Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain at the top spot as the most popular global leader with an&nbsp;impressively high approval rating of 78%, according to a survey conducted by a US-based global decision intelligence agency, Morning Consult.

As per the survey's 'Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker', about 17 per cent of the respondents expressed disapproval of PM Modi's leadership, while the rest abstained from providing feedback.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador secured the second spot with an approval rating of 65 per cent,&nbsp;followed by Argentina President Javier Milei at the third place with an approval rating of 63 per cent.

United States President Joe Biden trailed behind by a huge margin. He grabbed the 11th spot in the list with 37 per cent of people approving his leadership and 55 per cent disapproving. Eight per cent of the respondents chose to give no opinion about the US president.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modis-mann-ki-baat-wont-be-broadcast-for-next-three-months-heres-why-693667">Indian PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' won't be broadcast for next three months. Here's why</a>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was ranked even lower down, at 17th on the list with a 29 per cent approval rating, whereas UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was 20th with 25 per cent approving of his leadership and 66 per cent disapproving.

As per the agency's website, the latest approval ratings are based on the data gathered from January 30 to February 5.

In the month of December, the survey showed that PM Modi had an approval rating of 76 per cent.

<h2>A consistent triumph for Modi&nbsp;</h2>

Prime Minister Modi has consistently secured the top position in these global rankings, maintaining an approval rating between 75-80 per cent over the past several years, reports said.&nbsp;

These approval ratings also come following big victories for PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh last year. The triumphs are viewed as a boost for PM Modi and his party as they look ahead to the general elections scheduled in the next few months.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain at the top spot as the most popular global leader with an impressively high approval rating of 78%, according to a survey conducted by a US-based global decision intelligence agency, Morning Consult.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain at the top spot as the most popular global leader with an impressively high approval rating of 78%, according to a survey conducted by a US-based global decision intelligence agency, Morning Consult. As per the survey's 'Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker', about 17 per cent of the respondents expressed disapproval of PM Modi's leadership, while the rest abstained from providing feedback. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador secured the second spot with an approval rating of 65 per cent, followed by Argentina President Javier Milei at the third place with an approval rating of 63 per cent. United States President Joe Biden trailed behind by a huge margin. He grabbed the 11th spot in the list with 37 per cent of people approving his leadership and 55 per cent disapproving. Eight per cent of the respondents chose to give no opinion about the US president. Also read: Indian PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' won't be broadcast for next three months. Here's why Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was ranked even lower down, at 17th on the list with a 29 per cent approval rating, whereas UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was 20th with 25 per cent approving of his leadership and 66 per cent disapproving. As per the agency's website, the latest approval ratings are based on the data gathered from January 30 to February 5. In the month of December, the survey showed that PM Modi had an approval rating of 76 per cent. A consistent triumph for Modi Prime Minister Modi has consistently secured the top position in these global rankings, maintaining an approval rating between 75-80 per cent over the past several years, reports said. These approval ratings also come following big victories for PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh last year. The triumphs are viewed as a boost for PM Modi and his party as they look ahead to the general elections scheduled in the next few months. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi emerges as most popular global leader, tops the charts with high 78% approval rating

Three attack drones of Houthi rebels were shot down by the American forces near the commercial ships in the Red Sea on Friday (Feb 23), hours after the United States warned of an environmental disaster from the cargo ship, which was hit by Houthi rebels. 
 
The US military said that they downed three attack drones and even destroyed seven anti-ship cruise missiles, which were positioned on land. 
 
For months, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting shipping and their attacks&nbsp;remain&nbsp;persistent despite American and British armies making&nbsp;repeated strikes with the aim of degrading the ability of rebels to threaten an important global trade route. 
 
Early on Friday (Feb 23), US forces "shot down three Huthi one-way attack (drones) near several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. There was no damage to any ships," said the Central Command (CENTCOM), on&nbsp;social media. 
 
In a statement, issued after hours, CENTCOM claimed that US forces destroyed "seven Iranian-backed Huthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-crisis-houthis-use-unmanned-underwater-vessels-for-first-time-us-says-691537">Red Sea crisis: Houthis use unmanned underwater vessels for first time, says US</a>

It added that those strikes, which were carried out between 12:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Sanaa time, were launched in self-defence. 
 
"CENTCOM forces identified these missiles in Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the US Navy ships in the region," said US forces in a statement.

<h2 lang="en-US">US warns of environmental disaster</h2>

US Central Command on Friday (Feb 23) said that a cargo ship, which was abandoned in the Gulf of Aden after the Houthi rebels attacked it, was taken on water and left a huge oil slick which has increased the risk of an environmental disaster. 
 
Rubymar, which is a Lebanese-operated, Belize-flagged and British-registered cargo ship was carrying combustible fertiliser and had suffered damages in the missile strike by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. 
 
The crew members of the vessel had evacuated to Djibouti after a missile hit the ship and water entered the engine room as well as in its stern to sag, stated its operator, the Blue Fleet Group.

Watch:&nbsp;US military says Iran continues to supply arms to Houthis | Red Sea attacks can escalate

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CENTCOM stated that the ship is anchored but it has left an 18-mile oil slick. 
 
"The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster," CENTCOM said in a post on X. 
 
The ship's operator confirmed that it is likely to get towed to Djibouti this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three attack drones of Houthi rebels were shot down by the American forces near the commercial ships in the Red Sea on Friday (Feb 23), hours after the United States warned of an environmental disaster from the cargo ship, which was hit by Houthi rebels.

Three attack drones of Houthi rebels were shot down by the American forces near the commercial ships in the Red Sea on Friday (Feb 23), hours after the United States warned of an environmental disaster from the cargo ship, which was hit by Houthi rebels. The US military said that they downed three attack drones and even destroyed seven anti-ship cruise missiles, which were positioned on land. For months, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting shipping and their attacks remain persistent despite American and British armies making repeated strikes with the aim of degrading the ability of rebels to threaten an important global trade route. Early on Friday (Feb 23), US forces "shot down three Huthi one-way attack (drones) near several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. There was no damage to any ships," said the Central Command (CENTCOM), on social media. In a statement, issued after hours, CENTCOM claimed that US forces destroyed "seven Iranian-backed Huthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea." Also Read: Red Sea crisis: Houthis use unmanned underwater vessels for first time, says US It added that those strikes, which were carried out between 12:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Sanaa time, were launched in self-defence. "CENTCOM forces identified these missiles in Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the US Navy ships in the region," said US forces in a statement. US warns of environmental disaster US Central Command on Friday (Feb 23) said that a cargo ship, which was abandoned in the Gulf of Aden after the Houthi rebels attacked it, was taken on water and left a huge oil slick which has increased the risk of an environmental disaster. Rubymar, which is a Lebanese-operated, Belize-flagged and British-registered cargo ship was carrying combustible fertiliser and had suffered damages in the missile strike by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The crew members of the vessel had evacuated to Djibouti after a missile hit the ship and water entered the engine room as well as in its stern to sag, stated its operator, the Blue Fleet Group. Watch: US military says Iran continues to supply arms to Houthis | Red Sea attacks can escalate CENTCOM stated that the ship is anchored but it has left an 18-mile oil slick. "The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster," CENTCOM said in a post on X. The ship's operator confirmed that it is likely to get towed to Djibouti this week. (With inputs from agencies)

US shoots three Houthi drones, hours after warning of environmental disaster from cargo ship hit by rebels

The evening skies in major swathes of the United States and Canada were ignited by a glittering fireball on Wednesday (Feb 21), as a&nbsp;meteor entered the atmosphere of the Earth and immediately burned up. 
 
More than 200 observers reported the dazzling display of meteors in 11 US states and Ontario, as per the data collected by the American Meteor Society. Most of those who spotted the meteor said that they saw it between 6:45 and 7 pm&nbsp;EST, according to the data, and most individual sightings had lasted from 1 to 7 1/2 seconds. 
 
However, some of the reports claimed that the falling space rock was in the sky for some time before it disappeared. As per one report, the fireball was visible for 20 seconds in West Virginia. 
 
The burst of light was captured by various cameras as it zoomed through the skies and various videos were shared on the social media platform.

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Our security camera (Linden, VA) view of tonight’s meteor in Maryland. <a href="https://twitter.com/capitalweather?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capitalweather</a> <a href="https://t.co/IFXqzG6NXs">pic.twitter.com/IFXqzG6NXs</a>
— Donald Bradner (@SirDonVII) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirDonVII/status/1760493230712397994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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As per the news station, additional sightings were also reported from farther north in Pennsylvania and into the Midwest. "Meteors are harmless and never hit the surface of the earth. Meteorites, on the other hand, do hit the earth before they burn up," said Topper Shutt, who is a meteorologist at WUSA, reported CBS News.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/double-the-sample-double-the-fun-nasa-got-double-the-amount-of-asteroid-bennu-sample-it-hoped-for-691196">‘Double the sample, double the fun’: NASA got double the amount of asteroid Bennu sample</a>

<h2 lang="en-US">Earth receives 48 1/2 tonnes of meteoritic material every day</h2>

According to NASA, scientists have estimated that around 48 1/2 tonnes of meteoritic material falls on Earth every day. Once a space rock enters the atmosphere and burns up, it is known as a meteor or shooting star. 
 
The meteor which is especially bright, sometimes shining even brighter than Venus, is known as a fireball. The space rocks are known as meteoroids before they descend down towards the Earth and can vary greatly in size. 
 
Some of them&nbsp;are as small as a grain of dust and some others are large in size. Most of them hurtle inside the atmosphere of Earth as small pieces which have broken off from larger objects in space, like comets or the moon and other planets.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Asteroid flew past Earth in near miss

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As per NASA, the meteoroids can be metallic, rocky or a combination of both. Last September, an exceptionally bright fireball was noticed by hundreds across the United States' mid-Atlantic region. 
 
NASA stated that at the time, the&nbsp;fireball looked as bright as a quarter moon and scientists found out that the original meteoroid from which it had emerged was a small fragment of another asteroid. 
 
NASA said that the asteroid may have come from the Asteroid Belt between Jupiter and Mars.

(With inputs from agencies)

The evening skies in major swathes of the United States and Canada were ignited by a glittering fireball on Wednesday (Feb 21), as a meteor entered the atmosphere of the Earth and immediately burned up.

The evening skies in major swathes of the United States and Canada were ignited by a glittering fireball on Wednesday (Feb 21), as a meteor entered the atmosphere of the Earth and immediately burned up. More than 200 observers reported the dazzling display of meteors in 11 US states and Ontario, as per the data collected by the American Meteor Society. Most of those who spotted the meteor said that they saw it between 6:45 and 7 pm EST, according to the data, and most individual sightings had lasted from 1 to 7 1/2 seconds. However, some of the reports claimed that the falling space rock was in the sky for some time before it disappeared. As per one report, the fireball was visible for 20 seconds in West Virginia. The burst of light was captured by various cameras as it zoomed through the skies and various videos were shared on the social media platform. Our security camera (Linden, VA) view of tonight’s meteor in Maryland. @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/IFXqzG6NXs — Donald Bradner (@SirDonVII) February 22, 2024 × As per the news station, additional sightings were also reported from farther north in Pennsylvania and into the Midwest. "Meteors are harmless and never hit the surface of the earth. Meteorites, on the other hand, do hit the earth before they burn up," said Topper Shutt, who is a meteorologist at WUSA, reported CBS News. Also Read: ‘Double the sample, double the fun’: NASA got double the amount of asteroid Bennu sample Earth receives 48 1/2 tonnes of meteoritic material every day According to NASA, scientists have estimated that around 48 1/2 tonnes of meteoritic material falls on Earth every day. Once a space rock enters the atmosphere and burns up, it is known as a meteor or shooting star. The meteor which is especially bright, sometimes shining even brighter than Venus, is known as a fireball. The space rocks are known as meteoroids before they descend down towards the Earth and can vary greatly in size. Some of them are as small as a grain of dust and some others are large in size. Most of them hurtle inside the atmosphere of Earth as small pieces which have broken off from larger objects in space, like comets or the moon and other planets. Watch: Gravitas: Asteroid flew past Earth in near miss As per NASA, the meteoroids can be metallic, rocky or a combination of both. Last September, an exceptionally bright fireball was noticed by hundreds across the United States' mid-Atlantic region. NASA stated that at the time, the fireball looked as bright as a quarter moon and scientists found out that the original meteoroid from which it had emerged was a small fragment of another asteroid. NASA said that the asteroid may have come from the Asteroid Belt between Jupiter and Mars. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Massive fireball flashes in US night sky, cameras capture 'meteor magic'

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor. 
 
The controversial law aims at protecting the mental health of children against the "addictive features" of such platforms, in the wake of online dangers like cyberbullying, facing sexual predators, and teen suicide. 
 
The Senate cleared the legislation by 23-14 and the bill then returned to the House where it was passed by a stunning majority of 108-7. 
 
The bill has now reached the governor's table, where for making it a law, the bill needs to be signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-bidens-dog-bit-secret-service-members-at-least-24-times-in-less-than-a-year-692737">US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year</a>

<h2 lang="en-US">Ron DeSantis remains sceptical regarding legislation</h2>

DeSantis has expressed scepticism regarding the legislation. Other states have made similar efforts which have been blocked by courts. 
 
"We're talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm," said the bill's sponsor Republican Erin Grall, while speaking to the Florida Senate on Thursday (Feb 22). 
 
However, DeSantis, who has earlier expressed his sympathies towards the fears of people regarding the impact that social media has on children, expressed concerns regarding parental rights. 
 
"A parent has the right to opt in," he said, in a press conference Thursday (Feb 22). The governor, who earlier ran for president and dropped out of the race in January, has several times said that parents should have more control over decisions which affect their children, especially in the field of education.

Watch:&nbsp;US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump to face off Nikki Haley in South Carolina primary

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Under DeSantis, several laws have been passed by Florida to curtail teaching regarding gender identity and sex education in schools and to stop diversity programmes which were going on in state-funded universities. 
 
The officials have also removed many books from school library shelves in the state in recent months, which were seen as inappropriate for children by school boards and conservative parents. 
 
