A security breach in Delaware involving President Joe Biden raises alarms about presidential safety. A sedan unexpectedly collided with a Secret Service vehicle near Biden, sparking rapid response from armed agents. This incident, occurring close to the heavily secured presidential motorcade, prompts serious questions about potential vulnerabilities in the President's security, especially in a time of geopolitical tension.

Gravitas | US: Car rams into Biden's motorcade; President & First Lady Jill Biden escape unharmed

Republican frontrunner Donald Trump now has the largest-ever lead over president Joe Biden. Less than a year before election day, polls show Trump leading Biden in key swing states that are likely to decide the 2024 election. They indicate that Trump is in a strong position to recapture the White House. Have these polls led former President Barack Obama to fear that Biden could lose his re-election bid?

US: Obama fears Biden could lose in 2024? | Race to Power

President Joe Biden was safe on Sunday night after a car collided with a motorcade SUV that was part of the president's security detail, a Reuters witness said. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had just left his campaign headquarters when the collision occurred. Jill Biden was also safe following the incident, the witness said.

US: Biden and First Lady safe after car collides with motorcade, claims White House | WION

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Sunday (December 17) he plans the "largest deportation in American history" if reelected in 2024.

Trump renews hard-line stance on immigration, claims migrants `poisoning blood` of America

The incumbent United States President Joe Biden’s administration, on Sunday (Dec 17) condemned former President Donald Trump for what they described as fascist-like rhetoric after he said undocumented immigrants are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-renews-hard-line-stance-on-immigration-claims-migrants-poisoning-blood-of-america-670420">“poisoning the blood of our country”</a>. Trump was also accused of “praising dictators” when he quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a rally.&nbsp;

The remarks by the former president were made at a rally in the US state of New Hampshire, on Saturday (Dec 16) which will vote on a Republican candidate to face Democrat Biden for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.&nbsp;

<h2>White House responds to Trump’s remarks</h2>

“Echoing the grotesque rhetoric of fascists and violent white supremacists and threatening to oppress those who disagree with the government are dangerous attacks on the dignity and rights of all Americans, on our democracy, and on public safety,” said White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-at-least-three-injured-suspected-dead-after-shooting-in-downtown-austin-670716">Two shootings in Texas, one scare in Florida mark weekend for Americans</a>

He added, “It’s the opposite of everything we stand for as Americans.” White House also condemned Trump for trying to “tear Americans apart with hate and cruelty” and said Biden believes “our leaders have a responsibility to bring the country together around our shared values.”

This comes a day after the Biden campaign took a shot at Trump’s remarks at the rally and compared them to those of Adolf Hitler.&nbsp;

“Tonight Donald Trump channeled his role models as he parroted Adolf Hitler, praised Kim Jong Un, and quoted Vladimir Putin while running for president on a promise to rule as a dictator and threaten American democracy,” said Biden-Harris campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa, on Saturday.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric</h2>

While Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants is nothing new, it does come days after he said that he would act on immigration – one of the most divisive issues in the US – like a “dictator” but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-trump-says-he-wont-be-a-dictator-if-he-becomes-president-american-media-lawmakers-say-otherwise-666905">in his words</a>, only on the first day if he becomes the president.&nbsp;

“They poisoning the blood of our country,” said Trump during the rally, adding that immigrants are flooding the US from Asia and Africa, in addition to South America.&nbsp;

The rhetoric, previously criticised as xenophobic, resurfaced during a fiery rally in Durham where he addressed a crowd of several thousand supporters.&nbsp;

“When they let, I think the real number is 15, 16 million people, into our country, when they do that, we got a lot of work to do,” said Trump, without giving evidence for the numbers. He also went on to quote Putin, who had previously praised for the invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-problem-of-compatibility-between-islamic-culture-and-european-values-giorgia-meloni-670663">'No place for Islam in Europe, compatibility problem,' says Italy's Giorgia Meloni</a>

“Even Vladimir Putin...says that Biden’s – and this is a quote – politically motivated persecution of his political rival is very good for Russia, because it shows the rottenness of the American political system,” said the former president.&nbsp;

Trump also reportedly praised Hungary’s authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in his remarks.

<h2>‘He’s becoming crazier’</h2>

The Republican frontrunner was also criticised by members of his own party, including former New Jersey governor and White House hopeful Chris Christie. “He’s becoming crazier,” he told CNN.&nbsp;

He added, “We can’t beat Joe Biden with someone who talks that way about immigrants to this country.” Christie, who has emerged as Trump’s most outspoken critic, also accused him of “dog-whistling to Americans who feel under stress and strain from the economy and conflicts around the world.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The incumbent United States President Joe Biden’s administration, on Sunday (Dec 17) condemned former President Donald Trump for what they described as fascist-like rhetoric after he said undocumented immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country”.

The incumbent United States President Joe Biden’s administration, on Sunday (Dec 17) condemned former President Donald Trump for what they described as fascist-like rhetoric after he said undocumented immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country”. Trump was also accused of “praising dictators” when he quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a rally. The remarks by the former president were made at a rally in the US state of New Hampshire, on Saturday (Dec 16) which will vote on a Republican candidate to face Democrat Biden for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. White House responds to Trump’s remarks “Echoing the grotesque rhetoric of fascists and violent white supremacists and threatening to oppress those who disagree with the government are dangerous attacks on the dignity and rights of all Americans, on our democracy, and on public safety,” said White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates. ALSO READ | Two shootings in Texas, one scare in Florida mark weekend for Americans He added, “It’s the opposite of everything we stand for as Americans.” White House also condemned Trump for trying to “tear Americans apart with hate and cruelty” and said Biden believes “our leaders have a responsibility to bring the country together around our shared values.” This comes a day after the Biden campaign took a shot at Trump’s remarks at the rally and compared them to those of Adolf Hitler. “Tonight Donald Trump channeled his role models as he parroted Adolf Hitler, praised Kim Jong Un, and quoted Vladimir Putin while running for president on a promise to rule as a dictator and threaten American democracy,” said Biden-Harris campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa, on Saturday. Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric While Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants is nothing new, it does come days after he said that he would act on immigration – one of the most divisive issues in the US – like a “dictator” but in his words, only on the first day if he becomes the president. “They poisoning the blood of our country,” said Trump during the rally, adding that immigrants are flooding the US from Asia and Africa, in addition to South America. The rhetoric, previously criticised as xenophobic, resurfaced during a fiery rally in Durham where he addressed a crowd of several thousand supporters. “When they let, I think the real number is 15, 16 million people, into our country, when they do that, we got a lot of work to do,” said Trump, without giving evidence for the numbers. He also went on to quote Putin, who had previously praised for the invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | 'No place for Islam in Europe, compatibility problem,' says Italy's Giorgia Meloni “Even Vladimir Putin...says that Biden’s – and this is a quote – politically motivated persecution of his political rival is very good for Russia, because it shows the rottenness of the American political system,” said the former president. Trump also reportedly praised Hungary’s authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in his remarks. ‘He’s becoming crazier’ The Republican frontrunner was also criticised by members of his own party, including former New Jersey governor and White House hopeful Chris Christie. “He’s becoming crazier,” he told CNN. He added, “We can’t beat Joe Biden with someone who talks that way about immigrants to this country.” Christie, who has emerged as Trump’s most outspoken critic, also accused him of “dog-whistling to Americans who feel under stress and strain from the economy and conflicts around the world.” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden slams Trump for 'fascist-like rhetoric' against migrants and 'praising dictators'

The Republican front-runner for president, Donald Trump, repeated remarks from earlier in the day that undocumented immigrants were "poisoning the blood of our country," echoing remarks that have been condemned as racist and reminiscent of Nazi terminology.

Joe Biden is a threat to democracy, says Donald Trump, warns of World War III

A religious freedom watchdog in the United States on Friday (Dec 15) called on the Joe Biden administration to designate India as a 'country of particular concern' under the US Religious Freedom Act, citing its alleged targeting of religious minorities overseas.

A religious freedom watchdog in the United States on Friday (Dec 15) called on the Joe Biden administration to designate India as a 'country of particular concern' under the US Religious Freedom Act, citing its alleged targeting of religious minorities overseas. In a statement, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom said that recent efforts by New Delhi to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad posed a serious threat to religious freedom. "USCIRF implores the US Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern due to India’s systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," the statement said. Also read: Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to blow up Indian Parliament after 'plot' to kill him According to a report by the news agency Reuters, USCIRF's Commissioner Stephen Schneck called New Delhi's alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (a Khalistani terrorist) and plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (another Khalistani terrorist) in the US "deeply troubling." Earlier this month, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said an Indian national worked with an unnamed Indian government employee on a plot to assassinate a New York City (NYC) resident who advocated for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India. New Delhi denied any involvement in this plot, Reuters reported. India concerned about security over Pannun's threat On Dec 7, Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that New Delhi was worried about security following a threat from Pannun to attack the Indian Parliament on the anniversary of the 2001 attack on December 13. "We do take threats seriously, particularly depending on the context of that (threat)…in the specific case on the parliament (threat), we are caught in a bind, here I don't want to amplify too much credence to search extremists who make threats and get a lot of coverage…but on the other hand we take this seriously and this particular case I know that we have taken up this matter with the US and Canadian authorities about this threat...but as I said, extremists and terrorists have the tendency of wanting media coverage on an issue and I wouldn't like to dignify them that way," Bagchi told reporters. Also read: Indian parliament security breach: Sixth person arrested as authorities expand probe net "He (Gurpatwant Singh Pannu) is wanted by our agencies for violation of the law and there is a process under which we seek assistance, we seek that they be prosecuted, it depends on whether the crime is committed," he added. Meanwhile, on Dec 13, two men jumped inside the Lok Sabha (parliament's lower house) from the visitor's gallery above the chamber and threw smoke cannisters inside the premises. Six people, including the mastermind Lalit Jha, have been arrested in this case. (With inputs from agencies)

Pannun murder plot: US watchdog urges Biden to designate India as 'country of particular concern'

Homelessness in the United States reached to a record high as it surged to an unprecedented level due to a significant increase in first-time homelessness in the post-pandemic period.&nbsp;

The findings of a report released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday (Dec 15) revealed that over 650,000 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in January this year, marking a notable 12 per cent rise from the figures reported in 2022.

