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<p>The United States Senate Committee on Armed Services will be conducting an open hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) next week on April 19 (Wednesday), confirmed press secretary Cole Stevens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hearing has&nbsp;been scheduled to address the growing concerns surrounding the allegedly growing UAP incidents. The lawmakers are also expected to bat for increased transparency and funding for investigation into the UAP sightings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Sean Kirkpatrick, head of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) will also be speaking at the hearing which will be conducted by Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lawmakers demand funding&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement comes in the backdrop of Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the chair of AARO publicly slamming the Department of Defence for not providing funds for a second year in running.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The lack of full funding for AARO is a significant concern. We need to ensure that our government is taking the UAP issue seriously and dedicating the necessary resources to improve our understanding and response capabilities," Gillibrand was quoted as saying by Roswell Daily Record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-a-fourth-unidentified-object-as-a-senior-official-doesnt-rule-out-aliens-561293"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US shoots down another UFO as a senior official doesn't rule out 'aliens'</strong></a></p>

<p>She also targetted Under Secretary of Defence (Comptroller) Michael J. McCord by stating her department was disappointed at not receiving the funding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Understanding that we cannot get into specific budget figures in this forum, can you discuss why AARO was not fully funded?"</p>

<p>In recent years, Pentagon has pushed ahead with the decision of investigating military sightings of UFOs. This has led to the release of hundreds of classified reports which suggest that we may not be alone on planet Earth.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-shoots-down-3-ufos-in-3-days-561647"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US shoots down 3 UFOs in 3 days</strong></a></p>

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<p>In May 2022, Ronald Moultrie and Scott Bray, two top officials of the Pentagon appeared before the US House of Representatives intelligence subcommittee and showed the declassified UFO videos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said that reports of UFOs are 'frequent' and have been on the rise for more than a decade. They also added that US officials were unable to explain some of these sightings.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-will-not-release-ufo-videos-citing-national-security-admits-it-has-several-more-515069" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | US Navy says it has several UFO videos, won't release them due to 'national security'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>US Navy refuses to release UFO videos</strong></h2>

<p>However, the US Navy, responding to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request last year, announced that it will not be releasing any more unseen UFO videos in public domain as it will harm national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The release of this information will harm national security as it may provide adversaries valuable information regarding Department of Defense/Navy operations, vulnerabilities, and/or capabilities. No portions of the videos can be segregated for release,” said Gregory Cason, deputy director of the Navy's FOIA office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The United States Senate Committee on Armed Services will be conducting an open hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) next week on April 19 (Wednesday), confirmed press secretary Cole Stevens.

The United States Senate Committee on Armed Services will be conducting an open hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) next week on April 19 (Wednesday), confirmed press secretary Cole Stevens. The hearing has been scheduled to address the growing concerns surrounding the allegedly growing UAP incidents. The lawmakers are also expected to bat for increased transparency and funding for investigation into the UAP sightings. Dr Sean Kirkpatrick, head of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) will also be speaking at the hearing which will be conducted by Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee. Lawmakers demand funding The announcement comes in the backdrop of Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the chair of AARO publicly slamming the Department of Defence for not providing funds for a second year in running. "The lack of full funding for AARO is a significant concern. We need to ensure that our government is taking the UAP issue seriously and dedicating the necessary resources to improve our understanding and response capabilities," Gillibrand was quoted as saying by Roswell Daily Record. ALSO READ | US shoots down another UFO as a senior official doesn't rule out 'aliens' She also targetted Under Secretary of Defence (Comptroller) Michael J. McCord by stating her department was disappointed at not receiving the funding. "Understanding that we cannot get into specific budget figures in this forum, can you discuss why AARO was not fully funded?" In recent years, Pentagon has pushed ahead with the decision of investigating military sightings of UFOs. This has led to the release of hundreds of classified reports which suggest that we may not be alone on planet Earth. WATCH | Gravitas: US shoots down 3 UFOs in 3 days × In May 2022, Ronald Moultrie and Scott Bray, two top officials of the Pentagon appeared before the US House of Representatives intelligence subcommittee and showed the declassified UFO videos. They said that reports of UFOs are 'frequent' and have been on the rise for more than a decade. They also added that US officials were unable to explain some of these sightings. ALSO READ | US Navy says it has several UFO videos, won't release them due to 'national security' US Navy refuses to release UFO videos However, the US Navy, responding to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request last year, announced that it will not be releasing any more unseen UFO videos in public domain as it will harm national security. “The release of this information will harm national security as it may provide adversaries valuable information regarding Department of Defense/Navy operations, vulnerabilities, and/or capabilities. No portions of the videos can be segregated for release,” said Gregory Cason, deputy director of the Navy's FOIA office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Senate Committee to hold open hearing next week on UFO sightings

President Biden offered optimism for Northern Ireland in comments marking 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement ended decades of civil conflict in the fractious British province, declaring that “peace and economic opportunity go together.”

Biden marks anniversary of Good Friday agreement in UK

US President Joe Biden has said he hopes for the return of power-sharing at Stormont during a speech to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Biden calls for the return of power sharing in Northern Ireland and hints at US investment

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<p>What happens when a firearm used in a crime, especially mass killings is confiscated by law enforcement authorities? In most civil societies, the firearm (an evidence in most cases) may be kept for judicial proceedings and afterwards, destroyed. However, in the US, a very peculiar event happens. The said firearm is auctioned off to the highest bidder, at least in the state of Kentucky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg on Tuesday said the firearm used to kill five and injure eight in the city on Monday will go under hammer. Greenberg cited a law passed in 1997 by the Kentucky legislature which prohibits destroying confiscated firearms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To those in the national media that are joining us here today this may be even more shocking than it is to those of us locally who know this and are dealing with this," said Greenberg while making the announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisville-shooting-live-updates-multiple-casualties-reported-581049" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Louisville shooting: Five dead, 8 injured, Biden condemns shooting</strong></a></p>

<p>The killer's&nbsp;AR-15-style rifle was confiscated after police shot him dead. The firearm was later sent to state police officials to&nbsp;be sold at an auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Greenberg added that destroying the weapon used in Monday's attack would make him "a criminal for trying too hard to stop the real evil criminals who are taking other people’s lives and who are eager to make a spectacle of mass murder".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Think about that.&nbsp;That murder weapon will be back on the streets one day under Kentucky’s current law.”</p>

<p>Greenberg, who has been a survivor of a shooting attack in 2012 urged the people to come together so that the law could be changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Let us destroy illegal guns and destroy the guns that have been used to kill our friends and kill our neighbors. We have to do more than we’ve already done. Let’s change the state laws that would make me a criminal for trying too hard to stop the real evil criminals who are taking other people’s lives.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-multiple-casualties-reported-in-a-shooting-in-americas-louisville-581147"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Multiple casualties reported in a shooting in America's Louisville</strong></a></p>

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<p>Though the auction money goes to law enforcement agencies, the said firearm returns to the streets which experts suggest, provides a certain incentive for potential law offenders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Killers need their gratification and the auction of the gun suggests that there is an audience looking to lap up their work. Thus, the exercise could motivate future offenders who might want similar feeling of fulfilment. More worryingly, the same firearm could be used to undertake another mass killing event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Monday shooting took place at the Old National Bank by an alleged former employee. US President Joe Biden took to Twitter in the aftermath of the event and expressed his condolences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Once again, our nation mourns after a senseless act of gun violence. Too many Americans are paying for the price of inaction with their lives. When will Republicans in Congress act to protect our communities?" tweeted Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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What happens when a firearm used in a crime, especially mass killings is confiscated by law enforcement authorities? In most civil societies, the firearm (an evidence in most cases) may be kept for judicial proceedings and afterwards, destroyed.

What happens when a firearm used in a crime, especially mass killings is confiscated by law enforcement authorities? In most civil societies, the firearm (an evidence in most cases) may be kept for judicial proceedings and afterwards, destroyed. However, in the US, a very peculiar event happens. The said firearm is auctioned off to the highest bidder, at least in the state of Kentucky. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg on Tuesday said the firearm used to kill five and injure eight in the city on Monday will go under hammer. Greenberg cited a law passed in 1997 by the Kentucky legislature which prohibits destroying confiscated firearms. “To those in the national media that are joining us here today this may be even more shocking than it is to those of us locally who know this and are dealing with this," said Greenberg while making the announcement. ALSO READ | Louisville shooting: Five dead, 8 injured, Biden condemns shooting The killer's AR-15-style rifle was confiscated after police shot him dead. The firearm was later sent to state police officials to be sold at an auction. Greenberg added that destroying the weapon used in Monday's attack would make him "a criminal for trying too hard to stop the real evil criminals who are taking other people’s lives and who are eager to make a spectacle of mass murder". “Think about that. That murder weapon will be back on the streets one day under Kentucky’s current law.” Greenberg, who has been a survivor of a shooting attack in 2012 urged the people to come together so that the law could be changed. “Let us destroy illegal guns and destroy the guns that have been used to kill our friends and kill our neighbors. We have to do more than we’ve already done. Let’s change the state laws that would make me a criminal for trying too hard to stop the real evil criminals who are taking other people’s lives.” WATCH | Gravitas Global Headlines: Multiple casualties reported in a shooting in America's Louisville × Though the auction money goes to law enforcement agencies, the said firearm returns to the streets which experts suggest, provides a certain incentive for potential law offenders. Killers need their gratification and the auction of the gun suggests that there is an audience looking to lap up their work. Thus, the exercise could motivate future offenders who might want similar feeling of fulfilment. More worryingly, the same firearm could be used to undertake another mass killing event. The Monday shooting took place at the Old National Bank by an alleged former employee. US President Joe Biden took to Twitter in the aftermath of the event and expressed his condolences. "Once again, our nation mourns after a senseless act of gun violence. Too many Americans are paying for the price of inaction with their lives. When will Republicans in Congress act to protect our communities?" tweeted Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bizarre! Guns from shooting violence in US state can't be destroyed but auctioned

US President Joe Biden said his priority was to "keep the peace" in Northern Ireland as he set off on Air Force One for a visit to Belfast. He will arrive in the city tonight to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday peace agreement.

Joe Biden aims to 'keep the peace' as he flies to Belfast

Joe Biden and Donald Trump may be headed for a fresh showdown in 2024 with both leaders indicating their plans to run for a fresh term at the helm. The POTUS - considered a tad too old by many - has however not made an official announcement thus far.

Joe Biden confirms plans for 2024 US Presidential election

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<p>Back from a three-day state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron is a man of fresh ideas. In a no holds barred interview, Macron said Europe must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc must not be a follower of either the US or China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron's statements come at a time when the US has been preparing the ground to assimilate Taiwan into the mainstream while China is flexing its military muscles near the island nation to send a stern message to rivals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The question Europeans need to answer...is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” Macron told French business daily Les Echos and Politico on his plane journey back home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Stability in Taiwan paramount</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Taiwan issue 'intensely', keeping&nbsp;EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen at arm's length, which could describe the conciliatory approach taken by the French leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Stability in the Taiwan Strait is of paramount importance. The threat [of] the use of force to change the status quo is unacceptable," said the French prez.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-in-china-french-president-wants-xi-to-bring-russia-to-its-senses-579777" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Macron in China: French president wants Xi Jinping to ‘bring Russia to its senses</strong></a></p>

<p>Macron continued his assessment and cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine war where the EU, despite its relative cohesion, has not been able to resolve the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it.”</p>

<p>"We don't want to get into a bloc versus bloc logic," he added, saying Europe "should not be caught up in a disordering of the world and crises that aren't ours".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-president-xi-jinping-and-frances-emmanuel-macron-make-joint-declaration-from-beijing-579851" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Chinese President Xi Jinping and France's Emmanuel Macron make joint declaration from Beijing</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Macron was much more frank: Publication</strong></h2>

<p>The publication stated that Macron was much more frank in discussing Taiwan and Europe's strategic autonomy during the interview. However, after French President’s office, known as the Elysée Palace insisted on 'proofreading' the quotes prior to the release of the interview&nbsp;- some of the statements were cut out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her layover, en route home, China launched a massive military exercise around the island, akin to the way it did last year after Pelosi's visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China sent its aircraft carriers, and anti-submarine helicopters and launched stimulated strikes hours after Macron departed for France.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Back from a three-day state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron is a man of fresh ideas. In a no holds barred interview, Macron said Europe must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc must not be a follower of either the US or China.