As per critics, such a law, which targets social media use, will violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech. 
 
Social media networks generally have a minimum age bar of 13 to open an account although very less measures have been adopted by companies to ensure compliance with the provision.

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor.

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor. The controversial law aims at protecting the mental health of children against the "addictive features" of such platforms, in the wake of online dangers like cyberbullying, facing sexual predators, and teen suicide. The Senate cleared the legislation by 23-14 and the bill then returned to the House where it was passed by a stunning majority of 108-7. The bill has now reached the governor's table, where for making it a law, the bill needs to be signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Also Read: US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year Ron DeSantis remains sceptical regarding legislation DeSantis has expressed scepticism regarding the legislation. Other states have made similar efforts which have been blocked by courts. "We're talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm," said the bill's sponsor Republican Erin Grall, while speaking to the Florida Senate on Thursday (Feb 22). However, DeSantis, who has earlier expressed his sympathies towards the fears of people regarding the impact that social media has on children, expressed concerns regarding parental rights. "A parent has the right to opt in," he said, in a press conference Thursday (Feb 22). The governor, who earlier ran for president and dropped out of the race in January, has several times said that parents should have more control over decisions which affect their children, especially in the field of education. Watch: US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump to face off Nikki Haley in South Carolina primary Under DeSantis, several laws have been passed by Florida to curtail teaching regarding gender identity and sex education in schools and to stop diversity programmes which were going on in state-funded universities. The officials have also removed many books from school library shelves in the state in recent months, which were seen as inappropriate for children by school boards and conservative parents. As per critics, such a law, which targets social media use, will violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech. Social media networks generally have a minimum age bar of 13 to open an account although very less measures have been adopted by companies to ensure compliance with the provision. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida moves ahead with bill imposing social media ban on kids, governor's nod remains

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, who was found dead last month after being reported missing for several hours,&nbsp;froze to death after a nightclub refused to give him entry, as per the latest reports. 
 
The 18-year-old Indian-American student, who was enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US, died of hypothermia following "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death”, stated Champaign County Coroner's Office in Illinois. 
 
On January 20, the student's dead body was discovered on the back side of a building close to the university campus in West Urbana, Illinois.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-who-struck-and-killed-indian-student-jaahnavi-kandula-wont-be-charged-692499">Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges</a>

The signs of hypothermia were found on the body, however, the exact cause of death was being investigated by the campus police.

<h2 lang="en-US">Club denied entry to Indian-American student 'multiple times'</h2>

On January 20, Akul had gone out for drinks with friends. He, along with his friends, then decided to go to the Canopy Club at around 11:30 pm (local time). Canopy Club is located close to the university campus and the boys had visited the place even the night before. 
 
However, the club's staff members denied him entry into the club. The boy tried "multiple times" to enter the club but was repeatedly denied entry by staff, said the investigators, adding that he also did not use the two rideshare vehicles called for him, reported Kansas City. 
 
Midwest US, along with Illinois, battles brutal cold and freezing temperatures in January as the wind chills dip between -20 to -30 degrees.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US?

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Various calls made to Dhawan went unanswered and one of his friends reached out to the campus police for help. As per the police, an officer searched for Dhawan by driving "at a walking pace" near the "likely path" which he should have taken to come back to the campus. 
 
A university employee next morning notified the police and emergency medical services of "a man on the back porch of a building". The police informed that he was "dead at the time he was found". 
 
His parents, Ish and Ritu Dhawan said that their son was discovered just 400 feet from where he went missing on the basis of the location-tracking data on Dhawan's phone.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, who was found dead last month after being reported missing for several hours, froze to death after a nightclub refused to give him entry, as per the latest reports.

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, who was found dead last month after being reported missing for several hours, froze to death after a nightclub refused to give him entry, as per the latest reports. The 18-year-old Indian-American student, who was enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US, died of hypothermia following "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death”, stated Champaign County Coroner's Office in Illinois. On January 20, the student's dead body was discovered on the back side of a building close to the university campus in West Urbana, Illinois. Also Read: Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges The signs of hypothermia were found on the body, however, the exact cause of death was being investigated by the campus police. Club denied entry to Indian-American student 'multiple times' On January 20, Akul had gone out for drinks with friends. He, along with his friends, then decided to go to the Canopy Club at around 11:30 pm (local time). Canopy Club is located close to the university campus and the boys had visited the place even the night before. However, the club's staff members denied him entry into the club. The boy tried "multiple times" to enter the club but was repeatedly denied entry by staff, said the investigators, adding that he also did not use the two rideshare vehicles called for him, reported Kansas City. Midwest US, along with Illinois, battles brutal cold and freezing temperatures in January as the wind chills dip between -20 to -30 degrees. Watch: Gravitas | Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US? Various calls made to Dhawan went unanswered and one of his friends reached out to the campus police for help. As per the police, an officer searched for Dhawan by driving "at a walking pace" near the "likely path" which he should have taken to come back to the campus. A university employee next morning notified the police and emergency medical services of "a man on the back porch of a building". The police informed that he was "dead at the time he was found". His parents, Ish and Ritu Dhawan said that their son was discovered just 400 feet from where he went missing on the basis of the location-tracking data on Dhawan's phone. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin student froze to death after being denied entry into US nightclub

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy SOB" while addressing a public fundraising event in California.

"We have a crazy SOB like that guy Putin, and others, and we always have to worry about nuclear conflict, but the existential threat to humanity is climate," Biden said in a brief speech at the event in San Francisco.

Biden has previously also launched scathing attacks against Putin after he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in the year 2022, calling him a "butcher" and a "war criminal".

This also comes as the US announced tough new sanctions against Russia over the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison and the completion of two years of the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

Biden, while speaking to the reporters before departing on his trip to California said that the US will announce a major package of sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;

These, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, will target a range of items, including the country's defence and industrial bases, along with sources of revenue for the economy. &nbsp;

The package will "hold Russia accountable for what happened to Mr Navalny" and for its actions over the course of the war in Ukraine, Kirby said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-world-of-sports/biden-announces-fresh-student-loan-relief-for-150000-americans-692498">Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans</a>

<h2>Navalny's death proof of Putin's brutality,&nbsp;says Biden</h2>

Biden on Friday (Feb 16) said he was "not surprised" by the death of Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality".

Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said, "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing."&nbsp;

Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs".

"Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding, "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible."&nbsp;

"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy SOB" while addressing a public fundraising event in California.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Feb 21) called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy SOB" while addressing a public fundraising event in California. "We have a crazy SOB like that guy Putin, and others, and we always have to worry about nuclear conflict, but the existential threat to humanity is climate," Biden said in a brief speech at the event in San Francisco. Biden has previously also launched scathing attacks against Putin after he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in the year 2022, calling him a "butcher" and a "war criminal". This also comes as the US announced tough new sanctions against Russia over the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison and the completion of two years of the Ukraine war. Biden, while speaking to the reporters before departing on his trip to California said that the US will announce a major package of sanctions against Russia. These, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, will target a range of items, including the country's defence and industrial bases, along with sources of revenue for the economy. The package will "hold Russia accountable for what happened to Mr Navalny" and for its actions over the course of the war in Ukraine, Kirby said. Also read: Biden announces fresh student loan relief for 150,000 Americans Navalny's death proof of Putin's brutality, says Biden Biden on Friday (Feb 16) said he was "not surprised" by the death of Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality". Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said, "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing." Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs". "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding, "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible." "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden calls Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin 'crazy SOB'

US President Joe Biden's dog Commander reportedly bit US Secret Service agents in at least 24 incidents before he was removed from the White House, new documents reveal.

The newly released United States Secret Service (USSS) documents, which came out to the public through Freedom of Information requests, showed that there were nearly 24 occasions where the German shepherd either bit or attempted to attack Secret Service staff members or others between October 2022 and July 2023.

These incidents include members of the Secret Service being bitten on the forearm, wrist, waist, elbow, shoulder, thigh and chest.

Biden's pet dog left the White House in October 2023 following an incident where a Secret Service agent was immediately rushed for medical treatment following a severe bite.

In June 2023, one of the agents required stitches on the forearm after a "deep bite" by the dog.&nbsp;

In another incident that took place in July 2023, an agent developed a severe deep open wound and needed six stitches after being bitten in the hand by the dog.&nbsp;

He also lost a significant amount of blood due to the dog bite.

An unnamed senior agent had in an email, suggested that agents safeguarding Biden and his family "must be creative to ensure our own personal safety".

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-commander-on-rampage-secret-staff-member-bit-in-11th-such-attack-640021">&nbsp;Biden's dog Commander on rampage? Secret staff member bit in 11th such attack</a>

"The recent dog bites have challenged us to adjust our operational tactics when Commander is present - please give lots of room (staying a terrain feature away if possible)," the agent wrote.

<h2>Commander attacked officer in the presence of Jill Biden</h2>

In an October 26, 2022, Secret Service email, an unnamed officer recounted Commander charging at him in the presence of First Lady Jill Biden, CBS News reported.&nbsp;

Also Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: US President Biden's dog removed from White House | Is the secret service scared of a dog?

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Another incident on December 11, 2022, involved an agent being bitten twice in the Kennedy Garden of the White House while in the presence of President Biden after Commander was taken off his leash, as described in emails.

The president showed concern for the injured agent, who received medical attention from White House personnel and was able to complete his shift.

In an official statement, the US First Lady spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander conveyed that "the First Family is actively working on strategies to help Commander adapt to the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds."

Commander was gifted to the Bidens as a puppy in December 2021 following the passing of their German Shepherd, Champ. In the same year, Biden's other German Shepherd, Major, was relocated to Delaware to live with friends of the Bidens after being involved in multiple biting incidents at the White House.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's dog Commander reportedly bit US Secret Service agents in at least 24 incidents before he was removed from the White House, new documents reveal.

US President Joe Biden's dog Commander reportedly bit US Secret Service agents in at least 24 incidents before he was removed from the White House, new documents reveal. The newly released United States Secret Service (USSS) documents, which came out to the public through Freedom of Information requests, showed that there were nearly 24 occasions where the German shepherd either bit or attempted to attack Secret Service staff members or others between October 2022 and July 2023. These incidents include members of the Secret Service being bitten on the forearm, wrist, waist, elbow, shoulder, thigh and chest. Biden's pet dog left the White House in October 2023 following an incident where a Secret Service agent was immediately rushed for medical treatment following a severe bite. In June 2023, one of the agents required stitches on the forearm after a "deep bite" by the dog. In another incident that took place in July 2023, an agent developed a severe deep open wound and needed six stitches after being bitten in the hand by the dog. He also lost a significant amount of blood due to the dog bite. An unnamed senior agent had in an email, suggested that agents safeguarding Biden and his family "must be creative to ensure our own personal safety". Also read: Biden's dog Commander on rampage? Secret staff member bit in 11th such attack "The recent dog bites have challenged us to adjust our operational tactics when Commander is present - please give lots of room (staying a terrain feature away if possible)," the agent wrote. Commander attacked officer in the presence of Jill Biden In an October 26, 2022, Secret Service email, an unnamed officer recounted Commander charging at him in the presence of First Lady Jill Biden, CBS News reported. Also Watch: Gravitas: US President Biden's dog removed from White House | Is the secret service scared of a dog? × Another incident on December 11, 2022, involved an agent being bitten twice in the Kennedy Garden of the White House while in the presence of President Biden after Commander was taken off his leash, as described in emails. The president showed concern for the injured agent, who received medical attention from White House personnel and was able to complete his shift. In an official statement, the US First Lady spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander conveyed that "the First Family is actively working on strategies to help Commander adapt to the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds." Commander was gifted to the Bidens as a puppy in December 2021 following the passing of their German Shepherd, Champ. In the same year, Biden's other German Shepherd, Major, was relocated to Delaware to live with friends of the Bidens after being involved in multiple biting incidents at the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.&nbsp;

A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon".&nbsp;

The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore,&nbsp;New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020.&nbsp;

The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-tectonic-plate-tearing-apart-under-pacific-ocean-from-japan-to-new-zealand-688973">Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand</a>

The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land.

However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding.&nbsp;

The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus.

<h2>Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images</h2>

The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe.&nbsp;

In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards.

Watch:&nbsp;Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole

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Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year."

"This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images. A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon". The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020. The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed. Also Read: Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land. However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding. The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus. Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe. In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards. Watch: Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year." "This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major cities of United States are sinking, warns NASA

Reviving the iconic panda diplomacy, China is planning&nbsp;to send a pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, months after all the iconic bears, taken on loan, were returned from US zoos amid souring relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

Speaking to The Associated Press, San Diego Zoo officials said that if all permits and requirements are approved, two pairs of bears, one male and one female, are likely to arrive in the zoo as early as the end of summer, nearly five years after the last pandas were sent back by the zoo to China.

Speaking about the return of bears, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and vice president of Wildlife Conservation Science Megan Owen said, “We're very excited and hopeful. They've expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-initiate panda cooperation starting with the San Diego Zoo.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his US visit in November, had hinted at the return of pandas – calling them “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-balloon-panda-diplomacy-us-china-ties-in-2023-entered-a-phase-of-21st-century-cold-war-669728">Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war</a>

China has been considering sending a pair of pandas, which includes a female descendent of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, who are former residents of the zoo, said Owen, who is an expert in panda behaviour and has worked in San Diego and China.

Bai Yun, who was born in China, lived for more than 20 years at the zoo and gave birth to six cubs.&nbsp;

Gao Gao was born in the country's wild and lived at the San Diego Zoo from 2003 to 2018 before he was sent back.

<h2>Hiccups in US-China panda diplomacy</h2>

The early 1970s, which marked the 'ping-pong' diplomacy between the United States and China, saw the exchange of table tennis players between the countries as an effort to establish ties between the two countries.

It was the same diplomacy which paved the way for US President Richard Nixon's historic ice-breaking visit to Beijing in 1972, where for the first time a pair of pandas was gifted by Beijing to the Smithsonian National Zoo – marking the beginning of panda diplomacy.