According to the report, the number of individuals newly experiencing homelessness between the federal fiscal years 2021 and 2022 witnessed a sharp 25 per cent increase. The fiscal year 2022 concluded in September 2022.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

This alarming statistic represents the highest number recorded since the inception of the annual point-in-time survey in 2007 meaning that the homelessness in the United States is highest since George Bush held office in the White House.&nbsp;

Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;US: Rise in homelessness in major urban areas

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-rise-in-homelessness-in-major-urban-areas-606567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Further, it also means that the homelessness in the Biden era, by implication, is more than Donald Trump's presidency years.&nbsp;

<h2>Why homelessness rose to record high in the United States?</h2>

According to the analysts cited in the US media, the conclusion of pandemic-related programmes, including the eviction moratorium, and substantial spikes in rental costs led to the overall homelessness crisis in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyc-sees-record-high-100000-homeless-people-us-media-610462">NYC sees record-high 100,000 homeless people: US media</a>

The end of crucial Covid-era aids such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, stimulus checks, and other support systems remains a driving factor behind the spike in poverty, particularly affecting children, whose poverty rate doubled in the last year, according to the US housing department report.

While the US had previously made strides in reducing homelessness, particularly through targeted efforts to house veterans, the post-pandemic era has presented a financial double-whammy.&nbsp;

<h2>US homelessness crisis: What is the bottom line?&nbsp;</h2>

The report puts spotlight on the pressing need for attention and deployment of resources to tackle the escalating crisis of homelessness in the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

Homelessness in the United States reached to a record high as it surged to an unprecedented level due to a significant increase in first-time homelessness in the post-pandemic period.

Homelessness in the United States reached to a record high as it surged to an unprecedented level due to a significant increase in first-time homelessness in the post-pandemic period. The findings of a report released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday (Dec 15) revealed that over 650,000 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in January this year, marking a notable 12 per cent rise from the figures reported in 2022. According to the report, the number of individuals newly experiencing homelessness between the federal fiscal years 2021 and 2022 witnessed a sharp 25 per cent increase. The fiscal year 2022 concluded in September 2022. What does it mean? This alarming statistic represents the highest number recorded since the inception of the annual point-in-time survey in 2007 meaning that the homelessness in the United States is highest since George Bush held office in the White House. Also watch | US: Rise in homelessness in major urban areas × Further, it also means that the homelessness in the Biden era, by implication, is more than Donald Trump's presidency years. Why homelessness rose to record high in the United States? According to the analysts cited in the US media, the conclusion of pandemic-related programmes, including the eviction moratorium, and substantial spikes in rental costs led to the overall homelessness crisis in the United States. Also read | NYC sees record-high 100,000 homeless people: US media The end of crucial Covid-era aids such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, stimulus checks, and other support systems remains a driving factor behind the spike in poverty, particularly affecting children, whose poverty rate doubled in the last year, according to the US housing department report. While the US had previously made strides in reducing homelessness, particularly through targeted efforts to house veterans, the post-pandemic era has presented a financial double-whammy. US homelessness crisis: What is the bottom line? The report puts spotlight on the pressing need for attention and deployment of resources to tackle the escalating crisis of homelessness in the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden failing for the poor? US records highest-ever number of homeless people

A new study suggests that genetic materials from our Neanderthal ancestors may be responsible for our habit of waking up early. For the results, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on December 14, researchers combined the ancient DNA of Neanderthals, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence for the study.&nbsp;

Experts often study the archaeological evidence of Neanderthals and learn about their life and our history. Scientists have previously established that around 700,000 years ago, our lineages split apart, most likely in Africa.&nbsp;

The modern humans largely stayed in Africa and the Neanderthal lineage migrated into Eurasia, where they encountered diverse new environments.&nbsp;

They experienced higher latitudes with greater seasonal variation in daylight and temperature — all of it impacted their way of living.&nbsp;

The population split in two about 400,000 years ago with hominins spreading west becoming Neanderthals and their cousins to the east becoming a group known as Denisovans.&nbsp;

Former studies have found that the two groups lived for hundreds of thousands of years, but about 40,000 years ago, they disappeared from the fossil record. &nbsp;

By then, modern humans had expanded out of Africa, sometimes even interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans. And the fragments of their DNA can be found in most living humans even today.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/evolution-for-lust-male-sea-snakes-have-big-eyes-to-ogle-at-opposite-sex-669723">Evolution for lust? Male sea snakes have big eyes to ogle at opposite sex</a>&nbsp;

Now, a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California San Francisco studied genetic data from a catalogue of hundreds of thousands of people in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

For the study, they performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to look for traits linked to the habit of waking up early in the morning.&nbsp;

Notably, the process of GWAS helps scientists to identify genes associated with a particular disease, or another trait.&nbsp;

Earlier, the experts have noted that this particular method studies the entire set of DNA of a large group of people, searching for small variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs.&nbsp;

The researchers have inferred differences in circadian gene sequences, splicing, and regulation between archaic hominins and modern humans.&nbsp;

They identified 28 circadian genes containing variants with the potential to alter splicing in archaics and 16 circadian genes likely divergently regulated between present-day humans and archaic hominins.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/trusty-ol-hubble-space-telescope-is-working-again-after-nasa-fixes-problem-669663">Trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is working again after NASA fixes problem</a>&nbsp;

The study said, "These differences suggest the potential for introgression to modify circadian gene expression."&nbsp;

The study has compared associations to the genomes derived from three ancient hominins, which have been previously published by scientists.&nbsp;

The genomes have been derived from a 120,000-year-old Neanderthal, a 72,000-year-old Denisovan found in the mountains of Mongolia, and a 52,000-year-old Neanderthal from modern-day Croatia.&nbsp;

The researchers have found that many introgressed variants with effects on sleep preference. They found that these variants consistently increase "morningness". The study indicated a directional effect on the trait, and it is also consistent with adaptations to high latitudes observed in other animals.&nbsp;

Lead author John A Capra from the University of California at San Francisco, said, "By analysing the bits of Neanderthal DNA that remain in modern human genomes we discovered a striking trend: many of them have effects on the control of circadian genes in modern humans and these effects are predominantly in a consistent direction of increasing propensity to be a morning person."&nbsp;

"This change is consistent with the effects of living at higher latitudes on the circadian clocks of animals and likely enables more rapid alignment of the circadian clock with changing seasonal light patterns," Capra added.&nbsp;

A new study suggests that genetic materials from our Neanderthal ancestors may be responsible for our habit of waking up early. For the results, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on December 14, researchers combined the ancient DNA of Neanderthals, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence for the study.

A new study suggests that genetic materials from our Neanderthal ancestors may be responsible for our habit of waking up early. For the results, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on December 14, researchers combined the ancient DNA of Neanderthals, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence for the study. Experts often study the archaeological evidence of Neanderthals and learn about their life and our history. Scientists have previously established that around 700,000 years ago, our lineages split apart, most likely in Africa. The modern humans largely stayed in Africa and the Neanderthal lineage migrated into Eurasia, where they encountered diverse new environments. They experienced higher latitudes with greater seasonal variation in daylight and temperature — all of it impacted their way of living. The population split in two about 400,000 years ago with hominins spreading west becoming Neanderthals and their cousins to the east becoming a group known as Denisovans. Former studies have found that the two groups lived for hundreds of thousands of years, but about 40,000 years ago, they disappeared from the fossil record. By then, modern humans had expanded out of Africa, sometimes even interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans. And the fragments of their DNA can be found in most living humans even today. Also read: Evolution for lust? Male sea snakes have big eyes to ogle at opposite sex Now, a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California San Francisco studied genetic data from a catalogue of hundreds of thousands of people in the United Kingdom. For the study, they performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to look for traits linked to the habit of waking up early in the morning. Notably, the process of GWAS helps scientists to identify genes associated with a particular disease, or another trait. Earlier, the experts have noted that this particular method studies the entire set of DNA of a large group of people, searching for small variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. The researchers have inferred differences in circadian gene sequences, splicing, and regulation between archaic hominins and modern humans. They identified 28 circadian genes containing variants with the potential to alter splicing in archaics and 16 circadian genes likely divergently regulated between present-day humans and archaic hominins. Also read: Trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is working again after NASA fixes problem The study said, "These differences suggest the potential for introgression to modify circadian gene expression." The study has compared associations to the genomes derived from three ancient hominins, which have been previously published by scientists. The genomes have been derived from a 120,000-year-old Neanderthal, a 72,000-year-old Denisovan found in the mountains of Mongolia, and a 52,000-year-old Neanderthal from modern-day Croatia. The researchers have found that many introgressed variants with effects on sleep preference. They found that these variants consistently increase "morningness". The study indicated a directional effect on the trait, and it is also consistent with adaptations to high latitudes observed in other animals. Lead author John A Capra from the University of California at San Francisco, said, "By analysing the bits of Neanderthal DNA that remain in modern human genomes we discovered a striking trend: many of them have effects on the control of circadian genes in modern humans and these effects are predominantly in a consistent direction of increasing propensity to be a morning person." "This change is consistent with the effects of living at higher latitudes on the circadian clocks of animals and likely enables more rapid alignment of the circadian clock with changing seasonal light patterns," Capra added.

