Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 7) appeared at a New York court to attend his ongoing civil fraud trial, where he condemned the process as unfair.

The frontrunner for the next year's Republican presidential nomination, along with his two eldest sons, has been accused of boosting the value of his real estate purchases to acquire more favourable bank loans and insurance terms.

His defence team is asserting that the former US president's family organisation did not exploit the value of its properties to win profitable financing.

"This is a witch hunt. This is election interference at a level that has never seen before, comes out of the DOJ (Department of Justice) in the White House in order to hurt a political opponent. And actually, it's driving up my polls because the people of our country get it," Trump said while talking to reporters.&nbsp;

"The poll numbers are the highest I've ever had, and the people of our country get it. It's a disgrace to America," he further added.

During his trial, Trump called the judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the trial,&nbsp;"crazy" and "unhinged," and denounced New York State Attorney General Letitia James as "corrupt" and "racist."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-holds-telephonic-discussion-with-netanyahu-emphasizes-on-critical-need-to-safeguard-civilians-667387">Biden underlines 'critical need to protect civilians' in call with Netanyahu</a>

“The Attorney General committed fraud. You just saw it right up there. She's a fraud. This whole case is a fraud. It’s election interference. It’s keeping me here instead of Iowa and New Hampshire. You just saw it – the Attorney General’s a fraud. She committed fraud.”&nbsp;

Engoron has previously ruled that Trump and his sons exploited financial statements to deceive banks and insurers into delivering better loan and insurance tenures.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million in penalties and wants to get Trump banned from New York state real estate business.

Trump is expected to testify as the final defence witness on Monday (Dec 11). He has denied wrongdoing and says James, an elected Democrat, is biased against him.

"This is weaponization of justice," he said on Thursday. "It's a sad day for our country that a thing like this can take place. I'm sitting in a courthouse instead of being in Iowa where I should be, even though I'm leading by about 40 points."

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 7) appeared at a New York court to attend his ongoing civil fraud trial, where he condemned the process as unfair.

Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 7) appeared at a New York court to attend his ongoing civil fraud trial, where he condemned the process as unfair. The frontrunner for the next year's Republican presidential nomination, along with his two eldest sons, has been accused of boosting the value of his real estate purchases to acquire more favourable bank loans and insurance terms. His defence team is asserting that the former US president's family organisation did not exploit the value of its properties to win profitable financing. "This is a witch hunt. This is election interference at a level that has never seen before, comes out of the DOJ (Department of Justice) in the White House in order to hurt a political opponent. And actually, it's driving up my polls because the people of our country get it," Trump said while talking to reporters. "The poll numbers are the highest I've ever had, and the people of our country get it. It's a disgrace to America," he further added. During his trial, Trump called the judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the trial, "crazy" and "unhinged," and denounced New York State Attorney General Letitia James as "corrupt" and "racist." Also read: Biden underlines 'critical need to protect civilians' in call with Netanyahu “The Attorney General committed fraud. You just saw it right up there. She's a fraud. This whole case is a fraud. It’s election interference. It’s keeping me here instead of Iowa and New Hampshire. You just saw it – the Attorney General’s a fraud. She committed fraud.” Engoron has previously ruled that Trump and his sons exploited financial statements to deceive banks and insurers into delivering better loan and insurance tenures. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million in penalties and wants to get Trump banned from New York state real estate business. Trump is expected to testify as the final defence witness on Monday (Dec 11). He has denied wrongdoing and says James, an elected Democrat, is biased against him. "This is weaponization of justice," he said on Thursday. "It's a sad day for our country that a thing like this can take place. I'm sitting in a courthouse instead of being in Iowa where I should be, even though I'm leading by about 40 points." (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump appears in New York court, calls fraud trial 'witch hunt and corrupt'

Las Vegas police on Wednesday (Dec 6) responded to the reports of a shooting rampage on the local campus of the University of Nevada.

The officials released a statement saying that the suspect was dead and that there were multiple victims.

The police later said that three people had lost their lives in the incident.

The officials added that another victim was in critical condition at a local hospital.

"According to our investigators at the scene, we have three deceased victims and one additional victim in critical condition at a local hospital," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department wrote on social media.

Earlier in the statement, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) urged the residents to avoid taking the route from that area without sharing information about the reason behind the shooting.

"No more threat to the community. The suspect is deceased. Right now, we know there are 3 victims, but unknown extent of the injuries. That number could change. We will update you when we know more," the statement on LVMPD's official X handle read.

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URGENT: From Sheriff Kevin McMahill: "No more threat to the community. The suspect is deceased. Right now, we know there are 3 victims, but unknown extent of the injuries. That number could change. We will update you when we know more." <a href="https://t.co/Y3jT9VcNFz">https://t.co/Y3jT9VcNFz</a>
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&nbsp;

Vincent Perez, a professor at the school, told MSNBC telephonically that he had heard gunfire shots one after the other which were "very loud".

"I would say just seven, eight shots, one after another, loud and very loud," he said.

"As soon as we heard that, we ran back inside and we realized this is a real shooting, and there's an active shooter on campus," Perez said as he took shelter on campus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-trump-says-he-wont-be-a-dictator-if-he-becomes-president-american-media-lawmakers-say-otherwise-666905">Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise</a>

Police said that the incident took place around Beam Hall, a campus building that houses the business school and other facilities, further adding, "There appears to be multiple victims at this time."

In a separate posting on its official social media account, the campus police said that there was an additional report of shots fired in the Student Union.

The initial reports of the shooting surfaced around noon local time and within about half an hour, reported Las Vegas police, the suspect was located and found dead.

However, an online advisory was issued by the police underlining that an all-clear had not yet been given.

"Police ask that you continue to please shelter in place. Police are evacuating buildings one at a time. This remains an active investigation. The suspect has been contained," the campus said on X.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, located less than two miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, has a student enrollment of some 25,000 undergraduates and 8,000 post-graduates and doctoral candidates, as per news agency Reuters.

The White House released a statement saying that it was monitoring the situation in Las Vegas.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Las Vegas police on Wednesday (Dec 6) responded to the reports of a shooting rampage on the local campus of the University of Nevada. The officials released a statement saying that the suspect was dead and that there were multiple victims.

Las Vegas police on Wednesday (Dec 6) responded to the reports of a shooting rampage on the local campus of the University of Nevada. The officials released a statement saying that the suspect was dead and that there were multiple victims. The police later said that three people had lost their lives in the incident. The officials added that another victim was in critical condition at a local hospital. "According to our investigators at the scene, we have three deceased victims and one additional victim in critical condition at a local hospital," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department wrote on social media. Earlier in the statement, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) urged the residents to avoid taking the route from that area without sharing information about the reason behind the shooting. "No more threat to the community. The suspect is deceased. Right now, we know there are 3 victims, but unknown extent of the injuries. That number could change. We will update you when we know more," the statement on LVMPD's official X handle read. URGENT: From Sheriff Kevin McMahill: "No more threat to the community. The suspect is deceased. Right now, we know there are 3 victims, but unknown extent of the injuries. That number could change. We will update you when we know more." https://t.co/Y3jT9VcNFz — LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 6, 2023 × Vincent Perez, a professor at the school, told MSNBC telephonically that he had heard gunfire shots one after the other which were "very loud". "I would say just seven, eight shots, one after another, loud and very loud," he said. "As soon as we heard that, we ran back inside and we realized this is a real shooting, and there's an active shooter on campus," Perez said as he took shelter on campus. Also read: Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise Police said that the incident took place around Beam Hall, a campus building that houses the business school and other facilities, further adding, "There appears to be multiple victims at this time." In a separate posting on its official social media account, the campus police said that there was an additional report of shots fired in the Student Union. The initial reports of the shooting surfaced around noon local time and within about half an hour, reported Las Vegas police, the suspect was located and found dead. However, an online advisory was issued by the police underlining that an all-clear had not yet been given. "Police ask that you continue to please shelter in place. Police are evacuating buildings one at a time. This remains an active investigation. The suspect has been contained," the campus said on X. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, located less than two miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, has a student enrollment of some 25,000 undergraduates and 8,000 post-graduates and doctoral candidates, as per news agency Reuters. The White House released a statement saying that it was monitoring the situation in Las Vegas. (With inputs from agencies)

Three killed in Las Vegas university shooting, suspect found dead

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday (Dec 5) created history by casting the most tiebreaking votes in the Senate, a first in nearly&nbsp;200 years.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, called Harris’ 32nd tiebreaking vote a “great milestone.”

“Today is historic. Vice President Harris has just cast her 32nd tie-breaking vote, the most tie-breakers ever. I join all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle thanking the Vice President for her leadership, and for making the work of the Senate possible,” Schumer said, according to CNN reports.

“Without her tie-breaking votes, there would be no American Rescue Plan, no Inflation Reduction Act, and we would not have confirmed many of the excellent judges now presiding on the bench. Every time duty is called, Vice President Harris has answered, more than any other Vice President in our nation’s long history,” he further added.

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Schumer presented Harris with a golden gavel after which the vice president said that she was “truly honoured.”&nbsp;

With the 32nd voting, that was done to break the tie on judicial nomination, Harris broke John Calhoun's record which was set at 31 tie-breakers.&nbsp;

The voting came on the nomination of Loren Alikhan to be a US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

Among the main constitutional duties of vice presidents in the United States is casting tiebreaker votes and Harris has been frequently called on to break the gridlocks as the Senate is closely split between Democrats and Republicans.

The pace at which Harris cast the votes plunged in 2023 when Democrats extended their narrow majority by a single seat. However, she still managed to beat John Calhoun’s record in less than half the time that he took to set it.

As per Senate records, her vote on Tuesday&nbsp;put the United States at 300 tie breaks since 1789.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday (Dec 5) created history by casting the most tiebreaking votes in the Senate, a first in nearly 200 years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, called Harris’ 32nd tiebreaking vote a “great milestone.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday (Dec 5) created history by casting the most tiebreaking votes in the Senate, a first in nearly 200 years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, called Harris’ 32nd tiebreaking vote a “great milestone.” “Today is historic. Vice President Harris has just cast her 32nd tie-breaking vote, the most tie-breakers ever. I join all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle thanking the Vice President for her leadership, and for making the work of the Senate possible,” Schumer said, according to CNN reports. “Without her tie-breaking votes, there would be no American Rescue Plan, no Inflation Reduction Act, and we would not have confirmed many of the excellent judges now presiding on the bench. Every time duty is called, Vice President Harris has answered, more than any other Vice President in our nation’s long history,” he further added. Also read: UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation Schumer presented Harris with a golden gavel after which the vice president said that she was “truly honoured.” With the 32nd voting, that was done to break the tie on judicial nomination, Harris broke John Calhoun's record which was set at 31 tie-breakers. The voting came on the nomination of Loren Alikhan to be a US District Judge for the District of Columbia. Among the main constitutional duties of vice presidents in the United States is casting tiebreaker votes and Harris has been frequently called on to break the gridlocks as the Senate is closely split between Democrats and Republicans. The pace at which Harris cast the votes plunged in 2023 when Democrats extended their narrow majority by a single seat. However, she still managed to beat John Calhoun’s record in less than half the time that he took to set it. As per Senate records, her vote on Tuesday put the United States at 300 tie breaks since 1789. (With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris breaks 200-year-old record for most tie-breaking Senate votes

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. 
 
"I said I wouldn't comment on the underlying substance because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter and it would be inappropriate for me to do so when DOJ (US Department of Justice) is presenting a case in court. I also made clear that we have noted at the most senior levels of this government, the Secretary of State has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously," said Miller, while speaking at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday. 
 
"They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation and now we'll wait to see the results of the investigation. It's something we take very seriously," he said. 
 
