Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic.
Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC pledged to work together Friday to double down on the COVID-19 pandemic, while tensions between the U.S. and China came to the forefront.
Meeting virtually, the APEC leaders said they would seek to expand manufacturing and sharing of vaccines across the region as it continues to see flareups of the health crisis.
Last month, APEC trade ministers agreed to review trade barriers and expedite the cross-border transit of COVID-19 vaccines and related goods.
But they stopped short of a broad commitment to remove tariffs, which host country New Zealand has pushed for.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reiterated those concerns on Friday.
"It may surprise you to know that vaccines can in some cases face tariffs of six percent.
Vials and packaging, 20 percent in some cases syringes face tariffs.
So, it is a very real problem that APEC economies have the ability to remove.'' Chinese leader Xi Jinping was not in attendance and delivered pre-recorded remarks at the meeting, where he said he supported waiving intellectual property rights on COVID vaccines and pledged over 500 million doses to developing countries.
Meanwhile, the White House said U.S. President Joe Biden re-emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific at Friday's meeting.
The U.S. and China have had little high-level, face-to-face contact under the Biden administration since senior officials met in Alaska back in March.
Just as Friday's meeting concluded, Washington slapped new sanctions on seven Chinese officials, in its latest effort to hold Beijing accountable for its crackdown on Hong Kong.
Joe Biden's opening up about his mental health struggles ... saying he once considered taking his own life in one particularly low moment -- but, his kids saved.. TMZ.com
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday as he wrapped up a three-day visit to China dominated by contentious issues and warnings from his hosts of another âdownward spiralâ in relations. The two met Friday afternoon local time at the Great Hall of the People, an ornate and cavernous building next to Tiananmen Square. Blinken told Xi that President Joe Biden had sent him to China to âseek to deepen areas of cooperation as well as to responsibly manage the differences that we have.â Xi noted that this year is the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and China, and said the two countries âshould be partners rather than adversaries.â
#BlinkenXiMeeting #ChinaUSRelations #DiplomaticTalks #GlobalIssues #BilateralRelations #ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #USChinaDialogue #XiJinpingMeeting
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Kim Kardashian went back to the White House to advocate for criminal justice reform -- only here, it was with Biden's camp ... proving she's loyal to the cause,.. TMZ.com
Senior U.S. officials unveil China's significant backing of Russia's war effort in Ukraine, with reports detailing crucial military support. Despite denials from the Chinese Embassy, concerns rise over China's role. Join us as we delve into the geopolitical implications of this revelation.
#USNews #USChina #USChinaTensions #RussiaUkraineWar #RussiaUkraineConflict #JoeBiden #VladimirPutin #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Oneindia
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US Airlines , Accuse China of , 'Harmful Anti-Competitive Policies'.
CNN reports that the United States aviation industry
has urged the Biden administration to pause the
approval of more flights to and from China.
CNN reports that the United States aviation industry
has urged the Biden administration to pause the
approval of more flights to and from China.
According to an open letter, China's
âexisting harmful anti-competitive policiesâ
are affecting U.S. airlines and workers.
The competitive disadvantage
is harmful to the approximately
315,000 workers employed
by U.S. passenger airlines
that serve China, Airlines for America open letter, via CNN.
The letter, addressing Secretary of State Antony Blinken
and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, was
signed by Airlines for America, an industry lobby group.
The letter, addressing Secretary of State Antony Blinken
and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, was
signed by Airlines for America, an industry lobby group.
Members of the group include American Airlines,
Delta and United, along with other unions
representing aviation workers.
Members of the group include American Airlines,
Delta and United, along with other unions
representing aviation workers.
Members of the group include American Airlines,
Delta and United, along with other unions
representing aviation workers.
If the growth of the Chinese aviation
market is allowed to continue unchecked
and without concern for equality of access
in the market, flights will continue to be
relinquished to Chinese carriers at the
expense of U.S. workers and businesses, Airlines for America open letter, via CNN.
CNN reports that the Biden administration said in February
that it would allow Chinese airlines to increase the
number of direct passenger flights to the United States.
At the time, U.S. officials granted Chinese carriers
approval to make 50 weekly round-trip flights,
increased from 35 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic,
over 150 weekly
flights were allowed. .
China's Foreign Ministry defended the increased number
of flights, citing a "consensus reached" in November between
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden.
China's Foreign Ministry defended the increased number
of flights, citing a "consensus reached" in November between
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden
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Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed to former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday that external interference would not impede the "family reunion" between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. He emphasised that all issues are open for discussion. Since the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan in 1949 following a civil war loss to Mao Zedong's communists, no sitting Taiwanese leader has visited China. However, Ma, who served as president from 2008 to 2016, broke this pattern last year, marking the first visit by a former Taiwanese leader to China. This visit, Ma's second, occurs amid heightened military tensions in the region.
#China #Taiwan #XiJinping #MaYingjeou #Tensions #FamilyReunion #CrossStraitRelations #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #EastAsia
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Market pressure persisted for the third consecutive session as key indices, including Sensex, Nifty, and Nifty Bank, witnessed notable declines. The midcap index closed in the red despite performing relatively better. Geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel contributed to the market downturn. US stock futures dipped after major benchmarks suffered losses, while European and Asia-Pacific markets also experienced significant drops.
