The breathtaking northern lights dazzled in the night skies of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia as social media platforms were flooded with mesmerising images.

The breathtaking northern lights dazzled in the night skies of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia as social media platforms were flooded with mesmerising images. A “strong geomagnetic storm watch" was earlier issued by the Space Weather Prediction Center of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for July 29-31. Meanwhile, Australia also witnessed a dazzling display of southern lights in the skies after the powerful geomagnetic storm and more spectacular auroras are expected tonight. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology stated that geomagnetic activity can lead to the sparkling of auroras in the skies of Australia's southern states from July 29 to 31. Also Read: Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed “Several coronal mass ejections may impact Earth within the next 24 hours, possibly causing G1 and G2 geomagnetic storming with a slight chance for G3,” stated the agency. “If geomagnetic activity does eventuate, aurora may be visible during local nighttime hours in Tasmania and southern Victoria on July 31," it added. The NOAA said that solar activity peaked on Tuesday (Jul 30) as the Sun released solar flares and coronal mass ejections which hit the Earth and caused the auroras. Because of this, the auroras were visible as far south as Oregon and Illinois in the United States and also created aurora australis in the southern hemisphere. Here's how netizens reacted to the auroras Australian Minister Julie Collins posted a picture of the glowing aurora on X. “Even the aurora australis last night turned out in green and gold for our Olympians!” wrote Collins. Auroras were also seen in the skies of Australia on August 1, said the bureau, but at a “reduced probability”. “Amazing! #Aurora has dropped as far south as Wyoming, USA during this ongoing #solarstorm! This is an auspicious start to the multiple storm train we are expecting over the next few days," said a Space Weather Physicist. Watch: Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return “Absolutely beautiful," one user wrote. “Wow!! Where in Colorado are you? We’re in Boulder hoping to see them," another user said. “Starting to show here in NorCal too! Mid-lats woohoooo," a user wrote. “Caught this over Lake Ontario in Baker NY with an iPhone 14 Pro, 30sec exposure and a tripod," another user said. Check out the mesmerising aurora borealis which sparkled in the skies Even the Aurora Australis last night turned out in Green and Gold for our Olympians! Can anyone guess where in Franklin this photo was taken? pic.twitter.com/RemU2DUS37 — Julie Collins (@JulieCollinsMP) July 30, 2024 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gill Dayton/Tasmania/Australia (@tassieapplespice) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Eastwell (@michaeleastwell) × Last night in Northern Cali!! We got freakin Aurora! 🤩🤯 pic.twitter.com/eDo5REEC61 — KRL (@KennethLerose) July 31, 2024 × #Colorado Checking in!!#aurora #auroraborealis #COWX @TamithaSkov @SNHWx @AuroraNotify @TweetAurora pic.twitter.com/NVJe18Bk8w — Sarah Marie (@sarahmarie787) July 30, 2024 × Again 😍😍#Aurora #AuroraAsutralisTasmania pic.twitter.com/uTQ7HM3pRk — cocomo (@SultanM45488238) July 30, 2024 × Quebec getting a good #Aurora show tonight so far - images from the live cam! #northernlights #auroraborealis @TamithaSkov pic.twitter.com/Z6702O9wDc — Steve Luther Night Sky Chaser 📸🌌🌅🌄🌈🪐 (@skyvistaphoto) July 30, 2024 × July 30th - Another set of Aurora Shots from Last nights beautiful G1 KP5 show shortly after midnight in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Bit of the glow from the minesite behind the hills showing up. #nlwx #nlastro #northernlights #Auroraborealis #aurora… pic.twitter.com/x0HfCyv1Id — Keith Fitzpatrick 📷 (@KeithFitz81) July 30, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Auroras dazzle skies of Australia, US and the UK after powerful solar storms slam Earth

<p>Researchers have found that in the United States, several dark chocolate products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two highly toxic metals. The study was led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday (Jul 31) in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers have analysed over 70 dark chocolate products from retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Amazon and GNC. They tested the products in order to check whether or not heavy metals lead, cadmium or arsenic were present in them. None were tested above the maximum contamination level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study was carried out using samples over a period of eight years from 2014 to 2022. Notably, the researchers have not disclosed product names.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-strong-links-between-losing-loved-ones-and-ageing-745671">Study shows 'strong links' between losing loved ones and biological ageing</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The study discovered that 43 per cent of the goods tested had levels of lead contamination that were above permitted standards, and 35 per cent had levels of cadmium contamination as per California law's permissible limits for heavy metals in food.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The amount of lead that was found, in general, was not alarming. But most people probably don't have a great handle on what their heavy metal exposure is," Leigh Frame, the co-lead author of the study and the executive director of the office of integrative medicine and health at George Washington University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frame noted that food researchers often use the 1986 regulations as a safety standard because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)&nbsp;doesn't set limits on heavy metals in most foods. Notably, the FDA&nbsp;does have suggested limits for chocolate and sugar-based candy but only for children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/parasites-found-in-cat-poop-could-help-treat-alzheimers-and-parkinsons-study-745639">Parasites found in cat poop could help treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: Study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The threshold for heavy metals in foods is 0.5 micrograms a day as per California guidelines. Researchers have found that the levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate samples varied from 0.29 to 14.12 microgrammes per daily serving, with 4.1 microgrammes per day being the maximum permitted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study revealed that lead levels in the samples ranged from none to as high as 3.316 microgrammes per daily serving, with 0.5 microgrammes per day as the maximum allowed per California guidelines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers also discovered that the levels of contamination in organic items were higher, but they were unable to ascertain how the metal contaminations entered the chocolate products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frame said, "You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet. It's really not about avoiding them; it's about making sure you're not getting too much."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Researchers have found that in the United States, several dark chocolate products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two highly toxic metals. The study was led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday (Jul 31) in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition.

Researchers have found that in the United States, several dark chocolate products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two highly toxic metals. The study was led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday (Jul 31) in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition. Researchers have analysed over 70 dark chocolate products from retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Amazon and GNC. They tested the products in order to check whether or not heavy metals lead, cadmium or arsenic were present in them. None were tested above the maximum contamination level. The study was carried out using samples over a period of eight years from 2014 to 2022. Notably, the researchers have not disclosed product names. Also read: Study shows 'strong links' between losing loved ones and biological ageing The study discovered that 43 per cent of the goods tested had levels of lead contamination that were above permitted standards, and 35 per cent had levels of cadmium contamination as per California law's permissible limits for heavy metals in food. "The amount of lead that was found, in general, was not alarming. But most people probably don't have a great handle on what their heavy metal exposure is," Leigh Frame, the co-lead author of the study and the executive director of the office of integrative medicine and health at George Washington University. Frame noted that food researchers often use the 1986 regulations as a safety standard because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't set limits on heavy metals in most foods. Notably, the FDA does have suggested limits for chocolate and sugar-based candy but only for children. Also read: Parasites found in cat poop could help treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: Study The threshold for heavy metals in foods is 0.5 micrograms a day as per California guidelines. Researchers have found that the levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate samples varied from 0.29 to 14.12 microgrammes per daily serving, with 4.1 microgrammes per day being the maximum permitted. The study revealed that lead levels in the samples ranged from none to as high as 3.316 microgrammes per daily serving, with 0.5 microgrammes per day as the maximum allowed per California guidelines. The researchers also discovered that the levels of contamination in organic items were higher, but they were unable to ascertain how the metal contaminations entered the chocolate products. Frame said, "You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet. It's really not about avoiding them; it's about making sure you're not getting too much." (With inputs from agencies)

Lead among other heavy metals found in many dark chocolate bars: Research

<p>In the world of science fiction, flying cars have long been a dominant feature as humans have wondered when they will become a part of our real life.</p>

<p>However, now with the invention and successful testing of flying taxis, flying cars do not appear as a dream but something that will soon turn into reality.</p>

<p>A flying taxi, which was powered by hydrogen, covered a record 561 miles (902km) when it flew over&nbsp;California.</p>

<p>This flying car has been created by Joby Aviation and has been fueled by hydrogen which means it does not produce any emissions apart from the water vapour.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-companys-ceo-has-more-than-100-biological-kids-heres-how-745544">THIS company's CEO has more than '100 biological kids'. Here's how</a></p>

<p>Speaking about the flying car, founder and CEO of Joby JoeBen Bevirt said, "Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without the need to go to an airport and with no emissions except water. That world is closer than ever."</p>

<h2><strong>All about the flying taxi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The US military had partly funded the air taxi which is powered by six propellers that gave it the ability to take off as well as land vertically like a helicopter.</p>

<p>Once the taxi takes off, its propellers rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position that allows the taxi to fly ahead similar to a traditional fixed-wing aircraft.</p>

<p>The taxi's adaptable capacity allows it to accommodate four passengers at a speed of 200 miles per hour (322kmph) or when flying in urban areas.</p>

<p>It is not the first time such an aircraft has been flown but this aircraft is unique because it is hydrogen which powers these propellers.</p>

<p>This spacecraft is an original all-electric aircraft's modified version which has been designed by Joby and has covered 25,000 miles (40,000 km) of test flights.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Flying Taxis to carry passengers at 2024 Paris Olympics</strong></p>

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<p>Leaving out electric systems or fossil fuels, Joby chose a hydrogen-electric power system for providing clean energy over longer flights.</p>

<p>The batteries of the craft have been replaced with a fuel cell which can hold nearly 40kg (88 lbs) of liquid hydrogen that can be converted into heat, electricity and water vapour in flight.</p>

<p>After the flight covered 523 miles, the company said that it still had 10 per cent of its fuel left.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the world of science fiction, flying cars have long been a dominant feature as humans have wondered when they will become a part of our real life. However, now with the invention and successful testing of flying taxis, flying cars do not appear as a dream but something that will soon turn into reality.

In the world of science fiction, flying cars have long been a dominant feature as humans have wondered when they will become a part of our real life. However, now with the invention and successful testing of flying taxis, flying cars do not appear as a dream but something that will soon turn into reality. A flying taxi, which was powered by hydrogen, covered a record 561 miles (902km) when it flew over California. This flying car has been created by Joby Aviation and has been fueled by hydrogen which means it does not produce any emissions apart from the water vapour. Also Read: THIS company's CEO has more than '100 biological kids'. Here's how Speaking about the flying car, founder and CEO of Joby JoeBen Bevirt said, "Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without the need to go to an airport and with no emissions except water. That world is closer than ever." All about the flying taxi The US military had partly funded the air taxi which is powered by six propellers that gave it the ability to take off as well as land vertically like a helicopter. Once the taxi takes off, its propellers rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position that allows the taxi to fly ahead similar to a traditional fixed-wing aircraft. The taxi's adaptable capacity allows it to accommodate four passengers at a speed of 200 miles per hour (322kmph) or when flying in urban areas. It is not the first time such an aircraft has been flown but this aircraft is unique because it is hydrogen which powers these propellers. This spacecraft is an original all-electric aircraft's modified version which has been designed by Joby and has covered 25,000 miles (40,000 km) of test flights. Watch: Flying Taxis to carry passengers at 2024 Paris Olympics Leaving out electric systems or fossil fuels, Joby chose a hydrogen-electric power system for providing clean energy over longer flights. The batteries of the craft have been replaced with a fuel cell which can hold nearly 40kg (88 lbs) of liquid hydrogen that can be converted into heat, electricity and water vapour in flight. After the flight covered 523 miles, the company said that it still had 10 per cent of its fuel left. (With inputs from agencies)

Hydrogen-powered flying taxi covers 561 miles. Here's when its commercial version will come in US

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States that if it deployed long-range missiles in Germany, Moscow would station similar missiles within striking distance of the West. Watch in for more details!

How can Russia retaliate against US missiles in Germany?