Back from a three-day state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron is a man of fresh ideas. In a no holds barred interview, Macron said Europe must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc must not be a follower of either the US or China. Macron's statements come at a time when the US has been preparing the ground to assimilate Taiwan into the mainstream while China is flexing its military muscles near the island nation to send a stern message to rivals. “The question Europeans need to answer...is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” Macron told French business daily Les Echos and Politico on his plane journey back home. Stability in Taiwan paramount According to reports, Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Taiwan issue 'intensely', keeping EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen at arm's length, which could describe the conciliatory approach taken by the French leader. “Stability in the Taiwan Strait is of paramount importance. The threat [of] the use of force to change the status quo is unacceptable," said the French prez. ALSO READ | Macron in China: French president wants Xi Jinping to ‘bring Russia to its senses Macron continued his assessment and cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine war where the EU, despite its relative cohesion, has not been able to resolve the situation. “Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it.” "We don't want to get into a bloc versus bloc logic," he added, saying Europe "should not be caught up in a disordering of the world and crises that aren't ours". WATCH | Chinese President Xi Jinping and France's Emmanuel Macron make joint declaration from Beijing × Macron was much more frank: Publication The publication stated that Macron was much more frank in discussing Taiwan and Europe's strategic autonomy during the interview. However, after French President’s office, known as the Elysée Palace insisted on 'proofreading' the quotes prior to the release of the interview - some of the statements were cut out. After Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her layover, en route home, China launched a massive military exercise around the island, akin to the way it did last year after Pelosi's visit. China sent its aircraft carriers, and anti-submarine helicopters and launched stimulated strikes hours after Macron departed for France. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Macron warns EU must not take US, China side on Taiwan issue after Beijing visit

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<p>Billionaire Elon Musk is looking to expand his investment in China even as Washington remains embroiled in a bitter diplomatic tussle with Beijing. Tesla will be building a new battery factory in Shanghai to make the Megapack energy storage product, Chinese state media outlet Xinhua reported on Sunday.g</p>

<p>The company will manufacture its large-scale energy-storage unit in a new facility whose construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year. The production will commence in the second quarter of 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Megapacks are Tesla's lithium-ion batteries, used for battery-storage power stations. It already has a factory producing Megapacks in Lathrop, California - churning out as many as 10,000 Megapacks a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the new factory will also produce 10,000 Megapack units every year, equal to around 40 GWh of energy storage which will be sold worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tesla's Shanghai&nbsp;gigafactory&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tesla already has an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the city named Tesla gigafactory which was established in 2019. It is the carmaker's largest gigafactory outside the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the supply chain constraints, the Shanghai plant delivered 710,000 vehicles in 2022 which was an increase of 48 per cent from 2021. However, the factory had a wobbly end to 2022 when workers refused to work due to a sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-tesla-halts-production-at-shanghai-plant-year-end-closure-comes-as-covid-cases-rise-546470" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | China: Tesla halts production at Shanghai plant; year-end closure comes as Covid cases rise</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Musk's China visit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China is Tesla's second-largest market after the United States. Musk is expected to visit China this month which would mark his first visit to the country since the pandemic. More importantly, it will be his first meeting with Xi Jinping after he secured a third term as the country's president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit comes at a crucial juncture when Beijing is attempting to rejig its economy, battered by three years of heavy-handed Covid curbs. With Apple considering moving its production away from China, Musk's investment through the new factory could be a message that the Chinese government may attempt to sell to prospective investors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-plans-china-visit-seeks-meeting-with-premier-577661" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Elon Musk plans China visit, seeks meeting with premier</strong></a></p>

<p>However, given the strained relations between Beijing and Washington, especially in the backdrop of the spy-balloon sage, it will be interesting to observe how the Biden administration reacts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Billionaire Elon Musk is looking to expand his investment in China even as Washington remains embroiled in a bitter diplomatic tussle with Beijing. Tesla will be building a new battery factory in Shanghai to make the Megapack energy storage product, Chinese state media outlet Xinhua reported on Sunday.

Billionaire Elon Musk is looking to expand his investment in China even as Washington remains embroiled in a bitter diplomatic tussle with Beijing. Tesla will be building a new battery factory in Shanghai to make the Megapack energy storage product, Chinese state media outlet Xinhua reported on Sunday.g The company will manufacture its large-scale energy-storage unit in a new facility whose construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year. The production will commence in the second quarter of 2024. Notably, Megapacks are Tesla's lithium-ion batteries, used for battery-storage power stations. It already has a factory producing Megapacks in Lathrop, California - churning out as many as 10,000 Megapacks a year. According to reports, the new factory will also produce 10,000 Megapack units every year, equal to around 40 GWh of energy storage which will be sold worldwide. Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory Tesla already has an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the city named Tesla gigafactory which was established in 2019. It is the carmaker's largest gigafactory outside the US. Despite the supply chain constraints, the Shanghai plant delivered 710,000 vehicles in 2022 which was an increase of 48 per cent from 2021. However, the factory had a wobbly end to 2022 when workers refused to work due to a sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases. WATCH | China: Tesla halts production at Shanghai plant; year-end closure comes as Covid cases rise Musk's China visit China is Tesla's second-largest market after the United States. Musk is expected to visit China this month which would mark his first visit to the country since the pandemic. More importantly, it will be his first meeting with Xi Jinping after he secured a third term as the country's president. The visit comes at a crucial juncture when Beijing is attempting to rejig its economy, battered by three years of heavy-handed Covid curbs. With Apple considering moving its production away from China, Musk's investment through the new factory could be a message that the Chinese government may attempt to sell to prospective investors. ALSO READ | Elon Musk plans China visit, seeks meeting with premier However, given the strained relations between Beijing and Washington, especially in the backdrop of the spy-balloon sage, it will be interesting to observe how the Biden administration reacts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amid US-China tensions, Musk's Tesla to build battery factory in Shanghai

<p>Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system</p>

<p>The publication said it was informed about the charges by&nbsp;Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," TASS quoted sources as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gershkovich's arrest</strong></h2>

<p>Gershkovich was arrested by FSB last month in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Reportedly, the journalist's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone was found switched off. According to reports,&nbsp;Gershkovich was covering a story in&nbsp;Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him.</p>

<p>The initial version stated that he was arrested for acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-by-russia-appeals-against-detention-578738"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Evan Gershkovich, US journalist arrested by Russia, appeals against detention</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Blinken calls up Lavrov</strong></h2>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of&nbsp;Gershkovich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-holds-talks-with-lavrov-for-release-of-us-journalist-gershkovich-578330#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>Later, the Russian side released a statement and said the US was trying to politicise the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read the statement by the Russian foreign ministry.</p>

<p>"It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system The publication said it was informed about the charges by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing.

Moscow on Friday formally charged jailed Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, informed Russian state news agency TASS. The filing of formal charges means that a criminal probe is underway in the case, according to the Russian legal system The publication said it was informed about the charges by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, but it was unclear if the action was taken during a court hearing. “The FSB investigation charged Gershkovich with espionage in the interests of his country. He categorically denied all accusations and stated that he was engaged in journalistic activities in Russia," TASS quoted sources as saying. Gershkovich's arrest Gershkovich was arrested by FSB last month in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Reportedly, the journalist's driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later his phone was found switched off. According to reports, Gershkovich was covering a story in Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him. The initial version stated that he was arrested for acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex". ALSO READ | Evan Gershkovich, US journalist arrested by Russia, appeals against detention Blinken calls up Lavrov After the controversy snowballed, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich. Blinken took to his Twitter account to share the update. He informed that alongside Gershkovich, Washington also batted for the release of US citizen Paul Whelan. "I spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today to convey our grave concern over Russia’s unacceptable detention of a U.S. citizen journalist. I called for his release and for the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan," tweeted Blinken. WATCH | Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go × Later, the Russian side released a statement and said the US was trying to politicise the issue. “Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read the statement by the Russian foreign ministry. "It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage

<p>A United States company is facing backlash on the internet for posting a job advertisement that many have dubbed 'racist'. The Dallas-based IT company Arthur Grand Technologies posted a job offer for a business analyst in its Salesforce and insurance claims team on the job portal Indeed. The company had a peculiar demand for the desired candidates and that they needed to be 'white'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Only born US Citizens (White) who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Don't share with candidates]," read the job vacancy posted. The racial specification was not meant to be shared as suggested by the parenthetic note. However, one of the employees fumbled and posted the entire message online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Screenshots of the job post instantly went viral on social media platforms and since then, the company has come under heavy fire for discriminating against applicants based on their colour and ethnicity, even in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One netizen took note of the post and tweeted Warren Buffett whose company Berkshire Hathaway apparently uses the services of Arthur Grand Technologies. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hi @WarrenBuffett ! Looks like one of Berkshire Hathaway's vendors... Arthur Grand Technologies Inc... has some problematic hiring processes Discrimination on race and national origin reduce a company's competitiveness, besides being a bad look," read the tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hi <a href="https://twitter.com/WarrenBuffett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WarrenBuffett</a> ! Looks like one of Berkshire Hathaway's vendors... Arthur Grand Technologies Inc... has some problematic hiring processes<br />
<br />
Discrimination on race and national origin reduce a company's competitiveness, besides being a bad look <a href="https://t.co/l9lB1xouK5">pic.twitter.com/l9lB1xouK5</a></p>
— T.K. Finch (@TK_Finch) <a href="https://twitter.com/TK_Finch/status/1643403774172749824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, another said, "I hope they are being investigated by @USEEOC @EEOC_OFO, because obviously, this isn't due to one "junior recruiter," and suggests the company has illegal hiring policies."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-is-among-the-worst-countries-for-racial-equality-563588"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;U.S. is among the worst countries for racial equality</strong></a></p>

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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, the company came out with a statement on LinkedIn&nbsp;saying a junior recruiter had erred in the job and posted the offending vacancy&nbsp;offer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''At Arthur Grand, we do not condone or engage in any type of discrimination based of race, colour or religion," read the statement.<br />
<br />
"We conducted an internal investigation and discovered that a new junior recruiter at our firm was responsible for the offending job post. We have taken immediate action and terminated their employment for violating our policy."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-uk-black-girls-three-times-more-likely-to-endure-invasive-forms-of-strip-search-by-met-police-report-580156"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;In UK, Black girls three times more likely to endure invasive forms of strip search by Met police: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the internet was not amused as many called out the company for throwing a junior employee under the bus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Bravo to the ‘junior’ staff member being blamed for this. They obviously blew the whistle on this company by posting the job req as-written," said one Twitter user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company provided another update later saying there was no job vacancy and that the 'former employee' took an "existing posting and added discriminatory language".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A United States company is facing backlash on the internet for posting a job advertisement that many have dubbed 'racist'. The Dallas-based IT company Arthur Grand Technologies posted a job offer for a business analyst in its Salesforce and insurance claims team on the job portal Indeed.

A United States company is facing backlash on the internet for posting a job advertisement that many have dubbed 'racist'. The Dallas-based IT company Arthur Grand Technologies posted a job offer for a business analyst in its Salesforce and insurance claims team on the job portal Indeed. The company had a peculiar demand for the desired candidates and that they needed to be 'white'. ''Only born US Citizens (White) who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Don't share with candidates]," read the job vacancy posted. The racial specification was not meant to be shared as suggested by the parenthetic note. However, one of the employees fumbled and posted the entire message online. Screenshots of the job post instantly went viral on social media platforms and since then, the company has come under heavy fire for discriminating against applicants based on their colour and ethnicity, even in 2023. One netizen took note of the post and tweeted Warren Buffett whose company Berkshire Hathaway apparently uses the services of Arthur Grand Technologies. "Hi @WarrenBuffett ! Looks like one of Berkshire Hathaway's vendors... Arthur Grand Technologies Inc... has some problematic hiring processes Discrimination on race and national origin reduce a company's competitiveness, besides being a bad look," read the tweet. Hi @WarrenBuffett ! Looks like one of Berkshire Hathaway's vendors... Arthur Grand Technologies Inc... has some problematic hiring processes Discrimination on race and national origin reduce a company's competitiveness, besides being a bad look pic.twitter.com/l9lB1xouK5 — T.K. Finch (@TK_Finch) April 5, 2023 × Meanwhile, another said, "I hope they are being investigated by @USEEOC @EEOC_OFO, because obviously, this isn't due to one "junior recruiter," and suggests the company has illegal hiring policies." WATCH | U.S. is among the worst countries for racial equality × After the controversy snowballed, the company came out with a statement on LinkedIn saying a junior recruiter had erred in the job and posted the offending vacancy offer. ''At Arthur Grand, we do not condone or engage in any type of discrimination based of race, colour or religion," read the statement. "We conducted an internal investigation and discovered that a new junior recruiter at our firm was responsible for the offending job post. We have taken immediate action and terminated their employment for violating our policy." ALSO READ | In UK, Black girls three times more likely to endure invasive forms of strip search by Met police: Report However, the internet was not amused as many called out the company for throwing a junior employee under the bus. “Bravo to the ‘junior’ staff member being blamed for this. They obviously blew the whistle on this company by posting the job req as-written," said one Twitter user. The company provided another update later saying there was no job vacancy and that the 'former employee' took an "existing posting and added discriminatory language". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Discrimination on race?': US company faces backlash for seeking only 'White' candidates in job posting