The statement by Miller comes at a time when an indictment has been unsealed by the US Justice Department against an Indian national who has been accused of allegedly being involved in a foiled plan to assassinate a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement, who is based in the US and is a citizen in New York. It is believed that the target of the foiled assassination plot was&nbsp;Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-indian-national-with-conspiracy-to-assassinate-sikh-separatist-664387">US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun</a>

The Justice Department said that an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was working for an Indian government employee (whose identification has not been revealed in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan) and was given the task of hiring a hitman for carrying out the assassination which was foiled by the authorities in the US authorities. 
 
While wrapping up his high-profile visit to India, the White House stated that Finer "acknowledged" the establishment of a committee of enquiry by India for investigating the "lethal plotting" and emphasised the need for holding the people responsible accountable. 
 
"Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," said the White House&nbsp;in a readout while speaking about his meetings in the national capital.

<h2>India calls indictment a “matter of concern”</h2>

India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the indictment filed by the Justice Department, called it a "matter of concern" and said that it is contrary to government policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Go home Indian': Sikh man faces racism in Australia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-go-home-indian-sikh-man-faces-racism-in-australia-659855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy,” said Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson. 
 
"The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will, obviously, be guided by its results," the spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. "I said I wouldn't comment on the underlying substance because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter and it would be inappropriate for me to do so when DOJ (US Department of Justice) is presenting a case in court. I also made clear that we have noted at the most senior levels of this government, the Secretary of State has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously," said Miller, while speaking at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday. "They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation and now we'll wait to see the results of the investigation. It's something we take very seriously," he said. The statement by Miller comes at a time when an indictment has been unsealed by the US Justice Department against an Indian national who has been accused of allegedly being involved in a foiled plan to assassinate a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement, who is based in the US and is a citizen in New York. It is believed that the target of the foiled assassination plot was Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Also read: US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun The Justice Department said that an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was working for an Indian government employee (whose identification has not been revealed in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan) and was given the task of hiring a hitman for carrying out the assassination which was foiled by the authorities in the US authorities. While wrapping up his high-profile visit to India, the White House stated that Finer "acknowledged" the establishment of a committee of enquiry by India for investigating the "lethal plotting" and emphasised the need for holding the people responsible accountable. "Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," said the White House in a readout while speaking about his meetings in the national capital. India calls indictment a “matter of concern” India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the indictment filed by the Justice Department, called it a "matter of concern" and said that it is contrary to government policy. Watch: Gravitas: 'Go home Indian': Sikh man faces racism in Australia "We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy,” said Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson. "The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will, obviously, be guided by its results," the spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

US says taking matter 'seriously' as India probes 'murder plot' against Khalistani terrorist Pannun

White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer on Monday (Dec 4) led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel in order to probe an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

"Mr Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement.

This comes after New Delhi last week reiterated that it will be guided by the results of a high-level panel set up to probe the alleged assassination attempt.

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Good to meet Principal Deputy NSA of the US Jon Finer this afternoon. 
 
Useful exchange of views on the global situation. Discussed taking our bilateral cooperation forward. <a href="https://t.co/WBwVCPpzF5">pic.twitter.com/WBwVCPpzF5</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1731583791406154059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

During a press conference, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the situation a "matter of concern". &nbsp;

“The nexus between organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for the law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is for that reason that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted and we will be guided by its results,” said the MEA spokesperson, in response to the question about the case.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-us-aid-for-ukraine-would-allow-putin-to-prevail-warns-white-house-666210">Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House</a>

<h2>Indian national charged by US</h2>

The United States, last week, had charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, who is a dual citizen of America and Canada, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement.

US Attorney Damian Williams announced charges against Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities in the month of June this year in conformance to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-indian-national-with-conspiracy-to-assassinate-sikh-separatist-664387">US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun</a>

"The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement.

"We oppose transnational oppression,"&nbsp;says Miller

State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller on Monday said that Washington opposes any 'transnational oppression' across the world, adding that his remarks were not specifically made for India amid the indictment of Gupta.

"We oppose transnational oppression no matter where it occurs or, who might be conducting it. That's not a comment specific to India. That's a comment specific to any country in the world. With respect to this specific case, there's an ongoing law enforcement matter at issue here and we don't talk about those from this podium," Miller said at a media briefing in Washington DC on Monday.

"But I would say that, when this alleged incident was brought to our attention, we made very clear at the most senior levels of our government, the most senior levels of the Indian government, how seriously we would treat something like this. They have opened an investigation into the matter and we look forward to seeing the results of that investigation," the State Department spokesperson added.

The charges come after a senior Biden administration official earlier released a statement saying that the US had thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist.

These accusations also come in the backdrop of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Canada-based Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer on Monday (Dec 4) led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel in order to probe an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer on Monday (Dec 4) led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel in order to probe an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. "Mr Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement. This comes after New Delhi last week reiterated that it will be guided by the results of a high-level panel set up to probe the alleged assassination attempt. Good to meet Principal Deputy NSA of the US Jon Finer this afternoon. Useful exchange of views on the global situation. Discussed taking our bilateral cooperation forward. pic.twitter.com/WBwVCPpzF5 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 4, 2023 × During a press conference, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the situation a "matter of concern". “The nexus between organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for the law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is for that reason that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted and we will be guided by its results,” said the MEA spokesperson, in response to the question about the case. Also read: Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House Indian national charged by US The United States, last week, had charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, who is a dual citizen of America and Canada, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement. US Attorney Damian Williams announced charges against Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities in the month of June this year in conformance to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. Also read: US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun "The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement. "We oppose transnational oppression," says Miller State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller on Monday said that Washington opposes any 'transnational oppression' across the world, adding that his remarks were not specifically made for India amid the indictment of Gupta. "We oppose transnational oppression no matter where it occurs or, who might be conducting it. That's not a comment specific to India. That's a comment specific to any country in the world. With respect to this specific case, there's an ongoing law enforcement matter at issue here and we don't talk about those from this podium," Miller said at a media briefing in Washington DC on Monday. "But I would say that, when this alleged incident was brought to our attention, we made very clear at the most senior levels of our government, the most senior levels of the Indian government, how seriously we would treat something like this. They have opened an investigation into the matter and we look forward to seeing the results of that investigation," the State Department spokesperson added. The charges come after a senior Biden administration official earlier released a statement saying that the US had thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist. These accusations also come in the backdrop of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Canada-based Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. (With inputs from agencies)

Senior US official discusses alleged foiled plot to kill Pannun during visit to India

The White House officials on Monday (Dec 5) warned congressional leaders that halting the military aid to Kyiv would let Russian President Vladimir Putin "prevail" in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"Congress has to decide whether to continue to support the fight for freedom in Ukraine as part of the 50-nation coalition that President (Joe) Biden has built or... ignore the lessons we've learned from history and let Putin prevail," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House.

"It is that simple. It is that stark a choice, and we hope that Congress on a bipartisan basis will make the right choice," he said.

US President Joe Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, wrote a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stating that if military assistance runs out, it would "kneecap" Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion.

In October, Biden had asked for a massive $106 billion national security package, including military assistance for Ukraine and Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas.

However, the grant has been embroiled in divisions on Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

"There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," wrote Young.&nbsp;

"I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-for-illegally-entering-waters-near-disputed-second-thomas-shoal-666058">China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near Second Thomas Shoal</a>

"Cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories."&nbsp;

<h2>'Biden administration failed to address concerns,' says Johnson</h2>

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress has so far approved more than $110 billion for Kyiv. However, after the Republicans took over the House from Democrats in January 2023, Congress has not approved any funds.

The House and Senate last approved $45 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as part of a broader annual spending bill passed in December 2022.

Speaker Johnson&nbsp;took to social media and said that the Biden administration "failed to substantively address" Republican concerns about Ukraine strategy.

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The Biden Administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference’s legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine, a path to resolving the conflict, or a plan for adequately ensuring accountability for aid provided by American taxpayers.… <a href="https://t.co/nwthjRxqyP">https://t.co/nwthjRxqyP</a>
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1731689607803146328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The Biden administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference's legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine," Johnson said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

"We believe both issues can be agreed upon if Senate Democrats and the White House will negotiate reasonably," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The White House officials on Monday (Dec 5) warned congressional leaders that halting the military aid to Kyiv would let Russian President Vladimir Putin "prevail" in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The White House officials on Monday (Dec 5) warned congressional leaders that halting the military aid to Kyiv would let Russian President Vladimir Putin "prevail" in Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "Congress has to decide whether to continue to support the fight for freedom in Ukraine as part of the 50-nation coalition that President (Joe) Biden has built or... ignore the lessons we've learned from history and let Putin prevail," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House. "It is that simple. It is that stark a choice, and we hope that Congress on a bipartisan basis will make the right choice," he said. US President Joe Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, wrote a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stating that if military assistance runs out, it would "kneecap" Ukraine's battle against Russia's invasion. In October, Biden had asked for a massive $106 billion national security package, including military assistance for Ukraine and Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, the grant has been embroiled in divisions on Capitol Hill. "There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," wrote Young. "I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine," she added. Also read: China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near Second Thomas Shoal "Cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories." 'Biden administration failed to address concerns,' says Johnson Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress has so far approved more than $110 billion for Kyiv. However, after the Republicans took over the House from Democrats in January 2023, Congress has not approved any funds. The House and Senate last approved $45 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as part of a broader annual spending bill passed in December 2022. Speaker Johnson took to social media and said that the Biden administration "failed to substantively address" Republican concerns about Ukraine strategy. The Biden Administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference’s legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine, a path to resolving the conflict, or a plan for adequately ensuring accountability for aid provided by American taxpayers.… https://t.co/nwthjRxqyP — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 4, 2023 × "The Biden administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference's legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine," Johnson said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. "We believe both issues can be agreed upon if Senate Democrats and the White House will negotiate reasonably," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries. 
 
The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported. 
 
The US space agency, in an email, said that it had “certified its intent to Congress” to allow the researchers funded by NASA to apply to the CNSA for gaining access to the lunar samples, which have been collected by Chang’e 5 mission of China in 2020. 
 
Normally, as per the Wolf Amendment which was passed in 2011 by the US Congress and given name after then-Republican senator Frank Wolf, the applications will be illegal as it places a ban on NASA from cooperating with China unless they have been authorised by lawmakers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-odyssey-orbiter-acts-as-space-station-to-mars-to-capture-its-atmosphere-from-top-664467">NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top</a>

As per the email from NASA, the application for access to moon samples was important because of the “unique value” of the Chinese samples, which were “made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes”.

<h2>NASA gives green light to applications in exceptional case</h2>

The email clearly stated that the applications were given a green light in an exceptional case. “This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on Nasa-funded projects remains in place,” it said, making reference to the People’s Republic of China. 
 
According to the email, the samples come from a lunar region “not yet sampled by NASA” and are expected to provide insights into the geological history of the moon, and the Earth-moon system, and potentially help Nasa make future lunar exploration plans. 
 
“Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” said the agency.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-satellites-discover-a-6-planet-in-sync-solar-system-665105/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Planetary geoscientist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island James Head said that internationally there has been “great enthusiasm” for studying the samples. He added that “many colleagues will be applying”, now that access has been allowed by NASA. “It should be a very large set of applications,” he said. 
 
He added that although multiple fundamental questions have been addressed by the scientists after analysing a few samples, the participation of foreign scientists can “bring even more interest and different perspectives to tackle these critical problems”.

(With inputs from agencies)

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries.

