Three police officers accused of killing Manuel 'Manny' Ellis, an unarmed Black man, were acquitted on Thursday (December 21) in Washington. Disappointed by the jury's decision, chanting "No justice, no peace," on Thursday evening, a crowd of around 100 people, including the victim's family, blocked an intersection near a mural of Manny Ellis in Tacoma.

The killing, which happened back in 2020, bears parallels to the murder of George Floyd the same year;&nbsp;the dying pleas for air by both men sparked widespread protests.

<h2>The 'not-guilty'&nbsp;judgement</h2>

Three Tacoma, Washington, police officers Christopher Burbank, Matthew Collins, and Timothy Rankine were accused of killing Ellis.&nbsp;

However, a jury found Officers Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins not guilty of murder and manslaughter charges. Officer Timothy Rankine was found not guilty of manslaughter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-victim-doe-107-urges-court-not-to-release-her-name-in-soon-to-be-unsealed-documents-672290">Jeffrey Epstein victim 'Doe 107' urges court not to release her name in soon-to-be unsealed documents</a>

The judgement comes after a trial that lasted more than two months.

<h2>What happened back in 2020?</h2>

As per video footage of the incident — including bystander video — on March 3, 2020, the officers punched 33-year-old Manuel Ellis and put him in a chokehold from behind. They also shot him with a stun gun and knelt on his back, which cut off Ellis' air supply.

Witness testimonies and the videos showed that Ellis was walking home after getting doughnuts from a 7-Eleven when he passed a police patrol car at a red light. Inside the car were Collins and Burbank.

The two officers claim they saw Ellis try to force open the door of a passing car, and that he became aggressive upon questioning. Collins, as per AP, also testified that Manuel Ellis demonstrated "superhuman strength" and&nbsp;lifted him off the ground and threw him through the air.&nbsp;

However, three witnesses testified that they saw no such thing and that Ellis didn't do anything to provoke the officers.&nbsp;

They said that after a brief conversation, the two white officers knocked down Ellis, even as he&nbsp;held up his hand in surrender. However, Burbank still shot him in the chest with a taser. A doorbell surveillance camera corroborated this.&nbsp;

Soon, many officers appeared for backup. Among them was Rankine, who arrived after Ellis was already handcuffed face-down. The officer knelt on Ellis' upper back.

Video evidence showed the victim addressing the officers as 'sir' and telling them he can't breathe. During his testimony, Rankine called the death a tragedy, but said: "The only response at that point that I could think of is, 'If you can talk to me, you can still breathe'".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-death-calculator-boasts-accuracy-in-predicting-when-youll-die-do-you-want-to-try-it-672232">AI death calculator boasts 'accuracy' in predicting when you'll die. Do you want to try it?</a>

The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Manny Ellis' death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation. However, lawyers for the officers argued that Ellis, who had methamphetamine in his system, died due to drug use and a heart condition.

<h2>Distressing witness testimony</h2>

One witness, Sara McDowell, 26 told the court: "When I saw Manuel not doing anything, and him get attacked like that, it wasn't right."

"I'd never seen police do anything like that. It was the worst thing I've ever seen. It was scary. It wasn't OK," she added.

However, despite the evidence, the jury gave the not-guilty verdict. AP reported&nbsp;that as the first not-guilty verdict was read, there was a gasp from the gallery.

In a statement, the City of Tacoma said that the verdict would not affect an internal police department investigation. It said that once the investigation findings are approved by Chief Avery Moore, decisions about any possible discipline, "up to and including termination," will be made. This is expected to happen within the next two weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three police officers accused of killing Manuel 'Manny' Ellis, an unarmed Black man, were acquitted on Thursday (December 21) in Washington. Disappointed by the jury's decision, chanting "No justice, no peace," on Thursday evening, a crowd of around 100 people, including the victim's family, blocked an intersection near a mural of Manny Ellis in Tacoma.

Three police officers accused of killing Manuel 'Manny' Ellis, an unarmed Black man, were acquitted on Thursday (December 21) in Washington. Disappointed by the jury's decision, chanting "No justice, no peace," on Thursday evening, a crowd of around 100 people, including the victim's family, blocked an intersection near a mural of Manny Ellis in Tacoma. The killing, which happened back in 2020, bears parallels to the murder of George Floyd the same year; the dying pleas for air by both men sparked widespread protests. The 'not-guilty' judgement Three Tacoma, Washington, police officers Christopher Burbank, Matthew Collins, and Timothy Rankine were accused of killing Ellis. However, a jury found Officers Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins not guilty of murder and manslaughter charges. Officer Timothy Rankine was found not guilty of manslaughter. Also read | Jeffrey Epstein victim 'Doe 107' urges court not to release her name in soon-to-be unsealed documents The judgement comes after a trial that lasted more than two months. What happened back in 2020? As per video footage of the incident — including bystander video — on March 3, 2020, the officers punched 33-year-old Manuel Ellis and put him in a chokehold from behind. They also shot him with a stun gun and knelt on his back, which cut off Ellis' air supply. Witness testimonies and the videos showed that Ellis was walking home after getting doughnuts from a 7-Eleven when he passed a police patrol car at a red light. Inside the car were Collins and Burbank. The two officers claim they saw Ellis try to force open the door of a passing car, and that he became aggressive upon questioning. Collins, as per AP, also testified that Manuel Ellis demonstrated "superhuman strength" and lifted him off the ground and threw him through the air. However, three witnesses testified that they saw no such thing and that Ellis didn't do anything to provoke the officers. They said that after a brief conversation, the two white officers knocked down Ellis, even as he held up his hand in surrender. However, Burbank still shot him in the chest with a taser. A doorbell surveillance camera corroborated this. Soon, many officers appeared for backup. Among them was Rankine, who arrived after Ellis was already handcuffed face-down. The officer knelt on Ellis' upper back. Video evidence showed the victim addressing the officers as 'sir' and telling them he can't breathe. During his testimony, Rankine called the death a tragedy, but said: "The only response at that point that I could think of is, 'If you can talk to me, you can still breathe'". Also read | AI death calculator boasts 'accuracy' in predicting when you'll die. Do you want to try it? The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Manny Ellis' death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation. However, lawyers for the officers argued that Ellis, who had methamphetamine in his system, died due to drug use and a heart condition. Distressing witness testimony One witness, Sara McDowell, 26 told the court: "When I saw Manuel not doing anything, and him get attacked like that, it wasn't right." "I'd never seen police do anything like that. It was the worst thing I've ever seen. It was scary. It wasn't OK," she added. However, despite the evidence, the jury gave the not-guilty verdict. AP reported that as the first not-guilty verdict was read, there was a gasp from the gallery. In a statement, the City of Tacoma said that the verdict would not affect an internal police department investigation. It said that once the investigation findings are approved by Chief Avery Moore, decisions about any possible discipline, "up to and including termination," will be made. This is expected to happen within the next two weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

White officers, accused of killing unarmed black man Manny Ellis, acquitted despite mounting evidence

Mukesh Aghi, President &amp; CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), has underscored the flourishing ties between the United States and India, shedding light on "bullish" sentiments of US investors on India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Aghi stated, " relationship has gone in a very positive direction, in a win-win fashion for both countries. you have to understand that the relationship is deep, much broader, and much more strategic between India and the United States"

Highlighting the changing dynamics of global supply chains, Aghi noted, "US companies are looking at de-risking supply chain from China and India becomes a primary source from their perspective." Highlighting the significant participation of US companies in Vibrant Gujarat in January, Aghi projected a continued growth in investments, highlighting, "You have US companies creating almost three and a half million jobs in India which are High Tech, High End paying jobs."

He also spoke on President Biden not being able to attend India's Republic Day, the Nikhil Gupta case etc.

Here's the full interview.

WION: My first question to you is how do you see the India-US relationship if you can sum up how this year has been?

Mukesh Aghi: Well, I think the relationship has gone in a very positive direction, in a win-win fashion for both countries. If you look at it from a geopolitical perspective, India and the USA are aligned vis a vis China. When you look at it from an economic perspective, the trade has gone up almost $200 billion. When you look at it from a technology perspective, what we're seeing is the exports of Indian IT services and basically app platforms have gone up. And also, we've seen some critical technologies moving into India, specifically in the manufacturing arena. And then finally people to people, we have around 5 million Indian Americans in the US and they seem to work very positively building a very strong partnership between the two countries. So, I think the year 2023 shows how it has gone up as compared to the last 40-50 years.&nbsp;

WION: How much are the American investors, bullish on the India growth story?

Mukesh Aghi: Oh, very much, if you look at the largest FDI investors in India, are the US companies coming directly or to Singapore or to other countries? But more importantly, if you look at the last week, the FII investment went up almost by $15 billion. You have US companies creating almost three and a half million jobs in India which are high-tech, High End paying jobs. So the other factor which makes a very big difference, US companies are looking at de-risking the supply chain from China and India becomes a primary source from their perspective.

WION: Sir we know that India had invited the US President Joe Biden to be the chief guest on Republic Day Parade. Now that's not happening. We also saw the announcement by the US Ambassador Garcetti that India has extended the invite. Any reason you think that the visit got cancelled? The US president could not make it to the grand show that we see every year at the Kartavya Path.

Mukesh Aghi: Well, I think President Biden would have loved to come for the Republic Day parade, but you have to understand multiple factors. One is you have the State of the Union speech and trying to juggle that which is also again in the third week of January, and that becomes a challenging aspect. Second, you are going into the election mode. In the US that also becomes challenging. And then the crisis, which is taking place both in Ukraine and also in Gaza, basically binds the president to be here domestically, rather than travelling to a far distant geography such as India. I don't think there is any kind of intention or any kind of I would say lack of respect but it is more about trying to work the schedule out and I think the QUAD Summit has been postponed to a later date. So I think President Biden will come to India once we have been able to drive the schedule between the two countries, and also the remaining QUAD leaders.

WION: The relationship has grown leaps and bounds, but there are certain thorny issues as well. There are Khalistani extremists in the US that are troubling New Delhi and then there is the Nikhil Gupta case as well. Do you think that the Americans could have handled the Nikhil Gupta case better?

Mukesh Aghi: Well, you have to understand that the relationship is deep, much broader, and much more strategic between India and the United States. More important is there is maturity on both sides. The US respects India's decision on the purchase of Russian oil. Basically, the US accepted that and moved on. So, I believe there's maturity on both sides to be able to respect each other's positions and differences. In the case of Gupta, I think we have to understand the Justice Department functions very, very independently of the administration, especially in the southern district of New York State. And if you look, they have indicted President Biden's son. From that perspective, I think the position of the Justice Department does not reflect the position of the administration, which is focused on building the relationship and I believe that there's enough maturity on both sides, that the administration doesn't come out swinging at India in any manner, but basically saying that India is cooperating in finding a cause of this issue and I believe that they'll be able to solve this one out.

WION: Sir I believe that Vibrant Gujarat will see a lot of American investors' participation, perhaps your view of Vibrant Gujarat that happens in Gujarat, in the month of January in a few weeks from now?

Mukesh Aghi: Yeah, so we are leading a delegation of over 50 companies for Vibrant Gujarat. You know, this is one of the pioneering investment events which started in Gujarat and other states copied, it is an area to explore more &amp; more investment in Gujarat. &nbsp;So, what we will be looking at is more contact with the administrations including the Prime Minister in Gujarat. So, as I said earlier, the interest in India, and the investment in India from a US company continues to grow both from a de-risking from China and from market opportunity. So it is an event in which you will see a lot of US companies participating in the middle of January in Gujarat itself.

WION: Sir, my last question to you is, it's just not directly related to the India-US relationship but to the Red Sea situation that has implications on the global oil prices and the trade as well. What's your view? How do you see the crisis impacting the global economic sphere and of course, the crude oil prices?

Mukesh Aghi: So, I think it does impact the supply chain. When you have, let's say, a ship going from the Middle East, all the way down to Europe, normally through the Red Sea it takes 21 days. Now when you go around Africa and down to Europe, it'll take 42 days. The implications are multiple. One is you have containers basically being occupied but the goods are an extra 20-plus days, so the efficiency goes down, the cost goes up, and the insurance goes up. And when you look at it from an India perspective, India exports rice to other parts of Europe. It has an impact of 10% to 15% on the export side. It is impacting the oil, Indian oil which is coming from Russia will be impacted, from a price point perspective, from a logistic point perspective. So, it is disruptive. And we have seen the impact of that not only just on food prices going up, but oil prices going up in the United States and Europe. So, the disruption in the Red Sea will impact the food prices, the oil prices and overall inflation across the world.

Mukesh Aghi, President & CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), has underscored the flourishing ties between the United States and India, shedding light on "bullish" sentiments of US investors on India.