Watch:&nbsp;Panda cubs debut in giant Panda reserves

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Since then, pandas have become some kind of unofficial barometer of China and US relations. However, 2023 saw the collapse of the panda diplomacy between the two countries as the contract for lending these fur animals expired and was not renewed.

In November, the last three remaining pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo were sent back to China. The departure of pandas from the United States appeared to be a sign of the significant shift in their complicated relationship where tension seemed to prevail over the&nbsp;adorable bears.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reviving the iconic panda diplomacy, China is planning to send a pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, months after all the iconic bears, taken on loan, were returned from US zoos amid souring relations between the two countries.

Reviving the iconic panda diplomacy, China is planning to send a pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, months after all the iconic bears, taken on loan, were returned from US zoos amid souring relations between the two countries. Speaking to The Associated Press, San Diego Zoo officials said that if all permits and requirements are approved, two pairs of bears, one male and one female, are likely to arrive in the zoo as early as the end of summer, nearly five years after the last pandas were sent back by the zoo to China. Speaking about the return of bears, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and vice president of Wildlife Conservation Science Megan Owen said, “We're very excited and hopeful. They've expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-initiate panda cooperation starting with the San Diego Zoo.” Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his US visit in November, had hinted at the return of pandas – calling them “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples". Also Read: Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war China has been considering sending a pair of pandas, which includes a female descendent of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, who are former residents of the zoo, said Owen, who is an expert in panda behaviour and has worked in San Diego and China. Bai Yun, who was born in China, lived for more than 20 years at the zoo and gave birth to six cubs. Gao Gao was born in the country's wild and lived at the San Diego Zoo from 2003 to 2018 before he was sent back. Hiccups in US-China panda diplomacy The early 1970s, which marked the 'ping-pong' diplomacy between the United States and China, saw the exchange of table tennis players between the countries as an effort to establish ties between the two countries. It was the same diplomacy which paved the way for US President Richard Nixon's historic ice-breaking visit to Beijing in 1972, where for the first time a pair of pandas was gifted by Beijing to the Smithsonian National Zoo – marking the beginning of panda diplomacy. Watch: Panda cubs debut in giant Panda reserves Since then, pandas have become some kind of unofficial barometer of China and US relations. However, 2023 saw the collapse of the panda diplomacy between the two countries as the contract for lending these fur animals expired and was not renewed. In November, the last three remaining pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo were sent back to China. The departure of pandas from the United States appeared to be a sign of the significant shift in their complicated relationship where tension seemed to prevail over the adorable bears. (With inputs from agencies)

US-China panda diplomacy back on track as Beijing plans to send pandas to San Diego

Yale University in the United States has issued an apology for its alleged historic association with slavery. As one of America's leading universities Yale says that one of its leading donors not only kept Indian slaves but also traded in the slave business.

Yale University issues apology to India for historically linking the country to slavery

A vigil was held on Sunday evening for the three first responders who lost their lives in a domestic abuse incident in the US state of Minnesota.

The deceased were transported in an emotional convoy from a hospital in downtown Minneapolis to the Minnetonka medical examiner's office.

A large group of law enforcement officers stood to salute them as their caskets, draped in American flags, were carried into vans outside Hennepin Healthcare on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

Thousands gathered to pay their respects during the 16-mile walk through metro streets. On an overpass, firefighters saluted their fallen comrades from the top of their vehicles.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

A domestic abuse incident escalated into a deadly armed encounter in Minnesota on Sunday (Feb 18) after a man shot dead two Burnsville police officers and one paramedic.

The shooter, who has not yet been publicly identified, barricaded himself inside a house in Burnsville with multiple children early on Sunday morning. Three first responders were killed and one was injured when the confrontation turned into a gunfight.

The state officers said that the assailant was dead and the seven children trapped inside the house, all ranging between two to 15, were all safely rescued.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released a statement saying that the two police officers, Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, along with fire paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, were killed "while responding to a call of a family in danger."

"This is heartbreaking," Walz told a press conference Sunday evening.

Emergency dispatch got a call on Sunday from inside a home in Burnsville at around 1:50 am "where a man was reported to be armed and barricaded with family members," said Drew Evans, superintendent at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-conducted-strikes-in-houthi-controlled-areas-of-yemen-targets-underwater-vessel-691519">US conducted strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, targeted underwater vessel</a>

"We later learned that there were seven young children in the home, ranging from ages 2 to 15 at the time this event occurred. When officers got to the scene, the individual was barricaded and they spent quite a bit of time negotiating with this individual who was barricaded in the home, and additional officers responded, at that time," Evans said.

"At one point during that barricaded situation, the subject opened fire on the officers in the home and officers Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth from the fire department, Mr. Finseth. were killed by the gunman during the response. One other officer, Sergeant Adam Medlicott was injured and was shot as well where he's suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but has been treated, is in the process of being treated. At approximately 8 am, the subject was reported to be deceased in the home, and later that morning those other children and family members were able to escape from the home,” he added.

<h2>The investigation</h2>

Numerous firearms were recovered from the property, however, the authorities did not specify if the weapons were pistols or more powerful semi-automatic rifles.

"We are in the very beginning stages of this investigation," Evans said.

"Today three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes," Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz told reporters.

Shooting incidents are more common in the United States where there are more guns than people and one-third of adults possess a handgun.

(With inputs from agencies)

A vigil was held on Sunday evening for the three first responders who lost their lives in a domestic abuse incident in the US state of Minnesota. The deceased were transported in an emotional convoy from a hospital in downtown Minneapolis to the Minnetonka medical examiner's office.

A vigil was held on Sunday evening for the three first responders who lost their lives in a domestic abuse incident in the US state of Minnesota. The deceased were transported in an emotional convoy from a hospital in downtown Minneapolis to the Minnetonka medical examiner's office. A large group of law enforcement officers stood to salute them as their caskets, draped in American flags, were carried into vans outside Hennepin Healthcare on Sunday afternoon. Thousands gathered to pay their respects during the 16-mile walk through metro streets. On an overpass, firefighters saluted their fallen comrades from the top of their vehicles. What happened? A domestic abuse incident escalated into a deadly armed encounter in Minnesota on Sunday (Feb 18) after a man shot dead two Burnsville police officers and one paramedic. The shooter, who has not yet been publicly identified, barricaded himself inside a house in Burnsville with multiple children early on Sunday morning. Three first responders were killed and one was injured when the confrontation turned into a gunfight. The state officers said that the assailant was dead and the seven children trapped inside the house, all ranging between two to 15, were all safely rescued. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released a statement saying that the two police officers, Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, along with fire paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, were killed "while responding to a call of a family in danger." "This is heartbreaking," Walz told a press conference Sunday evening. Emergency dispatch got a call on Sunday from inside a home in Burnsville at around 1:50 am "where a man was reported to be armed and barricaded with family members," said Drew Evans, superintendent at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Also read: US conducted strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, targeted underwater vessel "We later learned that there were seven young children in the home, ranging from ages 2 to 15 at the time this event occurred. When officers got to the scene, the individual was barricaded and they spent quite a bit of time negotiating with this individual who was barricaded in the home, and additional officers responded, at that time," Evans said. "At one point during that barricaded situation, the subject opened fire on the officers in the home and officers Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth from the fire department, Mr. Finseth. were killed by the gunman during the response. One other officer, Sergeant Adam Medlicott was injured and was shot as well where he's suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but has been treated, is in the process of being treated. At approximately 8 am, the subject was reported to be deceased in the home, and later that morning those other children and family members were able to escape from the home,” he added. The investigation Numerous firearms were recovered from the property, however, the authorities did not specify if the weapons were pistols or more powerful semi-automatic rifles. "We are in the very beginning stages of this investigation," Evans said. "Today three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes," Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz told reporters. Shooting incidents are more common in the United States where there are more guns than people and one-third of adults possess a handgun. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Thousands gather to pay respects to three officers killed in Minnesota shooting

The al-Qaeda terror group is making a comeback in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, according to a new report released by the UN Security Council.

As per the report, the terrorist group has set up eight new training camps alongside five madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, around Afghanistan. They are located in several provinces, including Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, and Uruzgan.&nbsp;

The report also listed the locations where al-Qaeda moved its agents into and out of neighbouring Iran and also revealed the establishment of new weapons stockpiling base in the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul.&nbsp;

"The group maintains safe houses to facilitate the movement between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the provinces of Herat, Farah, and Helmand, with additional safe house locations in Kabul," the report said.

"The presence of al Qaeda senior figures in the country has not changed, and the group continues to pose a threat in the region and potentially beyond," the U.N.&nbsp;report warns.

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However, it mentioned that in its assessment, "the group cannot at present project sophisticated attacks at long range."&nbsp;

"This accommodation of al-Qaeda within Afghanistan has validated longstanding fears voiced by many observers regarding the country once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations under Taliban rule," Shahin Modarres, an international security analyst specialising in Iran affiliated with the Center for Middle East and Global Order think tank, was quoted as saying by The Media Line.

Modarres stated that there is a shared ideological alignment and history of collaboration between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who retook control of Afghanistan in the year 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from the nation.&nbsp;

He claimed that both the groups had maintained close relations throughout their insurgency against the coalition forces, based on a shared jihadist philosophy and mutual support for each other's goals.&nbsp;

<h2>Taliban denies report</h2>

The Taliban released a statement declining the claims made in the report stating that the United Nations is "always spreading propaganda."

"There is no one related to al Qaeda in Afghanistan, nor does the Islamic Emirate allow anyone to use the territory of Afghanistan against others," the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The al-Qaeda terror group is making a comeback in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, according to a new report released by the UN Security Council. As per the report, the terrorist group has set up eight new training camps alongside five madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, around Afghanistan.

The al-Qaeda terror group is making a comeback in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, according to a new report released by the UN Security Council. As per the report, the terrorist group has set up eight new training camps alongside five madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, around Afghanistan. They are located in several provinces, including Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, and Uruzgan. The report also listed the locations where al-Qaeda moved its agents into and out of neighbouring Iran and also revealed the establishment of new weapons stockpiling base in the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul. "The group maintains safe houses to facilitate the movement between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the provinces of Herat, Farah, and Helmand, with additional safe house locations in Kabul," the report said. "The presence of al Qaeda senior figures in the country has not changed, and the group continues to pose a threat in the region and potentially beyond," the U.N. report warns. Also read: Trump launches sneaker line a day after he was fined in New York civil fraud case However, it mentioned that in its assessment, "the group cannot at present project sophisticated attacks at long range." "This accommodation of al-Qaeda within Afghanistan has validated longstanding fears voiced by many observers regarding the country once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations under Taliban rule," Shahin Modarres, an international security analyst specialising in Iran affiliated with the Center for Middle East and Global Order think tank, was quoted as saying by The Media Line. Modarres stated that there is a shared ideological alignment and history of collaboration between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who retook control of Afghanistan in the year 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from the nation. He claimed that both the groups had maintained close relations throughout their insurgency against the coalition forces, based on a shared jihadist philosophy and mutual support for each other's goals. Taliban denies report The Taliban released a statement declining the claims made in the report stating that the United Nations is "always spreading propaganda." "There is no one related to al Qaeda in Afghanistan, nor does the Islamic Emirate allow anyone to use the territory of Afghanistan against others," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Al-Qaeda intensifying presence in Afghanistan, setting up new training facilities, says UN report

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) troops have been working on the ground in Yemen along with Houthi rebels to help them target Western and Israeli military and commercial assets,&nbsp;claimed a US Navy official, while speaking on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” programme.

US Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper added that Iranian troops have been assisting the Houthis, which has led to an increase in the attacks on US military targets in the region as well as the shipping vessels in the Red Sea.&nbsp;

The comments were made at a time when US forces have stepped up counter-measures amid fears of an escalation in the Israel-Hamas war.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-mahsa-aminis-uncle-faces-five-years-of-imprisonment-over-protests-say-rights-groups-690214">Iran: Mahsa Amini’s uncle faces five years of imprisonment over protests, say rights groups</a>

Speaking to&nbsp;“60 Minutes” correspondent Norah O’Donnell, Cooper claimed that the IRGC members&nbsp;have been present on the ground in Yemen “serving side-by-side” with the Houthis as well as providing them with "advice and target information."

Speaking about the steps taken by the US forces to counter that partnership, Cooper said that “will obviously end up being a policy decision."

"Our role at this point is to simply be ready and continue to be aggressive in exercising our right to self-defence," he added.

<h2>Iran funding Houthis? US claims so...</h2>

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite paramilitary group that directly reports to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, has given assistance to militant groups across the entire Middle East, as per the US State Department.

The state department has designated the Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

Last month, the Houthis were also redesignated as a global terrorist group by the US after there was an increase in attacks on US targets and shipping vessels, which have led to severe disruptions in trade and also threatened to bring more instability in the region.

Watch:&nbsp;Is Iran hinting at war with US? Here’s what Iran’s military chief has to say

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The Houthi rebels, which is a Shia Islamist group and controls territory in northern Yemen as well as the capital city Sana’a, are allegedly receiving funding from Iran, according to the US.