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidBgPx5B7jbygQ" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A number of US states are mulling banning cosmetic products that contain potentially harmful substances known as PFAS or "forever chemicals". The state Senate of Vermont approved a legislation earlier this week which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, as well as several other chemicals.</p>

<p>Vermont has joined the likes of California, Colorado and Maryland which have already imposed the restrictions which come into effect in 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Products such as deodorant, makeup, shampoo, hair dyes, and sunscreen amongst others usually carry the mentioned harmful chemicals. According to reports, these substances are used extensively by the chemical industry for their long-term resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, their use has been known to increase cancer risk, increased cholesterol levels, developmental delays in children, reduced immune system function and damage to organs like the liver and thyroid.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/de-influencing-the-new-viral-trend-558645">WATCH |&nbsp;De-influencing: The new viral trend</a></strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/de-influencing-the-new-viral-trend-558645/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>EU mulling the ban as well</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from the US, the European Union (EU) is also considering a proposal to ban PFAS. Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and non-EU state Norway are collaborating on the joint proposal and if passed, it will become the bloc's most extensive piece of regulation of the chemical industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A ban on PFAS would reduce quantities of PFAS in the environment over the long term. It would also make products and processes safer for humans," read the joint statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You can find PFAS in penguins in the Antarctic, in polar bears in the Arctic, even in rain water in Tibet."</p>

<p>Reports state that the overall health costs from&nbsp;exposure to PFAS in Europe has been between $55 billion to $90 billion. Even if a ban is put in place, the accumulation of PFAS in environment will continue for several years as waste products still shed the harmful molecules.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-french-bill-requires-influencers-to-disclose-use-of-filters-photoshop-bans-plastic-surgery-promotion-577961" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | New French bill requires influencers to disclose use of filters, photoshop; bans plastic surgery promotion</strong></a></p>

<p>Recently, the French parliament passed legislation that bans influencers from promoting cosmetic surgery on social media while making it mandatory for them to label the images when filters or Photoshop has been used.</p>

<p>According to French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, failure to comply with the strict regulations could result in two years of jail and $32,515 (€30,000) in fines. Moreover, convicted influencers will not be allowed to use social media to continue their career.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-influencers-told-not-to-use-misleading-beauty-filters-361150"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-human-rights-court-hears-climate-cases-against-france-switzerland-577054">Social media influencers told not to use 'misleading' beauty filters</a></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A number of US states are mulling banning cosmetic products that contain potentially harmful substances known as PFAS or "forever chemicals". The state Senate of Vermont approved a legislation earlier this week which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, as well as several other chemicals.

A number of US states are mulling banning cosmetic products that contain potentially harmful substances known as PFAS or "forever chemicals". The state Senate of Vermont approved a legislation earlier this week which prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product that contains perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, as well as several other chemicals. Vermont has joined the likes of California, Colorado and Maryland which have already imposed the restrictions which come into effect in 2025. Products such as deodorant, makeup, shampoo, hair dyes, and sunscreen amongst others usually carry the mentioned harmful chemicals. According to reports, these substances are used extensively by the chemical industry for their long-term resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion. However, their use has been known to increase cancer risk, increased cholesterol levels, developmental delays in children, reduced immune system function and damage to organs like the liver and thyroid. WATCH | De-influencing: The new viral trend EU mulling the ban as well Apart from the US, the European Union (EU) is also considering a proposal to ban PFAS. Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and non-EU state Norway are collaborating on the joint proposal and if passed, it will become the bloc's most extensive piece of regulation of the chemical industry. "A ban on PFAS would reduce quantities of PFAS in the environment over the long term. It would also make products and processes safer for humans," read the joint statement. "You can find PFAS in penguins in the Antarctic, in polar bears in the Arctic, even in rain water in Tibet." Reports state that the overall health costs from exposure to PFAS in Europe has been between $55 billion to $90 billion. Even if a ban is put in place, the accumulation of PFAS in environment will continue for several years as waste products still shed the harmful molecules. ALSO READ | New French bill requires influencers to disclose use of filters, photoshop; bans plastic surgery promotion Recently, the French parliament passed legislation that bans influencers from promoting cosmetic surgery on social media while making it mandatory for them to label the images when filters or Photoshop has been used. According to French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, failure to comply with the strict regulations could result in two years of jail and $32,515 (€30,000) in fines. Moreover, convicted influencers will not be allowed to use social media to continue their career. ALSO READ | Social media influencers told not to use 'misleading' beauty filters (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US states consider ban on cosmetic products containing ‘forever chemicals’

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid4pwlpyxPfGJp" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A new report has claimed that women are more likely to be rejected when they ask for a salary hike. The report published by Pew Research Center surveyed over 5,500 US workers and came to the conclusion that 58 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women did not ask for higher pay when they were last hired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of those who asked for more money, only 28 per cent had a successful strike rate in achieving it while 38 per cent said they were offered less than what they wanted but more than the initial offer. 35 per cent said they were only given what they were presented first.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the upshot of the survey was that women (38 per cent) were more likely than men (31 per cent) to say they were only served the initial offer. Subsequently, men were more likely than women to be satisfied with the pay they were offered — 42 per cent to 36 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Women also were more likely (42 per cent vs 33 per cent) to say they did not feel comfortable asking for more money from their employers. The younger female employees were even more likely to ask for a raise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-has-a-pay-gap-problem-with-women-getting-lower-pay-570384"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Meta has a pay gap problem, with women getting lower pay</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-has-a-pay-gap-problem-with-women-getting-lower-pay-570384/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2>UK employers pay men more than women</h2>

<p>The report by Pew comes hot on the heels of a Financial Times analysis revealing that almost 80 per cent of employers in the UK pay men more than women on average in their organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report painted the grim picture by adding that the percentage figure had worsened since the mandatory gender pay gap reporting began six years ago. The average gap between men's and women's pay stood at 12.2 per cent in 2022-23 which was an uptick from the 11.9 per cent noted in 2017-18.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-pay-gap-widens-80-per-cent-uk-employers-pay-men-more-than-woman-579523" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Gender pay gap widens: 80 per cent UK employers pay men more than woman</strong></a></p>

<p>The stubborn inequality persists across different sectors. The pay gap increased in transport and administration last year and remained highest amongst employers in the educational setups. The average pay gap in the sector stood at a whopping 23.2 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a UN report, for every dollar that a man makes across the world, a woman only makes 77 cents due to the growing pay disparity between the two genders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A new report has claimed that women are more likely to be rejected when they ask for a salary hike. The report published by Pew Research Center surveyed over 5,500 US workers and came to the conclusion that 58 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women did not ask for higher pay when they were last hired.

A new report has claimed that women are more likely to be rejected when they ask for a salary hike. The report published by Pew Research Center surveyed over 5,500 US workers and came to the conclusion that 58 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women did not ask for higher pay when they were last hired. Of those who asked for more money, only 28 per cent had a successful strike rate in achieving it while 38 per cent said they were offered less than what they wanted but more than the initial offer. 35 per cent said they were only given what they were presented first. However, the upshot of the survey was that women (38 per cent) were more likely than men (31 per cent) to say they were only served the initial offer. Subsequently, men were more likely than women to be satisfied with the pay they were offered — 42 per cent to 36 per cent. Women also were more likely (42 per cent vs 33 per cent) to say they did not feel comfortable asking for more money from their employers. The younger female employees were even more likely to ask for a raise. WATCH | Meta has a pay gap problem, with women getting lower pay UK employers pay men more than women The report by Pew comes hot on the heels of a Financial Times analysis revealing that almost 80 per cent of employers in the UK pay men more than women on average in their organisation. The report painted the grim picture by adding that the percentage figure had worsened since the mandatory gender pay gap reporting began six years ago. The average gap between men's and women's pay stood at 12.2 per cent in 2022-23 which was an uptick from the 11.9 per cent noted in 2017-18. ALSO READ | Gender pay gap widens: 80 per cent UK employers pay men more than woman The stubborn inequality persists across different sectors. The pay gap increased in transport and administration last year and remained highest amongst employers in the educational setups. The average pay gap in the sector stood at a whopping 23.2 per cent. According to a UN report, for every dollar that a man makes across the world, a woman only makes 77 cents due to the growing pay disparity between the two genders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gender pay gap: Women more likely to face rejection when asking for pay hike

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidb9d4L6FotyTb" /><meta charset="utf-8" />China is not pleased with the meeting of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. For the second day in running, Beijing sent its warships and aircraft off the Taiwan coast to intimidate the island country and its allies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Taiwan's defence ministry, three Chinese warships were found circling the island while a fighter jet and anti-submarine helicopter were seen lurking dangerously close to the&nbsp;island's air defence identification zone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to the meeting on Wednesday, China had placed a fleet of ships led by the Shandong aircraft carrier.&nbsp;The fleet led by the aircraft carrier passed through the Bashi Channel separating Taiwan from the Philippines and then into waters to Taiwan's southeast.</p>

<p>Subsequently, Washington also deployed its USS Nimitz aircraft some 400 nautical miles (740.8 km) off eastern Taiwan.&nbsp;The island nation's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the position of Nimitz while carefully avoiding claims that it was deployed due to the presence of the Shandong.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-speaker-mccarthy-meets-taiwans-president-tsai-china-vows-resolute-response-579617"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US House Speaker McCarthy meets Taiwan's President Tsai, China vows 'resolute' response</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-speaker-mccarthy-meets-taiwans-president-tsai-china-vows-resolute-response-579617/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>China sanctions Reagan library</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from flexing military muscles as pressure tactics, Beijing is also using diplomatic routes to assert itself. According to reports, Xi Jinping's government has imposed sanctions against the Ronald Regan Presidential Library — the venue of the rare, high-level meeting between Tsai and McCarthy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>John Heubusch, former executive director of the Reagan Foundation; Joanne M. Drake, chief administrative officer of the Reagan Foundation have been also named in the sanctions list and any property or financial assets belonging to them or the library in China would be frozen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the Reagan Library, the Hudson Institute think tank and its director and chair of the board of directors have also been put under sanctions. Tsai had accepted a leadership award from the Hudson Institute as part of her trip to the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-chinese-aircraft-carriers-flex-muscles-near-taiwan-coast-after-tsais-meeting-with-us-house-speaker-579866" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | US, Chinese aircraft carriers flex muscles near Taiwan coast after Tsai's meeting with US House speaker</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Tsai completes the historic trip</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the Chinese threat of action, Tsai went ahead with the meeting and even released statements, seemingly targeting Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is no secret that today the peace we have maintained and the democracy which (we) have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Tsai in remarks alongside McCarthy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was extremely significant as McCarthy became the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades</p>

<p>A miffed China released a statement immediately after and said, “We will take resolute measures to punish the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and their actions, and resolutely safeguard our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China is not pleased with the meeting of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. For the second day in running, Beijing sent its warships and aircraft off the Taiwan coast to intimidate the island country and its allies.

