The United States on Wednesday announced additional security assistance of about $1.3 billion for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the package including air defence capabilities, drones and munitions.

"This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine," the Pentagon said in a statement.

The United States is using funds in its Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program, which allows President Joe Biden's administration to buy weapons from industry rather than pull from US&nbsp;weapons stocks.

The package includes four National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and munitions; 152 millimetre artillery rounds; mine clearing equipment; and drones, according to the Pentagon.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strike-on-ukraines-mykolaiv-injures-nine-including-children-617642">Russian strike on Ukraine's Mykolaiv injures nine, including children</a>

The US&nbsp;Department of Defence announced the aid a day after a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, allies assisting Ukraine as its forces press a counteroffensive against Russian troops occupying Ukrainian territory.

Delivery of the weapons and systems depends on their availability and production timeline.

The Pentagon has provided more than $10.8 billion in security assistance for Ukraine under the USAI in fiscal 2023, in seven separate tranches. The planned package would be the eighth. In the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2022, Washington put $6.3 billion worth of USAI funds to work buying for Ukraine's defence.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine's Real Hero: The General who masterminded the counter-offensive against Russia

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Overall, the US&nbsp;has sent over $40 billion in the form of security and military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.

The package includes two different types of loitering munitions, the Phoenix Ghost drone made by AVEVEX, a private company in California, and the Switchblade, made by AeroVironment.

Earlier this month, the United States announced that it will send Ukraine cluster munitions - prohibited by more than 100 countries - to Ukraine. Human rights groups and some US&nbsp;allies, including Germany and Canada, oppose that decision.

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The United States on Wednesday announced additional security assistance of about $1.3 billion for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the package including air defence capabilities, drones and munitions.

The United States on Wednesday announced additional security assistance of about $1.3 billion for Ukraine in its war with Russia, the package including air defence capabilities, drones and munitions. "This announcement represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine," the Pentagon said in a statement. The United States is using funds in its Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program, which allows President Joe Biden's administration to buy weapons from industry rather than pull from US weapons stocks. The package includes four National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and munitions; 152 millimetre artillery rounds; mine clearing equipment; and drones, according to the Pentagon. ALSO READ | Russian strike on Ukraine's Mykolaiv injures nine, including children The US Department of Defence announced the aid a day after a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, allies assisting Ukraine as its forces press a counteroffensive against Russian troops occupying Ukrainian territory. Delivery of the weapons and systems depends on their availability and production timeline. The Pentagon has provided more than $10.8 billion in security assistance for Ukraine under the USAI in fiscal 2023, in seven separate tranches. The planned package would be the eighth. In the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2022, Washington put $6.3 billion worth of USAI funds to work buying for Ukraine's defence. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine's Real Hero: The General who masterminded the counter-offensive against Russia Overall, the US has sent over $40 billion in the form of security and military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. The package includes two different types of loitering munitions, the Phoenix Ghost drone made by AVEVEX, a private company in California, and the Switchblade, made by AeroVironment. Earlier this month, the United States announced that it will send Ukraine cluster munitions - prohibited by more than 100 countries - to Ukraine. Human rights groups and some US allies, including Germany and Canada, oppose that decision. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US provides Ukraine with additional military aid worth $1.3 bn

The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday imposed a $186 million fine on Deutsche Bank’s New York branch&nbsp;for ‘unsafe practices’, including inadequate action towards money laundering control and additional shortcomings.

The fine was levied based on preceding matters concerning deficient controls in Deutsche Bank's&nbsp;ties with the Estonian branch of Denmark’s Danske Bank in 2015 and 2017. The Federal Reserve further added that the German bank must resolve issues and strengthen&nbsp;its&nbsp;data and risk management.

As per a Moneycontrol report, the fine&nbsp;came&nbsp;after Deutsche Bank disbursed about $630 million in 2017 to terminate investigations by the US and the UK concerning Russian equity traders.&nbsp;In the same year, the German lender was also charged $41 million for non-compliance with anti-money laundering activities.

Deutsche Bank stated that it was “positioned to meet regulator’s expectations” and that the bank would resolve the issues in the near future.

As per a Reuters report, the Joe Biden’s government has promised to restrict the recurring corporate offenders and illegal funds in the US financial system. The new fine poses a significant challenge to Stefan Simon, who took over Deutsche Bank's&nbsp;US operations this year.

The German lender has consistently been struggling to maintain firm ties with US and European regulators. German and US regulators are investigating&nbsp;the lender over deceptive marketing claims at the management firm DWS, a sister organisation.&nbsp;

In 2021, the bank paid $125 million in an attempt to avoid suit on allegations for involvement in foreign bribery schemes and collusion of the precious metals market. Additionally, Deutsche also paid $75 million to resolve a charge concerning sex trafficking and women being abused by the late financer Jeffery Epstein. In&nbsp;the same year, the&nbsp;bank settled to pay $200 million to the US Securities and Exchange Commission due to electronic record-keeping failures.&nbsp;

(With inputs&nbsp;from Reuters)

The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday imposed a $186 million fine on Deutsche Bank’s New York branch for ‘unsafe practices’, including inadequate action towards money laundering control and additional shortcomings.

The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday imposed a $186 million fine on Deutsche Bank’s New York branch for ‘unsafe practices’, including inadequate action towards money laundering control and additional shortcomings. The fine was levied based on preceding matters concerning deficient controls in Deutsche Bank's ties with the Estonian branch of Denmark’s Danske Bank in 2015 and 2017. The Federal Reserve further added that the German bank must resolve issues and strengthen its data and risk management. As per a Moneycontrol report, the fine came after Deutsche Bank disbursed about $630 million in 2017 to terminate investigations by the US and the UK concerning Russian equity traders. In the same year, the German lender was also charged $41 million for non-compliance with anti-money laundering activities. Deutsche Bank stated that it was “positioned to meet regulator’s expectations” and that the bank would resolve the issues in the near future. As per a Reuters report, the Joe Biden’s government has promised to restrict the recurring corporate offenders and illegal funds in the US financial system. The new fine poses a significant challenge to Stefan Simon, who took over Deutsche Bank's US operations this year. The German lender has consistently been struggling to maintain firm ties with US and European regulators. German and US regulators are investigating the lender over deceptive marketing claims at the management firm DWS, a sister organisation. In 2021, the bank paid $125 million in an attempt to avoid suit on allegations for involvement in foreign bribery schemes and collusion of the precious metals market. Additionally, Deutsche also paid $75 million to resolve a charge concerning sex trafficking and women being abused by the late financer Jeffery Epstein. In the same year, the bank settled to pay $200 million to the US Securities and Exchange Commission due to electronic record-keeping failures. (With inputs from Reuters)

Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering

Consumer spending in the United States keeps the economy afloat. And, June consumer spending boosts the US economy. This year, the US is likely to skip the recession.