Mukesh Aghi, President & CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), has underscored the flourishing ties between the United States and India, shedding light on "bullish" sentiments of US investors on India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Aghi stated, " relationship has gone in a very positive direction, in a win-win fashion for both countries. you have to understand that the relationship is deep, much broader, and much more strategic between India and the United States" Highlighting the changing dynamics of global supply chains, Aghi noted, "US companies are looking at de-risking supply chain from China and India becomes a primary source from their perspective." Highlighting the significant participation of US companies in Vibrant Gujarat in January, Aghi projected a continued growth in investments, highlighting, "You have US companies creating almost three and a half million jobs in India which are High Tech, High End paying jobs." He also spoke on President Biden not being able to attend India's Republic Day, the Nikhil Gupta case etc. Here's the full interview. WION: My first question to you is how do you see the India-US relationship if you can sum up how this year has been? Mukesh Aghi: Well, I think the relationship has gone in a very positive direction, in a win-win fashion for both countries. If you look at it from a geopolitical perspective, India and the USA are aligned vis a vis China. When you look at it from an economic perspective, the trade has gone up almost $200 billion. When you look at it from a technology perspective, what we're seeing is the exports of Indian IT services and basically app platforms have gone up. And also, we've seen some critical technologies moving into India, specifically in the manufacturing arena. And then finally people to people, we have around 5 million Indian Americans in the US and they seem to work very positively building a very strong partnership between the two countries. So, I think the year 2023 shows how it has gone up as compared to the last 40-50 years. WION: How much are the American investors, bullish on the India growth story? Mukesh Aghi: Oh, very much, if you look at the largest FDI investors in India, are the US companies coming directly or to Singapore or to other countries? But more importantly, if you look at the last week, the FII investment went up almost by $15 billion. You have US companies creating almost three and a half million jobs in India which are high-tech, High End paying jobs. So the other factor which makes a very big difference, US companies are looking at de-risking the supply chain from China and India becomes a primary source from their perspective. WION: Sir we know that India had invited the US President Joe Biden to be the chief guest on Republic Day Parade. Now that's not happening. We also saw the announcement by the US Ambassador Garcetti that India has extended the invite. Any reason you think that the visit got cancelled? The US president could not make it to the grand show that we see every year at the Kartavya Path. Mukesh Aghi: Well, I think President Biden would have loved to come for the Republic Day parade, but you have to understand multiple factors. One is you have the State of the Union speech and trying to juggle that which is also again in the third week of January, and that becomes a challenging aspect. Second, you are going into the election mode. In the US that also becomes challenging. And then the crisis, which is taking place both in Ukraine and also in Gaza, basically binds the president to be here domestically, rather than travelling to a far distant geography such as India. I don't think there is any kind of intention or any kind of I would say lack of respect but it is more about trying to work the schedule out and I think the QUAD Summit has been postponed to a later date. So I think President Biden will come to India once we have been able to drive the schedule between the two countries, and also the remaining QUAD leaders. WION: The relationship has grown leaps and bounds, but there are certain thorny issues as well. There are Khalistani extremists in the US that are troubling New Delhi and then there is the Nikhil Gupta case as well. Do you think that the Americans could have handled the Nikhil Gupta case better? Mukesh Aghi: Well, you have to understand that the relationship is deep, much broader, and much more strategic between India and the United States. More important is there is maturity on both sides. The US respects India's decision on the purchase of Russian oil. Basically, the US accepted that and moved on. So, I believe there's maturity on both sides to be able to respect each other's positions and differences. In the case of Gupta, I think we have to understand the Justice Department functions very, very independently of the administration, especially in the southern district of New York State. And if you look, they have indicted President Biden's son. From that perspective, I think the position of the Justice Department does not reflect the position of the administration, which is focused on building the relationship and I believe that there's enough maturity on both sides, that the administration doesn't come out swinging at India in any manner, but basically saying that India is cooperating in finding a cause of this issue and I believe that they'll be able to solve this one out. WION: Sir I believe that Vibrant Gujarat will see a lot of American investors' participation, perhaps your view of Vibrant Gujarat that happens in Gujarat, in the month of January in a few weeks from now? Mukesh Aghi: Yeah, so we are leading a delegation of over 50 companies for Vibrant Gujarat. You know, this is one of the pioneering investment events which started in Gujarat and other states copied, it is an area to explore more & more investment in Gujarat. So, what we will be looking at is more contact with the administrations including the Prime Minister in Gujarat. So, as I said earlier, the interest in India, and the investment in India from a US company continues to grow both from a de-risking from China and from market opportunity. So it is an event in which you will see a lot of US companies participating in the middle of January in Gujarat itself. WION: Sir, my last question to you is, it's just not directly related to the India-US relationship but to the Red Sea situation that has implications on the global oil prices and the trade as well. What's your view? How do you see the crisis impacting the global economic sphere and of course, the crude oil prices? Mukesh Aghi: So, I think it does impact the supply chain. When you have, let's say, a ship going from the Middle East, all the way down to Europe, normally through the Red Sea it takes 21 days. Now when you go around Africa and down to Europe, it'll take 42 days. The implications are multiple. One is you have containers basically being occupied but the goods are an extra 20-plus days, so the efficiency goes down, the cost goes up, and the insurance goes up. And when you look at it from an India perspective, India exports rice to other parts of Europe. It has an impact of 10% to 15% on the export side. It is impacting the oil, Indian oil which is coming from Russia will be impacted, from a price point perspective, from a logistic point perspective. So, it is disruptive. And we have seen the impact of that not only just on food prices going up, but oil prices going up in the United States and Europe. So, the disruption in the Red Sea will impact the food prices, the oil prices and overall inflation across the world.

US investors bullish on India, Washington-Delhi ties mature says USISPF Chief Aghi

In a major legal blow, a Washington state jury has ruled that&nbsp;Monsanto must pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of the Sky Valley Education Centre in Monroe, Washington. &nbsp;

The plaintiffs claimed that exposure to chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from light fixtures made by Monsanto caused neurological, endocrine system, and other health concerns. &nbsp;

The jury found Monsanto liable for selling unsafe PCBs without adequate warnings, awarding $73 million in compensatory damages and $784 million in punitive damages.&nbsp;

Monsanto, now a part of Bayer, plans to challenge the verdict, calling the award "constitutionally excessive." The company asserts that it will seek to have the decision overturned or the damages reduced. &nbsp;

The U.S. Supreme Court typically recommends capping punitive damages at nine times compensatory damages, citing due process rights.&nbsp;

This verdict is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for Monsanto, which is already facing $870 million in verdicts related to alleged PCB exposure at the Sky Valley centre from other cases. &nbsp;

The company is currently appealing those previous decisions. Monsanto claims that tests conducted on blood, air, and other factors indicate that employees were not exposed to unsafe levels of PCBs at the school.&nbsp;

PCBs were widely used for insulating electrical equipment and in common products until the U.S. government banned them in 1979 due to links to cancer. Monsanto ceased PCB production in 1977.

The lawsuits against the company allege that exposure to PCBs at the Sky Valley centre led to various health problems, including cancer and thyroid conditions. Monsanto contends that the school was repeatedly warned since the 1990s about the need to retrofit its light fixtures, assertions that were allegedly ignored.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In a major legal blow, a Washington state jury has ruled that Monsanto must pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of the Sky Valley Education Centre in Monroe, Washington.

In a major legal blow, a Washington state jury has ruled that Monsanto must pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of the Sky Valley Education Centre in Monroe, Washington. The plaintiffs claimed that exposure to chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from light fixtures made by Monsanto caused neurological, endocrine system, and other health concerns. The jury found Monsanto liable for selling unsafe PCBs without adequate warnings, awarding $73 million in compensatory damages and $784 million in punitive damages. Monsanto, now a part of Bayer, plans to challenge the verdict, calling the award "constitutionally excessive." The company asserts that it will seek to have the decision overturned or the damages reduced. The U.S. Supreme Court typically recommends capping punitive damages at nine times compensatory damages, citing due process rights. This verdict is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for Monsanto, which is already facing $870 million in verdicts related to alleged PCB exposure at the Sky Valley centre from other cases. The company is currently appealing those previous decisions. Monsanto claims that tests conducted on blood, air, and other factors indicate that employees were not exposed to unsafe levels of PCBs at the school. PCBs were widely used for insulating electrical equipment and in common products until the U.S. government banned them in 1979 due to links to cancer. Monsanto ceased PCB production in 1977. The lawsuits against the company allege that exposure to PCBs at the Sky Valley centre led to various health problems, including cancer and thyroid conditions. Monsanto contends that the school was repeatedly warned since the 1990s about the need to retrofit its light fixtures, assertions that were allegedly ignored. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Monsanto to pay $857 million in damages in PCB contamination case 

North Korea launched a ballistic projectile on Sunday (Dec 17), a statement by Seoul's army read, after the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack by Pyongyang would lead to the end of its regime.

"Our military detected a suspected short-range ballistic missile launched from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea at around 22:38 today," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

It further added that the military had amplified its alert stance and was "closely sharing information regarding North Korea's ballistic missile with the United States and Japan".

Japan's defence ministry also stated North Korea launched "what appears to be a ballistic missile", with its coastguard adding that it seemed to have already fallen.

Kyodo News, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, said it was a short-range missile and had fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weighs-options-to-retaliate-against-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-report-670514">US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report</a>

<h2>US, South Korea warn North Korea&nbsp;</h2>

The United States and South Korea issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against Seoul and Washington "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”.&nbsp;

"The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement.

Both allies held their second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Washington on Friday (Dec 15), where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North.

Earlier on Sunday (Dec 17), a spokesperson for the North's defence ministry slammed the US and South Korea's plans to expand a key annual joint military drill next year to include a nuclear operation drill and warned of "a preemptive and deadly counteraction".

"This is an open declaration on nuclear confrontation to make the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK a fait accompli," the statement carried by the KCNA news agency said, using the official acronym for North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea launched a ballistic projectile on Sunday (Dec 17), a statement by Seoul's army read, after the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack by Pyongyang would lead to the end of its regime.

North Korea launched a ballistic projectile on Sunday (Dec 17), a statement by Seoul's army read, after the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack by Pyongyang would lead to the end of its regime. "Our military detected a suspected short-range ballistic missile launched from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea at around 22:38 today," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. It further added that the military had amplified its alert stance and was "closely sharing information regarding North Korea's ballistic missile with the United States and Japan". Japan's defence ministry also stated North Korea launched "what appears to be a ballistic missile", with its coastguard adding that it seemed to have already fallen. Kyodo News, citing unnamed Japanese government sources, said it was a short-range missile and had fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. Also read: US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report US, South Korea warn North Korea The United States and South Korea issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against Seoul and Washington "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. "The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. Both allies held their second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Washington on Friday (Dec 15), where they discussed nuclear deterrence in the event of conflict with the North. Earlier on Sunday (Dec 17), a spokesperson for the North's defence ministry slammed the US and South Korea's plans to expand a key annual joint military drill next year to include a nuclear operation drill and warned of "a preemptive and deadly counteraction". "This is an open declaration on nuclear confrontation to make the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK a fait accompli," the statement carried by the KCNA news agency said, using the official acronym for North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has fired ballistic projectile, says South Korea

Hindu faithful worldwide are gearing up for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir believed to be the birthplace of their deity Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The consecration ceremony is set to take place on the 22nd of January next year.

US: American Hindus rally to celebrate Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration in Maryland

In the coming week, central bankers, from Washington to Frankfurt to London and beyond, will make their final policy decision for the year. That comes at a time of apprehension about the direction the global inflation cycle is taking.

Global rate-cut standoff looms | World Business Watch

Surveillance footage captured an unusual burglary at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington. A man wearing a cowboy hat and poncho, along with a mask, targeted the family-operated winery, destroying meticulously crafted white wine valued at $600,000.

The incident occurred on Thanksgiving eve, with the suspect casually entering the building using an employee keycode on the side door around 7:34 pm.

The video footage shows the peculiar intruder entering the winery and deliberately spilling gallons of hand-crafted white wine from tanks, causing extensive damage.

The suspect exited through a back door, carrying an umbrella, and disappeared into the woods. The wine spill continued for at least nine minutes, flooding the ground.

Watch the video here:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
if you need me i’ll be fascinated by the break-in at sparkman cellars where someone dressed in a hat and mask emptied two tanks of white. the story behind this is going to be amazing <a href="https://t.co/8wnT2dxePO">pic.twitter.com/8wnT2dxePO</a>
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianMFloyd/status/1731846148003098857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Calculated attack</h2>

The King County Sheriff's Office revealed that the suspect accessed the facility through an employee entrance using a code on November 22.

The man emptied two stainless steel wine tanks, each holding approximately 2500 gallons. Sergeant Eric White stated that the incident reflected the perpetrator's intent to cause significant financial loss to the winery.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sipping-with-sorrow-wine-output-drops-to-1961-levels-656458">Also read |&nbsp;Sipping with sorrow: Wine output drops to 1961 levels</a>

<h2>Family business hit</h2>

In a statement to FOX 13, the Sparkman family expressed the impact of the crime on their small family business. They mentioned that the timing of the burglary, right before the holidays, exacerbated the difficulty.

Also watch |&nbsp;Scientists create AI tool to catch wine fraud, AI-based method can verify origin of wines

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-create-ai-tool-to-catch-wine-fraud-ai-based-method-can-verify-origin-of-wines-666476/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite the unimaginable crime, the family remains committed to delivering high-quality wines to its customers. The Sparkmans appreciated the outpouring of support from the community of wineries, restaurants, retailers, and wine enthusiasts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Surveillance footage captured an unusual burglary at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington. A man wearing a cowboy hat and poncho, along with a mask, targeted the family-operated winery, destroying meticulously crafted white wine valued at $600,000.