Donald trumps Biden in all swing states, key survey says

Former US President Donald Trump has emerged as the front-runner in seven crucial swing states, dealing a significant blow to serving President Biden's re-election campaign, according to recent survey by Morning Consult and Bloomberg News.

Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House.&nbsp;As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.&nbsp;

<h2>A push for sympathy</h2>

As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-hamas-conflict-takes-toll-on-neighbouring-economies-un-study-warns-of-10-bn-impact-669871">Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact</a>

She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person.

Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage.

The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments".

<h2>Differences between Biden and Harris?</h2>

There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris'&nbsp;press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been".

Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-wants-israel-hamas-war-to-end-as-soon-as-possible-says-white-house-669806">United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House</a>

She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office."

Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism.&nbsp;

Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount. A push for sympathy As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza. The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person. Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage. The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments". Differences between Biden and Harris? There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris' press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been". Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution." Also read | United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office." Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism. Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods. (With inputs from agencies)

US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report

US House of Representatives is expected to vote shortly for its impeachment inquiry against the sitting president Joe Biden. The voting is expected to take place behind closed doors.

Biden impeachment inquiry: Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden faces two Federal indictment | World DNA

US House votes for impeachment against Biden | President slams 'baseless' House impeachment 'stunt'

Warning bells have been ringing in the White House for quite some time now, and per the administration’s own officials, Donald Trump is to be blamed for this.

Last week, the former US president said he wanted to be a “dictator for one day” if re-elected to a second term. In response, White House officials declared him the biggest threat to American democracy.

Such concerns have been exacerbated by the fact that Trump has been extremely popular among Republican voters, with above 50 per cent of them throwing their weight behind him.

His ever-expanding legal miseries seem to have failed to shake his expansive support base on the conservative flank.&nbsp;

Three years ago, some political pundits wrote off Trump as vanquished, humiliated and gone forever; only to be truly stunned by his remarkable comeback.

With the next US presidential elections just 11 months away, here we look at four major reasons why Donald Trump could register a victory against his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

<h2>Poor Bidenomics</h2>

The Biden White House claims that the economy is doing well. Unemployment has dropped to 3.9 per cent, a near-historic low, down from 6.3 per cent when Trump left office amidst COVID-19 disruption.&nbsp;

Inflation has also cooled from over 9 per cent in June 2022 to 3.2 per cent in October 2023. Despite these positive indicators, many people, especially voters of colour and young voters, disagree.

They argue that wages are not keeping up with the rising costs of essential goods and services like groceries, cars, houses, and childcare.

When Biden talks about the economy, people are more concerned about affordability than economic statistics.

Half of Americans say their financial situation is worse off than it was three years ago during the last presidential election, according to a recent survey reported by Fox Business.

Meanwhile, Trump has promised to make radical changes in the country's tax, market and foreign trade regime that, he claims, will upend the sorry state of the economy.

<h2>Public perception and Republican appeal</h2>

Public opinion polls reveal that, by a significant margin, voters see Republicans as better economic stewards, even though Trump's proposals are often vague.&nbsp;

Many people feel unsettled for reasons beyond the economy.&nbsp;

Trump taps into the concerns of many white Americans who worry about the increasing diversity and cultural progressiveness of the country.&nbsp;

There's also a widespread sense that key aspects of American life, such as home ownership, decent wages, and college education, are becoming harder to attain.&nbsp;

Voters express anxiety about crime and illegal border crossings, issues Trump skillfully addresses, positioning himself as both the problem identifier and the solution.

<h2>Trump's image and support</h2>

Critics within the Democratic Party, his own party, and the media consider Trump unfit for office. However, millions of voters disagree, viewing him as a victim of a political witch hunt.&nbsp;

Many of his supporters are ready to vote for him even if he were convicted of a crime. Trump highlights his four years in office, arguing that the government functioned well despite chaotic moments and unproven allegations, such as collusion with Russia.

Instead, Trump has leveraged the ever-expanding list of criminal cases against him, while garnering sympathy among the masses and showcasing himself as the ultimate saver who must be saved.

Watch:&nbsp;Special counsel Jack Smith challenges 'Presidential Immunity' of Donald Trump

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/special-counsel-jack-smith-challenges-presidential-immunity-of-donald-trump-668727/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per the latest media reports, Trump is leaving no stone unturned to monetise his infamous mugshot. Earlier this week, he said that snippets of the suit he wore for that photo would be available for purchase, as part of a new sale of NFT “digital trading cards,” a product he debuted in late 2022.

“It was a great suit, believe me, a really good suit. It’s all cut up, and you’re gonna get a piece of it,” Trump said in a video on Truth Social.

<h2>Biden's challenges and Trump's advantage</h2>

Biden's efforts to showcase his job-creation policies, involving government investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and chip manufacturing, have struggled to convince a significant portion of the public that these policies are positively impacting their lives.

Additionally, Biden faces challenges related to foreign wars. His unconditional support to Ukraine has not gone down well with a lot of Republicans, who believe fixing issues at home should be the administration’s biggest responsibility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-more-to-say-donald-trump-cancels-plans-to-testify-at-civil-fraud-trial-in-new-york-668471">Also read:&nbsp;‘Nothing more to say’: Donald Trump cancels plans to testify at civil fraud trial in New York</a>

On the other hand, Trump's "America first" message aligns with voters wary of further US involvement abroad. Trump can leverage these factors to appeal to those who prefer a non-interventionist foreign policy.&nbsp;

While these four reasons don’t necessarily mean that Trump is on his way to return to the White House, they very well reflect his strong political muscle&nbsp;that has spurred concerns even amongst the Democrats and White House officials.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Warning bells have been ringing in the White House for quite some time now, and per the administration’s own officials, Donald Trump is to be blamed for this. Last week, the former US president said he wanted to be a “dictator for one day” if re-elected to a second term.

Warning bells have been ringing in the White House for quite some time now, and per the administration’s own officials, Donald Trump is to be blamed for this. Last week, the former US president said he wanted to be a “dictator for one day” if re-elected to a second term. In response, White House officials declared him the biggest threat to American democracy. Such concerns have been exacerbated by the fact that Trump has been extremely popular among Republican voters, with above 50 per cent of them throwing their weight behind him. His ever-expanding legal miseries seem to have failed to shake his expansive support base on the conservative flank. Three years ago, some political pundits wrote off Trump as vanquished, humiliated and gone forever; only to be truly stunned by his remarkable comeback. With the next US presidential elections just 11 months away, here we look at four major reasons why Donald Trump could register a victory against his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Poor Bidenomics The Biden White House claims that the economy is doing well. Unemployment has dropped to 3.9 per cent, a near-historic low, down from 6.3 per cent when Trump left office amidst COVID-19 disruption. Inflation has also cooled from over 9 per cent in June 2022 to 3.2 per cent in October 2023. Despite these positive indicators, many people, especially voters of colour and young voters, disagree. They argue that wages are not keeping up with the rising costs of essential goods and services like groceries, cars, houses, and childcare. When Biden talks about the economy, people are more concerned about affordability than economic statistics. Half of Americans say their financial situation is worse off than it was three years ago during the last presidential election, according to a recent survey reported by Fox Business. Meanwhile, Trump has promised to make radical changes in the country's tax, market and foreign trade regime that, he claims, will upend the sorry state of the economy. Public perception and Republican appeal Public opinion polls reveal that, by a significant margin, voters see Republicans as better economic stewards, even though Trump's proposals are often vague. Many people feel unsettled for reasons beyond the economy. Trump taps into the concerns of many white Americans who worry about the increasing diversity and cultural progressiveness of the country. There's also a widespread sense that key aspects of American life, such as home ownership, decent wages, and college education, are becoming harder to attain. Voters express anxiety about crime and illegal border crossings, issues Trump skillfully addresses, positioning himself as both the problem identifier and the solution. Trump's image and support Critics within the Democratic Party, his own party, and the media consider Trump unfit for office. However, millions of voters disagree, viewing him as a victim of a political witch hunt. Many of his supporters are ready to vote for him even if he were convicted of a crime. Trump highlights his four years in office, arguing that the government functioned well despite chaotic moments and unproven allegations, such as collusion with Russia. Instead, Trump has leveraged the ever-expanding list of criminal cases against him, while garnering sympathy among the masses and showcasing himself as the ultimate saver who must be saved. Watch: Special counsel Jack Smith challenges 'Presidential Immunity' of Donald Trump × As per the latest media reports, Trump is leaving no stone unturned to monetise his infamous mugshot. Earlier this week, he said that snippets of the suit he wore for that photo would be available for purchase, as part of a new sale of NFT “digital trading cards,” a product he debuted in late 2022. “It was a great suit, believe me, a really good suit. It’s all cut up, and you’re gonna get a piece of it,” Trump said in a video on Truth Social. Biden's challenges and Trump's advantage Biden's efforts to showcase his job-creation policies, involving government investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and chip manufacturing, have struggled to convince a significant portion of the public that these policies are positively impacting their lives. Additionally, Biden faces challenges related to foreign wars. His unconditional support to Ukraine has not gone down well with a lot of Republicans, who believe fixing issues at home should be the administration’s biggest responsibility. Also read: ‘Nothing more to say’: Donald Trump cancels plans to testify at civil fraud trial in New York On the other hand, Trump's "America first" message aligns with voters wary of further US involvement abroad. Trump can leverage these factors to appeal to those who prefer a non-interventionist foreign policy. While these four reasons don’t necessarily mean that Trump is on his way to return to the White House, they very well reflect his strong political muscle that has spurred concerns even amongst the Democrats and White House officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Donald Trump might still win 2024 presidential elections. Here are some reasons

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Dec 12) issued a&nbsp;warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he said that Israel is "starting to lose the support" of the international community because of the Gaza bombing, which has killed thousands of Palestinians.&nbsp;

"They're starting to lose that support," said Biden, further adding that Netanyahu needs to change his hardline government. With Biden's warning, the pressure on Netanyahu has increased. It intensified further after the UN General Assembly demanded an immediate ceasefire.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-arrives-at-white-house-for-aid-talks-with-joe-biden-669060">Biden meets Zelensky, says he has signed $200m emergency aid drawdown</a>&nbsp;

The war, which is now in its third month, started after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 200 people as hostages back to Gaza, Israeli officials have said. Under a one-week truce deal, 105 hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for 240 Palestinians jailed by Israel.&nbsp;

In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a massive ground and air campaign, which has killed more than 18,400 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

Biden also said that the Israeli government "doesn't want" a two-state solution. "Bibi's got a tough decision to make," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu and his hardline right-wing government.&nbsp;

"This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/passport-less-flight-mystery-russian-man-arrives-in-us-without-ticket-or-visa-fbi-digs-into-unusual-case-669031">Russian man arrives in US without ticket or visa, FBI investigates bizarre incident</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden's remarks to donors to his re-election campaign in 2024 were his most critical of Netanyahu in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;

"Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world ... But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," Biden said.