US economy will skip recession in 2023: Data

The temperature in Phoenix broke previous records on Tuesday as it stood at&nbsp;110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 C) or more&nbsp;for the 19th consecutive&nbsp;day. The previous record was of 18 days, set back in 1974, almost 50 years ago.

As per the National&nbsp;Weather Service officials, on Tuesday (July 18), temperatures in Phoenix had reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the hottest day of 2023 so far. This broke the previous record set in 1989 when the temperature in the city reached 115 degrees Fahrenheit. &nbsp;

No other major city in the United States has ever witnessed temperatures of 43 Celsius and above&nbsp;for as many consecutive days as Phoenix, weather historian Christopher Burt of the Weather Company said as per FOX 10 Phoenix.

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Record Broken: The temperature this afternoon has been up to 116°F so far in Phoenix. This breaks the daily record of 115°F, set in 1989. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/azwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#azwx</a>
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&nbsp;

As per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate data scientists Russ Vose and Ken Kunkel, no large cities in the past have had any streak of 110-degree days. However, smaller places such as Death Valley and Needles, California; and Casa Grande, Arizona, have had longer streaks.

Vose said that Death Valley has had an 84-day streak of 110-degree temperatures and a 47-day streak of nighttime temperatures that haven't plunged below 90, as per local media reports.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno, with the temperature dropping down to the low of 94 on Tuesday, the city had had nine consecutive days of temperatures that at night did not go below 90, setting another record.

On Monday, the city broke another record, with the hottest overnight low temperature at 95 (35 degree&nbsp;Celsius).

"Long-term exposure to heat is more difficult to withstand than single hot days, especially if it is not cooling off at night enough to sleep well," FOX 10 Phoenix quoted Katharine Jacobs, director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona as saying.&nbsp;

"This will likely be one of the most notable periods in our health record in terms of deaths and illness," said David Hondula, chief heat officer for the City of Phoenix. "Our goal is for that not to be the case."

"The long-term is the continuation of increasing temperatures in recent decades due to human influence on climate, while the short-term cause is the persistence over the last few weeks of a very strong upper-level ridge of high pressure over the western United States," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-facing-increasing-insubordination-from-troops-amid-chain-of-command-crisis-in-military-617286">Putin facing increasing insubordination from troops amid chain of command crisis in military</a>

<h2>Extreme heat sparks wildfires, health warnings across the globe</h2>

On Wednesday, extreme heat was forecast across the globe as wildfires raged and health warnings were issued in parts of Asia, Europe and North America.

In Parts of Greece and the Canary Islands, firefighters battled blazes. On the other hand, Spain issued heat alerts and some children in Italy's Sardinia were told to stay away from sports.&nbsp;

Beijing broke a 23-year-old record with 27 consecutive days of temperatures above 35 degree&nbsp;Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), forecasters said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The temperature in Phoenix broke previous records on Tuesday as it stood at 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 C) or more for the 19th consecutive day. The previous record was of 18 days, set back in 1974, almost 50 years ago.

The temperature in Phoenix broke previous records on Tuesday as it stood at 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 C) or more for the 19th consecutive day. The previous record was of 18 days, set back in 1974, almost 50 years ago. As per the National Weather Service officials, on Tuesday (July 18), temperatures in Phoenix had reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the hottest day of 2023 so far. This broke the previous record set in 1989 when the temperature in the city reached 115 degrees Fahrenheit. No other major city in the United States has ever witnessed temperatures of 43 Celsius and above for as many consecutive days as Phoenix, weather historian Christopher Burt of the Weather Company said as per FOX 10 Phoenix. Record Broken: The temperature this afternoon has been up to 116°F so far in Phoenix. This breaks the daily record of 115°F, set in 1989. #azwx — NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 18, 2023 × As per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate data scientists Russ Vose and Ken Kunkel, no large cities in the past have had any streak of 110-degree days. However, smaller places such as Death Valley and Needles, California; and Casa Grande, Arizona, have had longer streaks. Vose said that Death Valley has had an 84-day streak of 110-degree temperatures and a 47-day streak of nighttime temperatures that haven't plunged below 90, as per local media reports. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Salerno, with the temperature dropping down to the low of 94 on Tuesday, the city had had nine consecutive days of temperatures that at night did not go below 90, setting another record. On Monday, the city broke another record, with the hottest overnight low temperature at 95 (35 degree Celsius). "Long-term exposure to heat is more difficult to withstand than single hot days, especially if it is not cooling off at night enough to sleep well," FOX 10 Phoenix quoted Katharine Jacobs, director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona as saying. "This will likely be one of the most notable periods in our health record in terms of deaths and illness," said David Hondula, chief heat officer for the City of Phoenix. "Our goal is for that not to be the case." "The long-term is the continuation of increasing temperatures in recent decades due to human influence on climate, while the short-term cause is the persistence over the last few weeks of a very strong upper-level ridge of high pressure over the western United States," he said. Also read: Putin facing increasing insubordination from troops amid chain of command crisis in military Extreme heat sparks wildfires, health warnings across the globe On Wednesday, extreme heat was forecast across the globe as wildfires raged and health warnings were issued in parts of Asia, Europe and North America. In Parts of Greece and the Canary Islands, firefighters battled blazes. On the other hand, Spain issued heat alerts and some children in Italy's Sardinia were told to stay away from sports. Beijing broke a 23-year-old record with 27 consecutive days of temperatures above 35 degree Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), forecasters said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Phoenix is so hot that it has shattered 50-year-old and 34-year-old records

Wuhan Institute of Virology’s access to United States federal funds was halted by the Biden administration for failing to provide documents about safety and security measures, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News.&nbsp;

As per the reports, on Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) informed the Wuhan Institute about the suspension and also notified the lab that it is seeking to cut it off permanently, as per the memo.