Surveillance footage captured an unusual burglary at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington. A man wearing a cowboy hat and poncho, along with a mask, targeted the family-operated winery, destroying meticulously crafted white wine valued at $600,000. The incident occurred on Thanksgiving eve, with the suspect casually entering the building using an employee keycode on the side door around 7:34 pm. The video footage shows the peculiar intruder entering the winery and deliberately spilling gallons of hand-crafted white wine from tanks, causing extensive damage. The suspect exited through a back door, carrying an umbrella, and disappeared into the woods. The wine spill continued for at least nine minutes, flooding the ground. Watch the video here: if you need me i’ll be fascinated by the break-in at sparkman cellars where someone dressed in a hat and mask emptied two tanks of white. the story behind this is going to be amazing pic.twitter.com/8wnT2dxePO — Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) December 5, 2023 × Calculated attack The King County Sheriff's Office revealed that the suspect accessed the facility through an employee entrance using a code on November 22. The man emptied two stainless steel wine tanks, each holding approximately 2500 gallons. Sergeant Eric White stated that the incident reflected the perpetrator's intent to cause significant financial loss to the winery. Also read | Sipping with sorrow: Wine output drops to 1961 levels Family business hit In a statement to FOX 13, the Sparkman family expressed the impact of the crime on their small family business. They mentioned that the timing of the burglary, right before the holidays, exacerbated the difficulty. Also watch | Scientists create AI tool to catch wine fraud, AI-based method can verify origin of wines Despite the unimaginable crime, the family remains committed to delivering high-quality wines to its customers. The Sparkmans appreciated the outpouring of support from the community of wineries, restaurants, retailers, and wine enthusiasts. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious cowboy vandalises US winery, ruins $600,000 worth of white wine. Watch

The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis.

Washington also determined that the RSF and allied militias committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, Blinken said in a statement.

The fighting, which broke out in mid-April, has displaced more than 6.5 million inside and outside Sudan, killed more than 10,000 and decimated the economy.

"The expansion of the needless conflict between RSF and the SAF has caused grievous human suffering," Blinken said, referring to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

He called on the parties to "stop this conflict now, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/las-vegas-police-say-suspect-dead-amid-reports-multiple-victims-in-shooting-at-university-of-nevada-666995">Three killed in Las Vegas university shooting, suspect found dead</a>

The RSF has been accused of leading an ethnic massacre in West Darfur, and in the capital Khartoum residents have accused the paramilitary force of looting, rape and imprisoning civilians.

"Masalit civilians have been hunted down and left for dead in the streets, their homes set on fire, and told that there is no place in Sudan for them," Blinken said. The Masalit are a non-Arab tribe.

Meanwhile, the army has carried out an intense campaign of air and artillery strikes on residential neighbourhoods, where the RSF has occupied, which experts say could be violations of international law.

"Detainees have been abused and some killed at SAF and RSF detention sites," Blinken added.

The official determination follows a detailed legal process and analysis led by the US&nbsp;State Department but does not automatically come with punitive actions and therefore has no immediate consequences for the parties.

The decision comes after Saudi and U.S.-brokered talks aimed at halting fighting between Sudan's warring parties faltered again, and the country's army and the RSF have pressed on with military campaigns.

Reuters has chronicled the ethnically targeted violence committed this year by the RSF and its allied Arab militias in West Darfur, in particular in the city of El Geneina.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-plot-to-kill-pannun-mentioned-in-us-lawmakers-hearing-on-dissenters-being-targeted-abroad-667095">India’s ‘plot’ to kill Pannun mentioned in US lawmakers’ hearing on dissenters being targeted abroad</a>

A September special report revealed how the RSF and its allies carried out a weeks-long killing campaign against the Masalit tribe, including the shooting of children, the burning of people in their homes, and the rape of women and girls.

In early November, the RSF and Arab militias carried out another round of ethnic killings in El Geneina, in which survivors told Reuters that Masalit men were rounded up and shot, while some were hacked to death with axes and machetes.

<h2>US PRESSURE ON WARRING PARTIES</h2>

The United States has imposed several rounds of sanctions after war between the army and the RSF broke out in April over plans for a political transition and the integration of the RSF into the army, four years after long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a popular uprising.

Among those targeted have been the deputy leader of the RSF, former Sudanese officials and companies Washington has accused of fueling the conflict.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-japan-militaries-ground-entire-osprey-fleet-after-fatal-crash-that-killed-8-667016">US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8</a>

But Washington has so far not targeted the army and RSF directly with sanctions, despite calls from human rights activists for it to designate the parties and determine genocide has been committed in Darfur.

But Blinken warned that Wednesday's determination does not rule out the possibility of other determinations in future as more information becomes available.

"The United States is committed to building on this determination and using available tools to end this conflict and cease committing the atrocities and other abuses that are depriving the Sudanese people of freedom, peace, and justice," Blinken said.

The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis.

The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis. Washington also determined that the RSF and allied militias committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, Blinken said in a statement. The fighting, which broke out in mid-April, has displaced more than 6.5 million inside and outside Sudan, killed more than 10,000 and decimated the economy. "The expansion of the needless conflict between RSF and the SAF has caused grievous human suffering," Blinken said, referring to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). He called on the parties to "stop this conflict now, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities." ALSO READ | Three killed in Las Vegas university shooting, suspect found dead The RSF has been accused of leading an ethnic massacre in West Darfur, and in the capital Khartoum residents have accused the paramilitary force of looting, rape and imprisoning civilians. "Masalit civilians have been hunted down and left for dead in the streets, their homes set on fire, and told that there is no place in Sudan for them," Blinken said. The Masalit are a non-Arab tribe. Meanwhile, the army has carried out an intense campaign of air and artillery strikes on residential neighbourhoods, where the RSF has occupied, which experts say could be violations of international law. "Detainees have been abused and some killed at SAF and RSF detention sites," Blinken added. The official determination follows a detailed legal process and analysis led by the US State Department but does not automatically come with punitive actions and therefore has no immediate consequences for the parties. The decision comes after Saudi and U.S.-brokered talks aimed at halting fighting between Sudan's warring parties faltered again, and the country's army and the RSF have pressed on with military campaigns. Reuters has chronicled the ethnically targeted violence committed this year by the RSF and its allied Arab militias in West Darfur, in particular in the city of El Geneina. ALSO READ | India’s ‘plot’ to kill Pannun mentioned in US lawmakers’ hearing on dissenters being targeted abroad A September special report revealed how the RSF and its allies carried out a weeks-long killing campaign against the Masalit tribe, including the shooting of children, the burning of people in their homes, and the rape of women and girls. In early November, the RSF and Arab militias carried out another round of ethnic killings in El Geneina, in which survivors told Reuters that Masalit men were rounded up and shot, while some were hacked to death with axes and machetes. US PRESSURE ON WARRING PARTIES The United States has imposed several rounds of sanctions after war between the army and the RSF broke out in April over plans for a political transition and the integration of the RSF into the army, four years after long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a popular uprising. Among those targeted have been the deputy leader of the RSF, former Sudanese officials and companies Washington has accused of fueling the conflict. ALSO READ | US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8 But Washington has so far not targeted the army and RSF directly with sanctions, despite calls from human rights activists for it to designate the parties and determine genocide has been committed in Darfur. But Blinken warned that Wednesday's determination does not rule out the possibility of other determinations in future as more information becomes available. "The United States is committed to building on this determination and using available tools to end this conflict and cease committing the atrocities and other abuses that are depriving the Sudanese people of freedom, peace, and justice," Blinken said.

US says warring parties in Sudan committed crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN.&nbsp;

The White House has also reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s new ground phase in southern Gaza and warned Tel Aviv to take more steps to limit civilian casualties.

More than 16,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks following the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Will Israel change military tactics in Gaza?</h2>

A report by CNN citing multiple US officials said that Washington is hopeful that Israel might move to more targeted attacks against specific Hamas militants and leaders by January. Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-two-civilians-killed-for-every-hamas-fighter-in-gaza-admits-israeli-military-666395">Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military</a>&nbsp; 
 
Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and that its ultimate goal is to weaken Hamas to such an extent that it can never launch an attack similar to the one on October 7.

However, a&nbsp;senior US official told the American media outlet that it is unlikely that Israel will achieve the said goal by the end of this&nbsp;year.

Therefore, Israel is expected to continue pursuing that objective in the next phase of the conflict which US officials see as a “longer-term campaign.” “We are in a high-intensity operation in the coming weeks, then probably moving to a low-intensity mode,” an Israeli official told CNN.&nbsp;

The report, citing a source familiar with the intelligence, said that as per current US assessments, Israel simply cannot maintain its level of high-intensity operations indefinitely, particularly with mobilised reservists.&nbsp;

This has also been attributed to the fact that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also had to protect the country’s northern border from near-daily attacks by Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah since the beginning of its war with Hamas.&nbsp;

Therefore, Israeli forces will likely need to transition to more targeted raids once they have cleared as many Hamas militants in Gaza as they can, reported CNN citing the source.

<h2>US warns Israel about ‘waning international support’</h2>

Amid the mounting death toll and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US has reportedly told Israel that global opinion has increasingly turned against its ground campaign which has killed thousands of civilians in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

White House has recently also expressed its deep concerns about the way that Israel’s operations will unfold in the next couple of weeks as Israeli forces enter a new ground phase in the south, reported CNN citing an official from President Joe Biden’s administration.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-israeli-air-strikes-hit-gaza-strip-parts-in-total-blackout-666224">Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout</a>

The US has warned Israel firmly in “hard” and “direct” conversations that the IDF cannot continue the devastating operations as it did in the north, the official said.&nbsp;

The Biden administration over the past few weeks has also publicly called on Israel to take more steps to minimise civilian deaths but stopped short of directly admonishing the IDF’s tactics.&nbsp;

The report comes a day after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN.

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN. The White House has also reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s new ground phase in southern Gaza and warned Tel Aviv to take more steps to limit civilian casualties. More than 16,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks following the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel. Will Israel change military tactics in Gaza? A report by CNN citing multiple US officials said that Washington is hopeful that Israel might move to more targeted attacks against specific Hamas militants and leaders by January. Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group. ALSO READ | Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and that its ultimate goal is to weaken Hamas to such an extent that it can never launch an attack similar to the one on October 7. However, a senior US official told the American media outlet that it is unlikely that Israel will achieve the said goal by the end of this year. Therefore, Israel is expected to continue pursuing that objective in the next phase of the conflict which US officials see as a “longer-term campaign.” “We are in a high-intensity operation in the coming weeks, then probably moving to a low-intensity mode,” an Israeli official told CNN. The report, citing a source familiar with the intelligence, said that as per current US assessments, Israel simply cannot maintain its level of high-intensity operations indefinitely, particularly with mobilised reservists. This has also been attributed to the fact that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also had to protect the country’s northern border from near-daily attacks by Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah since the beginning of its war with Hamas. Therefore, Israeli forces will likely need to transition to more targeted raids once they have cleared as many Hamas militants in Gaza as they can, reported CNN citing the source. US warns Israel about ‘waning international support’ Amid the mounting death toll and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US has reportedly told Israel that global opinion has increasingly turned against its ground campaign which has killed thousands of civilians in the Palestinian enclave. White House has recently also expressed its deep concerns about the way that Israel’s operations will unfold in the next couple of weeks as Israeli forces enter a new ground phase in the south, reported CNN citing an official from President Joe Biden’s administration. ALSO READ | Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout The US has warned Israel firmly in “hard” and “direct” conversations that the IDF cannot continue the devastating operations as it did in the north, the official said. The Biden administration over the past few weeks has also publicly called on Israel to take more steps to minimise civilian deaths but stopped short of directly admonishing the IDF’s tactics. The report comes a day after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

US officials believe Israel will end ground operations in southern Gaza by January: Report

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

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

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

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

Khalistani terrorist murder plot: New Delhi to probe Washington's concern

In a&nbsp;sharp reaction to the&nbsp;House Ethics Committee report, US Representative from New York George Santos on Thursday (Nov 16) said that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024. This comes after the ethics committee, following its&nbsp;nine-month investigation, on November 14 unanimously voted to "refer to the Department of Justice (DOJ) substantial evidence that Representative Santos knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission" and "used campaign funds for personal purposes."&nbsp;

The report claimed that US Representative Santos engaged in "fraudulent conduct" and also breached the "ethics in government act."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sinkholes-tunnels-staggering-wealth-of-microbial-life-in-mexicos-underwater-labyrinth-unravelled-659447">Sinkholes, tunnels: Staggering wealth of microbial life in Mexico’s underwater labyrinth unravelled</a>

After the release of the report,&nbsp;Santos took to X and posted that he would go on to serve his constituents till the time he is permitted to do so.

However, he continued that he will "NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time."&nbsp;

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If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the “Ethics committee”, they would have not released this biased report. The Committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team about me not being forthcoming (My legal bills suggest otherwise). 
 
It is a disgusting…
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSantosNY/status/1725182414769512783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He termed the report biased and blamed the federal government for orchestrating a campaign against him.

He also launched a verbal attack on the federal government, lamenting its inaction on the migrants issue at its southern border and America's increased national debt.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-is-us-cdc-suggesting-people-to-get-covid-and-flu-shots-together-659424">Why is US CDC suggesting people to get Covid and flu shots together?</a>

In the post, Santos also declined to speak with media personnel anymore in connection to the controversy that erupted after the report by the ethics committee.