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries. The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported. The US space agency, in an email, said that it had “certified its intent to Congress” to allow the researchers funded by NASA to apply to the CNSA for gaining access to the lunar samples, which have been collected by Chang’e 5 mission of China in 2020. Normally, as per the Wolf Amendment which was passed in 2011 by the US Congress and given name after then-Republican senator Frank Wolf, the applications will be illegal as it places a ban on NASA from cooperating with China unless they have been authorised by lawmakers. Also read: NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top As per the email from NASA, the application for access to moon samples was important because of the “unique value” of the Chinese samples, which were “made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes”. NASA gives green light to applications in exceptional case The email clearly stated that the applications were given a green light in an exceptional case. “This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on Nasa-funded projects remains in place,” it said, making reference to the People’s Republic of China. According to the email, the samples come from a lunar region “not yet sampled by NASA” and are expected to provide insights into the geological history of the moon, and the Earth-moon system, and potentially help Nasa make future lunar exploration plans. “Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” said the agency. Watch: NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system Planetary geoscientist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island James Head said that internationally there has been “great enthusiasm” for studying the samples. He added that “many colleagues will be applying”, now that access has been allowed by NASA. “It should be a very large set of applications,” he said. He added that although multiple fundamental questions have been addressed by the scientists after analysing a few samples, the participation of foreign scientists can “bring even more interest and different perspectives to tackle these critical problems”. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives.

Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle. 
 
The New York Republican, who was expelled in an overwhelming vote which saw more than 100 of his fellow party members extend their support to his ousting, is only the third person to have joined the gallery of Washington's ejected lawmakers since the Civil War. 
 
A two-thirds majority was required in voting to expel Santos and the final tally was 311-114 on Friday (Dec 1). Just before the voting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would vote against the expulsion of Santos. 
 
The 35-year-old politician has been surrounded by controversies since his November 2022 election. He has accepted that he has fabricated his biography, and he has been accused by federal prosecutors of laundering campaign funds as well as defrauding donors. Santos had earlier pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, however, he was not tried.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-george-santos-why-did-he-flee-pro-trump-protests-know-about-his-myriad-controversies-579426">Who is George Santos? Know about his myriad controversies</a>

A previous expulsion attempt was survived by Santos in early November, when 182 Republicans as well as 31 Democrats gave votes against his removal citing that his criminal case needs to be resolved first. 
 
The expulsion of Santos has reduced the slim majority of Republicans to 221-213. His district, which covers parts of Long Island and New York City and Long Island, is considered as competitive.

<h2>Santos' streak of lies and scandals</h2>

Last month, in a bipartisan congressional investigation it was discovered that Santos paid nearly $4,000 for spa treatments, which included Botox, using his congressional campaign account. It was also reported that more than $4,000 of campaign money was spent by Santos at the luxury retail store Hermes.

He also made "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, which is an online platform famous for sexual content. 
 
This led several Republicans, who had supported him November elections, to say that they would support his expulsion. Santos had also said he may get expelled.

Watch:&nbsp;US: George Santos legal woes deepens, defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-george-santos-legal-woes-deepens-defies-calls-to-resign-ahead-of-third-expulsion-vote-665187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Santos spurned appeals to resign but claimed that he won't run for reelection next year. 
 
Speaking on the House floor on Thursday (Nov 30), Santos said, "I have been convicted of no crimes. The people of the Third (Congressional) District of New York sent me here."If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote." 
 
The troubles started brewing for Santos just after his November 2022 election when media outlets claimed that he had not attended New York University or been employed at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which he had claimed in the campaign. 
 
His claims of Jewish heritage and that his grandparents had fled the Nazis in World War II were also reported to be false.

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives. Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle.

US lawmakers held a historic voting on Friday (Dec 1) and expelled scandal-plagued George Santos from the House of Representatives. Santos, who is known to have lied his way into Congress, was indicted on charges of using stolen donor cash to lead a lavish lifestyle. The New York Republican, who was expelled in an overwhelming vote which saw more than 100 of his fellow party members extend their support to his ousting, is only the third person to have joined the gallery of Washington's ejected lawmakers since the Civil War. A two-thirds majority was required in voting to expel Santos and the final tally was 311-114 on Friday (Dec 1). Just before the voting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would vote against the expulsion of Santos. The 35-year-old politician has been surrounded by controversies since his November 2022 election. He has accepted that he has fabricated his biography, and he has been accused by federal prosecutors of laundering campaign funds as well as defrauding donors. Santos had earlier pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, however, he was not tried. Also read: Who is George Santos? Know about his myriad controversies A previous expulsion attempt was survived by Santos in early November, when 182 Republicans as well as 31 Democrats gave votes against his removal citing that his criminal case needs to be resolved first. The expulsion of Santos has reduced the slim majority of Republicans to 221-213. His district, which covers parts of Long Island and New York City and Long Island, is considered as competitive. Santos' streak of lies and scandals Last month, in a bipartisan congressional investigation it was discovered that Santos paid nearly $4,000 for spa treatments, which included Botox, using his congressional campaign account. It was also reported that more than $4,000 of campaign money was spent by Santos at the luxury retail store Hermes. He also made "smaller purchases" from OnlyFans, which is an online platform famous for sexual content. This led several Republicans, who had supported him November elections, to say that they would support his expulsion. Santos had also said he may get expelled. Watch: US: George Santos legal woes deepens, defies calls to resign ahead of third expulsion vote Santos spurned appeals to resign but claimed that he won't run for reelection next year. Speaking on the House floor on Thursday (Nov 30), Santos said, "I have been convicted of no crimes. The people of the Third (Congressional) District of New York sent me here."If they want me out, they're going to have to go silence those people and take the hard vote." The troubles started brewing for Santos just after his November 2022 election when media outlets claimed that he had not attended New York University or been employed at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which he had claimed in the campaign. His claims of Jewish heritage and that his grandparents had fled the Nazis in World War II were also reported to be false. (With inputs from agencies)

In a historic vote, US lawmakers expel scandal-plagued Congressman George Santos

A 23-year-old Indian student was arrested on charges of allegedly killing his grandparents and uncle inside a condominium in New Jersey, said police and US media reports.&nbsp;

The student, identified as Om Brahmbhatt, was accused of shooting Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt (72), Bindu Brahmbhatt (72), and Yashkumar Brahmbhatt (38), said the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the South Plainfield Police Department in a statement.&nbsp;

The police officers reached the home located on Coppola Drive off New Durham Road in South Plainfield around 9 am local time on Monday (Nov 27) after a neighbour called them and complained about hearing shots fired at the Traditions condo complex, said the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, in a press release.

After reaching the site, the police officers discovered three people - two men and a woman - with gunshot wounds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-map-reveals-exact-date-of-cold-snap-several-regions-put-on-high-alert-for-winter-deluge-664226">US: Map reveals exact date of cold snap, several regions put on high alert</a>

The police found married couple Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt shot to death in the apartment's second floor. Their son Yashkumar Brahmbhatt was discovered with many gunshot wounds. He was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to injuries.

<h2>Student says 'it might be me', when asked about murderer&nbsp;</h2>

The student Om was taken into custody and questioned regarding the incident and later charged with three counts of first-degree murder as well as second-degree weapon possession.&nbsp;

Om, who hails from India's Gujarat, lived with the victims and was present at the residence when the police reached the scene. As per NBC New York, Om had shifted to New Jersey in the last couple of months and was living at the condo.

Watch:&nbsp;US Secretary of State discusses war in Ukraine with NATO countries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-discusses-war-in-ukraine-with-nato-countries-664299/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Indian student was taken to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Centre for a pre-trial detention hearing. As per the complaint, the family members were killed using a handgun which was purchased online by Om. Om kept a calm demeanour during a court appearance on Tuesday. Police said he was the one who dialled 911 that morning and when he was asked who killed them, Om said, "It might be me."

(With inputs from agencies)

A 23-year-old Indian student was arrested on charges of allegedly killing his grandparents and uncle inside a condominium in New Jersey, said police and US media reports.

A 23-year-old Indian student was arrested on charges of allegedly killing his grandparents and uncle inside a condominium in New Jersey, said police and US media reports. The student, identified as Om Brahmbhatt, was accused of shooting Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt (72), Bindu Brahmbhatt (72), and Yashkumar Brahmbhatt (38), said the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the South Plainfield Police Department in a statement. The police officers reached the home located on Coppola Drive off New Durham Road in South Plainfield around 9 am local time on Monday (Nov 27) after a neighbour called them and complained about hearing shots fired at the Traditions condo complex, said the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, in a press release. After reaching the site, the police officers discovered three people - two men and a woman - with gunshot wounds. Also read: US: Map reveals exact date of cold snap, several regions put on high alert The police found married couple Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt shot to death in the apartment's second floor. Their son Yashkumar Brahmbhatt was discovered with many gunshot wounds. He was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to injuries. Student says 'it might be me', when asked about murderer The student Om was taken into custody and questioned regarding the incident and later charged with three counts of first-degree murder as well as second-degree weapon possession. Om, who hails from India's Gujarat, lived with the victims and was present at the residence when the police reached the scene. As per NBC New York, Om had shifted to New Jersey in the last couple of months and was living at the condo. Watch: US Secretary of State discusses war in Ukraine with NATO countries The Indian student was taken to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Centre for a pre-trial detention hearing. As per the complaint, the family members were killed using a handgun which was purchased online by Om. Om kept a calm demeanour during a court appearance on Tuesday. Police said he was the one who dialled 911 that morning and when he was asked who killed them, Om said, "It might be me." (With inputs from agencies)

Triple murder case: Indian student faces charge of murdering three family members in US

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised

Last year, a staggering number of people — more than ever — died by suicide in the United States. As per provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), figures dating back to at least 1941 revealed that in 2022, the highest-ever number of people killed themselves in the US.

<h2>Disturbing trend</h2>

In 2022, there was a disturbing trend of suicides. At least 49,449 lives were lost due to intentional self-harm. This means there were more than 14 suicidal deaths for every 100,000 people.

This is a three per cent increase of the 2021 numbers — 48,183 suicides.

Compared to women (5.9 per cent), men were four times more likely to kill themselves at 23.1 per cent. However, for women, suicide rates, especially for those aged 25 and older, saw an increase. Overall, the rate of suicides in women increased by four per cent, while for men the increase was half at two per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/england-and-wales-living-in-dark-ages-poll-finds-1-in-7-hr-says-men-better-suited-to-top-jobs-664244">England and Wales 'living in dark ages,' poll finds 1-in-7 HRs says men better suited to top jobs</a>

The data found that there was a significant increase in suicides by people over 35 years of age. The rate was highest for people aged 75 and older.

Overall, the 49,449 suicides were "the highest number ever recorded in&nbsp;the United States,"&nbsp;as per the CDC.

However, the organisation adds, "The 2022 final number of suicides is likely to be higher as additional death&nbsp;certificates with pending causes of death may be determined to be suicides."

<h2>Suicides and the US</h2>

As per the report, in the US, suicides have risen "almost steadily" during the 21st century. Both males and females, across nearly every age and race and Hispanic-origin group, experienced the increase.

Owing to the disturbing trend, the US Surgeon General, in 2021, issued a call to&nbsp;action on a national strategy for suicide&nbsp;prevention as well as an advisory for&nbsp;youth mental health.

CNN citing a separate analysis of provisional CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions reports that in the year 2022, suicides by firearms reached a record high.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-for-over-55-hours-a-week-kills-800000-people-every-year-report-664257">Working for over 55 hours a week kills 800,000 people every year: Report</a>

As per the analysis, "the nation's overall gun suicide rate increased 1.6 per cent, reaching an all-time high".