In recent months, the US forces have shifted their attention to militant groups in the Middle East and Somalia which allegedly have ties with Iran, after numerous attacks on US bases, shipping vessels and troops.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) troops have been working on the ground in Yemen along with Houthi rebels to help them target Western and Israeli military and commercial assets, claimed a US Navy official, while speaking on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” programme.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) troops have been working on the ground in Yemen along with Houthi rebels to help them target Western and Israeli military and commercial assets, claimed a US Navy official, while speaking on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” programme. US Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper added that Iranian troops have been assisting the Houthis, which has led to an increase in the attacks on US military targets in the region as well as the shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The comments were made at a time when US forces have stepped up counter-measures amid fears of an escalation in the Israel-Hamas war. Also Read: Iran: Mahsa Amini’s uncle faces five years of imprisonment over protests, say rights groups Speaking to “60 Minutes” correspondent Norah O’Donnell, Cooper claimed that the IRGC members have been present on the ground in Yemen “serving side-by-side” with the Houthis as well as providing them with "advice and target information." Speaking about the steps taken by the US forces to counter that partnership, Cooper said that “will obviously end up being a policy decision." "Our role at this point is to simply be ready and continue to be aggressive in exercising our right to self-defence," he added. Iran funding Houthis? US claims so... Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite paramilitary group that directly reports to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, has given assistance to militant groups across the entire Middle East, as per the US State Department. The state department has designated the Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Last month, the Houthis were also redesignated as a global terrorist group by the US after there was an increase in attacks on US targets and shipping vessels, which have led to severe disruptions in trade and also threatened to bring more instability in the region. Watch: Is Iran hinting at war with US? Here’s what Iran’s military chief has to say The Houthi rebels, which is a Shia Islamist group and controls territory in northern Yemen as well as the capital city Sana’a, are allegedly receiving funding from Iran, according to the US. In recent months, the US forces have shifted their attention to militant groups in the Middle East and Somalia which allegedly have ties with Iran, after numerous attacks on US bases, shipping vessels and troops. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s revolutionary guard assisting Houthis on the ground in Yemen, claims US official

Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe a conspiracy theory which suggests that Taylor Swift is part of a secret government plot to help US President Joe Biden win a second term, as per a new poll by Monmouth University.

“The supposed Taylor Swift psyop conspiracy has legs among a decent number of Trump supporters,” Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Even many who hadn’t heard about it before we polled them accept the idea as credible. Welcome to the 2024 election," he added.

The poll showed that 46 per cent of the respondents had heard about the conspiracy, whereas 18 per cent said that they believed it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-for-ban-on-assault-weapons-after-deadly-shooting-at-super-bowl-parade-690387">Kansas shooting: Biden calls for ban on assault weapons after deadly shooting at Super Bowl parade</a>

Among those who believed the conspiracy theory, 71 per cent identified as Republicans whereas 83 per cent as staunch supporters of Trump. Close to&nbsp;73 per cent also believed that the results of the 2020 US Presidential elections were fraudulent.

The conspiracy theory suggests that the United States Defence Department is working alongside Swift to push for pro-Biden propaganda in order to divert the public's attention from Trump.

The theory further posits that the famous pop star may be making use of the NFL to expand her reach to an even broader audience. Swift is dating&nbsp;Travis Kelce of the NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, which won this year's Super Bowl.

Swift endorsed Biden over Trump during the 2020 presidential race. On the other hand, Kelce, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, endorsed Bud Light beer and vaccinations against coronavirus, which have been the targets of rightwing ire.

Donald Trump has said that Swift would be “disloyal” if she went ahead and endorsed Biden as she widely benefited from the Music Modernization Act, which was related to royalties from streaming services, that was passed during Trump's term.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe a conspiracy theory which suggests that Taylor Swift is part of a secret government plot to help US President Joe Biden win a second term, as per a new poll by Monmouth University.

Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe a conspiracy theory which suggests that Taylor Swift is part of a secret government plot to help US President Joe Biden win a second term, as per a new poll by Monmouth University. “The supposed Taylor Swift psyop conspiracy has legs among a decent number of Trump supporters,” Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said in a statement on Tuesday. “Even many who hadn’t heard about it before we polled them accept the idea as credible. Welcome to the 2024 election," he added. The poll showed that 46 per cent of the respondents had heard about the conspiracy, whereas 18 per cent said that they believed it. Also read: Kansas shooting: Biden calls for ban on assault weapons after deadly shooting at Super Bowl parade Among those who believed the conspiracy theory, 71 per cent identified as Republicans whereas 83 per cent as staunch supporters of Trump. Close to 73 per cent also believed that the results of the 2020 US Presidential elections were fraudulent. The conspiracy theory suggests that the United States Defence Department is working alongside Swift to push for pro-Biden propaganda in order to divert the public's attention from Trump. The theory further posits that the famous pop star may be making use of the NFL to expand her reach to an even broader audience. Swift is dating Travis Kelce of the NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, which won this year's Super Bowl. Swift endorsed Biden over Trump during the 2020 presidential race. On the other hand, Kelce, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, endorsed Bud Light beer and vaccinations against coronavirus, which have been the targets of rightwing ire. Donald Trump has said that Swift would be “disloyal” if she went ahead and endorsed Biden as she widely benefited from the Music Modernization Act, which was related to royalties from streaming services, that was passed during Trump's term. (With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe in Taylor Swift-Joe Biden election conspiracy theory, poll finds

The US police on Thursday (Feb 15) said that the deaths of four of an Indian-origin family in California's San Mateo appear to be a case of murder-suicide, and the Indian-origin techie,&nbsp;Anand Sujith Henry, is the suspect. 
 
According to the police, the man killed his wife as well as their four-year-old twins before shooting himself with a gun in a gruesome murder-suicide. 
 
The statement was issued by the police days after 42-year-old Anand Sujith Henry was found dead along with his wife Alice Priyanka Benziger, 40, and their twin sons Noah and Neithan at their $2.1 million-worth home in California.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indian-origin-family-of-four-found-dead-in-california-two-suffered-gunshot-wounds-690169">US: Indian-origin family of four found dead in California, two suffered gunshot wounds</a>

The police officials found the couple dead inside a bathroom and they had gunshot wounds when they visited the house for a welfare check on Monday (Feb 12). The children were also found dead in a bedroom. 
 
"At this time, next of kin have been notified and we can now confirm the identities as Anand Henry (father), Alice Benziger (mother), and their minor twin boys. A 9mm handgun legally registered to Henry was located on the bathroom floor where both adults' bodies were located," said the San Mateo Police Department, in a statement.

<h2 lang="en-US">Police find 'no history of violence' at home</h2>

As per the police officials, Henry, a former Meta employee,&nbsp;was responsible for all four deaths. 
 
"Both Henry and Benziger succumbed to gunshot wounds and based on the investigation to date, Anand Henry has been identified as the suspect," said the police department. 
 
"Our investigation shows Benziger succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Henry suffered from a single shot. The cause of death for the minor boys is still pending pathology, but we can confirm they did not die from gunfire or show signs of bodily trauma," added officials. 
 
The family members, who originally belonged to the Indian state of Kerala, had been staying in the United States for the past nine years.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian family of four found dead in murder-suicide case in U.S, police finds bodies during check

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-family-of-four-found-dead-in-murder-suicide-case-in-us-police-finds-bodies-during-check-690636/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Alice was a senior analyst and Anand was a software engineer. They had shifted to San Mateo County from New Jersey two years ago. The neighbours and colleagues admired the deceased couple and described them as hardworking, friendly, and devoted parents. 
 
As per the court records, in 2016 Anand had filed for divorce, however, he did not go through with it. The authorities also confirmed that they did not find any history of violence at the home. 
 
"Our investigation into the motive for this tragedy continues. While we can't undo this horrific incident, we would like to share with our community both domestic violence and mental health resources, because there is help and/or assistance out there, and something like this does not need to happen again," the police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US police on Thursday (Feb 15) said that the deaths of four of an Indian-origin family in California's San Mateo appear to be a case of murder-suicide, and the Indian-origin techie, Anand Sujith Henry, is the suspect.

The US police on Thursday (Feb 15) said that the deaths of four of an Indian-origin family in California's San Mateo appear to be a case of murder-suicide, and the Indian-origin techie, Anand Sujith Henry, is the suspect. According to the police, the man killed his wife as well as their four-year-old twins before shooting himself with a gun in a gruesome murder-suicide. The statement was issued by the police days after 42-year-old Anand Sujith Henry was found dead along with his wife Alice Priyanka Benziger, 40, and their twin sons Noah and Neithan at their $2.1 million-worth home in California. Also Read: US: Indian-origin family of four found dead in California, two suffered gunshot wounds The police officials found the couple dead inside a bathroom and they had gunshot wounds when they visited the house for a welfare check on Monday (Feb 12). The children were also found dead in a bedroom. "At this time, next of kin have been notified and we can now confirm the identities as Anand Henry (father), Alice Benziger (mother), and their minor twin boys. A 9mm handgun legally registered to Henry was located on the bathroom floor where both adults' bodies were located," said the San Mateo Police Department, in a statement. Police find 'no history of violence' at home As per the police officials, Henry, a former Meta employee, was responsible for all four deaths. "Both Henry and Benziger succumbed to gunshot wounds and based on the investigation to date, Anand Henry has been identified as the suspect," said the police department. "Our investigation shows Benziger succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Henry suffered from a single shot. The cause of death for the minor boys is still pending pathology, but we can confirm they did not die from gunfire or show signs of bodily trauma," added officials. The family members, who originally belonged to the Indian state of Kerala, had been staying in the United States for the past nine years. Watch: Indian family of four found dead in murder-suicide case in U.S, police finds bodies during check Alice was a senior analyst and Anand was a software engineer. They had shifted to San Mateo County from New Jersey two years ago. The neighbours and colleagues admired the deceased couple and described them as hardworking, friendly, and devoted parents. As per the court records, in 2016 Anand had filed for divorce, however, he did not go through with it. The authorities also confirmed that they did not find any history of violence at the home. "Our investigation into the motive for this tragedy continues. While we can't undo this horrific incident, we would like to share with our community both domestic violence and mental health resources, because there is help and/or assistance out there, and something like this does not need to happen again," the police said. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Indian-origin techie killed family, then self in apparent murder-suicide, police say

In a major setback for the impeachment inquiry of Joe Biden being carried out by the House Republicans, Justice Department special counsel has indicted a former FBI informant for allegedly lying about the overseas business dealings of the US president and his son Hunter Biden.

Special Counsel David Weiss has charged 43-year-old Alexander Smirnov of giving&nbsp;false statements and making a fictitious record in what is called the “FBI 1023 report”, which is based on the false information provided to the investigators by him.

On Wednesday (Feb 14), Smirnov was arrested at a Nevada airport, stated the Justice Department.

As per a grand jury indictment, which was unsealed in the Central District of California, Smirnov allegedly spoke with his FBI handler in 2017 regarding Burisma Holdings Limited, which is a Ukrainian holding company where Hunter Biden was appointed on the board.

Three years later in June 2020, Smirnov allegedly informed the FBI regarding the two meetings held in 2015 or 2016 in which he claimed that he was informed about the company paying Hunter Biden to serve on Burisma's board so as to "protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-20-per-cent-of-americans-believe-in-taylor-swift-joe-biden-election-conspiracy-theory-poll-finds-690644">Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe in Taylor Swift-Joe Biden election conspiracy theory, poll finds</a>

Smirnov later also informed the investigators that "they had specifically paid $5 million each to Public Official 1, when he was in office, and Businessperson 1 so that [Businessperson 1] will take care of all those issues through his dad," as per the charging documents.

The indictment fails to specifically identify President Biden as well as his son, however, the descriptions in court papers appear identical to their identities.

"The Defendant made these statements to the Handler in June 2020, when Public Official 1 was a candidate for President of the United States and the presumptive nominee of one of the two major political parties," alleged the indictment.

<h2 lang="en-US">Statements memorialised in FBI record form 'false'</h2>

According to the prosecutors, the two statements memorialised in an FBI record form, "were false, as the Defendant knew."

"No such statements were made to the Defendant because, in truth and fact, Defendant met with officials from Burisma for the first time in 2017, after Public Official 1 left office in January 2017, and after the then-Ukrainian Prosecutor General had been fired in February 2016," said the special counsel.

Till September 2023, Smirnov gave false statements to federal investigators and&nbsp;the indictment said that he, "repeated some of his false claims, changed his story&nbsp;as to other of his claims, and promoted a new false narrative after he said he met with Russian officials."

Watch:&nbsp;Russian President Putin says he prefers Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the White House

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-putin-says-he-prefers-joe-biden-over-donald-trump-in-the-white-house-690483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He has been accused by the special counsel of "expressing a bias" against Biden in May 2020 text messages with his FBI handler, and saying that the then-presidential candidate was "going to jail." However, Smirnov has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Responding to the charges made on Thursday, Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell said, "For months we have warned that Republicans have built their conspiracies about Hunter and his family on lies told by people with political agendas, not facts. We were right and the air is out of their balloon."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major setback for the impeachment inquiry of Joe Biden being carried out by the House Republicans, Justice Department special counsel has indicted a former FBI informant for allegedly lying about the overseas business dealings of the US president and his son Hunter Biden.

In a major setback for the impeachment inquiry of Joe Biden being carried out by the House Republicans, Justice Department special counsel has indicted a former FBI informant for allegedly lying about the overseas business dealings of the US president and his son Hunter Biden. Special Counsel David Weiss has charged 43-year-old Alexander Smirnov of giving false statements and making a fictitious record in what is called the “FBI 1023 report”, which is based on the false information provided to the investigators by him. On Wednesday (Feb 14), Smirnov was arrested at a Nevada airport, stated the Justice Department. As per a grand jury indictment, which was unsealed in the Central District of California, Smirnov allegedly spoke with his FBI handler in 2017 regarding Burisma Holdings Limited, which is a Ukrainian holding company where Hunter Biden was appointed on the board. Three years later in June 2020, Smirnov allegedly informed the FBI regarding the two meetings held in 2015 or 2016 in which he claimed that he was informed about the company paying Hunter Biden to serve on Burisma's board so as to "protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems." Also Read: Nearly 20 per cent of Americans believe in Taylor Swift-Joe Biden election conspiracy theory, poll finds Smirnov later also informed the investigators that "they had specifically paid $5 million each to Public Official 1, when he was in office, and Businessperson 1 so that [Businessperson 1] will take care of all those issues through his dad," as per the charging documents. The indictment fails to specifically identify President Biden as well as his son, however, the descriptions in court papers appear identical to their identities. "The Defendant made these statements to the Handler in June 2020, when Public Official 1 was a candidate for President of the United States and the presumptive nominee of one of the two major political parties," alleged the indictment. Statements memorialised in FBI record form 'false' According to the prosecutors, the two statements memorialised in an FBI record form, "were false, as the Defendant knew." "No such statements were made to the Defendant because, in truth and fact, Defendant met with officials from Burisma for the first time in 2017, after Public Official 1 left office in January 2017, and after the then-Ukrainian Prosecutor General had been fired in February 2016," said the special counsel. Till September 2023, Smirnov gave false statements to federal investigators and the indictment said that he, "repeated some of his false claims, changed his story as to other of his claims, and promoted a new false narrative after he said he met with Russian officials." Watch: Russian President Putin says he prefers Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the White House He has been accused by the special counsel of "expressing a bias" against Biden in May 2020 text messages with his FBI handler, and saying that the then-presidential candidate was "going to jail." However, Smirnov has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Responding to the charges made on Thursday, Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell said, "For months we have warned that Republicans have built their conspiracies about Hunter and his family on lies told by people with political agendas, not facts. We were right and the air is out of their balloon." (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-FBI informant indicted for lying about business dealings of President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden

There police officers in Washington DC were shot while trying to make a cruelty arrest. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 15), the shooting happened at the capitol on Wednesday.