&nbsp;

<h2>What were the findings of House Ethics Committee report?&nbsp;</h2>

In its findings, the ethics report said that Santos "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. He blatantly stole from his campaign. He deceived donors into providing what they thought were contributions to his campaign but were in fact payments for his personal benefit."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwans-opposition-parties-join-forces-in-presidential-bid-659427">Taiwan's opposition parties join forces in presidential bid</a>

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If the report is to be believed, Santos used the guise of "fictitious" loans to try and persuade donors to make further donations, and later diverted more of his campaign money to himself "as purported 'repayments' of those fictitious loans."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a sharp reaction to the House Ethics Committee report, US Representative from New York George Santos on Thursday (Nov 16) said that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024.

In a sharp reaction to the House Ethics Committee report, US Representative from New York George Santos on Thursday (Nov 16) said that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024. This comes after the ethics committee, following its nine-month investigation, on November 14 unanimously voted to "refer to the Department of Justice (DOJ) substantial evidence that Representative Santos knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission" and "used campaign funds for personal purposes." The report claimed that US Representative Santos engaged in "fraudulent conduct" and also breached the "ethics in government act." Also Read | Sinkholes, tunnels: Staggering wealth of microbial life in Mexico’s underwater labyrinth unravelled After the release of the report, Santos took to X and posted that he would go on to serve his constituents till the time he is permitted to do so. However, he continued that he will "NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time." If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the “Ethics committee”, they would have not released this biased report. The Committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team about me not being forthcoming (My legal bills suggest otherwise). It is a disgusting… — George Santos (@MrSantosNY) November 16, 2023 × He termed the report biased and blamed the federal government for orchestrating a campaign against him. He also launched a verbal attack on the federal government, lamenting its inaction on the migrants issue at its southern border and America's increased national debt. Also Read | Why is US CDC suggesting people to get Covid and flu shots together? In the post, Santos also declined to speak with media personnel anymore in connection to the controversy that erupted after the report by the ethics committee. What were the findings of House Ethics Committee report? In its findings, the ethics report said that Santos "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. He blatantly stole from his campaign. He deceived donors into providing what they thought were contributions to his campaign but were in fact payments for his personal benefit." Watch | Taiwan's opposition parties join forces in presidential bid × If the report is to be believed, Santos used the guise of "fictitious" loans to try and persuade donors to make further donations, and later diverted more of his campaign money to himself "as purported 'repayments' of those fictitious loans." (With inputs from agencies)

US Rep Santos to not seek 2024 re-election, says ethics committee report a smear campaign against him

NASA is calling out the ones who wish to send their names&nbsp;to deep space beyond Mars.

The American space agency in a unique move is giving a chance to all the space enthusiasts to add their name to its Europa clipper.

The names will be added to a microchip that will ride aboard the spacecraft as it explores Jupiter’s moon Europa.

The spacecraft will make the 1.8 billion-mile journey to explore the ringed planet's moon.

The campaign, which is dubbed “Message in a Bottle” by NASA is only six weeks away as it closes at 11:59 pm EST, Dec 31, 2023.

As per the space agency's official website, since the beginning of the campaign, nearly 700,000 names have been submitted.

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Time is running out to send your name to deep space aboard <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaClipper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuropaClipper</a>! ⏰ 
 
Submit your name by Dec. 31 to be engraved on a chip that will travel 1.8 billion mi (2.6 billion km) to explore one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/n4TrYrzNC3">https://t.co/n4TrYrzNC3</a> <a href="https://t.co/2XS6ZRnm9k">pic.twitter.com/2XS6ZRnm9k</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1724177610349973682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After all the names are gathered, the technicians at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California will engrave them onto a dime-size silicon microchip using an electron beam.

Each line of text will be smaller than 1/1000th the width of a human hair, which is 75 nanometers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-solve-puzzle-of-origin-of-life-says-bouncing-comets-may-carry-seed-of-life-658866">Scientists solve puzzle of origin of life, says 'bouncing' comets may carry 'seed of life'</a>

<h2>'Message in a bottle'</h2>

The microchip, which will be attached to a metal plate, will be engraved with the original poem “In Praise of Mystery,” penned by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón to celebrate the mission.&nbsp;

The poem and the names will ride on the exterior of the spacecraft and will be like a message in a bottle as they make about 50 close flybys of the ocean world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dazzling-discovery-scientists-spot-aurora-like-emission-in-suns-atmosphere-658888">Dazzling discovery: Scientists spot aurora-like emission in Sun's atmosphere</a>

"The mission will log a half-billion miles (800 million kilometres) during these orbits as the spacecraft’s payload of science instruments gathers data on Europa’s subsurface ocean, icy crust, and atmosphere to determine if the moon could support life," said NASA's official website.

After the assembly of Europa Clipper is completed at JPL, the orbiter will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for its October 2024 launch.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA is calling out the ones who wish to send their names to deep space beyond Mars. The American space agency in a unique move is giving a chance to all the space enthusiasts to add their name to its Europa clipper.

NASA is calling out the ones who wish to send their names to deep space beyond Mars. The American space agency in a unique move is giving a chance to all the space enthusiasts to add their name to its Europa clipper. The names will be added to a microchip that will ride aboard the spacecraft as it explores Jupiter’s moon Europa. The spacecraft will make the 1.8 billion-mile journey to explore the ringed planet's moon. The campaign, which is dubbed “Message in a Bottle” by NASA is only six weeks away as it closes at 11:59 pm EST, Dec 31, 2023. As per the space agency's official website, since the beginning of the campaign, nearly 700,000 names have been submitted. Time is running out to send your name to deep space aboard @EuropaClipper! ⏰ Submit your name by Dec. 31 to be engraved on a chip that will travel 1.8 billion mi (2.6 billion km) to explore one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. Learn more: https://t.co/n4TrYrzNC3 pic.twitter.com/2XS6ZRnm9k — NASA (@NASA) November 13, 2023 × After all the names are gathered, the technicians at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California will engrave them onto a dime-size silicon microchip using an electron beam. Each line of text will be smaller than 1/1000th the width of a human hair, which is 75 nanometers. Also read: Scientists solve puzzle of origin of life, says 'bouncing' comets may carry 'seed of life' 'Message in a bottle' The microchip, which will be attached to a metal plate, will be engraved with the original poem “In Praise of Mystery,” penned by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón to celebrate the mission. The poem and the names will ride on the exterior of the spacecraft and will be like a message in a bottle as they make about 50 close flybys of the ocean world. Also read: Dazzling discovery: Scientists spot aurora-like emission in Sun's atmosphere "The mission will log a half-billion miles (800 million kilometres) during these orbits as the spacecraft’s payload of science instruments gathers data on Europa’s subsurface ocean, icy crust, and atmosphere to determine if the moon could support life," said NASA's official website. After the assembly of Europa Clipper is completed at JPL, the orbiter will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for its October 2024 launch. (With inputs from agencies)

Space enthusiasts can now send their names to Jupiter's moon Europa

In pics | Thousands march against antisemitism amid Israel-Hamas war in Washington after Paris

A sailor missing for two weeks and drifting in the ocean miles away from coast in a small life raft was rescued by a fishing boat on Sunday just days after US Coast Guard had abandoned search for him and one other missing person.

The man is being considered extremely lucky as he clung on to hope in open waters of ocean, a huge expanse to start with, with no immediate sign of rescue.

The American man was found in Canadian waters by a Canadian fishing boat. He was found 70 miles away from Washington State's Cape Flattery.

The US Coast Guards' Pacific Northwest command posted on X, showing the location in the ocean where the man was found. The coast guard also posted a photo of the man in his life raft just as the fishing vessel was approaching him for his recue.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> Photo of the life raft as the good Samaritan vessel approached it this morning. <a href="https://t.co/Nf6ChXjCWO">pic.twitter.com/Nf6ChXjCWO</a>
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The two sailors had left by boat from Washington's Garys Harbour on October 12. The they were due to return on October 15. But the US Coast Guard was alerted when the sailor did not return well after October 15.

After combing 14000 square miles of water, the US Coast Guard called off the search on Wednesday.

Although officials did not reveal names of the men who rescued the sailor, KING-TV has reported that it was Ryan Planes and his uncle John, from Sooke, British Columbia.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/white-hydrogen-this-clean-energy-gas-could-help-tackle-climate-crisis-653107">White hydrogen: This clean-energy gas could help tackle climate crisis</a>

"We pulled him on board. He gave me a big hug and it was emotional," John said.&nbsp;

"We made him breakfast. He drank three bottles of water. He was pretty hungry, poor guy," John said.&nbsp;

The Canadian fishermen then called the Canadian Coast Guard which transported the rescued sailor back to the shore.

The whereabouts of the second sailor are not known and CBS News has reported that US Coast Guard has kept the matter "under investigation."&nbsp; 
 
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A sailor missing for two weeks and drifting in the ocean miles away from coast in a small life raft was rescued by a fishing boat on Sunday just days after US Coast Guard had abandoned search for him and one other missing person.

A sailor missing for two weeks and drifting in the ocean miles away from coast in a small life raft was rescued by a fishing boat on Sunday just days after US Coast Guard had abandoned search for him and one other missing person. The man is being considered extremely lucky as he clung on to hope in open waters of ocean, a huge expanse to start with, with no immediate sign of rescue. The American man was found in Canadian waters by a Canadian fishing boat. He was found 70 miles away from Washington State's Cape Flattery. The US Coast Guards' Pacific Northwest command posted on X, showing the location in the ocean where the man was found. The coast guard also posted a photo of the man in his life raft just as the fishing vessel was approaching him for his recue. #BreakingNews Photo of the life raft as the good Samaritan vessel approached it this morning. pic.twitter.com/Nf6ChXjCWO — USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) October 26, 2023 × The two sailors had left by boat from Washington's Garys Harbour on October 12. The they were due to return on October 15. But the US Coast Guard was alerted when the sailor did not return well after October 15. After combing 14000 square miles of water, the US Coast Guard called off the search on Wednesday. Although officials did not reveal names of the men who rescued the sailor, KING-TV has reported that it was Ryan Planes and his uncle John, from Sooke, British Columbia. Also Read | White hydrogen: This clean-energy gas could help tackle climate crisis "We pulled him on board. He gave me a big hug and it was emotional," John said. "We made him breakfast. He drank three bottles of water. He was pretty hungry, poor guy," John said. The Canadian fishermen then called the Canadian Coast Guard which transported the rescued sailor back to the shore. The whereabouts of the second sailor are not known and CBS News has reported that US Coast Guard has kept the matter "under investigation." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Man missing at sea for two weeks rescued off Washington State coast

United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday (Oct 27) in a bid to possibly prepare for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing are in the midst of working to ease tensions between the two countries.

According to a statement by the White House, Wang and Biden held an hour of talks which Washington characterised as a “good opportunity” in keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing.&nbsp;

<h2>What did they discuss?</h2>

China’s top diplomat is in the midst of conducting a second day of meetings with his American counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken to manage differences while laying groundwork ahead of an expected meeting between Biden and Xi in November.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-wang-yi-to-visit-us-to-discuss-a-range-of-issues-says-washington-650485">China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington</a>

In a brief statement, the White House said that the US president also underscored that both countries “must work together to address global challenges.”&nbsp;

Additionally, Biden also told Wang that the US and China must “manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication.”&nbsp;

The US president also expressed his condolences on the passing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-li-keqiangs-death-could-spur-anti-jinping-campaign-in-china-652012">former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang</a>, said the White House.&nbsp;

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the hour-long meeting held in White House’s Roosevelt Room was a “positive development and a good opportunity to keep the conversation going.”

Kirby also said the Israel-Hamas war “certainly was on the agenda” for discussion during Wang’s three-day visit as well as global topics like climate change.&nbsp;

China’s top diplomat during his high-stakes visit to Washington also met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.&nbsp;

<h2>Will Xi and Biden meet in November?</h2>

The US president is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart after Biden invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. However, China has yet to announce whether Xi will attend. There is also no official confirmation if both leaders would hold a meeting on the sidelines of the summit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-have-dialogue-chinas-wang-yi-tells-us-as-he-lays-groundwork-for-xi-biden-meet-651753">‘Need to have dialogue,’ China’s Wang Yi tells US as he lays groundwork for Xi-Biden meet</a>

“The president has said that he fully expects to meet again with President Xi. These are two guys that have a long-standing relationship and we’re confident that that’s going to happen,” said Kirby.&nbsp;

China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies.&nbsp;

“China and the United States need to have dialogue. Not only should we resume dialogue, the dialogue should be in-depth and comprehensive,” Wang told Blinken after arriving in Washington on Thursday (Oct 26).

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday (Oct 27) in a bid to possibly prepare for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing are in the midst of working to ease tensions between the two countries.