<p>In the United States, there has been a rise in cases of polymer fume fever, which is also known as "Teflon flu". The surge has put a spotlight on nonstick pans, which are seen in almost all households. The use of nonstick pans is said to be one of the most common causes of the condition. Chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing, and headaches are some of the symptoms of polymer fume fever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing America's Poison Centers, a nonprofit organisation that oversees 55 US poison centres, The Washington Post reported that there were 267 suspected cases of the flu and it is believed to be one of the highest reported totals since 2000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The centres said that there have been more than 3,600 reports of suspected cases of polymer fume fever over the past two decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/revolutionary-new-blood-test-can-detect-alzheimers-with-90-accuracy-745279">Revolutionary&nbsp;new blood test can detect Alzheimer's with 90% accuracy</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The use of frying pans is not to be blamed for all the cases, as many cases involved occupational exposure, according to the Centers. Still, experts have weighed in on the use of Teflon, which is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTFE belongs to the larger class of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or "forever chemicals" as they are able to persist in the environment for years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US-based media reports mentioned that the condition is caused by overheating pans coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, which releases fumes into the air and inhaling those fumes can lead to flu-like symptoms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/virus-that-causes-covid-is-widespread-among-wildlife-species-in-us-study-745287">Virus that causes Covid is widespread among wildlife species in US: Study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Studies have said that nonstick cookware, comprised of PTFE, is safe to use as long as it is used according to directions. However, when a nonstick pan is subjected to temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the coating may begin to deteriorate and release potentially hazardous gases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by ABC News, Dr Darien Sutton, who is an emergency medicine physician, said the symptoms tend to go away within two to three days, but the long-term effects of the condition remain unknown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sutton said on the show "Good Morning America" that "we don't yet know the long-term effects, but we do know that these chemicals, these PFAS, are associated with health conditions like thyroid abnormalities, certain cancers, like kidney cancer, as well as certain problems with infertility. So it's important to be safe with these products".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lanka apologises for forcing cremations of Muslim Covid victims</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>ICMR on cooking food in non-stick cookware</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body for biomedical research in India, recently issued guidelines about cooking using non-stick cookware, raising concerns, especially over pans coated with Teflon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ICMR's guidelines highlighted how crucial it is to properly observe usage and cleaning instructions in order to avoid exposure to contaminants. It's obvious when a pan's Teflon coating starts to wear off and should be thrown away.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ICMR recommendations</strong></h2>

<p>Use low to medium heat&nbsp;<br />
Don't preheat empty pans&nbsp;<br />
Use wooden or silicone utensils&nbsp;<br />
Replace worn-out pans&nbsp;</p>

<p>ICMR also mentioned some alternatives to non-stick cookware, which included stainless steel, cast iron and ceramic cookware.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In the United States, there has been a rise in cases of polymer fume fever, which is also known as "Teflon flu". The surge has put a spotlight on nonstick pans, which are seen in almost all households.

In the United States, there has been a rise in cases of polymer fume fever, which is also known as "Teflon flu". The surge has put a spotlight on nonstick pans, which are seen in almost all households. The use of nonstick pans is said to be one of the most common causes of the condition. Chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing, and headaches are some of the symptoms of polymer fume fever. Citing America's Poison Centers, a nonprofit organisation that oversees 55 US poison centres, The Washington Post reported that there were 267 suspected cases of the flu and it is believed to be one of the highest reported totals since 2000. The centres said that there have been more than 3,600 reports of suspected cases of polymer fume fever over the past two decades. Also read: Revolutionary new blood test can detect Alzheimer's with 90% accuracy The use of frying pans is not to be blamed for all the cases, as many cases involved occupational exposure, according to the Centers. Still, experts have weighed in on the use of Teflon, which is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE belongs to the larger class of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or "forever chemicals" as they are able to persist in the environment for years. US-based media reports mentioned that the condition is caused by overheating pans coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, which releases fumes into the air and inhaling those fumes can lead to flu-like symptoms. Also read: Virus that causes Covid is widespread among wildlife species in US: Study Studies have said that nonstick cookware, comprised of PTFE, is safe to use as long as it is used according to directions. However, when a nonstick pan is subjected to temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the coating may begin to deteriorate and release potentially hazardous gases. As quoted by ABC News, Dr Darien Sutton, who is an emergency medicine physician, said the symptoms tend to go away within two to three days, but the long-term effects of the condition remain unknown. Sutton said on the show "Good Morning America" that "we don't yet know the long-term effects, but we do know that these chemicals, these PFAS, are associated with health conditions like thyroid abnormalities, certain cancers, like kidney cancer, as well as certain problems with infertility. So it's important to be safe with these products". Watch: Sri Lanka apologises for forcing cremations of Muslim Covid victims × ICMR on cooking food in non-stick cookware The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body for biomedical research in India, recently issued guidelines about cooking using non-stick cookware, raising concerns, especially over pans coated with Teflon. ICMR's guidelines highlighted how crucial it is to properly observe usage and cleaning instructions in order to avoid exposure to contaminants. It's obvious when a pan's Teflon coating starts to wear off and should be thrown away. ICMR recommendations Use low to medium heat Don't preheat empty pans Use wooden or silicone utensils Replace worn-out pans ICMR also mentioned some alternatives to non-stick cookware, which included stainless steel, cast iron and ceramic cookware. (With inputs from agencies)

'Teflon flu' cases in US, here's what you should know about polymer fume fever

<p>The police in Nebraska, United States have charged a teenager with two felonies this week after he allegedly derailed trains for shooting an “insane” video for YouTube.</p>

<p>The 17-year-old teen, whose identification was not revealed since he is still a minor, shared the five-minute video of the train derailment in Bennet on April 21, which he called the “MOST INSANE VIDEO I’VE EVER TAKEN!”</p>

<p>“Oh my God! Oh my frickin’ God!” he was heard saying repeatedly as he shot two locomotives along with five fully loaded railcars getting derailed which led to the damages worth $350,000.</p>

<p>“Are they OK?” the teen asked after the accident of the train which thankfully no one suffered any injuries.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/boneless-chicken-wings-can-have-bones-ohio-supreme-court-declares-744575">'Boneless chicken wings can have bones': Ohio Supreme Court declares</a></p>

<p>The derailment was first reported by the teen who even reached out to the investigators present at the scene and shared with them the video he had shot, reported Fox Nebraska.</p>

<p>The investigators charged the teen on Wednesday (July 24) and also obtained a search warrant which permitted them to seize his mobile phone and 4K digital recorder, which was used by him to shoot strange videos.</p>

<p>As reported by KOLN, the boy had also shared the footage with a local news station.</p>

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<p>The teen was hit with two counts of criminal mischief which led to damage worth more than $5,000, reported the outlet.</p>

<p>In the penalties, a $15,000 fine and seven years of imprisonment on each count were also included.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how the train derailment occurred</strong></h2>

<p>The investigators were informed by a train conductor that when his train reached near the crossing, he saw that the switch was misaligned,&nbsp;reported KOLN.</p>

<p>He said that he tried to stop the train but he couldn't before it reached the spot where ideally the missing switch should have been placed.</p>

<p>It was later found by the investigators that the padlock which should have been attached to the switch was not there indicating that somebody had tampered with it.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Woman receives Lizard instead of Airfryer&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The teen refused the allegations of tampering with the switch and trespassing in the area, however, the investigators claimed he was aware of where the switch was and knew how it worked.</p>

<p>While checking the surveillance video, the authorities found a lone driver driving a vehicle in the area before the trains derailed.</p>

<p>As per the affidavit, a beige 1996 Buick Park Avenue was seen travelling in the area and before that, the 17-year-old was spotted walking towards the switch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An appeal has been filed to move the case to county court from the juvenile court.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The police in Nebraska, United States have charged a teenager with two felonies this week after he allegedly derailed trains for shooting an “insane” video for YouTube.

The police in Nebraska, United States have charged a teenager with two felonies this week after he allegedly derailed trains for shooting an “insane” video for YouTube. The 17-year-old teen, whose identification was not revealed since he is still a minor, shared the five-minute video of the train derailment in Bennet on April 21, which he called the “MOST INSANE VIDEO I’VE EVER TAKEN!” “Oh my God! Oh my frickin’ God!” he was heard saying repeatedly as he shot two locomotives along with five fully loaded railcars getting derailed which led to the damages worth $350,000. “Are they OK?” the teen asked after the accident of the train which thankfully no one suffered any injuries. Also Read: 'Boneless chicken wings can have bones': Ohio Supreme Court declares The derailment was first reported by the teen who even reached out to the investigators present at the scene and shared with them the video he had shot, reported Fox Nebraska. The investigators charged the teen on Wednesday (July 24) and also obtained a search warrant which permitted them to seize his mobile phone and 4K digital recorder, which was used by him to shoot strange videos. As reported by KOLN, the boy had also shared the footage with a local news station. × The teen was hit with two counts of criminal mischief which led to damage worth more than $5,000, reported the outlet. In the penalties, a $15,000 fine and seven years of imprisonment on each count were also included. Here's how the train derailment occurred The investigators were informed by a train conductor that when his train reached near the crossing, he saw that the switch was misaligned, reported KOLN. He said that he tried to stop the train but he couldn't before it reached the spot where ideally the missing switch should have been placed. It was later found by the investigators that the padlock which should have been attached to the switch was not there indicating that somebody had tampered with it. Watch: Woman receives Lizard instead of Airfryer The teen refused the allegations of tampering with the switch and trespassing in the area, however, the investigators claimed he was aware of where the switch was and knew how it worked. While checking the surveillance video, the authorities found a lone driver driving a vehicle in the area before the trains derailed. As per the affidavit, a beige 1996 Buick Park Avenue was seen travelling in the area and before that, the 17-year-old was spotted walking towards the switch. An appeal has been filed to move the case to county court from the juvenile court. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: US teen makes train derail deliberately to shoot 'insane' video for YouTube

The United States has announced sanctions against two indivisuals in South Africa and one from the Democratic Republic of Congo who are allegedly associated with the expanded activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

US sanctions three terror financiers from South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo

<p>China recently said that it had suspended negotiations with the United States on nuclear non-proliferation and arms control. The move was said to be in response to Washington's weapons sales to Taiwan. The decision comes amid a sharp fall in America's nuclear arsenal, even while&nbsp;China intends to increase its stockpile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Hamas conflict, there's a constant fear that a large conflict might escalate from conventional warfare to nuclear warfare. In such a scenario, talks on nuclear arms control become a key factor in maintaining global peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, in November, the US and China held talks on nuclear arms control, and in January, a White House official urged Beijing to respond "to some of our more substantive ideas on risk reduction".&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, hopes of coming to an understanding were dashed when China's foreign ministry said on July 17 that the US sales of arms to self-ruled Taiwan were "seriously undermining the political atmosphere for continued arms control consultations between the two sides".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The US has... continued its arms sales to Taiwan, and taken a series of negative actions that seriously damage China's core interests and undermine political mutual trust," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.</p>

<p>"For this reason, China has decided to suspend negotiations with the United States on a new round of arms control and non-proliferation consultations," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington, in June, approved two military sales to Taiwan worth approximately $300 million in total, mostly of spare and repair parts for the island's F-16 fighter jets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-celebrate-silver-jubilee-of-kargil-war-victory-743767">India set to celebrate silver jubilee of Kargil War victory</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Rise in Chinese nuclear arsenal</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As per <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264435/number-of-nuclear-warheads-worldwide/">data</a> by Statista published on July 4, 2024, there were approximately 12,100 nuclear warheads worldwide as of January 2024 and almost 90 per cent of them belonged to two countries: the US (5,580) and Russia (5,044). With 500 warheads, China is on the third spot, but the difference with the US numbers is substantial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Defense Department said in a congressionally mandated report last October that China was developing its nuclear arsenal more quickly than the US had anticipated. China is likely to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030, which is still less than the US, but the rise is significant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's ambition was evident during the ruling Communist Party's third plenum last week. According to a detailed document of the committee's decisions, the Central Committee pledged to "speed up the development of strategic deterrence forces" - an expression which is normally referred to as nuclear prowess. Beijing's aim to increase its nuclear arsenal is said to be in context with the US, but the stockpile increase is a rising tension for India as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just China, President Vladimir Putin has also said that Russia should start producing midrange missiles, which were previously banned under a now-defunct Cold War treaty. Such missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, were previously banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, but Washington terminated the deal in 2019, blaming Russia for not complying with its terms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-troops-kill-two-in-west-bank-raids-say-palestinians-743759">Israeli troops kill two in West Bank raids, say Palestinians</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Fall in US nuclear arsenal since Cold War peak</strong></h2>

<p>The latest data by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) revealed that the nuclear warhead stockpile of the US has shrunk since the Cold War peak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On July 19, the US government released newly <a href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/U.S.%20Nuclear%20Weapons%20Stockpile%20Transparency%202024_2.pdf">declassified information</a> on the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile to update the information previously released in October 2021. The report includes both active and inactive warheads in possession of the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the above-mentioned Statista data was based on the survey time period as of January 2024. Meanwhile, the data released by the US Department of State shows the US nuclear weapons stockpile from 1945 through September 30, 2023, which does not include weapons retired and awaiting dismantlement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data shows that as of September 2023, the US had a stockpile of 3,748 nuclear warheads. This number represents an 88 per cent reduction in the stockpile from its maximum (31,255) at the end of fiscal year 1967 and an 83 per cent decrease from its level (22,217) when the Berlin Wall fell in late 1989.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="US Department of State" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12e84a5c-d0e0-49f4-bd7b-cf691bd5bf2c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US%20Department%20of%20State.png" /></p>

<p>When it comes to warhead dismantlement, the US dismantled 12,088 nuclear warheads from fiscal years 1994 through 2023. Since, September 30, 2020, the US has dismantled 405 nuclear warheads. Approximately 2,000 additional nuclear warheads are currently retired and awaiting dismantlement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report revealed that the number of US non-strategic nuclear weapons has declined by more than 90 per cent since September 30, 1991.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


China recently said that it had suspended negotiations with the United States on nuclear non-proliferation and arms control. The move was said to be in response to Washington's weapons sales to Taiwan.

