<p>A black family based in Baltimore, United States, has filed a&nbsp;$25 million class action lawsuit for racial discrimination against&nbsp;Sesame Place, an amusement park in&nbsp;Philadelphia inspired by the popular&nbsp;Sesame Street show.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly,&nbsp;Jodi Brown along with her family and friends was visiting the amusement park when during a meet and greet, multiple costumed characters purportedly refused to shake hands with her five-year-old daughter as well as niece.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident was captured on camera and since then, the nine-second clip has gone viral on the realms of social media platforms.</p>

<p>The video shows the Sesame Place employee dressed in the character of Rosita high-fiving the other visitors, who happen to be white.</p>

<p>However, by the time the dressed character reaches Jodi’s daughter and niece, it pulls its hands away from the girl’s outstretched hands and gestures ‘no’, whilst walking away from the spot, leaving the little girls confused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jodi put the video on her Instagram account and captioned it:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>I’m going to keep posting this, because this had me hot. We were on our way out of sesame place and the kids wanted to stop to see the characters. THIS DISGUSTING person blatantly told our kids NO then proceeded to hug the little white girl next to us! Then when I went to complain about it, they looking at me like I’m crazy. I asked the lady who the character was and I wanted to see a supervisor and she told me SHE DIDNT KNOW !! I will never step foot in&nbsp;@sesameplace&nbsp;ever again ! And please feel free to repost this. Actually run me my money back 😡🤬so mad I stopped the video but it got me so mad when he blatantly told them no</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I’m going to keep posting this, because this had me hot. We were on our way out of sesame place and the kids wanted to stop to see the characters. THIS DISGUSTING person blatantly told our kids NO then proceeded to hug the little white girl next to us! Then when I went to complain about it, they looking at me like I’m crazy. I asked the lady who the character was and I wanted to see a supervisor and she told me SHE DIDNT KNOW !! I will never step foot in @sesameplace ever again ! And please feel free to repost this. Actually run me my money back 😡🤬so mad I stopped the video but it got me so mad when he blatantly told them no" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgGAHtyFoHg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgGAHtyFoHg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgGAHtyFoHg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgGAHtyFoHg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jeezy (@__jodiii__)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Reportedly, the complainant&nbsp;has also set up a Change.org page where she is demanding that Sesame Place and its parent company be held accountable for their racist employees. Until the last update, the petition had been signed by over 26,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-has-us-failed-to-fight-racism-374376">&nbsp;Why has US failed to fight racism?</a></p>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, Sesame Place released a statement issuing a clarification.&nbsp;“The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated by the misunderstanding. Performers sometimes miss requests for hugs because the costumes they wear make it difficult to see at lower levels,” stated the amusement park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It’s been over 150 years since America passed the 13th Amendment Act but in practice, the legacy of racism continues to shadow the life of every black American. Whether it was an honest mistake from the performer or a deliberate attempt to whisk&nbsp;away the little girls, the fact that such incidents continue to transpire in America suggest that racism is well and alive and kicking.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


A black family based in Baltimore, United States, has filed a $25 million class action lawsuit for racial discrimination against Sesame Place, an amusement park in Philadelphia inspired by the popular Sesame Street show.

A black family based in Baltimore, United States, has filed a $25 million class action lawsuit for racial discrimination against Sesame Place, an amusement park in Philadelphia inspired by the popular Sesame Street show. Reportedly, Jodi Brown along with her family and friends was visiting the amusement park when during a meet and greet, multiple costumed characters purportedly refused to shake hands with her five-year-old daughter as well as niece. The incident was captured on camera and since then, the nine-second clip has gone viral on the realms of social media platforms. The video shows the Sesame Place employee dressed in the character of Rosita high-fiving the other visitors, who happen to be white. However, by the time the dressed character reaches Jodi’s daughter and niece, it pulls its hands away from the girl’s outstretched hands and gestures ‘no’, whilst walking away from the spot, leaving the little girls confused. Jodi put the video on her Instagram account and captioned it: I’m going to keep posting this, because this had me hot. We were on our way out of sesame place and the kids wanted to stop to see the characters. THIS DISGUSTING person blatantly told our kids NO then proceeded to hug the little white girl next to us! Then when I went to complain about it, they looking at me like I’m crazy. I asked the lady who the character was and I wanted to see a supervisor and she told me SHE DIDNT KNOW !! I will never step foot in @sesameplace ever again ! And please feel free to repost this. Actually run me my money back 😡🤬so mad I stopped the video but it got me so mad when he blatantly told them no × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jeezy (@__jodiii__) × Reportedly, the complainant has also set up a Change.org page where she is demanding that Sesame Place and its parent company be held accountable for their racist employees. Until the last update, the petition had been signed by over 26,000 people. Read More: Why has US failed to fight racism? After the controversy snowballed, Sesame Place released a statement issuing a clarification. “The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated by the misunderstanding. Performers sometimes miss requests for hugs because the costumes they wear make it difficult to see at lower levels,” stated the amusement park. It’s been over 150 years since America passed the 13th Amendment Act but in practice, the legacy of racism continues to shadow the life of every black American. Whether it was an honest mistake from the performer or a deliberate attempt to whisk away the little girls, the fact that such incidents continue to transpire in America suggest that racism is well and alive and kicking. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: A US theme park character ignores two black kids; family files a $25 million class lawsuit

<p>Republican senators Ted Cruz, Steve Daines and several others are being mocked on social media platforms after being seen fist-bumping each other as GOP tanked a veteran Healthcare Bill.</p>

<p>Reportedly, the senate had gathered to vote on the&nbsp;Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act which would have expanded the healthcare facilities and coverage to millions of military veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill had received 'broadly bipartisan' support up until now. However,&nbsp;when the senate gathered to vote, it was blocked by the Republicans. 41 out of the 42 senators to vote against the bill were from the GOP.</p>

<p>After the vote, Texas senator Ted Cruz, Montana senator Steve Daines along with others were seen fist bumping and congratulating each other by shaking hands. The video of the incident was posted on the microblogging platform Twitter and immediately gained traction.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Senate Republicans BLOCKED the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PACTAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PACTAct</a>, critical health care for veterans with illness caused by toxic burn pits.<br />
<br />
Even though many Republicans supported it just weeks ago.<br />
<br />
And they celebrated. <a href="https://t.co/fAWIVrwB0A">pic.twitter.com/fAWIVrwB0A</a></p>
— Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateDems/status/1552773816027418625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Most of the netizens were of the view that the GOP senators should have kept their political differences aside and voted for a bill that was for the benefit of the veterans who protected the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, Ted Cruz's office released a statement saying:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>"Senator Cruz is a strong supporter of the PACT Act and our nation's veterans. However, this version of the PACT Act contains an irresponsible Democratic provision allowing Congress&nbsp;to recklessly spend an additional $400 billion on programs totally unrelated to our veterans."</p>
</blockquote>

<p>It is pertinent to note that last month, 25 senators backed and supported the bill. The sudden u-turn of the senators suggests that it was another attempt by the GOP to settle political scores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-threaten-google-include-anti-abortion-crisis-pregnancy-centres-in-results-for-abortion-or-else-501345">Republicans threaten Google: Include 'anti-abortion' crisis pregnancy centres in results for abortion or else</a></p>

<p>The PACT Act came into being after&nbsp;the death of Ohio soldier&nbsp;Heath Robinson in 2020. The army veteran was deployed in Kosovo and Iraq during his military days. However, the excessive exposure to burn pits led Robison to develop a rare form of lung cancer, which ultimately&nbsp;became the cause of his death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


Republican senators Ted Cruz, Steve Daines and several others are being mocked on social media platforms after being seen fist-bumping each other as GOP tanked a veteran Healthcare Bill.

Republican senators Ted Cruz, Steve Daines and several others are being mocked on social media platforms after being seen fist-bumping each other as GOP tanked a veteran Healthcare Bill. Reportedly, the senate had gathered to vote on the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act which would have expanded the healthcare facilities and coverage to millions of military veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their service. The bill had received 'broadly bipartisan' support up until now. However, when the senate gathered to vote, it was blocked by the Republicans. 41 out of the 42 senators to vote against the bill were from the GOP. After the vote, Texas senator Ted Cruz, Montana senator Steve Daines along with others were seen fist bumping and congratulating each other by shaking hands. The video of the incident was posted on the microblogging platform Twitter and immediately gained traction. Senate Republicans BLOCKED the #PACTAct, critical health care for veterans with illness caused by toxic burn pits. Even though many Republicans supported it just weeks ago. And they celebrated. pic.twitter.com/fAWIVrwB0A — Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) July 28, 2022 × Most of the netizens were of the view that the GOP senators should have kept their political differences aside and voted for a bill that was for the benefit of the veterans who protected the country. After the controversy snowballed, Ted Cruz's office released a statement saying: "Senator Cruz is a strong supporter of the PACT Act and our nation's veterans. However, this version of the PACT Act contains an irresponsible Democratic provision allowing Congress to recklessly spend an additional $400 billion on programs totally unrelated to our veterans." It is pertinent to note that last month, 25 senators backed and supported the bill. The sudden u-turn of the senators suggests that it was another attempt by the GOP to settle political scores. Read More: Republicans threaten Google: Include 'anti-abortion' crisis pregnancy centres in results for abortion or else The PACT Act came into being after the death of Ohio soldier Heath Robinson in 2020. The army veteran was deployed in Kosovo and Iraq during his military days. However, the excessive exposure to burn pits led Robison to develop a rare form of lung cancer, which ultimately became the cause of his death. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: Republican senators fist-bump after tanking a healthcare bill for military veterans

<p>Pakistan's economy is under tremendous debt. Now, in an attempt to avoid defaulting on debt payments, Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has sought help from the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Bajwa is attempting to persuade Washington to receive immediate loan funds amounting to $1.2 billion&nbsp;from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Bajwa spoke to US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and put forth his request.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why is Bajwa pleading with Washington?</strong></p>

<p>As reported extensively by WION, the cash-strapped country has been going through its worst financial crisis in recent times and needs cash liquidity on an almost urgent basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Standing on the verge of bankruptcy, Pakistan, however, was given a glimmer of hope earlier this month when the IMF decided to resume a 2019 signed $6 billion loan programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, IMF kept a few pre-conditions before Islamabad prior to opening its coffers. Reportedly, Pakistan will have to raise $4 billion from friendly countries to receive the next tranche of payment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Pakistan does not have the means and time to generate such an amount. Thus, Bajwa is attempting to work his friends in Washington to get the process expedited.</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan government to sell state assets</strong></p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that the Pakistan government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently brought an ordinance which grants it the power to&nbsp;sell state assets such as oil and gas companies to foreign nations without any checks.</p>

<p>The move is aimed at quickly raising funds to prevent the country from defaulting on the loans.</p>

<p>Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/pakistan-introduces-an-ordinance-allowing-government-to-sell-state-assets-to-foreign-nations-500200">Pakistan brings ordinance allowing government to sell state assets to foreign nations</a></p>

<p>The Pakistan rupee has fallen 8.3 per cent this week alone, which is being dubbed the steepest fall since 1998.</p>

<p>According to several estimates, the neighbouring country of India needs at least $41 billion in the next 12 months to fund debt repayments and boost foreign exchange reserves that have fallen by&nbsp;$754 million to $8.57 billion,</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong>&nbsp;<br />
<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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan's economy is under tremendous debt. Now, in an attempt to avoid defaulting on debt payments, Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has sought help from the United States.

Pakistan's economy is under tremendous debt. Now, in an attempt to avoid defaulting on debt payments, Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has sought help from the United States. Reportedly, Bajwa is attempting to persuade Washington to receive immediate loan funds amounting to $1.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Bajwa spoke to US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and put forth his request. Why is Bajwa pleading with Washington? As reported extensively by WION, the cash-strapped country has been going through its worst financial crisis in recent times and needs cash liquidity on an almost urgent basis. Standing on the verge of bankruptcy, Pakistan, however, was given a glimmer of hope earlier this month when the IMF decided to resume a 2019 signed $6 billion loan programme. However, IMF kept a few pre-conditions before Islamabad prior to opening its coffers. Reportedly, Pakistan will have to raise $4 billion from friendly countries to receive the next tranche of payment. However, Pakistan does not have the means and time to generate such an amount. Thus, Bajwa is attempting to work his friends in Washington to get the process expedited. Pakistan government to sell state assets It is pertinent to note that the Pakistan government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently brought an ordinance which grants it the power to sell state assets such as oil and gas companies to foreign nations without any checks. The move is aimed at quickly raising funds to prevent the country from defaulting on the loans. Read More: Pakistan brings ordinance allowing government to sell state assets to foreign nations The Pakistan rupee has fallen 8.3 per cent this week alone, which is being dubbed the steepest fall since 1998. According to several estimates, the neighbouring country of India needs at least $41 billion in the next 12 months to fund debt repayments and boost foreign exchange reserves that have fallen by $754 million to $8.57 billion, (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan army chief pleads Washington for early release of IMF funds

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidkVg9uu6DQP4c" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The Joe Biden administration in the US has halted its plans of inoculating individuals younger than 50 with the second booster shots. Instead, the resources will be directed to accelerate a fall vaccination campaign where reformulated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna will be used to jab the populace, in order to protect it from the most contagious strain of the virus - the omicron subvariant BA.5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US government is of the view that another wave of the pandemic may be around the corner in the winter or after it. Thus by inoculating the revamped jabs, which the pharma companies claim to provide better immunity, the government is trying to extend the immunity shield to all.</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that only Americans over 50 and those over 12 with certain immune deficiencies were allowed to take the second booster shot. With immunities waning in individuals, the second booster shot was expected to be the safeguard.</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/millions-develop-long-lasting-problems-with-sense-of-smell-or-taste-after-covid-19-study-501475" target="_blank">Millions develop long-lasting problems with sense of smell or taste after COVID-19: Study</a></p>

<p>However, the more contagious variant of the citrus threw a monkey wrench into the plans. Pfizer and Moderna have claimed that they can roll out the reformulated vaccines at the earliest. The US government wants the vaccines on its shelves latest by mid-September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, all US adults will be receiving the 'updated' Covid jab while children might also get a nod. However, the sudden pivot on the strategy of booster shots has invited mixed reactions.</p>

<p>Some believe that the government's policy is confusing the ordinary folks while other are of the view that it is best to have an updated vaccine than an old one which is not as effective on the new virus strain.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-bats-for-next-gen-covid-vaccines-500953" target="_blank">White House bats for next-gen Covid vaccines</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


The Joe Biden administration in the US has halted its plans of inoculating individuals younger than 50 with the second booster shots. Instead, the resources will be directed to accelerate a fall vaccination campaign where reformulated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna will be used to jab the populace, in order to protect it from the most contagious strain of the virus - the omicron subvariant BA.