There police officers in Washington DC were shot while trying to make a cruelty arrest. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 15), the shooting happened at the capitol on Wednesday. Authorities said that the officers were hospitalised and are expected to recover from the wounds. A fourth officer was hurt at the scene, but not shot. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Joe Biden was praying that the officers make full recoveries and called for more congressional action on guns. “This shooting is yet another distressing and painful reminder of the toll gun violence is inflicting on families, on our communities and, obviously, on our nation,” Jean-Pierre said. The shooting The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when officers attempted to make an arrest on an animal cruelty warrant, but the suspect refused to leave his house, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said. Also read | Kansas shooting: At least 1 dead, 22 injured in Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade attack As the officers tried to get inside the house, a person identified as 46-year-old Julius James opened fire. The report said that James barricaded himself inside his home, and continued firing sporadically. Shooter arrested Hours after the shootout, James was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals. The 46-year-old will face additional charges related to the shooting. DC Police Union chairperson Gregg Pemberton said that one officer was struck by gunfire twice, but the rounds were stopped by a bulletproof vest. Also read | Missouri state has one of the highest gun death rates in US and lax laws Two other officers were struck in their lower legs, Pemberton said, adding the fourth officer suffered hand injuries at the scene. “We expect some may have a lengthy recovery, but hopefully they’ll be back on the streets again soon,” he also said. As the shooting unfolded, roads were closed, schools were locked down and police warned people to stay far from the affected area. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Three cops shot while trying to make animal cruelty arrest in Washington DC

The special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump on federal charges involving the former president's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss urged the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to reject Trump's bid to further delay trial proceedings as he presses his claim of immunity.

"The nation has a compelling interest in seeing the charges brought to trial," Special Counsel Jack Smith said in his filing to the justices, adding that "the public interest in a prompt trial is at its zenith where, as here, a former president is charged with conspiring to subvert the electoral process so that he could remain in office."

Smith's filing responded to a request by Trump's lawyers on Monday to put on hold a decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejecting the claim of presidential immunity from prosecution.

If the justices do not immediately reject Trump's request, Smith asked that they take up the case and hear it on a fast-track basis.

Smith said Trump's criminal charges reflect an alleged effort to "perpetuate himself in power and prevent the lawful winner of the 2020 presidential election from taking office. The charged crimes strike at the heart of our democracy."

"A president's alleged criminal scheme to overturn an election and thwart the peaceful transfer of power to his successor should be the last place to recognize a novel form of absolute immunity from federal criminal law," Smith added.

Trump's lawyers asked the justices to halt the trial proceedings pending their bid for the full slate of judges on the D.C. Circuit to reconsider the case, and, if necessary, an appeal to the Supreme Court. Smith told the justices that granting such a request would serve only to unnecessarily postpone Trump's trial.

Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden, who defeated him in 2020, in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. If the Supreme Court grants Trump's requests or otherwise does not act quickly to resolve the case, the trial could be pushed to late in the campaign or after the election.

Trump, who served in the White House from 2017 to 2021 and has become the first former president to be criminally prosecuted, has made sweeping claims of immunity both while in office and since leaving the White House.

The Supreme Court in December declined Smith's request to decide the immunity claim even before the D.C. Circuit ruled - a bid by the special counsel to speed up the process of resolving the matter. The justices opted instead to let the lower appeals court rule first, as is customary.

Smith was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 to investigate Trump's actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election and his retention of classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021. Smith brought charges against Trump concerning both issues.

<h2>Trial Delays</h2>

A March 4 trial date for Trump in federal court in Washington on four criminal counts pursued by Smith in the election subversion case was postponed, with no new date yet set. Trump has pleaded not guilty and has sought to portray the case as politically motivated.

Slowing the case could be to Trump's benefit. If he wins the election and returns to the White House, he could use his presidential powers to force an end to the prosecution or potentially pardon himself for any federal crimes.

Trump has appealed a decision by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Dec. 1 rejecting his bid to dismiss the case. Chutkan found no legal support for the position argued by Trump's lawyers that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities.

The charges, brought by Smith in August 2023, represent one of four criminal cases now pending against Trump.

In their filing to the Supreme Court, Trump's lawyers said a months-long criminal trial of Trump during "at the height of election season will radically disrupt" his ability to campaign against Biden. They painted a dark picture of what they said would befall future presidents if Trump's prosecution is permitted to move forward, warning of partisan prosecutions, extortion, blackmail and more.

Trump and his allies made false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and devised a plan to use false electors to thwart congressional certification of Biden's victory. Trump also sought to pressure Vice President Mike Pence not to allow certification to go forward. Trump's supporters attacked the Capitol in a bid to prevent the certification.

The indictment accused Trump of conspiring to defraud the United States, obstructing the congressional certification of Biden's electoral victory and conspiring to do so, and conspiring against right of Americans to vote.

The special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump on federal charges involving the former president's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss urged the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to reject Trump's bid to further delay trial proceedings as he presses his claim of immunity.

The special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump on federal charges involving the former president's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss urged the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to reject Trump's bid to further delay trial proceedings as he presses his claim of immunity. "The nation has a compelling interest in seeing the charges brought to trial," Special Counsel Jack Smith said in his filing to the justices, adding that "the public interest in a prompt trial is at its zenith where, as here, a former president is charged with conspiring to subvert the electoral process so that he could remain in office." Smith's filing responded to a request by Trump's lawyers on Monday to put on hold a decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejecting the claim of presidential immunity from prosecution. If the justices do not immediately reject Trump's request, Smith asked that they take up the case and hear it on a fast-track basis. Smith said Trump's criminal charges reflect an alleged effort to "perpetuate himself in power and prevent the lawful winner of the 2020 presidential election from taking office. The charged crimes strike at the heart of our democracy." "A president's alleged criminal scheme to overturn an election and thwart the peaceful transfer of power to his successor should be the last place to recognize a novel form of absolute immunity from federal criminal law," Smith added. Trump's lawyers asked the justices to halt the trial proceedings pending their bid for the full slate of judges on the D.C. Circuit to reconsider the case, and, if necessary, an appeal to the Supreme Court. Smith told the justices that granting such a request would serve only to unnecessarily postpone Trump's trial. Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden, who defeated him in 2020, in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. If the Supreme Court grants Trump's requests or otherwise does not act quickly to resolve the case, the trial could be pushed to late in the campaign or after the election. Trump, who served in the White House from 2017 to 2021 and has become the first former president to be criminally prosecuted, has made sweeping claims of immunity both while in office and since leaving the White House. The Supreme Court in December declined Smith's request to decide the immunity claim even before the D.C. Circuit ruled - a bid by the special counsel to speed up the process of resolving the matter. The justices opted instead to let the lower appeals court rule first, as is customary. Smith was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 to investigate Trump's actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election and his retention of classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021. Smith brought charges against Trump concerning both issues. Trial Delays A March 4 trial date for Trump in federal court in Washington on four criminal counts pursued by Smith in the election subversion case was postponed, with no new date yet set. Trump has pleaded not guilty and has sought to portray the case as politically motivated. Slowing the case could be to Trump's benefit. If he wins the election and returns to the White House, he could use his presidential powers to force an end to the prosecution or potentially pardon himself for any federal crimes. Trump has appealed a decision by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Dec. 1 rejecting his bid to dismiss the case. Chutkan found no legal support for the position argued by Trump's lawyers that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities. The charges, brought by Smith in August 2023, represent one of four criminal cases now pending against Trump. In their filing to the Supreme Court, Trump's lawyers said a months-long criminal trial of Trump during "at the height of election season will radically disrupt" his ability to campaign against Biden. They painted a dark picture of what they said would befall future presidents if Trump's prosecution is permitted to move forward, warning of partisan prosecutions, extortion, blackmail and more. Trump and his allies made false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and devised a plan to use false electors to thwart congressional certification of Biden's victory. Trump also sought to pressure Vice President Mike Pence not to allow certification to go forward. Trump's supporters attacked the Capitol in a bid to prevent the certification. The indictment accused Trump of conspiring to defraud the United States, obstructing the congressional certification of Biden's electoral victory and conspiring to do so, and conspiring against right of Americans to vote.

Special counsel urges US Supreme Court to rebuff Trump in immunity fight

At least one person was killed while 22 were injured in a shooting incident in Missouri during a parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl LVIII, earlier this week, US media reported. In other news, the US has intelligence of Russian nuclear capabilities in space which could threaten satellites, a report in the New York Times has claimed. The intel has been briefed to Congress and key US allies with some lawmakers demanding that President Joe Biden's administration declassify the information.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-1-dead-21-injured-in-kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-690378">At least 1 dead, 22 injured in Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/15/412207-untitled-design-5.png?imwidth=500" />

Three suspects have been detained so far for investigation, according to Kansas City Police chief Stacey Graves who described Wednesday's incident as a "tragedy".&nbsp;“There are a lot more people who are going to be forever impacted by what happened here today," said Graves.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-for-ban-on-assault-weapons-after-deadly-shooting-at-super-bowl-parade-690387">Biden calls for ban on assault weapons after shooting at Super Bowl parade</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/15/412212-untitled-design-2024-02-15t083246560.png?imwidth=500" />

United States President Joe Biden appealed to all Americans on Wednesday (Feb 14) to support his appeal to Congress to ban assault weapons, stating that the deadly shootout which took place at a Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City "cuts deep." "Today's events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting," said Biden, in a White House statement.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usas-new-intel-report-warns-of-russian-nuclear-capabilities-in-space-690379">USA's new intel report warns of Russian nuclear capabilities in space</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/17/399767-succession-2023-12-17t234144610.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Citing unnamed sources, the report claimed that Russia's potential deployment of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in space&nbsp;could&nbsp;knock out US military&nbsp;communications and reconnaissance capabilities from above.&nbsp;The threat becomes even more pertinent as Washington does not have the capability to&nbsp;counter such a weapon and defend its satellites, the report added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-20-protesters-plan-to-block-trains-demand-pm-modi-to-intervene-690408">Farmers' protest 2.0: Protesters plan to block trains, demand PM to intervene</a>

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The farmer unions Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction), which have been leading the ongoing protests announced a ‘rail roko’ (stop trains) in the state of Punjab between 12 noon and 4 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15) as the protesters geared up to hold a meeting with the cabinet ministers.

Watch | Tech companies pledge to fight deepfakes ahead of elections

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At least one person was killed while 22 were injured in a shooting incident in Missouri during a parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl LVIII, earlier this week, US media reported.

At least one person was killed while 22 were injured in a shooting incident in Missouri during a parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl LVIII, earlier this week, US media reported. In other news, the US has intelligence of Russian nuclear capabilities in space which could threaten satellites, a report in the New York Times has claimed. The intel has been briefed to Congress and key US allies with some lawmakers demanding that President Joe Biden's administration declassify the information. Click on headlines to read more: At least 1 dead, 22 injured in Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting Three suspects have been detained so far for investigation, according to Kansas City Police chief Stacey Graves who described Wednesday's incident as a "tragedy". “There are a lot more people who are going to be forever impacted by what happened here today," said Graves. Biden calls for ban on assault weapons after shooting at Super Bowl parade United States President Joe Biden appealed to all Americans on Wednesday (Feb 14) to support his appeal to Congress to ban assault weapons, stating that the deadly shootout which took place at a Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City "cuts deep." "Today's events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting," said Biden, in a White House statement. USA's new intel report warns of Russian nuclear capabilities in space Citing unnamed sources, the report claimed that Russia's potential deployment of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in space could knock out US military communications and reconnaissance capabilities from above. The threat becomes even more pertinent as Washington does not have the capability to counter such a weapon and defend its satellites, the report added. Farmers' protest 2.0: Protesters plan to block trains, demand PM to intervene The farmer unions Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction), which have been leading the ongoing protests announced a ‘rail roko’ (stop trains) in the state of Punjab between 12 noon and 4 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15) as the protesters geared up to hold a meeting with the cabinet ministers. Watch | Tech companies pledge to fight deepfakes ahead of elections ×

Morning news brief: Super Bowl victory parade shooting; India farmers' protest day 3; and more

The United States, the European Union and Britain called for an investigation into the&nbsp;electoral process of Pakistan and separately expressed concerns regarding the reported irregularities.

Elsewhere, Indian-origin man Vivek Taneja died in the United States after he was attacked and suffered life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Click here to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nawaz-sharif-hints-at-improving-ties-with-india-as-poll-results-drag-on-688825">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on</a>

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Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) supremo Nawaz Sharif said on Friday (Feb 9) that his government would try to improve relations with neighbouring countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-origin-man-dies-after-facing-assault-on-streets-of-washington-688837">US: Indian-origin man dies after facing assault on streets of Washington</a>

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Indian-origin man Vivek Taneja died this week in Washington, United States after he got involved in a scuffle outside a restaurant and suffered life-threatening injuries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-eu-uk-express-concern-over-irregularities-in-pak-elections-urges-for-probe-688843">US, EU, UK express concern over irregularities in Pak elections, urges for probe</a>

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The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns regarding the electoral process in Pakistan in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-bursts-into-flame-after-emergency-landing-in-florida-two-killed-video-688827">Plane bursts into flame after emergency landing in Florida, two killed: Video</a>

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Two people were killed after&nbsp;a small jet plane&nbsp;caught fire while making an emergency landing on Interstate 75 in southwest Florida on Friday (Feb 9).