China is not pleased with the meeting of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. For the second day in running, Beijing sent its warships and aircraft off the Taiwan coast to intimidate the island country and its allies. According to Taiwan's defence ministry, three Chinese warships were found circling the island while a fighter jet and anti-submarine helicopter were seen lurking dangerously close to the island's air defence identification zone. Prior to the meeting on Wednesday, China had placed a fleet of ships led by the Shandong aircraft carrier. The fleet led by the aircraft carrier passed through the Bashi Channel separating Taiwan from the Philippines and then into waters to Taiwan's southeast. Subsequently, Washington also deployed its USS Nimitz aircraft some 400 nautical miles (740.8 km) off eastern Taiwan. The island nation's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the position of Nimitz while carefully avoiding claims that it was deployed due to the presence of the Shandong. WATCH | US House Speaker McCarthy meets Taiwan's President Tsai, China vows 'resolute' response China sanctions Reagan library Apart from flexing military muscles as pressure tactics, Beijing is also using diplomatic routes to assert itself. According to reports, Xi Jinping's government has imposed sanctions against the Ronald Regan Presidential Library — the venue of the rare, high-level meeting between Tsai and McCarthy. John Heubusch, former executive director of the Reagan Foundation; Joanne M. Drake, chief administrative officer of the Reagan Foundation have been also named in the sanctions list and any property or financial assets belonging to them or the library in China would be frozen. Apart from the Reagan Library, the Hudson Institute think tank and its director and chair of the board of directors have also been put under sanctions. Tsai had accepted a leadership award from the Hudson Institute as part of her trip to the US. ALSO READ | US, Chinese aircraft carriers flex muscles near Taiwan coast after Tsai's meeting with US House speaker Tsai completes the historic trip Despite the Chinese threat of action, Tsai went ahead with the meeting and even released statements, seemingly targeting Beijing. “It is no secret that today the peace we have maintained and the democracy which (we) have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Tsai in remarks alongside McCarthy. The meeting was extremely significant as McCarthy became the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades A miffed China released a statement immediately after and said, “We will take resolute measures to punish the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and their actions, and resolutely safeguard our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China sanctions Reagan library, stations warship, aircraft near Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet

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<p>In what comes as an unfortunate incident, the police in the US state of New Mexico fatally shot a man after responding to the wrong house during a domestic violence call. Describing the scene as 'chaotic', the police chief said the shooting took place before midnight on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Farmington Police Department received a call around 11:30 PM for a domestic violence incident at 5308 Valley View Avenue. Upon reaching the location, the officers mistakenly approached 5305 Valley View Avenue instead of the address informed earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unsuspecting of the error, the officers knocked at the door, trying to announce themselves. However, upon receiving no response, they asked dispatch to contact the caller and get them to open the door.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, the body camera footage showed that 52-year-old Robert Dotson, the homeowner opened the screen door armed with a handgun. The situation quickly took a turn for the worse as one of the officers fired at least one round of bullets from their official weapon, hitting Dotson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Victim's wife responds to the skirmish</strong></h2>

<p>Hearing the skirmish, Dotson's wife, armed with another handgun, fired from the doorway. The officers took cover and retaliated with gunshots. However, after realising that individuals outside the residence were police officers, she put down the gun and came out, complying with the officer's commands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mr. Dotson suffered fatal injuries as a result of the shooting and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Mrs. Dotson, who was uninjured, has not been charged with a crime," read a statement by he police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-mass-shooting-67-yr-old-kills-7-co-workers-555669"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Mass shooting: 67-yr-old kills 7 co-workers</strong></a></p>

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<p>Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe accepted the mistake and said he was 'heartbroken by the circumstances' and that the body camera video will be released within a few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I extend nothing but my deepest condolences to the Dotson family," he said. "There's nothing I can say that will make this better. It's a terrible event, and I'm heartbroken by it." said Hebbe.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Case under investigation</strong></h2>

<p>The case is currently under investigation and the district attorney's office will decide if the officers and their actions warrant further assessment. The police added that all events leading up to the shooting and afterwards will be evaluated in the meantime.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nashville-school-shooting-attacker-planned-it-for-months-say-police-578792" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Nashville school shooting: Audrey Hale planned the attack for months, say police</strong></a></p>

<p>"The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau works independently to determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the appropriate district attorney for their review and consideration."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In what comes as an unfortunate incident, the police in the US state of New Mexico fatally shot a man after responding to the wrong house during a domestic violence call.

In what comes as an unfortunate incident, the police in the US state of New Mexico fatally shot a man after responding to the wrong house during a domestic violence call. Describing the scene as 'chaotic', the police chief said the shooting took place before midnight on Wednesday. The Farmington Police Department received a call around 11:30 PM for a domestic violence incident at 5308 Valley View Avenue. Upon reaching the location, the officers mistakenly approached 5305 Valley View Avenue instead of the address informed earlier. Unsuspecting of the error, the officers knocked at the door, trying to announce themselves. However, upon receiving no response, they asked dispatch to contact the caller and get them to open the door. Afterwards, the body camera footage showed that 52-year-old Robert Dotson, the homeowner opened the screen door armed with a handgun. The situation quickly took a turn for the worse as one of the officers fired at least one round of bullets from their official weapon, hitting Dotson. Victim's wife responds to the skirmish Hearing the skirmish, Dotson's wife, armed with another handgun, fired from the doorway. The officers took cover and retaliated with gunshots. However, after realising that individuals outside the residence were police officers, she put down the gun and came out, complying with the officer's commands. "Mr. Dotson suffered fatal injuries as a result of the shooting and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Mrs. Dotson, who was uninjured, has not been charged with a crime," read a statement by he police. WATCH | Gravitas: US Mass shooting: 67-yr-old kills 7 co-workers × Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe accepted the mistake and said he was 'heartbroken by the circumstances' and that the body camera video will be released within a few days. "I extend nothing but my deepest condolences to the Dotson family," he said. "There's nothing I can say that will make this better. It's a terrible event, and I'm heartbroken by it." said Hebbe. Case under investigation The case is currently under investigation and the district attorney's office will decide if the officers and their actions warrant further assessment. The police added that all events leading up to the shooting and afterwards will be evaluated in the meantime. ALSO READ | Nashville school shooting: Audrey Hale planned the attack for months, say police "The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau works independently to determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the appropriate district attorney for their review and consideration." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Unfortunate': New Mexico cops fatally shoot 52-year-old man after responding to wrong address

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<p>US and China are locking horns off the Taiwan coast after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday morning. While China placed a fleet of ships led by the Shandong aircraft carrier hours before the meet, Washington has also deployed its USS Nimitz aircraft some 400 nautical miles (740.8 km) off eastern Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the position of Nimitz while carefully avoiding claims that it was deployed due to the presence of the Shandong. It also added that a Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and three more warships were stationed in the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"1 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, after Tsai landed in Los Angeles on Tuesday night during a layover after her trip to two Central American diplomatic partner nations, Beijing assessed that her proposed meeting with McCarthy was going ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-speaker-mccarthy-meets-taiwans-president-tsai-china-vows-resolute-response-579617"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US House Speaker McCarthy meets Taiwan's President Tsai, China vows 'resolute' response</strong></a></p>

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<p>Hours later, the Taiwanese defence ministry informed that China had started making moves. The fleet led by the aircraft carrier passed through the Bashi Channel separating Taiwan from the Philippines and then into waters to Taiwan's southeast.</p>

<p>"The Chinese communists continue to send aircraft and ships to encroach in the seas and airspace around Taiwan. In addition to posing a substantial threat to our national security, it also destroys the status quo of regional security and stability," the ministry said in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Such actions are by no means the acts of a responsible modern country."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deploys-aircraft-carrier-group-off-taiwan-coast-ahead-of-tsais-meeting-with-us-house-speaker-579459" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | China deploys aircraft carrier group off Taiwan coast ahead of Tsai's meeting with US House speaker</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>US urges China to choose 'diplomacy'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>On Thursday, the United States called on China to choose diplomacy rather than military pressure on Taiwan after Beijing deployed warships following the meeting.</p>

<p>"We continue to urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful diplomacy," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>Tsai subtly attacks China</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the Chinese threat of action, Tsai went ahead with the meeting and even released statements, seemingly targeting Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is no secret that today the peace we have maintained and the democracy which (we) have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Tsai in remarks alongside McCarthy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was extremely significant as McCarthy became the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades</p>

<p>A miffed China immediately released a statement saying, "In response to the seriously erroneous acts of collusion between the United States and Taiwan, China will take resolute and effective measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-meeting-between-us-house-speaker-and-taiwan-president-vows-resolute-response-579595" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | China condemns meeting between US House speaker and Taiwan president, vows 'resolute' response</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US and China are locking horns off the Taiwan coast after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday morning. While China placed a fleet of ships led by the Shandong aircraft carrier hours before the meet, Washington has also deployed its USS Nimitz aircraft some 400 nautical miles (740.

US and China are locking horns off the Taiwan coast after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday morning. While China placed a fleet of ships led by the Shandong aircraft carrier hours before the meet, Washington has also deployed its USS Nimitz aircraft some 400 nautical miles (740.8 km) off eastern Taiwan. Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the position of Nimitz while carefully avoiding claims that it was deployed due to the presence of the Shandong. It also added that a Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and three more warships were stationed in the area. "1 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today," read the statement. Notably, after Tsai landed in Los Angeles on Tuesday night during a layover after her trip to two Central American diplomatic partner nations, Beijing assessed that her proposed meeting with McCarthy was going ahead. WATCH | US House Speaker McCarthy meets Taiwan's President Tsai, China vows 'resolute' response × Hours later, the Taiwanese defence ministry informed that China had started making moves. The fleet led by the aircraft carrier passed through the Bashi Channel separating Taiwan from the Philippines and then into waters to Taiwan's southeast. "The Chinese communists continue to send aircraft and ships to encroach in the seas and airspace around Taiwan. In addition to posing a substantial threat to our national security, it also destroys the status quo of regional security and stability," the ministry said in the statement. "Such actions are by no means the acts of a responsible modern country." ALSO READ | China deploys aircraft carrier group off Taiwan coast ahead of Tsai's meeting with US House speaker US urges China to choose 'diplomacy' On Thursday, the United States called on China to choose diplomacy rather than military pressure on Taiwan after Beijing deployed warships following the meeting. "We continue to urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful diplomacy," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. Tsai subtly attacks China Despite the Chinese threat of action, Tsai went ahead with the meeting and even released statements, seemingly targeting Beijing. “It is no secret that today the peace we have maintained and the democracy which (we) have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Tsai in remarks alongside McCarthy. The meeting was extremely significant as McCarthy became the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades A miffed China immediately released a statement saying, "In response to the seriously erroneous acts of collusion between the United States and Taiwan, China will take resolute and effective measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity." "The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations." ALSO READ | China condemns meeting between US House speaker and Taiwan president, vows 'resolute' response (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US, Chinese aircraft carriers flex muscles near Taiwan coast after Tsai's meeting with US House speaker

The matter of the Chinese spy balloon that flew across the United States in February this year refuses to die down. A media house has reported that the balloon gathered intelligence from several US military sites and transmitted it back to Beijing in real-time. Beijing had said at the time that the balloon was a weather ship blown astray and entered the US airspace by mistake.

Chinese spy balloon gathered intelligence on US military sites : Report

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<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the 'sanctimonious' western nations for commenting on internal matters of other countries. Jaishankar was replying to a question about Germany and the USA passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EAM said the West thinks it has the 'God-given' right to comment on India's internal matters. He was addressing a 'Meet and Greet' interaction in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru with BJP MP Tejaswi Surya and PC Mohan in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of god-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-firmly-responded-to-china-eam-s-jaishankar-552803"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India has firmly responded to China: EAM S Jaishankar</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>What did the US and Germany say?</strong></p>

<p>Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-watching-us-state-department-on-rahul-gandhis-disqualification-from-indian-parliament-576442" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament</strong></a></p>

<p>A few days later, Germany also chimed in with a response along the same lines, saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said a German foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/buying-russian-gas-is-not-funding-the-war-says-jaishankar-484836" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Buying Russian gas is not funding the war, says Jaishankar</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>What happened with Rahul Gandhi?</strong></p>

<p>Last month, a city court convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader Gandhi in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court sentenced the Gandhi scion to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). However, he was granted a bail and has sought to appeal the decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the 'sanctimonious' western nations for commenting on internal matters of other countries. Jaishankar was replying to a question about Germany and the USA passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the 'sanctimonious' western nations for commenting on internal matters of other countries. Jaishankar was replying to a question about Germany and the USA passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi. The EAM said the West thinks it has the 'God-given' right to comment on India's internal matters. He was addressing a 'Meet and Greet' interaction in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru with BJP MP Tejaswi Surya and PC Mohan in attendance. "I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of god-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening," said Jaishankar. "The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing." WATCH | India has firmly responded to China: EAM S Jaishankar × What did the US and Germany say? Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson. ALSO READ | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament A few days later, Germany also chimed in with a response along the same lines, saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification. "We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said a German foreign ministry spokesperson. Read more: Buying Russian gas is not funding the war, says Jaishankar What happened with Rahul Gandhi? Last month, a city court convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader Gandhi in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced the Gandhi scion to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). However, he was granted a bail and has sought to appeal the decision. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'They think it's God-given right': Jaishankar slams 'West' for commenting on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

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<p>In what comes as a bizarre incident, a nine-foot alligator has been arrested in the southeastern US state of Florida after it was found loitering on the streets of Tampa Bay. The incident transpired on Wednesday near the Raymond James Stadium where the NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.</p>

<p>The Tampa Police Department took to its YouTube account to share a video of the bodycam footage of the officers. The department titled the video' See You Later, Alligator...' with a cheeky description that read, "No alligators (or officers) were injured in this “jaw-dropping” video".&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to The New York Post report, when the officers approached the alligator and poked it with a baton, the slithery creature started whipping its tail aggressively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Tape his front legs together … like behind his back, like you’re handcuffing him," one of the officers can be heard saying in the video. “Then you’re gonna do the same thing with his back legs.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-woman-killed-by-alligator-another-alligator-with-mouth-taped-shut-rescued-564121" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Florida woman killed by alligator; another alligator with mouth taped shut rescued in Florida</strong></a></p>

<p>It took a collective effort from the officers to tame the alligator whose massive size surprised many. Two officers held the reptile down while one wrapped the rope around the gator's mouth. To completely neutralise the creature, its eyes were covered with a towel, mouth taped shut and front and hind legs tied together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the gator was later handed to&nbsp;Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) to find a more suitable home.</p>

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<p>It was an unusual sight as police department officers are not often seen capturing amphibious reptiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-scientists-race-to-save-one-of-worlds-rarest-crocodiles-513525"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Scientists race to save one of world's rarest crocodiles</strong></a></p>

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<p>“I’ve seen the deputies deal with them. Tampa police, not so much, so I was really surprised and happy when I just showed up and saw they were putting me out of a job. And they did a great job. So I guess there’s some good ol’ boys on the TPD, they had that thing taken care of for me," said Phil Walters, an alligator trapper employed with FFWCC was quoted as saying by local media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to various estimates, Florida has over 1.3 million alligators and their population has led authorities to establish a statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to capture the troublemaker gators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In what comes as a bizarre incident, a nine-foot alligator has been arrested in the southeastern US state of Florida after it was found loitering on the streets of Tampa Bay.