Watch: Did Israel use white phosphorous in Gaza war?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-israel-use-white-phosphorous-in-gaza-war-669042/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>UN&nbsp;calls for&nbsp;humanitarian ceasefire&nbsp;</h2>

On the same day, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;

The body, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favour of the resolution, exceeding the 140 or so countries that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it, while 23 abstained.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Palestinian UN&nbsp;envoy Riyad Mansour&nbsp;said the US&nbsp;could not continue "to ignore this massive power" referring to the global protests in support of Palestine.&nbsp;He described the vote as a culmination of public sentiment.&nbsp;

"It is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives," he told reporters.&nbsp;

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Dec 12) issued a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he said that Israel is "starting to lose the support" of the international community because of the Gaza bombing, which has killed thousands of Palestinians.

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Dec 12) issued a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he said that Israel is "starting to lose the support" of the international community because of the Gaza bombing, which has killed thousands of Palestinians. "They're starting to lose that support," said Biden, further adding that Netanyahu needs to change his hardline government. With Biden's warning, the pressure on Netanyahu has increased. It intensified further after the UN General Assembly demanded an immediate ceasefire. Also read: Biden meets Zelensky, says he has signed $200m emergency aid drawdown The war, which is now in its third month, started after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 200 people as hostages back to Gaza, Israeli officials have said. Under a one-week truce deal, 105 hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for 240 Palestinians jailed by Israel. In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a massive ground and air campaign, which has killed more than 18,400 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Biden also said that the Israeli government "doesn't want" a two-state solution. "Bibi's got a tough decision to make," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu and his hardline right-wing government. "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution." Also read: Russian man arrives in US without ticket or visa, FBI investigates bizarre incident Biden's remarks to donors to his re-election campaign in 2024 were his most critical of Netanyahu in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. "Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world ... But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," Biden said. Watch: Did Israel use white phosphorous in Gaza war? × UN calls for humanitarian ceasefire On the same day, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The body, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favour of the resolution, exceeding the 140 or so countries that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it, while 23 abstained. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour said the US could not continue "to ignore this massive power" referring to the global protests in support of Palestine. He described the vote as a culmination of public sentiment. "It is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives," he told reporters. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden warns Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza bombing, UN demands Gaza ceasefire

United States President Joe Biden reportedly said that he had signed a $200 million emergency aid drawdown as he met visiting Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 12). Biden also said it would be a "Christmas gift" to Russia's Vladimir Putin if Congress failed to pass fresh military aid for Kyiv.&nbsp;Biden added that he "will not walk away from Ukraine".

While speaking in the Oval Office at the White House, Biden said to Zelensky that "we are going to stand at your side" despite the fact that Republicans have blocked a new $60 billion package of assistance for war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;The US president said he has just signed "another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine”.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/passport-less-flight-mystery-russian-man-arrives-in-us-without-ticket-or-visa-fbi-digs-into-unusual-case-669031">Russian man arrives in US without ticket or visa, FBI investigates bizarre incident</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Zelensky told Biden that his country could still win the war. He said that Ukraine's troops "prove every day that Ukraine can win".&nbsp;Zelensky arrived at the White House for talks with Biden about continued US military aid amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Earlier, he met with congressional leaders.&nbsp;

Zelensky said that he was waiting for results, but also admitted that he had received "positive" signals from Congress on his military aid request.&nbsp;

"I got the signals," Zelensky told reporters at the White House following his meetings with members of Congress and President Joe Biden. He further noted, "They were more than positive. But we know that we have to separate words and particular results. Therefore we will count on particular results."&nbsp;

However, after the&nbsp;Ukrainian president addressed members of the Senate in a closed 90-minute meeting,&nbsp;key Republicans repeated their demands for a&nbsp;crackdown on immigration that they have&nbsp;sought between the US and Mexico border as a part of Biden's bill which would provide funding for both Ukraine and Israel.&nbsp;

After Zelensky's meeting,&nbsp;South Carolina Senator&nbsp;Lindsey Graham told reporters that he had told the Ukrainian president that their problem was "nothing to do with you". He added, "I said, 'You've done everything anybody could ask of you. This is not your problem here'".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haleys-prez-campaign-may-get-support-from-new-hampshir-governor-sununu-669004">Nikki Haley's prez campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu</a>&nbsp; 
 
He also went on to blame the White House for failing to tackle the immigration issue on the country's&nbsp;southern border and called on Biden to be&nbsp;personally involved in the negotiations.

<h2>What is a drawdown?&nbsp;</h2>

According to the US State Department website, a drawdown is the "use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority to direct a drawdown to provide military assistance under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) is a valuable tool of US foreign policy in crisis situations".&nbsp;

It added that a drawdown "allows for the speedy delivery of defense articles and services from Department of Defense stocks to foreign countries and international organizations to respond to unforeseen emergencies". The US State Department website further added that such assistance can begin arriving within days – or even hours – of approval.&nbsp;

Watch: What is the cost of the Ukraine war?&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-cost-of-the-ukraine-war-669049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war latest&nbsp;</h2>

Citing a declassified US intelligence assessment shared with Congress, a congressional source told CNN Tuesday that some 315,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded in Ukraine since the war began last year in February. The figure is nearly 90 per cent of its pre-war force.

The source further noted that the Russian military has also lost some 2,200 of the 3,500 tanks it had before the start of the conflict.&nbsp;

The most recent fatality estimate is a significant difference from the data released in July 2022, when CIA Director Bill Burns stated that US intelligence projected Russian casualties to be "in the vicinity of 15,000 killed and possibly three times that wounded".&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden reportedly said that he had signed a $200 million emergency aid drawdown as he met visiting Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 12).

United States President Joe Biden reportedly said that he had signed a $200 million emergency aid drawdown as he met visiting Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 12). Biden also said it would be a "Christmas gift" to Russia's Vladimir Putin if Congress failed to pass fresh military aid for Kyiv. Biden added that he "will not walk away from Ukraine". While speaking in the Oval Office at the White House, Biden said to Zelensky that "we are going to stand at your side" despite the fact that Republicans have blocked a new $60 billion package of assistance for war-torn Ukraine. The US president said he has just signed "another $200 million drawdown from the Department of Defense for Ukraine”. Also read: Russian man arrives in US without ticket or visa, FBI investigates bizarre incident Meanwhile, Zelensky told Biden that his country could still win the war. He said that Ukraine's troops "prove every day that Ukraine can win". Zelensky arrived at the White House for talks with Biden about continued US military aid amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Earlier, he met with congressional leaders. Zelensky said that he was waiting for results, but also admitted that he had received "positive" signals from Congress on his military aid request. "I got the signals," Zelensky told reporters at the White House following his meetings with members of Congress and President Joe Biden. He further noted, "They were more than positive. But we know that we have to separate words and particular results. Therefore we will count on particular results." However, after the Ukrainian president addressed members of the Senate in a closed 90-minute meeting, key Republicans repeated their demands for a crackdown on immigration that they have sought between the US and Mexico border as a part of Biden's bill which would provide funding for both Ukraine and Israel. After Zelensky's meeting, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters that he had told the Ukrainian president that their problem was "nothing to do with you". He added, "I said, 'You've done everything anybody could ask of you. This is not your problem here'". Also read: Nikki Haley's prez campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu He also went on to blame the White House for failing to tackle the immigration issue on the country's southern border and called on Biden to be personally involved in the negotiations. What is a drawdown? According to the US State Department website, a drawdown is the "use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority to direct a drawdown to provide military assistance under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) is a valuable tool of US foreign policy in crisis situations". It added that a drawdown "allows for the speedy delivery of defense articles and services from Department of Defense stocks to foreign countries and international organizations to respond to unforeseen emergencies". The US State Department website further added that such assistance can begin arriving within days – or even hours – of approval. Watch: What is the cost of the Ukraine war? × Russia-Ukraine war latest Citing a declassified US intelligence assessment shared with Congress, a congressional source told CNN Tuesday that some 315,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded in Ukraine since the war began last year in February. The figure is nearly 90 per cent of its pre-war force. The source further noted that the Russian military has also lost some 2,200 of the 3,500 tanks it had before the start of the conflict. The most recent fatality estimate is a significant difference from the data released in July 2022, when CIA Director Bill Burns stated that US intelligence projected Russian casualties to be "in the vicinity of 15,000 killed and possibly three times that wounded". Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Biden meets Zelensky, says he has signed $200 million emergency aid drawdown