"Gun suicides continued to reach all-time highs, increasing 1.6% from a previous record in 2021; 26,993 people died by gun suicide in 2022. While the increase in gun homicides has gained public awareness, less attention has been paid to the growing epidemic of gun suicides – which historically make up the majority of gun deaths. The gun suicide rate has steadily increased, nearly uninterrupted, since 2006. In 2021, it reached the highest levels since the CDC began recording such data in 1968; and this past year, in 2022, it surpassed that record. "

(With inputs from agencies)

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Last year, a staggering number of people — more than ever — died by suicide in the United States.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Last year, a staggering number of people — more than ever — died by suicide in the United States. As per provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), figures dating back to at least 1941 revealed that in 2022, the highest-ever number of people killed themselves in the US. Disturbing trend In 2022, there was a disturbing trend of suicides. At least 49,449 lives were lost due to intentional self-harm. This means there were more than 14 suicidal deaths for every 100,000 people. This is a three per cent increase of the 2021 numbers — 48,183 suicides. Compared to women (5.9 per cent), men were four times more likely to kill themselves at 23.1 per cent. However, for women, suicide rates, especially for those aged 25 and older, saw an increase. Overall, the rate of suicides in women increased by four per cent, while for men the increase was half at two per cent. Also read | England and Wales 'living in dark ages,' poll finds 1-in-7 HRs says men better suited to top jobs The data found that there was a significant increase in suicides by people over 35 years of age. The rate was highest for people aged 75 and older. Overall, the 49,449 suicides were "the highest number ever recorded in the United States," as per the CDC. However, the organisation adds, "The 2022 final number of suicides is likely to be higher as additional death certificates with pending causes of death may be determined to be suicides." Suicides and the US As per the report, in the US, suicides have risen "almost steadily" during the 21st century. Both males and females, across nearly every age and race and Hispanic-origin group, experienced the increase. Owing to the disturbing trend, the US Surgeon General, in 2021, issued a call to action on a national strategy for suicide prevention as well as an advisory for youth mental health. CNN citing a separate analysis of provisional CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions reports that in the year 2022, suicides by firearms reached a record high. Also read | Working for over 55 hours a week kills 800,000 people every year: Report As per the analysis, "the nation's overall gun suicide rate increased 1.6 per cent, reaching an all-time high". "Gun suicides continued to reach all-time highs, increasing 1.6% from a previous record in 2021; 26,993 people died by gun suicide in 2022. While the increase in gun homicides has gained public awareness, less attention has been paid to the growing epidemic of gun suicides – which historically make up the majority of gun deaths. The gun suicide rate has steadily increased, nearly uninterrupted, since 2006. In 2021, it reached the highest levels since the CDC began recording such data in 1968; and this past year, in 2022, it surpassed that record. " (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

Disturbing trend: In 2022, more suicides than ever took place in the United States

The United States on Wednesday (Nov 29) charged an Indian national with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate an American citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement.

US Attorney Damian Williams announced charges against Nikhil Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities in the month of June this year in conformance to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

"The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement.

The official further stated that Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was the target of the alleged assassination plot, who is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-looking-into-us-report-on-alleged-nexus-between-organised-criminals-terrorists-and-others-mea-664221">India looking into US report on alleged 'nexus between organised criminals, terrorists, and others': MEA</a>

<h2>Gupta was involved in narcotics and weapons trafficking, alleged indictment</h2>

The indictment alleged that the foiled plot was orchestrated by an Indian government agency employee who diversely described himself as a “Senior Field Officer” with responsibilities in “Security Management” and “Intelligence,” and also claimed to have served previously in India’s Central Reserve Police Force and receiving “officer training” in “battle craft” and “weapons".

It said that Gupta was involved in narcotics and weapons trafficking before he was hired to pursue the assassination of the target.

Gupta, it alleged, was introduced to a purported hitman who could murder the target.

The charges come after a senior Biden administration official last week released a statement saying that the US had thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist.

These accusations come in the backdrop of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Canada-based Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.&nbsp;

Indian External Affairs Ministry also released a statement on Wednesday saying that it was looking into US reports on the alleged "nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others".

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Wednesday (Nov 29) charged an Indian national with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate an American citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement.

The United States on Wednesday (Nov 29) charged an Indian national with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate an American citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement. US Attorney Damian Williams announced charges against Nikhil Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities in the month of June this year in conformance to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. "The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said in a statement. The official further stated that Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was the target of the alleged assassination plot, who is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. Also read: India looking into US report on alleged 'nexus between organised criminals, terrorists, and others': MEA Gupta was involved in narcotics and weapons trafficking, alleged indictment The indictment alleged that the foiled plot was orchestrated by an Indian government agency employee who diversely described himself as a “Senior Field Officer” with responsibilities in “Security Management” and “Intelligence,” and also claimed to have served previously in India’s Central Reserve Police Force and receiving “officer training” in “battle craft” and “weapons". It said that Gupta was involved in narcotics and weapons trafficking before he was hired to pursue the assassination of the target. Gupta, it alleged, was introduced to a purported hitman who could murder the target. The charges come after a senior Biden administration official last week released a statement saying that the US had thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist. These accusations come in the backdrop of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Canada-based Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Indian External Affairs Ministry also released a statement on Wednesday saying that it was looking into US reports on the alleged "nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others". (With inputs from agencies)

US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun

In Pics | Dignitaries, family members gather to remember former first lady Rosalynn Carter

The United States will soon witness a brutal cold snap with below-freezing temperatures, revealed a weather map. A cold front will hit several regions of the US, including the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, on December 7, Daily Express US reported.

The United States will soon witness a brutal cold snap with below-freezing temperatures, revealed a weather map. A cold front will hit several regions of the US, including the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, on December 7, Daily Express US reported. According to the WXCharts by the MetDesk, the parts of the United States, from South Carolina to Maine, will experience below-freezing temperatures that can fall as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. In the winter outlook for 2023-24, the National Weather Service (NWS) mentioned that Alaska and the West Coast into the Northern and Central Plain will have warmer-than-average temperatures in the upcoming winter season. Meanwhile, the rest of the United States will have standard or below-average temperatures. NWS said, "There will be wetter-than-average conditions across northern Alaska, much of the southern US, and along the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts southeast to Florida." ALSO READ | Sex and the City star joins hunger strike for Gaza amid Israel-Hamas conflict Temperatures have already plunged in much of the US this week, with New York reporting temperatures as low as 24 degrees Celsius. However, residents of New York and those living along the East Coast can expect colder temperatures on December 7, as the high wind gusts would make the air cooler. El Nino, the weather pattern that makes up the warm phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation cycle, might worsen winter in 2023. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration informed in an update last week that there's a 62 per cent chance that 2023's El Niño might last until June 2023. The update also mentioned there could be record-warm temperatures and heavy rainfall along the West Coast. Furthermore, a potentially stormy winter could sweep the Southeast. The Midwest has already experienced a treacherous snowstorm, which resulted in slick roads, increasing the number of car accidents. Authorities have advised drivers across the United States to stay updated with the weather patterns and prepared for travelling in wintry conditions. According to AccuWeather, the possibility of snow spreading into the northern and central Rocky Mountains this coming weekend is high. They have also put Wisconsin, the Great Lakes, New York, and surrounding areas on high alert for winter deluge. Although the storm is expected to pull away after the weekend, it will leave behind freezing temperatures in several places. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Map reveals exact date of cold snap, several regions put on high alert

The US Federal Reserve is moving decisively away from ultra-aggressive tightening policy into a wait-and-watch mode, with the latest language from the policymakers suggesting a clear caution in their tone.

From behind the curve in 2021, when the Fed called the surge in inflation as 'transitory' to 'more rate hikes needed' as recent as last month, the journey of the US central bank mirrors the global policy path over the last two years.

With inflation showing clear signs of easing, the Fed looks to take its pedal off the accelerator.

History, perception &amp; expectations

Historically, a rate-hike cycle follows a short pause in the policy path before interest rates are cut.

But, this is where experts are divided.

While one section of economists and analysts expect policy to stay on hold until the second half of next year, an equal number of them predict the central bank will bring its knife out in the April-June quarter.

The reason for the divide is inflation expectations.

Easing inflation calls for a pause in rate hikes, but the triggers of elevated price pressures over the past year are still at play.

Geopolitics-driven disruption to global supply chains, rising cost of living and no signs of international crude prices cooling anytime soon.

So, with the recipe for inflation surge still intact, the question of central banks 'behind the curve' narrative gains traction.

Damned if they do, damned if they don't

Global central banks have had a tough balancing act over the past two years - managing surging price pressures and slowing economic activity simultaneously.

While what they have done is commendable at a time when external factors, including the Russia-Ukraine war, influenced policy decisions, the real question is: Are central banks responding after the events rather than being proactive?

Broadly - the expectations now point to an end to rate-hike cycles, with most major central banks predicted to move into a pause mode.

Bets are also piling up for rate cuts in 2024, but the hesitation and uncertainty reflect past mistakes.

Will the beginning of 2024 be a decisive moment to welcome a shift in policy path, or will we have more of the same?

Households would hope central bank policies support their purses, and businesses would want their borrowing costs lowered.

The next phase of the monetary cycle is filled with the same sentiment - dilemma.

The US Federal Reserve is moving decisively away from ultra-aggressive tightening policy into a wait-and-watch mode, with the latest language from the policymakers suggesting a clear caution in their tone.

The US Federal Reserve is moving decisively away from ultra-aggressive tightening policy into a wait-and-watch mode, with the latest language from the policymakers suggesting a clear caution in their tone. From behind the curve in 2021, when the Fed called the surge in inflation as 'transitory' to 'more rate hikes needed' as recent as last month, the journey of the US central bank mirrors the global policy path over the last two years. With inflation showing clear signs of easing, the Fed looks to take its pedal off the accelerator. History, perception & expectations Historically, a rate-hike cycle follows a short pause in the policy path before interest rates are cut. But, this is where experts are divided. While one section of economists and analysts expect policy to stay on hold until the second half of next year, an equal number of them predict the central bank will bring its knife out in the April-June quarter. The reason for the divide is inflation expectations. Easing inflation calls for a pause in rate hikes, but the triggers of elevated price pressures over the past year are still at play. Geopolitics-driven disruption to global supply chains, rising cost of living and no signs of international crude prices cooling anytime soon. So, with the recipe for inflation surge still intact, the question of central banks 'behind the curve' narrative gains traction. Damned if they do, damned if they don't Global central banks have had a tough balancing act over the past two years - managing surging price pressures and slowing economic activity simultaneously. While what they have done is commendable at a time when external factors, including the Russia-Ukraine war, influenced policy decisions, the real question is: Are central banks responding after the events rather than being proactive? Broadly - the expectations now point to an end to rate-hike cycles, with most major central banks predicted to move into a pause mode. Bets are also piling up for rate cuts in 2024, but the hesitation and uncertainty reflect past mistakes. Will the beginning of 2024 be a decisive moment to welcome a shift in policy path, or will we have more of the same? Households would hope central bank policies support their purses, and businesses would want their borrowing costs lowered. The next phase of the monetary cycle is filled with the same sentiment - dilemma.

What next: US Federal Reserve on the cusp of policy change

Amid the United States' comments on Bangladesh elections, Dhaka's Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Masud Bin Momen said that it&nbsp;"interferes with our domestic affairs" but hoped for engagement to "try to make them understand that we are committed and they have no reason to doubt our intentions." Elections will take place in Bangladesh in January, with Washington calling for a "free and peaceful election" which is seen as trying to interfere in the country's internal matters.&nbsp;

The foreign secretary was in New Delhi for the foreign office consultation with his Indian counterpart. During the meeting, he discussed many issues, including connectivity, the Rohingya crisis, quota for essential commodities etc. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said that the plan is for India and Bangladesh to agree to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by November of 2026 and the commerce ministries of the 2 sides are in touch with each other over the issue.&nbsp;

WION: With me is the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary, here in India for the foreign office consultation. So my first question to you is an obvious question, your conversation with the Indian counterpart, what are the key issues discussed and anything specifically on the CEPA pact which we are looking at between the two countries.