A review, that was started by HHS in the month of September last year, raised concerns that the facility based in Wuhan was breaching the biosafety protocols and was also not compliant with US regulations, added the report. Notably, Wuhan is where the virus first emerged.

“This action will ensure the [Wuhan Institute of Virology] does not receive another dollar of federal funding,” the report quoted a department spokesperson as saying in a statement.

The lab has not received any funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since July 2020.

The institute has become a major point of discussion regarding the origins of the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;which claimed the lives of nearly 7 million people across&nbsp;the world. Some authorities, including FBI Director Christopher Wray, suspect that the virus could have likely originated in the facility.

The US spokesperson on Monday said that the Wuhan lab has not responded to federal officials yet since the United States decided to cut future funding that would include new contracts grants and other transactions.

In the year 2014, the NIH awarded a grant to EcoHealth Alliance, a US-based organisation that is focused on preventing infectious diseases, for "Understanding the risk of bat coronavirus emergence."

The Wuhan Institute of Virology received the grant and EcoHealth Alliance also channelled United States Agency for International Development funds to the lab.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-court-suspends-pita-as-lawmaker-as-parliament-votes-on-pm-617270">Thai court suspends PM frontrunner Pita as lawmaker as parliament votes on next leader</a>

<h2>China deletes COVID-19 mortality&nbsp;data</h2>

Fresh accusations have been levelled against China and its intention of handling coronavirus (COVID-19) data. As per the report by Financial Times, one of the most populous provinces in the nation has deleted mortality data that indicated the high death toll caused by Beijing's relaxation of Covid regulations at the end of last year.&nbsp;

As per the report published on Tuesday (July 18), &nbsp;FT referred to the statistics released by Zhejiang province on Thursday, which showed the number of cremations in the wealthy coastal region during the first quarter of the year jumped 73 per cent from a year earlier to 171,000.&nbsp;

The amount was much higher than the 99,000 and 91,000 deaths reported in the same time period in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Chinese social media was abuzz following the data report, after which Zhejiang took the numbers offline by Monday.&nbsp;

Since the&nbsp;pandemic started, experts have called out Beijing for its dubious statistics of the pandemic. Towards the end of the year 2019, the first known case was reported in China, and when it started to spread, it was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wuhan Institute of Virology’s access to United States federal funds was halted by the Biden administration for failing to provide documents about safety and security measures, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News.

Wuhan Institute of Virology’s access to United States federal funds was halted by the Biden administration for failing to provide documents about safety and security measures, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News. As per the reports, on Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) informed the Wuhan Institute about the suspension and also notified the lab that it is seeking to cut it off permanently, as per the memo. A review, that was started by HHS in the month of September last year, raised concerns that the facility based in Wuhan was breaching the biosafety protocols and was also not compliant with US regulations, added the report. Notably, Wuhan is where the virus first emerged. “This action will ensure the [Wuhan Institute of Virology] does not receive another dollar of federal funding,” the report quoted a department spokesperson as saying in a statement. The lab has not received any funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since July 2020. The institute has become a major point of discussion regarding the origins of the coronavirus which claimed the lives of nearly 7 million people across the world. Some authorities, including FBI Director Christopher Wray, suspect that the virus could have likely originated in the facility. The US spokesperson on Monday said that the Wuhan lab has not responded to federal officials yet since the United States decided to cut future funding that would include new contracts grants and other transactions. In the year 2014, the NIH awarded a grant to EcoHealth Alliance, a US-based organisation that is focused on preventing infectious diseases, for "Understanding the risk of bat coronavirus emergence." The Wuhan Institute of Virology received the grant and EcoHealth Alliance also channelled United States Agency for International Development funds to the lab. Also read: Thai court suspends PM frontrunner Pita as lawmaker as parliament votes on next leader China deletes COVID-19 mortality data Fresh accusations have been levelled against China and its intention of handling coronavirus (COVID-19) data. As per the report by Financial Times, one of the most populous provinces in the nation has deleted mortality data that indicated the high death toll caused by Beijing's relaxation of Covid regulations at the end of last year. As per the report published on Tuesday (July 18), FT referred to the statistics released by Zhejiang province on Thursday, which showed the number of cremations in the wealthy coastal region during the first quarter of the year jumped 73 per cent from a year earlier to 171,000. The amount was much higher than the 99,000 and 91,000 deaths reported in the same time period in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Chinese social media was abuzz following the data report, after which Zhejiang took the numbers offline by Monday. Since the pandemic started, experts have called out Beijing for its dubious statistics of the pandemic. Towards the end of the year 2019, the first known case was reported in China, and when it started to spread, it was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United States cuts off funds to Wuhan Institute over Covid stonewalling: Report

The Pentagon was the world's largest office building for 80 years. But that title has now been taken by a building in Gujarat's Surat. Surat Diamond Bourse, a diamond trade centre now became the world's largest office building.

Indian building overtakes US Pentagon as the World's largest office building

The United States is set to send additional fighter jets to West Asia. Pentagon will also send across a warship the transfer is aimed at monitoring key waterways in the region.

US to send jets to monitor key waterways in West Asia

Huge swaths of the United States came under heat warnings on Sunday (July 17) as western and southern states continued to face record-breaking temperatures. 
 
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning of "a widespread and oppressive heat wave" in various parts of the Southwest, southern Florida and western Gulf Coast, with millions of people facing health risks in the coming week due to the sizzling temperatures. 
 
Southern Californians, where the temperature had shot to 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit (41-43 Celsius) on Saturday, faced another round of brutal temperatures on Sunday, as mercury was expected to rise to 115F (46C) in parts of Nevada, California and Arizona, said the NWS.