Watch: India to perform 30 rocket launches in 15 months, In-Space unveils list of launches

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The United States, the European Union and Britain called for an investigation into the electoral process of Pakistan and separately expressed concerns regarding the reported irregularities.

The United States, the European Union and Britain called for an investigation into the electoral process of Pakistan and separately expressed concerns regarding the reported irregularities. Elsewhere, Indian-origin man Vivek Taneja died in the United States after he was attacked and suffered life-threatening injuries. Click here to read more: Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) supremo Nawaz Sharif said on Friday (Feb 9) that his government would try to improve relations with neighbouring countries. US: Indian-origin man dies after facing assault on streets of Washington Indian-origin man Vivek Taneja died this week in Washington, United States after he got involved in a scuffle outside a restaurant and suffered life-threatening injuries. US, EU, UK express concern over irregularities in Pak elections, urges for probe The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns regarding the electoral process in Pakistan in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities. Plane bursts into flame after emergency landing in Florida, two killed: Video Two people were killed after a small jet plane caught fire while making an emergency landing on Interstate 75 in southwest Florida on Friday (Feb 9). Watch: India to perform 30 rocket launches in 15 months, In-Space unveils list of launches

Morning news brief: US, UK seek probe into Pak poll 'irregularities'; Indian-origin man dies in US; and more

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the Russian president gave an interview, a first in years to an American journalist.

During the one-on-one, Putin, who served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB, mocked Carlson for being rejected by the CIA.

While discussing the 2014 Ukrainian Maidan revolution, Putin stated that the ousting of then pro-Moscow Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych took place "with the backing of the CIA of course."

"The organisation you wanted to join back in the day as I understand. We should thank God they didn't let you in. Although it is a serious organisation I understand," the Russian leader said.

Soviet Russia's secret service the KGB and America’s CIA were at odds since their inceptions, which further became an extension of the Great Game.

Putin served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB for 15 years which included six years in Dresden, East Germany.&nbsp;

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46 minutes into his history lesson, Putin stops to mock Tucker for applying to the CIA when he was younger and getting rejected. <a href="https://t.co/oyoADwytpI">pic.twitter.com/oyoADwytpI</a>
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He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in the year 1990.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tucker-carlson-accuses-biden-administration-of-illegally-spying-on-him-to-prevent-interview-with-putin-688599">Tucker Carlson launches scathing attack against Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin</a>

The Russian president also made a mention about the sabotage of the Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines linking Germany, Finland and Russia stating that the CIA or NATO was behind the attacks which took place in the Baltic Sea in September 2022.

On being asked by Carlson who “blew up the Nord Stream”, Putin replied: “You for sure.”

When the American journalist jokingly replied saying he was “busy that day”, Putin said: “The CIA has no such alibi”. &nbsp;

Putin then went on to allege, without presenting any evidence, that only the US was capable of, and could have any interest in, carrying out that attack.

Notably, Washington has consistently denied that it had any role in the attacks.&nbsp;

<h2>Putin says invading Poland or Latvia 'out of question'</h2>

Russian President Putin said it was "out of the question" to invade Poland or Latvia. "We simply don't have any interest" in expanding the Ukraine war, he added.

"Can you imagine a scenario where you send Russian troops to Poland?" asked Carlson.

"Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia," said Putin, adding: "We have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest... It is absolutely out of the question."

The two-hour interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and right-wing commentator who supports former US president Donald Trump, was recorded in Moscow.

It was the first interview given by Putin to a Western media outlet since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

In the past, Carlson has openly criticised the United States for supporting Ukraine and has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “rat-like Ukrainian pimp.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the Russian president gave an interview, a first in years to an American journalist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the Russian president gave an interview, a first in years to an American journalist. During the one-on-one, Putin, who served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB, mocked Carlson for being rejected by the CIA. While discussing the 2014 Ukrainian Maidan revolution, Putin stated that the ousting of then pro-Moscow Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych took place "with the backing of the CIA of course." "The organisation you wanted to join back in the day as I understand. We should thank God they didn't let you in. Although it is a serious organisation I understand," the Russian leader said. Soviet Russia's secret service the KGB and America’s CIA were at odds since their inceptions, which further became an extension of the Great Game. Putin served as a foreign intelligence officer for the KGB for 15 years which included six years in Dresden, East Germany. 46 minutes into his history lesson, Putin stops to mock Tucker for applying to the CIA when he was younger and getting rejected. pic.twitter.com/oyoADwytpI — Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 9, 2024 × He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in the year 1990. Also read: Tucker Carlson launches scathing attack against Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin The Russian president also made a mention about the sabotage of the Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines linking Germany, Finland and Russia stating that the CIA or NATO was behind the attacks which took place in the Baltic Sea in September 2022. On being asked by Carlson who “blew up the Nord Stream”, Putin replied: “You for sure.” When the American journalist jokingly replied saying he was “busy that day”, Putin said: “The CIA has no such alibi”. Putin then went on to allege, without presenting any evidence, that only the US was capable of, and could have any interest in, carrying out that attack. Notably, Washington has consistently denied that it had any role in the attacks. Putin says invading Poland or Latvia 'out of question' Russian President Putin said it was "out of the question" to invade Poland or Latvia. "We simply don't have any interest" in expanding the Ukraine war, he added. "Can you imagine a scenario where you send Russian troops to Poland?" asked Carlson. "Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia," said Putin, adding: "We have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest... It is absolutely out of the question." The two-hour interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and right-wing commentator who supports former US president Donald Trump, was recorded in Moscow. It was the first interview given by Putin to a Western media outlet since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In the past, Carlson has openly criticised the United States for supporting Ukraine and has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “rat-like Ukrainian pimp.” (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin, a former KGB agent, mocks Tucker Carlson for being rejected by CIA

A gunman on Friday (Feb 9) opened fire and killed four people at a market in the southeastern Georgian city of Rustavi before being detained by the police, said the Black Sea nation's interior ministry.

It added that the suspect, who has been identified as a man born in 1988, fired several rounds at a market in the city of Rustavi, which is an industrial hub of 126,000 people 25 kilometres (16 miles) from the capital Tbilisi.

"Four people were killed as a result, including the suspect's uncle who worked at the market," it said in its statement.

"The suspect was detained at the scene," the ministry added. "One person was injured and taken to a hospital."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hints-at-release-of-evan-gershkovich-speaks-about-personal-relationship-with-trump-688462">'I share personal relationship with Trump,' says Putin; hints US journalist can be released</a>

The reports did not specify the type of firearm used by the assailant or the motive behind the incident.

Incidents of mass shootings are a rare occurrence in Georgia as the illegal possession of firearms there is punishable by six years in jail.

In 2023, a retired military officer, before committing suicide, killed five people, including a police officer, and wounded another five in the country's eastern Kakheti region.

The country's government had in the year 2014 toughened previously relaxed gun laws, making it illegal for people to buy or carry guns without special permission.

(With inputs from agencies)

A gunman on Friday (Feb 9) opened fire and killed four people at a market in the southeastern Georgian city of Rustavi before being detained by the police, said the Black Sea nation's interior ministry.

A gunman on Friday (Feb 9) opened fire and killed four people at a market in the southeastern Georgian city of Rustavi before being detained by the police, said the Black Sea nation's interior ministry. It added that the suspect, who has been identified as a man born in 1988, fired several rounds at a market in the city of Rustavi, which is an industrial hub of 126,000 people 25 kilometres (16 miles) from the capital Tbilisi. "Four people were killed as a result, including the suspect's uncle who worked at the market," it said in its statement. "The suspect was detained at the scene," the ministry added. "One person was injured and taken to a hospital." Also read: 'I share personal relationship with Trump,' says Putin; hints US journalist can be released The reports did not specify the type of firearm used by the assailant or the motive behind the incident. Incidents of mass shootings are a rare occurrence in Georgia as the illegal possession of firearms there is punishable by six years in jail. In 2023, a retired military officer, before committing suicide, killed five people, including a police officer, and wounded another five in the country's eastern Kakheti region. The country's government had in the year 2014 toughened previously relaxed gun laws, making it illegal for people to buy or carry guns without special permission. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunman opens fire at market in Georgia, killing four people

United States President Joe Biden launched a scathing attack on former president Donald Trump for his criticism of NATO, calling it "dumb", "shameful" and "un-American".

The Democrat assailed his likely 2024 challenger for stating that he will “encourage” Russia to launch an attack on a NATO member nation that fails to meet its defence spending quota.&nbsp;

Biden said that Trump’s remarks emphasised the need for passing a $95bn foreign aid package for US allies.

The bill had just passed the Senate, however, it still has been facing political headwinds in the House.&nbsp;

At the White House on Tuesday (Feb 13), Biden said that a failure to clear the package, which includes $60bn for Ukraine, will be "playing into Putin's hands".

He added that the stakes have increased because of Trump’s “dangerous” remarks which he made over the weekend.&nbsp;

"No other president in history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator," Biden said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-did-trump-allege-about-nato-spending-and-how-the-international-organisation-is-funded-689908">Explained | What did Trump allege about NATO spending and how the international organisation is funded?</a>

"Let me say this as clearly as I can. I never will. For God's sake. It's dumb. It's shameful. It's dangerous. It's un-American,” he added.&nbsp;

Biden claimed that his predecessor has been treating the military alliance like a protection racket.

"As long as I'm president, if Putin attacks a Nato ally, the United States will defend every inch of Nato territory,” he said.&nbsp;

Biden said that the only time when Nato invoked Article 5, which is part of the organisation’s charter which states that an attack on any member state will be considered an attack on the entire group, was after the 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;

In a message, which was aimed at House Republicans, President Biden said: "Are you going to stand with Ukraine or are you going to stand with Putin? Will you stand with America or Trump?"

<h2>What accusations did Trump level against NATO?&nbsp;</h2>

Donald Trump, who served as the US president from 2017-21, often lambasted NATO and its members like Germany, while accusing them of failing to pay enough for their own defence and depending on the US for their protection.&nbsp;

He has also questioned the collective defence principle openly. Meanwhile, the Europeans have also been accused by other US administrators of failing to spend enough on defence.

Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden joins TikTok ahead of 2024 election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-joins-tiktok-ahead-of-2024-election-689624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taking his criticism to the next level during a campaign rally on Saturday (Feb 11) in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recounted what he said regarding a conversation with the "president of a big country".

"Well sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia - will you protect us?" Trump quoted the unnamed leader as speaking.

"I said: 'You didn't pay? You're delinquent?' He said: 'Yes, let's say that happened.' No, I would not protect you. I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden launched a scathing attack on former president Donald Trump for his criticism of NATO, calling it "dumb", "shameful" and "un-American".

United States President Joe Biden launched a scathing attack on former president Donald Trump for his criticism of NATO, calling it "dumb", "shameful" and "un-American". The Democrat assailed his likely 2024 challenger for stating that he will “encourage” Russia to launch an attack on a NATO member nation that fails to meet its defence spending quota. Biden said that Trump’s remarks emphasised the need for passing a $95bn foreign aid package for US allies. The bill had just passed the Senate, however, it still has been facing political headwinds in the House. At the White House on Tuesday (Feb 13), Biden said that a failure to clear the package, which includes $60bn for Ukraine, will be "playing into Putin's hands". He added that the stakes have increased because of Trump’s “dangerous” remarks which he made over the weekend. "No other president in history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator," Biden said. Also Read: Explained | What did Trump allege about NATO spending and how the international organisation is funded? "Let me say this as clearly as I can. I never will. For God's sake. It's dumb. It's shameful. It's dangerous. It's un-American,” he added. Biden claimed that his predecessor has been treating the military alliance like a protection racket. "As long as I'm president, if Putin attacks a Nato ally, the United States will defend every inch of Nato territory,” he said. Biden said that the only time when Nato invoked Article 5, which is part of the organisation’s charter which states that an attack on any member state will be considered an attack on the entire group, was after the 9/11 attacks. In a message, which was aimed at House Republicans, President Biden said: "Are you going to stand with Ukraine or are you going to stand with Putin? Will you stand with America or Trump?" What accusations did Trump level against NATO? Donald Trump, who served as the US president from 2017-21, often lambasted NATO and its members like Germany, while accusing them of failing to pay enough for their own defence and depending on the US for their protection. He has also questioned the collective defence principle openly. Meanwhile, the Europeans have also been accused by other US administrators of failing to spend enough on defence. Watch: US President Joe Biden joins TikTok ahead of 2024 election Taking his criticism to the next level during a campaign rally on Saturday (Feb 11) in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recounted what he said regarding a conversation with the "president of a big country". "Well sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia - will you protect us?" Trump quoted the unnamed leader as speaking. "I said: 'You didn't pay? You're delinquent?' He said: 'Yes, let's say that happened.' No, I would not protect you. I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden calls Trump’s criticism of NATO ‘dumb’, ‘shameful’

An Indian-origin family of four people, who hailed from the Indian state of Kerala, was found dead inside their house in San Mateo, California, on Tuesday (Feb 13). &nbsp;

The police officials identified the deceased as Anand Sujith Henry (42), his wife Alice Priyanka (40), and their twin children Noah and Neithan (4).&nbsp;

As per the San Mateo police, two of the family members lost their lives due to the gunshot wounds. However, they have still not determined what caused the death of the other two family members.&nbsp;

The police officials have been investigating the case from the angle of possible murder-suicide. However, they have not ruled out other scenarios.

The family members' relatives earlier suspected that the deaths happened due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the heater or air conditioner since the family had complained of nausea and headaches in the past.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-student-killed-in-us-fifth-such-case-in-less-than-two-weeks-687732">Another Indian-origin student dies in United States in fifth such case this year</a>

The police, however, failed to find any evidence of malfunctioning appliances or gas leakage in the house.