Masud Bin Momen: Thank you very much. We had a very fruitful discussion with my counterpart Vinay Mohan Kwatra&nbsp;yesterday and we discussed many bilateral issues and regional and multilateral issues as well. As far as the issues are concerned, we took stock of many significant developments that took place during 2023 and how we would like to position ourselves for the near future, say 2024 and beyond. We discussed CEPA of course, because, as you know Bangladesh has successfully fulfilled the criteria for the graduation and 2026 November is the deadline when we'll be officially out of the LDC group. Therefore, all the international support measures will be withdrawn although some countries have individually given some transition measures to Bangladesh maybe up to 2029. India has also been holding various support measures, including provisions under SAFTA, whereby the LDCs under SAARC will get zero tariffs in certain categories. Therefore, after 2026 it would be a different scenario. And therefore, we have been discussing the CEPA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the two commerce ministries are in touch with each other , they have formed a technical committee. And yesterday we discussed that, you know, whatever measures that Bangladesh would like to have or what are the measures that India can export to Bangladesh will need to be discussed in these technical committees and eventually, we can have CEPA in place, preferably by November 2026.

WION: So talking about the comments by the American side on your elections, what do you have to say on that and was there any conversation with the Indian side over that we have seen India also talking about the elections.

Masud Bin Momen: Yes, I mean, my counterpart Kwatra&nbsp;had already mentioned, the two plus two, format meeting, what is India's stance. He repeated that to me and also appreciated the position that elections are our internal affairs and as per our institution, as our people's wish, elections will be held. Schedule has been announced by the election commission which is independent and the government also committed to hold free and fair elections. And the date has been fixed 7th January 2024. And currently, all the political parties except a few are going through the various processes of nominating , selecting the candidates. Hopefully, with people's participation we will have free and fair elections and we're also open to welcoming foreign observers so they can come and observe elections and see how free and fair they are.

WION: And on the comments by the American side?

Masud Bin Momen: Well, each country, you know, has their right or prerogative, and they are all our development partners. But if it crosses the line that interferes with our domestic affairs, obviously we will try to remain engaged with them and try to make them understand that we are committed and they have no reason to doubt our intentions.

WION: So my last question to you is that you have sought some quotas for the essential commodities from the Indian side if you could talk about that? Any agreement on that?

Masud Bin Momen: There are certain agricultural commodities where we have certain shortages and if we can get some assurance from the Indian authorities that in quick time, these can be supplied to Bangladesh, unless there are some domestic compulsions in India like kind of shortages. So, you know, if that assurance is given, we agreed in principle, but the problem of identifying the relevant institutions and also the relevant entities and also making the arrangements as to how it could be done may take some time, but in principle, it's great.

Amid the United States' comments on Bangladesh elections, Dhaka's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said that it "interferes with our domestic affairs" but hoped for engagement to "try to make them understand that we are committed and they have no reason to doubt our intentions.

Amid the United States' comments on Bangladesh elections, Dhaka's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said that it "interferes with our domestic affairs" but hoped for engagement to "try to make them understand that we are committed and they have no reason to doubt our intentions." Elections will take place in Bangladesh in January, with Washington calling for a "free and peaceful election" which is seen as trying to interfere in the country's internal matters. The foreign secretary was in New Delhi for the foreign office consultation with his Indian counterpart. During the meeting, he discussed many issues, including connectivity, the Rohingya crisis, quota for essential commodities etc. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said that the plan is for India and Bangladesh to agree to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by November of 2026 and the commerce ministries of the 2 sides are in touch with each other over the issue. WION: With me is the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary, here in India for the foreign office consultation. So my first question to you is an obvious question, your conversation with the Indian counterpart, what are the key issues discussed and anything specifically on the CEPA pact which we are looking at between the two countries. Masud Bin Momen: Thank you very much. We had a very fruitful discussion with my counterpart Vinay Mohan Kwatra yesterday and we discussed many bilateral issues and regional and multilateral issues as well. As far as the issues are concerned, we took stock of many significant developments that took place during 2023 and how we would like to position ourselves for the near future, say 2024 and beyond. We discussed CEPA of course, because, as you know Bangladesh has successfully fulfilled the criteria for the graduation and 2026 November is the deadline when we'll be officially out of the LDC group. Therefore, all the international support measures will be withdrawn although some countries have individually given some transition measures to Bangladesh maybe up to 2029. India has also been holding various support measures, including provisions under SAFTA, whereby the LDCs under SAARC will get zero tariffs in certain categories. Therefore, after 2026 it would be a different scenario. And therefore, we have been discussing the CEPA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the two commerce ministries are in touch with each other , they have formed a technical committee. And yesterday we discussed that, you know, whatever measures that Bangladesh would like to have or what are the measures that India can export to Bangladesh will need to be discussed in these technical committees and eventually, we can have CEPA in place, preferably by November 2026. WION: So talking about the comments by the American side on your elections, what do you have to say on that and was there any conversation with the Indian side over that we have seen India also talking about the elections. Masud Bin Momen: Yes, I mean, my counterpart Kwatra had already mentioned, the two plus two, format meeting, what is India's stance. He repeated that to me and also appreciated the position that elections are our internal affairs and as per our institution, as our people's wish, elections will be held. Schedule has been announced by the election commission which is independent and the government also committed to hold free and fair elections. And the date has been fixed 7th January 2024. And currently, all the political parties except a few are going through the various processes of nominating , selecting the candidates. Hopefully, with people's participation we will have free and fair elections and we're also open to welcoming foreign observers so they can come and observe elections and see how free and fair they are. WION: And on the comments by the American side? Masud Bin Momen: Well, each country, you know, has their right or prerogative, and they are all our development partners. But if it crosses the line that interferes with our domestic affairs, obviously we will try to remain engaged with them and try to make them understand that we are committed and they have no reason to doubt our intentions. WION: So my last question to you is that you have sought some quotas for the essential commodities from the Indian side if you could talk about that? Any agreement on that? Masud Bin Momen: There are certain agricultural commodities where we have certain shortages and if we can get some assurance from the Indian authorities that in quick time, these can be supplied to Bangladesh, unless there are some domestic compulsions in India like kind of shortages. So, you know, if that assurance is given, we agreed in principle, but the problem of identifying the relevant institutions and also the relevant entities and also making the arrangements as to how it could be done may take some time, but in principle, it's great.

FS Momen reacts to US comments on Bangladesh election, highlights 'interference'

A US warship patrolling the Red Sea intercepted multiple drones&nbsp;launched from Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas on Thursday (Nov 23), the US Central Command stated. 
 
"On the morning (Yemen time) of November 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen," stated CENTCOM, on social media platform X. "The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury," it added. 
 
The Houthis have stated that they are part of an "axis of resistance" of the allies and proxies of Iran retaliating against Israel's war with Hamas. 
 
The Israel-Hamas war has increased the spectre of a broader Middle East conflagration, as the frontier between Israel and Lebanon also witnessing near-daily exchanges of fire. 
 
A series of drones and missiles have been launched by the Houthis in Yemen towards Israel since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hamas-israel-war-in-israel-inadvertent-confirmation-of-its-nuclear-arsenal-661763">Hamas-Israel war: In Israel, inadvertent confirmation of its nuclear arsenal</a>

On Wednesday, Israel stated that it had intercepted a "cruise missile" which was going towards the country's south, a shot which was claimed by the Huthi rebels. 
 
"Our forces launched missiles at various military targets" in southern Israel, stated Yahia Saree, spokesman for the armed wing of the Huthis, on X. 
 
"We will continue to carry out military operations until the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank stops," he further said.

<h2>Houthis threaten to target Israeli shipping</h2>

The Houthis have further threatened that they will be targeting Israeli shipping and on Sunday stated that the Galaxy Leader, which is an Israel-linked cargo vessel and its 25 international crew, was seized at the Red Sea's entrance. 
 
Israel's military stated that the seizure was a "very grave incident of global consequence", and a US military official said it was "a flagrant violation of international law". 
 
Israel and Hamas on Wednesday (Nov 22) stated that they have agreed on a four-day ceasefire during which a prisoner and hostage swap will be carried out.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel claims it captured Hamas base in Northern Gaza | IDF: No pause in fighting

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Nearly 240 hostages were taken by Hamas and other Palestinian gunmen after they stormed into Israel on October 7, in which 1,200 civilians were also killed, according to Israeli authorities. 
 
The attack followed an Israeli offensive into Hamas-run Gaza in which till now more than 14,000 people have been killed, thousands of them being children.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US warship patrolling the Red Sea intercepted multiple drones launched from Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas on Thursday (Nov 23), the US Central Command stated.

A US warship patrolling the Red Sea intercepted multiple drones launched from Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas on Thursday (Nov 23), the US Central Command stated. "On the morning (Yemen time) of November 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen," stated CENTCOM, on social media platform X. "The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury," it added. The Houthis have stated that they are part of an "axis of resistance" of the allies and proxies of Iran retaliating against Israel's war with Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war has increased the spectre of a broader Middle East conflagration, as the frontier between Israel and Lebanon also witnessing near-daily exchanges of fire. A series of drones and missiles have been launched by the Houthis in Yemen towards Israel since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7. Also read: Hamas-Israel war: In Israel, inadvertent confirmation of its nuclear arsenal On Wednesday, Israel stated that it had intercepted a "cruise missile" which was going towards the country's south, a shot which was claimed by the Huthi rebels. "Our forces launched missiles at various military targets" in southern Israel, stated Yahia Saree, spokesman for the armed wing of the Huthis, on X. "We will continue to carry out military operations until the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank stops," he further said. Houthis threaten to target Israeli shipping The Houthis have further threatened that they will be targeting Israeli shipping and on Sunday stated that the Galaxy Leader, which is an Israel-linked cargo vessel and its 25 international crew, was seized at the Red Sea's entrance. Israel's military stated that the seizure was a "very grave incident of global consequence", and a US military official said it was "a flagrant violation of international law". Israel and Hamas on Wednesday (Nov 22) stated that they have agreed on a four-day ceasefire during which a prisoner and hostage swap will be carried out. Watch: Israel claims it captured Hamas base in Northern Gaza | IDF: No pause in fighting Nearly 240 hostages were taken by Hamas and other Palestinian gunmen after they stormed into Israel on October 7, in which 1,200 civilians were also killed, according to Israeli authorities. The attack followed an Israeli offensive into Hamas-run Gaza in which till now more than 14,000 people have been killed, thousands of them being children. (With inputs from agencies)

US warship intercepts and shoots down multiple drones launched from Yemen

A United States warplane on Tuesday (Nov 21) attacked an air base west of Baghdad and killed several Iran-backed militiamen, the Pentagon said.

This came after a short-range ballistic projectile was fired at American and allied personnel in Iraq.

"We can confirm an attack last night by Iran-backed militias using a close-range ballistic missile against US and coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase, which resulted in eight injuries and some minor damage to infrastructure," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement.

"Immediately following the attack, a US military AC-130 aircraft in the area conducted a self-defence strike against an Iranian-backed militia vehicle and a number of Iranian-backed militia personnel involved in this attack. This self-defence strike resulted in several enemy KIA (killed in action)," Ryder said.

The Ain al-Asad Air Base, which is located in the desert of Iraq's Western Anbar province, hosts forces of the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq.

This is the first time the United States announced a strike on Iranian proxy forces in Iraq after targeting Tehran-linked sites in Syria on three occasions in recent weeks.

The move by the US comes after a spate of attacks were reported in Iraq aimed at American troops which claimed the lives of several army personnel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-considers-designating-yemens-houthis-a-terrorist-organization-after-cargo-ship-seizure-661294">US mulls designating Yemen's Houthis terrorist organization after ship seizure</a>

The spike in attacks on American troops is linked to the upsurge in violence between Israel and Hamas, which broke out after the Palestinian militant group's assault against Israel on October 7.