In what comes as a bizarre incident, a nine-foot alligator has been arrested in the southeastern US state of Florida after it was found loitering on the streets of Tampa Bay. The incident transpired on Wednesday near the Raymond James Stadium where the NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers play. The Tampa Police Department took to its YouTube account to share a video of the bodycam footage of the officers. The department titled the video' See You Later, Alligator...' with a cheeky description that read, "No alligators (or officers) were injured in this “jaw-dropping” video". According to The New York Post report, when the officers approached the alligator and poked it with a baton, the slithery creature started whipping its tail aggressively. “Tape his front legs together … like behind his back, like you’re handcuffing him," one of the officers can be heard saying in the video. “Then you’re gonna do the same thing with his back legs.” ALSO READ | Florida woman killed by alligator; another alligator with mouth taped shut rescued in Florida It took a collective effort from the officers to tame the alligator whose massive size surprised many. Two officers held the reptile down while one wrapped the rope around the gator's mouth. To completely neutralise the creature, its eyes were covered with a towel, mouth taped shut and front and hind legs tied together. According to reports, the gator was later handed to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) to find a more suitable home. × It was an unusual sight as police department officers are not often seen capturing amphibious reptiles. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | Scientists race to save one of world's rarest crocodiles × “I’ve seen the deputies deal with them. Tampa police, not so much, so I was really surprised and happy when I just showed up and saw they were putting me out of a job. And they did a great job. So I guess there’s some good ol’ boys on the TPD, they had that thing taken care of for me," said Phil Walters, an alligator trapper employed with FFWCC was quoted as saying by local media. According to various estimates, Florida has over 1.3 million alligators and their population has led authorities to establish a statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to capture the troublemaker gators. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Hands where we can see them': Cops arrest 9-foot alligator loitering in the streets of Tampa Bay, Florida

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<p>The US state of Georgia and its House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry,&nbsp;becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The resolution, introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta, stated that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions, having over 1.2 billion followers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred."</p>

<p>The resolution attempted to build upon a report by Rutgers University published last year that stated that there had been a noticeable increase in anti-Hindu disinformation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-temples-attacked-in-texas-and-melbourne-hate-crime-suspected-554694" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Hindu temples attacked in Texas and Melbourne, hate crime suspected</strong></a></p>

<p>"In July 2022, a report released by Rutgers University titled "Anti-Hindu Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media" detailed how hate messages in social media translate into real life threats for people of the Hindu faith," read the resolution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Rutgers report, it was noted that "white supremacist and 4chan genocidal Pepe memes about Hindus" were "being shared prolifically within extremist Islamist web networks on messaging service Telegram and elsewhere."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-fumes-after-hindu-temple-in-canada-gets-defaced-562185" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Indian PM Modi raises temple vandalism in Australia with PM Albanese during bilateral talks</strong></a></p>

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<p>The resolution added that Hinduphobia and its related instances were being ‘exacerbated’ by some in academia who supported dismantling of Hinduism whilst propagating the belief that the sacred texts and cultural practices within the religion were based on violence and oppression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent spate of attacks on Hindu temples across the world have raised serious question marks over the safety of Hindus. From Canada to Australia, numerous incidents of vandalism of Hindu temples have been recorded since the beginning of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-fumes-after-hindu-temple-in-canada-gets-defaced-562185" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | India fumes after Hindu temple in Canada gets defaced</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the Hindu advocacy group Coalition of Hindus of North America&nbsp;(CoHNA), Forsyth County&nbsp;is home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian-American diaspora communities in the state.</p>

<p>“We urged for their help in combating such bigotry which advances hatred and creates the idea that Hindus and people of Indian-origin need special laws and monitoring due to allegations around some inherent propensity to discriminate,” said&nbsp;CoHNA&nbsp;General Secretary Shobha Swamy</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The US state of Georgia and its House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure.

The US state of Georgia and its House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure. The resolution, introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth County in the suburbs of Atlanta, stated that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions, having over 1.2 billion followers. "Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred." The resolution attempted to build upon a report by Rutgers University published last year that stated that there had been a noticeable increase in anti-Hindu disinformation. ALSO READ | Hindu temples attacked in Texas and Melbourne, hate crime suspected "In July 2022, a report released by Rutgers University titled "Anti-Hindu Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media" detailed how hate messages in social media translate into real life threats for people of the Hindu faith," read the resolution. In the Rutgers report, it was noted that "white supremacist and 4chan genocidal Pepe memes about Hindus" were "being shared prolifically within extremist Islamist web networks on messaging service Telegram and elsewhere." WATCH | Indian PM Modi raises temple vandalism in Australia with PM Albanese during bilateral talks × The resolution added that Hinduphobia and its related instances were being ‘exacerbated’ by some in academia who supported dismantling of Hinduism whilst propagating the belief that the sacred texts and cultural practices within the religion were based on violence and oppression. The recent spate of attacks on Hindu temples across the world have raised serious question marks over the safety of Hindus. From Canada to Australia, numerous incidents of vandalism of Hindu temples have been recorded since the beginning of the year. ALSO READ | India fumes after Hindu temple in Canada gets defaced According to the Hindu advocacy group Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), Forsyth County is home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian-American diaspora communities in the state. “We urged for their help in combating such bigotry which advances hatred and creates the idea that Hindus and people of Indian-origin need special laws and monitoring due to allegations around some inherent propensity to discriminate,” said CoHNA General Secretary Shobha Swamy (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Georgia becomes first American state to condemn Hinduphobia, passes resolution

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<p>Days after the US commented on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Germany has also chimed in with a response. The German foreign ministry released a statement saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson of the ministry said the Deutsch government had 'taken note' of the verdict by the Indian court and subsequent suspension of his 'parliamentary mandate'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said the spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis. We expect that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will equally apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi,” the ministry added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-parliament-575372"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-watching-us-state-department-on-rahul-gandhis-disqualification-from-indian-parliament-576442"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament</strong></a></p>

<p>The statements by the US were not met kindly as the netizens thrashed the Biden administration for unnecessarily trying to interfere in India's internal politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What happened with Rahul Gandhi?</h2>

<p>Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation).</p>

<p>After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the&nbsp;Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Days after the US commented on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Germany has also chimed in with a response. The German foreign ministry released a statement saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.

Days after the US commented on the disqualification of Indian parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Germany has also chimed in with a response. The German foreign ministry released a statement saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification. A spokesperson of the ministry said the Deutsch government had 'taken note' of the verdict by the Indian court and subsequent suspension of his 'parliamentary mandate'. "We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said the spokesperson. "It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis. We expect that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will equally apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi,” the ministry added. WATCH | India's Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament × Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson. ALSO READ | 'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament The statements by the US were not met kindly as the netizens thrashed the Biden administration for unnecessarily trying to interfere in India's internal politics. What happened with Rahul Gandhi? Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After US, Germany chimes in with statement on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

<p>Over 13 summers ago, Coral Amayi lost her digital camera while rafting in a river in the western US state of Colorado. Little did she know that a good samaritan in 2023 would not only find her camera but also return it - with the photo memories still intact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spencer Greiner, a local hobby fisherman embarked on a fishing trip on March 14 in the Animas River. While walking around, Greiner stumbled upon the camera -&nbsp;rusted and looking beyond any salvation.</p>

<p>However, he picked up the camera anyway and decided to give it at least one try before discarding it away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was walking along and saw it sticking out of the sand. It was in rough shape, so I really didn't have any hopes of getting anything off of it, I was just planning to throw it away, and then curiosity got the best of me, and I had to see what was on it,"&nbsp;Greiner was quoted as saying by local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sothebys-magnificent-jewels-sale-extremely-rare-pink-diamond-worth-35-mn-set-for-auction-577147"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels sale: Extremely rare pink diamond worth $35 mn set for auction</strong></a></p>

<p>Greiner took the gamble and fetched the memory card from the camera which still had water coming out of it. He plugged the memory card into the computer and to everyone's surprise, found the photos still intact as the computer managed to read the SD card just fine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was like, Yeah, this is probably not going to work at all. But I plugged it into the computer, and it read immediately and I was like, Oh cool, let's see what sort of treasures we're going to find on this memory card."</p>

<p>Greiner stated that he recovered photos of a&nbsp;tubing trip, a wedding, and a bachelorette party on the card. Intrigued that it could be the memories of a person, he posted the photos&nbsp;in a Colorado Facebook group on March 15.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombia-discovers-shipwreck-with-gold-coin-treasure-486295"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Colombia discovers shipwreck with gold coin treasure</strong></a></p>

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<p>Within an hour of posting the photos, Greiner was contacted by the groom from the wedding who commented under the post. A few days later&nbsp;Greiner and Amayi got in touch with the former handing the SD card and camera. When quizzed how he felt after returning the precious, sentimental piece of item, a humble Greiner said he did something that anybody else would have done in his place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don’t feel that what I did was anything anyone else wouldn’t have done.&nbsp;I knew those pictures were sentimental to someone. Taking five minutes to make a Facebook post was the least I could do. It turns out that was all that was needed."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Over 13 summers ago, Coral Amayi lost her digital camera while rafting in a river in the western US state of Colorado. Little did she know that a good samaritan in 2023 would not only find her camera but also return it - with the photo memories still intact.

Over 13 summers ago, Coral Amayi lost her digital camera while rafting in a river in the western US state of Colorado. Little did she know that a good samaritan in 2023 would not only find her camera but also return it - with the photo memories still intact. Spencer Greiner, a local hobby fisherman embarked on a fishing trip on March 14 in the Animas River. While walking around, Greiner stumbled upon the camera - rusted and looking beyond any salvation. However, he picked up the camera anyway and decided to give it at least one try before discarding it away. "I was walking along and saw it sticking out of the sand. It was in rough shape, so I really didn't have any hopes of getting anything off of it, I was just planning to throw it away, and then curiosity got the best of me, and I had to see what was on it," Greiner was quoted as saying by local media reports. ALSO READ | Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels sale: Extremely rare pink diamond worth $35 mn set for auction Greiner took the gamble and fetched the memory card from the camera which still had water coming out of it. He plugged the memory card into the computer and to everyone's surprise, found the photos still intact as the computer managed to read the SD card just fine. "I was like, Yeah, this is probably not going to work at all. But I plugged it into the computer, and it read immediately and I was like, Oh cool, let's see what sort of treasures we're going to find on this memory card." Greiner stated that he recovered photos of a tubing trip, a wedding, and a bachelorette party on the card. Intrigued that it could be the memories of a person, he posted the photos in a Colorado Facebook group on March 15. WATCH | Colombia discovers shipwreck with gold coin treasure × Within an hour of posting the photos, Greiner was contacted by the groom from the wedding who commented under the post. A few days later Greiner and Amayi got in touch with the former handing the SD card and camera. When quizzed how he felt after returning the precious, sentimental piece of item, a humble Greiner said he did something that anybody else would have done in his place. "I don’t feel that what I did was anything anyone else wouldn’t have done. I knew those pictures were sentimental to someone. Taking five minutes to make a Facebook post was the least I could do. It turns out that was all that was needed." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

The great camera saga: Woman reunited with device 13 years after losing it in river with photos intact

<p>Two US Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine training operation in the southeastern state of Kentucky on Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear informed. Local media reports mentioned that at least nine soldiers were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The army crew members of the 101st Airborne Division were flying two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters around 10:00 PM ET (0200 GMT)&nbsp;in Kentucky's Trigg County airbase, located on the&nbsp;Kentucky-Tennessee border&nbsp;when the accident transpired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At approximately 10 p.m. yesterday, two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky. The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred," US Army Fort Campbell said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the "status of the crew members" was&nbsp;unknown at the&nbsp;time. "The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families. More information will be released as it becomes available. The incident is under investigation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-operatives-attempt-to-fly-us-helicopters-three-get-killed-in-a-crash-515052"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Taliban fighters try to fly US Black Hawk helicopter, three get killed in crash</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local witnesses, the two choppers came incredibly low to the ground and after passing over some civilian houses, a loud bang was heard. The exact cause of the crash is not known.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families,” the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected," tweeted Beshar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. <a href="https://twitter.com/kystatepolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kystatepolice</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyEM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KentuckyEM</a> and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected.</p>
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovAndyBeshear/status/1641302697851736067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Local reports have stated&nbsp;that the US military's Safety Investigation Team from the Combat Readiness Centre in Alabama will be dispatching its representatives to the scene to ascertain the cause of the crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weather conditions at the time of the crash were pristine with light to no wind.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Two US Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine training operation in the southeastern state of Kentucky on Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear informed.