<h2>About the deceased Indian family</h2>

Anand Sujith Henry and his wife Alice have been living in the United States for the last nine years and both were IT professionals.&nbsp;

Alice was a senior analyst and Anand was a software engineer. They had shifted to San Mateo County from New Jersey two years ago. The neighbours and colleagues admired the deceased couple and described them as hardworking, friendly, and devoted parents.

The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said that they have been in touch with their family members in India and they are being provided consular assistance.&nbsp;

The consulate further expressed its condolences to the deceased family along with the Indian-American community.

Watch:&nbsp;US: 3 Indian students killed within a week

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The police officials have not yet determined the motive behind the deaths and are waiting for the results of the forensic analysis and autopsy.

The police have further appealed to the people to come ahead with any information that can help&nbsp;solve the case.&nbsp;

The recent deaths come in the wake of a string of deaths of numerous Indian-origin students in the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian-origin family of four people, who hailed from the Indian state of Kerala, was found dead inside their house in San Mateo, California, on Tuesday (Feb 13).

An Indian-origin family of four people, who hailed from the Indian state of Kerala, was found dead inside their house in San Mateo, California, on Tuesday (Feb 13). The police officials identified the deceased as Anand Sujith Henry (42), his wife Alice Priyanka (40), and their twin children Noah and Neithan (4). As per the San Mateo police, two of the family members lost their lives due to the gunshot wounds. However, they have still not determined what caused the death of the other two family members. The police officials have been investigating the case from the angle of possible murder-suicide. However, they have not ruled out other scenarios. The family members' relatives earlier suspected that the deaths happened due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the heater or air conditioner since the family had complained of nausea and headaches in the past. Also Read: Another Indian-origin student dies in United States in fifth such case this year The police, however, failed to find any evidence of malfunctioning appliances or gas leakage in the house. About the deceased Indian family Anand Sujith Henry and his wife Alice have been living in the United States for the last nine years and both were IT professionals. Alice was a senior analyst and Anand was a software engineer. They had shifted to San Mateo County from New Jersey two years ago. The neighbours and colleagues admired the deceased couple and described them as hardworking, friendly, and devoted parents. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said that they have been in touch with their family members in India and they are being provided consular assistance. The consulate further expressed its condolences to the deceased family along with the Indian-American community. Watch: US: 3 Indian students killed within a week The police officials have not yet determined the motive behind the deaths and are waiting for the results of the forensic analysis and autopsy. The police have further appealed to the people to come ahead with any information that can help solve the case. The recent deaths come in the wake of a string of deaths of numerous Indian-origin students in the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Indian-origin family of four found dead in California, two suffered gunshot wounds

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;

In a spine-chilling incident, a man from New Hampshire – who was identified as Adam Montgomery – butchered his five-year-old daughter Harmony and then carried her decomposing corpse every day to his workplace, said the prosecutors in his murder trial. 
 
Montgomery worked at the restaurant and used to leave her daughter’s body next to the food. 
 
The 34-year-old man spent months shifting his daughter’s “butchered” body to different hiding spots, before finally disposing&nbsp;it off “like yesterday’s trash”, said prosecutors, while speaking at the opening of the trial, which the man refused to attend. 
&nbsp; 
The man also stuffed the compressed body of Harmony into a tote bag – which he purchased every day to carry her to the restaurant where he was employed as a cook and dishwasher, the court was informed, as reported by New York Post.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="Two teams of Mumbai Crime Branch to probe murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Abhishek Ghosalkar">Two teams of Mumbai Crime Branch to probe murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Abhishek Ghosalkar</a>

“[The bag] stood out to people, because he placed it in the freezer during his shifts,” said prosecutor Christopher Knowles, while speaking in the court. 
 
“He brought it with him regularly to work and he stored it in a freezer where the company kept food and ingredients. People saw him bringing that in and out. They couldn’t have imagined what that bag contained,” he said.

<h2 lang="en-US">Friend’s car trunk, mother-in-law’s cooler, ceiling vent | Man hid the dead body at all possible places</h2>

The murderer also hid his daughter’s corpse in a friend’s car trunk, a ceiling vent of a homeless shelter where he used to stay, a cooler in his mother-in-law’s apartment building, and an apartment freezer, before disposing it in an unknown location, said prosecutors. 
 
In 2019, Harmony went missing, however, the police were not informed about her disappearance and started looking for the child two years later. 
 
The father punched the daughter several times after she had two bathroom accidents in the car and later did drugs while ignoring her cries as she died while sitting in the backseat, the court was informed.

Watch:&nbsp;Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana

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“He is the only person in this world who knows where Harmony is … and he was hoping that she would never be found,” said Knowles, regarding Montgomery, who has been serving more than 30 years of prison sentence on weapons charges. 
 
“The one person, the one and only person who murdered Harmony, who butchered her body, and who disposed of her like yesterday’s trash,” he added. 
 
In 2022, Montgomery pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, falsifying physical evidence, witness tampering in Harmony’s death, assault and abuse of a corpse.

(With inputs from agencies)

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a spine-chilling incident, a man from New Hampshire – who was identified as Adam Montgomery – butchered his five-year-old daughter Harmony and then carried her decomposing corpse every day to his workplace, said the prosecutors in his murder trial.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a spine-chilling incident, a man from New Hampshire – who was identified as Adam Montgomery – butchered his five-year-old daughter Harmony and then carried her decomposing corpse every day to his workplace, said the prosecutors in his murder trial. Montgomery worked at the restaurant and used to leave her daughter’s body next to the food. The 34-year-old man spent months shifting his daughter’s “butchered” body to different hiding spots, before finally disposing it off “like yesterday’s trash”, said prosecutors, while speaking at the opening of the trial, which the man refused to attend. The man also stuffed the compressed body of Harmony into a tote bag – which he purchased every day to carry her to the restaurant where he was employed as a cook and dishwasher, the court was informed, as reported by New York Post. Also Read: Two teams of Mumbai Crime Branch to probe murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Abhishek Ghosalkar “[The bag] stood out to people, because he placed it in the freezer during his shifts,” said prosecutor Christopher Knowles, while speaking in the court. “He brought it with him regularly to work and he stored it in a freezer where the company kept food and ingredients. People saw him bringing that in and out. They couldn’t have imagined what that bag contained,” he said. Friend’s car trunk, mother-in-law’s cooler, ceiling vent | Man hid the dead body at all possible places The murderer also hid his daughter’s corpse in a friend’s car trunk, a ceiling vent of a homeless shelter where he used to stay, a cooler in his mother-in-law’s apartment building, and an apartment freezer, before disposing it in an unknown location, said prosecutors. In 2019, Harmony went missing, however, the police were not informed about her disappearance and started looking for the child two years later. The father punched the daughter several times after she had two bathroom accidents in the car and later did drugs while ignoring her cries as she died while sitting in the backseat, the court was informed. Watch: Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana “He is the only person in this world who knows where Harmony is … and he was hoping that she would never be found,” said Knowles, regarding Montgomery, who has been serving more than 30 years of prison sentence on weapons charges. “The one person, the one and only person who murdered Harmony, who butchered her body, and who disposed of her like yesterday’s trash,” he added. In 2022, Montgomery pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, falsifying physical evidence, witness tampering in Harmony’s death, assault and abuse of a corpse. (With inputs from agencies)

TRIGGER WARNING: US man butchered 5-year-old daughter, carried her corpse to work daily

Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov on Saturday (Feb 10) stated that the United States was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions even though his country continues to be India's "reliable and time-tested friend".

"In India, Russia enjoys a solid reputation as a reliable, sincere, well-intentioned, time-tested friend. Such an image was initially shaped due to the major contribution of the USSR to Indian socio-economic development, and it largely persists to this day," Alipov said during an interview with news agency RT.

"US officials who come here do not hesitate to directly state that they are pursuing the goal of tearing New Delhi away from Moscow. They are even making threats with secondary sanctions. Some Indian partners are forced to exercise caution, sometimes, frankly speaking, excessively, but there are also a significant number of those for whom such an approach is unacceptable." he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-says-military-action-in-rafah-may-lead-to-tens-of-thousands-of-casualties-689035">Hamas says military action in Rafah may lead to ‘tens of thousands’ of casualties</a>

<h2>'Have never conditioned cooperation on politics, not interfered in domestic affairs'</h2>

The Russian envoy, stressing upon the strong bilateral relationship, stated that the New Delhi-Moscow ties, unlike the Western allies, have never "conditioned cooperation on politics" nor did the two sides ever meddle in each other's domestic affairs.

"Our ties continue to steadily expand in a wide range of areas according to our converging national interests. But unlike our Western partners, we have never conditioned cooperation on politics, have not interfered in domestic affairs, and have always maintained mutually respectful and trusted relationships. Therefore, even now we mainly see a growing desire to keep working together and finding ways to overcome well-known impediments caused by destructive unilateral approaches," said&nbsp;Alipov.

"It should be noted that over the recent years, the number of such contacts has increased manifold, and they are becoming more and more meaningful, including distributing information detailing the economic and investment potential and promising areas for interaction. It is indicative that the current bilateral trade turnover, which at the end of 2023 may exceed $60 billion, is several times higher than the pre-sanctions figures," he added.

Alipov also urged for immediate reforms of the United Nations and its agencies whilst making a strong case for India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

"We are of the view that India as a permanent member of the Security Council could make a significant contribution to promoting balance as well as an agenda focused on the interests of the world majority, primarily the countries of the Global South," the Russian envoy said.

Russia and India have had a strong strategic alliance based on similar interests and historical ties for decades now.

As per the Russian news agency, large-scale defense cooperation lies at the heart of the alliance with both countries participating in cooperative military exercises, co-development of cutting-edge military platforms, and technology transfers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov on Saturday (Feb 10) stated that the United States was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions even though his country continues to be India's "reliable and time-tested friend".

Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov on Saturday (Feb 10) stated that the United States was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions even though his country continues to be India's "reliable and time-tested friend". "In India, Russia enjoys a solid reputation as a reliable, sincere, well-intentioned, time-tested friend. Such an image was initially shaped due to the major contribution of the USSR to Indian socio-economic development, and it largely persists to this day," Alipov said during an interview with news agency RT. "US officials who come here do not hesitate to directly state that they are pursuing the goal of tearing New Delhi away from Moscow. They are even making threats with secondary sanctions. Some Indian partners are forced to exercise caution, sometimes, frankly speaking, excessively, but there are also a significant number of those for whom such an approach is unacceptable." he added. Also read: Hamas says military action in Rafah may lead to ‘tens of thousands’ of casualties 'Have never conditioned cooperation on politics, not interfered in domestic affairs' The Russian envoy, stressing upon the strong bilateral relationship, stated that the New Delhi-Moscow ties, unlike the Western allies, have never "conditioned cooperation on politics" nor did the two sides ever meddle in each other's domestic affairs. "Our ties continue to steadily expand in a wide range of areas according to our converging national interests. But unlike our Western partners, we have never conditioned cooperation on politics, have not interfered in domestic affairs, and have always maintained mutually respectful and trusted relationships. Therefore, even now we mainly see a growing desire to keep working together and finding ways to overcome well-known impediments caused by destructive unilateral approaches," said Alipov. "It should be noted that over the recent years, the number of such contacts has increased manifold, and they are becoming more and more meaningful, including distributing information detailing the economic and investment potential and promising areas for interaction. It is indicative that the current bilateral trade turnover, which at the end of 2023 may exceed $60 billion, is several times higher than the pre-sanctions figures," he added. Alipov also urged for immediate reforms of the United Nations and its agencies whilst making a strong case for India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. "We are of the view that India as a permanent member of the Security Council could make a significant contribution to promoting balance as well as an agenda focused on the interests of the world majority, primarily the countries of the Global South," the Russian envoy said. Russia and India have had a strong strategic alliance based on similar interests and historical ties for decades now. As per the Russian news agency, large-scale defense cooperation lies at the heart of the alliance with both countries participating in cooperative military exercises, co-development of cutting-edge military platforms, and technology transfers. (With inputs from agencies)

'US trying to threaten India-Russia relationship with sanctions,' says Russian Envoy

The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process&nbsp;in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities. 
 
The election results still remains&nbsp;indecisive as both, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party and ex-prime minister Imran Khan declared victory. 
 
The elections were held on&nbsp;265&nbsp;national assembly seats, and to gain simple majority to form the government a party has&nbsp;to secure&nbsp;133 seats.

Till now, of 250 seats officially announced, Independents have 99 seats, PMLN has 71, PPP 53, MQM 17, PMLQ 3, IPP 2, JUI 2, MWM 1, BNP 1 and PMLZ has 1 seat and the&nbsp;results of 15 seats are awaited.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nawaz-sharif-hints-at-improving-ties-with-india-as-poll-results-drag-on-688825">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on</a> 
 
The United States and the European Union both made statements regarding allegations of interference, which included arrests of activists and said that claims of interference, fraud and irregularities should be fully investigated.

<h2 lang="en-US">US says 'undue restrictions&nbsp;on freedom&nbsp;of expression" during&nbsp;polls</h2>

The US State Department said Pakistan faced "undue restrictions&nbsp;on freedoms of expression" during the&nbsp; polls and also spoke about violence and attacks on media workers. 
 
"We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated," said the United States, in a statement. 
 
The EU, in a statement, emphasised a "lack of a level playing field", and attributed it to "the inability of some political actors to contest the elections" and also emphasised restrictions imposed on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and internet access.

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif invites rivals for coalition government

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-election-result-2024-nawaz-sharif-invites-rivals-for-coalition-government-688810/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN human rights office, earlier this week, denounced violence against candidates and political parties. It also raised concern over the "pattern of harassment, arrests and prolonged detentions of leaders and supporters" of Khan's party. 
 
The United States, European Union and Britain said that they are willing to work with Pakistan's next government and did not congratulate any party or candidate. 
 
In a statement, British Foreign Minister David Cameron noted "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections." 
 
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has been facing multiple legal cases because of which he was disqualified as a candidate and sentenced to long prison terms.

<h2 lang="en-US">Pakistan retorts back</h2>

Reacting to the statements, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said,&nbsp;"We have taken note of statements from certain countries and organizations on the general elections held in Pakistan on 8 February 2024. We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process, nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis."