Tel Aviv, in retaliation, launched a ground and air offensive against the Hamas group in Gaza, which as per the besieged Palestinian enclave's health ministry has claimed the lives of more than 14,000 people.&nbsp;

<h2>US forces attacked approximately 66 times</h2>

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a press briefing said that the US forces "have been attacked approximately 66 times since October 17 -- 32 separate times in Iraq and 34 separate times in Syria."

The attacks have wounded nearly 62, said Singh. It doesn't yet include the eight cited by Ryder since that most recent projectile strike is still being evaluated.

<h2>Blinken condemns attacks on American troops</h2>

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his surprise visit to Iraq, condemned the attacks on American troops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-accuse-elon-musk-of-benefiting-financially-from-anti-israel-propaganda-on-x-661269">US lawmakers accuse Elon Musk of benefiting financially from anti-Israel propaganda on X</a>

"I made very clear that attacks or threats coming from militias that are aligned with Iran are totally unacceptable. And we will take every necessary step to protect our people," Blinken said.

During his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, he asserted that his country would take all the necessary measures to safeguard his people.

"We will take every necessary step to protect our people," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United States warplane on Tuesday (Nov 21) attacked an air base west of Baghdad and killed several Iran-backed militiamen, the Pentagon said. This came after a short-range ballistic projectile was fired at American and allied personnel in Iraq.

A United States warplane on Tuesday (Nov 21) attacked an air base west of Baghdad and killed several Iran-backed militiamen, the Pentagon said. This came after a short-range ballistic projectile was fired at American and allied personnel in Iraq. "We can confirm an attack last night by Iran-backed militias using a close-range ballistic missile against US and coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase, which resulted in eight injuries and some minor damage to infrastructure," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement. "Immediately following the attack, a US military AC-130 aircraft in the area conducted a self-defence strike against an Iranian-backed militia vehicle and a number of Iranian-backed militia personnel involved in this attack. This self-defence strike resulted in several enemy KIA (killed in action)," Ryder said. The Ain al-Asad Air Base, which is located in the desert of Iraq's Western Anbar province, hosts forces of the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq. This is the first time the United States announced a strike on Iranian proxy forces in Iraq after targeting Tehran-linked sites in Syria on three occasions in recent weeks. The move by the US comes after a spate of attacks were reported in Iraq aimed at American troops which claimed the lives of several army personnel. Also read: US mulls designating Yemen's Houthis terrorist organization after ship seizure The spike in attacks on American troops is linked to the upsurge in violence between Israel and Hamas, which broke out after the Palestinian militant group's assault against Israel on October 7. Tel Aviv, in retaliation, launched a ground and air offensive against the Hamas group in Gaza, which as per the besieged Palestinian enclave's health ministry has claimed the lives of more than 14,000 people. US forces attacked approximately 66 times Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a press briefing said that the US forces "have been attacked approximately 66 times since October 17 -- 32 separate times in Iraq and 34 separate times in Syria." The attacks have wounded nearly 62, said Singh. It doesn't yet include the eight cited by Ryder since that most recent projectile strike is still being evaluated. Blinken condemns attacks on American troops Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his surprise visit to Iraq, condemned the attacks on American troops. Also read: US lawmakers accuse Elon Musk of benefiting financially from anti-Israel propaganda on X "I made very clear that attacks or threats coming from militias that are aligned with Iran are totally unacceptable. And we will take every necessary step to protect our people," Blinken said. During his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, he asserted that his country would take all the necessary measures to safeguard his people. "We will take every necessary step to protect our people," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces attack Iraqi air-base, kill Iran-backed forces

Dogs in the United States are suffering from a mysterious respiratory illness in several states. Local reports have mentioned that it can be fatal as this condition has killed some dogs already.&nbsp;

The veterinarians are looking to find answers and they also alerted the pet owners to be vigilant and take basic precautions to keep the pets healthy.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press mentioned that Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire have all experienced cases of the infection, which has caused long-term respiratory problems and pneumonia and is resistant to medications.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colorado-judge-rules-trump-can-stay-on-presidential-primary-ballot-despite-capitol-attack-incitement-660063">Colorado Judge rules Trump can stay on Presidential primary ballot despite Capitol attack incitement</a>&nbsp;

The reports have said that symptoms of respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy.&nbsp;

The report said that in some of the cases, the pneumonia progressed quickly which made dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours.&nbsp;

Since mid-August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has reported more than 200 cases of the disease.&nbsp;

The department has also urged pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their dog becomes ill, and it has directed state vets to report cases as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-civil-fraud-trial-ex-president-launches-tirade-against-clerk-soon-after-gag-order-paused-659930">Trump civil fraud trial: Ex-president launches tirade against clerk soon after gag order paused</a>

<h2>Cases not 'slowing down'</h2>

US-based Today reported that the illness may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics, which can leave the dog struggling to breathe and with severe pneumonia.&nbsp;

Dr Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told TODAY.com: "It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that’s just won’t go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia."&nbsp;

As per the report, Dr Ganzer has estimated that her hospital has seen close to 30 dogs with the condition since the middle of October. She further mentioned that the cases are "really not slowing down".&nbsp;

Another expert, Dr Kurt Williams, who is the director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, told TODAY.com that it's not a time for dog owners to "become paralyzed with fear".&nbsp;

"I think concern is fine," he said.&nbsp;

Dr Williams, who has been researching the illness for the past few weeks, further added that dog owners may want to consider taking precautions to prevent illness.&nbsp;

He advised that the owners can avoid scenarios with other dogs and make sure dogs are up to date on vaccinations.&nbsp;

Dogs in the United States are suffering from a mysterious respiratory illness in several states. Local reports have mentioned that it can be fatal as this condition has killed some dogs already.

Dogs in the United States are suffering from a mysterious respiratory illness in several states. Local reports have mentioned that it can be fatal as this condition has killed some dogs already. The veterinarians are looking to find answers and they also alerted the pet owners to be vigilant and take basic precautions to keep the pets healthy. A report by the Associated Press mentioned that Oregon, Colorado, and New Hampshire have all experienced cases of the infection, which has caused long-term respiratory problems and pneumonia and is resistant to medications. Also read: Colorado Judge rules Trump can stay on Presidential primary ballot despite Capitol attack incitement The reports have said that symptoms of respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy. The report said that in some of the cases, the pneumonia progressed quickly which made dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours. Since mid-August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has reported more than 200 cases of the disease. The department has also urged pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their dog becomes ill, and it has directed state vets to report cases as quickly as possible. Also read: Trump civil fraud trial: Ex-president launches tirade against clerk soon after gag order paused Cases not 'slowing down' US-based Today reported that the illness may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics, which can leave the dog struggling to breathe and with severe pneumonia. Dr Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told TODAY.com: "It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that’s just won’t go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia." As per the report, Dr Ganzer has estimated that her hospital has seen close to 30 dogs with the condition since the middle of October. She further mentioned that the cases are "really not slowing down". Another expert, Dr Kurt Williams, who is the director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, told TODAY.com that it's not a time for dog owners to "become paralyzed with fear". "I think concern is fine," he said. Dr Williams, who has been researching the illness for the past few weeks, further added that dog owners may want to consider taking precautions to prevent illness. He advised that the owners can avoid scenarios with other dogs and make sure dogs are up to date on vaccinations.

Mysterious respiratory illness plaguing dogs in several US states

Dwayne Johnson, also known as "The Rock," has dropped hints that he may be considering running for the US presidency.

Dwayne Johnson drops hint that he may be in the presidential race

After 33 years with Ernst & Young, Janet Truncale is set to make history as the first woman to lead one of the big four firms. From intern to CEO, her journey is not just about breaking barriers but reshaping corporate culture and inspiring change globally.

US business leaders meet Chinese President | A sit next to Xi costs $40,000 for US CEOs

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

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

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

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

The US Supreme Court issued an ethics code on Monday (Nov 13) for its nine justices, after revelations about undisclosed property, luxury trips and gifts sparked a row and mounted pressure on the court.

The justices, in a statement, said that they had established the code of conduct “to set out succinctly and gather in one place the ethics rules and principles that guide the conduct of the members of the court.”&nbsp;

“For the most part these rules and principles are not new,” the court said, further adding that “the absence of a code, however, has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the justices of this court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules.”

The nine-page code includes sections that say justices should not let any outside relationships affect their official conduct or judgment, expounding restrictions on their participation in fundraising and reiterating limits on the accepting of gifts. It also states that justices should not "to any substantial degree" use judicial resources or staff for non-official activities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinkhole-discovered-under-iceland-town-sparks-fears-of-massive-volcanic-eruption-658283">Sinkhole under Iceland town adds to panic as residents prepare for eruption</a>

A commentary released with the code elaborating on some of its provisions said that justices who are weighing a speaking engagement should "consider whether doing so would create an appearance of impropriety in the minds of reasonable members of the public."

Senator Dick Durbin, who chairs the Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee, called the code a "step in the right direction." But Durbin held open the possibility of further legislative efforts if he determines the code falls short of "the ethical standards which other federal judges are held to."

"We are going to carefully review this proposed code of conduct to evaluate whether it complies with our goal that the highest court in the land not languish with the lowest standard of ethics in our federal government," Durbin said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-foreign-journalists-robbed-at-gunpoint-who-went-to-cover-asia-pacific-summit-658313">US: Foreign journalists who went to cover Asia-Pacific summit robbed at gunpoint</a>

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, called the code "an important first step."

"However, the lack of any way to enforce the code of conduct should any justice decide to ignore it is a glaring omission," Schumer said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Supreme Court issued an ethics code on Monday (Nov 13) for its nine justices, after revelations about undisclosed property, luxury trips and gifts sparked a row and mounted pressure on the court.

The US Supreme Court issued an ethics code on Monday (Nov 13) for its nine justices, after revelations about undisclosed property, luxury trips and gifts sparked a row and mounted pressure on the court. The justices, in a statement, said that they had established the code of conduct “to set out succinctly and gather in one place the ethics rules and principles that guide the conduct of the members of the court.” “For the most part these rules and principles are not new,” the court said, further adding that “the absence of a code, however, has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the justices of this court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules.” The nine-page code includes sections that say justices should not let any outside relationships affect their official conduct or judgment, expounding restrictions on their participation in fundraising and reiterating limits on the accepting of gifts. It also states that justices should not "to any substantial degree" use judicial resources or staff for non-official activities. Also read: Sinkhole under Iceland town adds to panic as residents prepare for eruption A commentary released with the code elaborating on some of its provisions said that justices who are weighing a speaking engagement should "consider whether doing so would create an appearance of impropriety in the minds of reasonable members of the public." Senator Dick Durbin, who chairs the Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee, called the code a "step in the right direction." But Durbin held open the possibility of further legislative efforts if he determines the code falls short of "the ethical standards which other federal judges are held to." "We are going to carefully review this proposed code of conduct to evaluate whether it complies with our goal that the highest court in the land not languish with the lowest standard of ethics in our federal government," Durbin said. Also read: US: Foreign journalists who went to cover Asia-Pacific summit robbed at gunpoint Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, called the code "an important first step." "However, the lack of any way to enforce the code of conduct should any justice decide to ignore it is a glaring omission," Schumer said. (With inputs from agencies)

US Supreme Court issues ethics code for justices amid reports of undisclosed property, luxury trips

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Soul for the annual security consultative meeting with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan.

US Defence Secretary LLoyd Austin arrives in Seoul

United States President Joe Biden will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on November 15 with the aim to "stabilise" recent tensions which brewed between the powers, said the US officials. 
 
"President Biden will indeed meet with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China in the San Francisco Bay area of California on November 15," stated a senior US official, while speaking to reporters on Thursday (Nov 9). 
 
