<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidEDnbkI0QM2Dr" /><meta charset="utf-8" />In the latest string of missile launches, North Korea on Monday fired two short-range missiles towards the East Sea, informed the South Korean military. The launch of the missiles comes in the backdrop of Seoul and Washington having wrapped their largest combined military exercise while carrying out a joint amphibious landing exercise currently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our military detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired from around Junghwa area in North Hwanghae province from 07:47 AM&nbsp;(2247 GMT) towards the East Sea," said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the South Korean military had upped its surveillance and vigilance against the hostile neighbour while maintaining close cooperation with its ally, the USA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan's defence ministry corroborated the claims made and added that the two missiles took an irregular trajectory after the firing and landed just outside the country's exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korean missile could hit US&nbsp;in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US&nbsp;missile defence</strong></p>

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<p>US and S Korea kicked off the biggest military drill in the past five years on March 13. The drill lasted 10 days and concluded last Thursday. However, a miffed N Korea managed to conduct multiple missile launches throughout, including the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>N Korea's leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;said the country should be ready to launch nuclear attacks at any time to deter war. He went on to slam the US and South Korea for expanding military ties involving American nuclear assets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kim-jong-uns-daughter-wears-christian-diors-2800-jacket-at-missile-launch-claims-s-korean-media-575421" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Kim Jong Un's daughter wears Christian Dior's $2,800 jacket at missile launch, claims S Korean media</strong></a></p>

<p>Last year, the 'Hermit kingdom' fired a record number of ballistic missiles, comfortably overtaking its combined tally of four and eight missiles tested in 2020 and 2021 respectively. N Korea even broke all records when it fired as many as 23 missiles in a single day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>


In the latest string of missile launches, North Korea on Monday fired two short-range missiles towards the East Sea, informed the South Korean military. The launch of the missiles comes in the backdrop of Seoul and Washington having wrapped their largest combined military exercise while carrying out a joint amphibious landing exercise currently.

In the latest string of missile launches, North Korea on Monday fired two short-range missiles towards the East Sea, informed the South Korean military. The launch of the missiles comes in the backdrop of Seoul and Washington having wrapped their largest combined military exercise while carrying out a joint amphibious landing exercise currently. "Our military detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired from around Junghwa area in North Hwanghae province from 07:47 AM (2247 GMT) towards the East Sea," said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). It added that the South Korean military had upped its surveillance and vigilance against the hostile neighbour while maintaining close cooperation with its ally, the USA. Japan's defence ministry corroborated the claims made and added that the two missiles took an irregular trajectory after the firing and landed just outside the country's exclusive economic zone. ALSO WATCH | North Korean missile could hit US in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US missile defence US and S Korea kicked off the biggest military drill in the past five years on March 13. The drill lasted 10 days and concluded last Thursday. However, a miffed N Korea managed to conduct multiple missile launches throughout, including the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. N Korea's leader Kim Jong Un said the country should be ready to launch nuclear attacks at any time to deter war. He went on to slam the US and South Korea for expanding military ties involving American nuclear assets. ALSO READ | Kim Jong Un's daughter wears Christian Dior's $2,800 jacket at missile launch, claims S Korean media Last year, the 'Hermit kingdom' fired a record number of ballistic missiles, comfortably overtaking its combined tally of four and eight missiles tested in 2020 and 2021 respectively. N Korea even broke all records when it fired as many as 23 missiles in a single day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korea fires two short-range missiles, antagonised by US-South Korea military drills

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<p>A man in the US aboard a Delta Air Lines passenger plane was arrested after opening one of the aircraft's doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide. The incident transpired on Saturday when Delta Flight 1714 was preparing for takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Seattle, according to the local authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Los Angeles Airport Police in its report stated that an unidentified passenger wearing a striped sweater and black pants rushed to the flight attendant as the plane was pushing towards the runway. Taking a brief halt, the passenger asked the flight attendant, "what do I do now?"</p>

<p>When told to go back and sit on the seat, the passenger ran from the attendant and went straight to the plane's emergency exit doors. Before any of the attendants could stop him, the passenger opened the emergency gate by turning the latch, activating the plane's emergency slide in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plane was immediately stopped by the pilots as the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart.&nbsp;The Delta staff initially nabbed the passenger before handing him over to the LAX Police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-injured-after-severe-turbulence-hits-lufthansa-flight-going-from-texas-to-germany-567543" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Lufthansa flight makes emergency landing after lightning strike, several injured post severe turbulence</strong></a></p>

<p>"Delta flight 1714 operating from Los Angeles to Seattle returned to the gate due to an unruly passenger. The aircraft was holding to taxi for takeoff when the passenger exited the aircraft and was initially detained by Delta staff ahead of being arrested by local law enforcement," read a statement released by the airline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports the passenger has&nbsp;been taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was notified about the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Airport Police responded and detained the passenger for further investigation. Due to the circumstances, FBI was notified," LAX Police was quoted as saying by Fox News.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-business-news-us-company-debuts-all-electric-aircraft-520425"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Business News | US company debuts all-electric aircraft</strong></a></p>

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<p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement and apologised for the inconvenience whilst adding that the rest of the passengers were escorted and moved to a new plane.</p>

<p>“Customers are being re-accommodated on a new aircraft and we apologise for the inconvenience and delay in their travel plans," read the statement.</p>

<p>In the end, the flight was delayed more than three hours due to the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A man in the US aboard a Delta Air Lines passenger plane was arrested after opening one of the aircraft's doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide. The incident transpired on Saturday when Delta Flight 1714 was preparing for takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Seattle, according to the local authorities.

A man in the US aboard a Delta Air Lines passenger plane was arrested after opening one of the aircraft's doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide. The incident transpired on Saturday when Delta Flight 1714 was preparing for takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Seattle, according to the local authorities. Los Angeles Airport Police in its report stated that an unidentified passenger wearing a striped sweater and black pants rushed to the flight attendant as the plane was pushing towards the runway. Taking a brief halt, the passenger asked the flight attendant, "what do I do now?" When told to go back and sit on the seat, the passenger ran from the attendant and went straight to the plane's emergency exit doors. Before any of the attendants could stop him, the passenger opened the emergency gate by turning the latch, activating the plane's emergency slide in the process. The plane was immediately stopped by the pilots as the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart. The Delta staff initially nabbed the passenger before handing him over to the LAX Police. ALSO READ | Lufthansa flight makes emergency landing after lightning strike, several injured post severe turbulence "Delta flight 1714 operating from Los Angeles to Seattle returned to the gate due to an unruly passenger. The aircraft was holding to taxi for takeoff when the passenger exited the aircraft and was initially detained by Delta staff ahead of being arrested by local law enforcement," read a statement released by the airline. According to reports the passenger has been taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was notified about the accident. "Airport Police responded and detained the passenger for further investigation. Due to the circumstances, FBI was notified," LAX Police was quoted as saying by Fox News. WATCH | WION Business News | US company debuts all-electric aircraft × The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement and apologised for the inconvenience whilst adding that the rest of the passengers were escorted and moved to a new plane. “Customers are being re-accommodated on a new aircraft and we apologise for the inconvenience and delay in their travel plans," read the statement. In the end, the flight was delayed more than three hours due to the incident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport

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<p>A new report has shown that the number of attempts to ban books at US schools and public libraries reached a record high in 2022. The American Library Association (ALA) released the damning report on Thursday stating more than 1,200 challenges were raised to ban books which was nearly double the figure achieved in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outrage regarding the political discourse had translated into books and literature feeling the heat of it. ALA, which started record keeping of the challenges 20 years ago stated that while most requests earlier used to be raised by parents and community members to remove a particular book, the trend had changed significantly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report noted that influential conservative groups were batting for the removal of multiple books nowadays. Most books containing LGBTQIA themes or racial undertones were targetted in the censorship drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-critics-slam-alterations-to-roald-dahl-books-566596"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Critics slam alterations to Roald Dahl books</strong></a></p>

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<p>"Of those titles, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA community and people of colour. Overwhelmingly, we're seeing these challenges come from organised censorship groups that target local library board meetings to demand removal of a long list of books they share on social media," said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom</p>

<p>In total, 2,500 books were objected and requested to be banned in 2022 while the number stood at 1,858 in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anne-franks-diary-bible-and-several-other-books-pulled-from-the-shelves-in-texas-507899" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Bible, Anne Frank's diary, and several other books pulled from the shelves in Texas</strong></a></p>

<p>The NGO added that the vast majority (86 per cent) of books targetted were children's books while 58 per cent were books taught or available at schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Florida’s Martin County school district removed as many as 100 books from the school shelves which included popular titles such as Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Beloved” and James Patterson’s “Maximum Ride” thrillers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, the banning of books reflects a growing challenge in the US where the divide between Red and Blue ideologies has&nbsp;spilled over to academia as well as school education.&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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A new report has shown that the number of attempts to ban books at US schools and public libraries reached a record high in 2022. The American Library Association (ALA) released the damning report on Thursday stating more than 1,200 challenges were raised to ban books which was nearly double the figure achieved in 2021.

A new report has shown that the number of attempts to ban books at US schools and public libraries reached a record high in 2022. The American Library Association (ALA) released the damning report on Thursday stating more than 1,200 challenges were raised to ban books which was nearly double the figure achieved in 2021. The outrage regarding the political discourse had translated into books and literature feeling the heat of it. ALA, which started record keeping of the challenges 20 years ago stated that while most requests earlier used to be raised by parents and community members to remove a particular book, the trend had changed significantly. The report noted that influential conservative groups were batting for the removal of multiple books nowadays. Most books containing LGBTQIA themes or racial undertones were targetted in the censorship drive. WATCH | Gravitas: Critics slam alterations to Roald Dahl books × "Of those titles, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA community and people of colour. Overwhelmingly, we're seeing these challenges come from organised censorship groups that target local library board meetings to demand removal of a long list of books they share on social media," said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom In total, 2,500 books were objected and requested to be banned in 2022 while the number stood at 1,858 in 2021. ALSO READ | Bible, Anne Frank's diary, and several other books pulled from the shelves in Texas The NGO added that the vast majority (86 per cent) of books targetted were children's books while 58 per cent were books taught or available at schools. Earlier this month, Florida’s Martin County school district removed as many as 100 books from the school shelves which included popular titles such as Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Beloved” and James Patterson’s “Maximum Ride” thrillers. According to experts, the banning of books reflects a growing challenge in the US where the divide between Red and Blue ideologies has spilled over to academia as well as school education. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Record number of book ban attempts registered in the US in 2022: Report

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<p>Slaying elevated inflation and combating a financial crisis - that's the challenge keeping the US Federal Reserve and other central bankers on their toes.</p>

<p>Both these issues are not new. But what happens when they need to be addressed at the same time? Is there a playbook that central banks can turn to?</p>

<p>Former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker slayed inflation, and Ben Bernanke saved the banks, but can current Chief Jerome Powell do both?</p>

<p>Well, that is the need of the hour.</p>

<p>The current banking crisis threatens financial stability, while inflation threatens to push ahead. And that is not restricted to the confines of the US but risks spreading beyond its borders.</p>

<p>At first glance, the Fed under Powell's leadership and other major central banks continued this week with the same policy they have had in place for the past year, which is to raise interest rates to bring down inflation.</p>

<p>In reality, however, everything is different now that a series of bank failures has sent tremors through global financial markets. Threats to financial stability were not even on the radar of central bankers until recently.</p>

<p>To hear Powell and his colleagues tell it, avoiding another round of inflation like the one experienced in the 1970s is still job one.</p>

<p>But the signal is shifting that is warranting a policy similar to what Ben Bernanke used during and after the global financial crisis. Bernanke fought off the 2008 crisis by adopting unprecedented methods, including doling out free cash to banks.</p>

<p><strong>Turning for the worse?</strong></p>

<p>After Silicon Valley Bank failed and Credit Suisse was taken over by a shotgun marriage, the Fed only raised interest rates by half as much as was anticipated. The European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank hiked as expected, but they refrained from providing any forward guidance.</p>

<p>The recent wild swings in market bets on policy show that investors, too, are having a hard time figuring this out. After SVB's failure, they shifted from pricing in an aggressive Fed that hikes several more times to pricing in a "we're all doomed" scenario of imminent rate cuts.</p>

<p>Analysts say the core dilemma for policymakers is that prescriptions for controlling prices and boosting banks point in opposite directions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-fed-delivers-25-points-rate-hike-amid-global-banking-turmoil-574818"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US Fed delivers 25 points rate hike amid global banking turmoil</strong></a></p>

<p>According to Ethan Harris, Head of Global Economics Research at Bank of America, "the market is acting as if we're in the midst of a pretty serious crisis."</p>

<p>"It's putting a very high weight on an adverse scenario where you have a big financial event and a very bad economy," added BofA's Harris, who was the former head of research at Lehman Brothers before its collapse in 2008.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/silicon-valley-banks-bankruptcy-faces-challenges-573749"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Silicon Valley Bank's bankruptcy faces challenges</strong></a></p>

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<p>To get inflation down, central banks jack up rates. They give money to struggling lenders and lower the cost of borrowing to avert crises. And the danger is that they end up with the worst of both worlds: a full-blown crisis that triggers a recession.</p>

<p>Then central banks would be forced to abandon the fight against inflation before it was over.</p>

<p>Anna Wong, Chief US economist at Bloomberg, drawing on a study of American banking crises over the last 140 years, said, "the tension between fighting inflation versus preserving financial stability is now more stark than any time in the Fed's history."</p>

<p>The current crisis would have to take a significant turn for the worse," she says referring that tighter credit would take a decent-sized bite out of inflation.</p>

<p>And if that doesn’t happen, "markets will have to revise up their estimates for the Fed’s policy path."</p>

<p>So, what remains to be seen is, have the predictions now turned for the worse, or the better? A softer tone or an aggressive one will define the path the world's largest economy takes.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Slaying elevated inflation and combating a financial crisis - that's the challenge keeping the US Federal Reserve and other central bankers on their toes. Both these issues are not new.