United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday (Oct 27) in a bid to possibly prepare for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing are in the midst of working to ease tensions between the two countries. According to a statement by the White House, Wang and Biden held an hour of talks which Washington characterised as a “good opportunity” in keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing. What did they discuss? China’s top diplomat is in the midst of conducting a second day of meetings with his American counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken to manage differences while laying groundwork ahead of an expected meeting between Biden and Xi in November. ALSO READ | China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington In a brief statement, the White House said that the US president also underscored that both countries “must work together to address global challenges.” Additionally, Biden also told Wang that the US and China must “manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication.” The US president also expressed his condolences on the passing of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, said the White House. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the hour-long meeting held in White House’s Roosevelt Room was a “positive development and a good opportunity to keep the conversation going.” Kirby also said the Israel-Hamas war “certainly was on the agenda” for discussion during Wang’s three-day visit as well as global topics like climate change. China’s top diplomat during his high-stakes visit to Washington also met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Will Xi and Biden meet in November? The US president is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart after Biden invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. However, China has yet to announce whether Xi will attend. There is also no official confirmation if both leaders would hold a meeting on the sidelines of the summit. ALSO READ | ‘Need to have dialogue,’ China’s Wang Yi tells US as he lays groundwork for Xi-Biden meet “The president has said that he fully expects to meet again with President Xi. These are two guys that have a long-standing relationship and we’re confident that that’s going to happen,” said Kirby. China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies. “China and the United States need to have dialogue. Not only should we resume dialogue, the dialogue should be in-depth and comprehensive,” Wang told Blinken after arriving in Washington on Thursday (Oct 26). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden meets China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, paving way for potential meeting with Xi Jinping

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will travel to Washington later this week, officials in the United States announced on Monday (Oct 23). The long-anticipated and rare visit comes amid soaring tensions in the Middle East among other issues related to trade, the Ukraine war, Taiwan, and Beijing’s actions at the sea near the Philippines.&nbsp;

Wang will visit Washington from October 26 to 28 and will meet with his American counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan. It was not immediately clear if the Chinese official would meet the US president or not.&nbsp;

Wang will be the highest-ranking Chinese official in the US capital in nearly five years or so. The long-awaited trip follows visits by several high-level American lawmakers, including Blinken,&nbsp;to Beijing over the summer.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-chinese-warships-were-operating-in-west-asia-amid-israel-hamas-tensions-649104">Six Chinese warships were operating in West Asia amid Israel-Hamas tensions</a>

The visit also comes ahead of an expected meeting between Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco, California, in November.&nbsp;

<h2>What’s on the agenda?</h2>

A senior US official who briefed reporters on the trip on customary condition of anonymity said that Washington’s top priority has been to ensure the intense competition between the world’s two largest economies and their disagreements over a host of issues do not veer into conflict, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

“We continue to believe that direct face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where our interests intersect,” said the US official, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

The visit also comes as Israel continues to bombard Gaza in retaliation for Palestinian militant group Hamas’ attacks, while Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on. Washington has repeatedly reiterated support for both Tel Aviv and Kyiv.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-says-may-support-gaza-ceasefire-only-after-hostages-freed-650469">US President Biden says may support Gaza ceasefire only after hostages are freed</a>

The Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine war would both be discussed, said a second US official, as per Reuters, adding that the US would “push the Chinese to take a more constructive approach on both.”&nbsp;

Speaking about territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas, US officials said Washington was deeply concerned by China’s “destabilizing and dangerous actions” in the South China Sea and this would also be on the agenda during Wang’s visit to Washington.&nbsp;

The US will also prioritise efforts to re-establish military-to-military ties with China, said the US officials.&nbsp;

Recently, both Beijing and Washington have sought diplomatic advantage against each other over the ongoing violence in the Middle East. During his multi-nation visit to the region, Blinken spoke to Wang asking Beijing to exert pressure on Iran, which supposedly backs Hamas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-china-winding-down-some-belt-and-road-initiative-projects-650361">Is China winding down some Belt and Road Initiative projects?</a>

Meanwhile, China has since criticised the US for its staunch support for Israel after it vetoed the United Nations Security Council resolution, which Washington rejected after it did not call for Israel’s right to defend itself.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will travel to Washington later this week, officials in the United States announced on Monday (Oct 23). The long-anticipated and rare visit comes amid soaring tensions in the Middle East among other issues related to trade, the Ukraine war, Taiwan, and Beijing’s actions at the sea near the Philippines.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will travel to Washington later this week, officials in the United States announced on Monday (Oct 23). The long-anticipated and rare visit comes amid soaring tensions in the Middle East among other issues related to trade, the Ukraine war, Taiwan, and Beijing’s actions at the sea near the Philippines. Wang will visit Washington from October 26 to 28 and will meet with his American counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan. It was not immediately clear if the Chinese official would meet the US president or not. Wang will be the highest-ranking Chinese official in the US capital in nearly five years or so. The long-awaited trip follows visits by several high-level American lawmakers, including Blinken, to Beijing over the summer. ALSO READ | Six Chinese warships were operating in West Asia amid Israel-Hamas tensions The visit also comes ahead of an expected meeting between Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco, California, in November. What’s on the agenda? A senior US official who briefed reporters on the trip on customary condition of anonymity said that Washington’s top priority has been to ensure the intense competition between the world’s two largest economies and their disagreements over a host of issues do not veer into conflict, reported Reuters. “We continue to believe that direct face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where our interests intersect,” said the US official, as quoted by AFP. The visit also comes as Israel continues to bombard Gaza in retaliation for Palestinian militant group Hamas’ attacks, while Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on. Washington has repeatedly reiterated support for both Tel Aviv and Kyiv. ALSO READ | US President Biden says may support Gaza ceasefire only after hostages are freed The Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine war would both be discussed, said a second US official, as per Reuters, adding that the US would “push the Chinese to take a more constructive approach on both.” Speaking about territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas, US officials said Washington was deeply concerned by China’s “destabilizing and dangerous actions” in the South China Sea and this would also be on the agenda during Wang’s visit to Washington. The US will also prioritise efforts to re-establish military-to-military ties with China, said the US officials. Recently, both Beijing and Washington have sought diplomatic advantage against each other over the ongoing violence in the Middle East. During his multi-nation visit to the region, Blinken spoke to Wang asking Beijing to exert pressure on Iran, which supposedly backs Hamas. ALSO READ | Is China winding down some Belt and Road Initiative projects? Meanwhile, China has since criticised the US for its staunch support for Israel after it vetoed the United Nations Security Council resolution, which Washington rejected after it did not call for Israel’s right to defend itself. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington

Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan has decided to sever ties with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in the wake of the controversial "All out for Palestine" rally promoted by the DSA's New York City chapter.&nbsp;The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organisation in the United States. The group has more than 92,000 members and has chapters in all 50 US states.

The rally, held in New York's Times Square, expressed its support for Palestinian territories after an attack by the Islamist militant group Hamas on Israel. Thanedar announced this move through a statement posted on social media X.&nbsp;

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I renounce my membership in the DSA <a href="https://t.co/rtpxStKW2Q">pic.twitter.com/rtpxStKW2Q</a>
— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepShriThanedar/status/1712181950176186851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Despite disassociating himself from the DSA, Thanedar said&nbsp;that his core values remained unchanged and that he remains committed to pursuing causes such as universal healthcare and strong labour unions, which are among the DSA's priorities.

However, he also noted that his departure from the organisation was a choice he made in order to prevent the fanning of "the flames of hatred," media reports said.&nbsp;

<h2>Controversial rally promotion and DSA apology&nbsp;</h2>

The "All out for Palestine" rally took place on a Sunday (Oct 8), with the New York DSA chapter promoting the event shortly after Hamas's attack on Israel. This promotion, made via a now-deleted post, garnered widespread condemnation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-worldwide-return-home-to-support-their-homeland-gripped-in-war-with-hamas-645844">Israelis worldwide return home to support their homeland gripped in war with Hamas</a>

Following the uproar, the local DSA chapter issued an apology. They acknowledged that there was "confusion" caused by their promotion.

Moreover, it also explained that they had posted information about the rally "in solidarity with the people of Palestine".

The DSA chapter condemned civilian deaths and expressed regret for not explicitly stating their values.

They also clarified that they didn't organise the rally but had promoted it on behalf of an unnamed "coalition partner" in the name of equality and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-hamas-shares-video-showing-release-of-female-captive-two-children-645818">Hamas shares video showing release of female captive, two children</a>

“After the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel, which included the indiscriminate murder, rape and kidnapping of innocent men, women and children, I can no longer associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all its forms,” Thanedar said in the statement.

<h2>Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</h2>

The war in Israel was triggered by Hamas'&nbsp;attack and subsequent Israeli military counteractions. It has since resulted in a high death toll on both sides.&nbsp;The situation escalated quickly, with over 1,200 Israeli and over 1,000 Palestinian casualties.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-countries-committing-most-aid-to-ukraine-645855">Russia-Ukraine war: Countries committing most aid to Ukraine</a>

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While the New York DSA promoted the rally, no DSA-affiliated elected officials attended the event, as per Politico. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the rally and termed it "abhorrent and morally repugnant".

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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&nbsp;

Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan has decided to sever ties with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in the wake of the controversial "All out for Palestine" rally promoted by the DSA's New York City chapter.

Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan has decided to sever ties with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in the wake of the controversial "All out for Palestine" rally promoted by the DSA's New York City chapter. The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organisation in the United States. The group has more than 92,000 members and has chapters in all 50 US states. The rally, held in New York's Times Square, expressed its support for Palestinian territories after an attack by the Islamist militant group Hamas on Israel. Thanedar announced this move through a statement posted on social media X. I renounce my membership in the DSA pic.twitter.com/rtpxStKW2Q — Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) October 11, 2023 × Despite disassociating himself from the DSA, Thanedar said that his core values remained unchanged and that he remains committed to pursuing causes such as universal healthcare and strong labour unions, which are among the DSA's priorities. However, he also noted that his departure from the organisation was a choice he made in order to prevent the fanning of "the flames of hatred," media reports said. Controversial rally promotion and DSA apology The "All out for Palestine" rally took place on a Sunday (Oct 8), with the New York DSA chapter promoting the event shortly after Hamas's attack on Israel. This promotion, made via a now-deleted post, garnered widespread condemnation. Also Read | Israelis worldwide return home to support their homeland gripped in war with Hamas Following the uproar, the local DSA chapter issued an apology. They acknowledged that there was "confusion" caused by their promotion. Moreover, it also explained that they had posted information about the rally "in solidarity with the people of Palestine". The DSA chapter condemned civilian deaths and expressed regret for not explicitly stating their values. They also clarified that they didn't organise the rally but had promoted it on behalf of an unnamed "coalition partner" in the name of equality and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis. Also Read | Hamas shares video showing release of female captive, two children “After the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel, which included the indiscriminate murder, rape and kidnapping of innocent men, women and children, I can no longer associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all its forms,” Thanedar said in the statement. Israel-Hamas war The war in Israel was triggered by Hamas' attack and subsequent Israeli military counteractions. It has since resulted in a high death toll on both sides. The situation escalated quickly, with over 1,200 Israeli and over 1,000 Palestinian casualties. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Countries committing most aid to Ukraine × While the New York DSA promoted the rally, no DSA-affiliated elected officials attended the event, as per Politico. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the rally and termed it "abhorrent and morally repugnant". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US Congressman quits Democratic Socialists of America membership over 'antisemitic' rally in NY

A senior European official, briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday (September 27) that US President Joe Biden is preparing to host European Union chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Washington on October 20.

AFP reported citing the official that there has been "good discussion" over the summit and that the EU side was "hopeful" of a breakthrough over many issues.

Last EU-US summit took place in Brussels in June 2021. In March last year, Biden was a guest of the 27 EU member state leaders during European Council meeting.

The goal of the upcoming summit is to reinforce the trans-Atlantic partnership to better fight crises like climate change and at the same time, balancing the world economy.

The US and the EU are on the same page on range of issues. It is expected that a strong message of unity will be sent especially in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

However, differences remain between the two sides over issues like tariffs imposed by Trump administration on steel and aluminium from Europe.

The tariffs have been suspended. But they mau come back into force by next month-end if the US and the EU do not agree over a lasting solution over this issue.

Europe has also expressed concerns over Biden's $370 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), fearing its subsidies for clean energy tech will lead to all US firms out-competing their European rivals. &nbsp;

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A senior European official, briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday (September 27) that US President Joe Biden is preparing to host European Union chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Washington on October 20.

A senior European official, briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday (September 27) that US President Joe Biden is preparing to host European Union chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Washington on October 20. AFP reported citing the official that there has been "good discussion" over the summit and that the EU side was "hopeful" of a breakthrough over many issues. Last EU-US summit took place in Brussels in June 2021. In March last year, Biden was a guest of the 27 EU member state leaders during European Council meeting. The goal of the upcoming summit is to reinforce the trans-Atlantic partnership to better fight crises like climate change and at the same time, balancing the world economy. The US and the EU are on the same page on range of issues. It is expected that a strong message of unity will be sent especially in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, differences remain between the two sides over issues like tariffs imposed by Trump administration on steel and aluminium from Europe. The tariffs have been suspended. But they mau come back into force by next month-end if the US and the EU do not agree over a lasting solution over this issue. Europe has also expressed concerns over Biden's $370 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), fearing its subsidies for clean energy tech will lead to all US firms out-competing their European rivals.  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-EU summit to take place in Washington on October 20, says EU official

The White House on Wednesday (September 20) rebuffed the reports that claimed Washington&nbsp;had rejected or brushed off&nbsp;Canada's allegations regarding India being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying they were 'untrue'.