Two US Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine training operation in the southeastern state of Kentucky on Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear informed. Local media reports mentioned that at least nine soldiers were killed. The army crew members of the 101st Airborne Division were flying two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters around 10:00 PM ET (0200 GMT) in Kentucky's Trigg County airbase, located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border when the accident transpired. "At approximately 10 p.m. yesterday, two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky. The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred," US Army Fort Campbell said in a statement. It added that the "status of the crew members" was unknown at the time. "The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families. More information will be released as it becomes available. The incident is under investigation." ALSO READ | Taliban fighters try to fly US Black Hawk helicopter, three get killed in crash According to local witnesses, the two choppers came incredibly low to the ground and after passing over some civilian houses, a loud bang was heard. The exact cause of the crash is not known. “The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families,” the statement added. "We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected," tweeted Beshar. We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected. — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) March 30, 2023 × Local reports have stated that the US military's Safety Investigation Team from the Combat Readiness Centre in Alabama will be dispatching its representatives to the scene to ascertain the cause of the crash. The weather conditions at the time of the crash were pristine with light to no wind. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Nine soldiers feared dead as two US army helicopters crash during training in Kentucky

<p>Adnan Syed, the man who spent over two decades in jail for the 1999 killing of his ex-girlfriend but was later released, has had his conviction reinstated. Adnan Syed's case was made famous by the podcast <em>Serial, </em>which had poked holes in his conviction and essentially helped in his release. But on Tuesday (March 29), a Maryland appellate court passed the judgement, after a 2-1 decision, throwing open the case again, saying the lower court had violated the right of the victim's family to attend a critical hearing in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Syed was convicted of the murder of Hae Min Lee but her brother Young Lee was not allowed to attend one of the key hearings, thereby violating his legal right.</p>

<p>"Because the circuit court violated Mr. Lee’s right to notice of, and his right to attend, the hearing on the State’s motion to vacate...this Court has the power and obligation to remedy those violations, as long we can do so without violating Mr. Syed’s right to be free from double jeopardy," the court observed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Accordingly, we vacate the circuit court's order vacating Mr. Syed's convictions, which results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-adnan-syed-524913"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The story of Adnan Syed</strong></a></p>

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<p>Syed was released from prison last year after a circuit court vacated the murder conviction after an investigation identified problems with the case. The case drew national attention after a popular podcast <em>Serial</em> raised doubts about his guilt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court, while releasing him, had left it to the prosecutors to decide whether to retry him or not. After Tuesday's decision, Syed will not be sent back to prison immediately as the parties have been given a two-month delay to assess how to proceed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-overturns-murder-conviction-of-adnan-syed-featured-in-serial-podcast-518004"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US judge overturns murder conviction of Adnan Syed featured in Serial podcast</strong></a></p>

<p>Syed's counsel said the team will seek a review of the judgement by the Supreme Court of Maryland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Appellate Court of Maryland has reinstated Adnan’s convictions, not because the Motion to Vacate was erroneous, but because Ms Lee’s brother did not appear in person at the vacatur hearing," Eric Suter, Syed's counsel was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-convicted-of-killing-california-student-kristin-smart-sentenced-to-25-years-in-jail-571430" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Man convicted of killing California student Kristin Smart sentenced to 25 years in jail</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite being convicted, Syed has maintained that he is innocent. According to reports, Hae Min Lee who was aged 18 at the time, was strangled and buried in a Baltimore park.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Adnan Syed, the man who spent over two decades in jail for the 1999 killing of his ex-girlfriend but was later released, has had his conviction reinstated. Adnan Syed's case was made famous by the podcast Serial, which had poked holes in his conviction and essentially helped in his release.

Adnan Syed, the man who spent over two decades in jail for the 1999 killing of his ex-girlfriend but was later released, has had his conviction reinstated. Adnan Syed's case was made famous by the podcast Serial, which had poked holes in his conviction and essentially helped in his release. But on Tuesday (March 29), a Maryland appellate court passed the judgement, after a 2-1 decision, throwing open the case again, saying the lower court had violated the right of the victim's family to attend a critical hearing in the case. Syed was convicted of the murder of Hae Min Lee but her brother Young Lee was not allowed to attend one of the key hearings, thereby violating his legal right. "Because the circuit court violated Mr. Lee’s right to notice of, and his right to attend, the hearing on the State’s motion to vacate...this Court has the power and obligation to remedy those violations, as long we can do so without violating Mr. Syed’s right to be free from double jeopardy," the court observed. "Accordingly, we vacate the circuit court's order vacating Mr. Syed's convictions, which results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence." WATCH | Gravitas: The story of Adnan Syed × Syed was released from prison last year after a circuit court vacated the murder conviction after an investigation identified problems with the case. The case drew national attention after a popular podcast Serial raised doubts about his guilt. The court, while releasing him, had left it to the prosecutors to decide whether to retry him or not. After Tuesday's decision, Syed will not be sent back to prison immediately as the parties have been given a two-month delay to assess how to proceed. ALSO READ | US judge overturns murder conviction of Adnan Syed featured in Serial podcast Syed's counsel said the team will seek a review of the judgement by the Supreme Court of Maryland. "The Appellate Court of Maryland has reinstated Adnan’s convictions, not because the Motion to Vacate was erroneous, but because Ms Lee’s brother did not appear in person at the vacatur hearing," Eric Suter, Syed's counsel was quoted as saying by Reuters. ALSO READ | Man convicted of killing California student Kristin Smart sentenced to 25 years in jail Despite being convicted, Syed has maintained that he is innocent. According to reports, Hae Min Lee who was aged 18 at the time, was strangled and buried in a Baltimore park. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Adnan Syed: Murder conviction of 'Serial' podcast subject  reinstated by US court

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<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back at US President Joe Biden after the latter advised him to abandon his highly-controversial judicial overhaul proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Democrat leader, speaking to reporters said he was 'very concerned' about the health of Israeli democracy, issuing a warning that the country cannot&nbsp;continue down this road for long.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Like many strong supporters of Israel, I’m very concerned. And I’m concerned that they get this straight. Hopefully, the prime minister will act in a way that he can try to work out some genuine compromise, but that remains to be seen," said Biden.&nbsp;"I hope he walks away from it."</p>

<p>When quizzed if America was looking to interfere in the domestic politics of Israel, Biden added, “We don’t want to interfere...Anyway, we’re not interfering. They know my position. They know America’s position. They know the American Jewish position.”</p>

<p>No sooner did Biden have his say, Netanyahu released a response saying Israel would not make decisions based on overseas pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have known President Biden for over 40 years, and I appreciate his longstanding commitment to Israel,"&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-protests-netanyahu-pauses-judicial-reform-until-next-parliament-session-576431"><strong>WATCH | Israel protests: Netanyahu pauses judicial reform until next parliament session</strong></a></p>

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<p>"My administration is committed to strengthening democracy by restoring the proper balance between the three branches of government, which we are striving to achieve via a broad consensus."</p>

<p>After Netanyahu fired his defence minister on Sunday for speaking against the proposed legislation, the protests across the country, already ongoing for over a month, saw an increase in intensity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By Monday, Netanyahu and his government were forced to press pause on the decision until the next session of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Out of a sense of national responsibility, out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill," said Netanyahu in a televised broadcast.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-israel-can-tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-stop-netanyahus-judicial-overhaul-plan-576345">Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened</a></strong></p>

<p>There were rumours that backtracking on the legislation may cause serious fissures in the far-right coalition that Netanyahu spearheads. However, so far, the Israeli PM has managed to hold firm despite incessant pressure from nearly every quarter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back at US President Joe Biden after the latter advised him to abandon his highly-controversial judicial overhaul proposal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit back at US President Joe Biden after the latter advised him to abandon his highly-controversial judicial overhaul proposal. The Democrat leader, speaking to reporters said he was 'very concerned' about the health of Israeli democracy, issuing a warning that the country cannot continue down this road for long. “Like many strong supporters of Israel, I’m very concerned. And I’m concerned that they get this straight. Hopefully, the prime minister will act in a way that he can try to work out some genuine compromise, but that remains to be seen," said Biden. "I hope he walks away from it." When quizzed if America was looking to interfere in the domestic politics of Israel, Biden added, “We don’t want to interfere...Anyway, we’re not interfering. They know my position. They know America’s position. They know the American Jewish position.” No sooner did Biden have his say, Netanyahu released a response saying Israel would not make decisions based on overseas pressure. "Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends," said Netanyahu. "I have known President Biden for over 40 years, and I appreciate his longstanding commitment to Israel," WATCH | Israel protests: Netanyahu pauses judicial reform until next parliament session × "My administration is committed to strengthening democracy by restoring the proper balance between the three branches of government, which we are striving to achieve via a broad consensus." After Netanyahu fired his defence minister on Sunday for speaking against the proposed legislation, the protests across the country, already ongoing for over a month, saw an increase in intensity. By Monday, Netanyahu and his government were forced to press pause on the decision until the next session of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. "Out of a sense of national responsibility, out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill," said Netanyahu in a televised broadcast. ALSO READ | Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened There were rumours that backtracking on the legislation may cause serious fissures in the far-right coalition that Netanyahu spearheads. However, so far, the Israeli PM has managed to hold firm despite incessant pressure from nearly every quarter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Israel is a...': Netanyahu hits back at Biden for his remarks on judicial reforms

<p>Barely a day after the deadly Nashville school shooting in the US, a police officer in Huntsville, Alabama lost his life while another remains hospitalised in critical condition while they were responding to a shooting call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two officers from the&nbsp;Huntsville Police Department were responding to a call at 4:45 PM from a woman who said she had been shot. The shooter, a man who had barricaded himself inside an apartment, fired at the officers after they arrived on the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officers were transported to the hospital where one succumbed to the injuries while the other is still battling for life. As for the shooter, the police officers apprehended him a little more than an hour later around 6:20 PM and transported him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a devastating loss for the our department, the Huntsville community and the State of Alabama.&nbsp;We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer's family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice,"&nbsp;Kirk Giles, Huntsville police chief said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities advised the public to avoid the area as there was a heavy police presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family. We are heartbroken. Words cannot express our loss. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community, and we stand united with our police officers and their families in this tragic moment," said&nbsp;Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-months-into-2023-and-9800-killed-in-gun-violence-in-us-576618"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Three months into 2023 and 9,800 killed in gun violence in US</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Nashville?</strong></h2>

<p>A day prior to the Alabama shooting incident,&nbsp;28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a trans person, went on a rampage and killed three children and as many adults after opening fire at The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville, Tennessee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surveillance videos released by the police show Hale wielding the weapons and shooting down glass doors to enter the building. The shooter checks out different rooms before shooting down various hallways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nashville-school-shooting-3-children-3-adults-killed-shooter-dead-576443"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nashville school shooting: 3 children, 3 adults killed, shooter dead</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>US gun violence on a rise</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, in the first three months of 2023 alone, about 9,870 people have been killed in US gun shootings. The average comes down to 114 people being killed daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings into the US gun deaths also reveal that 322 people were killed in officer-involved shootings whereas there have been 344 "unintentional" shootings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Barely a day after the deadly Nashville school shooting in the US, a police officer in Huntsville, Alabama lost his life while another remains hospitalised in critical condition while they were responding to a shooting call.