<h2>Killer heat</h2>

The famous Death Valley, which is located in California and is said to be one of the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record temperature of 126F (52C) by Sunday afternoon. Tourists flocked to the national park to experience what the NWS had warned will be "life-threatening daytime heat" which will remain till Tuesday night. 
 
Speaking to broadcaster MSNBC on Sunday, visitor Eliana Luna said that the heat felt like a "burning sensation" on her body. "The heat, you can feel it dripping through the back, all the way down," she added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-battle-record-heatwaves-as-temperatures-dangerously-soar-in-us-europe-616127">Millions battle record heatwaves as temperatures dangerously soar in US, Europe</a>

The NWS stated that the heat is becoming a killer in the United States and appealed to Americans to take the warnings seriously. "In total, from South Florida and the Gulf Coast to the Southwest, over 80 million people remain under either an Excessive Heat Warning or Heat Advisory as of early this morning," it said in a Sunday morning bulletin.

<h2>No respite for people as flash floods create havoc</h2>

At least five people were killed in flash floods and downpours in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The region received around 7 inches (17 cm) of rain for 45 minutes late on Saturday, said Upper Makefield Township Fire Chief Tim Brewer in a press conference, adding that it led to the death of people as vehicles swept away. He added that two children, aged 9 and 2, have been missing. 
 
"We continue to look for the two children. We are not going to give up regardless. The weather is a factor but at this point we are going to continue the operations and have already set things in motion for tomorrow as well,” said Brewer.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday appealed to residents in her state to not travel till the rain passes, saying that "your car can go from a place of safety to a place of death" if it gets carried away in a flash flood.

On Sunday, the National Weather Service said that an EF-0 tornado touched down in North Brookfield. It stated that the tornado remained on the ground for about two miles. It further stated that the winds of the tornado peaked at around 80 miles per hour.

The NWS said that the tornado was witnessed by several people, though no one saw an actual funnel. It added that no homes were damaged and no person was hurt in the incident. The North Brookfield Emergency Management Agency said the "significant" damage was caused by the tornado on the north side of town.

<h2>Red alerts for heat wave in Europe</h2>

Hot weather red alerts were issued by Italy for 16 cities on Sunday as meteorologists warned that temperatures are likely to soar to record highs across southern Europe in the days ahead. Greece, Spain and Italy have been battling scorching temperatures for many days. 
 
"We need to prepare for a severe heat storm that, day after day, will blanket the whole country," warned Italian weather news service Meteo.it on Sunday. "In some places ancient heat records will be broken,” it added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Cerberus heatwave sends temperatures soaring across Europe | World News | WION

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Italy's Health Minister Orazio Schillaci appealed to people to take care of themselves while visiting Rome's famous ruins. 
 
"Going to the Colosseum when it is 43C (109.4F) is not advisable, especially for an elderly person," he said in Il Messaggero newspaper on Sunday, adding people should remain indoors between 11 am and 6 pm local time.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Huge swaths of the United States came under heat warnings on Sunday (July 17) as western and southern states continued to face record-breaking temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning of "a widespread and oppressive heat wave" in various parts of the Southwest, southern Florida and western Gulf Coast, with millions of people facing health risks in the coming week due to the sizzling temperatures.

Huge swaths of the United States came under heat warnings on Sunday (July 17) as western and southern states continued to face record-breaking temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning of "a widespread and oppressive heat wave" in various parts of the Southwest, southern Florida and western Gulf Coast, with millions of people facing health risks in the coming week due to the sizzling temperatures. Southern Californians, where the temperature had shot to 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit (41-43 Celsius) on Saturday, faced another round of brutal temperatures on Sunday, as mercury was expected to rise to 115F (46C) in parts of Nevada, California and Arizona, said the NWS. Killer heat The famous Death Valley, which is located in California and is said to be one of the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record temperature of 126F (52C) by Sunday afternoon. Tourists flocked to the national park to experience what the NWS had warned will be "life-threatening daytime heat" which will remain till Tuesday night. Speaking to broadcaster MSNBC on Sunday, visitor Eliana Luna said that the heat felt like a "burning sensation" on her body. "The heat, you can feel it dripping through the back, all the way down," she added. ALSO READ | Millions battle record heatwaves as temperatures dangerously soar in US, Europe The NWS stated that the heat is becoming a killer in the United States and appealed to Americans to take the warnings seriously. "In total, from South Florida and the Gulf Coast to the Southwest, over 80 million people remain under either an Excessive Heat Warning or Heat Advisory as of early this morning," it said in a Sunday morning bulletin. No respite for people as flash floods create havoc At least five people were killed in flash floods and downpours in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The region received around 7 inches (17 cm) of rain for 45 minutes late on Saturday, said Upper Makefield Township Fire Chief Tim Brewer in a press conference, adding that it led to the death of people as vehicles swept away. He added that two children, aged 9 and 2, have been missing. "We continue to look for the two children. We are not going to give up regardless. The weather is a factor but at this point we are going to continue the operations and have already set things in motion for tomorrow as well,” said Brewer. New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday appealed to residents in her state to not travel till the rain passes, saying that "your car can go from a place of safety to a place of death" if it gets carried away in a flash flood. On Sunday, the National Weather Service said that an EF-0 tornado touched down in North Brookfield. It stated that the tornado remained on the ground for about two miles. It further stated that the winds of the tornado peaked at around 80 miles per hour. The NWS said that the tornado was witnessed by several people, though no one saw an actual funnel. It added that no homes were damaged and no person was hurt in the incident. The North Brookfield Emergency Management Agency said the "significant" damage was caused by the tornado on the north side of town. Red alerts for heat wave in Europe Hot weather red alerts were issued by Italy for 16 cities on Sunday as meteorologists warned that temperatures are likely to soar to record highs across southern Europe in the days ahead. Greece, Spain and Italy have been battling scorching temperatures for many days. "We need to prepare for a severe heat storm that, day after day, will blanket the whole country," warned Italian weather news service Meteo.it on Sunday. "In some places ancient heat records will be broken,” it added. WATCH | Cerberus heatwave sends temperatures soaring across Europe | World News | WION Italy's Health Minister Orazio Schillaci appealed to people to take care of themselves while visiting Rome's famous ruins. "Going to the Colosseum when it is 43C (109.4F) is not advisable, especially for an elderly person," he said in Il Messaggero newspaper on Sunday, adding people should remain indoors between 11 am and 6 pm local time. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US West and South battle extreme heat wave as deadly flash floods persist in Northeast

Parts of the northeastern United States were severely affected by heavy rains that triggered flooding across several states, a day after storms and flash floods washed out the highways and claimed the life of at least one person in New York state.