"There's been some press speculation out there&nbsp;that the United States rebuffed&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;in terms of talking about their investigation, and I just want to stress that those reports are just flatly false, untrue," said National Security Spokesman John Kirby.&nbsp;

Notably, a Washington Post report on Tuesday (September 19) stated that weeks before&nbsp;Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau levelled the allegations against New Delhi in an emergency session of the parliament, he had asked&nbsp;closest allies, including the US, to publicly condemn the Sikh separatist leader's killing, but the requests were turned down.

The White House added that it is "deeply concerned" about allegations levelled and urged India to cooperate.&nbsp;

"We are deeply concerned" Kirby said of the allegations, adding:&nbsp;"We encourage&nbsp;India&nbsp;to fully&nbsp;cooperate."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-other-allies-refused-to-join-canada-in-condemning-india-over-hardeep-singh-nijjars-death-report-637744">Also read |&nbsp;US, other allies refused to join Canada in condemning India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death: Report</a>

<h2>What did Trudeau say?</h2>

Escalating a diplomatic standoff with India, Trudeau earlier this week said he&nbsp;was&nbsp;probing "credible allegations" that New Delhi may have had a prominent role in the killing of a secessionist leader.&nbsp;

"Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar," said Trudeau in a statement to the&nbsp;House of Commons.

Notably, the 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief was shot&nbsp;dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada.

He&nbsp;had moved to Canada in the late 1990s and was declared a designated terrorist by India in 2020. Security agencies said he was&nbsp;involved in recruiting and training people for KTF&nbsp;and was an integral part of the separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which&nbsp;held a Khalistan referendum&nbsp;on September 10.

India-Canada row: India alleges separatists been provided shelter in Canada&nbsp;

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<h2>Trudeau attempts to douse the fire</h2>

Multiple Hindu temples have been vandalised by Khalistani forces since the beginning of the year in Canada. Officers of the Indian High Commission have been openly targeted by the radicals and yet Trudeau's administration went ahead with the allegations, siding with the Khalistani supporters in the process.&nbsp;

However, after receiving intense backlash from New Delhi and no support from allies, Trudeau attempted to pacify the Indian government. The Canadian PM said&nbsp;Ottawa wants New Delhi to address the issue properly.

"Canada is not trying to provoke India by suggesting its agents were linked to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader but Ottawa wants New Delhi to address the issue properly," he said on Tuesday (September 19).

"The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House on Wednesday (September 20) rebuffed the reports that claimed Washington had rejected or brushed off Canada's allegations regarding India being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying they were 'untrue'.

The White House on Wednesday (September 20) rebuffed the reports that claimed Washington had rejected or brushed off Canada's allegations regarding India being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying they were 'untrue'. "There's been some press speculation out there that the United States rebuffed Canada in terms of talking about their investigation, and I just want to stress that those reports are just flatly false, untrue," said National Security Spokesman John Kirby. Notably, a Washington Post report on Tuesday (September 19) stated that weeks before Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau levelled the allegations against New Delhi in an emergency session of the parliament, he had asked closest allies, including the US, to publicly condemn the Sikh separatist leader's killing, but the requests were turned down. The White House added that it is "deeply concerned" about allegations levelled and urged India to cooperate. "We are deeply concerned" Kirby said of the allegations, adding: "We encourage India to fully cooperate." Also read | US, other allies refused to join Canada in condemning India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death: Report What did Trudeau say? Escalating a diplomatic standoff with India, Trudeau earlier this week said he was probing "credible allegations" that New Delhi may have had a prominent role in the killing of a secessionist leader. "Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar," said Trudeau in a statement to the House of Commons. Notably, the 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief was shot dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada. He had moved to Canada in the late 1990s and was declared a designated terrorist by India in 2020. Security agencies said he was involved in recruiting and training people for KTF and was an integral part of the separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which held a Khalistan referendum on September 10. India-Canada row: India alleges separatists been provided shelter in Canada × Trudeau attempts to douse the fire Multiple Hindu temples have been vandalised by Khalistani forces since the beginning of the year in Canada. Officers of the Indian High Commission have been openly targeted by the radicals and yet Trudeau's administration went ahead with the allegations, siding with the Khalistani supporters in the process. However, after receiving intense backlash from New Delhi and no support from allies, Trudeau attempted to pacify the Indian government. The Canadian PM said Ottawa wants New Delhi to address the issue properly. "Canada is not trying to provoke India by suggesting its agents were linked to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader but Ottawa wants New Delhi to address the issue properly," he said on Tuesday (September 19). "The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

White House denies allegations it rejected Canada's claims regarding separatist leader's killing

The Russian government on Thursday (September 14) said it was expelling&nbsp;two US diplomats on accusations of collaborating with a spy.&nbsp;According to the Kremlin, the two diplomats had maintained contact with a Russian national who worked&nbsp;for the US Mission and had&nbsp;been accused of being an 'informant'.&nbsp;

The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement informed&nbsp;it had summoned US envoy&nbsp;Lynne Tracy, instructing her that embassy First Secretary Jeffrey Sillin and Second Secretary David Bernstein must leave the country within seven days.

Sillin and&nbsp;Bernstein were accused of having conducted&nbsp;"illegal activities by liaising with a Russian citizen, (Robert) Shonov".

"It was also emphasised (to Tracy) that illegal activities of the US diplomatic mission, including interference in the internal affairs of the host country, are unacceptable and will be resolutely suppressed," it said.

"The Russian side expects Washington to draw the right conclusions and refrain from confrontational steps."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-vadim-krasikov-hitman-russia-wants-in-prisoner-swap-with-us-634765">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Vadim Krasikov? Assassin Russia wants in prisoner swap for US WSJ journalist</a>

Notably,&nbsp;Shonov was on the payroll of the US Consulate General in the Far East city of Vladivostok for more than 25 years, until Moscow&nbsp;ordered the dismissal of the&nbsp;mission's local staff in 2021.&nbsp;

In a confession video, published by the country's&nbsp;FSB security service,&nbsp;Shonov could be seen admitting that&nbsp;Sillin and Bernstein had asked him to collect information about Russia's war effort in Ukraine, the annexation of "new territories",&nbsp;its military mobilisation and the 2024 presidential election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vladimir-putin-lauds-indias-pm-modi-putin-kim-summit-635615">Watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin lauds India's PM Modi | Putin-Kim Summit</a>

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<h2>US vows retaliation&nbsp;</h2>

After the announcement, Washington denounced the expulsion and vowed to take countermeasures soon.&nbsp;

“This unprovoked expulsion of our diplomatic personnel is wholly without merit, as is the case against a former Russian contractor of our embassy who was arrested for the supposedly nefarious task of performing such activities as providing our embassy with media clips,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Miller added that Russia had once again chosen "confrontation and escalation over constructive diplomatic engagement", whilst adding that Washington will take action.&nbsp;

"We regret that Russia has taken this path and you can certainly expect that we will respond appropriately to their actions. It continues to harass employees of our embassy, just as it continues to intimidate its own citizens.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian government on Thursday (September 14) said it was expelling two US diplomats on accusations of collaborating with a spy. According to the Kremlin, the two diplomats had maintained contact with a Russian national who worked for the US Mission and had been accused of being an 'informant'.

The Russian government on Thursday (September 14) said it was expelling two US diplomats on accusations of collaborating with a spy. According to the Kremlin, the two diplomats had maintained contact with a Russian national who worked for the US Mission and had been accused of being an 'informant'. The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement informed it had summoned US envoy Lynne Tracy, instructing her that embassy First Secretary Jeffrey Sillin and Second Secretary David Bernstein must leave the country within seven days. Sillin and Bernstein were accused of having conducted "illegal activities by liaising with a Russian citizen, (Robert) Shonov". "It was also emphasised (to Tracy) that illegal activities of the US diplomatic mission, including interference in the internal affairs of the host country, are unacceptable and will be resolutely suppressed," it said. "The Russian side expects Washington to draw the right conclusions and refrain from confrontational steps." Also read | Who is Vadim Krasikov? Assassin Russia wants in prisoner swap for US WSJ journalist Notably, Shonov was on the payroll of the US Consulate General in the Far East city of Vladivostok for more than 25 years, until Moscow ordered the dismissal of the mission's local staff in 2021. In a confession video, published by the country's FSB security service, Shonov could be seen admitting that Sillin and Bernstein had asked him to collect information about Russia's war effort in Ukraine, the annexation of "new territories", its military mobilisation and the 2024 presidential election. Watch | Vladimir Putin lauds India's PM Modi | Putin-Kim Summit × US vows retaliation After the announcement, Washington denounced the expulsion and vowed to take countermeasures soon. “This unprovoked expulsion of our diplomatic personnel is wholly without merit, as is the case against a former Russian contractor of our embassy who was arrested for the supposedly nefarious task of performing such activities as providing our embassy with media clips,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Miller added that Russia had once again chosen "confrontation and escalation over constructive diplomatic engagement", whilst adding that Washington will take action. "We regret that Russia has taken this path and you can certainly expect that we will respond appropriately to their actions. It continues to harass employees of our embassy, just as it continues to intimidate its own citizens.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia expels two US diplomats as Washington vows 'retaliation'

US President Joe Biden, on Friday (September 15), said that the United States would remain committed to supporting Iranians, a year after Mahsa Amini's death triggered massive demonstrations, as Washington revealed fresh sanctions against "egregious" rights abusers.

Biden released a statement saying, "Today—as we remember Mahsa’s tragic death—we reaffirm our commitment to the courageous people of Iran who are carrying on her mission. They are inspiring the world with their resilience and resolve. And together with our allies and partners, we stand with them."

"Iranians alone will determine the fate of their country, but, the United States remains committed to standing with them, including providing tools to support Iranians' ability to advocate for their own future," Biden added.

He then said that the United States was "announcing additional sanctions targeting some of Iran's most egregious human rights abusers" to mark Mahsa Amini's death anniversary.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-a-year-after-mahsa-amini-died-at-the-hands-of-irans-morality-police-how-are-iranian-women-faring-635722">Explained | A year after Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of morality police, how are Iranian women faring?</a>

<h2>US, UK issue sanctions</h2>

The United States and Britain imposed sanctions on Iran on Friday (September 15) ahead of Amini's death anniversary.

"Mahsa’s tragic and senseless death in the custody of Iran’s so-called 'Morality Police' sparked demonstrations across Iran that were met with unspeakable violence, mass arrests, systemic internet disruptions and censorship by the Iranian regime," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"We will continue to take appropriate action, alongside our international partners, to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians’ exercise of human rights," he said, adding that Canada, Australia, and other partners were also imposing sanctions this week.

In a separate statement, the US Treasury Department said that it imposed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities, that it said were linked to Iran's "violent suppression" of protests in the wake of Amini's death and its crackdown on dissenting voices and restrictions on the internet.

The department said that the action targets 29 people and groups, including 18 key members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), as well as the head of Iran's prison organisations. They also target officials linked to Iran's internet blockade and several media outlets.

The sanctions target LEF spokesperson Saeed Montazerolmehdi, multiple LEF and IRGC commanders, and Iran’s Prisons Organization chief Gholamali Mohammadi.

Douran Software Technologies CEO Alireza Abedinejad as well as state-controlled media organizations Press TV, Tasnim News Agency and Fars News were also among the ones sanctioned.

"The United States ... will continue to take collective action against those who suppress Iranians’ exercise of their human rights," the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in the statement.

On the other hand, the UK separately announced its sanctions that targeted senior Iranian decision-makers implementing Tehran's compulsory hijab law, including Iran's minister for culture and Islamic guidance, his deputy, the mayor of Tehran and an Iranian police spokesman.

Amini died last year on September 16, at the age of 22, after she was arrested in Tehran for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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US President Joe Biden, on Friday (September 15), said that the United States would remain committed to supporting Iranians, a year after Mahsa Amini's death triggered massive demonstrations, as Washington revealed fresh sanctions against "egregious" rights abusers.