The Joe Biden administration in the US has halted its plans of inoculating individuals younger than 50 with the second booster shots. Instead, the resources will be directed to accelerate a fall vaccination campaign where reformulated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna will be used to jab the populace, in order to protect it from the most contagious strain of the virus - the omicron subvariant BA.5. The US government is of the view that another wave of the pandemic may be around the corner in the winter or after it. Thus by inoculating the revamped jabs, which the pharma companies claim to provide better immunity, the government is trying to extend the immunity shield to all. It is pertinent to note that only Americans over 50 and those over 12 with certain immune deficiencies were allowed to take the second booster shot. With immunities waning in individuals, the second booster shot was expected to be the safeguard. Read More: Millions develop long-lasting problems with sense of smell or taste after COVID-19: Study However, the more contagious variant of the citrus threw a monkey wrench into the plans. Pfizer and Moderna have claimed that they can roll out the reformulated vaccines at the earliest. The US government wants the vaccines on its shelves latest by mid-September. According to reports, all US adults will be receiving the 'updated' Covid jab while children might also get a nod. However, the sudden pivot on the strategy of booster shots has invited mixed reactions. Some believe that the government's policy is confusing the ordinary folks while other are of the view that it is best to have an updated vaccine than an old one which is not as effective on the new virus strain. Read more: White House bats for next-gen Covid vaccines (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden administration to roll out updated Covid jabs after halting booster doses

<p>In what comes as a bizarre yet intriguing case, a couple in the United States has been arrested for identity theft and conspiring against the government. Reportedly, Walter Glenn Primrose, a defence contractor and his wife Gwynn Darle Morrison lived under false identities for decades, stolen from dead babies.</p>

<p>The prosecutors investigating the case remarked that the couple was born in 1955 in Texas and attended high school together. Moreover, they went to the same university and later got married in 1980.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, for reasons still unknown, the couple, in 1987, assumed the identities of Bobby Fort and Julie Montague, two babies who had died years ago and were buried in the cemeteries nearby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prosecutors revealed in their indictment that Glenn Primrose has been issued a total of five US passports under the identity of Bobby Fort while his wife, Gwynn Morrison had three US passports in her name under the alias of Julie Montague, the dead baby.</p>

<p>What makes the arrest rather interesting is that a photograph has been recovered from the couple's home where they can be seen dressed in KGB uniforms, the former spy agency of the Soviet Union.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, some sources have informed the prosecutors that Morisson had lived in Romania when it was a Soviet bloc country for a brief time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-the-real-mr-putin-meet-the-judo-fighter-who-worked-for-the-kgb-455631#putin-loved-outdoor-activities-in-his-youth-455619">Who is the real Mr Putin? Meet the judo fighter who worked for the KGB</a></p>

<p>Moreover, Walter has previously worked as an avionics electrical technician in the Coast Guard. Thus, the prosecutors are of the view that the couple cannot be granted bail as they might flee the country using their 'espionage' abilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the FBI, the couple lived in a Honolulu suburb of Hawaii. They lived in a two-bedroom bungalow while renting a neighbouring house to a military personnel.</p>

<p>The neighbours remarked that the couple mostly kept to themselves and were friendly. However, they both were 'kind of a little nerdy'. Meanwhile, Megan Kau, the attorney for the couple continues to maintain that her clients are not spies.&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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


In what comes as a bizarre yet intriguing case, a couple in the United States has been arrested for identity theft and conspiring against the government. Reportedly, Walter Glenn Primrose, a defence contractor and his wife Gwynn Darle Morrison lived under false identities for decades, stolen from dead babies.

In what comes as a bizarre yet intriguing case, a couple in the United States has been arrested for identity theft and conspiring against the government. Reportedly, Walter Glenn Primrose, a defence contractor and his wife Gwynn Darle Morrison lived under false identities for decades, stolen from dead babies. The prosecutors investigating the case remarked that the couple was born in 1955 in Texas and attended high school together. Moreover, they went to the same university and later got married in 1980. However, for reasons still unknown, the couple, in 1987, assumed the identities of Bobby Fort and Julie Montague, two babies who had died years ago and were buried in the cemeteries nearby. Prosecutors revealed in their indictment that Glenn Primrose has been issued a total of five US passports under the identity of Bobby Fort while his wife, Gwynn Morrison had three US passports in her name under the alias of Julie Montague, the dead baby. What makes the arrest rather interesting is that a photograph has been recovered from the couple's home where they can be seen dressed in KGB uniforms, the former spy agency of the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, some sources have informed the prosecutors that Morisson had lived in Romania when it was a Soviet bloc country for a brief time. Read More: Who is the real Mr Putin? Meet the judo fighter who worked for the KGB Moreover, Walter has previously worked as an avionics electrical technician in the Coast Guard. Thus, the prosecutors are of the view that the couple cannot be granted bail as they might flee the country using their 'espionage' abilities. According to the FBI, the couple lived in a Honolulu suburb of Hawaii. They lived in a two-bedroom bungalow while renting a neighbouring house to a military personnel. The neighbours remarked that the couple mostly kept to themselves and were friendly. However, they both were 'kind of a little nerdy'. Meanwhile, Megan Kau, the attorney for the couple continues to maintain that her clients are not spies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Identity theft is a crime. A US couple arrested for forging identities for decades

<p>West Virginia Democrat senator&nbsp;Joe Manchin III has taken a volta-face on his earlier policy of not supporting US President Joe Biden's ambitious 'Build Back better' plan. With the Democrats having a razor-thin majority in the Senate,&nbsp;Manchin's support could help Biden pass the plan and implement it on the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Manchin remarked that the new policy will not be called 'Build Back better' but 'Inflation Reduction Act of 2022'. Reportedly, it will also have significant cuts from its previous iteration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Build Back Better is dead, and instead we have the opportunity to make our country stronger by bringing Americans together,” said Manchin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By hiking the corporate minimum tax on big companies to 15 per cent, the new tax policy, if implemented, is expected to generate&nbsp;$739 billion by the end of the decade. Moreover,&nbsp;$369 billion will be spent on climate and energy reforms while $64 billion will be used to beef up the Affordable Care Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What was Manchin's earlier stance?</strong></p>

<p>As reported extensively by WION, the conservative Democrat had single-handedly crashed Biden's 'Build Back Better' plan to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from the US electricity grid, raise money for new eco-friendly technologies and tax the ultra-rich.&nbsp;Manchin had applied brakes on the new tax and healthcare reforms as well by stating that he will wait for the July inflation numbers to come up first.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such was Biden's helplessness that he was mulling bringing a climate emergency plan. However, the President backtracked at the last minute and unveiled a $2.3 billion&nbsp;plan to fight climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-mulls-declaring-climate-change-emergency-but-can-he-fight-off-his-colleagues-498760">Joe Biden mulls declaring 'Climate Change Emergency' but can he fight off his colleagues?</a></p>

<p>In his presidential nomination, Biden had enlisted a $2 trillion four-year plan to curb planet-warming emissions. However, over a year into his tenure, the plan is yet to hit the ground running.</p>

<p>The support of&nbsp;Manchin might just help the project have a liftoff date.&nbsp;It's not clear what prompted Manchin's sudden change of heart but the Democrats will not mind it one bit; especially when the conservative senator had repeatedly thrown a monkey wrench into Biden's plans for the better part of last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


West Virginia Democrat senator Joe Manchin III has taken a volta-face on his earlier policy of not supporting US President Joe Biden's ambitious 'Build Back better' plan.

West Virginia Democrat senator Joe Manchin III has taken a volta-face on his earlier policy of not supporting US President Joe Biden's ambitious 'Build Back better' plan. With the Democrats having a razor-thin majority in the Senate, Manchin's support could help Biden pass the plan and implement it on the ground. However, Manchin remarked that the new policy will not be called 'Build Back better' but 'Inflation Reduction Act of 2022'. Reportedly, it will also have significant cuts from its previous iteration. “Build Back Better is dead, and instead we have the opportunity to make our country stronger by bringing Americans together,” said Manchin. By hiking the corporate minimum tax on big companies to 15 per cent, the new tax policy, if implemented, is expected to generate $739 billion by the end of the decade. Moreover, $369 billion will be spent on climate and energy reforms while $64 billion will be used to beef up the Affordable Care Act. What was Manchin's earlier stance? As reported extensively by WION, the conservative Democrat had single-handedly crashed Biden's 'Build Back Better' plan to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from the US electricity grid, raise money for new eco-friendly technologies and tax the ultra-rich. Manchin had applied brakes on the new tax and healthcare reforms as well by stating that he will wait for the July inflation numbers to come up first. Such was Biden's helplessness that he was mulling bringing a climate emergency plan. However, the President backtracked at the last minute and unveiled a $2.3 billion plan to fight climate change. Read More: Joe Biden mulls declaring 'Climate Change Emergency' but can he fight off his colleagues? In his presidential nomination, Biden had enlisted a $2 trillion four-year plan to curb planet-warming emissions. However, over a year into his tenure, the plan is yet to hit the ground running. The support of Manchin might just help the project have a liftoff date. It's not clear what prompted Manchin's sudden change of heart but the Democrats will not mind it one bit; especially when the conservative senator had repeatedly thrown a monkey wrench into Biden's plans for the better part of last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Democrat Senator Joe Manchin takes a volta-face; supports Biden's 'Build Back Better' plan

In pics | History of parliament attacks

<p>China on Wednesday (July 27) warned that the US will "bear the consequences" if House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. Tensions between US and China are rising ahead of a phone call that's expected between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. China has assumed an aggressive tone after last week's report that Pelosi might visit Taiwan in August.</p>

<p>China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to assert control on the self-ruled island. Chinese military aircraft have repeatedly forayed into Taiwan's Air Defence Zone (ADZ).</p>

<p>The phone call between Biden and Xi this week. Pelosi's possible visit is expected to dominate conversation between two leaders.</p>

<p>If it indeed takes place, Pelosi's visit would be the first to Taiwan by a sitting US House speaker since 1997. China has already said that it was "getting ready" for Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.</p>

<p>"We are firmly opposed to Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"If the US pushes ahead and challenges China's bottom line... the US side will bear all the consequences," he added.</p>

<p>Pelosi herself has not yet confirmed her plans to visit Taiwan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-xi-to-hold-talks-on-july-28-call-expected-to-cover-taiwan-tension-ukraine-says-us-501120">Biden, Xi to hold talks on July 28, call expected to cover Taiwan tension, Ukraine, says US</a></strong></p>

<p>It also comes at an especially fraught time as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to cement his rule later this year at a major party meeting amid economic headwinds.</p>

<p>Last week Biden said the US military thought a visit was "not a good idea right now".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China on Wednesday (July 27) warned that the US will "bear the consequences" if House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. Tensions between US and China are rising ahead of a phone call that's expected between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

China on Wednesday (July 27) warned that the US will "bear the consequences" if House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. Tensions between US and China are rising ahead of a phone call that's expected between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. China has assumed an aggressive tone after last week's report that Pelosi might visit Taiwan in August. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to assert control on the self-ruled island. Chinese military aircraft have repeatedly forayed into Taiwan's Air Defence Zone (ADZ). The phone call between Biden and Xi this week. Pelosi's possible visit is expected to dominate conversation between two leaders. If it indeed takes place, Pelosi's visit would be the first to Taiwan by a sitting US House speaker since 1997. China has already said that it was "getting ready" for Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. "We are firmly opposed to Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on Wednesday. "If the US pushes ahead and challenges China's bottom line... the US side will bear all the consequences," he added. Pelosi herself has not yet confirmed her plans to visit Taiwan. Also Read | Biden, Xi to hold talks on July 28, call expected to cover Taiwan tension, Ukraine, says US It also comes at an especially fraught time as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to cement his rule later this year at a major party meeting amid economic headwinds. Last week Biden said the US military thought a visit was "not a good idea right now". (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

China warns US, says latter will 'bear all consequences' over Pelosi's Taiwan visit

<p>US Republican lawmakers on Tuesday released a report that revealed that China had been infiltrating the Federal Reserve for more than a decade. The European Union's proposal to curb gas use was met with disapproval from the member states. Meanwhile, Russia announced that it will withdraw from International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-infiltrated-the-us-federal-reserve-for-over-a-decade-gop-lawmakers-in-a-report-500840">China has infiltrated the US Federal Reserve for over a decade: GOP lawmakers</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/05/05/259866-fed-res.jpg" /></p>

<p>According to a report prepared by the Republican staff of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, it has been revealed that the Federal Reserve does not have a system or the adequate resources to counter China, seeking to gather classified, inside information about USA's monetary policy and economy. The report revealed that China's efforts to infiltrate the US central bank had been ongoing for a decade at least.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-unity-in-european-union-member-nations-oppose-eus-gas-curb-proposal-500825">No unity in European Union? Member nations oppose EU's gas curb plans</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/04/08/253291-eu.jpg" /></p>

<p>The proposal put forth by the European Union to cut gas use by 15 per cent in anticipation of possible Russian supply cuts, has been met with disapproval from member countries.&nbsp;rance, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, Portugal and Malta among other countries demanded the EU give the member nations a chance to present their opinion about the proposal, or perhaps even, a veto power.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-says-it-will-quit-iss-after-2024-shows-plans-of-new-station-500883">Russia says it will quit ISS after 2024, shows plans of 'new station'</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282145-international-space-station.png" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-out-of-cwg22-after-stupendous-run-since-tokyo-2020-javelin-stars-misfortune-catches-up-500802">Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282090-neeraj-chopra-out-of-cwg-2022-javelin-throwers-misfortune-catches-up.jpg" /></p>

<p>India were dealt a huge blow ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. , Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, touted as one of the strongest medal contenders for CWG 2022 was ruled out of the showpiece event due to a groin injury&nbsp;during the men's javelin throw final in the World Athletics Championships, where he attained a silver medal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WATCH<strong>:&nbsp;WION Exclusive: 'You have to believe in yourself,' says Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-you-have-to-believe-in-yourself-says-olympic-champion-neeraj-chopra-500246/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-civilians-helped-indian-army-to-throw-out-pak-intruders-during-the-1999-kargil-war-500781">How civilians helped Indian Army to throw out Pak intruders in Kargil war</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282087-army.jpg" /></p>

<p>Victory is assured when the civilians join hands with the army. The Kargil victory was possible not only because of the brave soldiers, the civilians, too, played a major role in throwing out the intruders.&nbsp;Notably, the civilians did not fight with weapons, but their role&nbsp;was&nbsp;as important as that of an Indian soldier.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India pays homage to martyr soldiers of the Kargil war</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pays-homage-to-martyr-soldiers-of-the-kargil-war-500804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-makes-a-plane-for-family-during-lockdown-and-travels-to-europe-in-it-500855">Believe it or not: This Indian man made a plane during lockdown and flew family to Europe</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282137-ashok-aliseril-thamarakshan.jpg" /></p>

<p>London-based Ashok Aliseril Thamarakshan, a native of Alappuzha in the Southern Indian State of Kerala&nbsp;has successfully constructed a four-seater aeroplane in a project that took close to 18 months to complete. Now, Thamarakshan and his wife fly around the UK and Europe in their home-built aircraft, along with their two daughters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-pak-chinas-proposal-to-invite-third-countries-in-cpec-projects-500680">India slams Pak-China’s proposal to invite third countries in CPEC projects</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282012-pak.jpg" /></p>

<p>India has taken umbrage at the invitation extended by Pakistan and China, allowing third countries to join and invest in the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects—a pet project of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;India’s response came days after the third meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group (JWG) on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) where all-weather allies Pakistan and China expressed interest in inviting other countries to make investments in the project.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-lovlina-olympic-medalist-bajrang-punia-slams-officials-over-his-physios-non-inclusion-for-cwg-2022-500859">After Lovlina, Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia slams officials over his physio's non-inclusion for CWG 2022</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282138-bajrang-punia-slams-officials-over-his-physios-non-inclusion-for-cwg22.jpg" /></p>

<p>India's wrestler Bajrang Punia -- who claimed a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 -- has come forward and slammed the officials for his physio's non-inclusion. He has pointed out that the IOA has not granted an United Kingdom (UK) visa to his physio, who was with him for training in the United States of America (USA) as well.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-avengers-the-kang-dynasty-and-avengers-secret-wars-what-do-those-titles-mean-500784">'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars': What do those titles mean?</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282088-secret-wars-kang-dynasty-1200.jpg" /></p>

<p>Marvel Studios has announced the titles of the next two movies in the Avengers series.&nbsp;While the fourth Avengers movie is called 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the fifth Avengers movie is called 'Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel Studios will be expecting to recreate the success of Infinity War and Endgame Made on a staggering combined budget of $500 million, the movie also delivered in spades. However, what do the new titles mean going ahead in the Avengers universe?</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Major marvel announcements from Comic-Con 2022: Black Panther trailer, Phase 6 &amp; much more!</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-marvel-announcements-from-comic-con-2022-black-panther-trailer-phase-6-much-more-500892/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-nasa-is-being-pressured-to-change-james-webb-space-telescopes-name-500753">Why NASA is being pressured to change James Webb space telescope's name</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/06/09/269212-telescope.jpg" /></p>

<p>James Webb, after whom the observatory was named, was a celebrated NASA administrator and he was well known for heading the Apollo program.&nbsp;During his tenure as the top official in NASA, three Apollo I astronauts lost their lives during a 1967 ground test in Florida.&nbsp;The other major accusation plaguing his name is Webb’s role in the ‘Lavender Scare’ – a period of time in US history when a number of homosexual people were removed from government positions.</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


US Republican lawmakers on Tuesday released a report that revealed that China had been infiltrating the Federal Reserve for more than a decade. The European Union's proposal to curb gas use was met with disapproval from the member states.