Slaying elevated inflation and combating a financial crisis - that's the challenge keeping the US Federal Reserve and other central bankers on their toes. Both these issues are not new. But what happens when they need to be addressed at the same time? Is there a playbook that central banks can turn to? Former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker slayed inflation, and Ben Bernanke saved the banks, but can current Chief Jerome Powell do both? Well, that is the need of the hour. The current banking crisis threatens financial stability, while inflation threatens to push ahead. And that is not restricted to the confines of the US but risks spreading beyond its borders. At first glance, the Fed under Powell's leadership and other major central banks continued this week with the same policy they have had in place for the past year, which is to raise interest rates to bring down inflation. In reality, however, everything is different now that a series of bank failures has sent tremors through global financial markets. Threats to financial stability were not even on the radar of central bankers until recently. To hear Powell and his colleagues tell it, avoiding another round of inflation like the one experienced in the 1970s is still job one. But the signal is shifting that is warranting a policy similar to what Ben Bernanke used during and after the global financial crisis. Bernanke fought off the 2008 crisis by adopting unprecedented methods, including doling out free cash to banks. Turning for the worse? After Silicon Valley Bank failed and Credit Suisse was taken over by a shotgun marriage, the Fed only raised interest rates by half as much as was anticipated. The European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank hiked as expected, but they refrained from providing any forward guidance. The recent wild swings in market bets on policy show that investors, too, are having a hard time figuring this out. After SVB's failure, they shifted from pricing in an aggressive Fed that hikes several more times to pricing in a "we're all doomed" scenario of imminent rate cuts. Analysts say the core dilemma for policymakers is that prescriptions for controlling prices and boosting banks point in opposite directions. ALSO READ | US Fed delivers 25 points rate hike amid global banking turmoil According to Ethan Harris, Head of Global Economics Research at Bank of America, "the market is acting as if we're in the midst of a pretty serious crisis." "It's putting a very high weight on an adverse scenario where you have a big financial event and a very bad economy," added BofA's Harris, who was the former head of research at Lehman Brothers before its collapse in 2008. WATCH | Silicon Valley Bank's bankruptcy faces challenges × To get inflation down, central banks jack up rates. They give money to struggling lenders and lower the cost of borrowing to avert crises. And the danger is that they end up with the worst of both worlds: a full-blown crisis that triggers a recession. Then central banks would be forced to abandon the fight against inflation before it was over. Anna Wong, Chief US economist at Bloomberg, drawing on a study of American banking crises over the last 140 years, said, "the tension between fighting inflation versus preserving financial stability is now more stark than any time in the Fed's history." The current crisis would have to take a significant turn for the worse," she says referring that tighter credit would take a decent-sized bite out of inflation. And if that doesn’t happen, "markets will have to revise up their estimates for the Fed’s policy path." So, what remains to be seen is, have the predictions now turned for the worse, or the better? A softer tone or an aggressive one will define the path the world's largest economy takes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Analysis: Can the US Fed save banks and fight inflation at the same time?

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<p>Two inmates in the US state of Virginia managed to achieve freedom for a few hours and taste delicious IHOP pancakes before being chauffeured back by the jail authorities. The incident transpired earlier this week in the Newport News Jail Annex when inmates John Garza, 37, and Arley Nemo, 43, took a leaf out of the movie Shawshank Redemption to chart their escape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Newport News Sheriff's Office (NNSO), the inmates using 'primitive tools' managed to dig a hole in their cell wall and later scaled the prison wall to complete a daring escape. During the routine prisoners count check in the evening around 7 PM, the authorities realised that the two inmates were missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rail-services-halted-in-parts-of-the-netherlands-due-to-badgers-burrowing-under-tracks-574531"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Rail services halted in parts of the Netherlands due to badgers burrowing under tracks</strong></a></p>

<p>"The two men began to exploit a construction design weakness utilising primitive-made tools constructed from a toothbrush and metal object," informed the NNSO in a press release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those tools facilitated their access to untied rebars between the walls. Once gaining access to the rebar, they used it to further make their escape."</p>

<p>After escaping the prison, the two made their way to a nearby IHOP, located seven miles away in the town of Hampton. There, the duo opted to have a hearty dinner/breakfast of pancakes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-alarming-rise-of-drug-resistant-fungus-candida-auris-spreads-in-us-574475"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Alarming rise of drug-resistant fungus | Candida Auris spreads in US&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

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<p>After police launched a public campaign to apprehend the two fugitives, they were found sitting at an IHOP table in the 1000 block of Mercury Boulevard at 3:30 AM on Tuesday. According to reports, a private citizen identified the fugitives after watching the news and informed the police. The two surrendered peacefully without any retaliation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Two inmates made their escape from the Newport News Jail Annex on Monday through this hole they made in the wall. They were captured at an IHOP early Tuesday by Hampton Police Dept. officers, thanks to tips from citizens. Latest news release: <a href="https://t.co/NSF4o8Wajd">https://t.co/NSF4o8Wajd</a> <a href="https://t.co/My5TjCh2UM">https://t.co/My5TjCh2UM</a> <a href="https://t.co/tuqNI4WYlw">pic.twitter.com/tuqNI4WYlw</a></p>
— Newport News Sheriff's Office (@NnsoJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NnsoJ/status/1638281520040366088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, Garza had been lodged in prison since December last year on charges of contempt of court, probation violations and failure to appear. Meanwhile, Nemo had a big roster of charges ranging from forgery, possession of burglary tools, and credit card larceny to contempt of court and a probation violation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/megalophobia-activated-giant-whale-sinks-44ft-boat-in-pacific-ocean-574543"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Megalophobia activated: Giant whale sinks 44 ft boat in Pacific Ocean</strong></a></p>

<p>After the arrest, the Sherrif's office said it will not be giving out additional information until the structural weaknesses of the prison were rectified.</p>

<p>“Due to the fact that this weakness presents itself throughout the facility, and until all weaknesses are identified and secured, we will not discuss the situation further for security reasons," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Two inmates in the US state of Virginia managed to achieve freedom for a few hours and taste delicious IHOP pancakes before being chauffeured back by the jail authorities.

Two inmates in the US state of Virginia managed to achieve freedom for a few hours and taste delicious IHOP pancakes before being chauffeured back by the jail authorities. The incident transpired earlier this week in the Newport News Jail Annex when inmates John Garza, 37, and Arley Nemo, 43, took a leaf out of the movie Shawshank Redemption to chart their escape. According to the Newport News Sheriff's Office (NNSO), the inmates using 'primitive tools' managed to dig a hole in their cell wall and later scaled the prison wall to complete a daring escape. During the routine prisoners count check in the evening around 7 PM, the authorities realised that the two inmates were missing. ALSO READ | Rail services halted in parts of the Netherlands due to badgers burrowing under tracks "The two men began to exploit a construction design weakness utilising primitive-made tools constructed from a toothbrush and metal object," informed the NNSO in a press release. "Those tools facilitated their access to untied rebars between the walls. Once gaining access to the rebar, they used it to further make their escape." After escaping the prison, the two made their way to a nearby IHOP, located seven miles away in the town of Hampton. There, the duo opted to have a hearty dinner/breakfast of pancakes. WATCH | Gravitas: Alarming rise of drug-resistant fungus | Candida Auris spreads in US × After police launched a public campaign to apprehend the two fugitives, they were found sitting at an IHOP table in the 1000 block of Mercury Boulevard at 3:30 AM on Tuesday. According to reports, a private citizen identified the fugitives after watching the news and informed the police. The two surrendered peacefully without any retaliation. Two inmates made their escape from the Newport News Jail Annex on Monday through this hole they made in the wall. They were captured at an IHOP early Tuesday by Hampton Police Dept. officers, thanks to tips from citizens. Latest news release: https://t.co/NSF4o8Wajd https://t.co/My5TjCh2UM pic.twitter.com/tuqNI4WYlw — Newport News Sheriff's Office (@NnsoJ) March 21, 2023 × Notably, Garza had been lodged in prison since December last year on charges of contempt of court, probation violations and failure to appear. Meanwhile, Nemo had a big roster of charges ranging from forgery, possession of burglary tools, and credit card larceny to contempt of court and a probation violation. ALSO READ | Megalophobia activated: Giant whale sinks 44 ft boat in Pacific Ocean After the arrest, the Sherrif's office said it will not be giving out additional information until the structural weaknesses of the prison were rectified. “Due to the fact that this weakness presents itself throughout the facility, and until all weaknesses are identified and secured, we will not discuss the situation further for security reasons," read the statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Two Virginia inmates escape prison using toothbrush and metal scoop

Uganda’s anti-gay bill passed on Tuesday is concerning and represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday.

U.S. Lawmakers slam Ugandan Anti-Gay Bill

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<p>The US state of Florida is planning to extend the ban on teaching sexual orientation and gender identity to all school grades. Currently, those studying above third grade are allowed to indulge in such discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new proposal has been put forth by the Florida Department of Education which will not require any legislative approval. Once passed, the ban would extend through the 12th grade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposal received almost immediate criticism with the White House slamming the decision, calling it 'completely, utterly wrong'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Make no mistake: This is a part of a disturbing and dangerous trend that we're seeing across the country of legislations that are anti-LGBTQI+, anti-trans," said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-governor-ron-desantis-condemns-woke-ideology-of-democrat-leaders-568983"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Florida governor Ron DeSantis condemns 'woke ideology' of Democrat leaders</strong></a></p>

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<p>Democrats, for long, have called the passing of the legislation immoral and dubbed it as the 'Don't say gay' bill, contrary to its formal name 'Florida Parental Rights in Education Act'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law, as the name suggests, claims to give parents more control over their children's education and limit the influence of schools and teachers in certain areas. Signed by DeSantis himself, the Parental Rights in Education banned classroom discussions on gay or transgender people for students in third grade or younger.</p>

<p>"Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards," reads the law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--ron-desantis-takes-control-of-disneys-self-governing-district-in-florida-amid-dont-say-gay-row-566819" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Explained | Ron DeSantis takes control of Disney's self-governing district in Florida amid 'Don't Say Gay' row</strong></a></p>

<p>The proposed rule change comes in the backdrop of Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis attempting to secure the party's nomination for the 2024 presidential election. DeSantis is engaged in a battle with former US president Donald Trump for the nomination.</p>

<p>The Conservatives have lapped up DeSantis' cracking of the whip against 'woke' agendas and extending the rule may help him gain more votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US state of Florida is planning to extend the ban on teaching sexual orientation and gender identity to all school grades. Currently, those studying above third grade are allowed to indulge in such discussions.

The US state of Florida is planning to extend the ban on teaching sexual orientation and gender identity to all school grades. Currently, those studying above third grade are allowed to indulge in such discussions. The new proposal has been put forth by the Florida Department of Education which will not require any legislative approval. Once passed, the ban would extend through the 12th grade. The proposal received almost immediate criticism with the White House slamming the decision, calling it 'completely, utterly wrong'. "Make no mistake: This is a part of a disturbing and dangerous trend that we're seeing across the country of legislations that are anti-LGBTQI+, anti-trans," said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary. WATCH | Florida governor Ron DeSantis condemns 'woke ideology' of Democrat leaders × Democrats, for long, have called the passing of the legislation immoral and dubbed it as the 'Don't say gay' bill, contrary to its formal name 'Florida Parental Rights in Education Act'. The law, as the name suggests, claims to give parents more control over their children's education and limit the influence of schools and teachers in certain areas. Signed by DeSantis himself, the Parental Rights in Education banned classroom discussions on gay or transgender people for students in third grade or younger. "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards," reads the law. ALSO READ | Explained | Ron DeSantis takes control of Disney's self-governing district in Florida amid 'Don't Say Gay' row The proposed rule change comes in the backdrop of Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis attempting to secure the party's nomination for the 2024 presidential election. DeSantis is engaged in a battle with former US president Donald Trump for the nomination. The Conservatives have lapped up DeSantis' cracking of the whip against 'woke' agendas and extending the rule may help him gain more votes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Florida set to extend the ambit of 'Don't say gay' law to all school grades

President Joe Biden doled out medals – and some jokes – to the delayed recipients of the 2021 National Humanities Medal and National Medal of Arts.