US President Joe Biden, on Friday (September 15), said that the United States would remain committed to supporting Iranians, a year after Mahsa Amini's death triggered massive demonstrations, as Washington revealed fresh sanctions against "egregious" rights abusers. Biden released a statement saying, "Today—as we remember Mahsa’s tragic death—we reaffirm our commitment to the courageous people of Iran who are carrying on her mission. They are inspiring the world with their resilience and resolve. And together with our allies and partners, we stand with them." "Iranians alone will determine the fate of their country, but, the United States remains committed to standing with them, including providing tools to support Iranians' ability to advocate for their own future," Biden added. He then said that the United States was "announcing additional sanctions targeting some of Iran's most egregious human rights abusers" to mark Mahsa Amini's death anniversary. Also read: Explained | A year after Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of morality police, how are Iranian women faring? US, UK issue sanctions The United States and Britain imposed sanctions on Iran on Friday (September 15) ahead of Amini's death anniversary. "Mahsa’s tragic and senseless death in the custody of Iran’s so-called 'Morality Police' sparked demonstrations across Iran that were met with unspeakable violence, mass arrests, systemic internet disruptions and censorship by the Iranian regime," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. "We will continue to take appropriate action, alongside our international partners, to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians’ exercise of human rights," he said, adding that Canada, Australia, and other partners were also imposing sanctions this week. In a separate statement, the US Treasury Department said that it imposed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities, that it said were linked to Iran's "violent suppression" of protests in the wake of Amini's death and its crackdown on dissenting voices and restrictions on the internet. The department said that the action targets 29 people and groups, including 18 key members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), as well as the head of Iran's prison organisations. They also target officials linked to Iran's internet blockade and several media outlets. The sanctions target LEF spokesperson Saeed Montazerolmehdi, multiple LEF and IRGC commanders, and Iran’s Prisons Organization chief Gholamali Mohammadi. Douran Software Technologies CEO Alireza Abedinejad as well as state-controlled media organizations Press TV, Tasnim News Agency and Fars News were also among the ones sanctioned. "The United States ... will continue to take collective action against those who suppress Iranians’ exercise of their human rights," the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in the statement. On the other hand, the UK separately announced its sanctions that targeted senior Iranian decision-makers implementing Tehran's compulsory hijab law, including Iran's minister for culture and Islamic guidance, his deputy, the mayor of Tehran and an Iranian police spokesman. Amini died last year on September 16, at the age of 22, after she was arrested in Tehran for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US imposes new sanctions on Iran, hails protesters a year after Mahsa Amini's death

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to make an appearance at the White House and Capitol Hill next week during his visit to the US during the United Nations General Assembly, reported American media citing sources, on Friday (September 15). This comes as the United States Congress is in the midst of debating President Joe Biden’s request to provide $24 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Ukrainian president is also slated to deliver a speech to the assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky’s visit to the US</h2>

A report by the Associated Press, citing an administration official&nbsp;speaking on condition of anonymity, said Zelensky will meet with Biden at the White House next Thursday (Sep 21).&nbsp;

The media report citing two anonymous congressional aides said that the Ukrainian president will also visit Capitol Hill to lobby for more US aid to fight the war against Russia.

Both Biden and Zelensky are also due to attend the meeting of the UNGA next week where the Ukrainian president is also planning to hold meetings with other visiting world leaders, reported CBS News.&nbsp; 
 
Zelensky’s last visit to Washington was back in December 2022 when he addressed a joint session of the US Congress which was his first&nbsp;known trip outside Ukraine since the Russian invasion, which began in February that year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>US aid to Ukraine</h2>

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine and announced the latest aid package amounting to more than $1 billion which also included depleted uranium tank shells, which Washington had previously said&nbsp;would not be sent to Kyiv.

In August, Biden had called on the US Congress to send another $24 billion to Ukraine. The package would include $13.1 billion in military aid and $8.5 billion for humanitarian support for Ukraine. It also reportedly includes $2.3 billion for financing and to catalyse donors through the World Bank.&nbsp;

However, the request comes amid signs of softening support for Ukraine among Americans and Congress becoming increasingly divided over providing additional funding for Ukraine as the war is well into its second year.&nbsp;

Republican lawmakers have been pushing for broad federal spending cuts while some are looking to entirely stop money to Ukraine, mostly GOP members who are allied with former US president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to make an appearance at the White House and Capitol Hill next week during his visit to the US during the United Nations General Assembly, reported American media citing sources, on Friday (September 15).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to make an appearance at the White House and Capitol Hill next week during his visit to the US during the United Nations General Assembly, reported American media citing sources, on Friday (September 15). This comes as the United States Congress is in the midst of debating President Joe Biden’s request to provide $24 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. According to reports, the Ukrainian president is also slated to deliver a speech to the assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. Zelensky’s visit to the US A report by the Associated Press, citing an administration official speaking on condition of anonymity, said Zelensky will meet with Biden at the White House next Thursday (Sep 21). The media report citing two anonymous congressional aides said that the Ukrainian president will also visit Capitol Hill to lobby for more US aid to fight the war against Russia. Both Biden and Zelensky are also due to attend the meeting of the UNGA next week where the Ukrainian president is also planning to hold meetings with other visiting world leaders, reported CBS News. Zelensky’s last visit to Washington was back in December 2022 when he addressed a joint session of the US Congress which was his first known trip outside Ukraine since the Russian invasion, which began in February that year. US aid to Ukraine Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine and announced the latest aid package amounting to more than $1 billion which also included depleted uranium tank shells, which Washington had previously said would not be sent to Kyiv. In August, Biden had called on the US Congress to send another $24 billion to Ukraine. The package would include $13.1 billion in military aid and $8.5 billion for humanitarian support for Ukraine. It also reportedly includes $2.3 billion for financing and to catalyse donors through the World Bank. However, the request comes amid signs of softening support for Ukraine among Americans and Congress becoming increasingly divided over providing additional funding for Ukraine as the war is well into its second year. Republican lawmakers have been pushing for broad federal spending cuts while some are looking to entirely stop money to Ukraine, mostly GOP members who are allied with former US president Donald Trump. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine’s Zelensky to meet Prez Biden as US Congress debates $24 billion aid for Kyiv: Reports

The United States government believes that Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu has been placed under investigation by Beijing amid questions about his more than two-weeks-long absence from public view, said a report by Financial Times citing US officials, on Friday (September 15).&nbsp;

The FT report also follows a report by Reuters, on Thursday (Sep 14) which, citing three officials with direct knowledge of the matter, said that Li, 65, was abruptly pulled out of a meeting with Vietnamese defence leaders last week.&nbsp;

<h2>What do US officials believe about the disappearance?</h2>

In the latest sign of political turmoil involving high-ranking officials in China, three US officials and two people who were briefed on the intelligence in Washington concluded that Li has been “stripped of his responsibilities as defence minister.”

However, people briefed on the matter did not say what led President Joe Biden’s administration to come to this conclusion, the FT report added.

The supposed speculations by officials in Washington were further stoked by Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, on Friday, after he took to X and wrote, “1st: Defense Minister Li Shangfu hasn’t been seen or heard from in 3 weeks. 2nd: He was a no-show for his trip to Vietnam. Now: He’s absent from his scheduled meeting with the Singaporean Chief of Navy because he was placed on house arrest???”

The post was also accompanied by the hashtag #MysteryInBeijingBuilding after he made a reference to William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet and said “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

It was not immediately clear which meeting with the Singaporean Chief of Navy&nbsp;Emanuel&nbsp;was referring to. As per Reuters, the Singapore Navy’s Rear Admiral Sean Wat was in China from September 4 to 9 where he met with PLA Navy commander Dong Jun and other Navy leaders, said the city-state’s defence ministry on its website.&nbsp;

But there was no mention of him meeting or being scheduled to meet Li.

Similarly, the US official, last week wrote that China’s government was “now resembling Agatha Christie’s novel And Then There Were None”.&nbsp;

He added, “First, Foreign Minister Qin Gang goes missing, then the Rocket Force commanders go missing, and now Defence Minister Li Shangfu hasn’t been seen in public for two weeks,” with the hashtag #MysteryInBeijingBuilding.

Meanwhile, officials in Washington and Beijing are yet to respond to the speculations about Li’s abrupt disappearance.&nbsp;

<h2>When was Li last seen?</h2>

The 65-year-old Chinese defence official was last seen in Beijing on August 29 delivering a key-note address at a security forum with African nations. Notably, Li’s role as China’s defence minister is mainly responsible for defence diplomacy as opposed to actually commanding combat forces.&nbsp;

In 2018, the US had sanctioned Li for buying weapons from Russia’s largest arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.

<h2>Chinese ministers and mysterious disappearances</h2>

Li’s supposed disappearance comes after China’s unexplained replacement of its foreign minister, Qin Gang, in July after his prolonged absence from public view.&nbsp;

China also replaced the head of its Rocket Force – an army unit that oversees its nuclear arsenal – in July after its former commander Li Yuchao not seen in public for weeks before the change.&nbsp;

“Li’s disappearance, following so shortly after Qin, speaks to how mysterious Chinese elite politics can be to the outside world,” said Alfred Wu, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “China under (President) Xi simply does not feel a need to explain itself to the world.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United States government believes that Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu has been placed under investigation by Beijing amid questions about his more than two-weeks-long absence from public view, said a report by Financial Times citing US officials, on Friday (September 15).

The United States government believes that Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu has been placed under investigation by Beijing amid questions about his more than two-weeks-long absence from public view, said a report by Financial Times citing US officials, on Friday (September 15). The FT report also follows a report by Reuters, on Thursday (Sep 14) which, citing three officials with direct knowledge of the matter, said that Li, 65, was abruptly pulled out of a meeting with Vietnamese defence leaders last week. What do US officials believe about the disappearance? In the latest sign of political turmoil involving high-ranking officials in China, three US officials and two people who were briefed on the intelligence in Washington concluded that Li has been “stripped of his responsibilities as defence minister.” However, people briefed on the matter did not say what led President Joe Biden’s administration to come to this conclusion, the FT report added. The supposed speculations by officials in Washington were further stoked by Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, on Friday, after he took to X and wrote, “1st: Defense Minister Li Shangfu hasn’t been seen or heard from in 3 weeks. 2nd: He was a no-show for his trip to Vietnam. Now: He’s absent from his scheduled meeting with the Singaporean Chief of Navy because he was placed on house arrest???” The post was also accompanied by the hashtag #MysteryInBeijingBuilding after he made a reference to William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet and said “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” It was not immediately clear which meeting with the Singaporean Chief of Navy Emanuel was referring to. As per Reuters, the Singapore Navy’s Rear Admiral Sean Wat was in China from September 4 to 9 where he met with PLA Navy commander Dong Jun and other Navy leaders, said the city-state’s defence ministry on its website. But there was no mention of him meeting or being scheduled to meet Li. Similarly, the US official, last week wrote that China’s government was “now resembling Agatha Christie’s novel And Then There Were None”. He added, “First, Foreign Minister Qin Gang goes missing, then the Rocket Force commanders go missing, and now Defence Minister Li Shangfu hasn’t been seen in public for two weeks,” with the hashtag #MysteryInBeijingBuilding. Meanwhile, officials in Washington and Beijing are yet to respond to the speculations about Li’s abrupt disappearance. When was Li last seen? The 65-year-old Chinese defence official was last seen in Beijing on August 29 delivering a key-note address at a security forum with African nations. Notably, Li’s role as China’s defence minister is mainly responsible for defence diplomacy as opposed to actually commanding combat forces. In 2018, the US had sanctioned Li for buying weapons from Russia’s largest arms exporter, Rosoboronexport. Chinese ministers and mysterious disappearances Li’s supposed disappearance comes after China’s unexplained replacement of its foreign minister, Qin Gang, in July after his prolonged absence from public view. China also replaced the head of its Rocket Force – an army unit that oversees its nuclear arsenal – in July after its former commander Li Yuchao not seen in public for weeks before the change. “Li’s disappearance, following so shortly after Qin, speaks to how mysterious Chinese elite politics can be to the outside world,” said Alfred Wu, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “China under (President) Xi simply does not feel a need to explain itself to the world.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US believes Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu is under investigation by Beijing: Report

The US has provided a stinging commentary on the reported meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place on Tuesday (September 12) in the Far East city of Vladivostok.

The US has provided a stinging commentary on the reported meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place on Tuesday (September 12) in the Far East city of Vladivostok. Washington said the summit showed that Putin was 'begging' for help from pariahs, referring to Kim Jong Un. "Having to travel across the length of his own country to meet with an international pariah to ask for assistance in a war that he expected to win in the opening month, I would characterise it as him begging for assistance," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "President Putin launched this war against Ukraine, with its full-scale aggression, with a dream of restoring the glory of the Russian Empire. That hope, that expectation of his, has failed," Miller said, adding that "any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia would be in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions". Notably, last week, Washington released intelligence indicating that North Korea and Russia were coordinating a leader-level meeting this month. The potential meeting was purportedly aimed at strengthening their cooperation amid rising tensions with the United States. According to reports, the North Korean dictator left for Russia, aboard an armoured train that he often uses to undertake foreign visits, on Monday (September 11). Hours later, the Kremlin confirmed that Kim will visit Russia "in the coming days" after receiving an invite from Putin himself. "At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation in the coming days," the Kremlin said. Watch| North Korea's Kim Jong Un to visit Russia for talks with Putin | Russia-Ukraine war × An unlikely relationship The unlikely equation between Kim and Putin developed after the latter invaded Ukraine last year. The growing camaraderie between the two nations was evident when Russia and China ignored a US call to condemn North Korea in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its attempt to launch a satellite. In May, Kim sent a letter to Putin, hailing Russia's "holy fight" against what he called "imperialists". “We send warm wishes to you, the Russian army and the people of Russia for their holy fight to preserve world peace,” read the letter. Also read | Kim serenades Putin, vows to 'hold hands' for strategic cooperation With the relationship growing between the two leaders, the White House, earlier this year, claimed to have found evidence that Russia was purchasing weapons from North Korea for its Ukrainian war, and in return providing food and water to the crisis-hit country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US says Putin is 'begging' for help from North Korea's Kim Jong Un

Hugo Yue-Ho Yon's Letter of Credence, certifying his position as the first Resident Ambassador of the United States of America (US) to the Republic of Maldives, was accepted by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday.

Maldives gets first resident US envoy as Washington strives for wider influence in Indo-Pacific

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Kyiv, Ukraine. His visit comes as yet another gesture of support for Ukraine from Washington DC, according to the US Department, Blinken is likely to announce aid for Kyiv.