China recently said that it had suspended negotiations with the United States on nuclear non-proliferation and arms control. The move was said to be in response to Washington's weapons sales to Taiwan. The decision comes amid a sharp fall in America's nuclear arsenal, even while China intends to increase its stockpile. From the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Hamas conflict, there's a constant fear that a large conflict might escalate from conventional warfare to nuclear warfare. In such a scenario, talks on nuclear arms control become a key factor in maintaining global peace. Last year, in November, the US and China held talks on nuclear arms control, and in January, a White House official urged Beijing to respond "to some of our more substantive ideas on risk reduction". However, hopes of coming to an understanding were dashed when China's foreign ministry said on July 17 that the US sales of arms to self-ruled Taiwan were "seriously undermining the political atmosphere for continued arms control consultations between the two sides". "The US has... continued its arms sales to Taiwan, and taken a series of negative actions that seriously damage China's core interests and undermine political mutual trust," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. "For this reason, China has decided to suspend negotiations with the United States on a new round of arms control and non-proliferation consultations," he added. Washington, in June, approved two military sales to Taiwan worth approximately $300 million in total, mostly of spare and repair parts for the island's F-16 fighter jets. Also read: India set to celebrate silver jubilee of Kargil War victory Rise in Chinese nuclear arsenal As per data by Statista published on July 4, 2024, there were approximately 12,100 nuclear warheads worldwide as of January 2024 and almost 90 per cent of them belonged to two countries: the US (5,580) and Russia (5,044). With 500 warheads, China is on the third spot, but the difference with the US numbers is substantial. The US Defense Department said in a congressionally mandated report last October that China was developing its nuclear arsenal more quickly than the US had anticipated. China is likely to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030, which is still less than the US, but the rise is significant. China's ambition was evident during the ruling Communist Party's third plenum last week. According to a detailed document of the committee's decisions, the Central Committee pledged to "speed up the development of strategic deterrence forces" - an expression which is normally referred to as nuclear prowess. Beijing's aim to increase its nuclear arsenal is said to be in context with the US, but the stockpile increase is a rising tension for India as well. Not just China, President Vladimir Putin has also said that Russia should start producing midrange missiles, which were previously banned under a now-defunct Cold War treaty. Such missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, were previously banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, but Washington terminated the deal in 2019, blaming Russia for not complying with its terms. Also read: Israeli troops kill two in West Bank raids, say Palestinians Fall in US nuclear arsenal since Cold War peak The latest data by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) revealed that the nuclear warhead stockpile of the US has shrunk since the Cold War peak. On July 19, the US government released newly declassified information on the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile to update the information previously released in October 2021. The report includes both active and inactive warheads in possession of the US. Notably, the above-mentioned Statista data was based on the survey time period as of January 2024. Meanwhile, the data released by the US Department of State shows the US nuclear weapons stockpile from 1945 through September 30, 2023, which does not include weapons retired and awaiting dismantlement. The data shows that as of September 2023, the US had a stockpile of 3,748 nuclear warheads. This number represents an 88 per cent reduction in the stockpile from its maximum (31,255) at the end of fiscal year 1967 and an 83 per cent decrease from its level (22,217) when the Berlin Wall fell in late 1989. When it comes to warhead dismantlement, the US dismantled 12,088 nuclear warheads from fiscal years 1994 through 2023. Since, September 30, 2020, the US has dismantled 405 nuclear warheads. Approximately 2,000 additional nuclear warheads are currently retired and awaiting dismantlement. The report revealed that the number of US non-strategic nuclear weapons has declined by more than 90 per cent since September 30, 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

US rolling back its nuclear stockpile even as China doubles down on increasing arsenal

<p>United States President Joe Biden made a big statement on Tuesday (July 16) when he hinted that Vice President Kamala Harris “could be president of the United States”.</p>

<p>The president was speaking at the annual convention of the NAACP when he made the remark in the wake of fellow Democrats making efforts to convince him to step aside from the presidential election race.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-has-my-strong-endorsement-says-haley-at-rnc-741549">&nbsp;‘Donald Trump has my strong endorsement’, says Haley at RNC</a></p>

<p>“She’s not only a great vice president, she could be president of the United States,” said the 81-year-old president, while speaking about the 59-year-old Harris, who he called the best candidate to replace him when he decides to retire.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is Biden contemplating stepping aside?</strong></h2>

<p>However, Biden did not indicate that he would step down as he informed the crowd that he had already sketched a plan for the first 100 days of a second term which included signing voting-rights legislation “come hell or high water.”</p>

<p>In his remarks, he also repeatedly attacked Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and called on Americans to “lower the temperature” of the campaign in the Oval Office address on Sunday (July 14).</p>

<p>“Donald Trump’s presidency was hell for black America,” said Biden, at one point.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Trump assassination attempt: Did the Secret Service in its core duty?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-attempt-did-the-secret-service-in-its-core-duty-741551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Trump is “lying like hell” regarding black unemployment records, said the president as he ridiculed the focus of Trump on growing “black jobs.”</p>

<p>“I love this phrase, ‘black jobs’, tells us a lot about the man and about his character,” said Biden.</p>

<p>“Folks, I know what a black job is. It’s the vice president of the United States. I know what a black job is: the first black president in American history, Barack Obama," he said.</p>

<p>Trump is “a guy who spread the birthism lie about Barack Obama, saying he wasn’t born in America and he wasn’t a US citizen,” the president added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden said that Republicans would “undo everything the NAACP stands for.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden made a big statement on Tuesday (July 16) when he hinted that Vice President Kamala Harris “could be president of the United States”.

United States President Joe Biden made a big statement on Tuesday (July 16) when he hinted that Vice President Kamala Harris “could be president of the United States”. The president was speaking at the annual convention of the NAACP when he made the remark in the wake of fellow Democrats making efforts to convince him to step aside from the presidential election race. Also Read: ‘Donald Trump has my strong endorsement’, says Haley at RNC “She’s not only a great vice president, she could be president of the United States,” said the 81-year-old president, while speaking about the 59-year-old Harris, who he called the best candidate to replace him when he decides to retire. Is Biden contemplating stepping aside? However, Biden did not indicate that he would step down as he informed the crowd that he had already sketched a plan for the first 100 days of a second term which included signing voting-rights legislation “come hell or high water.” In his remarks, he also repeatedly attacked Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and called on Americans to “lower the temperature” of the campaign in the Oval Office address on Sunday (July 14). “Donald Trump’s presidency was hell for black America,” said Biden, at one point. Watch: Trump assassination attempt: Did the Secret Service in its core duty? Trump is “lying like hell” regarding black unemployment records, said the president as he ridiculed the focus of Trump on growing “black jobs.” “I love this phrase, ‘black jobs’, tells us a lot about the man and about his character,” said Biden. “Folks, I know what a black job is. It’s the vice president of the United States. I know what a black job is: the first black president in American history, Barack Obama," he said. Trump is “a guy who spread the birthism lie about Barack Obama, saying he wasn’t born in America and he wasn’t a US citizen,” the president added. Biden said that Republicans would “undo everything the NAACP stands for.” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden calls Kamala Harris a potential 'president' candidate for United States

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<p>The people who had gathered to watch whales on a beach in California, United States were left horrified after an alien-look blood-red sea creature washed up.</p>

<p>A post was shared giving details of the intertidal terror which made an appearance on the beach on the social media platform Instagram.</p>

<p>“What is this creature right out of the Twilight Zone?,” asked the cetacean searchers, as they spoke about the creepy-looking creature which suddenly appeared in Monterey, as reported by Jam Press.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mammothic-24-foot-shark-washes-up-on-uk-beach-officials-use-a-forklift-to-remove-the-beast-737385">Enormous 24-foot shark washes up on UK beach, officials use a forklift to remove the beast</a></p>

<p>“We found it just hanging out on our dock this morning and we gently scooped it up with some cardboard and carefully put it back in the water,” said one of the whale watchers, while speaking to the outlet.</p>

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<p>In the footage, a long and undulating blood worm was seen having rows of hairlike appendages on each side of its body.</p>

<p>The netizens freaked out by seeing such a worm crawling ashore, as one called it the “stuff of nightmares.”</p>

<p>“Hey that’s my lower digestive system,” said one user, while another called the animal a “nope rope.”</p>

<h2><strong>All about this marine monster</strong></h2>

<p>This alien-looking marine monster is actually a blood worm, one kind of burrowing invertebrate. It was named so because the red body plasma underneath its translucent skin is visible.</p>

<p>It has the capacity to grow a foot long and its teeth are accompanied by a venomous proboscis - which is said to be as hard as that of humans.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: The Rich in U.S. Are Freezing Themselves to Stay Wealthy Forever</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-rich-in-us-are-freezing-themselves-to-stay-wealthy-forever-740350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The proboscis of the blood worm shoots out and ensnares its prey. However, the worm is not known to go after humans.</p>

<p>The experts, however, advise people to not place one's fingers near its mouth since it can give a beesting-like bite.</p>

<p>The blood worm is able to easily attract fish which is why it is used as bait by the anglers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The people who had gathered to watch whales on a beach in California, United States were left horrified after an alien-look blood-red sea creature washed up. A post was shared giving details of the intertidal terror which made an appearance on the beach on the social media platform Instagram.

The people who had gathered to watch whales on a beach in California, United States were left horrified after an alien-look blood-red sea creature washed up. A post was shared giving details of the intertidal terror which made an appearance on the beach on the social media platform Instagram. “What is this creature right out of the Twilight Zone?,” asked the cetacean searchers, as they spoke about the creepy-looking creature which suddenly appeared in Monterey, as reported by Jam Press. Also Read: Enormous 24-foot shark washes up on UK beach, officials use a forklift to remove the beast “We found it just hanging out on our dock this morning and we gently scooped it up with some cardboard and carefully put it back in the water,” said one of the whale watchers, while speaking to the outlet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Monterey Bay Whale Watch (@monterey_bay_whale_watch) × In the footage, a long and undulating blood worm was seen having rows of hairlike appendages on each side of its body. The netizens freaked out by seeing such a worm crawling ashore, as one called it the “stuff of nightmares.” “Hey that’s my lower digestive system,” said one user, while another called the animal a “nope rope.” All about this marine monster This alien-looking marine monster is actually a blood worm, one kind of burrowing invertebrate. It was named so because the red body plasma underneath its translucent skin is visible. It has the capacity to grow a foot long and its teeth are accompanied by a venomous proboscis - which is said to be as hard as that of humans. Watch: The Rich in U.S. Are Freezing Themselves to Stay Wealthy Forever The proboscis of the blood worm shoots out and ensnares its prey. However, the worm is not known to go after humans. The experts, however, advise people to not place one's fingers near its mouth since it can give a beesting-like bite. The blood worm is able to easily attract fish which is why it is used as bait by the anglers. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Alien 'blood worm' appears on US beach, watchers call marine monster a 'nightmare'

<p>India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit. The development means a continued insistence by the nations of the Global South to ensure trade operability in their own currencies in a setback to the belligerent dominance of the US dollar in global trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Aiming to further accelerate and sustain the growth in bilateral trade, the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030," said the 12th of the 81-point joint statement following the conclusion of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in Russia: PM Modi interacts with Indian diaspora in Moscow</strong></p>

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<p>To further expand the business ties, Modi and Putin launched the first-ever India-Russia Investment Forum. The two sides also agreed to "facilitate participation of Russian businesses in 'Make in India' and '<em>Atmanirbhar Bharat</em>' (self-reliant India) programmes and that of Indian companies in investment projects in Russia," the joint statement stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia summit: On Transport and Connectivity</strong></h2>

<p>The two sides said that they will continue joint efforts to intensify the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor&nbsp;route in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote connectivity in the Eurasian space.</p>

<p><img alt="Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INSTC.png" /></p>

<p>"Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics will be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," the official readout said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route.</p>

<p><img alt="Eastern maritime corridor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0634ab7d-279c-4b6d-8e10-04a3e4da0e1a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chennaiRussia.png" /></p>

<p><em>Eastern Maritime Corridor | WION</em></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Indian PM was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by the Russian president.&nbsp;PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-presented-with-order-of-st-andrew-the-apostle-russias-highest-civilian-honour-739332">PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi told President Putin that war is not a solution. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered.</p>

<p>"I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with President&nbsp;Putin.</p>


India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit.

India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit. The development means a continued insistence by the nations of the Global South to ensure trade operability in their own currencies in a setback to the belligerent dominance of the US dollar in global trade. "Aiming to further accelerate and sustain the growth in bilateral trade, the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030," said the 12th of the 81-point joint statement following the conclusion of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit. Also watch | PM Modi in Russia: PM Modi interacts with Indian diaspora in Moscow × To further expand the business ties, Modi and Putin launched the first-ever India-Russia Investment Forum. The two sides also agreed to "facilitate participation of Russian businesses in 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) programmes and that of Indian companies in investment projects in Russia," the joint statement stated. India-Russia summit: On Transport and Connectivity The two sides said that they will continue joint efforts to intensify the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor route in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote connectivity in the Eurasian space. "Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics will be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," the official readout said. The two sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route. Eastern Maritime Corridor | WION Earlier in the day, the Indian PM was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by the Russian president. PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries". Also read | PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour PM Modi told President Putin that war is not a solution. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered. "I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with President Putin.