"These statements ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism.&nbsp;Some statements are not even factual. There was no nationwide internet shutdown. Only mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on the polling day. The elections exercise has demonstrated that the concerns of many commentators were misplaced," it added.

"Pakistan held the elections as part of its commitment to building a stable and democratic society. While we value constructive advice from our friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective. Pakistan will continue to work towards building a vibrant democratic polity. Every election and peaceful transition of power brings us closer to that goal. We do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers," the ministry stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities.

The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities. The election results still remains indecisive as both, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party and ex-prime minister Imran Khan declared victory. The elections were held on 265 national assembly seats, and to gain simple majority to form the government a party has to secure 133 seats. Till now, of 250 seats officially announced, Independents have 99 seats, PMLN has 71, PPP 53, MQM 17, PMLQ 3, IPP 2, JUI 2, MWM 1, BNP 1 and PMLZ has 1 seat and the results of 15 seats are awaited. Also Read: Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on The United States and the European Union both made statements regarding allegations of interference, which included arrests of activists and said that claims of interference, fraud and irregularities should be fully investigated. US says 'undue restrictions on freedom of expression" during polls The US State Department said Pakistan faced "undue restrictions on freedoms of expression" during the polls and also spoke about violence and attacks on media workers. "We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated," said the United States, in a statement. The EU, in a statement, emphasised a "lack of a level playing field", and attributed it to "the inability of some political actors to contest the elections" and also emphasised restrictions imposed on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and internet access. Watch: Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif invites rivals for coalition government The UN human rights office, earlier this week, denounced violence against candidates and political parties. It also raised concern over the "pattern of harassment, arrests and prolonged detentions of leaders and supporters" of Khan's party. The United States, European Union and Britain said that they are willing to work with Pakistan's next government and did not congratulate any party or candidate. In a statement, British Foreign Minister David Cameron noted "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections." Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has been facing multiple legal cases because of which he was disqualified as a candidate and sentenced to long prison terms. Pakistan retorts back Reacting to the statements, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We have taken note of statements from certain countries and organizations on the general elections held in Pakistan on 8 February 2024. We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process, nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis." "These statements ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism. Some statements are not even factual. There was no nationwide internet shutdown. Only mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on the polling day. The elections exercise has demonstrated that the concerns of many commentators were misplaced," it added. "Pakistan held the elections as part of its commitment to building a stable and democratic society. While we value constructive advice from our friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective. Pakistan will continue to work towards building a vibrant democratic polity. Every election and peaceful transition of power brings us closer to that goal. We do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers," the ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

US, EU, UK express concern over irregularities in Pakistan elections, urge for probe

An Indian-origin man died this week in Washington, United States after he got involved in a scuffle outside a restaurant and suffered life-threatening injuries. 
 
The 41-year-old Indian-American executive Vivek Taneja, a resident of&nbsp;Virginia, was at two sister Japanese restaurants along with the suspect on February 2, according to the police report. He was "knocked to the ground by the suspect and hit his head on the pavement", read the police report. 
 
The incident&nbsp;comes amid a sudden increase in attacks and deaths of Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States.

<h2 lang="en-US">Police hunt for the suspect</h2>

Taneja had left the restaurant at around 2 am local time and got involved in a skirmish on a nearby street, as per the police report. The specific nature of the dispute was, however, not specified.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-student-killed-in-us-fifth-such-case-in-less-than-two-weeks-687732">Another Indian-origin student dies in United States in fifth such case this year</a>

In the fight, the Indian-origin man lost consciousness and when the police arrived, they found he had suffered life-threatening injuries, after which he was rushed to a hospital. 
 
On Wednesday (Feb 7), the man succumbed to the injuries in the hospital. The police have been searching for the suspect based on CCTV footage. Though the man is yet to be identified. 
 
A reward of $25,000 has been announced&nbsp;by the police&nbsp;to anyone who provides&nbsp;information that would lead&nbsp;to the suspect's arrest and conviction. 
 
Earlier this week, an Indian student Syed Mazahir Ali was attacked by robbers in Chicago and the video of him bleeding from his nose and mouth was shared on social media. 
 
Ali, whose family resides in the Indian city of Hyderabad, was seen pleading for help after the attack in the video. 
 
Five Indian-origin students have till now been reported dead in the United States this year.

Watch: Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-are-indian-students-dying-being-attacked-in-the-us-688002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian-American student Sameer Kamath from Purdue University was found dead in a nature preserve.

Another 19-year-old student, Shreyas Reddy Beniger, who held an American passport, was found dead last week. The authorities ruled out any foul play. 
 
Neel Acharya, another student of Purdue University, was found dead on the campus, hours after he was reported missing by his mother. 
 
A 25-year-old student, Vivek Saini from Haryana, was hammered to death in Georgia's Lithonia by a homeless man on January 16. 
 
Another Indian student, Akul Dhawan, was found dead outside the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in January.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian-origin man died this week in Washington, United States after he got involved in a scuffle outside a restaurant and suffered life-threatening injuries. The 41-year-old Indian-American executive Vivek Taneja, a resident of Virginia, was at two sister Japanese restaurants along with the suspect on February 2, according to the police report.

An Indian-origin man died this week in Washington, United States after he got involved in a scuffle outside a restaurant and suffered life-threatening injuries. The 41-year-old Indian-American executive Vivek Taneja, a resident of Virginia, was at two sister Japanese restaurants along with the suspect on February 2, according to the police report. He was "knocked to the ground by the suspect and hit his head on the pavement", read the police report. The incident comes amid a sudden increase in attacks and deaths of Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States. Police hunt for the suspect Taneja had left the restaurant at around 2 am local time and got involved in a skirmish on a nearby street, as per the police report. The specific nature of the dispute was, however, not specified. Also Read: Another Indian-origin student dies in United States in fifth such case this year In the fight, the Indian-origin man lost consciousness and when the police arrived, they found he had suffered life-threatening injuries, after which he was rushed to a hospital. On Wednesday (Feb 7), the man succumbed to the injuries in the hospital. The police have been searching for the suspect based on CCTV footage. Though the man is yet to be identified. A reward of $25,000 has been announced by the police to anyone who provides information that would lead to the suspect's arrest and conviction. Earlier this week, an Indian student Syed Mazahir Ali was attacked by robbers in Chicago and the video of him bleeding from his nose and mouth was shared on social media. Ali, whose family resides in the Indian city of Hyderabad, was seen pleading for help after the attack in the video. Five Indian-origin students have till now been reported dead in the United States this year. Watch: Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US? Indian-American student Sameer Kamath from Purdue University was found dead in a nature preserve. Another 19-year-old student, Shreyas Reddy Beniger, who held an American passport, was found dead last week. The authorities ruled out any foul play. Neel Acharya, another student of Purdue University, was found dead on the campus, hours after he was reported missing by his mother. A 25-year-old student, Vivek Saini from Haryana, was hammered to death in Georgia's Lithonia by a homeless man on January 16. Another Indian student, Akul Dhawan, was found dead outside the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in January. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Indian-origin man dies after being assaulted on streets of Washington

A strong earthquake hit Hawaii on Friday, US seismologists said, but there was no danger of a tsunami.

The 5.7-magnitude quake struck near Pahala on the main island of Hawaii, with its epicenter located around 37 kilometers (23 miles) below the Earth's surface, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake was felt all over the main island, according to a website on which people tell the USGS what they experienced.

The agency said the likelihood of fatalities or damage was low.

Hawaii is a seismically active part of the planet despite being in the middle of a huge tectonic plate.

It is home to six active volcanoes including Kilauea, which regularly wows helicopter-riding tourists who come to see its red-hot shows on Hawaii's Big Island.

It is also the location of Mauna Loa, the world's biggest volcano, which put on a weeks-long show in 2022 as it erupted for the first time in four decades, with lava fountains 60 meters (200 feet) high that sent rivers of molten rock down its flanks.

A strong earthquake hit Hawaii on Friday, US seismologists said, but there was no danger of a tsunami. The 5.7-magnitude quake struck near Pahala on the main island of Hawaii, with its epicenter located around 37 kilometers (23 miles) below the Earth's surface, the US Geological Survey said.

A strong earthquake hit Hawaii on Friday, US seismologists said, but there was no danger of a tsunami. The 5.7-magnitude quake struck near Pahala on the main island of Hawaii, with its epicenter located around 37 kilometers (23 miles) below the Earth's surface, the US Geological Survey said. The quake was felt all over the main island, according to a website on which people tell the USGS what they experienced. The agency said the likelihood of fatalities or damage was low. Hawaii is a seismically active part of the planet despite being in the middle of a huge tectonic plate. It is home to six active volcanoes including Kilauea, which regularly wows helicopter-riding tourists who come to see its red-hot shows on Hawaii's Big Island. It is also the location of Mauna Loa, the world's biggest volcano, which put on a weeks-long show in 2022 as it erupted for the first time in four decades, with lava fountains 60 meters (200 feet) high that sent rivers of molten rock down its flanks.

Strong earthquake hits Hawaii, no tsunami: US seismologists

In a joint statement, American and allied intelligence agencies on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that an advanced group of Chinese hackers have been aiming at critical US infrastructure, which has remained active for as long as half a decade.&nbsp;

The US cyber watchdog CISA, the Transportation Security Administration, the FBI and the US National Security Agency said that the group is called Volt Typhoon.

They added that the group had quietly burrowed into the networks of pipeline, mass transit, highway, aviation, rail, water and sewage organisations.

None of the organisations have been identified by name, however, the statement said that US intelligence officials had observed that the hackers are “maintaining access and footholds within some victim IT environments for at least five years”.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-russia-accuse-us-of-interfering-in-their-countries-affairs-688355">China and Russia accuse US of 'interfering' in their country's affairs</a>

The statement, which was co-signed by the cybersecurity agencies of different countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Britain and Australia, is the latest in a series of warnings issued regarding Volt Typhoon from US officials.

<h2>White House holds meetings with private technology industry&nbsp;</h2>

Volt Typhoon is a group which has drawn particular alarm since it appears geared toward sabotage and not espionage.

The nature of cyber hacks has forced the White House and the private technology industry to hold a series of meetings, which include various telecommunications and cloud commuting companies. In these meetings, the US government asked for assistance in tracking such activities.

Watch:&nbsp;US drone strike kills pro-Iran commander in Baghdad

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-drone-strike-kills-pro-iran-commander-in-baghdad-688418/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We are extraordinarily concerned about malicious cyber activity from the PRC state-sponsored actor that industry calls Volt Typhoon,” said Eric Goldstein, a senior CISA official, while speaking about the People’s Republic of China to Reuters before the release of the statement.

&nbsp;“Most of the victims we have identified have no legitimate espionage value," Goldstein further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a joint statement, American and allied intelligence agencies on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that an advanced group of Chinese hackers have been aiming at critical US infrastructure, which has remained active for as long as half a decade.

In a joint statement, American and allied intelligence agencies on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that an advanced group of Chinese hackers have been aiming at critical US infrastructure, which has remained active for as long as half a decade. The US cyber watchdog CISA, the Transportation Security Administration, the FBI and the US National Security Agency said that the group is called Volt Typhoon. They added that the group had quietly burrowed into the networks of pipeline, mass transit, highway, aviation, rail, water and sewage organisations. None of the organisations have been identified by name, however, the statement said that US intelligence officials had observed that the hackers are “maintaining access and footholds within some victim IT environments for at least five years”. Also Read: China and Russia accuse US of 'interfering' in their country's affairs The statement, which was co-signed by the cybersecurity agencies of different countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Britain and Australia, is the latest in a series of warnings issued regarding Volt Typhoon from US officials. White House holds meetings with private technology industry Volt Typhoon is a group which has drawn particular alarm since it appears geared toward sabotage and not espionage. The nature of cyber hacks has forced the White House and the private technology industry to hold a series of meetings, which include various telecommunications and cloud commuting companies. In these meetings, the US government asked for assistance in tracking such activities. Watch: US drone strike kills pro-Iran commander in Baghdad “We are extraordinarily concerned about malicious cyber activity from the PRC state-sponsored actor that industry calls Volt Typhoon,” said Eric Goldstein, a senior CISA official, while speaking about the People’s Republic of China to Reuters before the release of the statement. “Most of the victims we have identified have no legitimate espionage value," Goldstein further said. (With inputs from agencies)

US claims Chinese hackers infiltrated water systems, trains and planes for five years

Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.S. congressional report alleged on Thursday.

The House of Representatives' select committee on China, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, released the report, which also scrutinizes investments made by GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Walden International in Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor firms with unsavory ties.

Reuters could not reach the venture capital firms for comment.

The Committee called on the Biden administration to restrict US&nbsp;investment in Chinese firms sanctioned by the US&nbsp;government over ties to China's military or its repression of minorities and urged it to bolster recent US&nbsp;curbs on US&nbsp;investment in China to include more sectors.

"The status quo is untenable... Decades of investment—including funding, knowledge transfer, and other intangible benefits—from US&nbsp;VCs have helped build and strengthen the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) priority sectors,” the report said.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the use of national security and human rights as a pretext to restrict US&nbsp;investments in China "will undermine the principle of free trade..., destabilize the global...supply chains and serve the interests of no one."

Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.

Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.S. congressional report alleged on Thursday. The House of Representatives' select committee on China, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, released the report, which also scrutinizes investments made by GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Walden International in Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor firms with unsavory ties. Reuters could not reach the venture capital firms for comment. The Committee called on the Biden administration to restrict US investment in Chinese firms sanctioned by the US government over ties to China's military or its repression of minorities and urged it to bolster recent US curbs on US investment in China to include more sectors. "The status quo is untenable... Decades of investment—including funding, knowledge transfer, and other intangible benefits—from US VCs have helped build and strengthen the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) priority sectors,” the report said. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the use of national security and human rights as a pretext to restrict US investments in China "will undermine the principle of free trade..., destabilize the global...supply chains and serve the interests of no one."

US lawmakers accuse VC firms of funding Chinese military-linked firms

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