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached Capitol Hill on Tuesday (Dec 12) morning to meet the members of the Congress and newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson before meeting President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss critical aid that his troops need in the war against Russia.&nbsp;

This is Zelensky's third visit to the US but unlike the maiden trip last year when he was serenaded by both houses and sent back&nbsp;with a $50 billion cheque, it looks highly unlikely that he will receive a similar treatment this time.&nbsp;

The Republicans, ahead of the crucial presidential election, have put their foot down and are refusing to send additional weapons and other aid unless it is paired with a crackdown on migration from the south of the border (Mexico).&nbsp;

With winter already here, Moscow is expected to ramp up its attack on civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Zelensky is worried that the aid faucet may run dry and thus another round of funding is required to continue the war, which has already been going on for over 21 months.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-discussed-russia-crimea-tunnel-project-with-chinese-construction-companies-662689">Moscow discussed Russia-Crimea tunnel project with Chinese construction companies</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky's previous meeting with Biden</h2>

Notably, Zelensky&nbsp;met Biden in September and after much back and forth, managed to walk away with another tranche of aid package from Washington. However, his demand to address the joint session of the US Congress was shot down without giving any major clarification.&nbsp;

Despite the refusal, Biden formally announced a military aid package worth $325 million that included air defence systems and the second tranche of cluster munitions fired by a 155-millimeter Howitzer cannon. Additionally, the US delivered US M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv to bolster its counteroffensive against the Russians.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-can-zelensky-stop-the-russian-assault-665255">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault</a>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-can-zelensky-stop-the-russian-assault-665255/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe>

The counteroffensive, launched by&nbsp;Ukraine under Zelensky earlier this year, has made little to no inroads. His visit to Washington is an attempt to regroup and secure military funding for another round of defence.&nbsp;

In recent days, Moscow has tried to intensify the assaults by using a record number of drones, according to Kyiv. Moreover, Putin has hinted towards a major change in strategy as he signed a decree that allows the army to boost its troop numbers by 15 per cent.

According to estimates, the move is expected to increase the number of serving army soldiers by at least 170,000, which is being touted as an&nbsp;"adequate" response to the "aggressive activity of the NATO bloc".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached Capitol Hill on Tuesday (Dec 12) morning to meet the members of the Congress and newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson before meeting President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss critical aid that his troops need in the war against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached Capitol Hill on Tuesday (Dec 12) morning to meet the members of the Congress and newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson before meeting President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss critical aid that his troops need in the war against Russia. This is Zelensky's third visit to the US but unlike the maiden trip last year when he was serenaded by both houses and sent back with a $50 billion cheque, it looks highly unlikely that he will receive a similar treatment this time. The Republicans, ahead of the crucial presidential election, have put their foot down and are refusing to send additional weapons and other aid unless it is paired with a crackdown on migration from the south of the border (Mexico). With winter already here, Moscow is expected to ramp up its attack on civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Zelensky is worried that the aid faucet may run dry and thus another round of funding is required to continue the war, which has already been going on for over 21 months. Also read: Moscow discussed Russia-Crimea tunnel project with Chinese construction companies Zelensky's previous meeting with Biden Notably, Zelensky met Biden in September and after much back and forth, managed to walk away with another tranche of aid package from Washington. However, his demand to address the joint session of the US Congress was shot down without giving any major clarification. Despite the refusal, Biden formally announced a military aid package worth $325 million that included air defence systems and the second tranche of cluster munitions fired by a 155-millimeter Howitzer cannon. Additionally, the US delivered US M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv to bolster its counteroffensive against the Russians. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault The counteroffensive, launched by Ukraine under Zelensky earlier this year, has made little to no inroads. His visit to Washington is an attempt to regroup and secure military funding for another round of defence. In recent days, Moscow has tried to intensify the assaults by using a record number of drones, according to Kyiv. Moreover, Putin has hinted towards a major change in strategy as he signed a decree that allows the army to boost its troop numbers by 15 per cent. According to estimates, the move is expected to increase the number of serving army soldiers by at least 170,000, which is being touted as an "adequate" response to the "aggressive activity of the NATO bloc". (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky arrives in Capitol to secure another round of funding from Biden

According to reports, U.S. President Joe Biden is relying on Former U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton to win the next presidential elections. Reports say Clinton has been acting as a stand-in for Biden at high-profile events. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

2024 US Presidential Elections: Joe Biden has found a secret weapon

Amid the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Capitol Hill to meet President Joe Biden on Tuesday morning to secure another round of funding. In other news, FBI&nbsp;Director Christopher Wray, currently on India trip, told his NIA counterpart that the agency was actively investigating the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco earlier this year.

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-arrives-in-capitol-to-secure-another-round-of-funding-from-biden-668988">Zelensky arrives in Capitol to secure another round of funding from Biden</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached Capitol Hill on Tuesday (Dec 12) morning to meet the members of the Congress and newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson before meeting President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss critical aid that his troops need in the war against Russia.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/20/394225-the-battle-for-kyiv-2023-11-20t113740876.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fbi-aggressively-investigating-attack-on-indian-consulate-in-san-francisco-director-wray-tells-nia-668995">FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco, Director Wray tells NIA</a>

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and discussed issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks, including the attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398791-succession-2023-12-12t210301335.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-unaware-of-navalnys-whereabouts-rebuffs-us-concerns-over-his-disappearance-668976">Kremlin says unaware of Navalny's whereabouts, rebuffs US concerns over his disappearance</a>

The Kremlin on Tuesday (Dec 12) claimed that it did not know the whereabouts of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny or anything about his current status.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398781-succession-2023-12-12t194057815.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sportswear-giant-puma-terminates-sponsorship-of-israels-national-football-team-post-israel-hamas-war-668934">Sportswear giant Puma terminates sponsorship of Israel’s national football team post Israel-Hamas war</a>

German sportswear giant Puma has terminated their deal with Israel’s national football team as announced by the company on Tuesday (Dec 12).

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398754-1-2023-12-12t171224005.png?imwidth=3840" /> 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/stage-set-for-nawaz-sharifs-comeback-as-court-acquits-him-in-al-azizia-graft-case-668958">Court acquits Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia corruption case, paves way for his political comeback</a>

The stage is set for&nbsp;former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's political comeback as the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday (Dec 12)&nbsp;acquitted him in the&nbsp;Al-Aziziya reference case, according to a report in&nbsp;Dawn.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/24/388690-sharif.jpeg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhajan-lal-sharma-named-as-rajasthans-new-chief-minister-668900">Bhajan Lal Sharma named as Rajasthan's new Chief Minister</a>

Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12).

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398742-succession-2023-12-12t163241925.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-referee-punch-ankaragucu-president-faruk-koca-arrested-for-unacceptable-act-two-more-apprehend-668971">Turkey referee punched: Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca arrested for 'unacceptable' act, two more apprehend</a>

Turkish authorities arrested MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca on Tuesday (Dec 12) after he punched referee Halil Umut Meler following a Turkish Super League match on Monday against Caykur Kizespor.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398776-1-2023-12-12t185731139.png?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haleys-prez-campaign-may-get-support-from-new-hampshir-governor-sununu-669004">Nikki Haley's prez nomination campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu</a>

The presidential nomination campaign of Nikki Haley, United States' former ambassador to the United Nations may get a boost as Chris Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire is likely to endorse her bid, said multiple reports in the US media.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398795-nikki-haley.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-googles-legal-defeat-against-epic-why-2024-could-be-worst-year-for-us-tech-giant-668904">Explained | Google’s legal defeat against Epic: Why 2024 could be worst year for US tech giant</a>

A jury in San Francisco on Monday (Dec 11) found that Google struck some deals that stifled competition for its Play mobile app store, while violating California and federal antitrust laws.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/12/398745-untitled-design-7.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-heres-where-you-can-stream-oscar-winning-film-everything-everywhere-all-at-once-online-for-free-668861">Here's where you can stream Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once online for free</a>

Wondering how to catch up on Oscar favourites from this year? We have the answer for one film that rocked the Oscars 2023 awards ceremony. We are talking about Michelle Yeoh starrer&nbsp;Everything Everywhere All at Once&nbsp;which won big at the 2023 Oscars.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/337989-everything-everywhere-all-at-once.png?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-applies-one-plus-two-formula-in-rajasthan-mp-chhattisgarh-669000">Watch |&nbsp;BJP applies 'one plus two formula' in Rajasthan, MP, &amp; Chhattisgarh</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-applies-one-plus-two-formula-in-rajasthan-mp-chhattisgarh-669000/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Capitol Hill to meet President Joe Biden on Tuesday morning to secure another round of funding.