Barely a day after the deadly Nashville school shooting in the US, a police officer in Huntsville, Alabama lost his life while another remains hospitalised in critical condition while they were responding to a shooting call. The two officers from the Huntsville Police Department were responding to a call at 4:45 PM from a woman who said she had been shot. The shooter, a man who had barricaded himself inside an apartment, fired at the officers after they arrived on the scene. The officers were transported to the hospital where one succumbed to the injuries while the other is still battling for life. As for the shooter, the police officers apprehended him a little more than an hour later around 6:20 PM and transported him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. "This is a devastating loss for the our department, the Huntsville community and the State of Alabama. We send our heartfelt condolences to the officer's family as they mourn their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice," Kirk Giles, Huntsville police chief said in a statement. The authorities advised the public to avoid the area as there was a heavy police presence. "This is a painful night for the City of Huntsville and for our police family. We are heartbroken. Words cannot express our loss. We have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community, and we stand united with our police officers and their families in this tragic moment," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. ALSO READ | Three months into 2023 and 9,800 killed in gun violence in US What happened in Nashville? A day prior to the Alabama shooting incident, 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a trans person, went on a rampage and killed three children and as many adults after opening fire at The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville, Tennessee. Surveillance videos released by the police show Hale wielding the weapons and shooting down glass doors to enter the building. The shooter checks out different rooms before shooting down various hallways. As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house. WATCH | Nashville school shooting: 3 children, 3 adults killed, shooter dead × US gun violence on a rise According to reports, in the first three months of 2023 alone, about 9,870 people have been killed in US gun shootings. The average comes down to 114 people being killed daily. The findings into the US gun deaths also reveal that 322 people were killed in officer-involved shootings whereas there have been 344 "unintentional" shootings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

No letup in US gun violence: 1 police officer shot dead, 1 critically injured in Alabama

<p>Nashville resident Audrey Hale, a trans person, has been identified as the prime suspect of the shooting at The Covenant School that killed three children and three adults. The shooter&nbsp;had no previous criminal record before going on the killing rampage. In other news, a new study has revealed that China spent a whopping $240 billion to bail out countries who&nbsp;have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trans-man-identified-as-nashville-school-shooting-suspect-detailed-maps-manifesto-found-at-shooters-house-576418"><strong>Trans man identified as Nashville school shooting suspect; detailed maps, 'manifesto' found at shooter's house</strong></a></p>

<p>Nashville police have identified a trans person as the shooter behind America's latest school shooting attack that killed three children and three adults at a Nashville-based educational institution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/28/341457-new-wion-2023-03-28t042130564.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-spent-240-billion-bailing-out-countries-who-have-taken-belt-and-road-loan-report-576440"><strong>China spent $240 billion bailing out countries who have taken Belt and Road loan: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>From 2008 to 2021, China spent around $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries who have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects, a study has revealed.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/28/341478-china-1.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paranoid-kim-jong-un-orders-increase-in-production-of-weapons-grade-nuclear-materials-576427"><strong>Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials</strong></a></p>

<p>North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials to stockpile the arsenal, according to state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/28/321462-untitled-design-2022-12-28t125623689.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-rejects-russian-resolution-demanding-probe-into-nord-stream-blast-576420"><strong>UNSC rejects Russian resolution demanding probe into Nord Stream blast</strong></a></p>

<p>The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday rejected Russia's resolution calling for an independent inquiry into last year's sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/28/341458-new-wion-2023-03-28t051651679.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-protests-netanyahu-pauses-judicial-reform-until-next-parliament-session-576431"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel protests: Netanyahu pauses judicial reform until next parliament session</strong></a></p>

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Nashville resident Audrey Hale, a trans person, has been identified as the prime suspect of the shooting at The Covenant School that killed three children and three adults.

Nashville resident Audrey Hale, a trans person, has been identified as the prime suspect of the shooting at The Covenant School that killed three children and three adults. The shooter had no previous criminal record before going on the killing rampage. In other news, a new study has revealed that China spent a whopping $240 billion to bail out countries who have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects. Click on headlines to read more: Trans man identified as Nashville school shooting suspect; detailed maps, 'manifesto' found at shooter's house Nashville police have identified a trans person as the shooter behind America's latest school shooting attack that killed three children and three adults at a Nashville-based educational institution. China spent $240 billion bailing out countries who have taken Belt and Road loan: Report From 2008 to 2021, China spent around $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries who have struggled to repay loans taken for the Belt and Road infrastructure projects, a study has revealed. Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials to stockpile the arsenal, according to state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). UNSC rejects Russian resolution demanding probe into Nord Stream blast The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday rejected Russia's resolution calling for an independent inquiry into last year's sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. WATCH | Israel protests: Netanyahu pauses judicial reform until next parliament session ×

Morning news brief: Nashville shooter a trans person, China spent $240bn bailing countries and more

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<p>A survivor of last year's Highland Park parade mass attack interrupted the television coverage of a network on Monday in the aftermath of the deadly Nashville school shooting. The woman identified as an activist named Ashbey Beasley went up to the mics and camera and demanded the lawmakers pass gun control legislation while asking if the media was not tired of covering the shootings.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Highland Park shooting took place in the US state of Illinois on July 4, 2022, and left seven people dead.&nbsp;Beasley said she was in&nbsp;Tennessee on a holiday when the shooting took place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Aren't you guys tired of covering this?" said Beasley. "How is this still happening? How are our children still dying and why are we failing them? Gun violence is the number one killer of children and teens. It has overtaken cars."</p>

<p>"I have been lobbying in DC since we survived a mass shooting in July. I have met with over 130 lawmakers. How is this still happening? How are our children still dying and why are we still failing them?" she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“How is this still happening? How are our children still dying and why are we failing them?”<br />
<br />
— Ashbey Beasley, who says she survived the Highland Park mass shooting with her son last July 4th, makes a passionate case for gun control following The Covenant School mass shooting <a href="https://t.co/8hiSe9FIg2">pic.twitter.com/8hiSe9FIg2</a></p>
— The Recount (@therecount) <a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1640412647911743488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nashville-school-shooting-3-children-3-adults-killed-shooter-dead-576443"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nashville school shooting: 3 children, 3 adults killed, shooter dead</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What happened in Nashville?</strong></h2>

<p>The authorities informed that 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale has been identified as the shooter who killed three children and adults after opening fire at The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hale, a transgender person, wearing a black vest over a white T-shirt, camouflage pants and a backward red baseball cap was armed with at least two assault weapons and a handgun when carrying out the shooting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nashville-shooting-live-updates-three-children-among-six-killed-suspect-fatally-shot-576468" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Nashville shooting Live updates | Three children among six killed; suspect fatally shot</strong></a></p>

<p>Surveillance videos released by the police show Hale wielding the weapons and shooting down glass doors to enter the building. The shooter checks out different rooms before shooting down various hallways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine-year-olds Evely Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill have been identified as the victims of the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-nashville-shooting-suspect-seen-driving-down-to-school-shooting-down-doors-576454" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Nashville shooting suspect seen driving down to school, shooting down doors</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>


A survivor of last year's Highland Park parade mass attack interrupted the television coverage of a network on Monday in the aftermath of the deadly Nashville school shooting.

A survivor of last year's Highland Park parade mass attack interrupted the television coverage of a network on Monday in the aftermath of the deadly Nashville school shooting. The woman identified as an activist named Ashbey Beasley went up to the mics and camera and demanded the lawmakers pass gun control legislation while asking if the media was not tired of covering the shootings. The Highland Park shooting took place in the US state of Illinois on July 4, 2022, and left seven people dead. Beasley said she was in Tennessee on a holiday when the shooting took place. "Aren't you guys tired of covering this?" said Beasley. "How is this still happening? How are our children still dying and why are we failing them? Gun violence is the number one killer of children and teens. It has overtaken cars." "I have been lobbying in DC since we survived a mass shooting in July. I have met with over 130 lawmakers. How is this still happening? How are our children still dying and why are we still failing them?" she added. “How is this still happening? How are our children still dying and why are we failing them?” — Ashbey Beasley, who says she survived the Highland Park mass shooting with her son last July 4th, makes a passionate case for gun control following The Covenant School mass shooting pic.twitter.com/8hiSe9FIg2 — The Recount (@therecount) March 27, 2023 × WATCH | Nashville school shooting: 3 children, 3 adults killed, shooter dead × What happened in Nashville? The authorities informed that 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale has been identified as the shooter who killed three children and adults after opening fire at The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville. Hale, a transgender person, wearing a black vest over a white T-shirt, camouflage pants and a backward red baseball cap was armed with at least two assault weapons and a handgun when carrying out the shooting. ALSO READ | Nashville shooting Live updates | Three children among six killed; suspect fatally shot Surveillance videos released by the police show Hale wielding the weapons and shooting down glass doors to enter the building. The shooter checks out different rooms before shooting down various hallways. Nine-year-olds Evely Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill have been identified as the victims of the attack. As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house. WATCH | Nashville shooting suspect seen driving down to school, shooting down doors (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Aren't you guys tired..': Survivor questions after deadly Nashville shooting

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<p>In the aftermath of the deadly Nashville shooting where six people were killed including three nine-year-olds, a section of the US media is trying to conjure a connection to transgender activism. As per claims made in these reports, the shooting carried out by 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a transgender person, took place days ahead of the so-called 'Trans Day of Vengeance', which was purported to be held on March 31-April 1.</p>

<p>The reports are referring to websites and Twitter posts of a so-called Trans Radical Activist Network (TRAN), which appears to have made a call-to-action to 'end trans genocide'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tsukuru Fors, the co-founder of TRAN in an interview stated that this year, the 'Trans Day of Visibility' had been given an altered moniker of&nbsp;'Trans Day of Vengeance' because 'visibility' alone was no longer enough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are calling for Trans Day of Vengeance. Vengeance means fighting back with vehemence. It is our battle cry to declare to the world that we the transgender/non-binary communities will neither be silenced nor eradicated. And we are calling to our allies, members of other marginalised communities to make themselves known and to fight with us,"&nbsp;Fors was quoted as saying by Struggle La Lucha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some reports also claimed that the group was raising money for firearms training for the group members.&nbsp;The Twitter handle of the account has been locked with tweets only visible to the followers.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Much of this reporting is coming from right-wing media outlets in the US.&nbsp;It is not clear if Hale was in any way associated with the movement or inspired by the call-to-action.</p>

<p>But news agencies have reported citing police that the gender identity of the shooter is one of the issues being looked into as a possible motive for the crime.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nashville-shooting-live-updates-three-children-among-six-killed-suspect-fatally-shot-576468" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Nashville shooting Live updates | Three children among six killed; suspect fatally shot</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Shooter's manifesto</strong></p>

<p>As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house.</p>

<p>Nashville Chief of Police John Drake informed that there were going to be shootings at multiple locations, with the school being one of them, according to the initial reading of the recovered manifesto.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date. We have a map drawn out of how this was all gonna take place. We know there were two AR-style weapons. One a rifle, another was an AR-style pistol, and the other was a handgun. We believe two of those may have been obtained legally, locally,” the police chief told the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What happened in Nashville?</strong></p>

<p>Surveillance footage shows Hale, a former student of The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville driving&nbsp;a Honda car to the school on Monday before shooting the glass entrances using the assault weapon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wearing a black vest over a white T-shirt, camouflage pants and a backward red baseball cap, Hale checks out different rooms before shooting down various hallways.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nashville-school-shooting-3-children-3-adults-killed-shooter-dead-576443"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nashville school shooting: 3 children, 3 adults killed, shooter dead</strong></a></p>

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<p>According to&nbsp;a press release from&nbsp;the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers Rex Englebert and Michael Collazo, shot down Hale on the second floor in the&nbsp;common area of the school. The shooter had been opening fire through a window at arriving police cars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine-year-olds Evely Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill have been identified as the victims of the attack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>


In the aftermath of the deadly Nashville shooting where six people were killed including three nine-year-olds, a section of the US media is trying to conjure a connection to transgender activism.