Modi-Putin deliver de-dollarisation blow to United States with ambitious trade target

<p>The netizens were seen getting engaged in a new kind of debate over whether India or the United States ensure a better quality of life after a woman took to social media to share her experience of living in the two countries and tried to redefine the idea of "real luxury".</p>

<p>Taking to social media X, Indian-origin woman Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi shared how the living experience was different in the United States in comparison to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that earlier the woman believed amenities like affordable domestic help and home delivery of groceries defined the lavish lifestyle in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After her visit to the United States, the woman realised that the quality of life is determined by clean air and well-maintained roads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to social media, she wrote, "Day 11 today in the US and here's a thought I had yesterday evening. It might trigger some of you. But if online text with somebody's opinion triggers you that's a space you should totally work on and protect for your own energy."</p>

<p>"So the thought is - I've always felt how luxurious life in India can be with: quick food deliveries, 10min grocery delivery, affordable household help. I literally survive on grocery deliveries lol. But REAL quality of life is actually stuff that's super basic. It's clean air, ongoing electricity,&nbsp;&nbsp;availability of water, plenty of greenery, good roads," Sodhi added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Day 11 today in the US 🇺🇸 and here’s a thought I had yesterday evening. It might trigger some of you…<br />
<br />
But if online text with somebody’s opinion triggers you that’s a space you should totally work on and protect for your own energy 🤓<br />
<br />
So the thought is -<br />
<br />
I’ve always felt how… <a href="https://t.co/r0V1QXVadD">pic.twitter.com/r0V1QXVadD</a></p>
— Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi 🏔 (@NiharikaSodhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/NiharikaSodhi/status/1809558415292629458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The social media user said that the citizens do not need quick delivery services if the country has clean air and people are free to go to the store without any fear.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/urgent-make-an-accident-wrongly-translated-indian-highway-warning-signboard-goes-viral-737434">'Urgent Make An Accident': Wrongly-translated Indian highway warning signboard goes viral</a></p>

<p>"And the real luxury is central air conditioning instead of dying in 45C without any electricity on some days, freedom to wear what you want to be comfortable instead of men ogling at you. Because things that have made me happy in the past few days apart from family time, are morning walks, good air, green pastures, seeing sunrise and sunset, sound of birds instead of honking," Sodhi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further said that "perhaps it's my definition of quality of life and luxury that has changed." "I don't know if I'll ever attain any of the above. But it's definitely a thought in my head," &nbsp;wrote the X user.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted to the viral post</strong></h2>

<p>From the time it was shared, the post went viral and garnered five lakh views and&nbsp;three thousand likes on the social media platform.</p>

<p>"100 percent agree. It takes courage to voice this opinion. Civic sense is a highly under rated attribute," a user said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Living in Melbourne for 15 years and temporarily moved to Mumbai and ai could see the difference clearly. You are 100% correct. We hardly had food deliveries in Melbourne but everyday in Mumbai because of pollution, traffic etc," wrote a second person.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pune: 2 videos of drug consumption go viral, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde urges strict action</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-2-videos-of-drug-consumption-go-viral-maharashtra-cm-eknath-shinde-urges-strict-action-734983/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Villages of India also offer you such a peaceful and healthy environment... Farmers of India are no less than living in US or Melbourne the only drawback- u can't get food delivered online &amp; obviously not a high package microsoft job," commented a third user.</p>

<p>"You can get such life if you move 50 kms away from any city in India," said a fourth.</p>

<p>"Both places have their plus and minus. You usually cannot have everything in one place," wrote another user.</p>

<p>"Really depends from person to person and how you define the quality of life. Having lived in Bangalore and also getting a taste of life abroad, and talking to people who live abroad, things are not as rosy as it seems on the paper," a social media user said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The netizens were seen getting engaged in a new kind of debate over whether India or the United States ensure a better quality of life after a woman took to social media to share her experience of living in the two countries and tried to redefine the idea of "real luxury".

The netizens were seen getting engaged in a new kind of debate over whether India or the United States ensure a better quality of life after a woman took to social media to share her experience of living in the two countries and tried to redefine the idea of "real luxury". Taking to social media X, Indian-origin woman Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi shared how the living experience was different in the United States in comparison to India. She said that earlier the woman believed amenities like affordable domestic help and home delivery of groceries defined the lavish lifestyle in India. After her visit to the United States, the woman realised that the quality of life is determined by clean air and well-maintained roads. Taking to social media, she wrote, "Day 11 today in the US and here's a thought I had yesterday evening. It might trigger some of you. But if online text with somebody's opinion triggers you that's a space you should totally work on and protect for your own energy." "So the thought is - I've always felt how luxurious life in India can be with: quick food deliveries, 10min grocery delivery, affordable household help. I literally survive on grocery deliveries lol. But REAL quality of life is actually stuff that's super basic. It's clean air, ongoing electricity, availability of water, plenty of greenery, good roads," Sodhi added. Day 11 today in the US 🇺🇸 and here’s a thought I had yesterday evening. It might trigger some of you… But if online text with somebody’s opinion triggers you that’s a space you should totally work on and protect for your own energy 🤓 So the thought is - I’ve always felt how… pic.twitter.com/r0V1QXVadD — Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi 🏔 (@NiharikaSodhi) July 6, 2024 × The social media user said that the citizens do not need quick delivery services if the country has clean air and people are free to go to the store without any fear. Also Read: 'Urgent Make An Accident': Wrongly-translated Indian highway warning signboard goes viral "And the real luxury is central air conditioning instead of dying in 45C without any electricity on some days, freedom to wear what you want to be comfortable instead of men ogling at you. Because things that have made me happy in the past few days apart from family time, are morning walks, good air, green pastures, seeing sunrise and sunset, sound of birds instead of honking," Sodhi said. She further said that "perhaps it's my definition of quality of life and luxury that has changed." "I don't know if I'll ever attain any of the above. But it's definitely a thought in my head," wrote the X user. Here's how netizens reacted to the viral post From the time it was shared, the post went viral and garnered five lakh views and three thousand likes on the social media platform. "100 percent agree. It takes courage to voice this opinion. Civic sense is a highly under rated attribute," a user said. "Living in Melbourne for 15 years and temporarily moved to Mumbai and ai could see the difference clearly. You are 100% correct. We hardly had food deliveries in Melbourne but everyday in Mumbai because of pollution, traffic etc," wrote a second person. Watch: Pune: 2 videos of drug consumption go viral, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde urges strict action "Villages of India also offer you such a peaceful and healthy environment... Farmers of India are no less than living in US or Melbourne the only drawback- u can't get food delivered online & obviously not a high package microsoft job," commented a third user. "You can get such life if you move 50 kms away from any city in India," said a fourth. "Both places have their plus and minus. You usually cannot have everything in one place," wrote another user. "Really depends from person to person and how you define the quality of life. Having lived in Bangalore and also getting a taste of life abroad, and talking to people who live abroad, things are not as rosy as it seems on the paper," a social media user said. (With inputs from agencies)

India vs US: Which country offers better quality of life? Woman's comparison sparks debate

<p>Owls seem to have become friends as well as foes of the people of the United States who are trying to kill one species of this bird to save the other one from extinction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US wildlife officials have devised a plan for killing almost half a million barred owls so as to save the endangered spotted owls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by the Associated Press, the US Fish and Wildlife Service's&nbsp;strategy is aimed at stopping the decline of the spotted owl populations in Oregon, Washington state and California.</p>

<p>The agency's documents lay out the plan which involves the killing of nearly 450,000 barred owls over a period of three decades.</p>

<p>For a long time, the spotted owls have been struggling for survival and adaptation, while&nbsp;the barred owls have entered the West Coast territory from the eastern United States and are now pushing them&nbsp;towards extinction&nbsp;because of the dearth of resources.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pig-hunt-painting-emerges-as-oldest-artwork-of-humans-in-indonesian-cave-737902"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>THIS animal was painted in first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave</a></p>

<p>Fish and Wildlife Service Oregon state supervisor Kessina Lee stressed the gravity of the situation. “Without actively managing barred owls, northern spotted owls will likely go extinct in all or the majority of their range, despite decades of collaborative conservation efforts,” said Lee," as reported by Earth.com.</p>

<p>Experts have made previous attempts to safeguard the spotted owls&nbsp;by&nbsp;preserving their native forests.&nbsp;These steps were intensely discussed and curbed the decline of the owls to an extent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the efforts were countered by a significant increase in the number of barred owls.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wildlife advocates protest against killing of owls</strong></h2>

<p>The earlier government had also adopted methods for protecting West Coast salmon and warblers which included the elimination of their predators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, a lot of wildlife advocates have been against the killing of barred owls to save the other species.</p>

<p>The experts say that this step is not in accordance with sustainable conservation strategies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finger-found-in-ice-cream-followed-by-disturbing-animal-find-in-deliveries-733481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Founder of Animal Wellness Action advocacy group Wayne Pacelle expressed strong disapproval of the killing of the owl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Fish and Wildlife Service is turning from protector of wildlife to persecutor of wildlife,” Pacelle said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to him, the programme will fail once more barred owls will migrate into areas where others have been killed.</p>

<p>The mass killing of barred owls is scheduled to commence next spring, amid all the criticism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Owls seem to have become friends as well as foes of the people of the United States who are trying to kill one species of this bird to save the other one from extinction.

Owls seem to have become friends as well as foes of the people of the United States who are trying to kill one species of this bird to save the other one from extinction. The US wildlife officials have devised a plan for killing almost half a million barred owls so as to save the endangered spotted owls. As reported by the Associated Press, the US Fish and Wildlife Service's strategy is aimed at stopping the decline of the spotted owl populations in Oregon, Washington state and California. The agency's documents lay out the plan which involves the killing of nearly 450,000 barred owls over a period of three decades. For a long time, the spotted owls have been struggling for survival and adaptation, while the barred owls have entered the West Coast territory from the eastern United States and are now pushing them towards extinction because of the dearth of resources. Also Read: THIS animal was painted in first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave Fish and Wildlife Service Oregon state supervisor Kessina Lee stressed the gravity of the situation. “Without actively managing barred owls, northern spotted owls will likely go extinct in all or the majority of their range, despite decades of collaborative conservation efforts,” said Lee," as reported by Earth.com. Experts have made previous attempts to safeguard the spotted owls by preserving their native forests. These steps were intensely discussed and curbed the decline of the owls to an extent. However, the efforts were countered by a significant increase in the number of barred owls. Wildlife advocates protest against killing of owls The earlier government had also adopted methods for protecting West Coast salmon and warblers which included the elimination of their predators. Now, a lot of wildlife advocates have been against the killing of barred owls to save the other species. The experts say that this step is not in accordance with sustainable conservation strategies. Watch: Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries Founder of Animal Wellness Action advocacy group Wayne Pacelle expressed strong disapproval of the killing of the owl. “The Fish and Wildlife Service is turning from protector of wildlife to persecutor of wildlife,” Pacelle said. According to him, the programme will fail once more barred owls will migrate into areas where others have been killed. The mass killing of barred owls is scheduled to commence next spring, amid all the criticism. (With inputs from agencies)

This first-world country will soon be culling 450,000 owls. Here's why

In a notable shift in educational and immigration policy, the United States is actively seeking to increase the number of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students from India while limiting access for Chinese students to certain technological programs.

US eyes for Indian students; friction between China & US reflects in latter's universities

US willing to intake more STEM students from India than China amid Chinese security threats

Are American military installations in Europe under imminent threat of a terror attack? Over the weekend, several bases of the United States military across Europe were put on a heightened state of alert amid concerns that a terrorist attack could target US military personnel or facilities. But what triggered this response? Who is conspiring against the U.S. Military in Europe? What is the level of threat that has the U.S. Army worried?

US military raises threat alert across bases in Europe, second highest alert level in place

<p>Former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, who oversaw the response to a 2022 elementary school shooting in the US state of Texas has been charged and arrested over the response, US media reported citing an official at the Uvalde jail. The shooting left 21 people dead, including 19 children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reported that the 52-year-old was taken in by law enforcement officers on Thursday (Jun 27), He has reportedly been charged with 10 counts of abandoning/endangering a child.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-abortion-ruling-state-supreme-court-lets-strict-law-go-into-effect-736081">Iowa abortion ruling: State Supreme Court lets strict law go into effect</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sheriff Ruben Nolasco confirmed to ABC News that Arredondo was released from custody after being booked into the Uvalde County jail Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alongside Arredondo, former school police officer Adrian Gonzales was also named in the grand jury indictments, CNN reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NBC News said that Arredondo's bail was set a $10,000 surety bond and nine $10,000 personal recognizance bonds. He posted bail and was later released the same day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-makes-fiery-attack-on-biden-calls-him-manchurian-candidate-paid-by-china-735959">Trump makes fiery attack on Biden, calls him 'Manchurian candidate', 'paid by China'</a></strong></p>

<p>In Uvalde school, which turned out to be America's deadliest school shooting in a decade, 19 young children and two teachers were killed on May 24, 2022 when a teenage gunman went on a rampage with an AR-15 style assault rifle at the school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uvalde police have come under heavy criticism ever since reports emerged that more than a dozen police officers stood outside the classrooms where the shooting was occurring for more than an hour while doing nothing as children inside lay dead or critically injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;President Biden drops by a campaign event after debating Donald Trump</strong></p>

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<p>A Texas state lawmakers' report said in July 2022 that a total of 376 officers - border guards, state police, city police, local sheriff departments and elite forces - responded to the massacre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A US Justice Department report released earlier this year cited "critical failures" in the response.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, who oversaw the response to a 2022 elementary school shooting in the US state of Texas has been charged and arrested over the response, US media reported citing an official at the Uvalde jail.