Joe Biden honors Bruce Springsteen, Mindy Kaling, Gladys Knight with National Medal of Arts

<p>US President Joe Biden on Monday used his veto power for the first time and overrode a Republican-led bill that, as per AFP, would have barred&nbsp;retirement fund asset managers from taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. Republicans claim that the so-called ESG factors amount to political interference.</p>

<p>Announcing his first veto on Twitter, Biden wrote that the Republican bill "would risk your retirement savings by making it illegal to consider risk factors MAGA House Republicans don't like."</p>

<p>Here, MAGA stands for Make America Great Again, a political slogan Donald Trump and his followers popularised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Your plan manager should be able to protect your hard-earned savings," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I just vetoed my first bill.<br />
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This bill would risk your retirement savings by making it illegal to consider risk factors MAGA House Republicans don't like.<br />
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Your plan manager should be able to protect your hard-earned savings — whether Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene likes it or not. <a href="https://t.co/PxuoJBdEee">pic.twitter.com/PxuoJBdEee</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1637860509432045591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Supporters of the Republican bill allege the ESG factors are driven by 'woke' leftist social concerns and should not be part of financial transactions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-freed-from-west-africa-after-six-years-says-president-bidens-national-security-adviser-573982">US citizen freed from West Africa after six years, says President Biden’s national security adviser</a></strong></p>

<p>Democrats, however, contest that as long as the investment fund is meeting its obligations to its beneficiaries, the policy is neutral on how the said ESG factors are taken into consideration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican bill, as per Reuters, cleared the US congress earlier this month. The US Senate voted &nbsp;50-46 to adopt the resolution which seeks to overturn a US Labor Department rule, making it easier for fund managers to consider ESG factors, etc.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepares-for-the-unprecedented-possible-arrest-of-a-former-president-trump-574020">US prepares for the unthinkable, possible arrest of a former president</a></strong></p>

<p>Former US president Trump, in 2020, had issued a rule that was expected to discourage the consideration of environmental and social factors in this type of investment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In November of last year, Biden's administration undid the move which sought to penalise fund managers for considering climate change in their decision-making.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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US President Joe Biden on Monday used his veto power for the first time and overrode a Republican-led bill that, as per AFP, would have barred retirement fund asset managers from taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.

US President Joe Biden on Monday used his veto power for the first time and overrode a Republican-led bill that, as per AFP, would have barred retirement fund asset managers from taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. Republicans claim that the so-called ESG factors amount to political interference. Announcing his first veto on Twitter, Biden wrote that the Republican bill "would risk your retirement savings by making it illegal to consider risk factors MAGA House Republicans don't like." Here, MAGA stands for Make America Great Again, a political slogan Donald Trump and his followers popularised. "Your plan manager should be able to protect your hard-earned savings," he added. I just vetoed my first bill. This bill would risk your retirement savings by making it illegal to consider risk factors MAGA House Republicans don't like. Your plan manager should be able to protect your hard-earned savings — whether Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene likes it or not. pic.twitter.com/PxuoJBdEee — President Biden (@POTUS) March 20, 2023 × Supporters of the Republican bill allege the ESG factors are driven by 'woke' leftist social concerns and should not be part of financial transactions. Also read | US citizen freed from West Africa after six years, says President Biden’s national security adviser Democrats, however, contest that as long as the investment fund is meeting its obligations to its beneficiaries, the policy is neutral on how the said ESG factors are taken into consideration. The Republican bill, as per Reuters, cleared the US congress earlier this month. The US Senate voted 50-46 to adopt the resolution which seeks to overturn a US Labor Department rule, making it easier for fund managers to consider ESG factors, etc. Also read | US prepares for the unthinkable, possible arrest of a former president Former US president Trump, in 2020, had issued a rule that was expected to discourage the consideration of environmental and social factors in this type of investment. In November of last year, Biden's administration undid the move which sought to penalise fund managers for considering climate change in their decision-making. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden uses first veto to block Republican anti-ESG funds bill

<p>Hours after a US media report claimed that Washington provided crucial military intelligence to New Delhi last year to thwart the Chinese threat,&nbsp;the White House on Monday refused to confirm the news. Senior White House official John Kirby refuted the claims when answering the questions at a daily news conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No, I can't confirm that," said Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The source-based story filed by the US News and World Report claimed that the US government, for the first time, provided real-time insights to their Indian counterparts. The details helped India neutralise the incursion attempts by the PLA troops in Northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-eye-on-india-china-elevates-foreign-minister-qin-gang-to-state-councillor-rank-571163"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;In key move for India, China elevates Foreign Minister Qin Gang to State Councillor rank</strong></a></p>

<p>"India was able to repel a Chinese military incursion in contested border territory in the high Himalayas late last year due to unprecedented intelligence-sharing with the US military," read the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"US News has learned, an act that caught China’s People’s Liberation Army forces off-guard, enraged Beijing and appears to have forced the Chinese Communist Party to reconsider its approach to land grabs along its borders. The US government for the first time provided real-time details to its Indian counterparts of the Chinese positions and force strength in advance of a PLA incursion,"&nbsp;it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication claimed that the US provided satellite imagery to India at a speed hitherto unseen. It added that US intelligence was partly the reason why the Chinese troops had to retreat after a subsequent clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sharing of intelligence between the two nations marked a new era of cooperation as they looked to push back on Chinese expansionism, the source related to US News added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-border-standoff-what-comes-next-troops-pulled-back-from-a-major-flashpoint-514322"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India-China border standoff: What comes next | Troops pulled back from a major flashpoint</strong></a></p>

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<p>Since 2020, the relationship between India and China has remained frosty. Though China has attempted to intrude into Indian territories for years, it was the Galwan valley standoff in 2020 that really deteriorated the relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both countries held over 17 rounds of military talks but were unable to reach terms of disengagement. In 2021, India's Ministry f External Affairs (MEA), in its annual report stated that China's attempt to change the status quo had impacted the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hours after a US media report claimed that Washington provided crucial military intelligence to New Delhi last year to thwart the Chinese threat, the White House on Monday refused to confirm the news.

Hours after a US media report claimed that Washington provided crucial military intelligence to New Delhi last year to thwart the Chinese threat, the White House on Monday refused to confirm the news. Senior White House official John Kirby refuted the claims when answering the questions at a daily news conference. "No, I can't confirm that," said Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House. The source-based story filed by the US News and World Report claimed that the US government, for the first time, provided real-time insights to their Indian counterparts. The details helped India neutralise the incursion attempts by the PLA troops in Northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector. ALSO READ | In key move for India, China elevates Foreign Minister Qin Gang to State Councillor rank "India was able to repel a Chinese military incursion in contested border territory in the high Himalayas late last year due to unprecedented intelligence-sharing with the US military," read the report. "US News has learned, an act that caught China’s People’s Liberation Army forces off-guard, enraged Beijing and appears to have forced the Chinese Communist Party to reconsider its approach to land grabs along its borders. The US government for the first time provided real-time details to its Indian counterparts of the Chinese positions and force strength in advance of a PLA incursion," it added. The publication claimed that the US provided satellite imagery to India at a speed hitherto unseen. It added that US intelligence was partly the reason why the Chinese troops had to retreat after a subsequent clash. The sharing of intelligence between the two nations marked a new era of cooperation as they looked to push back on Chinese expansionism, the source related to US News added. WATCH | India-China border standoff: What comes next | Troops pulled back from a major flashpoint × Since 2020, the relationship between India and China has remained frosty. Though China has attempted to intrude into Indian territories for years, it was the Galwan valley standoff in 2020 that really deteriorated the relations. Both countries held over 17 rounds of military talks but were unable to reach terms of disengagement. In 2021, India's Ministry f External Affairs (MEA), in its annual report stated that China's attempt to change the status quo had impacted the bilateral relationship. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Did US share military intelligence with India to thwart Chinese threat? White House responds

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<p>In what comes as a first, the southern US state of Arkansas will be building a monument to mark the abortions performed in the state before Roe vs Wade was overturned last year. Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders approved Senate Bill 307, allowing for the construction of a “monument to the unborn” near the state’s Capitol grounds.</p>

<p>The said structure will be built using donations received by the "Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund". Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission, in collaboration with several anti-abortion groups, will choose the artists and oversee the design of the monument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill sponsored by GOP Senator Kim Hammer claimed that the state of Arkansas failed to protect the lives of unborn children from 1973 until last year when the US Supreme Court took the historical reversal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As a memorial to the lives lost from 1973 to 2022 due to the decisions of the United States Supreme Court, and as a constant reminder of our duty to protect the life of every innocent human person, no matter how young or old, or how helpless and vulnerable that person may be, it is the intent of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas to enact the Monument to Unborn Children Display Act...and the Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund,” read the transcript of the bill, now signed into law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-five-pregnant-women-sue-the-state-of-texas-over-abortion-ban-569481" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: In a first, five pregnant women sue the state of Texas over abortion ban</strong></a></p>

<p>The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court in June last year declared that individual states can now legalise or restrict the procedure on their own, overturning the historic "Roe v. Wade" ruling from 1973 that established a woman's right to an abortion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, Arkansas, a historically Red state has banned abortions, unless the procedure is extremely necessary to save the pregnant women's life. It does not provide exceptions for those impregnated in an act of rape or incest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-supreme-court-strikes-down-abortion-rights-491507"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Supreme Court strikes down abortion rights</strong></a></p>

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<p>Though most GOP leaders have shown support for the monument, some anti-abortion Republicans like Steve Unger argued that building the monument will only polarise both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Public memorials to our nation’s wars where we face an external threat are right and proper. A memorial to an ongoing culture war where we seem to be shooting at each other is not," he was quoted as saying by ABC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In what comes as a first, the southern US state of Arkansas will be building a monument to mark the abortions performed in the state before Roe vs Wade was overturned last year.

In what comes as a first, the southern US state of Arkansas will be building a monument to mark the abortions performed in the state before Roe vs Wade was overturned last year. Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders approved Senate Bill 307, allowing for the construction of a “monument to the unborn” near the state’s Capitol grounds. The said structure will be built using donations received by the "Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund". Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission, in collaboration with several anti-abortion groups, will choose the artists and oversee the design of the monument. The bill sponsored by GOP Senator Kim Hammer claimed that the state of Arkansas failed to protect the lives of unborn children from 1973 until last year when the US Supreme Court took the historical reversal. “As a memorial to the lives lost from 1973 to 2022 due to the decisions of the United States Supreme Court, and as a constant reminder of our duty to protect the life of every innocent human person, no matter how young or old, or how helpless and vulnerable that person may be, it is the intent of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas to enact the Monument to Unborn Children Display Act...and the Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund,” read the transcript of the bill, now signed into law. Read more: In a first, five pregnant women sue the state of Texas over abortion ban The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court in June last year declared that individual states can now legalise or restrict the procedure on their own, overturning the historic "Roe v. Wade" ruling from 1973 that established a woman's right to an abortion. Since then, Arkansas, a historically Red state has banned abortions, unless the procedure is extremely necessary to save the pregnant women's life. It does not provide exceptions for those impregnated in an act of rape or incest. WATCH | Gravitas: US Supreme Court strikes down abortion rights Though most GOP leaders have shown support for the monument, some anti-abortion Republicans like Steve Unger argued that building the monument will only polarise both sides. “Public memorials to our nation’s wars where we face an external threat are right and proper. A memorial to an ongoing culture war where we seem to be shooting at each other is not," he was quoted as saying by ABC. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

This US state has approved construction of monument dedicated to aborted fetuses

<p>Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of social media network Facebook, on Friday (March 17) launched its monthly subscription service in the US. Subcribers will be able to get a verification badge on their Facebook and Instagram profiles, something that's in similar vein as Elon Musk-owned Twitter.</p>

<p>The Meta Verified service will give users a blue badge after they verify their accounts using a government ID and will cost $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 a month on Apple's iOS system and Google-owned Android, Meta said in a statement.</p>

<p>Meta said that it was testing the subscription service in February. This follows in the footsteps of Snap Inc-owned Snapchat as well as messaging app Telegram and marks the latest effort by a social media company to diversify its revenue away from advertising.</p>

<p>After a $44 billion buyout by Musk last year, Twitter had rolled out its Blue subscription service which lets people pay for the blue check mark previously limited to verified accounts of politicians, journalists and other public figures.</p>

<p>The initial launch of Twitter Blue in November had led to a surge in users impersonating celebrities and brands on the platform, which prompted the company to halt the service and reintroduce it with different coloured checks for individuals, companies and governments.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of social media network Facebook, on Friday (March 17) launched its monthly subscription service in the US. Subcribers will be able to get a verification badge on their Facebook and Instagram profiles, something that's in similar vein as Elon Musk-owned Twitter.

Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of social media network Facebook, on Friday (March 17) launched its monthly subscription service in the US. Subcribers will be able to get a verification badge on their Facebook and Instagram profiles, something that's in similar vein as Elon Musk-owned Twitter. The Meta Verified service will give users a blue badge after they verify their accounts using a government ID and will cost $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 a month on Apple's iOS system and Google-owned Android, Meta said in a statement. Meta said that it was testing the subscription service in February. This follows in the footsteps of Snap Inc-owned Snapchat as well as messaging app Telegram and marks the latest effort by a social media company to diversify its revenue away from advertising. After a $44 billion buyout by Musk last year, Twitter had rolled out its Blue subscription service which lets people pay for the blue check mark previously limited to verified accounts of politicians, journalists and other public figures. The initial launch of Twitter Blue in November had led to a surge in users impersonating celebrities and brands on the platform, which prompted the company to halt the service and reintroduce it with different coloured checks for individuals, companies and governments. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Facebook parent Meta launches its subscription service in USA. Check out the cost

<p>The US city of San Franciso is planning to give out $5 million in reparations to each qualifying Black resident as compensation for the cruel legacy of slavery and racism. A city-appointed reparations committee made the recommendation earlier this week, while also asking for the elimination of personal debt, tax burdens and promising annual incomes of at least $97,000 for 250 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voiced their support upon hearing the recommendations. Reports state that the board has begun seriously considering the proposal, despite the opponents suggesting the price tag is too high to pay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you consider all of the ways in which the systems and practices have been managed to exclude and steal, if you will, the opportunities for financial mobility - families are hurting and have been for decades, if not longer," Eric McDonnell, the reparations committee chairman, told the San Francisco Chronicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-edition-black-lives-matter-movement-a-wion-ground-report-414762"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas US Edition: Black Lives Matter Movement: A WION Ground Report</strong></a></p>

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<p>When quizzed about how the committee arrived at the reparation sum,&nbsp;McDonnell said 'there wasn't a math formula'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There wasn't a math formula. It was a journey for the committee towards what could represent a significant enough investment in families to put them on this path to economic well-being, growth and vitality that chattel slavery and all the policies that flowed from it destroyed."</p>

<p>The draft proposal was first presented in December last year and since then, more than 100 suggestions have been added to it. The final report by the panel&nbsp;is expected to be released in June.</p>

<p>The reparations debate has been raging for a long time in the US. The Black Lives Matter movement acted as a catalyst, with many demanding that Blacks receive their due. Last year, Boston City Council took a leaf out of San Franciso's book and appointed a reparations task force.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denver-police-officers-who-wrongfully-detained-black-girls-not-to-be-charged-355807"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Denver: Police officers who wrongfully detained Black girls not to be charged</strong></a></p>

<p>Though the idea appears great on paper, experts say the committee has not been able to determine who will qualify for receiving the reparations.</p>

<p>The current qualifying criteria is rather vague as it states that a person will have to be at least 18 years old and must have identified as Black or African American for at least a decade in the public documents. It adds that the person should have lived in the city during a certain time and should be descending from someone “incarcerated for the failed War on Drugs".&nbsp;</p>

<p>An estimated 50,000 Black people live in the city and granting reparations to even a&nbsp;tiny faction may put a heavy toll on the exchequer, the opponents argue. The city is already facing a deficit of more than $728 million, according to reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The US city of San Franciso is planning to give out $5 million in reparations to each qualifying Black resident as compensation for the cruel legacy of slavery and racism.

The US city of San Franciso is planning to give out $5 million in reparations to each qualifying Black resident as compensation for the cruel legacy of slavery and racism. A city-appointed reparations committee made the recommendation earlier this week, while also asking for the elimination of personal debt, tax burdens and promising annual incomes of at least $97,000 for 250 years. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voiced their support upon hearing the recommendations. Reports state that the board has begun seriously considering the proposal, despite the opponents suggesting the price tag is too high to pay. "When you consider all of the ways in which the systems and practices have been managed to exclude and steal, if you will, the opportunities for financial mobility - families are hurting and have been for decades, if not longer," Eric McDonnell, the reparations committee chairman, told the San Francisco Chronicle. WATCH | Gravitas US Edition: Black Lives Matter Movement: A WION Ground Report × When quizzed about how the committee arrived at the reparation sum, McDonnell said 'there wasn't a math formula'. "There wasn't a math formula. It was a journey for the committee towards what could represent a significant enough investment in families to put them on this path to economic well-being, growth and vitality that chattel slavery and all the policies that flowed from it destroyed." The draft proposal was first presented in December last year and since then, more than 100 suggestions have been added to it. The final report by the panel is expected to be released in June. The reparations debate has been raging for a long time in the US. The Black Lives Matter movement acted as a catalyst, with many demanding that Blacks receive their due. Last year, Boston City Council took a leaf out of San Franciso's book and appointed a reparations task force. ALSO READ | Denver: Police officers who wrongfully detained Black girls not to be charged Though the idea appears great on paper, experts say the committee has not been able to determine who will qualify for receiving the reparations. The current qualifying criteria is rather vague as it states that a person will have to be at least 18 years old and must have identified as Black or African American for at least a decade in the public documents. It adds that the person should have lived in the city during a certain time and should be descending from someone “incarcerated for the failed War on Drugs". An estimated 50,000 Black people live in the city and granting reparations to even a tiny faction may put a heavy toll on the exchequer, the opponents argue. The city is already facing a deficit of more than $728 million, according to reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

San Francisco proposes giving $5mn in reparations to Black residents for racism, slavery

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<p>A helicopter crashed in the early hours of Wednesday in the US state of California after a thief attempted to steal it, reported Associated Press. The incident took place at the Sacramento Executive Airport</p>

<p>Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident as the thief fled the spot while the authorities remain on the lookout. Sacramento police informed that the intruder trespassed into the property between 4 AM and 6 AM local time and attempted to hotwire four helicopters sitting on the tarmac. The thief got lucky with one chopper, managing to start it but soon lost control over it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been called upon to investigate the accident. The agency informed it had already zeroed in on a suspect. Sean Reagan, special agent in charge said the agency collected surveillance video and witness information leading to a particular person of interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-the-disasters-nepals-troubled-history-of-plane-crashes-552899"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Decoding the disasters: Nepal's troubled history of plane crashes</strong></a></p>

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<p>Reagan added that the agency was trying to determine the motive of the thief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If someone wanted to take an aircraft for a joyride, someone who wanted to take an aircraft to do some other criminal activity or damage to other property, terrorism would be at the other end of the scope."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Bell 429 heavy-lift helicopter which belonged to a company named Capitol Helicopters released a statement and hoped that the perpetrator was caught early.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sometime early this morning several helicopters operated by our company were vandalized by an individual unknown to us, and one aircraft was severely damaged. All our employees are safe, and we do not believe that anyone was injured in today’s events," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This incident is currently under investigation by several state and federal authorities. We are hopeful that the people responsible are located quickly. We have no further information to report at this time. We appreciate the support from all the agencies and individuals involved."</p>

<p>Alongside FBI,&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board have also started investigating the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A helicopter crashed in the early hours of Wednesday in the US state of California after a thief attempted to steal it, reported Associated Press. The incident took place at the Sacramento Executive Airport Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident as the thief fled the spot while the authorities remain on the lookout.

A helicopter crashed in the early hours of Wednesday in the US state of California after a thief attempted to steal it, reported Associated Press. The incident took place at the Sacramento Executive Airport Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident as the thief fled the spot while the authorities remain on the lookout. Sacramento police informed that the intruder trespassed into the property between 4 AM and 6 AM local time and attempted to hotwire four helicopters sitting on the tarmac. The thief got lucky with one chopper, managing to start it but soon lost control over it. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been called upon to investigate the accident. The agency informed it had already zeroed in on a suspect. Sean Reagan, special agent in charge said the agency collected surveillance video and witness information leading to a particular person of interest. WATCH | Decoding the disasters: Nepal's troubled history of plane crashes × Reagan added that the agency was trying to determine the motive of the thief. "If someone wanted to take an aircraft for a joyride, someone who wanted to take an aircraft to do some other criminal activity or damage to other property, terrorism would be at the other end of the scope." Meanwhile, the Bell 429 heavy-lift helicopter which belonged to a company named Capitol Helicopters released a statement and hoped that the perpetrator was caught early. "Sometime early this morning several helicopters operated by our company were vandalized by an individual unknown to us, and one aircraft was severely damaged. All our employees are safe, and we do not believe that anyone was injured in today’s events," read the statement. This incident is currently under investigation by several state and federal authorities. We are hopeful that the people responsible are located quickly. We have no further information to report at this time. We appreciate the support from all the agencies and individuals involved." Alongside FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board have also started investigating the case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Heist gone wrong: Thief crashes stolen helicopter at Sacramento Airport

<p>US space giant NASA on Wednesday unveiled newly designed, next-generation spacesuits with black, orange and blue highlights that will be donned by astronauts onboard the Artemis mission - taking them to the Moon and back. The compact spacesuits will replace the white-and-blue bulky, big, puffy moon suits previously worn&nbsp;by the likes of Neil Armstrong and other Apollo astronauts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Axiom Space in Houston, Texas revealed the new prototype suit by branding it as the&nbsp;"Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit," or AxEMU. It added that the suit was made in collaboration with&nbsp;costume designer Ester Marquis from the Apple TV+ lunar series "For All Mankind".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a> revealed a spacesuit prototype that our <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Astronauts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_Astronauts</a> plan to wear near the Moon’s South Pole on <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a> III mission.<br />
<br />
The spacesuit will give lunar explorers extra mobility, protection, &amp; the latest technology. Discover more: <a href="https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd">https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqxcrwR6Y6">pic.twitter.com/bqxcrwR6Y6</a></p>
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAArtemis/status/1636038551044227074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Engineers at the launch event demonstrated that the new lunar gear would allow astronauts to be more mobile. The large, clear bubble around the head will provide wide visibility to the astronauts, which may come in handy on the dark, shadowy craters of the Earth's satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said the suit, unlike its predecessors, will accommodate at least 90 per cent of the US male and female population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is going to be such a much more flexible suit, and the range of motion is really going to improve the astronauts’ ability to do all the tasks that they’re going to do while they’re out exploring on the lunar surface,” said&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, a former NASA Astronaut who will be visiting International Space Station later this year onboard a private flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/artemis-i-explained-nasas-first-mission-to-land-humans-on-the-moon-after-50-years-510343"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years</strong></a></p>

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<p>However, the final look of the suit remains a closely guarded secret. A protective layer was applied on the suit by Axiom which said it was done so to guard the proprietary secrets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Artemis-1 programme</strong></p>

<p>Notably, after months of delay,&nbsp;NASA's unmanned Moon mission Artemis-1 had a successful liftoff in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Artemis programme, named after the sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, is NASA's successor to the Apollo lunar missions from 50 years ago and will pave way for future manned missions to the Moon and beyond.</p>

<p>The only spaceflights to date to land humans on the moon's surface involved six Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972, during which 12 men made moonwalks.</p>

<p>The SLS is the largest new vertical launch system NASA has created since the Saturn V rockets used in the 1960s and 1970s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artemis-1-launched-as-nasa-ushers-into-a-new-era-of-lunar-exploration-534646"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Artemis 1 launched successfully, NASA ushers in a new era of lunar exploration</strong></a></p>

<p>The SLS-Orion spacecraft has&nbsp;cost NASA at least $37 billion. Its development has taken more than 10 years after being plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, NASA, next month will be announcing the four astronauts it has chosen to fly the next phase of the Artemis mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US space giant NASA on Wednesday unveiled newly designed, next-generation spacesuits with black, orange and blue highlights that will be donned by astronauts onboard the Artemis mission - taking them to the Moon and back.

US space giant NASA on Wednesday unveiled newly designed, next-generation spacesuits with black, orange and blue highlights that will be donned by astronauts onboard the Artemis mission - taking them to the Moon and back. The compact spacesuits will replace the white-and-blue bulky, big, puffy moon suits previously worn by the likes of Neil Armstrong and other Apollo astronauts. Axiom Space in Houston, Texas revealed the new prototype suit by branding it as the "Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit," or AxEMU. It added that the suit was made in collaboration with costume designer Ester Marquis from the Apple TV+ lunar series "For All Mankind". .@Axiom_Space revealed a spacesuit prototype that our @NASA_Astronauts plan to wear near the Moon’s South Pole on @NASA’s #Artemis III mission. The spacesuit will give lunar explorers extra mobility, protection, & the latest technology. Discover more: https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd pic.twitter.com/bqxcrwR6Y6 — NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) March 15, 2023 × Engineers at the launch event demonstrated that the new lunar gear would allow astronauts to be more mobile. The large, clear bubble around the head will provide wide visibility to the astronauts, which may come in handy on the dark, shadowy craters of the Earth's satellite. NASA said the suit, unlike its predecessors, will accommodate at least 90 per cent of the US male and female population. “This is going to be such a much more flexible suit, and the range of motion is really going to improve the astronauts’ ability to do all the tasks that they’re going to do while they’re out exploring on the lunar surface,” said Peggy Whitson, a former NASA Astronaut who will be visiting International Space Station later this year onboard a private flight. WATCH | Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years × However, the final look of the suit remains a closely guarded secret. A protective layer was applied on the suit by Axiom which said it was done so to guard the proprietary secrets. Artemis-1 programme Notably, after months of delay, NASA's unmanned Moon mission Artemis-1 had a successful liftoff in November last year. The Artemis programme, named after the sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, is NASA's successor to the Apollo lunar missions from 50 years ago and will pave way for future manned missions to the Moon and beyond. The only spaceflights to date to land humans on the moon's surface involved six Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972, during which 12 men made moonwalks. The SLS is the largest new vertical launch system NASA has created since the Saturn V rockets used in the 1960s and 1970s. Read more: Artemis 1 launched successfully, NASA ushers in a new era of lunar exploration The SLS-Orion spacecraft has cost NASA at least $37 billion. Its development has taken more than 10 years after being plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns. Notably, NASA, next month will be announcing the four astronauts it has chosen to fly the next phase of the Artemis mission. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New fashion trend dropped: NASA unveils fresh spacesuit for Artemis moon landing