Flood warnings were issued for parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont as the states in the region recorded rapid rainfall and "life-threatening" flash floods, as per the National Weather Service (NWS).

On Sunday, heavy rainfall in New York state swamped the streets, washed out bridges and caused obstruction which led Governor Kathy Hochul to declare states of emergency in two counties.

<h2>Historic floods cause significant damage</h2>

The Orange County Emergency Management office on Monday released a statement confirming that a 35-year-old woman had lost her life in Highland Falls, in New York's Hudson Valley, where "historic floods" caused significant damage.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-rain-fury-rescuers-recover-eight-bodies-from-flooded-tunnel-president-yoon-suk-yeol-still-abroad-616238"> South Korea rain fury: Rescuers recover eight bodies from flooded tunnel; President Yoon Suk Yeol still abroad</a>

Hochul said the woman was swept to her death in a flash flood in the valley as she tried to evacuate her damaged house with her dog.

"Her fiance literally saw her swept away," the governor told reporters on Monday.

On Sunday, Hochul said that up to eight inches (200 mm) of rain had created "life-threatening conditions due to flash flooding."

According to poweroutage.us, on Sunday evening, more than 12,000 customers had lost electricity in the state, but by midday Monday that figure had dropped to 3,800.

Amtrak rail service was suspended between New York City and the state capital Albany "due to severe weather conditions," as of 5:30 am, the company said in a statement.

"The expected rainfall rate is 0.25 to 0.5 inches in 1 hour," NWS said in a state alert. "Flash flooding is already occurring" and "catastrophic flooding" was expected Monday in parts of Vermont.

Governor Phil Scott declared a state of emergency. "Swiftwater rescue teams have been staged in strategic locations throughout the state, should they be necessary to help with evacuations and rescues from floodwaters," Scott's office said in a statement Sunday.

NWS released a statement saying that it had received "multiple reports" of significant flooding and of persons trapped in vehicles in Orange County.

"Several additional inches of rainfall is expected through Tuesday morning as this system slowly moves eastward" and more flash flooding is possible, it said Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Parts of the northeastern United States were severely affected by heavy rains that triggered flooding across several states, a day after storms and flash floods washed out the highways and claimed the life of at least one person in New York state.

Parts of the northeastern United States were severely affected by heavy rains that triggered flooding across several states, a day after storms and flash floods washed out the highways and claimed the life of at least one person in New York state. Flood warnings were issued for parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont as the states in the region recorded rapid rainfall and "life-threatening" flash floods, as per the National Weather Service (NWS). On Sunday, heavy rainfall in New York state swamped the streets, washed out bridges and caused obstruction which led Governor Kathy Hochul to declare states of emergency in two counties. Historic floods cause significant damage The Orange County Emergency Management office on Monday released a statement confirming that a 35-year-old woman had lost her life in Highland Falls, in New York's Hudson Valley, where "historic floods" caused significant damage. Also read: South Korea rain fury: Rescuers recover eight bodies from flooded tunnel; President Yoon Suk Yeol still abroad Hochul said the woman was swept to her death in a flash flood in the valley as she tried to evacuate her damaged house with her dog. "Her fiance literally saw her swept away," the governor told reporters on Monday. On Sunday, Hochul said that up to eight inches (200 mm) of rain had created "life-threatening conditions due to flash flooding." According to poweroutage.us, on Sunday evening, more than 12,000 customers had lost electricity in the state, but by midday Monday that figure had dropped to 3,800. Amtrak rail service was suspended between New York City and the state capital Albany "due to severe weather conditions," as of 5:30 am, the company said in a statement. "The expected rainfall rate is 0.25 to 0.5 inches in 1 hour," NWS said in a state alert. "Flash flooding is already occurring" and "catastrophic flooding" was expected Monday in parts of Vermont. Governor Phil Scott declared a state of emergency. "Swiftwater rescue teams have been staged in strategic locations throughout the state, should they be necessary to help with evacuations and rescues from floodwaters," Scott's office said in a statement Sunday. NWS released a statement saying that it had received "multiple reports" of significant flooding and of persons trapped in vehicles in Orange County. "Several additional inches of rainfall is expected through Tuesday morning as this system slowly moves eastward" and more flash flooding is possible, it said Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Heavy rains and flooding hit US northeast, claim life of one

Smoke rising from Canadian wildfire is still plaguing the United States and has triggered air quality alerts in at least 11 states spread across Midwest, Plains and Great Lakes region on Sunday.

As predicted by forecasters, almost 60 million people from Montana to Ohio will face poor air quality and decreased visibility, which also includes residents of Cedar Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Cleveland.

The Air Quality Index was in the the “unhealthy” range which ranks between Level 4 of 6, on Sunday in a large expanse of the northern Plains from Montana through Illinois.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-weeks-of-ravaging-canada-wildfires-claim-first-firefighter-615775">After ravaging Canada for weeks, wildfires now claim life of young firefighter</a>

“While the concentration of smoke in the atmosphere should begin to wane by Monday, there is still enough smoke to support unhealthy air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups in parts of these regions into the start of the upcoming week,” the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Centre stated.

<h2>Smoke to get pushed eastwards</h2>

As stated by the experts, smoke will be pushed eastwards by the winds which will lead to a smoky haze to the Northeast early in the week. The British Columbia Wildfire Service said that the plume rose from 400 fires ignited in the province of British Columbia in the last week, almost half of which were started after 51,000 lightning strikes took place from thunderstorms.

Canadian authorities on Sunday announced the death of a second firefighter due to the wildfires.