Former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, who oversaw the response to a 2022 elementary school shooting in the US state of Texas has been charged and arrested over the response, US media reported citing an official at the Uvalde jail. The shooting left 21 people dead, including 19 children. Media reported that the 52-year-old was taken in by law enforcement officers on Thursday (Jun 27), He has reportedly been charged with 10 counts of abandoning/endangering a child. Also read: Iowa abortion ruling: State Supreme Court lets strict law go into effect Sheriff Ruben Nolasco confirmed to ABC News that Arredondo was released from custody after being booked into the Uvalde County jail Thursday night. Alongside Arredondo, former school police officer Adrian Gonzales was also named in the grand jury indictments, CNN reported. NBC News said that Arredondo's bail was set a $10,000 surety bond and nine $10,000 personal recognizance bonds. He posted bail and was later released the same day. Also read: Trump makes fiery attack on Biden, calls him 'Manchurian candidate', 'paid by China' In Uvalde school, which turned out to be America's deadliest school shooting in a decade, 19 young children and two teachers were killed on May 24, 2022 when a teenage gunman went on a rampage with an AR-15 style assault rifle at the school. Uvalde police have come under heavy criticism ever since reports emerged that more than a dozen police officers stood outside the classrooms where the shooting was occurring for more than an hour while doing nothing as children inside lay dead or critically injured. Watch: President Biden drops by a campaign event after debating Donald Trump × A Texas state lawmakers' report said in July 2022 that a total of 376 officers - border guards, state police, city police, local sheriff departments and elite forces - responded to the massacre. A US Justice Department report released earlier this year cited "critical failures" in the response. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Uvalde school police chief charged and arrested over shooting response

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidGPYitNKf2iUr" /></p>

<p>India on Friday (June 28) rejected the United States (US)&nbsp;report on international religious freedom as "deeply biased" and lacking understanding of India's social dynamics. Addressing the press conference, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have noted the release by the US State Department of its report on international religious Freedom for 2023."</p>

<p>"As in the past, the report is deeply biased, lacks an understanding of India's social fabric, and is visibly driven by votebank considerations and a prescriptive outlook. We therefore reject it," Jaiswal said.</p>

<h2><strong>The criticism</strong></h2>

<p>Jaiswal criticised the report&nbsp;for its "selective use of facts" and reliance on biased sources. The foreign ministry spokesperson pointed out that the report questioned the validity of Indian laws&nbsp;and regulations, including those aimed at monitoring financial flows and ensuring compliance, which New Delhi&nbsp;sees as essential for national security.</p>

<p>"The report has also targeted regulations that monitor the misuse of financial flows into India, suggesting that the burden of compliance is unreasonable. It seeks to question the need for such measures," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: India slams US International Religious Freedom report. Calls it biased, driven by vote bank politics. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/randhir_jk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@randhir_jk</a> : <a href="https://t.co/Gd8A0C4CJS">pic.twitter.com/Gd8A0C4CJS</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1806647252653605284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In 2023, India has officially taken up numerous cases in the US of hate crimes, racial attacks on Indian nationals and other minorities, vandalisation and targeting of places of worship, violence, and mistreatment by law enforcement authorities, as well as according to political space to advocates of extremism and terrorism abroad," Jaiswal further said.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report say?</strong></h2>

<p>The report on international religious freedom by the US State Department&nbsp;expressed worries regarding India's anti-conversion laws, incidents of hate speech, and alleged demolitions of residences and religious sites belonging to minority communities.</p>

<p>Releasing the report earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that at present, "governments around the world continue to target individuals, shutter places of worship, forcibly displace communities, and imprison people because of their religious beliefs."</p>

<p>"In India, we see a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities," Blinken added.&nbsp;</p>


India on Friday (June 28) rejected the United States (US) report on international religious freedom as "deeply biased" and lacking understanding of India's social dynamics.

India on Friday (June 28) rejected the United States (US) report on international religious freedom as "deeply biased" and lacking understanding of India's social dynamics. Addressing the press conference, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have noted the release by the US State Department of its report on international religious Freedom for 2023." "As in the past, the report is deeply biased, lacks an understanding of India's social fabric, and is visibly driven by votebank considerations and a prescriptive outlook. We therefore reject it," Jaiswal said. The criticism Jaiswal criticised the report for its "selective use of facts" and reliance on biased sources. The foreign ministry spokesperson pointed out that the report questioned the validity of Indian laws and regulations, including those aimed at monitoring financial flows and ensuring compliance, which New Delhi sees as essential for national security. "The report has also targeted regulations that monitor the misuse of financial flows into India, suggesting that the burden of compliance is unreasonable. It seeks to question the need for such measures," he said. Breaking: India slams US International Religious Freedom report. Calls it biased, driven by vote bank politics. @MEAIndia @randhir_jk : pic.twitter.com/Gd8A0C4CJS — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 28, 2024 × "In 2023, India has officially taken up numerous cases in the US of hate crimes, racial attacks on Indian nationals and other minorities, vandalisation and targeting of places of worship, violence, and mistreatment by law enforcement authorities, as well as according to political space to advocates of extremism and terrorism abroad," Jaiswal further said. What did the report say? The report on international religious freedom by the US State Department expressed worries regarding India's anti-conversion laws, incidents of hate speech, and alleged demolitions of residences and religious sites belonging to minority communities. Releasing the report earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that at present, "governments around the world continue to target individuals, shutter places of worship, forcibly displace communities, and imprison people because of their religious beliefs." "In India, we see a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities," Blinken added.

Deeply biased, lacks understanding...: India rejects US report on religious freedom

<p>The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against shipping companies for transporting Iranian oil, saying it was a response to Tehran's nuclear "escalation," on the eve of presidential elections in the Islamic republic.</p>

<p>"Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.</p>

<p>He said the United States was imposing the sanctions "in response to these continued nuclear escalations," saying, "We remain committed to never letting Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, and we are prepared to use all elements of national power to ensure that outcome."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-vote-in-snap-polls-with-hopes-for-better-economy-regional-stability-735900">Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes for better economy, regional stability</a></p>

<p>The State&nbsp;Department announced sanctions on three shipping companies, all based in the United Arab Emirates, for allegedly transporting Iranian oil as well as 11 associated vessels.</p>

<p>The sanctions block any assets of the companies in the United States and criminalise US transactions with them.</p>

<p>The United States already has a sweeping unilateral ban on other countries buying Iranian oil, imposed by former president Donald Trump when he withdrew from a nuclear deal.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden's administration initially said it would restore the 2015 deal but gave up after exhaustive negotiations with Tehran, major protests inside Iran and, more recently, tension over Iran's support for Palestinian militants Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran votes amid tensions boiling over new hijab law</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-votes-amid-tensions-boiling-over-new-hijab-law-735914/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The UN nuclear watchdog said earlier this month that Iran is further expanding its nuclear capacities, with Tehran informing the agency that it was installing more cascades at enrichment facilities.</p>

<p>Iran's cleric-led government denies seeking a nuclear weapon. Iran on Friday holds elections for president after conservative Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash.</p>


The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against shipping companies for transporting Iranian oil, saying it was a response to Tehran's nuclear "escalation," on the eve of presidential elections in the Islamic republic.

The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against shipping companies for transporting Iranian oil, saying it was a response to Tehran's nuclear "escalation," on the eve of presidential elections in the Islamic republic. "Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. He said the United States was imposing the sanctions "in response to these continued nuclear escalations," saying, "We remain committed to never letting Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, and we are prepared to use all elements of national power to ensure that outcome." Also Read: Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes for better economy, regional stability The State Department announced sanctions on three shipping companies, all based in the United Arab Emirates, for allegedly transporting Iranian oil as well as 11 associated vessels. The sanctions block any assets of the companies in the United States and criminalise US transactions with them. The United States already has a sweeping unilateral ban on other countries buying Iranian oil, imposed by former president Donald Trump when he withdrew from a nuclear deal. President Joe Biden's administration initially said it would restore the 2015 deal but gave up after exhaustive negotiations with Tehran, major protests inside Iran and, more recently, tension over Iran's support for Palestinian militants Hamas. Watch: Iran votes amid tensions boiling over new hijab law The UN nuclear watchdog said earlier this month that Iran is further expanding its nuclear capacities, with Tehran informing the agency that it was installing more cascades at enrichment facilities. Iran's cleric-led government denies seeking a nuclear weapon. Iran on Friday holds elections for president after conservative Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash.

US issues fresh sanctions against Iran over 'nuclear escalation'

<p>A statue of former United States president Abraham Lincoln, which is kept outside an elementary school in Washington DC, &nbsp;melted due to an intense heatwave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports mentioned that the statue, modelled after the Lincoln Memorial, melted because of the extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 37.7 degrees Celsius in Northwest Washington on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BBC mentioned in its report that the head was damaged first and later his legs started to drip off its torso. The report stated that a foot turned into a huge chunk, with deformity visible on all parts. The chair on which Lincoln's effigy was sitting also sank into the ground. The statue is now under repair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alarming-antarctic-ice-melt-tipping-point-found-raises-sea-level-rise-fears-735420">Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>See the pics here:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This heat is relentless.<br />
<br />
A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted so much, it's almost lost its head <a href="https://twitter.com/wusa9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wusa9</a> <a href="https://t.co/WcIosorabe">pic.twitter.com/WcIosorabe</a></p>
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnDoranTV/status/1804984035237667096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted due to the heat....🥵<br />
<br />
Before and after.....<br />
<br />
Quote from the artist Sandy Williams to the Intelligencer....<br />
<br />
"I previously had joked that when our climate gets bad enough to where we are living in an environment where… <a href="https://t.co/tl7bVXP76g">pic.twitter.com/tl7bVXP76g</a></p>
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1805585894222463124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>An intense heatwave swept across parts of the nation, especially in Washington DC, where temperatures usually go up to 29 degrees Celsius and down to 17 degrees Celsius. Hence, at above 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature made things extremely difficult for the residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Residents in Washington DC's Georgetown neighbourhood and in Boston, Massachusetts kept themselves cool using water fountains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jun 23), more than 100 million people across the US were under heat warnings, with cities on the East Coast bracing for record-breaking temperatures as the heat dome causing the dangerous conditions expands&nbsp;to the West Coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/volcanic-eruptions-on-icelands-reykjanes-peninsula-could-continue-for-decades-study-735395">Volcanic eruptions on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula could continue for decades: Study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Baltimore and Philadelphia are forecast to touch records near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, while temperatures rise into the 90s F in states like Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, as much as 15 degrees above normal for this time of year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials are warning of dangerous conditions in the Philadelphia region where high humidity could drive heat indices above 105 F (41 C), making it feel even hotter than the actual temperature.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A statue of former United States president Abraham Lincoln, which is kept outside an elementary school in Washington DC, melted due to an intense heatwave. Local reports mentioned that the statue, modelled after the Lincoln Memorial, melted because of the extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 37.