Amid the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Capitol Hill to meet President Joe Biden on Tuesday morning to secure another round of funding. In other news, FBI Director Christopher Wray, currently on India trip, told his NIA counterpart that the agency was actively investigating the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco earlier this year. Click on headlines to read more: Zelensky arrives in Capitol to secure another round of funding from Biden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached Capitol Hill on Tuesday (Dec 12) morning to meet the members of the Congress and newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson before meeting President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss critical aid that his troops need in the war against Russia. FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco, Director Wray tells NIA FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and discussed issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks, including the attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco. Kremlin says unaware of Navalny's whereabouts, rebuffs US concerns over his disappearance The Kremlin on Tuesday (Dec 12) claimed that it did not know the whereabouts of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny or anything about his current status. Sportswear giant Puma terminates sponsorship of Israel’s national football team post Israel-Hamas war German sportswear giant Puma has terminated their deal with Israel’s national football team as announced by the company on Tuesday (Dec 12). Court acquits Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia corruption case, paves way for his political comeback The stage is set for former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's political comeback as the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday (Dec 12) acquitted him in the Al-Aziziya reference case, according to a report in Dawn. Bhajan Lal Sharma named as Rajasthan's new Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12). Turkey referee punched: Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca arrested for 'unacceptable' act, two more apprehend Turkish authorities arrested MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca on Tuesday (Dec 12) after he punched referee Halil Umut Meler following a Turkish Super League match on Monday against Caykur Kizespor. Nikki Haley's prez nomination campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu The presidential nomination campaign of Nikki Haley, United States' former ambassador to the United Nations may get a boost as Chris Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire is likely to endorse her bid, said multiple reports in the US media. Explained | Google’s legal defeat against Epic: Why 2024 could be worst year for US tech giant A jury in San Francisco on Monday (Dec 11) found that Google struck some deals that stifled competition for its Play mobile app store, while violating California and federal antitrust laws. Here's where you can stream Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once online for free Wondering how to catch up on Oscar favourites from this year? We have the answer for one film that rocked the Oscars 2023 awards ceremony. We are talking about Michelle Yeoh starrer Everything Everywhere All at Once which won big at the 2023 Oscars. Watch | BJP applies 'one plus two formula' in Rajasthan, MP, & Chhattisgarh ×

Top 10 world news: Zelensky to meet Biden for aid, FBI investigating attack on Indian consulate, and more

US President Joe Biden on Monday told donors at a political fundraiser that opponent Donald Trump is a threat to US democracy. He also alleged that the former president had pledged to be a dictator for a day if elected to the White House in 2024. In another speech, the US President vowed that the US would help Israel till it gets rid of Hamas.

<h2>Anything is fair</h2>

Speaking at a campaign event in Philadelphia, Biden said: "He's saying it out loud."

"The other day he said he wants to be a dictator only on one day, wipe out the civil servants and a whole range of other things," said Biden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-cannot-physically-make-it-through-another-term-trump-mocks-us-presidents-age-cognitive-function-666919">Biden cannot 'physically' make it through another term: Trump mocks US president's age, cognitive function</a>

"He (Trump) embraces political violence instead of rejecting it. We can’t let that happen," Biden told donors.

<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>

On Saturday, during a speech, Trump repeated a statement he made last week during a Fox News town hall. He said that he did not intend to become a dictator if he won the presidency again, except "on day one".

"I said I want to be a dictator for one day," he said during the New York Young Republican Club annual gala.

"And you know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, right? I want a wall and I want to drill, drill, drill." At the Fox town hall, he had spoken nearly identical words.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-setback-for-biden-as-poll-shows-trump-in-lead-for-2024-us-presidential-election-668191">Major setback for Biden as poll shows Trump in lead for 2024 US presidential election</a>

His comments prompted chants of "Build the Wall" from the gala crowd.

As per White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, Biden "has been working to protect American democracy and to unite people of all political views against these unprecedented threats".&nbsp;

Without mentioning Trump by name, he added, "And I want to say it is wrong to suspend the Constitution and abuse federal power to persecute critics and trample the First Amendment."

<h2>Biden on Israel</h2>

At a White House reception to mark Hanukkah, Biden pledged that the US will "continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas."

However, as per The Times of Israel, the US President&nbsp;cautioned, "We have to be careful — they have to be careful. The whole world's public opinion can shift overnight. We can't let that happen."

"As I said after the (Oct 7) attack, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, and the security of Israel, its right to exist as an independent Jewish state, is unshakeable."

"Were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world who is safe," he said, prompting a loud applause.

"The warmth and connection I feel to the Jewish community is unquestionable," he said, adding, "I ran into trouble and criticism when I said a few years ago that you don't have to be Jewish to be a Zionist, and I am a Zionist."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday told donors at a political fundraiser that opponent Donald Trump is a threat to US democracy. He also alleged that the former president had pledged to be a dictator for a day if elected to the White House in 2024.

US President Joe Biden on Monday told donors at a political fundraiser that opponent Donald Trump is a threat to US democracy. He also alleged that the former president had pledged to be a dictator for a day if elected to the White House in 2024. In another speech, the US President vowed that the US would help Israel till it gets rid of Hamas. Anything is fair Speaking at a campaign event in Philadelphia, Biden said: "He's saying it out loud." "The other day he said he wants to be a dictator only on one day, wipe out the civil servants and a whole range of other things," said Biden. Also read | Biden cannot 'physically' make it through another term: Trump mocks US president's age, cognitive function "He (Trump) embraces political violence instead of rejecting it. We can’t let that happen," Biden told donors. What did Trump say? On Saturday, during a speech, Trump repeated a statement he made last week during a Fox News town hall. He said that he did not intend to become a dictator if he won the presidency again, except "on day one". "I said I want to be a dictator for one day," he said during the New York Young Republican Club annual gala. "And you know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, right? I want a wall and I want to drill, drill, drill." At the Fox town hall, he had spoken nearly identical words. Also read | Major setback for Biden as poll shows Trump in lead for 2024 US presidential election His comments prompted chants of "Build the Wall" from the gala crowd. As per White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, Biden "has been working to protect American democracy and to unite people of all political views against these unprecedented threats". Without mentioning Trump by name, he added, "And I want to say it is wrong to suspend the Constitution and abuse federal power to persecute critics and trample the First Amendment." Biden on Israel At a White House reception to mark Hanukkah, Biden pledged that the US will "continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas." However, as per The Times of Israel, the US President cautioned, "We have to be careful — they have to be careful. The whole world's public opinion can shift overnight. We can't let that happen." "As I said after the (Oct 7) attack, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, and the security of Israel, its right to exist as an independent Jewish state, is unshakeable." "Were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world who is safe," he said, prompting a loud applause. "The warmth and connection I feel to the Jewish community is unquestionable," he said, adding, "I ran into trouble and criticism when I said a few years ago that you don't have to be Jewish to be a Zionist, and I am a Zionist." (With inputs from agencies)

'Dictator for a day': Biden labels Trump a threat to democracy; reaffirms commitment to Israel

US President Joe Biden will not be coming to India for the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest in January next year, according to multiple reports. The Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited the US leader to partake in the Republic Day celebrations, as part of New Delhi's plans to host the Quad leaders' summit.&nbsp;

Modi had invited Biden during their bilateral meeting on September 8 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti at the time confirmed that PM Modi had indeed extended the invitation.

With Biden expected to miss the event, it is highly unlikely that Quad Summit will go ahead&nbsp; in January.&nbsp;Earlier, New Delhi was looking to schedule the&nbsp;Quad Summit, which groups India, Australia, Japan and the US, on January 27.

According to sources, the&nbsp;Quad Summit is proposed to be held later in 2024 as the current dates do not work with all the Quad partners.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-invites-us-president-biden-to-indias-2024-republic-day-celebrations-reveals-eric-garcetti-637970">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi invited President Biden to India's 2024 Republic Day, reveals US envoy Eric Garcetti</a>

<h2>Why is Biden not travelling to India?</h2>

Biden skipping the trip to India encapsulates the current relationship between the two nations. Ever since Washington called out New Delhi for attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist&nbsp;Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil, the relations have taken a hit.&nbsp;

The US Justice Department has claimed that an Indian man,&nbsp;identified as Nikhil Gupta, arrested by Czech authorities in June, was behind the plot to kill Pannun. Consequently, the department opened an investigation against him while informing New Delhi.&nbsp;

The insinuation that New Delhi was involved, came hot on the heels of Canada's PM Justin Trudeau making similar claims that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-pannun-plot-the-india-us-strategic-partnership-665515">Watch |&nbsp;The Pannun Plot: The India-U.S. strategic partnership</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-pannun-plot-the-india-us-strategic-partnership-665515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While the frosty relations over Pannun might be the reason for Biden's reluctance to travel to New Delhi, the White House is expected to use the State of the Union address that US presidents usually deliver in January, as an excuse for missing the trip.&nbsp;

The last US president to visit India for the January 26 celebrations was Barack Obama who visited in 2015. Speculations are rife that New Delhi might extend the chief guest invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida or Australian PM Anthony Albanese - the other two Quad partners.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden will not be coming to India for the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest in January next year, according to multiple reports. The Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited the US leader to partake in the Republic Day celebrations, as part of New Delhi's plans to host the Quad leaders' summit.

US President Joe Biden will not be coming to India for the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest in January next year, according to multiple reports. The Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited the US leader to partake in the Republic Day celebrations, as part of New Delhi's plans to host the Quad leaders' summit. Modi had invited Biden during their bilateral meeting on September 8 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti at the time confirmed that PM Modi had indeed extended the invitation. With Biden expected to miss the event, it is highly unlikely that Quad Summit will go ahead in January. Earlier, New Delhi was looking to schedule the Quad Summit, which groups India, Australia, Japan and the US, on January 27. According to sources, the Quad Summit is proposed to be held later in 2024 as the current dates do not work with all the Quad partners. Also read | PM Modi invited President Biden to India's 2024 Republic Day, reveals US envoy Eric Garcetti Why is Biden not travelling to India? Biden skipping the trip to India encapsulates the current relationship between the two nations. Ever since Washington called out New Delhi for attempting to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil, the relations have taken a hit. The US Justice Department has claimed that an Indian man, identified as Nikhil Gupta, arrested by Czech authorities in June, was behind the plot to kill Pannun. Consequently, the department opened an investigation against him while informing New Delhi. The insinuation that New Delhi was involved, came hot on the heels of Canada's PM Justin Trudeau making similar claims that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Watch | The Pannun Plot: The India-U.S. strategic partnership × While the frosty relations over Pannun might be the reason for Biden's reluctance to travel to New Delhi, the White House is expected to use the State of the Union address that US presidents usually deliver in January, as an excuse for missing the trip. The last US president to visit India for the January 26 celebrations was Barack Obama who visited in 2015. Speculations are rife that New Delhi might extend the chief guest invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida or Australian PM Anthony Albanese - the other two Quad partners. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden to not attend Republic Day celebrations in India; Quad meet postponed

The Republican-controlled US&nbsp;House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday to formalize its impeachment inquiry of Democratic President Joe Biden, a Republican leadership aide said on Monday.