#Business #Businessnews #StockExchange #IranIsrael #Businessimpact #Sensex #Nifty #Gold #Businessupdates #Economy #Indianews #Oneindia #OneindiaNews
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Japanese Prime Minister Kishida's historic state visit to the US emphasizes strengthening bilateral ties amidst regional challenges. Discussions include enhancing military coordination, economic cooperation, and addressing issues like North Korea and Chinese assertiveness. The visit underscores the alliance's significance in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
#Japan #JapanUS #FumioKishida #Kishida #NorthKorea #China #XiJinping #Bidennews #USnews #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Russia Vetoes UN Resolution , to Prevent Nukes in Space.
The resolution was sponsored
by Japan and the United States.
It called on all nations to refrain from developing or deploying nuclear weapons "or other weapons of mass destruction in space," 'The Guardian' reports. .
A 1967 international treaty
already bans such weapons in space.
Russiaâs U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia,
vetoed the resolution, calling it "absolutely absurd and politicized," as well as a "dirty spectacle.".
China abstained from voting, while the rest of the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. .
Todayâs veto begs the question:
Why? Why, if you are following the
rules, would you not support a
resolution that reaffirms them?
What could you possibly be hiding, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., via 'The Guardian'.
Russia and China would rather establish an
amendment calling on all nations "to prevent for
all time the placement of weapons in outer space, and the threat of use of force in outer spaces.".
We want a ban on the placement of
weapons of any kind in outer space, not
just WMDs [weapons of mass destruction].
But you donât want that. And let me ask
you that very same question. Why?, Vassily Nebenzia, Russiaâs U.N. ambassador, via 'The Guardian'.
Nebenzia went on to say, "if we recall that the U.S. and their allies announced some time ago plans to place weapons ⊠in outer space.".
The U.S.-Japan resolution was announced in March after it was determined that Russia was in possession of "a 'troubling' anti-satellite weapon capability," 'The Guardian' reports.
However, earlier this year, Putin said, , "Our position is clear and transparent: We have always been categorically against and are now against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space."
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Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Todayâs action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesnât just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
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A Russian priest who held a memorial service for the late opposition leader and Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny has been suspended from clerical duties for.. Sky News
The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore raised millions for the NHS during the COVID pandemic by walking 100 laps of the garden is up for sale for ÂŁ2.25m. Sky News
WHO consultation proposes 'through the air' descriptor for disease transmission, aiming to clarify pathogen transmission methods. Experts like Dr Neeraj Nischal.. IndiaTimes
These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
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US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
UK Looking to, Phase Out Legal, Sale of Tobacco.
On March 20, the British government
introduced a bill to begin phasing
out smoking among young people, banning
the sale of tobacco for future generations.
If approved by parliament, the Tobacco
and Vapes Bill would become one of
the toughest anti-tobacco laws in the world. .
Fox News reports that the bill looks to prevent
children turning 15 this year and younger from
ever being legally able to purchase tobacco.
Fox News reports that the bill looks to prevent
children turning 15 this year and younger from
ever being legally able to purchase tobacco.
According to the government, the act of smoking
would not be criminalized, meaning that anyone
currently able to legally obtain tobacco would
be allowed to continue smoking in the future.
If we want to build a better future
for our children we need to tackle
the single biggest entirely
preventable cause of ill-health,
disability and death: smoking, Rishi Sunak, Conservative Prime Minister, via Fox News.
According to the British government,
smoking costs the nation an
estimated $21.63 billion every year.
The proposed legislation also includes
restrictions on vape flavors and packaging
intentionally marketed toward children. .
The new legislation reportedly comes
amid a sharp increase in vape usage
by young people in the U.K. .
In February, similar legislation in New Zealand
was introduced, looking to ban tobacco
sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009. .
That bill was repealed
by New Zealand's new
coalition government
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Delhi Is the âMost Pollutedâ , Capital City in the World.
The capital of India was found to be the
world's most polluted capital city in 2023,
according to air-quality monitoring group IQAir.
India was also ranked as the
third-most polluted country after
Bangladesh and Pakistan, BBC reports.
In 2022, India was the
eighth most polluted country. .
According to the report, the average level
of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in India's
air was 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. .
Delhi's air quality had a PM2.5 reading
of 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter.
Air that is considered safe to breathe
typically has 12 to 15 micrograms per
cubic meter of PM2.5, BBC reports. .
Levels higher than 35 micrograms per
cubic meter are thought to be unhealthy. .
Only seven countries were within
the World Health Organization's yearly
PM2.5 guideline, an "average of 5 micrograms per cubic meter or less," BBC reports. .
Those countries are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand.
Those countries are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand.
In 2023 air pollution remained a global health
catastrophe, IQAirâs global data set provides
an important reminder of the resulting
injustices and the need to implement the
many solutions that exist to this problem. , Aidan Farrow, senior air quality scientist at
Greenpeace International, via 'The Guardian'
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Go behind closed doors as Kim Kardashian joins Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for a crucial roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform. Witness their collaborative efforts and passionate advocacy for second chances and meaningful change.
#KimKardashian #KamalaHarris #WhiteHouse #WhiteHouseRoundTable #JoeBiden #TheKardashians #VPKamalaHarris #Oneindia
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Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
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FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
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Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
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