Germany urges China to call out aggressor ‘Russia’ on Ukraine war, Beijing sticks to neutral line (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Beijing lodges protest after US sanctions Chinese firms dealing with Russia

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the United Kingdom (UK) should work closer with Ireland on safeguarding peace in Northern Ireland. Watch the video to know more.

Joe Biden addresses Irish parliament, says he 'feels at home'

Nearly a week after a Texas federal judge halted approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, a federal appeals court has ruled that the pill will remain available in the country but with significant restrictions.

Nearly a week after a Texas federal judge halted approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, a federal appeals court has ruled that the pill will remain available in the country but with significant restrictions. The Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals based in New Orleans passed the order late on Wednesday (April 12) and put on hold US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's judgement passed last week wherein he said US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had wrongly approved mifepristone 23 years ago. While the pill will remain available for sale, the three-judge panel refused to block portions of Kacsmaryk's order that reinstated restrictions on the pill's distribution. Restrictions reinstated In 2016, the FDA relaxed norms making it easier for individuals to gain access to the pill. These included not requiring a prescription by the doctor, approving the pill for use up to 10 weeks into pregnancy instead of seven weeks and allowing the pill to be mailed to the individual instead of going to the health care provider in person and picking it up. These restrictions have been reinstated now and the drug can only be used during the first seven weeks of the pregnancy and the patient will have to make three in-person doctor visits. The Department of Justice is highly likely to appeal the order in the Supreme Court. The court in its judgement noted that too much time had passed since mifepristone was first approved in 2000. However, it urged the plaintiffs to challenge the steps taken by FDA in 2016 that lifted the said restrictions. ALSO READ | Texas federal judge halts US approval of abortion pill mifepristone Texas judge decision Last Friday (April 10), Kacsmaryk, a Trump-appointed federal judge ruled that the FDA exceeded its authority by ignoring the abortion pill's risks and relying on "plainly unsound reasoning" when approving it. Four anti-abortion groups, headed by the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine and four anti-abortion doctors, sued the FDA in November last year, contending the agency used improper process when it approved mifepristone back in 2000. However, after the decision was passed, it received instant backlash with the Biden administration releasing a statement that it was prepared to contest the ruling. “We are going to continue to fight in the courts. We believe the law is on our side and we will prevail," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. WATCH | Texas judge suspends approval of widely-used mifepristone drug × Earlier this week, almost 400 pharmaceutical executives signed a letter criticising the April 10 ruling. The decision ignores decades of scientific evidence and legal precedent, the letter said, adding Judge Kacsmaryk's act of judicial interference set a precedent for diminishing FDA's authority over drug approvals. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Abortion pill mifepristone can remain available but with restrictions, rules US appeals court

The United States on Wednesday increased the ambit of sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs and related entities for supporting Moscow’s invasion of ukraine. The US Treasury and State departments ticked off nearly 120 targets to squeeze Russia for its ongoing war with Ukraine.

The United States on Wednesday increased the ambit of sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs and related entities for supporting Moscow’s invasion of ukraine. The US Treasury and State departments ticked off nearly 120 targets to squeeze Russia for its ongoing war with Ukraine. Russian billionaire businessman Alisher Usmanov was one of the main targets in the new list. It is believed that Usmanov is extremely close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president. The Treasury Department accused him of having a "wide network of businesses in financial safe havens and family members through which to conduct financial transactions, enabling him to potentially circumvent sanctions". USM Holdings, Miramonte Investments, Savoler Development and Windfall Properties amongst others were the companies targeted by the department. Megafon, one of Russia's big four telecoms operators has also been named on the list. Up until now, the US had stopped short of sanctioning Russia's telecom infrastructure. "As the Kremlin seeks ways around the expansive multilateral sanctions and export controls imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, the United States and our allies and partners will continue to disrupt evasion schemes that support Putin on the battlefield," said US Treasury Under Secretary Brian Nelson. Firms in ally nations targetted Additionally, Cyprus-based "financial fixers" who helped Usmanov as well as fellow Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich were also made privy to the fresh sanctions. Firms in Hong Kong, Turkey and the UAE which have been allegedly selling drones and other electronic gadgets to the Russian defence sector were also slapped with sanctions. ALSO READ | US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access Experts stated that sanctioning Turkish and UAE firms suggested that even partner nations were not immune from US action if they attempted to support Russia. The US Treasury in a statement added that Budapest-based International Investment Bank (IIB) which has majority-Russian ownership was also brought under the sanctions list. "IIB's presence in Budapest enables Russia to increase its intelligence presence in Europe, opens the door for the Kremlin’s malign influence activities in Central Europe and the Western Balkans, and could serve as a mechanism for corruption and illicit finance, including sanctions violations," it said. WATCH | US releases new Russia sanctions list, top energy, telecom firm prime target in list × Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, the US has actively imposed sanctions on Russian companies as well as oligarchs. It has also urged countries across to impose sanctions and stop any financial dealing with Moscow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US releases fresh sanctions list targeting firms, individuals supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine

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