“We regret to share the tragic news that a firefighter from Fort Liard has passed away from an injury sustained while fighting a wildfire in the Fort Liard District Saturday afternoon,” said Canada’s Northwest Territories, in a statement.

The death of the first firefighter, who was fighting a blaze near southeastern British Columbia's town Revelstoke, was confirmed by the officials on Thursday.

WATCH |&nbsp;How did exactly Canadian wildfires start?

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“I’m incredibly saddened by the news from the Northwest Territories, that another firefighter has lost their life battling wildfires,” tweeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday. “To their family, their friends, and those they were heroically serving alongside: Canadians are keeping you in our thoughts. We’re here for you,” he added.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that wildfire smoke is filled with tiny pollutants which are known as particle matter or PM 2.5 and can get into the bloodstream and lungs once inhaled.

It added that the pollutants generally cause irritation in the eyes and throat and difficulty breathing and have been related to more serious long-term health issues like lung cancer.&nbsp;

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Smoke rising from Canadian wildfire is still plaguing the United States and has triggered air quality alerts in at least 11 states spread across Midwest, Plains and Great Lakes region on Sunday.

Smoke rising from Canadian wildfire is still plaguing the United States and has triggered air quality alerts in at least 11 states spread across Midwest, Plains and Great Lakes region on Sunday. As predicted by forecasters, almost 60 million people from Montana to Ohio will face poor air quality and decreased visibility, which also includes residents of Cedar Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Cleveland. The Air Quality Index was in the the “unhealthy” range which ranks between Level 4 of 6, on Sunday in a large expanse of the northern Plains from Montana through Illinois. ALSO READ | After ravaging Canada for weeks, wildfires now claim life of young firefighter “While the concentration of smoke in the atmosphere should begin to wane by Monday, there is still enough smoke to support unhealthy air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups in parts of these regions into the start of the upcoming week,” the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Centre stated. Smoke to get pushed eastwards As stated by the experts, smoke will be pushed eastwards by the winds which will lead to a smoky haze to the Northeast early in the week. The British Columbia Wildfire Service said that the plume rose from 400 fires ignited in the province of British Columbia in the last week, almost half of which were started after 51,000 lightning strikes took place from thunderstorms. Canadian authorities on Sunday announced the death of a second firefighter due to the wildfires. “We regret to share the tragic news that a firefighter from Fort Liard has passed away from an injury sustained while fighting a wildfire in the Fort Liard District Saturday afternoon,” said Canada’s Northwest Territories, in a statement. The death of the first firefighter, who was fighting a blaze near southeastern British Columbia's town Revelstoke, was confirmed by the officials on Thursday. WATCH | How did exactly Canadian wildfires start? “I’m incredibly saddened by the news from the Northwest Territories, that another firefighter has lost their life battling wildfires,” tweeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday. “To their family, their friends, and those they were heroically serving alongside: Canadians are keeping you in our thoughts. We’re here for you,” he added. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that wildfire smoke is filled with tiny pollutants which are known as particle matter or PM 2.5 and can get into the bloodstream and lungs once inhaled. It added that the pollutants generally cause irritation in the eyes and throat and difficulty breathing and have been related to more serious long-term health issues like lung cancer. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts

Millions of people faced dangerously high temperatures on Saturday across the globe, including the United States, as experts forecasted record heatwaves in Europe and Japan. 
 
A strong heatwave expanding from California to Texas was likely to peak as the US National Weather Service issued a warning of an "extremely hot and dangerous weekend". As per the forecast, daytime highs were to range between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in the west.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-heatwave-spain-swelters-with-land-temperatures-crossing-60deg-celsius-615490">Europe heatwave: Spain swelters with land temperatures crossing 60 degrees Celsius</a>

In Arizona, which was one of the hardest-hit states in the US, residents endured extremely high temperatures. The temperature&nbsp;remained above 109F (43 degrees Celsius) in the state capital Phoenix for 16 straight days, reaching 111F on Saturday and is expected to soar to 115F on Sunday. 
 
California's Death Valley, which is one of the hottest places on the globe, is also predicted to hit new peaks of temperature on Sunday, with the mercury likely to increase to 130F (54C). By Saturday afternoon, the temperature had reached 124F (51C) in Death Valley.

<h2>Predictions of historic highs in Italy</h2>

Authorities predicted historic highs in the weekend for Italy as the health ministry issued a red alert for 16 cities, which included Bologna, Rome, and Florence. 
 
The weather centre gave a warning to Italians to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time". 
 
By Monday, temperatures are likely to hit 40 degree&nbsp;Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Rome and may reach 43C on Tuesday, breaking the record of 40.5C made in August 2007.

WATCH |&nbsp;Cerberus heatwave sends temperatures soaring across Europe | World News | WION

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The islands of Sardinia and Sicily can wilt under temperatures as high as 48C, warned the European Space Agency, calling it "potentially the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe". 
 
Greece's top tourist attraction, Athens Acropolis, will remain closed on Sunday during the hottest hours for the third consecutive day.

<h2>Thousands stranded as strikes ground flights</h2>

Hundreds of flights were grounded due to strikes by airline and airport staff and thousands of travellers were left stranded in the sweltering heatwave of Europe. Around 1,000 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled in Italy, because of the strike by ground crew, as per the airport and airline authorities. 
 
Another 120 flights which were due to depart and arrive from Charleroi Airport in Belgium were cancelled on Saturday and Sunday, which led to the stoppage of budget carrier Ryanair. The strike in Italy left 250,000 travellers stranded in one of the biggest tourist spots.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Millions of people faced dangerously high temperatures on Saturday across the globe, including the United States, as experts forecasted record heatwaves in Europe and Japan.