<p>Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by&nbsp;Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Democrats taking such a stern stance has surprised many. After former president&nbsp;Donald Trump went after TikTok rather aggressively in the last essay of his tenure, the Biden administration took a tepid approach, allowing the matter to play itself out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, over the last few months, increased concerns from US officials as well as politicians have forced Biden to tighten the noose.&nbsp;TikTok has more than 100 million users in the US alone and if a sweeping ban is imposed, the Chinese company could be staring at a bleak future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-banned-on-all-federal-government-devices-in-the-us-548235"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US</strong></a></p>

<p>"If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn't solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access,"&nbsp;TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision comes in the backdrop of the White House coming out in support of a bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok last week. There has been no breakthrough between TikTok and Biden administration despite two years of negotiation over a&nbsp;data security agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CFIUS, in 2020 unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in December,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The only exception was for law enforcement and national security agencies who could use the app in special cases for&nbsp;security research purposes.&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>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>During his reign, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was stopped in the tracks by the US courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. 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. The Democrats taking such a stern stance has surprised many. After former president Donald Trump went after TikTok rather aggressively in the last essay of his tenure, the Biden administration took a tepid approach, allowing the matter to play itself out. However, over the last few months, increased concerns from US officials as well as politicians have forced Biden to tighten the noose. TikTok has more than 100 million users in the US alone and if a sweeping ban is imposed, the Chinese company could be staring at a bleak future. ALSO READ | TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US "If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn't solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter was quoted as saying by Reuters. The decision comes in the backdrop of the White House coming out in support of a bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok last week. There has been no breakthrough between TikTok and Biden administration despite two years of negotiation over a data security agreement. CFIUS, in 2020 unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok. Last year in December, the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The only exception was for law enforcement and national security agencies who could use the app in special cases for security research purposes. WATCH | TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US × 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”. During his reign, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was stopped in the tracks by the US courts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban

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<p>USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old. The kids who have previously been vaccinated with three doses of the original vaccine will be eligible to receive the booster, the agency informed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FDA said the emergency use authorisation (EUA) was granted after receiving the clinical trial data of 60 children in the said group. The kids who had already been administered the three doses were given the new booster dose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A month after receiving the injection, the immune system of children demonstrated effective protection against both the original Covid strain and omicron BA.5 and BA.5&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today’s authorisation provides parents and caregivers of children 6 months through 4 years of age who received the three-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine an opportunity to update their children’s protection by receiving a booster dose with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-revealed-how-pfizer-blackmails-countries-for-shots-422476"><strong>Gravitas: Revealed: How Pfizer blackmails countries for shots</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, Pfizer's primary series of Covid vaccines for children consists of three doses while rival pharma giant Moderna's primary series has only two doses.</p>

<p>According to government-released data, the uptake of the initial vaccine doses in children has been abysmally slow. Only 2.7 per cent of children under the age of two and five per cent of children aged two to four, eligible for the primary vaccination series, have completed the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-panel-recommends-pfizer-gsk-vaccines-against-rsv-for-older-adults-what-is-rsv-symptoms-prevention-567650" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: FDA panel recommends Pfizer, GSK vaccines against RSV for older adults, what is RSV, symptoms &amp; prevention?</strong></a></p>

<p>Pfizer has been one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers in the world, ever since the world was hit by the pandemic. According to reports, its earnings stood at a record $100 billion last year, of which $57 billion was from the vaccine business and antiviral pill Paxlovid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pfizer's sale of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral pills managed to generate more revenue in 2022 than it had in total sales in 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old.

USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old. The kids who have previously been vaccinated with three doses of the original vaccine will be eligible to receive the booster, the agency informed. FDA said the emergency use authorisation (EUA) was granted after receiving the clinical trial data of 60 children in the said group. The kids who had already been administered the three doses were given the new booster dose. A month after receiving the injection, the immune system of children demonstrated effective protection against both the original Covid strain and omicron BA.5 and BA.5 “Today’s authorisation provides parents and caregivers of children 6 months through 4 years of age who received the three-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine an opportunity to update their children’s protection by receiving a booster dose with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Gravitas: Revealed: How Pfizer blackmails countries for shots × Notably, Pfizer's primary series of Covid vaccines for children consists of three doses while rival pharma giant Moderna's primary series has only two doses. According to government-released data, the uptake of the initial vaccine doses in children has been abysmally slow. Only 2.7 per cent of children under the age of two and five per cent of children aged two to four, eligible for the primary vaccination series, have completed the course. Read more: FDA panel recommends Pfizer, GSK vaccines against RSV for older adults, what is RSV, symptoms & prevention? Pfizer has been one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers in the world, ever since the world was hit by the pandemic. According to reports, its earnings stood at a record $100 billion last year, of which $57 billion was from the vaccine business and antiviral pill Paxlovid. Pfizer's sale of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral pills managed to generate more revenue in 2022 than it had in total sales in 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: FDA approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for children under five

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<p>Taking the adage 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst' to heart, Taiwan is focusing its attention on developing weapons and equipment, anticipating a blockade of the Taiwan Strait by China. The Taiwanese defence ministry mentioned the plan in a recently released report that is currently seeking parliamentary budget approval.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. However, after Beijing staged war games around the island, fired indiscriminate missiles and declared it a no-fly zone last year in an attempt to simulate how it would look to cut Taiwan off in case of a potential conflict, Taipei has taken evasive actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that Taiwan will be preparing parts for F-16 fighters, replenishing weapons, reviewing strategic fuel reserves and repairing abilities to 'strengthen combat continuity'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Recently, the Communist military's exercise and training model has been adjusted from a single military type to joint operations of land, sea, air and rocket forces. It is adopting an actual war approach and shifting from training to combat preparation," read the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-braces-for-blockade-by-china-xi-jinping-plans-to-speak-with-zelensky-wsj-report-571864" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Taiwan braces for blockade by China | Xi Jinping plans to speak with Zelensky: WSJ Report</strong></a></p>

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<p>The report was released on the same day when&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping batted for 'modernisation' of the army to make it the 'Great Wall of Steel'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We must fully promote the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces, and build the people's armed forces into a Great Wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests," said Xi in his closing remarks at the annual parliament session.</p>

<p>After former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation in&nbsp;August 2022,&nbsp;China upped the ante on Taiwan. During the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) congress last year, Xi&nbsp;asserted that the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only.</p>

<p>“The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-never-renounce-force-says-xi-jinping-on-taiwan-during-the-party-congress-525795" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: 'Will never renounce force', says Xi Jinping on Taiwan during the party congress</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Taking the adage 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst' to heart, Taiwan is focusing its attention on developing weapons and equipment, anticipating a blockade of the Taiwan Strait by China.

Taking the adage 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst' to heart, Taiwan is focusing its attention on developing weapons and equipment, anticipating a blockade of the Taiwan Strait by China. The Taiwanese defence ministry mentioned the plan in a recently released report that is currently seeking parliamentary budget approval. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. However, after Beijing staged war games around the island, fired indiscriminate missiles and declared it a no-fly zone last year in an attempt to simulate how it would look to cut Taiwan off in case of a potential conflict, Taipei has taken evasive actions. The report added that Taiwan will be preparing parts for F-16 fighters, replenishing weapons, reviewing strategic fuel reserves and repairing abilities to 'strengthen combat continuity'. "Recently, the Communist military's exercise and training model has been adjusted from a single military type to joint operations of land, sea, air and rocket forces. It is adopting an actual war approach and shifting from training to combat preparation," read the report. WATCH | Taiwan braces for blockade by China | Xi Jinping plans to speak with Zelensky: WSJ Report × The report was released on the same day when Chinese President Xi Jinping batted for 'modernisation' of the army to make it the 'Great Wall of Steel'. "We must fully promote the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces, and build the people's armed forces into a Great Wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests," said Xi in his closing remarks at the annual parliament session. After former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation in August 2022, China upped the ante on Taiwan. During the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) congress last year, Xi asserted that the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only. “The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi. “We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.” Read more: 'Will never renounce force', says Xi Jinping on Taiwan during the party congress (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy

<p>A Californian appeals court has ruled that "gig" economy firms like Uber and Lyft can continue to treat their state-based drivers as independent contractors. This verdict comes in a case regarding a labour measure known as Proposition 22. Labour groups have for long opposed the measure; they claim that it robs them of sick leave and other rights. The appeals court, however, found the measure largely constitutional. This decision overturns an earlier decision by a lower court. The 2021 verdict said that Proposition 22 affected lawmakers' powers to set standards at the workplace.</p>

<p>A three-judge panel on Monday ruled that the measure was legal and California-based workers at Uber, Lyft and other similar firms can continue to be treated as independent contractors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Global bank stock rout deepens after SVB collapse</strong></p>

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<p>The judges, however, removed a clause that put restrictions on collective bargaining by the independent contractors.</p>

<p>Uber's chief legal officer, Tony West, hailed the verdict and said that "today's ruling is a victory for app-based workers and millions of Californians who voted for Prop 22."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-crypto-lender-loses-usd-200-million-to-hackers-571683">UK: Crypto lender loses USD 200 million to hackers</a></strong></p>

<p>"We're pleased that the court respected the will of the people and that Prop 22 will remain in place, preserving independence for drivers," he added.</p>

<p>Lyft too celebrated the victory and said that Proposition 22 "protects the independence drivers value and gives them new, historic benefits."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-top-executives-are-leaving-at-a-breakneck-speed-heres-why-571599">Apple's top executives are leaving at a breakneck speed. Here's why</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Following the ruling, shares of the two companies experienced an almost five per cent high in after-hours trading. Proposition 22 was passed by Californian voters in November 2020. Since then, many drivers and labour groups have opposed it. They claim that the proposition denies gig workers benefits like sick days, leave and overtime pay, all of which are available to 'employees'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A Californian appeals court has ruled that "gig" economy firms like Uber and Lyft can continue to treat their state-based drivers as independent contractors. This verdict comes in a case regarding a labour measure known as Proposition 22.

A Californian appeals court has ruled that "gig" economy firms like Uber and Lyft can continue to treat their state-based drivers as independent contractors. This verdict comes in a case regarding a labour measure known as Proposition 22. Labour groups have for long opposed the measure; they claim that it robs them of sick leave and other rights. The appeals court, however, found the measure largely constitutional. This decision overturns an earlier decision by a lower court. The 2021 verdict said that Proposition 22 affected lawmakers' powers to set standards at the workplace. A three-judge panel on Monday ruled that the measure was legal and California-based workers at Uber, Lyft and other similar firms can continue to be treated as independent contractors. Watch | Global bank stock rout deepens after SVB collapse The judges, however, removed a clause that put restrictions on collective bargaining by the independent contractors. Uber's chief legal officer, Tony West, hailed the verdict and said that "today's ruling is a victory for app-based workers and millions of Californians who voted for Prop 22." Also read | UK: Crypto lender loses USD 200 million to hackers "We're pleased that the court respected the will of the people and that Prop 22 will remain in place, preserving independence for drivers," he added. Lyft too celebrated the victory and said that Proposition 22 "protects the independence drivers value and gives them new, historic benefits." Also read | Apple's top executives are leaving at a breakneck speed. Here's why Following the ruling, shares of the two companies experienced an almost five per cent high in after-hours trading. Proposition 22 was passed by Californian voters in November 2020. Since then, many drivers and labour groups have opposed it. They claim that the proposition denies gig workers benefits like sick days, leave and overtime pay, all of which are available to 'employees'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

California appeal court allows for Uber, Lyft worker to be classified as individual contractors

<p><strong>Oscar&nbsp;Awards 2023 Live Streaming: </strong>Los Angeles will host the Oscars for 2023 on March 12 at 08:00 PM ET. The 95th Academy Awards will honour the best entertainment pieces from 2022. Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host and comedian, will host the Oscars for the third time. David Niven, Conrad Nagle, Jerry Lewis, and Steve Martin will also co-host the Oscars 2023. The Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood will host the 95th Academy Awards 2023. Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava will perform SS Rajamouli's RRR song Naatu Naatu live during the Oscars 2023. The Academy has announced the nominees for Best Picture, including Avatar: Way of water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 95th Academy Awards will broadcast in more than 200 countries. Here are the live-streaming details if you will watch the Oscars 2023 in the USA, UK and India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch the Oscar&nbsp;Awards 2023 (95th Academy Awards) Live in the United States of America (USA)?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the official website of the Oscars, you can watch the event on ABC station. The website says, "See it for free over-the-air on your local ABC station. If you're a cable or satellite subscriber, ABC is part of your lineup." You can live stream the Oscars 2023 on OTT platforms like Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&amp;T TV and FuboTV. Many services mentioned offer a free trial. The 95th Academy Awards will start at 08:00 PM ET in the United States of America (USA).</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-_-day-to-go-for-oscars-2023-strange-outrageous-and-wild-red-carpet-looks-that-caused-a-stir-571125">1 day to go for Oscars 2023: Strange, outrageous and wild red carpet looks that caused a stir</a></p>