A statue of former United States president Abraham Lincoln, which is kept outside an elementary school in Washington DC, melted due to an intense heatwave. Local reports mentioned that the statue, modelled after the Lincoln Memorial, melted because of the extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 37.7 degrees Celsius in Northwest Washington on Saturday. BBC mentioned in its report that the head was damaged first and later his legs started to drip off its torso. The report stated that a foot turned into a huge chunk, with deformity visible on all parts. The chair on which Lincoln's effigy was sitting also sank into the ground. The statue is now under repair. Also read: Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise See the pics here: This heat is relentless. A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted so much, it's almost lost its head @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/WcIosorabe — John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) June 23, 2024 × A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Northwest DC has melted due to the heat....🥵 Before and after..... Quote from the artist Sandy Williams to the Intelligencer.... "I previously had joked that when our climate gets bad enough to where we are living in an environment where… pic.twitter.com/tl7bVXP76g — Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) June 25, 2024 × An intense heatwave swept across parts of the nation, especially in Washington DC, where temperatures usually go up to 29 degrees Celsius and down to 17 degrees Celsius. Hence, at above 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature made things extremely difficult for the residents. Residents in Washington DC's Georgetown neighbourhood and in Boston, Massachusetts kept themselves cool using water fountains. On Sunday (Jun 23), more than 100 million people across the US were under heat warnings, with cities on the East Coast bracing for record-breaking temperatures as the heat dome causing the dangerous conditions expands to the West Coast. Also read: Volcanic eruptions on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula could continue for decades: Study Baltimore and Philadelphia are forecast to touch records near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, while temperatures rise into the 90s F in states like Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, as much as 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. Officials are warning of dangerous conditions in the Philadelphia region where high humidity could drive heat indices above 105 F (41 C), making it feel even hotter than the actual temperature. (With inputs from agencies)

Abraham Lincoln's wax statue melts amid soaring temperatures, see pics

<p>The officials of the United States and Israel went through "every single case" of weapons shipments at a meeting held in Washington, DC and sorted any "misunderstandings" while making "real progress," said a senior administration official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this clearing of misunderstanding does not indicate that the US will start shipping the large bombs which has been paused since May after President Joe Biden expressed his concerns regarding their use in highly populated areas such as Rafah. The officials confirmed that the pause is still under review, as reported by The Times Of Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In regard to other weapons and supplies, the official stated that there were misunderstandings between the countries and that the delegations worked to clear the "complexities" in the highly bureaucratic approval system of the United States as well as pushed for prioritising the requests for certain items.</p>

<p>"We were able to go through everything, and I think where there were some misunderstandings, those were clarified -- about where certain cases might be in the course of our process, which can be complex," the senior administration official was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israel-hamas-war-india-concerned-over-heartbreaking-loss-of-civilian-lives-in-rafah-727165"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Israel-Hamas war: India concerned over 'heartbreaking' loss of civilian lives in Rafah</a></p>

<p>"There was real progress in a mutual understanding of where things stand, of prioritisation of certain cases over others, so that we can make sure that we are moving things in ways that meet the needs of the Israelis, and with the only exception being one shipment of MK-84s [the 2,000-pound bombs] that remains paused and under review," he added.</p>

<p>The meeting was held after a video was released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on June 18 in which he accused the United States of slowing weapons shipments which has been denied by the latter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli Defense Minister Yaov Gallant and national security adviser Jake Sullivan did not discuss the video in the meeting, said the official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant shared an update with reporters Wednesday after meeting with US&nbsp;officials on the latest in the Israel-Hamas conflict and rising tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.</p>

<h2><strong>Made significant progress in meetings and removed obstacles: Gallant</strong></h2>

<p>Gallant held talks with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and various other US officials in Washington DC.</p>

<p>"During the meetings, we made significant progress, obstacles were removed, and bottlenecks were addressed, in order to advance a variety of issues and more specifically the topic of force build-up and supply of munition,” said Gallant.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Israel Army Plotting Coup Against Netanyahu, Says His Wife PM's Wife Sara</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-army-plotting-coup-against-netanyahu-says-his-wife-pms-wife-sara-735469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Gallant said he talked about "several issues," including "Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, the hostage issue, the transition to the next phase in Gaza, and how this will impact the region".</p>

<p>Amid the continuing Israel-Hamas war, negotiations have been stalled for securing the release of hostages taken by the terrorist organisation and Israeli forces have been launching incursions in the southern Gazan town of Rafah before a possible large-scale invasion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The officials of the United States and Israel went through "every single case" of weapons shipments at a meeting held in Washington, DC and sorted any "misunderstandings" while making "real progress," said a senior administration official.

The officials of the United States and Israel went through "every single case" of weapons shipments at a meeting held in Washington, DC and sorted any "misunderstandings" while making "real progress," said a senior administration official. However, this clearing of misunderstanding does not indicate that the US will start shipping the large bombs which has been paused since May after President Joe Biden expressed his concerns regarding their use in highly populated areas such as Rafah. The officials confirmed that the pause is still under review, as reported by The Times Of Israel. In regard to other weapons and supplies, the official stated that there were misunderstandings between the countries and that the delegations worked to clear the "complexities" in the highly bureaucratic approval system of the United States as well as pushed for prioritising the requests for certain items. "We were able to go through everything, and I think where there were some misunderstandings, those were clarified -- about where certain cases might be in the course of our process, which can be complex," the senior administration official was quoted as saying. Also Read: Israel-Hamas war: India concerned over 'heartbreaking' loss of civilian lives in Rafah "There was real progress in a mutual understanding of where things stand, of prioritisation of certain cases over others, so that we can make sure that we are moving things in ways that meet the needs of the Israelis, and with the only exception being one shipment of MK-84s [the 2,000-pound bombs] that remains paused and under review," he added. The meeting was held after a video was released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on June 18 in which he accused the United States of slowing weapons shipments which has been denied by the latter. Israeli Defense Minister Yaov Gallant and national security adviser Jake Sullivan did not discuss the video in the meeting, said the official. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant shared an update with reporters Wednesday after meeting with US officials on the latest in the Israel-Hamas conflict and rising tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Made significant progress in meetings and removed obstacles: Gallant Gallant held talks with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and various other US officials in Washington DC. "During the meetings, we made significant progress, obstacles were removed, and bottlenecks were addressed, in order to advance a variety of issues and more specifically the topic of force build-up and supply of munition,” said Gallant. Watch: Gravitas | Israel Army Plotting Coup Against Netanyahu, Says His Wife PM's Wife Sara Gallant said he talked about "several issues," including "Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, the hostage issue, the transition to the next phase in Gaza, and how this will impact the region". Amid the continuing Israel-Hamas war, negotiations have been stalled for securing the release of hostages taken by the terrorist organisation and Israeli forces have been launching incursions in the southern Gazan town of Rafah before a possible large-scale invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Israel clear up 'misunderstandings', make 'real progress' on weapons shipments

<p>The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 26) acknowledged that it mistakenly shared online a document which is related to a pending abortion case, as reported by Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Supreme Court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe accepted that a document was “inadvertently and briefly uploaded” to the court website but further stated that the ruling “has not been released.”</p>

<p>As per the document, the Supreme Court appeared poised to temporarily permit abortions in cases of medical emergencies in Idaho. The document was inadvertently shared on the website of the court in an astonishing breach of protocol.</p>

<p>In the unsigned document, three Conservatives - Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts - appeared to side with the three Liberals of the court to block the state from enforcing the ban in some of the emergency situations.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abortion-is-murder-and-republicans-in-texas-are-open-to-punishing-it-with-death-penalty-report-727256">'Abortion is murder,' and Republicans in Texas are open to punishing it with death penalty: Report</a></p>

<p>The court accepted that they briefly shared a document by mistake but emphasised that no opinion should be considered final till the justices announce it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The abortion case is seen as the most significant of the current term which is winding down before the July 4 holiday.</p>

<p>In January, the Supreme Court blocked the lower court ruling and&nbsp;permitted Idaho&nbsp;to enforce its abortion law in full while accepting to hear oral arguments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ban's other provisions are already in effect and the ruling will not affect them.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>The case is related to whether a federal law which regulates emergency room treatment overrides the strict abortion ban in Idaho. If the appeal is dismissed by the court, it will lead to the legal question remaining unresolved.</p>

<p>As per the document shared by Bloomberg, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson separately wrote that the court should have decided on the bigger issue which is likely to come up in another case and is likely to have an impact on other states with abortion restrictions similar to one imposed in Idaho.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Supreme Court to allow emergency abortion?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-supreme-court-to-allow-emergency-abortion-735497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Today’s decision is not a victory for pregnant patients in Idaho. It is a delay,” Jackson wrote, as per the document. “While this court dawdles and the country waits, pregnant people experiencing emergency medical conditions remain in a precarious position, as their doctors are kept in the dark about what the law requires," she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 26) acknowledged that it mistakenly shared online a document which is related to a pending abortion case, as reported by Bloomberg.

The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 26) acknowledged that it mistakenly shared online a document which is related to a pending abortion case, as reported by Bloomberg. Supreme Court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe accepted that a document was “inadvertently and briefly uploaded” to the court website but further stated that the ruling “has not been released.” As per the document, the Supreme Court appeared poised to temporarily permit abortions in cases of medical emergencies in Idaho. The document was inadvertently shared on the website of the court in an astonishing breach of protocol. In the unsigned document, three Conservatives - Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts - appeared to side with the three Liberals of the court to block the state from enforcing the ban in some of the emergency situations. Also Read: 'Abortion is murder,' and Republicans in Texas are open to punishing it with death penalty: Report The court accepted that they briefly shared a document by mistake but emphasised that no opinion should be considered final till the justices announce it. The abortion case is seen as the most significant of the current term which is winding down before the July 4 holiday. In January, the Supreme Court blocked the lower court ruling and permitted Idaho to enforce its abortion law in full while accepting to hear oral arguments. The ban's other provisions are already in effect and the ruling will not affect them. What is the case about? The case is related to whether a federal law which regulates emergency room treatment overrides the strict abortion ban in Idaho. If the appeal is dismissed by the court, it will lead to the legal question remaining unresolved. As per the document shared by Bloomberg, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson separately wrote that the court should have decided on the bigger issue which is likely to come up in another case and is likely to have an impact on other states with abortion restrictions similar to one imposed in Idaho. Watch: US Supreme Court to allow emergency abortion? "Today’s decision is not a victory for pregnant patients in Idaho. It is a delay,” Jackson wrote, as per the document. “While this court dawdles and the country waits, pregnant people experiencing emergency medical conditions remain in a precarious position, as their doctors are kept in the dark about what the law requires," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Briefly uploaded' document shows US top court to allow abortions in medical emergencies in Idaho

<p>The US surgeon general on Tuesday issued a landmark advisory declaring gun violence a "public health crisis" and calling for wide-ranging firearm controls that have historically been quashed by stiff political opposition.</p>

<p>The advisory by Vivek Murthy, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, is the first such major report on gun violence from a surgeon general, whose office has limited authority but plays a significant public role in health issues.</p>

<p>A similar report on tobacco in the 1960s was a key first step to altering the perception of the substance's danger, ultimately leading to new regulations and a steep decline in consumption.</p>

<p>"Firearm violence is an urgent public health crisis that has led to loss of life, unimaginable pain, and profound grief for far too many Americans," Murthy said.</p>

<p>"We don't have to continue down this path, and we don't have to subject our children to the ongoing horror of firearm violence in America."</p>

<p>The report cites government and other data that shows the United States is an extreme outlier on deaths and injuries from guns, especially for children.</p>

<p>Firearms in recent years have become the leading cause of deaths for Americans aged 1-19, above motor vehicles, the report said.</p>

<p>But the influential NRA gun rights organization quickly slammed the advisory as "an extension of the Biden Administration's war on law-abiding gun owners."</p>

<p>"America has a crime problem caused by criminals," said Randy Kozuch, director the NRA's lobby arm, said on X.</p>

<h2><strong>48,000 killed each year</strong></h2>

<p>The surgeon general's report said in 2022 over 48,000 people died as a result of firearms, disproportionately affecting Black Americans and men.</p>

<p>It added that suicides had increased by 20.1 percent from 2012-2022 and represented over half of gun-related deaths.</p>

<p>"It will take the collective commitment of our nation to turn the tide on firearm violence," Murthy said, calling for investments in research, community education programs, mental health support and tighter controls on buying guns.</p>

<p>The report also calls for mandating safe firearm storage, implementing universal background checks and banning assault weapons.</p>

<p>Biden and gun control activists have called for similar steps as the United States endures frequent mass shootings -- including in schools -- but reforms have been stymied for decades by opposition from the firearm lobby and Republican lawmakers.</p>

<p>Executive actions and state initiatives to tackle gun deaths have been attacked in court as infringing on the constitutional right to own a firearm, enshrined in the Second Amendment.</p>

<p>"Many people I talked to around the country worry that this may be an intractable problem, that there's no way to solve it -- that is not true," Murthy told CNN.</p>

<p>"My hope (with) this advisory is that we can actually take it out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs.</p>

<p>Murthy also hailed a 2022 gun safety package passed by Congress -- the most notable in decades -- that beefed up background checks and supported states passing so-called "Red Flag" laws, which allow for the seizure of weapons from people deemed high risk.</p>

<p>In a speech in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the legislation -- the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act -- had stopped 800 firearm purchases "by young people who are legally prohibited from obtaining guns."</p>

<p>Garland also said that the Justice Department that day had published an interim final rule allowing gun dealers to check an FBI database to see whether firearms being sold to them had been reported as stolen.</p>

<p>Such checks, however, remain voluntary, the Department of Justice said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The US surgeon general on Tuesday issued a landmark advisory declaring gun violence a "public health crisis" and calling for wide-ranging firearm controls that have historically been quashed by stiff political opposition.