US Republican lawmakers on Tuesday released a report that revealed that China had been infiltrating the Federal Reserve for more than a decade. The European Union's proposal to curb gas use was met with disapproval from the member states. Meanwhile, Russia announced that it will withdraw from International Space Station. Click on the headlines to read more: China has infiltrated the US Federal Reserve for over a decade: GOP lawmakers According to a report prepared by the Republican staff of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, it has been revealed that the Federal Reserve does not have a system or the adequate resources to counter China, seeking to gather classified, inside information about USA's monetary policy and economy. The report revealed that China's efforts to infiltrate the US central bank had been ongoing for a decade at least. No unity in European Union? Member nations oppose EU's gas curb plans The proposal put forth by the European Union to cut gas use by 15 per cent in anticipation of possible Russian supply cuts, has been met with disapproval from member countries. rance, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, Portugal and Malta among other countries demanded the EU give the member nations a chance to present their opinion about the proposal, or perhaps even, a veto power. Russia says it will quit ISS after 2024, shows plans of 'new station' Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up India were dealt a huge blow ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. , Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, touted as one of the strongest medal contenders for CWG 2022 was ruled out of the showpiece event due to a groin injury during the men's javelin throw final in the World Athletics Championships, where he attained a silver medal. WATCH: WION Exclusive: 'You have to believe in yourself,' says Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra × How civilians helped Indian Army to throw out Pak intruders in Kargil war Victory is assured when the civilians join hands with the army. The Kargil victory was possible not only because of the brave soldiers, the civilians, too, played a major role in throwing out the intruders. Notably, the civilians did not fight with weapons, but their role was as important as that of an Indian soldier. Watch: India pays homage to martyr soldiers of the Kargil war × Believe it or not: This Indian man made a plane during lockdown and flew family to Europe London-based Ashok Aliseril Thamarakshan, a native of Alappuzha in the Southern Indian State of Kerala has successfully constructed a four-seater aeroplane in a project that took close to 18 months to complete. Now, Thamarakshan and his wife fly around the UK and Europe in their home-built aircraft, along with their two daughters. India slams Pak-China’s proposal to invite third countries in CPEC projects India has taken umbrage at the invitation extended by Pakistan and China, allowing third countries to join and invest in the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects—a pet project of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India’s response came days after the third meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group (JWG) on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) where all-weather allies Pakistan and China expressed interest in inviting other countries to make investments in the project. After Lovlina, Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia slams officials over his physio's non-inclusion for CWG 2022 India's wrestler Bajrang Punia -- who claimed a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 -- has come forward and slammed the officials for his physio's non-inclusion. He has pointed out that the IOA has not granted an United Kingdom (UK) visa to his physio, who was with him for training in the United States of America (USA) as well. 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars': What do those titles mean? Marvel Studios has announced the titles of the next two movies in the Avengers series. While the fourth Avengers movie is called 'Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the fifth Avengers movie is called 'Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel Studios will be expecting to recreate the success of Infinity War and Endgame Made on a staggering combined budget of $500 million, the movie also delivered in spades. However, what do the new titles mean going ahead in the Avengers universe? Watch: Major marvel announcements from Comic-Con 2022: Black Panther trailer, Phase 6 & much more! × Why NASA is being pressured to change James Webb space telescope's name James Webb, after whom the observatory was named, was a celebrated NASA administrator and he was well known for heading the Apollo program. During his tenure as the top official in NASA, three Apollo I astronauts lost their lives during a 1967 ground test in Florida. The other major accusation plaguing his name is Webb’s role in the ‘Lavender Scare’ – a period of time in US history when a number of homosexual people were removed from government positions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news:US claims China has infiltrated its central bank, Russia says it will quit ISS & more

<p>Already reeling under pressure from the allegations of sexual assault and kidnapping by over 550 women, ride-hailing platform Uber on Saturday admitted that it knew about the data breach in 2016 that affected 57 million customers and yet failed to inform the public or US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).</p>

<p>Reportedly, Uber has confessed to the US prosecutors to avoid being levelled with criminal charges, as part of a settlement.&nbsp;When quizzed about how Uber had escaped the criminal charges, Stephanie Hinds, United States Attorney for the Northern District of California stated that the new management of Uber, that took charge in the aftermath of the hacking incident cooperated properly and made informed disclosures.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the new management in 2018 committed FTC to maintain an extensive privacy program for the next twenty years.&nbsp;<br />
Reportedly, in late 2016, two hackers stole personal data, including phone numbers, email addresses, and names of 57 million Uber&nbsp;passengers, in addition to the driver’s licences of over 600,000 drivers working for the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/550-women-sue-uber-over-allegations-including-kidnapping-and-sexual-assault-497365">550 women sue Uber over allegations including kidnapping and sexual assault</a></p>

<p>Joseph Sullivan, the Chief Security Officer of Uber at the time had decided to conceal the all-important information. Reportedly, Sullivan was on the verge of offering $100,000 in Bitcoins to hackers to brush the news under the carpet. He had also got the hackers on board to sign a non-disclosure agreement.</p>

<p>However, when a ‘strong’ executive team took the centre stage, the breach was revealed and Sullivan was thrown to the law enforcement agencies. The former security officer is now being charged with wire fraud and as part of the non-prosecution agreement, Uber Technologies Ltd. will help the prosecutors indict him.</p>

<p>Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-uber-files-leaked-docs-reveal-how-uber-won-access-to-world-leaders-deceived-investigators-496213">The Uber Files: Leaked docs reveal how Uber won access to world leaders, deceived investigators</a></p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that Uber had to pay a fine of $148 million to all the 50 US states in September 2018, to settle the claims. However, given that Uber's market value amounted to $76 billion in the same year, many experts called it a mockery of the system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


Already reeling under pressure from the allegations of sexual assault and kidnapping by over 550 women, ride-hailing platform Uber on Saturday admitted that it knew about the data breach in 2016 that affected 57 million customers and yet failed to inform the public or US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Already reeling under pressure from the allegations of sexual assault and kidnapping by over 550 women, ride-hailing platform Uber on Saturday admitted that it knew about the data breach in 2016 that affected 57 million customers and yet failed to inform the public or US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reportedly, Uber has confessed to the US prosecutors to avoid being levelled with criminal charges, as part of a settlement. When quizzed about how Uber had escaped the criminal charges, Stephanie Hinds, United States Attorney for the Northern District of California stated that the new management of Uber, that took charge in the aftermath of the hacking incident cooperated properly and made informed disclosures. Furthermore, the new management in 2018 committed FTC to maintain an extensive privacy program for the next twenty years. Reportedly, in late 2016, two hackers stole personal data, including phone numbers, email addresses, and names of 57 million Uber passengers, in addition to the driver’s licences of over 600,000 drivers working for the company. Read More: 550 women sue Uber over allegations including kidnapping and sexual assault Joseph Sullivan, the Chief Security Officer of Uber at the time had decided to conceal the all-important information. Reportedly, Sullivan was on the verge of offering $100,000 in Bitcoins to hackers to brush the news under the carpet. He had also got the hackers on board to sign a non-disclosure agreement. However, when a ‘strong’ executive team took the centre stage, the breach was revealed and Sullivan was thrown to the law enforcement agencies. The former security officer is now being charged with wire fraud and as part of the non-prosecution agreement, Uber Technologies Ltd. will help the prosecutors indict him. Read more: The Uber Files: Leaked docs reveal how Uber won access to world leaders, deceived investigators It is pertinent to note that Uber had to pay a fine of $148 million to all the 50 US states in September 2018, to settle the claims. However, given that Uber's market value amounted to $76 billion in the same year, many experts called it a mockery of the system. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Uber admits concealing the 2016 data leak of 57 million passengers; avoids criminal charges

<p><span><span>In what is being described as a judgement that has pushed America nearly 50 years back, the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) has overturned the landmark Roe vs Wade judgement of 1973 that made abortions for women a constitutional right in the US last month. This development has ramifications across all states in the US as it will not be possible for women to access abortion clinics legally after 15 weeks. More than half of the states are set to bring in laws that will ban abortion with immediate effect, with nine states having already worked them out.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span><span>Women in the US staged several protests everywhere, from Atlanta to New York. The ruling has made many women rethink their freedom and equality in society, as they reel under the pressure to safeguard their dignity and have autonomy in their decisions.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span><span>Women have been tied back for centuries by the shackles of patriarchy and misogyny. It’s interesting to note that the US boasts about development and considers itself the custodian of human rights. Still, the SCOTUS deems it fit to scrap a landmark judgment granting women autonomy over their bodies and lives.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span><span>US becomes an outlier</span></span></strong></p>

<p><span><span>The scrapping of the judgement not only makes the US an outlier among developed nations but will also propel developing nations to use this ruling as a precedent to cage women where life is already difficult for them.</span></span></p>

<p><span><span>Several nations have condemned the move, with New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern terming the decision as a loss for women. The move has re-ignited several debates and discussions that question the legitimacy of the SCOTUS. Women in the US will now have to travel to states where abortion is still legal after the specified period. This will only bring more obstacles for women along with the limited time window for abortions.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span><span>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/roe-v-wade-overturned-heres-what-the-ruling-means-for-millions-of-american-women-491461#the-latest-judgement-491443">Roe v Wade overturned: Here's what the ruling means for millions of American women</a></span></span></p>

<p><span><span>It had long been a priority for Christian conservatives and the Republicans to overturn the landmark verdict. US President Joe Biden expressed his sadness over the decision and said it was a sad day for the court, women and the country. It will be interesting to see if Biden can bring in a law in Congress that will restore women’s abortion rights, given the bipartisan nature of the House.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span><span>US needs to look inward</span></span></strong></p>

<p><span><span>Even though developing countries such as India have progressive abortion laws, it is challenging for women to access safe abortions and health care, especially in rural India. The lack of awareness and education about the rules amongst women makes it a dicey situation for them.&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>However, Indian laws guarantee abortion to women in case of threat to the woman’s life, risk of the fetus bearing abnormalities, or in case of rape.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span><span>The truth is that women have been let down everywhere in the world. Be it the freedom to choose their career path or their bodily autonomy. A country like the US should redefine and refine its boundaries on the issue, as it will give many in positions of power the right to snatch away women’s freedom and status as equal citizens worldwide.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)</em></strong></p>

<p>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


In what is being described as a judgement that has pushed America nearly 50 years back, the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) has overturned the landmark Roe vs Wade judgement of 1973 that made abortions for women a constitutional right in the US last month.

In what is being described as a judgement that has pushed America nearly 50 years back, the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) has overturned the landmark Roe vs Wade judgement of 1973 that made abortions for women a constitutional right in the US last month. This development has ramifications across all states in the US as it will not be possible for women to access abortion clinics legally after 15 weeks. More than half of the states are set to bring in laws that will ban abortion with immediate effect, with nine states having already worked them out. Women in the US staged several protests everywhere, from Atlanta to New York. The ruling has made many women rethink their freedom and equality in society, as they reel under the pressure to safeguard their dignity and have autonomy in their decisions. Women have been tied back for centuries by the shackles of patriarchy and misogyny. It’s interesting to note that the US boasts about development and considers itself the custodian of human rights. Still, the SCOTUS deems it fit to scrap a landmark judgment granting women autonomy over their bodies and lives. US becomes an outlier The scrapping of the judgement not only makes the US an outlier among developed nations but will also propel developing nations to use this ruling as a precedent to cage women where life is already difficult for them. Several nations have condemned the move, with New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern terming the decision as a loss for women. The move has re-ignited several debates and discussions that question the legitimacy of the SCOTUS. Women in the US will now have to travel to states where abortion is still legal after the specified period. This will only bring more obstacles for women along with the limited time window for abortions. Read more: Roe v Wade overturned: Here's what the ruling means for millions of American women It had long been a priority for Christian conservatives and the Republicans to overturn the landmark verdict. US President Joe Biden expressed his sadness over the decision and said it was a sad day for the court, women and the country. It will be interesting to see if Biden can bring in a law in Congress that will restore women’s abortion rights, given the bipartisan nature of the House. US needs to look inward Even though developing countries such as India have progressive abortion laws, it is challenging for women to access safe abortions and health care, especially in rural India. The lack of awareness and education about the rules amongst women makes it a dicey situation for them. However, Indian laws guarantee abortion to women in case of threat to the woman’s life, risk of the fetus bearing abnormalities, or in case of rape. The truth is that women have been let down everywhere in the world. Be it the freedom to choose their career path or their bodily autonomy. A country like the US should redefine and refine its boundaries on the issue, as it will give many in positions of power the right to snatch away women’s freedom and status as equal citizens worldwide. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Roe vs Wade: A judgement gone wrong?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidigYU3INiV1qC" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A week after a US Navy destroyer sailed around the contested archipelago of Spratly Islands, China has stepped on the throttle and stationed permanent forces on its three artificial islands in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the three man-made islands in the Spratlys viz. Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs will have a new flying squadron and maritime rescue and administration staff.</p>

<p>The official Chinese version of the event&nbsp;states, "..the forward stationed Chinese departments will undertake maritime emergency rescue tasks, perform maritime traffic safety supervision and prevention of ship pollution and other duties in the Nansha (Spratly) water,"</p>

<p>However, some experts are of the view that 'maritime rescue and administration staff' is a euphemism for the People Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N), which attempts to control the region with an iron fist.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What happened last week?</strong></p>

<p>As reported by WION previously, China had been irked by the presence of USS Benfold (DDG 65) in the region for a second successive time last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington, at the time, dubbed its exercise as 'freedom of navigation' and asserted navigational rights and freedom in the region, consistent with international law.</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyer-sails-in-the-disputed-spratly-islands-for-the-second-time-in-a-week-irks-china-497923" target="_blank">US Navy destroyer sails in the disputed Spratly Islands for the second time in a week; irks China</a></p>

<p><strong>Significance and history of Spratly Islands</strong></p>

<p>The Spratly Islands lie off the coast of the Philippines, Southern Vietnam and Malaysia. It is believed that the island has significant natural gas and oil reserves, in addition to the fishing grounds and acting as a strategic shipping route.</p>

<p>China, much like other disputed areas of the region claims the Spratly Islands as its own, despite military forces of Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines occupying various parts of the natural islands in the archipelago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402" target="_blank">Why the South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a></p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that up until 1988, the Spratly Islands were under the complete control of Vietnam. However, asserting its “historical maritime rights”, China in 1988, killed 74 Vietnamese sailors and assumed control over the islands.</p>

<p>Since then, the tussle has been ongoing and China has conjured its nine-dash theory to control the South China sea. Despite the international tribunal invalidating China's claims in the region, it has never accepted the ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


A week after a US Navy destroyer sailed around the contested archipelago of Spratly Islands, China has stepped on the throttle and stationed permanent forces on its three artificial islands in the region.