<h2><strong>How to watch the Oscar&nbsp;Awards 2023 (95th Academy Awards) Live in the United Kingdom (UK)?</strong></h2>

<p>In the United Kingdom, streaming and broadcasting services like SKY UK, BSKYB, NOW TV, Sky One, Sky Living, Sky On Demand, SKY GO, Sky Go SVOD, Sky News, and Sky Arts will telecast the 95th Academy Awards. The Oscars 2023 will begin in the UK at 01:00 AM GMT.</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch the Oscar&nbsp;Awards 2023 (95th Academy Awards) Live in India?</strong></h2>

<p>Due to the time difference, the Oscars will begin in India at 05:30 AM on March 13, 2023. You can stream the event on Disney+ Hotstar. Deepika Padukone will be one of the presenters at the 95th Academy Awards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Check Hosts and presenters</strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<b>Oscar&nbsp;awards 2023</b></h2>

<p>Jimmy Kimmel, who conducted the Academy Awards in 2017 and 2019, will return to host the Oscars in 2023.&nbsp;The Academy unveiled the initial list of presenters for the 95th Oscars on March 2, 2023.</p>

<p>Deepika Padukone, Emily Blunt, Riz Ahmed, Dwayne Johnson, Glenn Close, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Connelly, Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Troy Kotsur, Melissa McCarthy, Janelle Monáe, Questlove, Zoe Saldaa, and Donnie Yen are on the list.</p>

<h2><b>Oscar&nbsp;awards 2023</b><strong> Performances</strong></h2>

<p>During the show, Rihanna will perform ‘Lift Me Up’ from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Lady Gaga will also rock the stage with her ‘Hold My Hand’ performance from Top Gun: Maverick. Rahul Sipligunj and Kala Bhairava will sign MM Keeravani’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR. The ‘In Memoriam’ performance will be delivered by Lenny Kravitz.</p>

<h2><b>Oscar&nbsp;awards 2023</b><strong> Categories</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Oscar awards will be given out in 23 categories such as directing, acting, music, costume, design, editing, and makeup and styling.</p>

<p>Also Read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment-news/oscars-nominations-2023-check-full-list-of-shortlisted-movies-documentaries-songs-visual-effects-more-551020"><strong>Oscars Nominations 2023: Check full list of shortlisted movies, documentaries, songs, visual effects &amp; more</strong></a></p>


Oscar Awards 2023 Live Streaming: Los Angeles will host the Oscars for 2023 on March 12 at 08:00 PM ET. The 95th Academy Awards will honour the best entertainment pieces from 2022.

Oscar Awards 2023 Live Streaming: Los Angeles will host the Oscars for 2023 on March 12 at 08:00 PM ET. The 95th Academy Awards will honour the best entertainment pieces from 2022. Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host and comedian, will host the Oscars for the third time. David Niven, Conrad Nagle, Jerry Lewis, and Steve Martin will also co-host the Oscars 2023. The Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood will host the 95th Academy Awards 2023. Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava will perform SS Rajamouli's RRR song Naatu Naatu live during the Oscars 2023. The Academy has announced the nominees for Best Picture, including Avatar: Way of water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis and more. The 95th Academy Awards will broadcast in more than 200 countries. Here are the live-streaming details if you will watch the Oscars 2023 in the USA, UK and India. How to watch the Oscar Awards 2023 (95th Academy Awards) Live in the United States of America (USA)? According to the official website of the Oscars, you can watch the event on ABC station. The website says, "See it for free over-the-air on your local ABC station. If you're a cable or satellite subscriber, ABC is part of your lineup." You can live stream the Oscars 2023 on OTT platforms like Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV and FuboTV. Many services mentioned offer a free trial. The 95th Academy Awards will start at 08:00 PM ET in the United States of America (USA). Also read: 1 day to go for Oscars 2023: Strange, outrageous and wild red carpet looks that caused a stir How to watch the Oscar Awards 2023 (95th Academy Awards) Live in the United Kingdom (UK)? In the United Kingdom, streaming and broadcasting services like SKY UK, BSKYB, NOW TV, Sky One, Sky Living, Sky On Demand, SKY GO, Sky Go SVOD, Sky News, and Sky Arts will telecast the 95th Academy Awards. The Oscars 2023 will begin in the UK at 01:00 AM GMT. How to watch the Oscar Awards 2023 (95th Academy Awards) Live in India? Due to the time difference, the Oscars will begin in India at 05:30 AM on March 13, 2023. You can stream the event on Disney+ Hotstar. Deepika Padukone will be one of the presenters at the 95th Academy Awards. Check Hosts and presenters of Oscar awards 2023 Jimmy Kimmel, who conducted the Academy Awards in 2017 and 2019, will return to host the Oscars in 2023. The Academy unveiled the initial list of presenters for the 95th Oscars on March 2, 2023. Deepika Padukone, Emily Blunt, Riz Ahmed, Dwayne Johnson, Glenn Close, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Connelly, Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Troy Kotsur, Melissa McCarthy, Janelle Monáe, Questlove, Zoe Saldaa, and Donnie Yen are on the list. Oscar awards 2023 Performances During the show, Rihanna will perform ‘Lift Me Up’ from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Lady Gaga will also rock the stage with her ‘Hold My Hand’ performance from Top Gun: Maverick. Rahul Sipligunj and Kala Bhairava will sign MM Keeravani’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR. The ‘In Memoriam’ performance will be delivered by Lenny Kravitz. Oscar awards 2023 Categories The Oscar awards will be given out in 23 categories such as directing, acting, music, costume, design, editing, and makeup and styling. Also Read : Oscars Nominations 2023: Check full list of shortlisted movies, documentaries, songs, visual effects & more

Oscar Awards 2023 Live Streaming: How to watch 95th Academy Award live streaming in UK, US and India

<p>In what comes as a freak accident, a three-year-old kid killed her four-year-old sister by&nbsp;accidentally firing a pistol in the state of Texas on Sunday night.&nbsp;Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez informed about the accident and said the sister died on the spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a Fox News report, there were five adults and two girls in the home when the shooting took place&nbsp;at&nbsp;Bammel North Houston Road apartment near Tomball Parkway. The girls lived with their parents in the apartment and were joined by family and friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girls were alone in the bedroom playing amongst themselves as one parent thought the other was watching them. The younger kid stumbled upon a loaded pistol and discharged it, which unfortunately struck her sister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-1-child-is-shot-in-america-every-hour-444553"><strong>Gravitas: 1 child is shot in America every hour</strong></a></p>

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<p>The parents and other adults rushed to the scene after hearing the gunshot and secured the firearm. They called 911 and reported the incident. However, it was too late by then as the little toddler died en route to the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"@HCSOTexas units responded to an apt unit at 9955 Bammel North Houston. Preliminary info: two toddlers were inside the unit with other persons. One toddler (3 yrs) gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot the other (4 yrs)," said&nbsp;Gonzalez in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The toddler was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators and PIO are en route."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/HCSOTexas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCSOTexas</a> units responded to an apt unit at 9955 Bammel North Houston. Preliminary info: two toddlers were inside the unit with other persons. One toddler (3 yrs) gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot the other (4 yrs). The toddler was pronounced<br />
1/2 <a href="https://t.co/AdXDgZ6bzF">pic.twitter.com/AdXDgZ6bzF</a></p>
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheriffEd_HCSO/status/1635093373127389184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>It is unclear if any charges will be filed as the shooting appears accidental. However, the incident once again raises questions regarding gun safety laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>United States is the only country on the planet with more guns in private hands than people. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a gun trade association, that number now stands at 434 million. The US&nbsp;Census Bureau’s latest estimate of the population is 333.2 million.</p>

<p>Lax gun laws, coupled with negligent parents that leave loaded weapons around kids is a recipe for disaster and one that has played out far too often in recent times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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>


In what comes as a freak accident, a three-year-old kid killed her four-year-old sister by accidentally firing a pistol in the state of Texas on Sunday night. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez informed about the accident and said the sister died on the spot.

In what comes as a freak accident, a three-year-old kid killed her four-year-old sister by accidentally firing a pistol in the state of Texas on Sunday night. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez informed about the accident and said the sister died on the spot. According to a Fox News report, there were five adults and two girls in the home when the shooting took place at Bammel North Houston Road apartment near Tomball Parkway. The girls lived with their parents in the apartment and were joined by family and friends. The girls were alone in the bedroom playing amongst themselves as one parent thought the other was watching them. The younger kid stumbled upon a loaded pistol and discharged it, which unfortunately struck her sister. Gravitas: 1 child is shot in America every hour × The parents and other adults rushed to the scene after hearing the gunshot and secured the firearm. They called 911 and reported the incident. However, it was too late by then as the little toddler died en route to the hospital. "@HCSOTexas units responded to an apt unit at 9955 Bammel North Houston. Preliminary info: two toddlers were inside the unit with other persons. One toddler (3 yrs) gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot the other (4 yrs)," said Gonzalez in a tweet. "The toddler was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators and PIO are en route." @HCSOTexas units responded to an apt unit at 9955 Bammel North Houston. Preliminary info: two toddlers were inside the unit with other persons. One toddler (3 yrs) gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot the other (4 yrs). The toddler was pronounced 1/2 pic.twitter.com/AdXDgZ6bzF — Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) March 13, 2023 × It is unclear if any charges will be filed as the shooting appears accidental. However, the incident once again raises questions regarding gun safety laws. United States is the only country on the planet with more guns in private hands than people. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a gun trade association, that number now stands at 434 million. The US Census Bureau’s latest estimate of the population is 333.2 million. Lax gun laws, coupled with negligent parents that leave loaded weapons around kids is a recipe for disaster and one that has played out far too often in recent times. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tragic! Three-year-old toddler accidentally shoots and kills four-year-old sister in Texas

<p>The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) paid out annual bonuses to eligible American employees on Friday (March 10), just hours before the bank was seized by the Joe Biden administration. According to a report by the Axios on Saturday, the bonuses were for the work done last year and were previously scheduled to be disbursed on Friday. However, the day coincided with the bank's takeover by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).</p>

<p>Bonuses&nbsp;for employees in some other countries were scheduled for later in the month, and haven't been paid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Axios report said that an unknown number of SVB employees were emailed by the FDIC on Friday, offering them employment with the remnant organisation for the next 45 days. These employees would be compensated 1.5 times their normal salaries. On the other hand, hourly workers would receive 2 times their normal wages for overtime.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-how-silicon-valley-bank-crisis-unfolded-in-48-hours-570945">Explained: How Silicon Valley Bank crisis unfolded in 48 hours</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to the news website, a spokesperson from the insurance corporation said, "Without commenting on salaries, it’s our standard practice to ask retain [sic] bank employees to assist with an orderly transition as part of our resolution process."</p>

<p>On Friday, American authorities swooped in and seized the assets of the SVB, which had been a key lender to US startups since the 1980s, after a run on deposits made it no longer tenable for the bank to stay afloat on its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given the bank's sudden collapse, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen convened an emergency meeting of the country's top banking regulators. Yellen expressed full confidence in banking regulators to take appropriate actions in response and noted that the banking system remained resilient and regulators have effective tools to address this type of event, a statement from the Treasury department said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The collapse of the bank has left markets jittery over a potential sign of widespread turmoil. However, analysts only see a limited risk of financial contagion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CFRA Research's Ken Leon said that the SVB's woes were the result of "idiosyncratic stresses and not one that we see as systemic that would affect the banking industry." Leon said that stricter US regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis have helped contain trouble, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Analysts at Morgan Stanley, meanwhile said, "We want to be very clear here...we do not believe there is a liquidity crunch facing the banking industry, and most banks in our coverage have ample access to liquidity."<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) paid out annual bonuses to eligible American employees on Friday (March 10), just hours before the bank was seized by the Joe Biden administration.