Millions of people faced dangerously high temperatures on Saturday across the globe, including the United States, as experts forecasted record heatwaves in Europe and Japan. A strong heatwave expanding from California to Texas was likely to peak as the US National Weather Service issued a warning of an "extremely hot and dangerous weekend". As per the forecast, daytime highs were to range between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in the west. ALSO READ | Europe heatwave: Spain swelters with land temperatures crossing 60 degrees Celsius In Arizona, which was one of the hardest-hit states in the US, residents endured extremely high temperatures. The temperature remained above 109F (43 degrees Celsius) in the state capital Phoenix for 16 straight days, reaching 111F on Saturday and is expected to soar to 115F on Sunday. California's Death Valley, which is one of the hottest places on the globe, is also predicted to hit new peaks of temperature on Sunday, with the mercury likely to increase to 130F (54C). By Saturday afternoon, the temperature had reached 124F (51C) in Death Valley. Predictions of historic highs in Italy Authorities predicted historic highs in the weekend for Italy as the health ministry issued a red alert for 16 cities, which included Bologna, Rome, and Florence. The weather centre gave a warning to Italians to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time". By Monday, temperatures are likely to hit 40 degree Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Rome and may reach 43C on Tuesday, breaking the record of 40.5C made in August 2007. WATCH | Cerberus heatwave sends temperatures soaring across Europe | World News | WION The islands of Sardinia and Sicily can wilt under temperatures as high as 48C, warned the European Space Agency, calling it "potentially the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe". Greece's top tourist attraction, Athens Acropolis, will remain closed on Sunday during the hottest hours for the third consecutive day. Thousands stranded as strikes ground flights Hundreds of flights were grounded due to strikes by airline and airport staff and thousands of travellers were left stranded in the sweltering heatwave of Europe. Around 1,000 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled in Italy, because of the strike by ground crew, as per the airport and airline authorities. Another 120 flights which were due to depart and arrive from Charleroi Airport in Belgium were cancelled on Saturday and Sunday, which led to the stoppage of budget carrier Ryanair. The strike in Italy left 250,000 travellers stranded in one of the biggest tourist spots. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Millions battle record heatwaves as temperatures dangerously soar in US, Europe

Dozens of Indian-Americans took to the streets in San Francisco, where they held a peace rally in front of the Indian Consulate to express support for India after the diplomatic facility was set on fire by Khalistan supporters.

As per PTI reports, a video showing the act of arson at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was shared by Khalistan supporters on Twitter on July 2. This was the second such act of violence within months.

Indian-Americans from in and around San Francisco came out in solidarity with India as they held a rally in front of the&nbsp;Indian Consulate in San Francisco against the attack.

The demonstrators called it an act of terrorism further demanding authorities to take strict action against the ones responsible for the arson.

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VIDEO | Indian Americans hold peace rally in support of India after Khalistan supporters' attempted arson at San Francisco consulate. 
 
(Source: Third Party)<a href="https://t.co/zP5Q7UB3Y6">https://t.co/zP5Q7UB3Y6</a> <a href="https://t.co/yffieSUvcR">pic.twitter.com/yffieSUvcR</a>
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&nbsp;

India's Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the Consulate in San Francisco on Thursday and met Indian diplomats and officials at the mission.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-student-beaten-up-with-iron-rods-by-khalistan-supporters-in-sydney-report-615642">Indian student beaten up with iron rods by Khalistan supporters in Sydney: Report&nbsp;</a>

India has asked its partner countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States not to give space to "extremist Khalistani ideology" as it is "not good" for bilateral relations.

<h2>Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistani extremists</h2>

The Indian consulate in San Francisco was again attacked by Khalistani extremists on July 2. In the second attack within five months, the extremists briefly set the consulate on fire, before it was promptly suppressed by the San Francisco Fire Department.

The incident drew condemnation from the US State Department.&nbsp;

Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, condemned the attack and tweeted that attacking a diplomatic facility in the US was a criminal offence.&nbsp;

“The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence,” he wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, on March 19, in a similar attack, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

This resulted in severe criticism from both the Indian government and the Indian-American community.&nbsp;

The protesters, chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, breached the makeshift security barriers set up by the local police and proceeded to place two Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises. The flags were removed by two consulate personnel soon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Dozens of Indian-Americans took to the streets in San Francisco, where they held a peace rally in front of the Indian Consulate to express support for India after the diplomatic facility was set on fire by Khalistan supporters.

Dozens of Indian-Americans took to the streets in San Francisco, where they held a peace rally in front of the Indian Consulate to express support for India after the diplomatic facility was set on fire by Khalistan supporters. As per PTI reports, a video showing the act of arson at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was shared by Khalistan supporters on Twitter on July 2. This was the second such act of violence within months. Indian-Americans from in and around San Francisco came out in solidarity with India as they held a rally in front of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco against the attack. The demonstrators called it an act of terrorism further demanding authorities to take strict action against the ones responsible for the arson. VIDEO | Indian Americans hold peace rally in support of India after Khalistan supporters' attempted arson at San Francisco consulate. (Source: Third Party)https://t.co/zP5Q7UB3Y6 pic.twitter.com/yffieSUvcR — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2023 × India's Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the Consulate in San Francisco on Thursday and met Indian diplomats and officials at the mission. Also read: Indian student beaten up with iron rods by Khalistan supporters in Sydney: Report India has asked its partner countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States not to give space to "extremist Khalistani ideology" as it is "not good" for bilateral relations. Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistani extremists The Indian consulate in San Francisco was again attacked by Khalistani extremists on July 2. In the second attack within five months, the extremists briefly set the consulate on fire, before it was promptly suppressed by the San Francisco Fire Department. The incident drew condemnation from the US State Department. Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, condemned the attack and tweeted that attacking a diplomatic facility in the US was a criminal offence. “The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence,” he wrote on Twitter. Earlier, on March 19, in a similar attack, a group of pro-Khalistan protesters damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. This resulted in severe criticism from both the Indian government and the Indian-American community. The protesters, chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, breached the makeshift security barriers set up by the local police and proceeded to place two Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises. The flags were removed by two consulate personnel soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian-Americans hold peace rally in solidarity with India at San Francisco consulate after Khalistani attack

Southern Europe is battling a ferocious heatwave, which has been inflamed by carbon pollution and is leading to severe health risks to people with old age and those suffering from underlying health conditions. 
 