A week after a US Navy destroyer sailed around the contested archipelago of Spratly Islands, China has stepped on the throttle and stationed permanent forces on its three artificial islands in the region. According to reports, the three man-made islands in the Spratlys viz. Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs will have a new flying squadron and maritime rescue and administration staff. The official Chinese version of the event states, "..the forward stationed Chinese departments will undertake maritime emergency rescue tasks, perform maritime traffic safety supervision and prevention of ship pollution and other duties in the Nansha (Spratly) water," However, some experts are of the view that 'maritime rescue and administration staff' is a euphemism for the People Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N), which attempts to control the region with an iron fist. What happened last week? As reported by WION previously, China had been irked by the presence of USS Benfold (DDG 65) in the region for a second successive time last week. Washington, at the time, dubbed its exercise as 'freedom of navigation' and asserted navigational rights and freedom in the region, consistent with international law. Read More: US Navy destroyer sails in the disputed Spratly Islands for the second time in a week; irks China Significance and history of Spratly Islands The Spratly Islands lie off the coast of the Philippines, Southern Vietnam and Malaysia. It is believed that the island has significant natural gas and oil reserves, in addition to the fishing grounds and acting as a strategic shipping route. China, much like other disputed areas of the region claims the Spratly Islands as its own, despite military forces of Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines occupying various parts of the natural islands in the archipelago. Read More: Why the South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation It is pertinent to note that up until 1988, the Spratly Islands were under the complete control of Vietnam. However, asserting its “historical maritime rights”, China in 1988, killed 74 Vietnamese sailors and assumed control over the islands. Since then, the tussle has been ongoing and China has conjured its nine-dash theory to control the South China sea. Despite the international tribunal invalidating China's claims in the region, it has never accepted the ruling. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China stations permanent forces in the Spratly Islands, a week after a US destroyer sailed in the region

<p>Real-life superhero Nick Bostic, 25, is making headlines across the globe for his superhuman effort to rescue five children,&nbsp;not once but twice from a blazing fire. Reportedly, a few days back, Nick was out for a drive at night in&nbsp;Indiana's&nbsp;Lafayette area when he saw a two-storey house engulfed in flames.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With no cell phone on him and no opportunity to call&nbsp; 911, Nick, a pizza delivery boy by profession, rushed into the house and started with the rescue act.</p>

<p>Reportedly, the house owners,&nbsp;David and Tiera Barrett were out for dinner while their 18-year-old daughter&nbsp;Seionna, babysitted&nbsp;three siblings, aged 1, 6 and 13. One of the siblings had invited their friend to the house as well. In total, five children were in the house, when the fire started, the cause of which is still unknown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seionna first spotted the fire and ran upstairs to grab her siblings. However, by the time she ran downstairs, Nick had already entered the house from the back gate.</p>

<p>Racing through the smoke, Nick encountered four of the five kids on the stairs and escorted them safely out of the smoke and house. However, he quickly quizzed the kids if anybody was left back in there.</p>

<p><strong>Nick goes into the house for a second time</strong></p>

<p>Upon receiving info that 6-year-old Kaylani was still inside, Nick, without missing a heartbeat, scurried into the flaming house for a second time, wrapping his shirt around his mouth and nose to minimize smoke inhalation.</p>

<p>Not knowing where the little kid was, Nick used his ears to zone in on the location. After looking around, he&nbsp;found Kaylani and 'hightailed' upstairs to jump out of the window. Nick did fell while going upstairs but composed himself and jumped out of the window, making sure that the little&nbsp;Kaylani was on the opposite side of his arms at the time of impact.</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heroic-moment-caught-on-camera-indian-rescuers-extract-boy-trapped-in-house-collapse-473755">Heroic moment caught on camera: Indian rescuers extract boy trapped in house collapse</a></p>

<p>The body cam footage from the firefighters on the spot shows Nick running outside with the wailing kid in his arms. After passing the baby safely to firefighters, Nick crashes on the sidewalk and asks for oxygen. His hands could be seen burnt and cut due to the events inside the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can barely breathe," Bostic says in the video. "Is the baby OK? Please tell me the baby's OK."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pizza delivery driver Nick Bostic is being hailed a hero for running into this burning house in Indiana to rescue five children. A funding page to help him recover from his injuries has raised more than $500k. <a href="https://t.co/mMCYvWwgOA">pic.twitter.com/mMCYvWwgOA</a></p>
— TalkTV (@TalkTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkTV/status/1550074953403441153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Thankfully, the girl only suffered minor cuts and Bostic was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis where he spent two days before being discharged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>David Barrett, father of the kids thanked Nick by remarking, "Whatever brought him there at that moment.&nbsp;I feel like he was God-sent. He saved something that was priceless."</p>

<p>The family has stayed in touch with Nick and even accepted him as part of the family.&nbsp;"They (Barrett's) have welcomed me into their family as their own which is super cool I'm super honored for it," said Nick.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Nick's heroic deed went viral on the realms of social media platforms, the good samaritans of the internet started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nick-bostic-hero">fundraiser</a> campaign to show their appreciation for him. So far, the campaign has collected over 500k for Nick.</p>

<p><img alt="NicK Bostic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="807c48d4-b120-49a5-bf17-b67843ea985f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-07-23%20144005.png" /></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski along with Fire and Police Department have planned to honour Nick at a&nbsp;Lafayette Aviators game (College basketball league) on August 2. The proceeds of the tickets will be added to the online fundraiser set up for Nick.&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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


Real-life superhero Nick Bostic, 25, is making headlines across the globe for his superhuman effort to rescue five children, not once but twice from a blazing fire.

Real-life superhero Nick Bostic, 25, is making headlines across the globe for his superhuman effort to rescue five children, not once but twice from a blazing fire. Reportedly, a few days back, Nick was out for a drive at night in Indiana's Lafayette area when he saw a two-storey house engulfed in flames. With no cell phone on him and no opportunity to call 911, Nick, a pizza delivery boy by profession, rushed into the house and started with the rescue act. Reportedly, the house owners, David and Tiera Barrett were out for dinner while their 18-year-old daughter Seionna, babysitted three siblings, aged 1, 6 and 13. One of the siblings had invited their friend to the house as well. In total, five children were in the house, when the fire started, the cause of which is still unknown. Seionna first spotted the fire and ran upstairs to grab her siblings. However, by the time she ran downstairs, Nick had already entered the house from the back gate. Racing through the smoke, Nick encountered four of the five kids on the stairs and escorted them safely out of the smoke and house. However, he quickly quizzed the kids if anybody was left back in there. Nick goes into the house for a second time Upon receiving info that 6-year-old Kaylani was still inside, Nick, without missing a heartbeat, scurried into the flaming house for a second time, wrapping his shirt around his mouth and nose to minimize smoke inhalation. Not knowing where the little kid was, Nick used his ears to zone in on the location. After looking around, he found Kaylani and 'hightailed' upstairs to jump out of the window. Nick did fell while going upstairs but composed himself and jumped out of the window, making sure that the little Kaylani was on the opposite side of his arms at the time of impact. Read more: Heroic moment caught on camera: Indian rescuers extract boy trapped in house collapse The body cam footage from the firefighters on the spot shows Nick running outside with the wailing kid in his arms. After passing the baby safely to firefighters, Nick crashes on the sidewalk and asks for oxygen. His hands could be seen burnt and cut due to the events inside the house. "I can barely breathe," Bostic says in the video. "Is the baby OK? Please tell me the baby's OK." Pizza delivery driver Nick Bostic is being hailed a hero for running into this burning house in Indiana to rescue five children. A funding page to help him recover from his injuries has raised more than $500k. pic.twitter.com/mMCYvWwgOA — TalkTV (@TalkTV) July 21, 2022 × Thankfully, the girl only suffered minor cuts and Bostic was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis where he spent two days before being discharged. David Barrett, father of the kids thanked Nick by remarking, "Whatever brought him there at that moment. I feel like he was God-sent. He saved something that was priceless." The family has stayed in touch with Nick and even accepted him as part of the family. "They (Barrett's) have welcomed me into their family as their own which is super cool I'm super honored for it," said Nick. After Nick's heroic deed went viral on the realms of social media platforms, the good samaritans of the internet started a fundraiser campaign to show their appreciation for him. So far, the campaign has collected over 500k for Nick. Meanwhile, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski along with Fire and Police Department have planned to honour Nick at a Lafayette Aviators game (College basketball league) on August 2. The proceeds of the tickets will be added to the online fundraiser set up for Nick. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: Real life superman saves fives kids from a burning house

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidkLKVL4B12kua" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>On July 14, 2022, the heads of government of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States of America met at the first leader’s summit of the I2U2 group. The grouping emerged from the 2021<a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-i2u2-summit-geoeconomic-cooperation-in-a-geopolitically-complicated-west-asia/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Foreign Ministers’ meeting&nbsp;</a>of the four countries when it was called International Forum for Economic Cooperation. The first leaders’ summit was exploratory, and the participating countries agreed to focus on investments in six sectors- water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.</p>

<p>The apparent outcome of the first meeting was that it gave clarity on the nature of the grouping. The grouping is said to be purely economic as it focuses on the geoeconomic aspects of capital investments for improving infrastructure, climate change action, and public health access.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With its diplomatic prowess, India has been a part of major economic initiatives in its neighbourhood in the form of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, BRICS, and now the I2U2. The I2U2 allows India to secure investments from Israel, UAE, and the US, emerge as an alternative renewable energy hub and diversify the supply chain mechanism. The I2U2 grouping is India’s continued legacy of cultivating harmonious and economically beneficial relations with West Asia under its Look West policy. The article explores India’s opportunities concerning the I2U2 grouping and assesses the group from a lens of continuation of the broader Look West policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>I2U2: What is in there for India?</strong></p>

<p>The cooperation between India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and the US is a game-changer as these countries have come together to fulfil&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/14/joint-statement-of-the-leaders-of-india-israel-united-arab-emirates-and-the-united-states-i2u2/" target="_blank">geoeconomic&nbsp;</a>objectives of enhanced investments and tackle global challenges. For&nbsp;<a href="https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/35492/Joint+Statement+of+the+Leaders+of+India+Israel+United+Arab+Emirates+and+the+United+States+I2U2" target="_blank">India</a>, the I2U2 grouping is of particular significance as it places New Delhi in a position to leverage its strategic relations with Israel, UAE, and the US to build mutually beneficial economic partnerships without any adverse impact on its domestic commitments. During the summit, it was announced that UAE would invest $2 billion to develop sustainable and hi-tech integrated food parks in India’s Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>The investment in food parks will give an impetus to the Indian agricultural system as it will help in more agricultural output with cooperation from the Israel-UAE state and private sector. The investment also points toward the sustainability advantage that will benefit India as the food parks will address the food waste problem. Regarding geoeconomic features, the investment will enhance food security in the Gulf region, with India getting space to negotiate on energy security.</p>

<p>Additionally, the I2U2 grouping focuses on private capital investment and technical expertise to solve waste treatment problems, health access, and start-up linkages. India stands to gain from these investments as India’s start-up industry is increasing quickly. The investments in start-ups and their linkages with other countries will provide an impetus to entrepreneurial innovation and the creation of more such ventures. Apart from the food security and start-up-oriented investment, the grouping also benefits India with its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.orfonline.org/research/i2u2-brings-hi-tech-food-clean-energy-projects/" target="_blank">Clean Energy initiative</a>.</p>

<p>The initiative looks forward to establishing a hybrid renewable energy facility bringing together wind and solar energy for energy conservation and promoting a sustainable enterprise. The clean energy project aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon dependency in the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Hence, India stands to gain from the I2U2 grouping as it is an opportunity for India to cooperate with UAE and Israel to make a stronghold in the rest of West Asia.</p>

<p><strong>Continuation of 'Look-West' policy</strong></p>

<p>It would not be an exaggeration to say that the I2U2 grouping is a continuation of India’s Look West Policy. India has had trade partnerships with West Asia in areas of energy and oil since the 1990s. In 2014, with the coming of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, in line with the Look East policy, he charted a new approach focusing on building strategic relations with West Asia. Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://diplomatist.com/2020/08/28/indias-look-west-policy-in-the-middle-east/" target="_blank">Look West policy</a>, India determined to fulfil its national interest without getting involved in the regional politics of the Arab world.</p>

<p>India’s approach to engaging with West Asia establishes a common ground for cooperation. The relations between India and West Asia rest on government-to-government (G-G), business-to-business (B-B), and people-to-people (P-P) contacts. In May 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed&nbsp;<a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1821785" target="_blank">the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement&nbsp;</a>(CEPA), which is expected to increase the bilateral between the two countries. Similarly, India shares historical relations with Israel owing to its defence requirements. Saudi Arabia is another partner of India in West Asia, actively investing in the Jio platform of Reliance Industries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, the I2U2 complements India’s Look West Policy as it strengthens its position in the region by collaborating with UAE and Israel on economic, oil, energy, and defence matters. Additionally, partnering with the US other than in the Indo-Pacific enhances Indo-US relations.</p>

<p><strong>Grants India an advantage in the region</strong></p>

<p>The Look West Policy has positioned India in an advantageous position as its relations with the OIC have improved while remaining a balancer in the region by not taking sides between the Arab world and Israel or Saudi Arabia and Iran. The I2U2 presents an opportunity for India to enhance its partnership with the Arab world and strengthen its stance on harnessing relations with all regions. The grouping is a platform where countries can multilaterally invest and cooperate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Arab region is significant for India’s foreign policy as it is a hotspot of many conflicts. The Look West Policy is India’s strategy of engaging with the area bypassing Pakistan’s geopolitical boundaries. Therefore, the Look West Policy and I2U2 are a critical aspect of India’s foreign policy as it is in the country’s national interest. The Look West Policy complements I2U2 by engaging India with other developing economies of West Asia in sectors ranging from energy, climate action, sustainability, etc.</p>

<p>India should continue to diplomatically engage with West Asia to continue its multilateral approach to international relations while also focusing on building more people-to-people contacts. The I2U2 grouping allows India to act as a balancer in the region by engaging with all countries in a geopolitically charged region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)</em></strong></p>

<p>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


On July 14, 2022, the heads of government of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States of America met at the first leader’s summit of the I2U2 group.

On July 14, 2022, the heads of government of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States of America met at the first leader’s summit of the I2U2 group. The grouping emerged from the 2021 Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the four countries when it was called International Forum for Economic Cooperation. The first leaders’ summit was exploratory, and the participating countries agreed to focus on investments in six sectors- water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. The apparent outcome of the first meeting was that it gave clarity on the nature of the grouping. The grouping is said to be purely economic as it focuses on the geoeconomic aspects of capital investments for improving infrastructure, climate change action, and public health access. With its diplomatic prowess, India has been a part of major economic initiatives in its neighbourhood in the form of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, BRICS, and now the I2U2. The I2U2 allows India to secure investments from Israel, UAE, and the US, emerge as an alternative renewable energy hub and diversify the supply chain mechanism. The I2U2 grouping is India’s continued legacy of cultivating harmonious and economically beneficial relations with West Asia under its Look West policy. The article explores India’s opportunities concerning the I2U2 grouping and assesses the group from a lens of continuation of the broader Look West policy. I2U2: What is in there for India? The cooperation between India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and the US is a game-changer as these countries have come together to fulfil geoeconomic objectives of enhanced investments and tackle global challenges. For India, the I2U2 grouping is of particular significance as it places New Delhi in a position to leverage its strategic relations with Israel, UAE, and the US to build mutually beneficial economic partnerships without any adverse impact on its domestic commitments. During the summit, it was announced that UAE would invest $2 billion to develop sustainable and hi-tech integrated food parks in India’s Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The investment in food parks will give an impetus to the Indian agricultural system as it will help in more agricultural output with cooperation from the Israel-UAE state and private sector. The investment also points toward the sustainability advantage that will benefit India as the food parks will address the food waste problem. Regarding geoeconomic features, the investment will enhance food security in the Gulf region, with India getting space to negotiate on energy security. Additionally, the I2U2 grouping focuses on private capital investment and technical expertise to solve waste treatment problems, health access, and start-up linkages. India stands to gain from these investments as India’s start-up industry is increasing quickly. The investments in start-ups and their linkages with other countries will provide an impetus to entrepreneurial innovation and the creation of more such ventures. Apart from the food security and start-up-oriented investment, the grouping also benefits India with its Clean Energy initiative. The initiative looks forward to establishing a hybrid renewable energy facility bringing together wind and solar energy for energy conservation and promoting a sustainable enterprise. The clean energy project aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon dependency in the Paris Agreement. Hence, India stands to gain from the I2U2 grouping as it is an opportunity for India to cooperate with UAE and Israel to make a stronghold in the rest of West Asia. Continuation of 'Look-West' policy It would not be an exaggeration to say that the I2U2 grouping is a continuation of India’s Look West Policy. India has had trade partnerships with West Asia in areas of energy and oil since the 1990s. In 2014, with the coming of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, in line with the Look East policy, he charted a new approach focusing on building strategic relations with West Asia. Under the Look West policy, India determined to fulfil its national interest without getting involved in the regional politics of the Arab world. India’s approach to engaging with West Asia establishes a common ground for cooperation. The relations between India and West Asia rest on government-to-government (G-G), business-to-business (B-B), and people-to-people (P-P) contacts. In May 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to increase the bilateral between the two countries. Similarly, India shares historical relations with Israel owing to its defence requirements. Saudi Arabia is another partner of India in West Asia, actively investing in the Jio platform of Reliance Industries. Therefore, the I2U2 complements India’s Look West Policy as it strengthens its position in the region by collaborating with UAE and Israel on economic, oil, energy, and defence matters. Additionally, partnering with the US other than in the Indo-Pacific enhances Indo-US relations. Grants India an advantage in the region The Look West Policy has positioned India in an advantageous position as its relations with the OIC have improved while remaining a balancer in the region by not taking sides between the Arab world and Israel or Saudi Arabia and Iran. The I2U2 presents an opportunity for India to enhance its partnership with the Arab world and strengthen its stance on harnessing relations with all regions. The grouping is a platform where countries can multilaterally invest and cooperate. The Arab region is significant for India’s foreign policy as it is a hotspot of many conflicts. The Look West Policy is India’s strategy of engaging with the area bypassing Pakistan’s geopolitical boundaries. Therefore, the Look West Policy and I2U2 are a critical aspect of India’s foreign policy as it is in the country’s national interest. The Look West Policy complements I2U2 by engaging India with other developing economies of West Asia in sectors ranging from energy, climate action, sustainability, etc. India should continue to diplomatically engage with West Asia to continue its multilateral approach to international relations while also focusing on building more people-to-people contacts. The I2U2 grouping allows India to act as a balancer in the region by engaging with all countries in a geopolitically charged region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