The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) paid out annual bonuses to eligible American employees on Friday (March 10), just hours before the bank was seized by the Joe Biden administration. According to a report by the Axios on Saturday, the bonuses were for the work done last year and were previously scheduled to be disbursed on Friday. However, the day coincided with the bank's takeover by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Bonuses for employees in some other countries were scheduled for later in the month, and haven't been paid. The Axios report said that an unknown number of SVB employees were emailed by the FDIC on Friday, offering them employment with the remnant organisation for the next 45 days. These employees would be compensated 1.5 times their normal salaries. On the other hand, hourly workers would receive 2 times their normal wages for overtime. ALSO READ | Explained: How Silicon Valley Bank crisis unfolded in 48 hours Speaking to the news website, a spokesperson from the insurance corporation said, "Without commenting on salaries, it’s our standard practice to ask retain [sic] bank employees to assist with an orderly transition as part of our resolution process." On Friday, American authorities swooped in and seized the assets of the SVB, which had been a key lender to US startups since the 1980s, after a run on deposits made it no longer tenable for the bank to stay afloat on its own. Given the bank's sudden collapse, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen convened an emergency meeting of the country's top banking regulators. Yellen expressed full confidence in banking regulators to take appropriate actions in response and noted that the banking system remained resilient and regulators have effective tools to address this type of event, a statement from the Treasury department said. The collapse of the bank has left markets jittery over a potential sign of widespread turmoil. However, analysts only see a limited risk of financial contagion. CFRA Research's Ken Leon said that the SVB's woes were the result of "idiosyncratic stresses and not one that we see as systemic that would affect the banking industry." Leon said that stricter US regulations enacted after the 2008 financial crisis have helped contain trouble, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday. Analysts at Morgan Stanley, meanwhile said, "We want to be very clear here...we do not believe there is a liquidity crunch facing the banking industry, and most banks in our coverage have ample access to liquidity." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Silicon Valley Bank paid out annual bonuses to US employees just hours before seizure: Report

<p>In what comes as the&nbsp;largest US bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis, Santa Clara-headquartered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed on Friday. The expedited nature of its collapse has raised serious concerns&nbsp;with many accusing the company of hoodwinking the depositors, despite knowing that its inevitable fall was around.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Days before SVB collapsed, the bank posted a self-congratulatory tweet where Forbes magazine had named it in the list of 'America's Best Banks' while also adding it to the Financial All-Stars list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Proud to be on @Forbes' annual ranking of America's Best Banks for the 5th straight year and to have also been named to the publication's inaugural Financial All-Stars list," read the tweet which is still up.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud to be on <a href="https://twitter.com/Forbes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Forbes</a>' annual ranking of America's Best Banks for the 5th straight year and to have also been named to the publication's inaugural Financial All-Stars list.<br />
<br />
👉 <a href="https://t.co/rEmfOSTT4f">https://t.co/rEmfOSTT4f</a> <a href="https://t.co/NFWlPJUbh5">pic.twitter.com/NFWlPJUbh5</a></p>
— SVB (@SVB_Financial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SVB_Financial/status/1632818336391213059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tweet by SVB can be clubbed in the same league as the tweets that aged like milk,&nbsp;with the infamous tweet by World Health Organization citing&nbsp;COVID-19 did not spread through human contact taking the top spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five days after SVB posted the boastful tweet, the regulators came down charging and seized control of its assets after it failed to meet the withdrawal demands of the investors.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SVB executives sell their shares</strong></h2>

<p>US media has reported that prior to the collapse, senior executives at SVB sold a significant portion of their shares.</p>

<p>CEO Gregory Becker sold 11 per cent of his shares last month while Daniel Beck, CFO, Michelle Draper, CMO and Michael Zucker, general counsel sold as much as 32 per cent, 25 per cent and 19 per cent shares respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SVB paid bonuses to US employees</strong></h2>

<p>Additionally, hours before going bust, SVB paid out annual bonuses to its US employees, according to multiple news sources. The payments were made for the work done in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though the size of payouts could not be confirmed, a CNBC report estimated the bonus to be in the&nbsp;$12,000-$140,000 range for associates and managing directors respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/silicon-valley-bank-collapses-in-americas-biggest-banking-failure-since-2008-570853"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Silicon Valley Bank collapses in America's biggest banking failure since 2008</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/silicon-valley-bank-collapses-in-americas-biggest-banking-failure-since-2008-570853/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Hiring&nbsp;'financial crimes' senior manager</strong></h2>

<p>Another report states that the bank posted a job listing for Senior Manager, Financial Crimes on Friday, just before it was shut down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This position within Client [Bank Secrecy Act] Risk assesses Prospective client [Bank Secrecy Act]/[Anti-Money Laundering] risks pre-onboarding to approve or decline the Prospect as well as review Clients who may pivot during their relationship and require approval throughout the client’s relationship," read the job description.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>VC firms pulling out their funds</strong></h2>

<p>A day before the fall, billionaire Peter Thiel's Founders Fund — a venture capital firm had withdrawn nearly all of its money from the bank, smelling the coffee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the withdrawals, the fund&nbsp;no longer had any exposure to SVB. According to reports, the company had run into problems using SVB's services. Apart from Founders Fund,&nbsp;Coatue Management, and Union Square Ventures were the other VC firms that managed to avoid exposure to the bank.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-how-silicon-valley-bank-crisis-unfolded-in-48-hours-570945" target="_blank"><strong>Explained | How Silicon Valley Bank crisis unfolded in 48 hours</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the ordinary customers were not so lucky. Images and videos have gone viral on social media platforms which show anxious customers lining up outside the bank branches in long queues, waiting to withdraw their precious savings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The videos captured drew eerie similarities to the Great Depression of the 1930s when people had to line up similarly to receive their own money.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">US regulators have Shut Down Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and taken control of its ‘Customer Deposits’ in the largest failure of a US Bank since 2008.<br />
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Massive line forms outside Silicon Valley Bank as Customers Panic 👀 <a href="https://t.co/zA7BJ3h6Vy">pic.twitter.com/zA7BJ3h6Vy</a></p>
— khafi martinaz (@usera49) <a href="https://twitter.com/usera49/status/1634358531485835266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Though Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC has assured it has access to $175 billion of the bank's customer deposits and that depositors will get hands over their insured amounts — there is still palpable anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fact that big VC companies which have no dearth of money managed to save their funds while the ordinary public suffered, seems to suggest&nbsp;that something was fishy.&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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In what comes as the largest US bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis, Santa Clara-headquartered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed on Friday. The expedited nature of its collapse has raised serious concerns with many accusing the company of hoodwinking the depositors, despite knowing that its inevitable fall was around.

In what comes as the largest US bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis, Santa Clara-headquartered Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed on Friday. The expedited nature of its collapse has raised serious concerns with many accusing the company of hoodwinking the depositors, despite knowing that its inevitable fall was around. Days before SVB collapsed, the bank posted a self-congratulatory tweet where Forbes magazine had named it in the list of 'America's Best Banks' while also adding it to the Financial All-Stars list. "Proud to be on @Forbes' annual ranking of America's Best Banks for the 5th straight year and to have also been named to the publication's inaugural Financial All-Stars list," read the tweet which is still up. Proud to be on @Forbes' annual ranking of America's Best Banks for the 5th straight year and to have also been named to the publication's inaugural Financial All-Stars list. 👉 https://t.co/rEmfOSTT4f pic.twitter.com/NFWlPJUbh5 — SVB (@SVB_Financial) March 6, 2023 × The tweet by SVB can be clubbed in the same league as the tweets that aged like milk, with the infamous tweet by World Health Organization citing COVID-19 did not spread through human contact taking the top spot. Five days after SVB posted the boastful tweet, the regulators came down charging and seized control of its assets after it failed to meet the withdrawal demands of the investors. SVB executives sell their shares US media has reported that prior to the collapse, senior executives at SVB sold a significant portion of their shares. CEO Gregory Becker sold 11 per cent of his shares last month while Daniel Beck, CFO, Michelle Draper, CMO and Michael Zucker, general counsel sold as much as 32 per cent, 25 per cent and 19 per cent shares respectively. SVB paid bonuses to US employees Additionally, hours before going bust, SVB paid out annual bonuses to its US employees, according to multiple news sources. The payments were made for the work done in 2022. Though the size of payouts could not be confirmed, a CNBC report estimated the bonus to be in the $12,000-$140,000 range for associates and managing directors respectively. WATCH | Silicon Valley Bank collapses in America's biggest banking failure since 2008 Hiring 'financial crimes' senior manager Another report states that the bank posted a job listing for Senior Manager, Financial Crimes on Friday, just before it was shut down. "This position within Client [Bank Secrecy Act] Risk assesses Prospective client [Bank Secrecy Act]/[Anti-Money Laundering] risks pre-onboarding to approve or decline the Prospect as well as review Clients who may pivot during their relationship and require approval throughout the client’s relationship," read the job description. VC firms pulling out their funds A day before the fall, billionaire Peter Thiel's Founders Fund — a venture capital firm had withdrawn nearly all of its money from the bank, smelling the coffee. Following the withdrawals, the fund no longer had any exposure to SVB. According to reports, the company had run into problems using SVB's services. Apart from Founders Fund, Coatue Management, and Union Square Ventures were the other VC firms that managed to avoid exposure to the bank. Explained | How Silicon Valley Bank crisis unfolded in 48 hours However, the ordinary customers were not so lucky. Images and videos have gone viral on social media platforms which show anxious customers lining up outside the bank branches in long queues, waiting to withdraw their precious savings. The videos captured drew eerie similarities to the Great Depression of the 1930s when people had to line up similarly to receive their own money. US regulators have Shut Down Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and taken control of its ‘Customer Deposits’ in the largest failure of a US Bank since 2008. Massive line forms outside Silicon Valley Bank as Customers Panic 👀 pic.twitter.com/zA7BJ3h6Vy — khafi martinaz (@usera49) March 11, 2023 × Though Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC has assured it has access to $175 billion of the bank's customer deposits and that depositors will get hands over their insured amounts — there is still palpable anxiety. The fact that big VC companies which have no dearth of money managed to save their funds while the ordinary public suffered, seems to suggest that something was fishy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Did Silicon Valley Bank hoodwink everyone before its collapse?

President Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Friday to try to complete a plan that the White House hopes will turn the page on a spat between the U.S. and European Union over electric vehicle tax credits.

Biden hosts EU leader for talks amid dispute over electric vehicle tax credits

President Joe Biden chose a union training center in Philadelphia to lay out his new 10-year budget proposal and challenge congressional Republicans to release their own spending blueprint. As political gridlock puts the government at risk of defaulting, Biden Thursday made an opening bid with a budget plan that would cut deficits by $2.9 trillion over the next decade — a proposal that Republicans already intend to reject.

Joe Biden lays out budget plan, challenges Republicans to do same

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<p>US Army veterans as well as active-service members on Wednesday gave a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress, dubbing the haphazard retreat of the forces by the US government a 'catastrophe'. The Republicans have initiated the hearings to examine the handling of the Afghanistan 'pull-out' by the Biden administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, one of the first to testify could be seen crying as he said the American troops were unprepared for the pull-out, especially after the Taliban took over the capital city of Kabul. Vargas-Andrews was tasked with protecting the Kabul airport when two suicide bombers set themselves off,&nbsp;killing over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen and women.</p>

<p>"Plain and simple, we were ignored. My body was overwhelmed from the trauma of the blast. My abdomen had been ripped open. Every inch of my exposed body took ball bearings and shrapnel," said the former US Marine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was an inexcusable lack of accountability and negligence. I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-where-did-us-go-wrong-in-fight-against-taliban-406022"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marine Tyler Vargas-Andrews breaks down while testifying today on the Biden administration’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.<br />
<br />
He said he and others spotted the suspected Kabul airport bomber before the bombing and asked their commander if they could engage, but were never… <a href="https://t.co/Fpuvvaz1Sm">https://t.co/Fpuvvaz1Sm</a> <a href="https://t.co/V95VqJ33mM">pic.twitter.com/V95VqJ33mM</a></p>
— Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) <a href="https://twitter.com/kristina_wong/status/1633551209213599748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Other soldiers also spoke about the mental and physical toll the withdrawal had on them and their peers. Retired Lt Col David Scott Mann took the stand after Vargas-Andrews and informed the panel that one of his friends that served in Afghanistan could not cope with the trauma and took his own life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He just couldn't find his way out of the darkness of that moral injury."</p>

<p>The veteran called out America for building a reputation where it left allies in the lurch in the face of decimation and destruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“America is building a nasty reputation for multi-generational systemic abandonment of our allies where we leave a smouldering human refuse from the Montagnards of Vietnam to the Kurds in Syria,</p>

<p>Wednesday was the first of what is expected to be a series of hearings to expose the Biden administration by the GOP. The US intelligence failed to anticipate the timeline of the Taliban taking over Kabul which resulted in the chaotic situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US Army veterans as well as active-service members on Wednesday gave a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress, dubbing the haphazard retreat of the forces by the US government a 'catastrophe'.