The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because official plans for floor action remained fluid. Earlier on Monday, a Republican lawmaker said House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed plans for a Thursday vote at a closed-door meeting, a time frame that had also been echoed by other Republicans.

The House is due to leave Washington on Thursday for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dictator-for-a-day-biden-labels-trump-a-threat-to-democracy-reaffirms-commitment-to-israel-668738">&nbsp;'Dictator for a day': Biden labels Trump a threat to democracy; reaffirms commitment to Israel</a>

House Republicans accuse the Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions Biden participated in as vice president during President Barack Obama's 2009-2017 administration.

They have also accused the US&nbsp;Department of Justice of inappropriately interfering with an investigation into Biden's businessman son Hunter Biden. The Justice Department denies wrongdoing.

Republican Representative Kelly Armstrong on Thursday introduced a 14-page resolution that would allow the full House to vote on authorizing the probe.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival</a>

House Republicans have so far failed to produce evidence tying Biden's actions as vice president to his son's businesses, and it is unlikely that the Senate, where Biden's Democratic Party holds a slim majority, would vote to convict the president if the House did pass articles of impeachment.

Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican member of one of three committees investigating Biden, told Fox News on Sunday that he expects the inquiry to wrap up within the next two months and the House to draft articles of impeachment sometime in the spring.

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday to formalize its impeachment inquiry of Democratic President Joe Biden, a Republican leadership aide said on Monday.

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday to formalize its impeachment inquiry of Democratic President Joe Biden, a Republican leadership aide said on Monday. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because official plans for floor action remained fluid. Earlier on Monday, a Republican lawmaker said House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed plans for a Thursday vote at a closed-door meeting, a time frame that had also been echoed by other Republicans. The House is due to leave Washington on Thursday for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks. ALSO READ | 'Dictator for a day': Biden labels Trump a threat to democracy; reaffirms commitment to Israel House Republicans accuse the Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions Biden participated in as vice president during President Barack Obama's 2009-2017 administration. They have also accused the US Department of Justice of inappropriately interfering with an investigation into Biden's businessman son Hunter Biden. The Justice Department denies wrongdoing. Republican Representative Kelly Armstrong on Thursday introduced a 14-page resolution that would allow the full House to vote on authorizing the probe. ALSO READ | Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival House Republicans have so far failed to produce evidence tying Biden's actions as vice president to his son's businesses, and it is unlikely that the Senate, where Biden's Democratic Party holds a slim majority, would vote to convict the president if the House did pass articles of impeachment. Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican member of one of three committees investigating Biden, told Fox News on Sunday that he expects the inquiry to wrap up within the next two months and the House to draft articles of impeachment sometime in the spring.

US House to vote on formalising Biden's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday: Report

At least four&nbsp;people have been injured after Russia launched an overnight air strike on the Ukranian capital Kyiv. The debris from the attack fell onto several districts around the capital city,&nbsp;reported Ukrainian officials on Monday (Dec 11).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Russian airstrike in Kyiv</h2>

At least four people,&nbsp;a&nbsp;man and three&nbsp;women&nbsp;received medical aid in the Darnitskyi district, said Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv on Telegram.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-us-aid-for-ukraine-would-allow-putin-to-prevail-warns-white-house-666210">Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House</a>

He also said that emergency services were dispatched to the Holosiivskyi district in the southwestern part of Kyiv after a missile hit the roof of a residential building, sparking a fire that was promptly extinguished.

Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration said that Ukrainian air defence systems “shot down enemy targets,” suggesting that Russia attacked Kyiv with missiles.

Ukrainian forces shot down eight Russian missiles headed for the capital Kyiv&nbsp;around 4:00 am on Monday, said the country’s air force&nbsp; (local time).&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky’s visit to Washington</h2>

Meanwhile, the United States President Joe Biden has invited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for a meeting at the White House, on Tuesday (Dec 12) amid a deadlock in US Congress over aid to Ukraine.

The&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;intends to “underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion,” said the Biden administration, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of the United States’ continued support at this critical moment.”

The meeting comes at a critical time for Ukraine as a deadlock over emergency aid to the war-torn country continues in the US Congress. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is looking to strike an agreement with US lawmakers that would provide military aid for both Ukraine and Israel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-14-billion-aid-package-for-israel-without-ukraine-to-be-rejected-by-senate-654562">US House passes $14 billion aid package for Israel, but not Ukraine</a>

Zelensky will arrive in Washington on Monday (Dec 11), said his office, in a post on Telegram adding that he would meet Biden during a working visit that would include “a series of meetings and discussions.”

<h2>Republicans block aid for Ukraine, Israel</h2>

Last week, Republican senators blocked $106 billion in emergency aid primarily for Ukraine and Israel citing the absence of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package. However, they seem no closer to a deal tying immigration and border policy changes to the emergency aid package.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president has been invited to address the US Senators on Tuesday (Dec 12) in the Capitol, a Senate leadership aide said on Sunday (Dec 10).&nbsp;

Zelensky will also hold a private meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday, said Johnson’s spokesperson Raj Shah in an email to Reuters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-republican-block-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-over-immigration-row-667007">US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row</a>

The Ukrainian president’s visit to Washington would also include defence cooperation between Washington and Kyiv “particularly through joint projects on the production of weapons and air defense systems, as well as the coordination of efforts between our countries in the coming year,” said Zelensky’s office.&nbsp;

US Congress has already allocated $111bn to assist Ukraine, but top Republicans are now wary of sending more aid to Ukraine. White House would have to make tough choices if US lawmakers leave Washington for the holidays without reaching a deal.&nbsp;

“We really need the help,” Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska told BBC, in a recent interview. She added, “In simple words, we cannot get tired of this situation, because if we do, we die.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

At least four people have been injured after Russia launched an overnight air strike on the Ukranian capital Kyiv. The debris from the attack fell onto several districts around the capital city, reported Ukrainian officials on Monday (Dec 11).

At least four people have been injured after Russia launched an overnight air strike on the Ukranian capital Kyiv. The debris from the attack fell onto several districts around the capital city, reported Ukrainian officials on Monday (Dec 11). Russian airstrike in Kyiv At least four people, a man and three women received medical aid in the Darnitskyi district, said Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv on Telegram. ALSO READ | Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House He also said that emergency services were dispatched to the Holosiivskyi district in the southwestern part of Kyiv after a missile hit the roof of a residential building, sparking a fire that was promptly extinguished. Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration said that Ukrainian air defence systems “shot down enemy targets,” suggesting that Russia attacked Kyiv with missiles. Ukrainian forces shot down eight Russian missiles headed for the capital Kyiv around 4:00 am on Monday, said the country’s air force (local time). Zelensky’s visit to Washington Meanwhile, the United States President Joe Biden has invited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for a meeting at the White House, on Tuesday (Dec 12) amid a deadlock in US Congress over aid to Ukraine. The meeting intends to “underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion,” said the Biden administration, in a statement. It added, “As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of the United States’ continued support at this critical moment.” The meeting comes at a critical time for Ukraine as a deadlock over emergency aid to the war-torn country continues in the US Congress. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is looking to strike an agreement with US lawmakers that would provide military aid for both Ukraine and Israel. ALSO READ | US House passes $14 billion aid package for Israel, but not Ukraine Zelensky will arrive in Washington on Monday (Dec 11), said his office, in a post on Telegram adding that he would meet Biden during a working visit that would include “a series of meetings and discussions.” Republicans block aid for Ukraine, Israel Last week, Republican senators blocked $106 billion in emergency aid primarily for Ukraine and Israel citing the absence of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package. However, they seem no closer to a deal tying immigration and border policy changes to the emergency aid package. The Ukrainian president has been invited to address the US Senators on Tuesday (Dec 12) in the Capitol, a Senate leadership aide said on Sunday (Dec 10). Zelensky will also hold a private meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday, said Johnson’s spokesperson Raj Shah in an email to Reuters. ALSO READ | US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row The Ukrainian president’s visit to Washington would also include defence cooperation between Washington and Kyiv “particularly through joint projects on the production of weapons and air defense systems, as well as the coordination of efforts between our countries in the coming year,” said Zelensky’s office. US Congress has already allocated $111bn to assist Ukraine, but top Republicans are now wary of sending more aid to Ukraine. White House would have to make tough choices if US lawmakers leave Washington for the holidays without reaching a deal. “We really need the help,” Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska told BBC, in a recent interview. She added, “In simple words, we cannot get tired of this situation, because if we do, we die.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

At least 4 injured after Russian strike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at White House amid deadlock on aid

One day after the US president called his predecessor "despicable" during a rally in California, Donald Trump has surpassed Joe Biden in national polls for the 2024 presidential race, according to a survey released on Saturday.

US: 47% support Donald Trump over Joe Biden

United States President Joe Biden has faced a major setback to his hope of getting re-elected next year after a poll by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Friday (Dec 9) showed that presidential hopeful Donald Trump was more favoured.