The US surgeon general on Tuesday issued a landmark advisory declaring gun violence a "public health crisis" and calling for wide-ranging firearm controls that have historically been quashed by stiff political opposition. The advisory by Vivek Murthy, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, is the first such major report on gun violence from a surgeon general, whose office has limited authority but plays a significant public role in health issues. A similar report on tobacco in the 1960s was a key first step to altering the perception of the substance's danger, ultimately leading to new regulations and a steep decline in consumption. "Firearm violence is an urgent public health crisis that has led to loss of life, unimaginable pain, and profound grief for far too many Americans," Murthy said. "We don't have to continue down this path, and we don't have to subject our children to the ongoing horror of firearm violence in America." The report cites government and other data that shows the United States is an extreme outlier on deaths and injuries from guns, especially for children. Firearms in recent years have become the leading cause of deaths for Americans aged 1-19, above motor vehicles, the report said. But the influential NRA gun rights organization quickly slammed the advisory as "an extension of the Biden Administration's war on law-abiding gun owners." "America has a crime problem caused by criminals," said Randy Kozuch, director the NRA's lobby arm, said on X. 48,000 killed each year The surgeon general's report said in 2022 over 48,000 people died as a result of firearms, disproportionately affecting Black Americans and men. It added that suicides had increased by 20.1 percent from 2012-2022 and represented over half of gun-related deaths. "It will take the collective commitment of our nation to turn the tide on firearm violence," Murthy said, calling for investments in research, community education programs, mental health support and tighter controls on buying guns. The report also calls for mandating safe firearm storage, implementing universal background checks and banning assault weapons. Biden and gun control activists have called for similar steps as the United States endures frequent mass shootings -- including in schools -- but reforms have been stymied for decades by opposition from the firearm lobby and Republican lawmakers. Executive actions and state initiatives to tackle gun deaths have been attacked in court as infringing on the constitutional right to own a firearm, enshrined in the Second Amendment. "Many people I talked to around the country worry that this may be an intractable problem, that there's no way to solve it -- that is not true," Murthy told CNN. "My hope (with) this advisory is that we can actually take it out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs. Murthy also hailed a 2022 gun safety package passed by Congress -- the most notable in decades -- that beefed up background checks and supported states passing so-called "Red Flag" laws, which allow for the seizure of weapons from people deemed high risk. In a speech in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the legislation -- the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act -- had stopped 800 firearm purchases "by young people who are legally prohibited from obtaining guns." Garland also said that the Justice Department that day had published an interim final rule allowing gun dealers to check an FBI database to see whether firearms being sold to them had been reported as stolen. Such checks, however, remain voluntary, the Department of Justice said.

US surgeon general declares gun violence a 'public health crisis'

<p>Lucas McClish, a California hiker who went missing on June 11, was found by a rescue team in the mountains after 10 days, the Santa Cruz County’s Office said.</p>

<p>McClish embarked on his brief three-hour hike into the mountains but somehow failed to navigate the route when he could not find the familiar landmarks due to previous wildfires in the area.</p>

<p>His family filed a missing report on June 16 when he did not show up for a Father's Day gathering.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
This triggered a search effort that went on for several days before McClish was finally tracked.</p>

<p>“Deputies responded with State Parks, Cal Fire and Boulder Creek Fire Department and were able to confirm it was Lukas McClish, who had been missing since Tuesday, June 11,” the County office wrote on social media in a posting.</p>

<p>The Cal Fire, who helped the officials of Santa Cruz County, in a post on the official X account said, “multiple reports of witnesses hearing someone yelling for help, but the location of that person was hard to establish”.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CAL FIRE CZU firefighters assisted <a href="https://twitter.com/SantaCruzSO1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SantaCruzSO1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BoulderCreekFD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoulderCreekFD</a> with a rescue in Big Basin State Parks last night. There were multiple reports of witnesses hearing someone yelling for help, but the location of that person was hard to establish. READ MORE ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/tQxHvVPVJO">pic.twitter.com/tQxHvVPVJO</a></p>
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) <a href="https://twitter.com/CALFIRECZU/status/1804211716429140441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-tallest-male-dog-kevin-from-passes-away-leaving-owners-devastated-735048">World's tallest male dog Kevin from passes away, leaving owners devastated</a></p>

<h2><strong>McClish survived on water alone</strong></h2>

<p>McClish in an interview with ABC 7 revealed that he drank almost a gallon of water every day to survive.</p>

<p>“I just made sure I drank a gallon of water every day, but then after, getting close to the end of it, my body needed food and some kind of sustenance,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that used to store water in his boots to keep himself hydrated.</p>

<p>"I go up a canyon, down a canyon to the next waterfall and sit down by the waterfall and drink water out of my boot,” KSBW quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>As per the local media reports, he ate wild berries and slept on wet leaves while screaming for help.</p>

<p>"‘Help, help. I’m over here, Or ‘Is anybody out there? I want a burrito and a taco bowl,’ that’s what I thought about every day when after the first five days, when I started to kind of realize that I might be in over my head,” New York Post quoted him as saying. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lucas McClish, a California hiker who went missing on June 11, was found by a rescue team in the mountains after 10 days, the Santa Cruz County’s Office said. McClish embarked on his brief three-hour hike into the mountains but somehow failed to navigate the route when he could not find the familiar landmarks due to previous wildfires in the area.

Lucas McClish, a California hiker who went missing on June 11, was found by a rescue team in the mountains after 10 days, the Santa Cruz County’s Office said. McClish embarked on his brief three-hour hike into the mountains but somehow failed to navigate the route when he could not find the familiar landmarks due to previous wildfires in the area. His family filed a missing report on June 16 when he did not show up for a Father's Day gathering. This triggered a search effort that went on for several days before McClish was finally tracked. “Deputies responded with State Parks, Cal Fire and Boulder Creek Fire Department and were able to confirm it was Lukas McClish, who had been missing since Tuesday, June 11,” the County office wrote on social media in a posting. The Cal Fire, who helped the officials of Santa Cruz County, in a post on the official X account said, “multiple reports of witnesses hearing someone yelling for help, but the location of that person was hard to establish”. CAL FIRE CZU firefighters assisted @SantaCruzSO1 @BoulderCreekFD with a rescue in Big Basin State Parks last night. There were multiple reports of witnesses hearing someone yelling for help, but the location of that person was hard to establish. READ MORE ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tQxHvVPVJO — CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) June 21, 2024 × Also read: World's tallest male dog Kevin from passes away, leaving owners devastated McClish survived on water alone McClish in an interview with ABC 7 revealed that he drank almost a gallon of water every day to survive. “I just made sure I drank a gallon of water every day, but then after, getting close to the end of it, my body needed food and some kind of sustenance,” he said. He said that used to store water in his boots to keep himself hydrated. "I go up a canyon, down a canyon to the next waterfall and sit down by the waterfall and drink water out of my boot,” KSBW quoted him as saying. As per the local media reports, he ate wild berries and slept on wet leaves while screaming for help. "‘Help, help. I’m over here, Or ‘Is anybody out there? I want a burrito and a taco bowl,’ that’s what I thought about every day when after the first five days, when I started to kind of realize that I might be in over my head,” New York Post quoted him as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

California hiker missing for 10 days survived on wild berries and water stored in boots

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday (June 23) promised assistance to repatriate the body of a 32-year-old man from his state who was killed in a shooting rampage&nbsp;in the United States recently.</p>

<p>Naidu expressed condolences to the family of the deceased based in the Bapatla district and vowed every possible help from the state government.</p>

<p>He took to his official X handle and said, "Deeply saddened to learn that a young Dasari Gopikrishna from Bapatla has succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident in Texas, USA. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and assure them of every possible support to help bring him home."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened to learn that a young Dasari Gopikrishna from Bapatla has succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident in Texas, USA. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and assure them that the GoAP will extend every possible support to help bring him home.…</p>
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn/status/1804825473949544494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shooting-in-ohio-leaves-10-injured-suspect-eludes-police-in-high-speed-chase-734455">Also read:&nbsp;US: Shooting in Ohio leaves 10 injured, suspect eludes police in high-speed chase</a></p>

<p>The victim, identified as Dasari Gopikrishna, was shot dead in a firing incident at a grocery store in Arkansas, US.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old went to the United States in search of work about a year ago. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He was working at the Mad Butcher grocery store at Fordyce when a masked gunman opened fire and shot him on Friday (June 21).</p>

<p>Gopikrishna sustained critical bullet injuries and succumbed to the wounds in hospital the next day.</p>

<p>He is survived by a wife and a son.</p>

<p>The CCTV footage of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed a masked gunman entering the store and opening fire on Gopikrishna, who was at the counter, and stealing cash and some items.</p>

<p>Four people lost their lives and nine were injured in the incident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday (June 23) promised assistance to repatriate the body of a 32-year-old man from his state who was killed in a shooting rampage in the United States recently.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday (June 23) promised assistance to repatriate the body of a 32-year-old man from his state who was killed in a shooting rampage in the United States recently. Naidu expressed condolences to the family of the deceased based in the Bapatla district and vowed every possible help from the state government. He took to his official X handle and said, "Deeply saddened to learn that a young Dasari Gopikrishna from Bapatla has succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident in Texas, USA. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and assure them of every possible support to help bring him home." Deeply saddened to learn that a young Dasari Gopikrishna from Bapatla has succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident in Texas, USA. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and assure them that the GoAP will extend every possible support to help bring him home.… — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 23, 2024 × Also read: US: Shooting in Ohio leaves 10 injured, suspect eludes police in high-speed chase The victim, identified as Dasari Gopikrishna, was shot dead in a firing incident at a grocery store in Arkansas, US. The 32-year-old went to the United States in search of work about a year ago. He was working at the Mad Butcher grocery store at Fordyce when a masked gunman opened fire and shot him on Friday (June 21). Gopikrishna sustained critical bullet injuries and succumbed to the wounds in hospital the next day. He is survived by a wife and a son. The CCTV footage of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed a masked gunman entering the store and opening fire on Gopikrishna, who was at the counter, and stealing cash and some items. Four people lost their lives and nine were injured in the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu vows assistance to repatriate body of man killed in US shooting

<p>The housing slump in the US continues. Existing home sales slumped for a third consecutive month in May as record-high prices and rising mortgage rates kept potential buyers at bay. This comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-labour-market-continues-to-cool-amid-housing-struggles-733607">labour market</a> continues to ease.</p>

<p>The housing inventory hit a two-year high last month. This supply can potentially offset rising costs and improve affordability. However, addressing high mortgage rates is crucial for housing market recovery. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage raced to a six-month high in early May.</p>

<p>Home sales dropped 0.7 per cent to an annual rate of 4.11 million units. This is above the economists' predictions but is still a considerable drop.</p>

<p>US Federal Reserve's hawkish stance also plays a role. The decision to maintain interest rates comes amid a 'wait-and-watch' approach, as the central bank waits for economic cues to normalise. This could be a gamble since geopolitical turmoil, which adds to the bearish outlook, continues to hurt consumer sentiments.</p>

<p>However, a recent S&amp;P survey found a silver lining for the US economy and a potential boost for the Fed's policies. The survey finds that expansion in June is set to hit a 2-year high. Employment also surged for the first time in three months. The survey signals a rosy outlook and robust economic recovery for the US by year-end. This surge in optimism is led by a manufacturing rebound. The survey highlights that the 'slow and steady' economic growth aligns with the Fed's expectations to begin rate cuts later in the year.</p>

<p>Still, the housing market continues to hurt the US economic recovery.</p>


The housing slump in the US continues. Existing home sales slumped for a third consecutive month in May as record-high prices and rising mortgage rates kept potential buyers at bay.

The housing slump in the US continues. Existing home sales slumped for a third consecutive month in May as record-high prices and rising mortgage rates kept potential buyers at bay. This comes as the labour market continues to ease. The housing inventory hit a two-year high last month. This supply can potentially offset rising costs and improve affordability. However, addressing high mortgage rates is crucial for housing market recovery. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage raced to a six-month high in early May. Home sales dropped 0.7 per cent to an annual rate of 4.11 million units. This is above the economists' predictions but is still a considerable drop. US Federal Reserve's hawkish stance also plays a role. The decision to maintain interest rates comes amid a 'wait-and-watch' approach, as the central bank waits for economic cues to normalise. This could be a gamble since geopolitical turmoil, which adds to the bearish outlook, continues to hurt consumer sentiments. However, a recent S&P survey found a silver lining for the US economy and a potential boost for the Fed's policies. The survey finds that expansion in June is set to hit a 2-year high. Employment also surged for the first time in three months. The survey signals a rosy outlook and robust economic recovery for the US by year-end. This surge in optimism is led by a manufacturing rebound. The survey highlights that the 'slow and steady' economic growth aligns with the Fed's expectations to begin rate cuts later in the year. Still, the housing market continues to hurt the US economic recovery.

US economy to rebound in 2024? Housing market struggles, manufacturing rebounds

<p>The United States Treasury Department on Thursday (June 20) added Japan to its "monitoring list" of major trading partners whose currency practices "merit close attention".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A semi-annual report, it evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest report, as per AFP, stops short of labelling any nation a "currency manipulator".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-fights-back-bytedance-appeals-to-overturn-unconstitutional-potential-ban-in-us-733665">TikTok fights back: ByteDance appeals against potential ban in US, calls it 'unconstitutional'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is a currency "monitoring list"?</strong></h2>

<p>The United States "monitoring list" report evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Treasury, Japan met two of the three criteria for "enhanced analysis." These included "having a material current account surplus and a significant bilateral trade surplus with the United States."</p>

<p>However, Japan did not meet the third criterion: being "engaged in persistent one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market."</p>

<p>Alongside Japan, the monitoring list includes China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany. Previously, India was also a part of this list.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-handed-over-legal-powers-in-west-bank-to-pro-settler-civil-servants-report-733655">IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement, the Treasury Department clarified that none of these countries met all three criteria necessary for enhanced analysis.</p>

<p>"No major US trading partner manipulated the rate of exchange between its currency and the US dollar for purposes of preventing effective balance of payments adjustments or gaining unfair competitive advantage in international trade during the four quarters through December 2023," the Treasury statement read.</p>

<h2><strong>Why was Japan added to the list?</strong></h2>

<p>Japan's recent inclusion in the list follows its intervention in the currency markets beginning in April. This intervention sought to support the yen, which had plummeted in value — from around 115 per dollar before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to nearly 160.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sharp decline in the yen's value was in part attributed to the Central Bank of Japan's decision to maintain ultra-low interest rates even as central banks increased theirs.</p>

<p>Since initiating these measures, Japanese authorities have spent approximately $62 billion to bolster their currency, according to government data released late last month.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States Treasury Department on Thursday (June 20) added Japan to its "monitoring list" of major trading partners whose currency practices "merit close attention".