I2U2: A continuation of India's 'Look West' policy

<p>US President Joe Biden's administration has asked a US judge for 60-day extension to decide the matter of sovereign immunity to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the case of murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. US Department of Justice made a filing in district court. The department said that a "decision making process" had been initiated.</p>

<p>“The United States is diligently considering the Court’s inquiry but the process for doing so requires consultation among multiple entities within the Executive Branch with respect to complex issues of international and domestic law,” the filing said.</p>

<p>US government's request has been granted by the court. The request has been filed just days after Biden's return from Saudi Arabia where he met the crown prince along with other leaders.</p>

<p>Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist who was critical of Saudi Arabian regime and of Mohammed bin Salman himself, was murdered in a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. US government's unclassified report said that the crown prince himself ordered the murder. The de facto Saudi ruler denies it.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabian and American sides differed over what discussion took place between Biden and the crown prince.</p>

<p>A Saudi minister told Fox News on Saturday that he "didn't hear that particular phrase" from Biden blaming the crown prince. A Saudi official said that discussion over the Khashoggi case took place in an 'informal' way.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden's administration has asked a US judge for 60-day extension to decide the matter of sovereign immunity to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the case of murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US President Joe Biden's administration has asked a US judge for 60-day extension to decide the matter of sovereign immunity to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the case of murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. US Department of Justice made a filing in district court. The department said that a "decision making process" had been initiated. “The United States is diligently considering the Court’s inquiry but the process for doing so requires consultation among multiple entities within the Executive Branch with respect to complex issues of international and domestic law,” the filing said. US government's request has been granted by the court. The request has been filed just days after Biden's return from Saudi Arabia where he met the crown prince along with other leaders. Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist who was critical of Saudi Arabian regime and of Mohammed bin Salman himself, was murdered in a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. US government's unclassified report said that the crown prince himself ordered the murder. The de facto Saudi ruler denies it. Saudi Arabian and American sides differed over what discussion took place between Biden and the crown prince. A Saudi minister told Fox News on Saturday that he "didn't hear that particular phrase" from Biden blaming the crown prince. A Saudi official said that discussion over the Khashoggi case took place in an 'informal' way. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

Biden administration seeks extension to decide on immunity to Mohammed bin Salman

<p>New Yorkers stood in a long line on Sunday (July 17) to get themselves vaccinated against monkeypox. The city has become an epicentre of outbreak&nbsp;of the disease in the US. The city lacks adequate number of doses and AFP quoted people standing in line as saying that they felt lucky to have got appointment for vaccination. 9200 slots became available on city's dedicated website on Friday. Within seven minutes, the slots were full. The page had crashed three days ago due to very high traffic.</p>

<p>"It was frustrating, largely because especially with Covid, you'd think that we would have more of a structured process or vaccine rollout," Aidan Baglivo, 23, told AFP. "There just wasn't really anything."</p>

<p>Number of monkeypox infections rose last week in New York, a city of more than eight million people. On Friday (July 15), number of infections reached 461 new since the start of the outbreak. On Monday last week, this number was at 223.</p>

<p>Robert, who declined to give his last name, told AFP he sat at his computer refreshing the website "like a crazy person" until he got a slot.</p>

<p>"This shouldn't be an issue because there's already a vaccine, and it (the rollout) should be... more efficient to prevent it from becoming more of an issue," said the 28-year-old. His partner and his best friend have not been able to get a vaccine yet.</p>

<p>Neither his partner nor his best friend have been able to get a vaccine.</p>

<p>"Every additional day where there's not more people being vaccinated is a bummer."</p>

<p>Monkeypox spreads through close physical contact and anyone can get infected. However, the Jynneos vaccine is currently reserved for men who have sex with men. This section of society has seen a large number of infections.</p>

<p><br />
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong>here</strong>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


New Yorkers stood in a long line on Sunday (July 17) to get themselves vaccinated against monkeypox. The city has become an epicentre of outbreak of the disease in the US.

New Yorkers stood in a long line on Sunday (July 17) to get themselves vaccinated against monkeypox. The city has become an epicentre of outbreak of the disease in the US. The city lacks adequate number of doses and AFP quoted people standing in line as saying that they felt lucky to have got appointment for vaccination. 9200 slots became available on city's dedicated website on Friday. Within seven minutes, the slots were full. The page had crashed three days ago due to very high traffic. "It was frustrating, largely because especially with Covid, you'd think that we would have more of a structured process or vaccine rollout," Aidan Baglivo, 23, told AFP. "There just wasn't really anything." Number of monkeypox infections rose last week in New York, a city of more than eight million people. On Friday (July 15), number of infections reached 461 new since the start of the outbreak. On Monday last week, this number was at 223. Robert, who declined to give his last name, told AFP he sat at his computer refreshing the website "like a crazy person" until he got a slot. "This shouldn't be an issue because there's already a vaccine, and it (the rollout) should be... more efficient to prevent it from becoming more of an issue," said the 28-year-old. His partner and his best friend have not been able to get a vaccine yet. Neither his partner nor his best friend have been able to get a vaccine. "Every additional day where there's not more people being vaccinated is a bummer." Monkeypox spreads through close physical contact and anyone can get infected. However, the Jynneos vaccine is currently reserved for men who have sex with men. This section of society has seen a large number of infections. 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 ×

New York: People queue up in long lines for monkeypox vaccine

<p>The four-day summit of the Pacific Islands Forum held in the capital city of Suva in Fiji might have made news for China holding a concurrent meeting on the sidelines but there were few important conversations to come out of it. Reportedly, the 17 forum members used the platform to send out a message to big carbon emitting countries that the lives of people in the Pacific region were on line.</p>

<p>The forum members adopted stern language to declare a climate emergency and sought the superpowers viz. the USA and China (currently engaged in a competition to assert dominance in the region) to do more on climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bitter-china-hosts-dialogue-with-pacific-island-nations-on-the-same-day-as-pacific-island-forum-meeting-497713">&nbsp;Bitter China hosts dialogue with Pacific island nations on the same day as Pacific Island Forum meeting</a></p>

<p><strong>Demands of the forum</strong></p>

<p>The member states demanded that the largest emitters of CO2 (usually the developed nation), double their climate financing to the developing nations. The forum also asked the big-league countries to conduct a meaningful dialogue at the COP27, expected to take place later this year in Egypt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fiji President Frank Bainimarama, in an interaction with reporters put forth the demand for financing to vulnerable societies for the 'loss and damage' caused due to the changing landscape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What matters most to us is we secure bold commitments from all countries at COP27 to phase out coal and other fossil fuels and step up finance to the most vulnerable nations and advance causes like ‘loss and damage’ that matter dearly to the most at-risk island communities,” said Frank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 30 million square kilometres of exclusive economic zones of the Pacific have seen the most severe effects of global warming with low-lying areas getting inundated routinely. Not only does science corroborate the fact but the people living in the Pacific are seeing a drastic change in the sea levels, affecting their livelihood. If the trend continues, the world may have to do without Tuna, the world's most eaten fish, whose more than half of the production comes from this region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


The four-day summit of the Pacific Islands Forum held in the capital city of Suva in Fiji might have made news for China holding a concurrent meeting on the sidelines but there were few important conversations to come out of it.

The four-day summit of the Pacific Islands Forum held in the capital city of Suva in Fiji might have made news for China holding a concurrent meeting on the sidelines but there were few important conversations to come out of it. Reportedly, the 17 forum members used the platform to send out a message to big carbon emitting countries that the lives of people in the Pacific region were on line. The forum members adopted stern language to declare a climate emergency and sought the superpowers viz. the USA and China (currently engaged in a competition to assert dominance in the region) to do more on climate change. Read More: Bitter China hosts dialogue with Pacific island nations on the same day as Pacific Island Forum meeting Demands of the forum The member states demanded that the largest emitters of CO2 (usually the developed nation), double their climate financing to the developing nations. The forum also asked the big-league countries to conduct a meaningful dialogue at the COP27, expected to take place later this year in Egypt. Fiji President Frank Bainimarama, in an interaction with reporters put forth the demand for financing to vulnerable societies for the 'loss and damage' caused due to the changing landscape. “What matters most to us is we secure bold commitments from all countries at COP27 to phase out coal and other fossil fuels and step up finance to the most vulnerable nations and advance causes like ‘loss and damage’ that matter dearly to the most at-risk island communities,” said Frank. The 30 million square kilometres of exclusive economic zones of the Pacific have seen the most severe effects of global warming with low-lying areas getting inundated routinely. Not only does science corroborate the fact but the people living in the Pacific are seeing a drastic change in the sea levels, affecting their livelihood. If the trend continues, the world may have to do without Tuna, the world's most eaten fish, whose more than half of the production comes from this region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Double the climate financing', Pacific Forum members call for action from biggest emitters of carbon

<p>Tension has been rising in the South China Sea as a US Navy destroyer sailed around the contested archipelago of Spratly Islands, much to the chagrin of China. Reportedly, US Navy has dubbed its exercise, the second within a week, 'freedom of navigation'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Navy remarked in its statement, "On July 16, USS Benfold (DDG 65) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Beijing claims that its People Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) had 'driven away' the same ship earlier this week on Wednesday (July 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Significance and history of Spratly Islands</strong><br />
The Spratly Islands lie off the coast of the Philippines, Southern Vietnam and Malaysia. It is believed that the island has significant natural gas and oil reserves, in addition to the fishing grounds and acting as a strategic shipping route.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China, much like other disputed areas of the region claims the Spratly Islands as its own, despite military forces of Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines occupying various parts of the natural islands in the archipelago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a></p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that up until 1988, the Spratly Islands were under the complete control of Vietnam. However, asserting its “historical maritime rights”, China in 1988, killed 74 Vietnamese sailors and assumed control over the islands.</p>

<p>Since then, the tussle has been ongoing and China has conjured its nine-dash theory to control the South China sea. Despite the international tribunal invalidating China's claims in the region, it has never accepted the ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-builds-up-defences-against-china-in-spratly-islands-365951">Vietnam builds up defences against China in Spratly Islands</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


Tension has been rising in the South China Sea as a US Navy destroyer sailed around the contested archipelago of Spratly Islands, much to the chagrin of China. Reportedly, US Navy has dubbed its exercise, the second within a week, 'freedom of navigation'.

Tension has been rising in the South China Sea as a US Navy destroyer sailed around the contested archipelago of Spratly Islands, much to the chagrin of China. Reportedly, US Navy has dubbed its exercise, the second within a week, 'freedom of navigation'. The US Navy remarked in its statement, "On July 16, USS Benfold (DDG 65) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law." Meanwhile, Beijing claims that its People Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) had 'driven away' the same ship earlier this week on Wednesday (July 13). Significance and history of Spratly Islands The Spratly Islands lie off the coast of the Philippines, Southern Vietnam and Malaysia. It is believed that the island has significant natural gas and oil reserves, in addition to the fishing grounds and acting as a strategic shipping route. China, much like other disputed areas of the region claims the Spratly Islands as its own, despite military forces of Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines occupying various parts of the natural islands in the archipelago. Read More: Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation It is pertinent to note that up until 1988, the Spratly Islands were under the complete control of Vietnam. However, asserting its “historical maritime rights”, China in 1988, killed 74 Vietnamese sailors and assumed control over the islands. Since then, the tussle has been ongoing and China has conjured its nine-dash theory to control the South China sea. Despite the international tribunal invalidating China's claims in the region, it has never accepted the ruling. Read More: Vietnam builds up defences against China in Spratly Islands (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Navy destroyer sails in the disputed Spratly Islands for the second time in a week; irks China

<p>China is back on the table with its undermining tactics yet again. Not a part of the Pacific Island Forum, China hosted a separate dialogue with several political parties and business leaders of the Pacific island nations on the last day (Thursday) of the four-day event in Fiji.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Chinese mouthpieces, the Chinese embassy in the capital city of Suva hosted the leaders of the region in person and via video conferencing. The&nbsp;Chinese embassy in Fiji even posted the photographs of the meeting on its official handle.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, the IDCPC hosted the 2nd China-PICs Political Leadership Dialogue, joined by Hon. <a href="https://twitter.com/ISeruiratu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISeruiratu</a> and other delegates of PICs. HE Amb. Qian Bo also attended. Mutual respect, equality, win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness remains key features of China-PICs relations. <a href="https://t.co/SbWN7Aeznr">pic.twitter.com/SbWN7Aeznr</a></p>
— Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChineseEmb_FJ/status/1547527195223986177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This meeting came on the same day as Pacific Island Forum leaders met and decided to resolve the geopolitical issues within 'the family'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As mentioned earlier, China is not a part of the Pacific Island Forum but it is among the 20 dialogue partners that also include the USA. Beijing might have been antagonized as the USA and its Vice President Kamala Harris were allowed to address the forum via video conferencing, a day earlier (Wednesday). However, no such courtesy was extended to the Chinese.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frank Bainimarama, the Forum chair and Fiji prime minister in his opening remarks had taken a veiled potshot at China. Reportedly, Frank stated that the region had been caught in a crossfire of 'three deadly C's: Covid, climate and conflict'. Both Covid and conflict have a close connection with China and it must have irked the Chinese leaders who had also sent their alleged spies to the meet.</p>

<p>Reportedly, two Chinese attaches were identified by the journalists during the forum. When confronted, one was identified as a Chinese embassy official. Both were later escorted out of the forum meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is utterly fake news that some western media reports said that two Chinese defence attaches posed as journalists and were asked to leave by Fiji Police. Chinese Embassy representatives attended relevant meetings and events of the PIFLM in accordance with rules and practice. <a href="https://t.co/tgbkHFKOcH">pic.twitter.com/tgbkHFKOcH</a></p>
— Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChineseEmb_FJ/status/1547444856653770752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>China and the US have been vying for a position of strength in the Pacific. China, despite its slow economic growth, has not let up its guard when it comes to its expansionist policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-growth-drops-to-04-per-cent-amid-draconian-lockdown-measures-and-severe-heatwave-497575">China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


China is back on the table with its undermining tactics yet again. Not a part of the Pacific Island Forum, China hosted a separate dialogue with several political parties and business leaders of the Pacific island nations on the last day (Thursday) of the four-day event in Fiji.