United States President Joe Biden has faced a major setback to his hope of getting re-elected next year after a poll by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Friday (Dec 9) showed that presidential hopeful Donald Trump was more favoured. As per the report, Biden, 81, lagged behind Trump, 77, by four percentage points, 47 per cent to 43 per cent, on a hypothetical ballot with only those two candidates. Trump's lead expanded to six points, 37 per cent to 31 per cent, when five potential third-party and independent candidates were added to the mix, the poll showed. The poll surveyed 1,500 registered voters from Nov 29-Dec 4 by phone, landline, and text-to-web. Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio conducted the survey with Democrat Michael Bocian. The dissatisfaction with Joe Biden The WSJ poll showed that only 23 per cent of the voters said that Biden's policies helped them personally while 53 per cent said they were hurt by his agenda. Around 37 per cent approved of the president's job performance while 61 per cent saw his overall image in an unfavourable light, a record high. Also read: Explained | Joe Biden’s age in focus again as US president celebrates 81st birthday ahead of 2024 elections On the other hand, about half of the voters (in the WSJ poll) said that Trump's policies helped them personally, and over 37 per cent said they were hurt. The findings of the poll were the latest shock to Biden and Democrats, some of whom fretted about the 81-year-old president’s stamina and have increasingly played up warnings of Trump’s potential return next year. “Things were thriving under Trump. This country is a business and it needs to be run by a businessman,” said Aimee Kozlowski of Goffstown, New Hampshire. Kozlowski said her competitive gymnastics facility was impacted as parents looked to cut costs because of inflation. 'Economy has gotten worse in past two years' The state of the American economy has been a core issue in the upcoming election. As per the poll, two-thirds of the voters rated the economy as poor or not good, and two-thirds said the economy had gotten worse in the past two years, during Biden's tenure as president. Meanwhile, 48 per cent of the voters said they did not believe this generation would do better than the one that came before, compared with 44 per cent who said conditions would be better for the current generation. Also read: An open letter to Donald Trump: Yes, Make America Great Again Economic anxiety appeared to weigh heavily on young voters. Less than one-third of those under 35 said the economy was in good shape. Michael Bocian said that Biden was also falling short with several young, Black and Latino voters as they were feeling economically stressed and challenged right now. "And they are not showing enthusiasm in the way they were turning out in 2020, 2022," Bocian added. However, he said that with the election a year away, he said, reassembling the Biden coalition “was eminently doable.” (With inputs from agencies)

Major setback for Biden as poll shows Trump in lead for 2024 US presidential election

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Addressing an event at the Las Vegas Carpenters International Training Center, President Biden said, "You have no idea how much this pleases me.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Addressing an event at the Las Vegas Carpenters International Training Center, President Biden said, "You have no idea how much this pleases me. A long last, we're building the first high-speed rail project in our nation's history, and it's starting here. It's part of the $ 8.2 billion investment we're making in ten major rail projects across America, reaching tens of millions of people. We're putting high-speed rail on the fast track." "Some of you know what it's like to sit in traffic on the interstate, not the one between here and LA, which is real, but all interstates. And guess what? Trying to make that drive from LA to Las Vegas, from Las Vegas to LA or anywhere in between is a paint on your neck," he added. A reduction in trip time He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. "And it won't just get there faster, the rail project reduces carbon emissions by three... Is the same as taking three million vehicles off the highway. Three million. And all the studies show, by the way, people get from point A to point B faster on a train than their car. They take the train. They take the train. Think of what that's going to mean to the environment," Biden further said during the event. Also read: Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival The new project would transport 11 million passengers a year and would also create ample employment opportunities, the president added. "Ultimately, it's going to take folks in Los Angeles through the Central Valley all the way to San Francisco for less than 3 hours. But today, the journey can take 8 hours by bus or car. Think of how this train will transform California's Central Valley with new businesses, new residents, visitors, and economic opportunities," he said. "This project is California's most ambitious rail project in the entire Western Hemisphere. It expects to carry 31 million passengers a year, will be 100% powered by renewable energy, and once again, this project is about jobs." Upcoming rail projects Biden also said during Friday's event that his administration was supporting 69 rail projects still in the early stages across 44 states. "On top of that, we're investing $9 billion to replace over 1000 Amtrak engines and cars across the country with scale-of-the-art equipment made in America by American workers. Made in America by American workers," said the president.

US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated the Global Leader Approval ratings, topping at 76 per cent. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset at 58 per cent.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) &nbsp;unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. This rail project would reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours.

In other news from around the world, North Korea warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches soon to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794">Indian PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/18/373908-pm-modi.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating, as revealed by the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult.&nbsp;This commanding approval rating placed Prime Minister Modi ahead of other world leaders, who are trailing behind by a huge margin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-unveils-3-billion-investment-for-la-las-vegas-high-speed-rail-project-667792">US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/09/398140-untitled-design.png?imwidth=3840" />

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles.&nbsp;He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boasts-of-satellite-capability-warns-to-launch-more-soon-667790">North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/09/398139-succession-2023-12-09t074906804.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-michigan-shool-shooter-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole-667787">Michigan school shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole​​​​​​​</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/09/398138-succession-2023-12-09t071020092.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

An American teenager, who shot dead four of his classmates in 2021 at a high school outside Detroit, was on Friday (Dec 8) sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.&nbsp;Ethan Crumbley had opened fire on Nov 30 2021 with a semi-automatic handgun that his father bought as a Christmas gift days before the incident occurred.

Watch |&nbsp;US bars imports from 3 more Chinese companies over Uyghur forced labour

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-bars-imports-from-3-more-chinese-companies-over-uyghur-forced-labour-667809/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated the Global Leader Approval ratings, topping at 76 per cent. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset at 58 per cent.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated the Global Leader Approval ratings, topping at 76 per cent. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset at 58 per cent. United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. This rail project would reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. In other news from around the world, North Korea warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches soon to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies. Click on the headlines to read more: Indian PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating, as revealed by the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult. This commanding approval rating placed Prime Minister Modi ahead of other world leaders, who are trailing behind by a huge margin. US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9). Michigan school shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole An American teenager, who shot dead four of his classmates in 2021 at a high school outside Detroit, was on Friday (Dec 8) sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Ethan Crumbley had opened fire on Nov 30 2021 with a semi-automatic handgun that his father bought as a Christmas gift days before the incident occurred. Watch | US bars imports from 3 more Chinese companies over Uyghur forced labour ×

Morning brief: Indian PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, and more

The Department of Justice filed new criminal charges against US. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, accusing him of failing to pay 1.4-million-dollars in taxes while spending millions of dollars on a lavish lifestyle. Biden was hit with three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences, according to an indictment filed in US district court in central california.

Biden son under legal & political scrutiny, to face up to 17 years in prison if convicted | Details

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec 7) held a telephonic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where he stressed the "critical" need to safeguard the civilians as grave urban battle seethed around Gaza's biggest cities, the White House said in a statement.

"The president emphasized the critical need to protect civilians and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities," the White House said in a statement.

This comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to do more to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and make necessary efforts to protect civilians in the Palestinian territory, in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Ron Dermer, said a US official.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Today I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to express my concern for the remaining hostages — and to note that it was Hamas’s refusal to release women civilian hostages that broke down the humanitarian pause.⁰⁰We will continue to pursue every opportunity to free them.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1732923046061593081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Blinken welcomed Israel's decision to approve a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to the conflict-torn besieged Palestinian enclave.

However, he also asked Dermer to make more efforts in that direction, a senior State Department official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-china-bound-russian-plane-goes-up-in-flames-moments-after-terrifying-explosion-667280">Video: Russian plane goes up in flames moments after terrifying explosion</a>

<h2>Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza</h2>

Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel – necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics – into the southern Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office wrote on X.

"The minimal amount will be determined from time to time by the War Cabinet according to the morbidity situation and humanitarian situation in the Strip," it added.

The move by Israel came after the United Nations warned of a complete breakdown of public order in Gaza as the conflict intensifies in the south of the Palestinian territory.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres feared the public order would "completely break down soon" in Gaza.

"Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said in a letter to the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

Guterres told the council in his letter that the war "may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security."

He invoked Article 99 of the founding UN Charter, allowing him to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security."

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec 7) held a telephonic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where he stressed the "critical" need to safeguard the civilians as grave urban battle seethed around Gaza's biggest cities, the White House said in a statement.

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec 7) held a telephonic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where he stressed the "critical" need to safeguard the civilians as grave urban battle seethed around Gaza's biggest cities, the White House said in a statement. "The president emphasized the critical need to protect civilians and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities," the White House said in a statement. This comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to do more to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and make necessary efforts to protect civilians in the Palestinian territory, in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Ron Dermer, said a US official. Today I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to express my concern for the remaining hostages — and to note that it was Hamas’s refusal to release women civilian hostages that broke down the humanitarian pause.⁰⁰We will continue to pursue every opportunity to free them. — President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2023 × Blinken welcomed Israel's decision to approve a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to the conflict-torn besieged Palestinian enclave. However, he also asked Dermer to make more efforts in that direction, a senior State Department official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Also read: Video: Russian plane goes up in flames moments after terrifying explosion Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Wednesday. "The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel – necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics – into the southern Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office wrote on X. "The minimal amount will be determined from time to time by the War Cabinet according to the morbidity situation and humanitarian situation in the Strip," it added. The move by Israel came after the United Nations warned of a complete breakdown of public order in Gaza as the conflict intensifies in the south of the Palestinian territory. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres feared the public order would "completely break down soon" in Gaza. "Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said in a letter to the UN Security Council. Guterres told the council in his letter that the war "may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security." He invoked Article 99 of the founding UN Charter, allowing him to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden holds telephonic discussion with Netanyahu, underlines 'critical need to safeguard civilians'

A resolution has been introduced in the US House of Representatives - it urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions, human rights and the rule of law.

US House resolution urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institution

US House resolution on Pakistn democracy, to ensure human rights & rule of law | World News | WION

joe-biden

Joe Biden, News on Joe Biden, stories on Joe Biden, articles on Joe Biden, Joe Biden stories at Wion, Joe Biden news, Joe Biden latest news

joe biden