In the aftermath of the deadly Nashville shooting where six people were killed including three nine-year-olds, a section of the US media is trying to conjure a connection to transgender activism. As per claims made in these reports, the shooting carried out by 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a transgender person, took place days ahead of the so-called 'Trans Day of Vengeance', which was purported to be held on March 31-April 1. The reports are referring to websites and Twitter posts of a so-called Trans Radical Activist Network (TRAN), which appears to have made a call-to-action to 'end trans genocide'. Tsukuru Fors, the co-founder of TRAN in an interview stated that this year, the 'Trans Day of Visibility' had been given an altered moniker of 'Trans Day of Vengeance' because 'visibility' alone was no longer enough. "We are calling for Trans Day of Vengeance. Vengeance means fighting back with vehemence. It is our battle cry to declare to the world that we the transgender/non-binary communities will neither be silenced nor eradicated. And we are calling to our allies, members of other marginalised communities to make themselves known and to fight with us," Fors was quoted as saying by Struggle La Lucha. Some reports also claimed that the group was raising money for firearms training for the group members. The Twitter handle of the account has been locked with tweets only visible to the followers. Much of this reporting is coming from right-wing media outlets in the US. It is not clear if Hale was in any way associated with the movement or inspired by the call-to-action. But news agencies have reported citing police that the gender identity of the shooter is one of the issues being looked into as a possible motive for the crime. ALSO READ | Nashville shooting Live updates | Three children among six killed; suspect fatally shot Shooter's manifesto As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house. Nashville Chief of Police John Drake informed that there were going to be shootings at multiple locations, with the school being one of them, according to the initial reading of the recovered manifesto. “We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date. We have a map drawn out of how this was all gonna take place. We know there were two AR-style weapons. One a rifle, another was an AR-style pistol, and the other was a handgun. We believe two of those may have been obtained legally, locally,” the police chief told the media. What happened in Nashville? Surveillance footage shows Hale, a former student of The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville driving a Honda car to the school on Monday before shooting the glass entrances using the assault weapon. Wearing a black vest over a white T-shirt, camouflage pants and a backward red baseball cap, Hale checks out different rooms before shooting down various hallways. WATCH | Nashville school shooting: 3 children, 3 adults killed, shooter dead × According to a press release from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers Rex Englebert and Michael Collazo, shot down Hale on the second floor in the common area of the school. The shooter had been opening fire through a window at arriving police cars. Nine-year-olds Evely Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill have been identified as the victims of the attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How some US media reports are trying to link Nashville shooting to so-called 'radical transgender activists'

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<p>Clearview AI, a facial recognition company that has over 30 billion images scraped without consent from social media platforms has made a startling admission. The company admitted that it has run nearly a million searches for the US police, according to a BBC report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication interviewed CEO Hoan Ton-That who admitted to the number. Similarly, Miami Police confirmed that the department had been using the software for every type of crime.</p>

<p>Clearview allows law enforcement officers to upload a photo of the face which is then matched with the database of billions of images. Considered one of the most powerful and accurate face recognition companies, Clearview's AI then provides links to the matching images, rather instantly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Miami's Assistant Chief of Police Armando Aguilar conceded that his troops used the tool over 450 times a year but only relied to put a face on the accused - often reverting to old-fashioned police work to nab the culprit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't make an arrest because an algorithm tells us to. We either put that name in a photographic line-up or we go about solving the case through traditional means," said Aguilar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite US cities like Seattle, San Franciso and Portland banning the use of the surveillance software, the sheer number of search requests suggests that far more cities and their police departments were availing the services.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/italy-bans-facial-recognition-tech-use-limited-to-fighting-crime-534265"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Italy bans facial recognition tech, restricts use to fighting crime</strong></a></p>

<p>The detractors of the service argue that the mega collection of photos and the indiscriminate use by the law authorities keeps everyone in a 'perpetual police setup' - akin to the dystopia of a censored state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, there have been reports suggesting that AI has mistaken the identity of individuals, In several cases, the wrong person has been charged or arrested - leading to aspersions being cast over the efficiency of Clearview's AI software.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-italy-outlaws-facial-recognition-tech-using-biometric-data-534266"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;World Business Watch: Italy outlaws facial recognition tech using biometric data</strong></a></p>

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<p>When quizzed if&nbsp;Ton-That will be willing to get his software tested in front of a court for its accuracy, the CEO replied in negative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't really want to be in court testifying about the accuracy of the algorithm...because the investigators, they're using other methods to also verify it."</p>

<p>The US-based company is banned from selling its services to private companies after&nbsp;American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) took it to court for breaking privacy laws. However, it continues to provide services to law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Clearview AI, a facial recognition company that has over 30 billion images scraped without consent from social media platforms has made a startling admission. The company admitted that it has run nearly a million searches for the US police, according to a BBC report.

Clearview AI, a facial recognition company that has over 30 billion images scraped without consent from social media platforms has made a startling admission. The company admitted that it has run nearly a million searches for the US police, according to a BBC report. The publication interviewed CEO Hoan Ton-That who admitted to the number. Similarly, Miami Police confirmed that the department had been using the software for every type of crime. Clearview allows law enforcement officers to upload a photo of the face which is then matched with the database of billions of images. Considered one of the most powerful and accurate face recognition companies, Clearview's AI then provides links to the matching images, rather instantly. Miami's Assistant Chief of Police Armando Aguilar conceded that his troops used the tool over 450 times a year but only relied to put a face on the accused - often reverting to old-fashioned police work to nab the culprit. "We don't make an arrest because an algorithm tells us to. We either put that name in a photographic line-up or we go about solving the case through traditional means," said Aguilar. Despite US cities like Seattle, San Franciso and Portland banning the use of the surveillance software, the sheer number of search requests suggests that far more cities and their police departments were availing the services. ALSO READ | Italy bans facial recognition tech, restricts use to fighting crime The detractors of the service argue that the mega collection of photos and the indiscriminate use by the law authorities keeps everyone in a 'perpetual police setup' - akin to the dystopia of a censored state. Moreover, there have been reports suggesting that AI has mistaken the identity of individuals, In several cases, the wrong person has been charged or arrested - leading to aspersions being cast over the efficiency of Clearview's AI software. WATCH | World Business Watch: Italy outlaws facial recognition tech using biometric data × When quizzed if Ton-That will be willing to get his software tested in front of a court for its accuracy, the CEO replied in negative. "We don't really want to be in court testifying about the accuracy of the algorithm...because the investigators, they're using other methods to also verify it." The US-based company is banned from selling its services to private companies after American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) took it to court for breaking privacy laws. However, it continues to provide services to law enforcement agencies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US police used Clearview facial recognition software over one million times: Report

<p>As the controversy surrounding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Indian parliament gains pace, the US has also chimed in with a response.&nbsp;Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson on Monday said Washington was 'watching' the developments unfolding in the court case concerning Gandhi.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel interspersed his comments with the routine drizzling of 'protection of human rights' and 'democratic principles'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When quizzed by the reporter if the United States was actively engaging with India regarding the matter as well as Gandhi - the opposition leader, Patel said:</p>

<p>"I don't have any specific engagements to read out.&nbsp;But as I'm sure you know as someone who's covered this department for some time, it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships. But I don't have any specific engagement to read out."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values", US state dept on Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/pQb2b6bRqY">https://t.co/pQb2b6bRqY</a> <a href="https://t.co/zUxk33csVy">pic.twitter.com/zUxk33csVy</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1640545983179407363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-will-continue-to-raise-questions-over-tycoon-adani-575706"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-adjourned-after-raucous-protests-by-opposition-over-rahul-gandhis-expulsion-576211#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>Netizens did not take kindly to Patel's statement after it went viral on social media platforms, calling it an attempt to interfere in Indian politics. One tweeted, 'Keep watching only thing you can do', while another added, '"And we will try to lecture them on democracy, completely ignoring the fact that we ourselves support military dictatorship and thrown democratically elected government in the past" -- they forgot to add this."</p>

<h2>What happened with Rahul Gandhi?</h2>

<p>Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat&nbsp;convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader&nbsp;in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-convicted-in-2019-modi-surname-defamation-case-gets-two-year-jail-term-574899"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term</strong></a></p>

<p>After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the&nbsp;Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the opposition has been up in arms about the issue, calling the disqualification unjust. The Indian parliament and its both houses were adjourned on Monday after the opposition took a collective stance and protested the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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As the controversy surrounding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Indian parliament gains pace, the US has also chimed in with a response. Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson on Monday said Washington was 'watching' the developments unfolding in the court case concerning Gandhi.

As the controversy surrounding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Indian parliament gains pace, the US has also chimed in with a response. Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson on Monday said Washington was 'watching' the developments unfolding in the court case concerning Gandhi. Patel interspersed his comments with the routine drizzling of 'protection of human rights' and 'democratic principles'. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Patel. When quizzed by the reporter if the United States was actively engaging with India regarding the matter as well as Gandhi - the opposition leader, Patel said: "I don't have any specific engagements to read out. But as I'm sure you know as someone who's covered this department for some time, it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships. But I don't have any specific engagement to read out." "Watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values", US state dept on Rahul Gandhi https://t.co/pQb2b6bRqY pic.twitter.com/zUxk33csVy — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 28, 2023 × WATCH | Rahul Gandhi: Will continue to raise questions over tycoon Adani × Netizens did not take kindly to Patel's statement after it went viral on social media platforms, calling it an attempt to interfere in Indian politics. One tweeted, 'Keep watching only thing you can do', while another added, '"And we will try to lecture them on democracy, completely ignoring the fact that we ourselves support military dictatorship and thrown democratically elected government in the past" -- they forgot to add this." What happened with Rahul Gandhi? Last week, a city court in the western Indian state of Gujarat convicted the Indian National Congress (INC) leader in a criminal defamation case for his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. The court sentenced Gandhi to two years in jail while imposing a fine of Rs 15,000 ($183), under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation). ALSO READ | India: Rahul Gandhi convicted in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case, gets two-year jail term After an appeal, his sentence was suspended and bail granted to move an appeal against the conviction in under 30 days. However, the very next day, the Indian parliament disqualified the Indian MP from Wayanad - a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Since then, the opposition has been up in arms about the issue, calling the disqualification unjust. The Indian parliament and its both houses were adjourned on Monday after the opposition took a collective stance and protested the move. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We are watching...': US state department on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Indian parliament

<p>Days after&nbsp;TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was grilled before a Congressional committee in Washington, the lawmakers have said they are moving forward with the plan to impose a nationwide ban&nbsp;on the short-video platform, according to The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kevin McCarthy, the US House of Representatives speaker said the lawmakers were moving ahead to address the national security concerns posed by the app, alleging that the Chinese government had access to users' data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party,” tweeted&nbsp;McCarthy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the legislation has largely received bipartisan support, Democrat leader&nbsp;Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to TikTok to post a lengthy monologue where she protested against the ban saying it was an 'unprecedented' move in the history of the United States.</p>

<p>Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-says-disappointed-over-the-ban-in-us-545332"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-banned-on-all-federal-government-devices-in-the-us-548235#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hearing last Thursday,&nbsp;the committee members asked Shou how frequently he was in contact with the Chinese government. The lawmakers also questioned whether TikTok's&nbsp;proposed solution, called Project Texas, would offer sufficient protection against the Chinese laws under which Chinese companies&nbsp;make user data accessible to the CCP government.</p>

<p>Shou responded that TikTok is global in nature, and headquartered in Singapore and Los Angeles, and not available in mainland China. According to reports, TikTok has spent more than&nbsp;&nbsp;$1.5 billion&nbsp;on data security efforts under 'Project Texas' to satisfy the US government's concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ceo-grilled-he-are-key-takeaways-from-shou-zi-chews-congress-hearing-575222"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;TikTok CEO grilled: Here are key takeaways from Shou Zi Chew’s Congress hearing</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the lawmakers appear to be unmoved. Last year in December,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray informed the&nbsp;House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Days after TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was grilled before a Congressional committee in Washington, the lawmakers have said they are moving forward with the plan to impose a nationwide ban on the short-video platform, according to The Guardian.

Days after TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was grilled before a Congressional committee in Washington, the lawmakers have said they are moving forward with the plan to impose a nationwide ban on the short-video platform, according to The Guardian. Kevin McCarthy, the US House of Representatives speaker said the lawmakers were moving ahead to address the national security concerns posed by the app, alleging that the Chinese government had access to users' data. “The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party,” tweeted McCarthy. While the legislation has largely received bipartisan support, Democrat leader Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to TikTok to post a lengthy monologue where she protested against the ban saying it was an 'unprecedented' move in the history of the United States. Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned. WATCH | TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US × The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns. During the hearing last Thursday, the committee members asked Shou how frequently he was in contact with the Chinese government. The lawmakers also questioned whether TikTok's proposed solution, called Project Texas, would offer sufficient protection against the Chinese laws under which Chinese companies make user data accessible to the CCP government. Shou responded that TikTok is global in nature, and headquartered in Singapore and Los Angeles, and not available in mainland China. According to reports, TikTok has spent more than $1.5 billion on data security efforts under 'Project Texas' to satisfy the US government's concerns. ALSO READ | TikTok CEO grilled: Here are key takeaways from Shou Zi Chew’s Congress hearing However, the lawmakers appear to be unmoved. Last year in December, the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray informed the House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US lawmakers to go ahead with the proposal banning TikTok use nationwide

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