China is back on the table with its undermining tactics yet again. Not a part of the Pacific Island Forum, China hosted a separate dialogue with several political parties and business leaders of the Pacific island nations on the last day (Thursday) of the four-day event in Fiji. According to Chinese mouthpieces, the Chinese embassy in the capital city of Suva hosted the leaders of the region in person and via video conferencing. The Chinese embassy in Fiji even posted the photographs of the meeting on its official handle. Today, the IDCPC hosted the 2nd China-PICs Political Leadership Dialogue, joined by Hon. @ISeruiratu and other delegates of PICs. HE Amb. Qian Bo also attended. Mutual respect, equality, win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness remains key features of China-PICs relations. pic.twitter.com/SbWN7Aeznr — Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) July 14, 2022 × This meeting came on the same day as Pacific Island Forum leaders met and decided to resolve the geopolitical issues within 'the family'. As mentioned earlier, China is not a part of the Pacific Island Forum but it is among the 20 dialogue partners that also include the USA. Beijing might have been antagonized as the USA and its Vice President Kamala Harris were allowed to address the forum via video conferencing, a day earlier (Wednesday). However, no such courtesy was extended to the Chinese. Frank Bainimarama, the Forum chair and Fiji prime minister in his opening remarks had taken a veiled potshot at China. Reportedly, Frank stated that the region had been caught in a crossfire of 'three deadly C's: Covid, climate and conflict'. Both Covid and conflict have a close connection with China and it must have irked the Chinese leaders who had also sent their alleged spies to the meet. Reportedly, two Chinese attaches were identified by the journalists during the forum. When confronted, one was identified as a Chinese embassy official. Both were later escorted out of the forum meeting. It is utterly fake news that some western media reports said that two Chinese defence attaches posed as journalists and were asked to leave by Fiji Police. Chinese Embassy representatives attended relevant meetings and events of the PIFLM in accordance with rules and practice. pic.twitter.com/tgbkHFKOcH — Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) July 14, 2022 × China and the US have been vying for a position of strength in the Pacific. China, despite its slow economic growth, has not let up its guard when it comes to its expansionist policies. Read More: China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave (With inputs from agencies)

Bitter China hosts dialogue with Pacific island nations on the same day as Pacific Island Forum meeting

<p>Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has made up his mind about running for president again in 2024 US Presidential Election. In an interview given to New York Magazine, he said that only question in his mind was when to announce his decision.</p>

<p>“I would say my big decision will be whether I go before or after,” he said, in an apparent reference to midterm elections due towards the end of this year. He was quoted by New York Magazine.</p>

<p>Trump's four years at the helm of world's only superpower was tumultuous to say the least. From discussing policy decisions on Twitter to taking America out of some of the most important international accords, he constantly made news.</p>

<p>Trump was impeached twice. He has been at the focus of investigation after deadly US Capitol Hill riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, his hold on the Republican Party appears intact.</p>

<p>Current US President Joe Biden, whose victory over Trump in 2020 was almost perceived as USA coming back on track, has lost face and attracted heavy criticism especially after America's hasty exit from Afghanistan and return of the Taliban. Political experts have been quoted in media as saying that this and other issues surrounding gaffe-prone Biden have created a certain perceived power vacuum that Trump may seek to exploit when he gets chance.</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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has made up his mind about running for president again in 2024 US Presidential Election. In an interview given to New York Magazine, he said that only question in his mind was when to announce his decision.

Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has made up his mind about running for president again in 2024 US Presidential Election. In an interview given to New York Magazine, he said that only question in his mind was when to announce his decision. “I would say my big decision will be whether I go before or after,” he said, in an apparent reference to midterm elections due towards the end of this year. He was quoted by New York Magazine. Trump's four years at the helm of world's only superpower was tumultuous to say the least. From discussing policy decisions on Twitter to taking America out of some of the most important international accords, he constantly made news. Trump was impeached twice. He has been at the focus of investigation after deadly US Capitol Hill riots. However, his hold on the Republican Party appears intact. Current US President Joe Biden, whose victory over Trump in 2020 was almost perceived as USA coming back on track, has lost face and attracted heavy criticism especially after America's hasty exit from Afghanistan and return of the Taliban. Political experts have been quoted in media as saying that this and other issues surrounding gaffe-prone Biden have created a certain perceived power vacuum that Trump may seek to exploit when he gets chance. 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 ×

I've made up my mind, says Donald Trump on 2024 presidential run

<p>A US Navy destroyer ship carried out what US calls Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday. An angry China said that its military had 'driven away' the US warship which had sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands. China claims the entirety of South China Sea based on ancient claims. US regularly carries out Freedom of Navigation exercises in the sea to challenge Chinese assertions.</p>

<p>Monday (July 11) was the sixth anniversary of a ruling given by international tribunal that had invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. China had rejected the ruling.</p>

<p>The US Navy said the destroyer USS Benfold "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law".</p>

<p>China maintains that it does not impede freedom of navigation. It has accused the US of provoking tensions deliberately.</p>

<p>Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said that action of US destroyer seriously violated China's sovereignty and security. It said that the ship illegally entered China's territorial waters around Paracel islands. These islands are also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.</p>

<p>"The PLA's Southern Theatre Command organised sea and air forces to follow, monitor, warn and drive away" the ship, it added, showing pictures of the Benfold taken from the deck of the Chinese frigate the Xianning.</p>

<p>"The facts once again show that the United States is nothing short of a 'security risk maker in the South China Sea' and a 'destroyer of regional peace and stability.'"</p>

<p><strong>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-and-pakistan-commence-maritime-exercise-near-shanghai-to-deepen-frienship-496961">China and Pakistan commence maritime exercise near Shanghai to deepen 'frienship'</a></strong></p>

<p>US Navy, in turn, has said that Chinese statement on its mission was "false". It said that this was latest Chinese act to "misrepresent lawful U.S. maritime operations and assert its excessive and illegitimate maritime claims at the expense of its Southeastern Asian neighbours in the South China Sea".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A US Navy destroyer ship carried out what US calls Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday. An angry China said that its military had 'driven away' the US warship which had sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands.

A US Navy destroyer ship carried out what US calls Freedom of Navigation exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday. An angry China said that its military had 'driven away' the US warship which had sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands. China claims the entirety of South China Sea based on ancient claims. US regularly carries out Freedom of Navigation exercises in the sea to challenge Chinese assertions. Monday (July 11) was the sixth anniversary of a ruling given by international tribunal that had invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. China had rejected the ruling. The US Navy said the destroyer USS Benfold "asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law". China maintains that it does not impede freedom of navigation. It has accused the US of provoking tensions deliberately. Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said that action of US destroyer seriously violated China's sovereignty and security. It said that the ship illegally entered China's territorial waters around Paracel islands. These islands are also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. "The PLA's Southern Theatre Command organised sea and air forces to follow, monitor, warn and drive away" the ship, it added, showing pictures of the Benfold taken from the deck of the Chinese frigate the Xianning. "The facts once again show that the United States is nothing short of a 'security risk maker in the South China Sea' and a 'destroyer of regional peace and stability.'" Watch | China and Pakistan commence maritime exercise near Shanghai to deepen 'frienship' US Navy, in turn, has said that Chinese statement on its mission was "false". It said that this was latest Chinese act to "misrepresent lawful U.S. maritime operations and assert its excessive and illegitimate maritime claims at the expense of its Southeastern Asian neighbours in the South China Sea". (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

US carries out Freedom of Navigation exercise in South China Sea

<p>USA on Tuesday (July 12) stepped forward and announced incentives for Pacific Island nations in a move widely seen to be aimed at countering Chinese influence. This has come after Kiribati, one of Pacific Island nations chose to stay away from the Pacific Island Forum meeting in Suva, Fiji. Kiribati has also withdrawn itself from the 18-member group.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Kiribati islanders celebrated their Independence Day, however, President Taneti Maamau skipped the region`s first face-to-face meeting in three years as a matter of principle over a dispute involving its leadership, reported CNN.</p>

<p>There were speculations of Chinese hand compelling Maamau to leave the alliance. China has denied this and its foreign ministry has rejected these claims as 'completely groundless'.</p>

<p>The region has attracted attention of western powers after China's recent aggressive push to enhance ties with Pacific Island Nations.</p>

<p>A senior official of US administration official told reporters in a call tha the US was "significantly stepping up (its) game in the Pacific Islands."</p>

<p>"The incentives included more funding for fisheries, extra aid, and offers of new US embassies in the Pacific -- including one in Kiribati, which along with the Solomon Islands appears to be moving closer to China, reported CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other US commitments include tripling funding to USD 60 million a year for 10 years to secure US fishing rights in the Pacific, the release of America`s strategy on the Pacific Islands and the appointment of the first US envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum.</p>

<p>To achieve the US`s soft power goals, the Peace Corps will return to four countries including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Vanuatu and the US will increase aid funding to the region. The measures will be personally presented to Pacific leaders on Wednesday in a virtual address by US Vice President Kamala Harris -- underscoring Washington`s efforts to stress the Pacific`s importance to US strategy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


USA on Tuesday (July 12) stepped forward and announced incentives for Pacific Island nations in a move widely seen to be aimed at countering Chinese influence. This has come after Kiribati, one of Pacific Island nations chose to stay away from the Pacific Island Forum meeting in Suva, Fiji.

USA on Tuesday (July 12) stepped forward and announced incentives for Pacific Island nations in a move widely seen to be aimed at countering Chinese influence. This has come after Kiribati, one of Pacific Island nations chose to stay away from the Pacific Island Forum meeting in Suva, Fiji. Kiribati has also withdrawn itself from the 18-member group. On Tuesday, Kiribati islanders celebrated their Independence Day, however, President Taneti Maamau skipped the region`s first face-to-face meeting in three years as a matter of principle over a dispute involving its leadership, reported CNN. There were speculations of Chinese hand compelling Maamau to leave the alliance. China has denied this and its foreign ministry has rejected these claims as 'completely groundless'. The region has attracted attention of western powers after China's recent aggressive push to enhance ties with Pacific Island Nations. A senior official of US administration official told reporters in a call tha the US was "significantly stepping up (its) game in the Pacific Islands." "The incentives included more funding for fisheries, extra aid, and offers of new US embassies in the Pacific -- including one in Kiribati, which along with the Solomon Islands appears to be moving closer to China, reported CNN. Other US commitments include tripling funding to USD 60 million a year for 10 years to secure US fishing rights in the Pacific, the release of America`s strategy on the Pacific Islands and the appointment of the first US envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum. To achieve the US`s soft power goals, the Peace Corps will return to four countries including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Vanuatu and the US will increase aid funding to the region. The measures will be personally presented to Pacific leaders on Wednesday in a virtual address by US Vice President Kamala Harris -- underscoring Washington`s efforts to stress the Pacific`s importance to US strategy. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

US showers incentives on Pacific island nations

<p>The United States has relaxed most of the Covid-19 restrictions in many parts for a long time. But since then, the Covid-19 cases have also started to increase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is feared that the US is moving towards its second-largest wave, which may have already begun.</p>

<p>The country reported a huge number of cases while the pandemic was at its peak and was also one of the worst affected countries, with a large number of deaths being reported due to the infection.</p>

<p>In a matter of weeks, the BA.5 version of Covid-19 has become the predominant&nbsp;variant of the virus in the country.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-uses-two-more-casino-hotels-for-covid-19-medical-facilities-495580">Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities</a></strong></p>

<p>The BA.5 variant can spread faster than other variants around the world.&nbsp;The infection rate is very high, which may lead to more problems.</p>

<p>It is one of Omicron's sub-variants. It is similar to the Ba 2 variant from last year but has its own mutations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's Xi'an, Shanghai &amp; Macao put under COVID lockdown</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-xian-shanghai-macao-put-under-covid-lockdown-495233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">Its spread depends on the population's immunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">The Ba.5 variant may pose the biggest threat to immune protection yet in the US.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">The BA.5 variant accounted for nearly 54 percent of Covid-19 cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The BA.4 variant accounted for 17%&nbsp;of the total.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">The variants have also been shown to evade protection from vaccination and previous infections.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">The symptoms vary from person to person. While some have a high fever, headache, runny nose, cough, etc., some show no symptoms at all.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-travellers-warned-of-rising-virus-cases-in-europe-495211">COVID-19: Travellers warned of rising virus cases in Europe</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a report by The Guardian, Jason Salemi, who is an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health said,&nbsp;“Covid-19 is very clearly not over. We’re seeing dramatic increases in the number of cases and hospitalisations in many places throughout the United States".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“BA.4 and 5 are potentially the variants that can break through immunity the easiest.&nbsp;They are capable of reinfection and&nbsp;we’re headed in a bad direction”, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the&nbsp;US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in three Americans live in a county at medium risk from Covid, and one in five are at high risk. This is the&nbsp;highest proportion of the country facing risks since February.</p>

<p>Though hospitalisations were fewer earlier, they have increased as the cases have started to rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, people in their old age were hospitalised, but now hospitalisations are continuing for all ages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salemi also said that “the first and second booster is very important”.</p>

<p>However, only 34 percent of people in the US have received their booster doses. While after that the second booster dose has been taken by a very less number of people.</p>

<p>The US government as well as the citizens&nbsp;need to take&nbsp;some necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the infection and take the booster doses as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<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 United States has relaxed most of the Covid-19 restrictions in many parts for a long time. But since then, the Covid-19 cases have also started to increase. It is feared that the US is moving towards its second-largest wave, which may have already begun.

The United States has relaxed most of the Covid-19 restrictions in many parts for a long time. But since then, the Covid-19 cases have also started to increase. It is feared that the US is moving towards its second-largest wave, which may have already begun. The country reported a huge number of cases while the pandemic was at its peak and was also one of the worst affected countries, with a large number of deaths being reported due to the infection. In a matter of weeks, the BA.5 version of Covid-19 has become the predominant variant of the virus in the country. Also read | Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities The BA.5 variant can spread faster than other variants around the world. The infection rate is very high, which may lead to more problems. It is one of Omicron's sub-variants. It is similar to the Ba 2 variant from last year but has its own mutations. Watch | China's Xi'an, Shanghai & Macao put under COVID lockdown Its spread depends on the population's immunity. The Ba.5 variant may pose the biggest threat to immune protection yet in the US. The BA.5 variant accounted for nearly 54 percent of Covid-19 cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The BA.4 variant accounted for 17% of the total. The variants have also been shown to evade protection from vaccination and previous infections. The symptoms vary from person to person. While some have a high fever, headache, runny nose, cough, etc., some show no symptoms at all. Also read | COVID-19: Travellers warned of rising virus cases in Europe According to a report by The Guardian, Jason Salemi, who is an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health said, “Covid-19 is very clearly not over. We’re seeing dramatic increases in the number of cases and hospitalisations in many places throughout the United States". “BA.4 and 5 are potentially the variants that can break through immunity the easiest. They are capable of reinfection and we’re headed in a bad direction”, he added. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in three Americans live in a county at medium risk from Covid, and one in five are at high risk. This is the highest proportion of the country facing risks since February. Though hospitalisations were fewer earlier, they have increased as the cases have started to rise. Usually, people in their old age were hospitalised, but now hospitalisations are continuing for all ages. Salemi also said that “the first and second booster is very important”. However, only 34 percent of people in the US have received their booster doses. While after that the second booster dose has been taken by a very less number of people. The US government as well as the citizens need to take some necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the infection and take the booster doses as well. 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.

Is America heading towards its second-largest Covid-19 wave?