US Army veterans as well as active-service members on Wednesday gave a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress, dubbing the haphazard retreat of the forces by the US government a 'catastrophe'. The Republicans have initiated the hearings to examine the handling of the Afghanistan 'pull-out' by the Biden administration. Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, one of the first to testify could be seen crying as he said the American troops were unprepared for the pull-out, especially after the Taliban took over the capital city of Kabul. Vargas-Andrews was tasked with protecting the Kabul airport when two suicide bombers set themselves off, killing over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen and women. "Plain and simple, we were ignored. My body was overwhelmed from the trauma of the blast. My abdomen had been ripped open. Every inch of my exposed body took ball bearings and shrapnel," said the former US Marine. "There was an inexcusable lack of accountability and negligence. I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind," he added. Read more: Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? Marine Tyler Vargas-Andrews breaks down while testifying today on the Biden administration’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. He said he and others spotted the suspected Kabul airport bomber before the bombing and asked their commander if they could engage, but were never… https://t.co/Fpuvvaz1Sm pic.twitter.com/V95VqJ33mM — Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) March 8, 2023 × Other soldiers also spoke about the mental and physical toll the withdrawal had on them and their peers. Retired Lt Col David Scott Mann took the stand after Vargas-Andrews and informed the panel that one of his friends that served in Afghanistan could not cope with the trauma and took his own life. "He just couldn't find his way out of the darkness of that moral injury." The veteran called out America for building a reputation where it left allies in the lurch in the face of decimation and destruction. “America is building a nasty reputation for multi-generational systemic abandonment of our allies where we leave a smouldering human refuse from the Montagnards of Vietnam to the Kurds in Syria, Wednesday was the first of what is expected to be a series of hearings to expose the Biden administration by the GOP. The US intelligence failed to anticipate the timeline of the Taliban taking over Kabul which resulted in the chaotic situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sobbing US soldiers recount the 'horrors' of catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan before Congress

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<p>China and Russia will continue to remain 'thick as thieves', according to a new intel report presented by the US intelligence agencies. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines made the statement while testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite receiving condemnation from all quarters, Russia and China were looking to deepen their co-operation, so as to challenge the US, according to Haines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite global backlash over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will maintain its diplomatic, defense, economic, and technology co-operation with Russia to continue trying to challenge the United States, even as it will limit public support," read the statement by Haines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-releases-12-point-policy-paper-on-russia-ukraine-war-565299"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China releases 12-point policy paper on Russia-Ukraine war</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-releases-12-point-policy-paper-on-russia-ukraine-war-565299/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>When quizzed by a Senator if the love affair between Beijing and Moscow was temporary or a long-term affair, Haines replied:&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is continuing to deepen.&nbsp;There are some limitations that we would see on where they would go in that partnership. We don't see them becoming allies the way we are with allies in NATO, but nevertheless, we do see increasing (co-operation) across every sector."</p>

<p>The observation by the top intel agency of the US comes in the backdrop of China repeatedly denying that it was supplying arms and ammunition to Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary meeting, said Beijing was being unfairly dragged into the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“China did not create the crisis. It is not a party to the crisis. And it has not provided weapons to either side of the conflict. Why on earth is there blame and sanctions on China? This is absolutely unacceptable."</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference and warned him of consequences if China supplied the arms. Shortly after the meeting, Blinken gave an interview and doubled down on the warning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-on-earth-chinese-fm-quashes-rumors-of-supplying-weapons-to-russia-569456" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: 'Why on earth...': Chinese FM quashes rumours of supplying weapons to Russia</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the report also added that the Chinese Communist Party or CCP remains the 'most consequential threat' to USA's national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Perhaps needless to say, the People's Republic of China, which is increasingly challenging the United States, economically, technologically, politically and militarily, around the world remains our unparalleled priority,"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In brief, the CCP represents both the leading and most consequential threat to US national security and leadership globally, and its intelligence-specific ambitions and capabilities make it for us our most serious and consequential intelligence rival," said Haines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping is attempting to fulfil his vision of making China a major global superpower and that involves growing at the expense of US power and influence, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China and Russia will continue to remain 'thick as thieves', according to a new intel report presented by the US intelligence agencies. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines made the statement while testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

China and Russia will continue to remain 'thick as thieves', according to a new intel report presented by the US intelligence agencies. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines made the statement while testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. Despite receiving condemnation from all quarters, Russia and China were looking to deepen their co-operation, so as to challenge the US, according to Haines. "Despite global backlash over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will maintain its diplomatic, defense, economic, and technology co-operation with Russia to continue trying to challenge the United States, even as it will limit public support," read the statement by Haines. WATCH | China releases 12-point policy paper on Russia-Ukraine war When quizzed by a Senator if the love affair between Beijing and Moscow was temporary or a long-term affair, Haines replied: "It is continuing to deepen. There are some limitations that we would see on where they would go in that partnership. We don't see them becoming allies the way we are with allies in NATO, but nevertheless, we do see increasing (co-operation) across every sector." The observation by the top intel agency of the US comes in the backdrop of China repeatedly denying that it was supplying arms and ammunition to Russia. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary meeting, said Beijing was being unfairly dragged into the conflict. “China did not create the crisis. It is not a party to the crisis. And it has not provided weapons to either side of the conflict. Why on earth is there blame and sanctions on China? This is absolutely unacceptable." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last month met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference and warned him of consequences if China supplied the arms. Shortly after the meeting, Blinken gave an interview and doubled down on the warning. Read more: 'Why on earth...': Chinese FM quashes rumours of supplying weapons to Russia Meanwhile, the report also added that the Chinese Communist Party or CCP remains the 'most consequential threat' to USA's national security. "Perhaps needless to say, the People's Republic of China, which is increasingly challenging the United States, economically, technologically, politically and militarily, around the world remains our unparalleled priority," "In brief, the CCP represents both the leading and most consequential threat to US national security and leadership globally, and its intelligence-specific ambitions and capabilities make it for us our most serious and consequential intelligence rival," said Haines. Chinese President Xi Jinping is attempting to fulfil his vision of making China a major global superpower and that involves growing at the expense of US power and influence, the report added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China-Russia courtship to continue despite global backlash, informs top US intelligence official

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<p>Climate activists against the proposed Willow oil and gas drilling project in the northwest US State of Alaska have started online protests as the Biden administration mulls greenlighting it. A Change.org petition has been started which has already garnered nearly three million signatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, environmental activists gathered outside the White House and called on President Joe Biden to abort the project. Proposed by ConocoPhillips’, it will be the largest single oil development project under the Biden administration, if granted the nod.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a $6 billion project, located inside the National Petroleum Reserve which is a 23 million-acre area and holds an estimated 600 million barrels of oil. The project aims to pump oil for the next 30 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those in favour of the project argue that it could help Alaska get its economy back on track as the drilling industry has shrunk significantly in the last few decades. Experts say the project has the capability to deliver up to $17 billion in revenue for federal and state governments and local Alaska communities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-going-back-on-promises-to-fight-climate-change-activists-rally-against-alaska-oil-project-569392" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Biden going back on promises to fight climate change? Activists rally against Alaska oil project</strong></a></p>

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<p>Alaska's Republican Senator Dan Sullivan urged the Biden administration to fast-track the project. He said ConocoPhillips will be able to start the project immediately after the Department of Interior gave its nod.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, given the warming temperatures in the Arctic region, starting a drilling project could have serious ramifications. Thus, many have dubbed it as the ultimate test of Biden's environmental policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the Biden administration said it would support a scaled-back version of the project. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has already narrowed the scope of the project by reducing the number of drilling pads from five to three. Reducing the count below three would make the project economically unviable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project was first approved by the Trump administration but a federal judge put a stay on the decision in 2021, saying the environmental analysis was flawed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Climate activists against the proposed Willow oil and gas drilling project in the northwest US State of Alaska have started online protests as the Biden administration mulls greenlighting it.

Climate activists against the proposed Willow oil and gas drilling project in the northwest US State of Alaska have started online protests as the Biden administration mulls greenlighting it. A Change.org petition has been started which has already garnered nearly three million signatures. Last week, environmental activists gathered outside the White House and called on President Joe Biden to abort the project. Proposed by ConocoPhillips’, it will be the largest single oil development project under the Biden administration, if granted the nod. It is a $6 billion project, located inside the National Petroleum Reserve which is a 23 million-acre area and holds an estimated 600 million barrels of oil. The project aims to pump oil for the next 30 years. Those in favour of the project argue that it could help Alaska get its economy back on track as the drilling industry has shrunk significantly in the last few decades. Experts say the project has the capability to deliver up to $17 billion in revenue for federal and state governments and local Alaska communities. WATCH | Biden going back on promises to fight climate change? Activists rally against Alaska oil project × Alaska's Republican Senator Dan Sullivan urged the Biden administration to fast-track the project. He said ConocoPhillips will be able to start the project immediately after the Department of Interior gave its nod. However, given the warming temperatures in the Arctic region, starting a drilling project could have serious ramifications. Thus, many have dubbed it as the ultimate test of Biden's environmental policies. Last month, the Biden administration said it would support a scaled-back version of the project. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has already narrowed the scope of the project by reducing the number of drilling pads from five to three. Reducing the count below three would make the project economically unviable. The project was first approved by the Trump administration but a federal judge put a stay on the decision in 2021, saying the environmental analysis was flawed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Protests mount against Alaska oil project as Biden administration faces dilemma

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<p>In what comes as a first, five pregnant women who were denied abortions despite grave risks to their lives have sued the state of Texas in the US. Center for Reproductive Rights has backed the lawsuit filed and it is the first time that pregnant women have decided to take legal action themselves against the restrictive abortion practices, according to a New York Times report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court in June last year declared that individual states can now legalise or restrict the procedure on their own, overturning the historic "Roe v. Wade" ruling from 1973 that established a woman's right to an abortion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, Texas, a historically Red state has banned abortions, barring a few exceptions which a physician determines on his sole authority. In the suit, the women have asked the court to clearly clarify what are the exceptions and under what conditions abortion can be granted to one.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-woman-carrying-skull-less-foetus-travels-over-2000-km-to-new-york-to-get-abortion-516256"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-woman-carrying-skull-less-foetus-travels-over-2000-km-to-new-york-to-get-abortion-516256" target="_blank"><strong>Louisiana woman carrying skull-less foetus travels over 2,000 km to New York for abortion</strong></a></p>

<p>Two of the women who sought abortion had fetuses with no skull and yet they were not granted abortion despite scurrying across state borders to seek treatment. Amanda Zurawski, one of the plaintiffs added that the back-and-forth caused tremendous damage to her body. She became septic twice and her fallopian tubes have been permanently closed due to scar tissue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You don’t think you’re somebody who’s going to need an abortion, let alone an abortion to save my life. If anybody reads my story, I don’t care where they are on the political spectrum, very few people would agree there is anything pro-life about this," Zurawski was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-supreme-court-strikes-down-abortion-rights-491507"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Supreme Court strikes down abortion rights</strong></a></p>

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<p>Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, named as a defendant in the suit has been&nbsp;a staunch advocate of no&nbsp;abortion practices in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re not going to allow left-wing bureaucrats in Washington to transform our hospitals and emergency rooms into walk-in abortion clinics," he said last year when the court passed its decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the five women filed the lawsuit, Paxton's office released a statement and reiterated the same position,&nbsp;“Now that the Supreme Court has finally overturned Roe, I will do everything in my power to protect mothers, families, and unborn children, and to uphold the state laws duly enacted by the Texas Legislature.”</p>

<p>The women are not challenging to overturn state ban on abortion, albeit they simply want transparency on the conditions when a physician can deem the woman fit for an abortion - when it is clear the pregnancy poses a danger to her body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, the US Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade goes against a global trend that has seen abortion restrictions loosen up, particularly in nations like India, Ireland, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia where the Catholic Church continues to have significant sway.</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 first, five pregnant women who were denied abortions despite grave risks to their lives have sued the state of Texas in the US. Center for Reproductive Rights has backed the lawsuit filed and it is the first time that pregnant women have decided to take legal action themselves against the restrictive abortion practices, according to a New York Times report.

In what comes as a first, five pregnant women who were denied abortions despite grave risks to their lives have sued the state of Texas in the US. Center for Reproductive Rights has backed the lawsuit filed and it is the first time that pregnant women have decided to take legal action themselves against the restrictive abortion practices, according to a New York Times report. The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court in June last year declared that individual states can now legalise or restrict the procedure on their own, overturning the historic "Roe v. Wade" ruling from 1973 that established a woman's right to an abortion. Since then, Texas, a historically Red state has banned abortions, barring a few exceptions which a physician determines on his sole authority. In the suit, the women have asked the court to clearly clarify what are the exceptions and under what conditions abortion can be granted to one. Read more: Louisiana woman carrying skull-less foetus travels over 2,000 km to New York for abortion Two of the women who sought abortion had fetuses with no skull and yet they were not granted abortion despite scurrying across state borders to seek treatment. Amanda Zurawski, one of the plaintiffs added that the back-and-forth caused tremendous damage to her body. She became septic twice and her fallopian tubes have been permanently closed due to scar tissue. “You don’t think you’re somebody who’s going to need an abortion, let alone an abortion to save my life. If anybody reads my story, I don’t care where they are on the political spectrum, very few people would agree there is anything pro-life about this," Zurawski was quoted as saying by the publication. WATCH | Gravitas: US Supreme Court strikes down abortion rights Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, named as a defendant in the suit has been a staunch advocate of no abortion practices in the state. “We’re not going to allow left-wing bureaucrats in Washington to transform our hospitals and emergency rooms into walk-in abortion clinics," he said last year when the court passed its decision. After the five women filed the lawsuit, Paxton's office released a statement and reiterated the same position, “Now that the Supreme Court has finally overturned Roe, I will do everything in my power to protect mothers, families, and unborn children, and to uphold the state laws duly enacted by the Texas Legislature.” The women are not challenging to overturn state ban on abortion, albeit they simply want transparency on the conditions when a physician can deem the woman fit for an abortion - when it is clear the pregnancy poses a danger to her body. According to experts, the US Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade goes against a global trend that has seen abortion restrictions loosen up, particularly in nations like India, Ireland, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia where the Catholic Church continues to have significant sway. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a first, five pregnant women sue the state of Texas over abortion ban

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