Blinken visits Ukraine: As counteroffensive in Ukraine continues, Blinken announces aid for Kyiv

Tensions between the United States and China continue to be at an all-time high and now according to a Wall Street Journal report, Washington says that it has tracked at least a hundred incidents involving Chinese nationals trying to access American military and other installations.

US concerned over base intrusion by China, sparks espionage concerns

“We are in a war zone…crime is out of control.” So said a prominent member of the District Council that runs the District of Columbia, as the US&nbsp;capital of Washington is officially known.

Trayon White, one of the 13 members of the policy-making Council, was speaking to a crowd of angry residents after a hot August weekend during which six people were shot dead in different parts of the city. White called for the deployment of the National Guard to stem the worst wave of violence in 20 years.

The call for military help prompted residents to ponder a question: Is Washington sliding back to the bad old days of the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the city was routinely described as America's “murder capital"?

By 1989, the annual murder rate rose above 400 and by 1991, it stood at 482. Relative to 100,000 inhabitants, no major American city was worse.

The death toll so far this year is modest in comparison, although it reached a number not seen in two decades by the end of August -- 166. But while violence has been surging in Washington, criminologists are reporting that murder rates have been dropping in dozens of other major cities, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Why the US&nbsp;capital is lagging behind the trend is a question experts have yet to figure out. But there is consensus that the city is unlikely to sink back to the bad old days of the “murder capital.” One of the main drivers then was the fast-spreading use of crack cocaine and its dealers fighting for market share.

The crack epidemic began to fade in the mid-1990s. Who is behind the killings now? Last year, a study by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and the Metropolitan Police Department found that a small group of people were responsible for 60 to 70 per cent of all gun violence in the city.

The study pointed to street gangs whose members have criminal records and to people who have been victims of gun violence or were, in some way, connected to a recent shooting. More than two-thirds of the shooters and their victims are between the ages of 18 to 34.

Both in the “bad old days” and now, much of gun-related violence takes place in the southeast, predominantly black and poor,&nbsp;neighbourhoods of the city. But lately, property crime has been spreading to parts of the capital long considered safe. That type of crime ranges from carjackings and car theft to burglaries, armed robbery and what has become known as smash-and-grab raids.

These involve dozens or more masked thieves storming into shops, smashing display windows, grabbing merchandise, stuffing it in garbage bags and running out. Few are caught and arrested, and many of the raids take place in wealthy neighbourhoods ranked among the safest in the city.

The CVS pharmacy a few blocks from where I live was raided twice this month, with thieves sweeping shelves clean of beauty products, soap, laundry detergents and a variety of other goods.

These raids have fostered a widespread sense of insecurity not only among city residents but also among foreign diplomats.

On July 24, the Mexican consulate in Washington posted a tweet urging its nationals to “take precautions” in the city due to “a significant increase in crime in areas previously considered safe.”

It was a bizarre twist in warnings about dangers in their respective countries. The US&nbsp;Department of State routinely issues travel warnings to Americans planning to visit Mexico, most regularly during spring break when college students head to Cancun and other beach resorts, as well as Mexican states where drug traffickers hold sway.

One problem in solving the property crimes that make many residents feel more insecure than they did in the peak murder years is that city authorities have not found a way to deal with youthful offenders.

Writing about a violent melee at predominantly black Howard University, Washington Post columnist Colbert King complained about the lenient treatment of young offenders.

The incident he referred to involved around 50 young people involved in a large fight at a restaurant near the campus which injured multiple students and left one hospitalised with stab wounds.

“If by chance the police happen to round up the juveniles who wreaked havoc at Howard," he wrote, "most will be back on the streets before sundown to laugh about it.” King scoffed at a newly passed emergency crime bill the acting DC police chief, Pamela Smith, lauded at a press conference on the latest rash of violence.

Smith noted approvingly that, thanks to the bill, “31 of 103 recent juvenile arrestees have been detained. Smith feels good about that. Seventy-two young suspects now out and about feel even better.”

That might change, DC officials hope, with a youth curfew starting on September 1. It will initially be enforced in a few districts where crime has been running high.

Under the curfew, residents below the age of 16 will be banned from being out in the street from 11 pm&nbsp;to 6 am.&nbsp;On weekends, the curfew starts at midnight.&nbsp;How much change that will make remains to be seen.

(Endit, BD Aug.30, 2023)

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“We are in a war zone…crime is out of control.” So said a prominent member of the District Council that runs the District of Columbia, as the US capital of Washington is officially known.

“We are in a war zone…crime is out of control.” So said a prominent member of the District Council that runs the District of Columbia, as the US capital of Washington is officially known. Trayon White, one of the 13 members of the policy-making Council, was speaking to a crowd of angry residents after a hot August weekend during which six people were shot dead in different parts of the city. White called for the deployment of the National Guard to stem the worst wave of violence in 20 years. The call for military help prompted residents to ponder a question: Is Washington sliding back to the bad old days of the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the city was routinely described as America's “murder capital"? By 1989, the annual murder rate rose above 400 and by 1991, it stood at 482. Relative to 100,000 inhabitants, no major American city was worse. The death toll so far this year is modest in comparison, although it reached a number not seen in two decades by the end of August -- 166. But while violence has been surging in Washington, criminologists are reporting that murder rates have been dropping in dozens of other major cities, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Why the US capital is lagging behind the trend is a question experts have yet to figure out. But there is consensus that the city is unlikely to sink back to the bad old days of the “murder capital.” One of the main drivers then was the fast-spreading use of crack cocaine and its dealers fighting for market share. The crack epidemic began to fade in the mid-1990s. Who is behind the killings now? Last year, a study by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and the Metropolitan Police Department found that a small group of people were responsible for 60 to 70 per cent of all gun violence in the city. The study pointed to street gangs whose members have criminal records and to people who have been victims of gun violence or were, in some way, connected to a recent shooting. More than two-thirds of the shooters and their victims are between the ages of 18 to 34. Both in the “bad old days” and now, much of gun-related violence takes place in the southeast, predominantly black and poor, neighbourhoods of the city. But lately, property crime has been spreading to parts of the capital long considered safe. That type of crime ranges from carjackings and car theft to burglaries, armed robbery and what has become known as smash-and-grab raids. These involve dozens or more masked thieves storming into shops, smashing display windows, grabbing merchandise, stuffing it in garbage bags and running out. Few are caught and arrested, and many of the raids take place in wealthy neighbourhoods ranked among the safest in the city. The CVS pharmacy a few blocks from where I live was raided twice this month, with thieves sweeping shelves clean of beauty products, soap, laundry detergents and a variety of other goods. These raids have fostered a widespread sense of insecurity not only among city residents but also among foreign diplomats. On July 24, the Mexican consulate in Washington posted a tweet urging its nationals to “take precautions” in the city due to “a significant increase in crime in areas previously considered safe.” It was a bizarre twist in warnings about dangers in their respective countries. The US Department of State routinely issues travel warnings to Americans planning to visit Mexico, most regularly during spring break when college students head to Cancun and other beach resorts, as well as Mexican states where drug traffickers hold sway. One problem in solving the property crimes that make many residents feel more insecure than they did in the peak murder years is that city authorities have not found a way to deal with youthful offenders. Writing about a violent melee at predominantly black Howard University, Washington Post columnist Colbert King complained about the lenient treatment of young offenders. The incident he referred to involved around 50 young people involved in a large fight at a restaurant near the campus which injured multiple students and left one hospitalised with stab wounds. “If by chance the police happen to round up the juveniles who wreaked havoc at Howard," he wrote, "most will be back on the streets before sundown to laugh about it.” King scoffed at a newly passed emergency crime bill the acting DC police chief, Pamela Smith, lauded at a press conference on the latest rash of violence. Smith noted approvingly that, thanks to the bill, “31 of 103 recent juvenile arrestees have been detained. Smith feels good about that. Seventy-two young suspects now out and about feel even better.” That might change, DC officials hope, with a youth curfew starting on September 1. It will initially be enforced in a few districts where crime has been running high. Under the curfew, residents below the age of 16 will be banned from being out in the street from 11 pm to 6 am. On weekends, the curfew starts at midnight. How much change that will make remains to be seen. (Endit, BD Aug.30, 2023) 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.

Life in Washington DC – back to the bad old days?

Thousands of Americans gathered in the United States capital to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, a pivotal event in the country’s civil rights movement where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I have a dream” speech.&nbsp;

<h2>About the march</h2>

On Saturday (August 26), thousands of people marched in the US capital as this year’s rally was held at the Lincoln Memorial which was once the backdrop to King’s impassioned call for equality.&nbsp;

Six decades ago on this day, 250,000 people led by King marched to the US capital in a push to end discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex or national origin. This time around, various speakers spoke about how King’s dream is now under threat and the fruits of his work at risk.

Speakers at the march include civil rights leaders such as the Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network; King’s son Martin Luther King III his granddaughter Yolanda Renee King and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Rights under attack’</h2>

Addressing the crowd on Saturday, Margaret Huang, CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an advocacy group said that the 1963 march – which many credit with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – opened doors and spurred new tools to fight racial discrimination.

However, the recent laws throughout the country that “claw away at the right to vote” and target the LGBTQ+ community threaten to erase some of those gains.&nbsp;

“These campaigns against our ballots, our bodies, our school books, they are all connected. When our right to vote falls all other civil and human rights can fall too, but we’re here today to say ‘not on our watch,’” said Huang.&nbsp;

<h2>Distortion of history</h2>

Kimberle Crenshaw, executive director of the African American Policy Forum, said the anniversary this year comes amid a troubling time. “The very history that the march is commemorating is being not only challenged but distorted,” said Crenshaw. She was referring to bans across several mostly Republican US states on books and classroom instruction based on so-called critical race theory (CRT), which views a legacy of racism as shaping American history.&nbsp;

This is in addition to other moves like the removal of an African American Studies course from public schools in the US states of Florida and Arkansas which Crenshaw called it a “concerted effort to silence conversation about that history.”&nbsp;

Jonathan Greenblatt, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, which played a role in the campaign for the Civil Rights Act’s enactment, said that while the US has come a long way since 1963, in terms of the goals imagined by King’s “dream,” recent Supreme Court rulings have proved to be a major setback in that progress.&nbsp;

He referred to recent verdicts on affirmative action and access to abortion. “We’ve seen an expansion of anti-Semitism, we’ve seen an intensification of racism,” said Greenblatt.

<h2>Biden and Harris to meet march organisers at White House</h2>

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, on Monday (August 28) will meet the organisers of the march at the White House to mark the 1963 meeting between organisers of the original march and the administration of President John F. Kennedy.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Thousands of Americans gathered in the United States capital to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, a pivotal event in the country’s civil rights movement where Martin Luther King Jr.

Thousands of Americans gathered in the United States capital to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, a pivotal event in the country’s civil rights movement where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I have a dream” speech. About the march On Saturday (August 26), thousands of people marched in the US capital as this year’s rally was held at the Lincoln Memorial which was once the backdrop to King’s impassioned call for equality. Six decades ago on this day, 250,000 people led by King marched to the US capital in a push to end discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex or national origin. This time around, various speakers spoke about how King’s dream is now under threat and the fruits of his work at risk. Speakers at the march include civil rights leaders such as the Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network; King’s son Martin Luther King III his granddaughter Yolanda Renee King and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress. ‘Rights under attack’ Addressing the crowd on Saturday, Margaret Huang, CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an advocacy group said that the 1963 march – which many credit with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – opened doors and spurred new tools to fight racial discrimination. However, the recent laws throughout the country that “claw away at the right to vote” and target the LGBTQ+ community threaten to erase some of those gains. “These campaigns against our ballots, our bodies, our school books, they are all connected. When our right to vote falls all other civil and human rights can fall too, but we’re here today to say ‘not on our watch,’” said Huang. Distortion of history Kimberle Crenshaw, executive director of the African American Policy Forum, said the anniversary this year comes amid a troubling time. “The very history that the march is commemorating is being not only challenged but distorted,” said Crenshaw. She was referring to bans across several mostly Republican US states on books and classroom instruction based on so-called critical race theory (CRT), which views a legacy of racism as shaping American history. This is in addition to other moves like the removal of an African American Studies course from public schools in the US states of Florida and Arkansas which Crenshaw called it a “concerted effort to silence conversation about that history.” Jonathan Greenblatt, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, which played a role in the campaign for the Civil Rights Act’s enactment, said that while the US has come a long way since 1963, in terms of the goals imagined by King’s “dream,” recent Supreme Court rulings have proved to be a major setback in that progress. He referred to recent verdicts on affirmative action and access to abortion. “We’ve seen an expansion of anti-Semitism, we’ve seen an intensification of racism,” said Greenblatt. Biden and Harris to meet march organisers at White House US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, on Monday (August 28) will meet the organisers of the march at the White House to mark the 1963 meeting between organisers of the original march and the administration of President John F. Kennedy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thousands gather to mark 60 years of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech

Friction between Washington and Beijing continues after limiting the operations of Chinese businesses like TikTok in the United States. The White House is now cracking down on Chinese land ownership.

Restrictions on Chinese land ownership in US, 14 state bills enacted into law since 2021

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