The United States Treasury Department on Thursday (June 20) added Japan to its "monitoring list" of major trading partners whose currency practices "merit close attention". A semi-annual report, it evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages. The latest report, as per AFP, stops short of labelling any nation a "currency manipulator". Also read | TikTok fights back: ByteDance appeals against potential ban in US, calls it 'unconstitutional' What is a currency "monitoring list"? The United States "monitoring list" report evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages. According to the Treasury, Japan met two of the three criteria for "enhanced analysis." These included "having a material current account surplus and a significant bilateral trade surplus with the United States." However, Japan did not meet the third criterion: being "engaged in persistent one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market." Alongside Japan, the monitoring list includes China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany. Previously, India was also a part of this list. Also read | IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report In a statement, the Treasury Department clarified that none of these countries met all three criteria necessary for enhanced analysis. "No major US trading partner manipulated the rate of exchange between its currency and the US dollar for purposes of preventing effective balance of payments adjustments or gaining unfair competitive advantage in international trade during the four quarters through December 2023," the Treasury statement read. Why was Japan added to the list? Japan's recent inclusion in the list follows its intervention in the currency markets beginning in April. This intervention sought to support the yen, which had plummeted in value — from around 115 per dollar before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to nearly 160. The sharp decline in the yen's value was in part attributed to the Central Bank of Japan's decision to maintain ultra-low interest rates even as central banks increased theirs. Since initiating these measures, Japanese authorities have spent approximately $62 billion to bolster their currency, according to government data released late last month. (With inputs from agencies)

US adds Japan to currency 'monitoring list'; stops short of labelling it 'currency manipulator'

The Vatican's former nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, said on Thursday that he has been summoned by the Vatican to face charges of schism.

Italian archbishop says he faces Vatican trial over pope criticism

<p>A significant cyber outage affecting CDK Global, a major provider of retail technology and software for automobile dealerships, has extended into its second day, causing widespread disruptions across the United States and Canada.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
The incident, which began on Wednesday, has forced CDK to proactively shut down most of its systems as a precautionary measure. The company is actively working to restore its services and normalise operations for affected dealerships, though the process may take several days according to communications sent to some dealers.</p>

<p>The scale of the outage is substantial, with CDK serving over 15,000 retail locations across North America. While the exact number of affected dealerships has not been disclosed, the impact is being felt by various automotive brands. For instance, BMW North America confirmed that a portion of its dealer network has been affected by the outage.</p>

<p>This incident highlights the critical role that software providers like CDK play in the modern automotive retail landscape. Dealerships rely heavily on these systems for various aspects of their operations, from inventory management to customer relationship management and financial transactions.</p>

<p>The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has emphasised that dealers are committed to protecting customer information and are actively seeking details from CDK about the nature and scope of the cyber incident to respond appropriately.</p>

<p>The outage has also affected some dealerships' communication systems. For example, Holman, a privately owned vehicle dealer, reported that its phone system has been impacted by the CDK outage.</p>

<p>CDK Global, which was acquired by investment firm Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022 for USD 6.41 billion, was the last major publicly traded provider of software to auto dealers and manufacturers before going private. This acquisition underscores the significant value and importance of automotive retail technology providers in the industry.</p>

<p>As the situation continues to unfold, dealerships, manufacturers, and customers alike are awaiting further updates and a resolution to this significant disruption in the automotive retail sector.&nbsp;</p>


A significant cyber outage affecting CDK Global, a major provider of retail technology and software for automobile dealerships, has extended into its second day, causing widespread disruptions across the United States and Canada.

A significant cyber outage affecting CDK Global, a major provider of retail technology and software for automobile dealerships, has extended into its second day, causing widespread disruptions across the United States and Canada. The incident, which began on Wednesday, has forced CDK to proactively shut down most of its systems as a precautionary measure. The company is actively working to restore its services and normalise operations for affected dealerships, though the process may take several days according to communications sent to some dealers. The scale of the outage is substantial, with CDK serving over 15,000 retail locations across North America. While the exact number of affected dealerships has not been disclosed, the impact is being felt by various automotive brands. For instance, BMW North America confirmed that a portion of its dealer network has been affected by the outage. This incident highlights the critical role that software providers like CDK play in the modern automotive retail landscape. Dealerships rely heavily on these systems for various aspects of their operations, from inventory management to customer relationship management and financial transactions. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has emphasised that dealers are committed to protecting customer information and are actively seeking details from CDK about the nature and scope of the cyber incident to respond appropriately. The outage has also affected some dealerships' communication systems. For example, Holman, a privately owned vehicle dealer, reported that its phone system has been impacted by the CDK outage. CDK Global, which was acquired by investment firm Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022 for USD 6.41 billion, was the last major publicly traded provider of software to auto dealers and manufacturers before going private. This acquisition underscores the significant value and importance of automotive retail technology providers in the industry. As the situation continues to unfold, dealerships, manufacturers, and customers alike are awaiting further updates and a resolution to this significant disruption in the automotive retail sector.

CDK cyber outage continues to affect US auto dealers

<p>Over the next week, more than 260 million people will have to cope with extremely high temperatures as the first major heatwave of the summer is predicted to break records in the northeastern United States.</p>

<p>"The duration of this heatwave is notable and potentially the longest experienced in decades for some locations," said the National Weather Service (NWS).</p>

<p>A heat dome is expected to sweep eastward from the Great Lakes towards New England, bringing temperatures as high as 41°C (105°F).</p>

<p>Overnight temperatures are forecast to stay in the mid-20s°C (70s°F), offering little relief.</p>

<p>Heat domes form when atmospheric systems with high pressure linger over a particular region for prolonged periods, trapping warm air underneath them.</p>

<p>The NWS predicts an unusually early heat trap in the coming days, which may last long enough to result in droughts in certain areas.</p>

<p>"The early arrival of this magnitude of heat, the duration, abundant sunshine, and lack of relief overnight will increase the danger of this heatwave beyond what the exact temperature values would suggest," continued the NWS.</p>

<p>Areas at extreme risk include New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Michigan.</p>

<p>Serious health problems may arise for anyone without access to cooling or hydration in these areas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-governor-greg-abbott-applauds-arrest-of-states-top-illegal-migrant-732960">Texas Governor Greg Abbott applauds arrest of state's top illegal migrant</a></strong></p>

<p>Due to the heat island effect caused by the use of heat-retaining materials in the construction of roads and other infrastructure, as well as a lack of cooling vegetation, urban areas are particularly vulnerable to heat extremes.</p>

<p>Experts recommend staying indoors if possible. Drinking plenty of water and resting periodically is strongly advised for people who must go out, as well as vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.</p>

<p>According to Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association safety director Greg Brooks, "People who are experiencing heat exhaustion generally aren't going to recognize it as heat exhaustion because they get tunnel vision," as reported by The Associated Press.</p>

<p>As heatwaves like this one occur more frequently due to human-induced climate change, the number of heat-related deaths in the US is increasing. Extreme heat events are also becoming more intense and prolonged, increasing the risk of fire.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over the next week, more than 260 million people will have to cope with extremely high temperatures as the first major heatwave of the summer is predicted to break records in the northeastern United States.

Over the next week, more than 260 million people will have to cope with extremely high temperatures as the first major heatwave of the summer is predicted to break records in the northeastern United States. "The duration of this heatwave is notable and potentially the longest experienced in decades for some locations," said the National Weather Service (NWS). A heat dome is expected to sweep eastward from the Great Lakes towards New England, bringing temperatures as high as 41°C (105°F). Overnight temperatures are forecast to stay in the mid-20s°C (70s°F), offering little relief. Heat domes form when atmospheric systems with high pressure linger over a particular region for prolonged periods, trapping warm air underneath them. The NWS predicts an unusually early heat trap in the coming days, which may last long enough to result in droughts in certain areas. "The early arrival of this magnitude of heat, the duration, abundant sunshine, and lack of relief overnight will increase the danger of this heatwave beyond what the exact temperature values would suggest," continued the NWS. Areas at extreme risk include New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Michigan. Serious health problems may arise for anyone without access to cooling or hydration in these areas. Also read: Texas Governor Greg Abbott applauds arrest of state's top illegal migrant Due to the heat island effect caused by the use of heat-retaining materials in the construction of roads and other infrastructure, as well as a lack of cooling vegetation, urban areas are particularly vulnerable to heat extremes. Experts recommend staying indoors if possible. Drinking plenty of water and resting periodically is strongly advised for people who must go out, as well as vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. According to Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association safety director Greg Brooks, "People who are experiencing heat exhaustion generally aren't going to recognize it as heat exhaustion because they get tunnel vision," as reported by The Associated Press. As heatwaves like this one occur more frequently due to human-induced climate change, the number of heat-related deaths in the US is increasing. Extreme heat events are also becoming more intense and prolonged, increasing the risk of fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace corporation, is targeting India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States as key markets for its defence branch, specifically the C-390 Millennium aircraft. Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer Defence, revealed this strategic focus at a press event on Tuesday (June 18).<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>India and Saudi Arabia: Key prospects<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">India's open tender for new military jets gives a huge opportunity. Embraer is actively taking part in this process. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is in preliminary talks with Embraer about replacing its outdated fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft. Costa Junior stated that Saudi Arabia does not currently have an open tender but has an obvious demand for contemporary replacements. "We did a lot of studies and concluded that the C-390 could deliver additional capability in this replacement process," according to him. A potential contract with Saudi Arabia might include the acquisition of up to 25 units, with a decision expected within the next two to four years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>Broader international outreach<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Embraer is also looking to extend its position in the European Union and other critical markets. In addition to Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea have chosen the C-390 Millennium. The corporation is seeking to expand its presence in Europe, with Sweden regarded as a prospective market. Embraer's plan for promoting the C-390 includes partnerships with local companies such as Mahindra in India and Saab in Sweden.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Aggressive expansion in the United States<o:p></o:p></span></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Embraer is looking into several ways to boost its market share in the United States. Costa Junior acknowledged continuous efforts to work with the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, and special forces. "We do believe that the C-390 could add additional value to those entities in the US," he added. Embraer is also open to mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its position. "One thing is clear to us: We would like to become a partner of the US government."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Costa Junior was straightforward when it came to potential concerns about US-China relations. He made clear that Embraer's defence sector has no contact&nbsp;with China and is completely focused on the US and NATO customers. "We are completely US and NATO-oriented," he stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">(With inputs from Agencies)</span></i><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></p>


Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace corporation, is targeting India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States as key markets for its defence branch, specifically the C-390 Millennium aircraft.

Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace corporation, is targeting India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States as key markets for its defence branch, specifically the C-390 Millennium aircraft. Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer Defence, revealed this strategic focus at a press event on Tuesday (June 18). India and Saudi Arabia: Key prospects India's open tender for new military jets gives a huge opportunity. Embraer is actively taking part in this process. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is in preliminary talks with Embraer about replacing its outdated fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft. Costa Junior stated that Saudi Arabia does not currently have an open tender but has an obvious demand for contemporary replacements. "We did a lot of studies and concluded that the C-390 could deliver additional capability in this replacement process," according to him. A potential contract with Saudi Arabia might include the acquisition of up to 25 units, with a decision expected within the next two to four years. Broader international outreach Embraer is also looking to extend its position in the European Union and other critical markets. In addition to Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea have chosen the C-390 Millennium. The corporation is seeking to expand its presence in Europe, with Sweden regarded as a prospective market. Embraer's plan for promoting the C-390 includes partnerships with local companies such as Mahindra in India and Saab in Sweden. Aggressive expansion in the United States Embraer is looking into several ways to boost its market share in the United States. Costa Junior acknowledged continuous efforts to work with the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, and special forces. "We do believe that the C-390 could add additional value to those entities in the US," he added. Embraer is also open to mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its position. "One thing is clear to us: We would like to become a partner of the US government." Costa Junior was straightforward when it came to potential concerns about US-China relations. He made clear that Embraer's defence sector has no contact with China and is completely focused on the US and NATO customers. "We are completely US and NATO-oriented," he stated. (With inputs from Agencies)

Embraer targets global expansion for C390 Millennium defence aircraft

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