"Our goal will be to try to take steps that indeed stabilise the relationship between United States and China, remove some areas of misunderstanding and open up new lines of communication. We are in competition with China, but we do not seek conflict confrontation or a new Cold War. We're for managing the competition responsibly,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-finance-chiefs-open-talks-with-eye-on-curbing-tensions-657091">US, China finance chiefs open talks with eye on curbing tensions</a>

Confirming the date of the long-awaited meeting, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement said, “President Biden will meet with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on November 15. The Leaders will discuss issues in the US-PRC bilateral relationship, the continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication, and a range of regional and global issues.” 
 
“Building on their last meeting in November 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, the Leaders will also discuss how the United States and the PRC can continue to responsibly manage competition and work together where our interests align, particularly on transnational challenges that affect the international community,” the statement added.]

No immediate confirmation regarding the meeting came from Beijing.

<h2>Brimming tensions between US, China</h2>

Biden and Xi are also likely to discuss important global issues like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, along with the tensions brimming over the island of Taiwan. 
 
The two leaders have not met since their last face-to-face meeting in Bali in November 2022.&nbsp; 
 
Biden and Xi are to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit which will be held in San Francisco next week. 
 
Washington and Beijing have remained at odds in the last few years as the two countries are vying for global influence, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

WATCH |&nbsp;US &amp; Chinese finance ministers hold talks, setting stage for Xi-Biden meet

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-chinese-finance-ministers-hold-talks-setting-stage-for-xi-biden-meet-657233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US officials confirmed that the talks between Biden and Xi would be "very broad" and that they were "not talking about a long list of outcomes or deliverables" at the end. "Nothing will be held back, everything will be on the table," stated the US official. 
 
However, Biden and Xi are likely to speak about the "absolutely crucial" issue of restoring a military hotline between the US and China so as to prevent any escalations between the two nations. 
 
"We expect they'll cover a range of regional and global issues too, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict," the US official stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on November 15 with the aim to "stabilise" recent tensions which brewed between the powers, said the US officials.

United States President Joe Biden will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on November 15 with the aim to "stabilise" recent tensions which brewed between the powers, said the US officials. "President Biden will indeed meet with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China in the San Francisco Bay area of California on November 15," stated a senior US official, while speaking to reporters on Thursday (Nov 9). "Our goal will be to try to take steps that indeed stabilise the relationship between United States and China, remove some areas of misunderstanding and open up new lines of communication. We are in competition with China, but we do not seek conflict confrontation or a new Cold War. We're for managing the competition responsibly,” he added. ALSO READ | US, China finance chiefs open talks with eye on curbing tensions Confirming the date of the long-awaited meeting, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement said, “President Biden will meet with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on November 15. The Leaders will discuss issues in the US-PRC bilateral relationship, the continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication, and a range of regional and global issues.” “Building on their last meeting in November 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, the Leaders will also discuss how the United States and the PRC can continue to responsibly manage competition and work together where our interests align, particularly on transnational challenges that affect the international community,” the statement added.] No immediate confirmation regarding the meeting came from Beijing. Brimming tensions between US, China Biden and Xi are also likely to discuss important global issues like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, along with the tensions brimming over the island of Taiwan. The two leaders have not met since their last face-to-face meeting in Bali in November 2022. Biden and Xi are to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit which will be held in San Francisco next week. Washington and Beijing have remained at odds in the last few years as the two countries are vying for global influence, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. WATCH | US & Chinese finance ministers hold talks, setting stage for Xi-Biden meet US officials confirmed that the talks between Biden and Xi would be "very broad" and that they were "not talking about a long list of outcomes or deliverables" at the end. "Nothing will be held back, everything will be on the table," stated the US official. However, Biden and Xi are likely to speak about the "absolutely crucial" issue of restoring a military hotline between the US and China so as to prevent any escalations between the two nations. "We expect they'll cover a range of regional and global issues too, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict," the US official stated. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden set to meet China's Xi on November 15 to 'stabilise' ties

The United States of America is planning to transfer 320 million dollars worth of precision-guided bomb kit to Israel. The decision comes amid Israel's aerial bombing of Gaza.

US to transfer precision bomb equipment to Israel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (Nov 6) met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during his visit to Ankara where he discussed efforts to expand the humanitarian aid reaching trapped civilians in war-torn Gaza.

"We discussed...efforts to significantly expand the humanitarian assistance to people in need, and efforts to prevent the conflict expanding to other parts of the region and what we can do to set the conditions for a durable, sustainable, lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians," Blinken later told reporters at the airport before departing Ankara.

The meeting between the top US diplomat and Fidan lasted for about two and a half hours which was mainly focused upon calming the tensions between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. The talks also involved discussion on ways to prevent the escalation of war in the West Bank.

At the airport, while talking to reporters, Blinken said that Washington has made some good progress on humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

"We are working very aggressively on getting more humanitarian assistance in Gaza. And we have very concrete ways of doing that. And I think we'll see in the days ahead that assistance can expand in significant ways," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-un-says-88-staff-killed-in-conflict-the-highest-ever-figure-in-any-war-655804">Israel-Hamas war: UN says 88 staff killed in conflict</a>

<h2>US aware of Turkey's concern for terrible toll in Gaza</h2>

After the meeting, Blinken told reporters that the United States was aware of "the deep concern" in Turkey "for the terrible toll" in Gaza.

"We are working, as I said, very aggressively on getting more humanitarian assistance into Gaza and we have very concrete ways of doing that," Blinken said before boarding a plane for Japan.

"I think we will see in the days ahead that the assistance can expand in significant ways," he added without providing details.&nbsp;

Fidan also pressed Blinken for "an immediate ceasefire in Gaza", reported news agency AFP citing a Turkish diplomatic source.

"Fidan also pointed out to his US counterpart Blinken that bombing civilian targets and destroying infrastructure in Gaza is unacceptable," the Turkish source said.

No talks took place between Blinken and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has denounced Washington for its "unlimited support to Israel".

NATO member Turkey has voiced support for Palestine and has been a staunch critic of Israel and its counter-offensive against the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip.

<h2>Hundreds rally outside Turkish foreign ministry&nbsp;</h2>

Dozens of protesters took to the streets and marched on an air base housing US forces in southeastern Turkey hours before Blinken's arrival on Sunday.

Hundreds more rallied outside the Turkish foreign ministry demanding Blinken and his delegation leave.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (Nov 6) met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during his visit to Ankara where he discussed efforts to expand the humanitarian aid reaching trapped civilians in war-torn Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (Nov 6) met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan during his visit to Ankara where he discussed efforts to expand the humanitarian aid reaching trapped civilians in war-torn Gaza. "We discussed...efforts to significantly expand the humanitarian assistance to people in need, and efforts to prevent the conflict expanding to other parts of the region and what we can do to set the conditions for a durable, sustainable, lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians," Blinken later told reporters at the airport before departing Ankara. The meeting between the top US diplomat and Fidan lasted for about two and a half hours which was mainly focused upon calming the tensions between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. The talks also involved discussion on ways to prevent the escalation of war in the West Bank. At the airport, while talking to reporters, Blinken said that Washington has made some good progress on humanitarian assistance to Gaza. "We are working very aggressively on getting more humanitarian assistance in Gaza. And we have very concrete ways of doing that. And I think we'll see in the days ahead that assistance can expand in significant ways," he said. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: UN says 88 staff killed in conflict US aware of Turkey's concern for terrible toll in Gaza After the meeting, Blinken told reporters that the United States was aware of "the deep concern" in Turkey "for the terrible toll" in Gaza. "We are working, as I said, very aggressively on getting more humanitarian assistance into Gaza and we have very concrete ways of doing that," Blinken said before boarding a plane for Japan. "I think we will see in the days ahead that the assistance can expand in significant ways," he added without providing details. Fidan also pressed Blinken for "an immediate ceasefire in Gaza", reported news agency AFP citing a Turkish diplomatic source. "Fidan also pointed out to his US counterpart Blinken that bombing civilian targets and destroying infrastructure in Gaza is unacceptable," the Turkish source said. No talks took place between Blinken and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has denounced Washington for its "unlimited support to Israel". NATO member Turkey has voiced support for Palestine and has been a staunch critic of Israel and its counter-offensive against the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip. Hundreds rally outside Turkish foreign ministry Dozens of protesters took to the streets and marched on an air base housing US forces in southeastern Turkey hours before Blinken's arrival on Sunday. Hundreds more rallied outside the Turkish foreign ministry demanding Blinken and his delegation leave. (With inputs from agencies)

Antony Blinken meets Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, discusses efforts to expand aid in Gaza

In a groundbreaking move, the US Senate on Thursday (Nov 2) voted in favour of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the very first woman to hold the position and to be a part of the military officers who make up the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Her nomination was approved by a margin of 95-1. She has been serving in a provisional capacity since August 2023 because of a single Republican senator's resistance to the Pentagon abortion access policy.

Franchetti has been in commanding positions on various surface vessels, showcasing her leadership prowess.&nbsp;

She has held key roles, including commander of a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups.&nbsp;

Her expertise extends to global affairs, having served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development.

In September 2022, she was promoted to the service's second-highest rank, which is vice chief of naval operations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatian-foreign-minister-sparks-controversy-for-making-an-attempt-to-kiss-german-peer-655108">Croatian foreign minister sparks controversy for making an attempt to kiss German peer</a>

Franchetti has not only created history as the first woman to lead the US Navy but has also become the first woman to serve on the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff, a milestone that marks a significant step towards greater gender equality and representation at the highest levels of the US military.

<h2>Delay of nominations&nbsp;</h2>

Senate also filled two other spots by confirming General David Allvin, a pilot with more than 4,600 flight hours, as the head of the US Air Force by a vote of 95-1. He served as vice chief of staff of the Air Force previously.

Lawmakers generally approve the military nominations quickly through unanimous consent, however, one Republican Senator has been trying to block the military appointments in a bid to protest the Pentagon's abortion access policy.

Tommy Tuberville has been delaying the nominations to oppose Pentagon policies that permit service members seeking reproductive health care including abortions that are inaccessible where they are stationed to receive travel allowances and take organisational dearths.

The White House on Thursday, slammed Tuberville's delay of the nominations stating that his move was harming readiness.

"It's beyond ridiculous that this one senator is having this kind of an impact on our operational readiness," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, noting that it is also affecting officers' families.

"Folks can't get schools for their kids, can't buy or rent houses, you know, don't know where they're going to be living next. It's absolutely ridiculous," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a groundbreaking move, the US Senate on Thursday (Nov 2) voted in favour of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the very first woman to hold the position and to be a part of the military officers who make up the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In a groundbreaking move, the US Senate on Thursday (Nov 2) voted in favour of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the very first woman to hold the position and to be a part of the military officers who make up the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Her nomination was approved by a margin of 95-1. She has been serving in a provisional capacity since August 2023 because of a single Republican senator's resistance to the Pentagon abortion access policy. Franchetti has been in commanding positions on various surface vessels, showcasing her leadership prowess. She has held key roles, including commander of a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups. Her expertise extends to global affairs, having served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development. In September 2022, she was promoted to the service's second-highest rank, which is vice chief of naval operations. Also read: Croatian foreign minister sparks controversy for making an attempt to kiss German peer Franchetti has not only created history as the first woman to lead the US Navy but has also become the first woman to serve on the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff, a milestone that marks a significant step towards greater gender equality and representation at the highest levels of the US military. Delay of nominations Senate also filled two other spots by confirming General David Allvin, a pilot with more than 4,600 flight hours, as the head of the US Air Force by a vote of 95-1. He served as vice chief of staff of the Air Force previously. Lawmakers generally approve the military nominations quickly through unanimous consent, however, one Republican Senator has been trying to block the military appointments in a bid to protest the Pentagon's abortion access policy. Tommy Tuberville has been delaying the nominations to oppose Pentagon policies that permit service members seeking reproductive health care including abortions that are inaccessible where they are stationed to receive travel allowances and take organisational dearths. The White House on Thursday, slammed Tuberville's delay of the nominations stating that his move was harming readiness. "It's beyond ridiculous that this one senator is having this kind of an impact on our operational readiness," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, noting that it is also affecting officers' families. "Folks can't get schools for their kids, can't buy or rent houses, you know, don't know where they're going to be living next. It's absolutely ridiculous," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lisa Franchetti creates history as first woman to lead US Navy

United States (US) President Joe Biden nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to serve as the US Chief of Naval Staff.