<p>US Treasury on Wednesday (June 6) said that it was freezing assets of members of an international network. The international network was violating oil sanctions on Tehran by way of selling millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil to East Asia.</p>

<p>The asset freeze is targetting Iranian petrochemical firms in addition to China and UAE-based alleged front companies for Iran's state-owned company. The sanctions are also targetting Triliance, a Hong Kong-based company already under US sanctions for its dealings with Iran.</p>

<p>Washington had already imposed sanctions on Iranian petrochemical producers in mid-June, as well as Chinese and Indian brokers, expanding pressure amid a deadlock in negotiations on restoring a 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear program.</p>

<p>"While the United States is committed to achieving an agreement with Iran that seeks a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we will continue to use all our authorities to enforce sanctions," the Treasury said, referring to the nuclear deal.</p>

<p>Wednesday's announcement came ahead of a highly-anticipated visit next week by President Joe Biden to Israel and Saudi Arabia when efforts to contain the nuclear threat from Iran will be top of the agenda.</p>

<p>Sanctions were also imposed on China-based broker Jeff Gao and Indian national Mohammad Shaheed Ruknooddin Bhore for allegedly managing business for Triliance.</p>

<p>All of the targets' property and interests in the United States will be frozen, and US-based people and companies are blocked from conducting business dealings with them.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US Treasury on Wednesday (June 6) said that it was freezing assets of members of an international network. The international network was violating oil sanctions on Tehran by way of selling millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil to East Asia.

US Treasury on Wednesday (June 6) said that it was freezing assets of members of an international network. The international network was violating oil sanctions on Tehran by way of selling millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil to East Asia. The asset freeze is targetting Iranian petrochemical firms in addition to China and UAE-based alleged front companies for Iran's state-owned company. The sanctions are also targetting Triliance, a Hong Kong-based company already under US sanctions for its dealings with Iran. Washington had already imposed sanctions on Iranian petrochemical producers in mid-June, as well as Chinese and Indian brokers, expanding pressure amid a deadlock in negotiations on restoring a 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear program. "While the United States is committed to achieving an agreement with Iran that seeks a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we will continue to use all our authorities to enforce sanctions," the Treasury said, referring to the nuclear deal. Wednesday's announcement came ahead of a highly-anticipated visit next week by President Joe Biden to Israel and Saudi Arabia when efforts to contain the nuclear threat from Iran will be top of the agenda. Sanctions were also imposed on China-based broker Jeff Gao and Indian national Mohammad Shaheed Ruknooddin Bhore for allegedly managing business for Triliance. All of the targets' property and interests in the United States will be frozen, and US-based people and companies are blocked from conducting business dealings with them. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

US Treasury freezes assets of network selling Iranian oil

<p>Israeli army said on Sunday that a ballistic test will be carried out on the bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Alekh. This development has come a day after the Palestinian authority handed the bullet to US experts. The Palestinian Authority has given the green light for the US but not for Israel for examination of the bullet that killed the journalist during an Israeli&nbsp;raid in occupied West Bank. Israel Army spokesman Ran Kochav announced Israel's decision on army radio. A Palestinian official, who requested anonymity, told AFP the Israeli comment raised questions about whether the PA could "trust the Americans". Speaking to army radio, Kochav said: "The test won't be American, the test will be an Israeli test with an American presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are waiting for the results, if we killed her, we'll take responsibility for it, and will be sorry for it. We are also sorry when people that are not involved are killed by Palestinian gunmen," he also said.</p>

<p>"We are waiting for the results, if we killed her, we'll take responsibility for it, and will be sorry for it. We are also sorry when people that are not involved are killed by Palestinian gunmen," he also said.</p>

<p>AFP said that there was no immediate comment from Israel army that provided further explanation of Kochav's remarks, including whether an Israeli ballistics test was already underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palestinian sources in Ramallah have said they expected the test to be conducted at the US embassy in Jerusalem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American, was wearing a vest marked "Press" and a helmet, was covering an Israeli army operation in Jenin camp in the northern West Bank on May 11 when she was killed.</p>

<p>The official Palestinian investigation found that the Qatar-based television channel's star reporter was killed after being hit by a bullet just below her helmet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli army said on Sunday that a ballistic test will be carried out on the bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Alekh. This development has come a day after the Palestinian authority handed the bullet to US experts.

Israeli army said on Sunday that a ballistic test will be carried out on the bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Alekh. This development has come a day after the Palestinian authority handed the bullet to US experts. The Palestinian Authority has given the green light for the US but not for Israel for examination of the bullet that killed the journalist during an Israeli raid in occupied West Bank. Israel Army spokesman Ran Kochav announced Israel's decision on army radio. A Palestinian official, who requested anonymity, told AFP the Israeli comment raised questions about whether the PA could "trust the Americans". Speaking to army radio, Kochav said: "The test won't be American, the test will be an Israeli test with an American presence. "We are waiting for the results, if we killed her, we'll take responsibility for it, and will be sorry for it. We are also sorry when people that are not involved are killed by Palestinian gunmen," he also said. "We are waiting for the results, if we killed her, we'll take responsibility for it, and will be sorry for it. We are also sorry when people that are not involved are killed by Palestinian gunmen," he also said. AFP said that there was no immediate comment from Israel army that provided further explanation of Kochav's remarks, including whether an Israeli ballistics test was already underway. Palestinian sources in Ramallah have said they expected the test to be conducted at the US embassy in Jerusalem. Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American, was wearing a vest marked "Press" and a helmet, was covering an Israeli army operation in Jenin camp in the northern West Bank on May 11 when she was killed. The official Palestinian investigation found that the Qatar-based television channel's star reporter was killed after being hit by a bullet just below her helmet. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says it will examine bullet that killed reporter with US 

<p>The United States on Monday (June 27) announced fresh G7 sanctions on Russia. These new sanctions are targetted at Russia defence industry. The aim appears to be slowing down Russian war machine in Ukraine</p>

<p>"G7 leaders will align and expand targeted sanctions to further restrict Russia's access" to Western technology that can support the Russian arms industry, the White House said.</p>

<p>And the US will also "aggressively target Russian defence supply chains... and limit Russia's ability to replace the military equipment it has already lost during its brutal war".</p>

<p><strong>Watch | G7 leaders agree to ban gold imports from Russia</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-leaders-agree-to-ban-gold-imports-from-russia-492151/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>News agency AFP quoted an unnamed American official to say that G7 nations have made progress in talks to set a price cap on Russian oil imports.</p>

<p>"We're still in final discussions with other G7 counterparts working to finalise this, but we're very close to a place where G7 leaders will have decided to urgently direct relevant ministers to develop mechanisms to set a global price cap for Russian oil," the official said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-announced-600-billion-global-infrastructure-plan-to-rival-chinas-bri-492064">G7 announced $600 billion global infrastructure plan to rival China’s BRI</a></strong></p>

<p>The goal of the plan is to starve the Kremlin of its "main source of cash and force down the price of Russian oil".</p>

<p>In addition to this, G7 leaders have agreed that money from higher tariff imposed on Russian exports should be funnelled as Ukraine aid.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden and other G7 leaders "will seek authority to use revenues collected by any new tariffs on Russian goods to help Ukraine and to ensure that Russia pays for the cost of its war," a senior US official said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The United States on Monday (June 27) announced fresh G7 sanctions on Russia. These new sanctions are targetted at Russia defence industry. The aim appears to be slowing down Russian war machine in Ukraine "G7 leaders will align and expand targeted sanctions to further restrict Russia's access" to Western technology that can support the Russian arms industry, the White House said.

The United States on Monday (June 27) announced fresh G7 sanctions on Russia. These new sanctions are targetted at Russia defence industry. The aim appears to be slowing down Russian war machine in Ukraine "G7 leaders will align and expand targeted sanctions to further restrict Russia's access" to Western technology that can support the Russian arms industry, the White House said. And the US will also "aggressively target Russian defence supply chains... and limit Russia's ability to replace the military equipment it has already lost during its brutal war". Watch | G7 leaders agree to ban gold imports from Russia × News agency AFP quoted an unnamed American official to say that G7 nations have made progress in talks to set a price cap on Russian oil imports. "We're still in final discussions with other G7 counterparts working to finalise this, but we're very close to a place where G7 leaders will have decided to urgently direct relevant ministers to develop mechanisms to set a global price cap for Russian oil," the official said. Also Read | G7 announced $600 billion global infrastructure plan to rival China’s BRI The goal of the plan is to starve the Kremlin of its "main source of cash and force down the price of Russian oil". In addition to this, G7 leaders have agreed that money from higher tariff imposed on Russian exports should be funnelled as Ukraine aid. President Joe Biden and other G7 leaders "will seek authority to use revenues collected by any new tariffs on Russian goods to help Ukraine and to ensure that Russia pays for the cost of its war," a senior US official said. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

US announces fresh G7 sanctions aimed at Russian defence sector

<p>US Supreme Court has reversed the landmark Roe vs Wade ruling ending the constitutional right to abortion for millions of women across the country. Roe vs Wade ruling (1973) enshrined women's right to abortion. US Supreme Court has now said that individual states can now permit or restrict procedure themselves. The ruling is likely to open a Pandora's Box and draw strong political reactions welcoming and condemning the latest decision of the US Supreme Court. It is anticipated that the ruling would be followed by flood of state legislations. It is expected that half of 50 US states would make new laws severely restricting or even criminalising abortions.</p>

<p>"The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives," the court said. Currently, the US Supreme Court is dominated by judges with a conservative view.</p>

<p>In the majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito said "abortion presents a profound moral issue on which Americans hold sharply conflicting views.</p>

<p>"The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-pence-planned-parenthood-react-to-overturn-of-us-top-courts-1973-roe-vs-wade-judgement-491452">Obama, Pence, Planned Parenthood react to overturn of US top court’s 1973 Roe vs Wade judgment</a></strong></p>

<p>Dissenting were the three liberals on the court.</p>

<p>Soon after the decision, former US vice president Mike Pence said that Roe vs Wade was consigned to 'ash heap of history'.</p>

<p><strong>What does Roe vs Wade overturn mean?</strong></p>

<p>Overturning Roe vs Wade means that access to abortion no longer has constitutional backing in the US. Individual states are now free to decide whether access to abortion should be free or should there be restrictions on it. States now have sanction to form new laws which may even criminalise abortion.</p>

<p><strong>What do backers of abortion rights say?</strong></p>

<p>They say that abortion right is a matter of personal freedom. The activists have been saying that banning or restricting abortions was against the rights of women who have right over their own bodies and should have free choice to decide whether they want to continue with the pregnancy or not</p>

<p><strong>What do those in opposition say?</strong></p>

<p>There are strong backers of the assertion that abortion amounts to 'killing' the unborn child. Abortion for them is hence an act against nature. There are also religious overtones to this assertion and those opposing abortion are often seen to have conservative views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many of 'pro-life' advocates are however silent when asked whether they are opposed to abortions even when pregnancy is cause due to crimes such as rape.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Who was the real Jane Roe in Roe vs Wade case, which changed US abortion law?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-was-the-real-jane-roe-in-roe-vs-wade-case-which-changed-us-abortion-law-476337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US Supreme Court has reversed the landmark Roe vs Wade ruling ending the constitutional right to abortion for millions of women across the country. Roe vs Wade ruling (1973) enshrined women's right to abortion.

US Supreme Court has reversed the landmark Roe vs Wade ruling ending the constitutional right to abortion for millions of women across the country. Roe vs Wade ruling (1973) enshrined women's right to abortion. US Supreme Court has now said that individual states can now permit or restrict procedure themselves. The ruling is likely to open a Pandora's Box and draw strong political reactions welcoming and condemning the latest decision of the US Supreme Court. It is anticipated that the ruling would be followed by flood of state legislations. It is expected that half of 50 US states would make new laws severely restricting or even criminalising abortions. "The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives," the court said. Currently, the US Supreme Court is dominated by judges with a conservative view. In the majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito said "abortion presents a profound moral issue on which Americans hold sharply conflicting views. "The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion," he said. Also Read | Obama, Pence, Planned Parenthood react to overturn of US top court’s 1973 Roe vs Wade judgment Dissenting were the three liberals on the court. Soon after the decision, former US vice president Mike Pence said that Roe vs Wade was consigned to 'ash heap of history'. What does Roe vs Wade overturn mean? Overturning Roe vs Wade means that access to abortion no longer has constitutional backing in the US. Individual states are now free to decide whether access to abortion should be free or should there be restrictions on it. States now have sanction to form new laws which may even criminalise abortion. What do backers of abortion rights say? They say that abortion right is a matter of personal freedom. The activists have been saying that banning or restricting abortions was against the rights of women who have right over their own bodies and should have free choice to decide whether they want to continue with the pregnancy or not What do those in opposition say? There are strong backers of the assertion that abortion amounts to 'killing' the unborn child. Abortion for them is hence an act against nature. There are also religious overtones to this assertion and those opposing abortion are often seen to have conservative views. Many of 'pro-life' advocates are however silent when asked whether they are opposed to abortions even when pregnancy is cause due to crimes such as rape. Watch | Who was the real Jane Roe in Roe vs Wade case, which changed US abortion law? × 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 ×

Roe vs Wade reversed, US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortion

<p>US Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday (June 22) that it was looking into a new report of death of another baby after it consumed baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a report in Wall Street Journal, FDA said that ther reported death took place in the month of January and it came to know about it through a consumer complaint it received on June 10. FDA did not specify which formula the baby had consumed. It said that the investigation was in the preliminary stages and that it would make more news public once it gets more info.</p>

<p>In February, Abbott has started a recall after reports of bacterial infections in children who had consumed the formula made at its Michigan plant. The plant was temporarily closed. This had led to acute shortage of baby formula in the US.</p>

<p>The plant was reopened in first week of June. At that time, the company had said that it would begin production of EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas. Initial EleCare product release to consumers beginning on or about June 20.</p>

<p>The plant shutdown and a recall of infant formula had deepened a supply shortage in a nation where, according to federal data from 2020, less than half of babies were exclusively breast-fed through their first three months.</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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday (June 22) that it was looking into a new report of death of another baby after it consumed baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.

US Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday (June 22) that it was looking into a new report of death of another baby after it consumed baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. As per a report in Wall Street Journal, FDA said that ther reported death took place in the month of January and it came to know about it through a consumer complaint it received on June 10. FDA did not specify which formula the baby had consumed. It said that the investigation was in the preliminary stages and that it would make more news public once it gets more info. In February, Abbott has started a recall after reports of bacterial infections in children who had consumed the formula made at its Michigan plant. The plant was temporarily closed. This had led to acute shortage of baby formula in the US. The plant was reopened in first week of June. At that time, the company had said that it would begin production of EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas. Initial EleCare product release to consumers beginning on or about June 20. The plant shutdown and a recall of infant formula had deepened a supply shortage in a nation where, according to federal data from 2020, less than half of babies were exclusively breast-fed through their first three months. 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 ×

FDA looks into death of baby 'after drinking Abbott's formula'

<p>In what was a shocking incident, USA swimmer Anita Alvarez was rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach Andrea Fuentes on Wednesday (June 22). This took place after she was left unconscious&nbsp;during the solo free final at the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships, being held in&nbsp;Budapest, Hungary.</p>

<p>Seeing the&nbsp;25-year-old's state, her coach Fuentes, without a moment of hesitation,&nbsp;jumped into the pool. In addition, the coach managed to pull her to the top and brought the swimmer&nbsp;to the edge of the pool before getting some immediate medical attention.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rapid rescue.<a href="https://twitter.com/AFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AFP</a> photographers Oli Scarff and Peter Kohalmi capture the dramatic rescue of USA's Anita Alvarez from the bottom of the pool when she fainted during the women's solo free artistic swimming finals at the Budapest 2022 World Aquatics Championships <a href="https://t.co/8Y0wo6lSUn">pic.twitter.com/8Y0wo6lSUn</a></p>
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1539782430198222848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dutee-chand-to-laurel-hubbard-controversies-related-to-gender-identity-in-sports-490669"><strong>From Dutee Chand to Laurel Hubbard: Controversies related to gender identity in sports</strong></a></p>

<p>"It was a big scare. I had to jump in because the lifeguards weren't doing it," Fuentes was reported as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp; "I was scared because I saw she wasn't breathing, but now she is doing very well," Fuentes opined.</p>

<p>Four-time Olympic medalist Fuentes also shed light on the reason behind Anita fainting, while talking to the&nbsp;Spanish radio. She signalled out that this happened due to&nbsp;the effort she exerted while carrying out&nbsp;her routine.</p>

<p>"She only had water in her lungs, once she started breathing again everything was OK," said Fuentes. "It felt like a whole hour. I said things weren't right, I was shouting at the lifeguards to get into the water, but they didn't catch what I said or they didn't understand."</p>

<p>"She wasn't breathing ... I went as quickly as I could as if it were an Olympic final," Fuentes added. "It was very intense," Fuentes told AS newspaper, as quoted by AFP. "I think she was at least two minutes without breathing because her lungs were full of water. But we were able to take her to a good place, she vomited the water, coughed and that was it, but it was a big scare," she further mentioned.</p>

<p>Thus, in what could've been a devastating and disheartening incident, it turned out to be a narrow escape for the US swimmer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-will-swimmings-new-transgender-rules-work-490136">How will swimming's new transgender rules work?</a></strong></p>

<p>Following this, the USA artistic team also came up with&nbsp;a statement on social media by dwelling more details on Anita.</p>

<p>"Anita is okay -- the doctors checked all vitals and everything is normal: heart rate, oxygen, sugar levels, blood pressure," Fuentes said in the statement. "We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. Marathon, cycling, cross country ... we all have seen images, where some athletes don't make it to the finish line and others, help them to get there."</p>

<p>"Our sport is no different than others, just in a pool, we push through limits and sometimes we find them. Anita feels good now and the doctors also say she is OK. Tomorrow she will rest all day and will decide with the doctor if she can swim free team finals or not. Thank you for all of your well wishes for Anita," she added.</p>

<p>Talking about the event, Anita -- the&nbsp;USA Artistic Swimming Athlete of 2021 --&nbsp;was in search of a medal in her third world championships. Nonetheless, she met with disappointment as the youngster failed to reach the podium after finishing seventh and the gold medal was secured by Japan's&nbsp;Yukiko Inui.</p>


In what was a shocking incident, USA swimmer Anita Alvarez was rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach Andrea Fuentes on Wednesday (June 22). This took place after she was left unconscious during the solo free final at the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships, being held in Budapest, Hungary.

In what was a shocking incident, USA swimmer Anita Alvarez was rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach Andrea Fuentes on Wednesday (June 22). This took place after she was left unconscious during the solo free final at the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships, being held in Budapest, Hungary. Seeing the 25-year-old's state, her coach Fuentes, without a moment of hesitation, jumped into the pool. In addition, the coach managed to pull her to the top and brought the swimmer to the edge of the pool before getting some immediate medical attention. Rapid rescue.@AFP photographers Oli Scarff and Peter Kohalmi capture the dramatic rescue of USA's Anita Alvarez from the bottom of the pool when she fainted during the women's solo free artistic swimming finals at the Budapest 2022 World Aquatics Championships pic.twitter.com/8Y0wo6lSUn — AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 23, 2022 × ALSO READ | From Dutee Chand to Laurel Hubbard: Controversies related to gender identity in sports "It was a big scare. I had to jump in because the lifeguards weren't doing it," Fuentes was reported as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca, as quoted by AFP. "I was scared because I saw she wasn't breathing, but now she is doing very well," Fuentes opined. Four-time Olympic medalist Fuentes also shed light on the reason behind Anita fainting, while talking to the Spanish radio. She signalled out that this happened due to the effort she exerted while carrying out her routine. "She only had water in her lungs, once she started breathing again everything was OK," said Fuentes. "It felt like a whole hour. I said things weren't right, I was shouting at the lifeguards to get into the water, but they didn't catch what I said or they didn't understand." "She wasn't breathing ... I went as quickly as I could as if it were an Olympic final," Fuentes added. "It was very intense," Fuentes told AS newspaper, as quoted by AFP. "I think she was at least two minutes without breathing because her lungs were full of water. But we were able to take her to a good place, she vomited the water, coughed and that was it, but it was a big scare," she further mentioned. Thus, in what could've been a devastating and disheartening incident, it turned out to be a narrow escape for the US swimmer. ALSO READ | How will swimming's new transgender rules work? Following this, the USA artistic team also came up with a statement on social media by dwelling more details on Anita. "Anita is okay -- the doctors checked all vitals and everything is normal: heart rate, oxygen, sugar levels, blood pressure," Fuentes said in the statement. "We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. Marathon, cycling, cross country ... we all have seen images, where some athletes don't make it to the finish line and others, help them to get there." "Our sport is no different than others, just in a pool, we push through limits and sometimes we find them. Anita feels good now and the doctors also say she is OK. Tomorrow she will rest all day and will decide with the doctor if she can swim free team finals or not. Thank you for all of your well wishes for Anita," she added. Talking about the event, Anita -- the USA Artistic Swimming Athlete of 2021 -- was in search of a medal in her third world championships. Nonetheless, she met with disappointment as the youngster failed to reach the podium after finishing seventh and the gold medal was secured by Japan's Yukiko Inui.

In Pics | Nick of time: Coach saves US swimmer Anita Alvarez who fainted, fell to bottom of pool

President Joe Biden urged China and other major economies to increase their efforts to tackle climate change by reducing methane emissions, adopting aggressive zero-emission vehicle objectives, and cleaning up shipping.

Joe Biden urges world leader to increase efforts on climate change

<p>The US President Joe Biden has announced another USD 1 billion assistance to Ukraine in weapons which include anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and round of howitzers; this was announced following a call between President Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine, who has been demanding additional and more sophisticated military assistance to defend his country from the Russian aggression; this is the 12th military package from the USA since the launch of “ Special Military Operation” by Russia in Ukraine on 24th February 2022. It is thus abundantly clear that the West remains committed to continued augmenting of Ukraine’s defence capacities in the latter’s conflict with Russia on the one hand and punishing Russia through severe economic sanctions on the other. One can therefore foresee a prolonged conflict unless Russia and Ukraine surprise the rest of the world by entering into a compromise deal, chances of which appear remote at the moment.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, even though is Ukraine under fire, the heat is being felt all over the world in one way or the other. In short, the impact of the war has assumed global dimensions and is reflected in physical security, energy security, food security, disruptions in supply chains and resultant high inflation rates, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Russia-Ukraine crisis | 500 front-line soldiers injured daily: Ambulance teams</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-crisis-500-front-line-soldiers-injured-daily-ambulance-teams-488817/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In terms of physical proximity, the European continent is closest to the war zone. For the first time since WWII, Europe is witnessing a conflict of massive dimensions which is posing a serious threat to its physical security. As a result, one can see a change in the mindset. Germany has revised its traditional policy and decided to supply arms to Ukraine during wartime. Finland and Sweden have decided to give up their traditional neutrality and are seeking NATO membership as a security guarantee from any possible aggression by Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-italy-romania-leaders-back-ukraine-membership-bid-during-crucial-kyiv-visit-488906">France, Germany, Italy, Romania back Ukraine's EU membership bid during crucial Kyiv visit</a></strong></p>

<p>The strong punitive measures by the US and allies against Russia have further strengthened the emerging alliance between Russia and China who, pushed by the USA in any case were moving closer to each other for some time now and their relations had evolved to reach by 2019 a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for new era”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The partnership covers a wide range of spheres for the promotion of bilateral ties, besides adopting a coordinated approach on regional and global issues.</p>

<p>The Indo-Pacific region is one fine example of their coordinated approach. Both Russia and China describe the region differently as Asia-Pacific and are on the same page as far as the revival of Quad, creation of Aukus and NATO’s eastwards expansion are concerned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During President Putin’s visit to China in February this year Russia and China, in an implied reference to Quad, declared that they “stand against the formation of closed bloc structures and opposing camps in the Asia-Pacific region and remain highly vigilant about the negative impact of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy on peace and stability in the region”. The two of them went on to claim in this regard that they have “made consistent efforts to build an equitable, open and inclusive security system in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) that is not directed against third countries and that promotes peace, stability and prosperity”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also expressed concern over the “formation of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS)”, alleging that “such actions are contrary to the objectives of security and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region---“. Opposing the “further enlargement of NATO” Russia and China called on the NATO “to abandon its ideologised cold war approaches---“&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/countering-chinas-influence-in-the-pacific-the-us-promises-a-new-pacific-initiative-489005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the &nbsp;US perspective, China is a key factor and Taiwan is a potential flash point in the Indo-Pacific region. The USA has repeatedly warned China against any military action in Taiwan. It remains to be seen whether China will be emboldened by Russia’s military action in Ukraine and embark on any adventure to integrate Taiwan with mainland by use of force or will it be deterred by the resolute, concerted and united stand taken by the US and allies in support of Ukraine and to isolate and weaken Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-boost-china-launches-most-advanced-aircraft-carrier-called-fujian-find-out-why-it-is-special-489015">China launches 'most advanced' aircraft carrier called Fujian. Find out why it is special</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides the international geopolitical and strategic affairs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is also causing an adverse impact in areas of energy and food security. The punitive sanctions on imports of Russian oil and gas have pushed the energy prices worldwide creating a difficult situation particularly in poor and developing countries which are witnessing high inflation as a cascading effect of costlier energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Europe depends heavily on Russia for its requirements of energy resources, particularly natural gas. Any interruption in supplies will have a serious impact on gas-operated industries and in turn on economy. While EU has followed the USA in imposing sanctions on Russia in many other areas, the energy sector is one where Europe is finding itself in a tight spot. After prolonged deliberations, the EU decided (30th May) on some partial measures when it announced its decision to cut its 90% oil imports from Russia by end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat accounting for 30% of global needs. In addition, the two countries also are major suppliers of edible oil and fertilisers. The war has created serious disruptions in supplies to global markets as a result of which the food prices have soared and the world is facing a serious food crisis. Several countries, including India, have imposed full or partial ban on food exports keeping in mind their own food security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an alarming statement, the UN Secretary-General said last month that the shortages of grain and fertilisers due to war could cause “mass hunger and famine” and these shortages threaten to “tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity” He warned that the global food crisis could last for years unless checked. In this context, the World Bank is reported to have announced an additional $12bn in funding to mitigate its “devastating effects”</p>

<p>When the armed conflict broke out on 24th February, most experts thought it will be over in a week or so but has already crossed 100 days mark and there are no signs of any breakthrough. More importantly, the USA doesn’t seem to be interested in early resolution of the conflict. Russia has gone too far and unlikely to retract unless its bottom-line objectives of gaining control over east Ukraine is achieved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a matter of speculation at this point of time how long and how much the rest of the world, particularly poor and developing countries, will have to bear the short and long-term adverse impact due to big-powers rivalry.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></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>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The US President Joe Biden has announced another USD 1 billion assistance to Ukraine in weapons which include anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and round of howitzers; this was announced following a call between President Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine, who has been demanding additional and more sophisticated military assistance to defend his country from the Russian aggression; this is the 12th military package from the USA since the launch of “ Special Military Operation” by Russia in Ukraine on 24th February 2022.

The US President Joe Biden has announced another USD 1 billion assistance to Ukraine in weapons which include anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and round of howitzers; this was announced following a call between President Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine, who has been demanding additional and more sophisticated military assistance to defend his country from the Russian aggression; this is the 12th military package from the USA since the launch of “ Special Military Operation” by Russia in Ukraine on 24th February 2022. It is thus abundantly clear that the West remains committed to continued augmenting of Ukraine’s defence capacities in the latter’s conflict with Russia on the one hand and punishing Russia through severe economic sanctions on the other. One can therefore foresee a prolonged conflict unless Russia and Ukraine surprise the rest of the world by entering into a compromise deal, chances of which appear remote at the moment. Meanwhile, even though is Ukraine under fire, the heat is being felt all over the world in one way or the other. In short, the impact of the war has assumed global dimensions and is reflected in physical security, energy security, food security, disruptions in supply chains and resultant high inflation rates, etc. Watch: Russia-Ukraine crisis | 500 front-line soldiers injured daily: Ambulance teams × In terms of physical proximity, the European continent is closest to the war zone. For the first time since WWII, Europe is witnessing a conflict of massive dimensions which is posing a serious threat to its physical security. As a result, one can see a change in the mindset. Germany has revised its traditional policy and decided to supply arms to Ukraine during wartime. Finland and Sweden have decided to give up their traditional neutrality and are seeking NATO membership as a security guarantee from any possible aggression by Russia. Also Read | France, Germany, Italy, Romania back Ukraine's EU membership bid during crucial Kyiv visit The strong punitive measures by the US and allies against Russia have further strengthened the emerging alliance between Russia and China who, pushed by the USA in any case were moving closer to each other for some time now and their relations had evolved to reach by 2019 a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for new era”. The partnership covers a wide range of spheres for the promotion of bilateral ties, besides adopting a coordinated approach on regional and global issues. The Indo-Pacific region is one fine example of their coordinated approach. Both Russia and China describe the region differently as Asia-Pacific and are on the same page as far as the revival of Quad, creation of Aukus and NATO’s eastwards expansion are concerned. During President Putin’s visit to China in February this year Russia and China, in an implied reference to Quad, declared that they “stand against the formation of closed bloc structures and opposing camps in the Asia-Pacific region and remain highly vigilant about the negative impact of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy on peace and stability in the region”. The two of them went on to claim in this regard that they have “made consistent efforts to build an equitable, open and inclusive security system in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) that is not directed against third countries and that promotes peace, stability and prosperity”. They also expressed concern over the “formation of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS)”, alleging that “such actions are contrary to the objectives of security and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region---“. Opposing the “further enlargement of NATO” Russia and China called on the NATO “to abandon its ideologised cold war approaches---“ Watch | Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative × From the US perspective, China is a key factor and Taiwan is a potential flash point in the Indo-Pacific region. The USA has repeatedly warned China against any military action in Taiwan. It remains to be seen whether China will be emboldened by Russia’s military action in Ukraine and embark on any adventure to integrate Taiwan with mainland by use of force or will it be deterred by the resolute, concerted and united stand taken by the US and allies in support of Ukraine and to isolate and weaken Russia. Also Read | China launches 'most advanced' aircraft carrier called Fujian. Find out why it is special Besides the international geopolitical and strategic affairs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is also causing an adverse impact in areas of energy and food security. The punitive sanctions on imports of Russian oil and gas have pushed the energy prices worldwide creating a difficult situation particularly in poor and developing countries which are witnessing high inflation as a cascading effect of costlier energy. Europe depends heavily on Russia for its requirements of energy resources, particularly natural gas. Any interruption in supplies will have a serious impact on gas-operated industries and in turn on economy. While EU has followed the USA in imposing sanctions on Russia in many other areas, the energy sector is one where Europe is finding itself in a tight spot. After prolonged deliberations, the EU decided (30th May) on some partial measures when it announced its decision to cut its 90% oil imports from Russia by end of the year. Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat accounting for 30% of global needs. In addition, the two countries also are major suppliers of edible oil and fertilisers. The war has created serious disruptions in supplies to global markets as a result of which the food prices have soared and the world is facing a serious food crisis. Several countries, including India, have imposed full or partial ban on food exports keeping in mind their own food security. In an alarming statement, the UN Secretary-General said last month that the shortages of grain and fertilisers due to war could cause “mass hunger and famine” and these shortages threaten to “tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity” He warned that the global food crisis could last for years unless checked. In this context, the World Bank is reported to have announced an additional $12bn in funding to mitigate its “devastating effects” When the armed conflict broke out on 24th February, most experts thought it will be over in a week or so but has already crossed 100 days mark and there are no signs of any breakthrough. More importantly, the USA doesn’t seem to be interested in early resolution of the conflict. Russia has gone too far and unlikely to retract unless its bottom-line objectives of gaining control over east Ukraine is achieved. It is a matter of speculation at this point of time how long and how much the rest of the world, particularly poor and developing countries, will have to bear the short and long-term adverse impact due to big-powers rivalry. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia-Ukraine: Brace for a prolonged conflict and big power rivalries

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