Lisa Franchetti to become first female to lead US Navy

The number of Indians arrested while unlawfully entering into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking increase with nearly 96,917 Indian citizens being apprehended, news agency PTI reported citing the latest data released by US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP).

According to the data, in 2019-20, 19,883 Indians were apprehended, whereas in 2020-21, 30,662 Indians were arrested and in 2021-22 this number was 63,927.

As many as 96,917 Indians were arrested between October 2022 and September 2023, out of which 30,010 were caught on the Canadian border and 41,770 at the frontier with Mexico.

The ones apprehended have been tagged under four categories which are, Accompanied Minors (AM), Individuals in a Family Unit (FMUA), Single Adults, and Unaccompanied Children (UC).&nbsp;

As per the reports, single adults account for the largest category.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-delhi-leads-october-pollution-among-major-indian-cities-what-awaits-in-the-diwali-month-654506">Data Lab: Delhi leads October pollution among major Indian cities. What awaits in the Diwali month?</a>

In the fiscal year 2023, 84,000 Indian adults sneaked into the United States unlawfully. 730 unaccompanied minors were among the ones apprehended.

<h2>Criminal cartels in Mexico train migrants, says&nbsp;Senator James Lankford</h2>

Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford said on Thursday that such people take about four flights including through countries like France to be able to get to Mexico, which is the closest airport, and then take a bus that is rented by the cartels up to the border to be dropped off for their final delivery.

“So far this year we've had 45,000 people from India that have crossed our southern border, paid the cartels, crossed into our country, and said they have fear in their country from India,” Lankford said.

He then reiterated that the criminal cartels in Mexico were the ones training migrants across the world on how to trick officials and sneak into the country while awaiting an asylum hearing.

“This doesn't make sense to just about everyone in the world. Just about everyone in the world has shifted on this except for us. We're literally inviting people from all over the world to exploit our system,” he said in his remarks about America's broken asylum system and the areas that need to be addressed in policy.

He said that asylum is the same as refugee status, "it's the same in international law. A refugee flees to a spot who is afraid and gets to a refugee centre and says to the UN, ‘I have dramatic fear of persecution in my country.' If they do, then they actually share them all over the world including here in the United States."

“We take refugees here from all over the world. Asylum seekers are on the same standard. They're supposed to go to the next safe place, get there, and request asylum. That is the international standard, but we don't do that here,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of Indians arrested while unlawfully entering into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking increase with nearly 96,917 Indian citizens being apprehended, news agency PTI reported citing the latest data released by US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP).

The number of Indians arrested while unlawfully entering into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking increase with nearly 96,917 Indian citizens being apprehended, news agency PTI reported citing the latest data released by US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP). According to the data, in 2019-20, 19,883 Indians were apprehended, whereas in 2020-21, 30,662 Indians were arrested and in 2021-22 this number was 63,927. As many as 96,917 Indians were arrested between October 2022 and September 2023, out of which 30,010 were caught on the Canadian border and 41,770 at the frontier with Mexico. The ones apprehended have been tagged under four categories which are, Accompanied Minors (AM), Individuals in a Family Unit (FMUA), Single Adults, and Unaccompanied Children (UC). As per the reports, single adults account for the largest category. Also read: Data Lab: Delhi leads October pollution among major Indian cities. What awaits in the Diwali month? In the fiscal year 2023, 84,000 Indian adults sneaked into the United States unlawfully. 730 unaccompanied minors were among the ones apprehended. Criminal cartels in Mexico train migrants, says Senator James Lankford Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford said on Thursday that such people take about four flights including through countries like France to be able to get to Mexico, which is the closest airport, and then take a bus that is rented by the cartels up to the border to be dropped off for their final delivery. “So far this year we've had 45,000 people from India that have crossed our southern border, paid the cartels, crossed into our country, and said they have fear in their country from India,” Lankford said. He then reiterated that the criminal cartels in Mexico were the ones training migrants across the world on how to trick officials and sneak into the country while awaiting an asylum hearing. “This doesn't make sense to just about everyone in the world. Just about everyone in the world has shifted on this except for us. We're literally inviting people from all over the world to exploit our system,” he said in his remarks about America's broken asylum system and the areas that need to be addressed in policy. He said that asylum is the same as refugee status, "it's the same in international law. A refugee flees to a spot who is afraid and gets to a refugee centre and says to the UN, ‘I have dramatic fear of persecution in my country.' If they do, then they actually share them all over the world including here in the United States." “We take refugees here from all over the world. Asylum seekers are on the same standard. They're supposed to go to the next safe place, get there, and request asylum. That is the international standard, but we don't do that here,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Around 97,000 Indians held while unlawfully sneaking into US between Oct 2022 to Sept 2023: Report

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday (Nov 3) broke weeks of silence since the upsurge of violence between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

During his address, he warned Israel against attacking Lebanon, stating that "all options" were on the table and that the possibility of an open conflict was "realistic".

"All options are open on our Lebanese front," Nasrallah said.&nbsp;

"We say to the enemy that might think of attacking Lebanon or carrying out a pre-emptive operation, that this would be the greatest foolishness of its existence," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-we-must-do-more-to-protect-palestinians-says-blinken-654818">Israel-Hamas war: We must do more to protect Palestinians, says Blinken</a>

<h2>Nasrallah blames US for Gaza war</h2>

Nasrallah, in the televised broadcast, said that the United States was "entirely responsible" for the war that broke out in Gaza. He also dubbed Israel as the US' "tool of execution" for the ongoing conflict.

"America is entirely responsible for the ongoing war on Gaza and its people, and Israel is simply a tool of execution," the Hezbollah leader said.

The United States "impedes a ceasefire and the end of the aggression," he added. &nbsp;

He also said that his group was ready to face the US fleet, further stating that the countries who want to prevent a regional war should halt the attacks in Gaza.

"Your fleet in the Mediterranean do not scare us... We are ready to face the fleet you threaten us with," Nasrallah said, addressing the United States.&nbsp;

"Whoever wants to prevent a regional war must quickly stop the aggression on Gaza," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday (Nov 3) broke weeks of silence since the upsurge of violence between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday (Nov 3) broke weeks of silence since the upsurge of violence between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. During his address, he warned Israel against attacking Lebanon, stating that "all options" were on the table and that the possibility of an open conflict was "realistic". "All options are open on our Lebanese front," Nasrallah said. "We say to the enemy that might think of attacking Lebanon or carrying out a pre-emptive operation, that this would be the greatest foolishness of its existence," he added. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: We must do more to protect Palestinians, says Blinken Nasrallah blames US for Gaza war Nasrallah, in the televised broadcast, said that the United States was "entirely responsible" for the war that broke out in Gaza. He also dubbed Israel as the US' "tool of execution" for the ongoing conflict. "America is entirely responsible for the ongoing war on Gaza and its people, and Israel is simply a tool of execution," the Hezbollah leader said. The United States "impedes a ceasefire and the end of the aggression," he added. He also said that his group was ready to face the US fleet, further stating that the countries who want to prevent a regional war should halt the attacks in Gaza. "Your fleet in the Mediterranean do not scare us... We are ready to face the fleet you threaten us with," Nasrallah said, addressing the United States. "Whoever wants to prevent a regional war must quickly stop the aggression on Gaza," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah chief warns Israel of wider conflict, blames US for Gaza war

Consumer confidence in the United States fell for a third straight month in October as gloomier economic forecasts and rising prices dampened optimism.&nbsp;

Data released on Tuesday showed that The Conference Board's index dropped from 104.3 in September to 102.6 last month, which is a five-month low.&nbsp;

The group's current conditions index hit a one-year low of 143.1. The index of consumer confidence in the next six months -- Expectations Index -- dropped to its lowest level in five months. Inversely, a gauge of expected inflation rose last month.&nbsp;

High prices have continued to put pressure on Americans. Even though inflation has eased dramatically over the past year, its residual effects prevent a full confidence recovery.

"Consumers continued to be preoccupied with rising prices in general, and for grocery and gasoline prices in particular. Consumers also expressed concerns about the political situation and higher interest rates," Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, said in a press release.&nbsp;

Moreover, consumers expressed worries about the Israel-Hamas war impacting the US economy. The Conference Board report showed that the decline in consumer confidence was evident across householders aged 35 and up, and not limited to any one income group.&nbsp;

The dip in consumer confidence comes at a time when&nbsp;the US economy has shown remarkable resilience. The US economy grew almost 5 per cent in the July-September quarter, as higher wages from a tight labor market helped to fuel consumer spending and businesses restocked to meet the strong demand.&nbsp;

"Not only is the economy surprisingly resilient, we also got productivity-driven growth for two consecutive quarters in 2023, meaning the business cycle still looks very solid," Reuters quoted Brian Bethune, an economics professor at Boston College, as commenting on the report by the&nbsp;Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis.&nbsp;

However, the latest report showed that consumer fears about an impending recession remain elevated, with the group anticipating a short and shallow economic contraction in the first half of 2024.&nbsp;

On the employment front, reports of "plentiful" employment fell for the fourth consecutive month in October. But for the first time since June, the gap between those who think jobs are "plentiful" and those who say they are "hard to get" widened. This is a key indicator for economists tracking the health of the labour market.

(With inputs from agencies)

Consumer confidence in the United States fell for a third straight month in October as gloomier economic forecasts and rising prices dampened optimism. Data released on Tuesday showed that The Conference Board's index dropped from 104.

Consumer confidence in the United States fell for a third straight month in October as gloomier economic forecasts and rising prices dampened optimism. Data released on Tuesday showed that The Conference Board's index dropped from 104.3 in September to 102.6 last month, which is a five-month low. The group's current conditions index hit a one-year low of 143.1. The index of consumer confidence in the next six months -- Expectations Index -- dropped to its lowest level in five months. Inversely, a gauge of expected inflation rose last month. High prices have continued to put pressure on Americans. Even though inflation has eased dramatically over the past year, its residual effects prevent a full confidence recovery. "Consumers continued to be preoccupied with rising prices in general, and for grocery and gasoline prices in particular. Consumers also expressed concerns about the political situation and higher interest rates," Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, said in a press release. Moreover, consumers expressed worries about the Israel-Hamas war impacting the US economy. The Conference Board report showed that the decline in consumer confidence was evident across householders aged 35 and up, and not limited to any one income group. The dip in consumer confidence comes at a time when the US economy has shown remarkable resilience. The US economy grew almost 5 per cent in the July-September quarter, as higher wages from a tight labor market helped to fuel consumer spending and businesses restocked to meet the strong demand. "Not only is the economy surprisingly resilient, we also got productivity-driven growth for two consecutive quarters in 2023, meaning the business cycle still looks very solid," Reuters quoted Brian Bethune, an economics professor at Boston College, as commenting on the report by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis. However, the latest report showed that consumer fears about an impending recession remain elevated, with the group anticipating a short and shallow economic contraction in the first half of 2024. On the employment front, reports of "plentiful" employment fell for the fourth consecutive month in October. But for the first time since June, the gap between those who think jobs are "plentiful" and those who say they are "hard to get" widened. This is a key indicator for economists tracking the health of the labour market. (With inputs from agencies)

US consumer confidence hits a five-month low

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