Several countries have already been hit by scorching heat, as local media reports state that tourists have been collapsing in Italy and Greece. There were also reports of an outdoor worker's death near Milan. On Saturday, the temperatures are expected to soar to 42C in Athens, 41C in Seville on Monday and 40C in Rome on Tuesday. 
 
World Meteorological Organisation's Alvaro Silva warned, “By 2050, about half of the European population may face high or very high risk of heat stress in summer.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-heatwave-spain-swelters-with-land-temperatures-crossing-60deg-celsius-615490">Europe heatwave: Spain swelters with land temperatures crossing 60 degrees Celsius</a>

On Friday, Greece was forced to temporarily close the ancient Acropolis in the hottest part of the day to ensure that tourists remain protected from the fierce heatwave. Meanwhile, 100 million Americans also continue to battle prolonged spells of sweltering weather. 
 
Last year, around 62,000 people had heat-related deaths during the hottest summer in Europe which explains the adverse conditions of the globe.

<h2>US battles dramatic heatwave</h2>

The United States is braving a dangerous weekslong heat wave as a heat dome intensifies, reaching peak strength in various parts of the western provinces. Because of the formidability, the National Weather Service in Phoenix has called the heat dome “one of the strongest high-pressure systems this region has ever seen.” 
 
As the heatwave intensifies at the weekend, around 100 heat records can be broken in a day, adding to more than 1,000 high-temperature records which have already been crossed in the US since June. More than 90 million people have been under heat alerts after the expansion of heat dome in places like California, which is now facing its first extreme heat wave of the year.

WATCH |&nbsp;Cerberus heatwave sends temperatures soaring across Europe | World News | WION

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For weeks, the weather has been dangerously hot in Texas, Florida and Arizona. Meanwhile, Phoenix is on the verge of a record-breaking streak of consecutive 110-degree days, which has forced many parks and businesses to close or readjust their hours. 
 
The lowest temperature in Phoenix is not likely to drop below 90 degrees for the next eight days, setting another record. The hottest place on Earth, Death Valley in California, is also likely to reach rare heights, hitting 130 degrees on Sunday, forecasters at the National Weather Service said to CNN. 
 
Even Antarctica has not been able to escape the effects of El Nino where it's hot even in winters. According to the seasons, sea ice expands and shrinks and currently the ice in Antarctica is growing, but at a very slow pace as seen since satellite observation started in the 1970s.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Southern Europe is battling a ferocious heatwave, which has been inflamed by carbon pollution and is leading to severe health risks to people with old age and those suffering from underlying health conditions.

Southern Europe is battling a ferocious heatwave, which has been inflamed by carbon pollution and is leading to severe health risks to people with old age and those suffering from underlying health conditions. Several countries have already been hit by scorching heat, as local media reports state that tourists have been collapsing in Italy and Greece. There were also reports of an outdoor worker's death near Milan. On Saturday, the temperatures are expected to soar to 42C in Athens, 41C in Seville on Monday and 40C in Rome on Tuesday. World Meteorological Organisation's Alvaro Silva warned, “By 2050, about half of the European population may face high or very high risk of heat stress in summer.” ALSO READ | Europe heatwave: Spain swelters with land temperatures crossing 60 degrees Celsius On Friday, Greece was forced to temporarily close the ancient Acropolis in the hottest part of the day to ensure that tourists remain protected from the fierce heatwave. Meanwhile, 100 million Americans also continue to battle prolonged spells of sweltering weather. Last year, around 62,000 people had heat-related deaths during the hottest summer in Europe which explains the adverse conditions of the globe. US battles dramatic heatwave The United States is braving a dangerous weekslong heat wave as a heat dome intensifies, reaching peak strength in various parts of the western provinces. Because of the formidability, the National Weather Service in Phoenix has called the heat dome “one of the strongest high-pressure systems this region has ever seen.” As the heatwave intensifies at the weekend, around 100 heat records can be broken in a day, adding to more than 1,000 high-temperature records which have already been crossed in the US since June. More than 90 million people have been under heat alerts after the expansion of heat dome in places like California, which is now facing its first extreme heat wave of the year. WATCH | Cerberus heatwave sends temperatures soaring across Europe | World News | WION For weeks, the weather has been dangerously hot in Texas, Florida and Arizona. Meanwhile, Phoenix is on the verge of a record-breaking streak of consecutive 110-degree days, which has forced many parks and businesses to close or readjust their hours. The lowest temperature in Phoenix is not likely to drop below 90 degrees for the next eight days, setting another record. The hottest place on Earth, Death Valley in California, is also likely to reach rare heights, hitting 130 degrees on Sunday, forecasters at the National Weather Service said to CNN. Even Antarctica has not been able to escape the effects of El Nino where it's hot even in winters. According to the seasons, sea ice expands and shrinks and currently the ice in Antarctica is growing, but at a very slow pace as seen since satellite observation started in the 1970s. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Southern Europe, parts of US face intense heatwaves as temperatures soar even in Antarctica

The temperature in Death Valley could rise above 130 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend. If it does, it would set a record for the hottest temperature ever reliably measured on Earth. Watch this to know more.

Death Valley could set a world record hot temperature

The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), on a bipartisan basis, gave approval to a resolution which reaffirmed the status of Arunachal Pradesh as an 'integral part' of India. 
 
The approval of SFRC clears the way for the introduction of the resolution on the floor of the Senate and its chances of getting adopted by the full chamber. 
 
Oregon’s Jeff Merkley and Tennessee’s Bill Haggerty introduced the resolution and it was co-sponsored by Texas’s John Cornyn, Virginia’s Tim Kaine, and Maryland’s Chris Van Hollen. 
 
The resolution appreciates the Indian government for the steps taken to “defend itself” against the “aggression and security threats” from China.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-long-cherished-dream-of-breaking-up-india-and-new-delhi-in-slumber-mode-613870">China’s long-cherished dream of breaking up India and New Delhi in slumber mode</a>

It has supported the defence modernisation and diversification of India and applauded the development efforts of India in Arunachal Pradesh, which includes the steps to improve border infrastructure. The resolution has been committed to increasing assistance of the US in the region, which includes through its aid agencies.

<h2>US deepening support to&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh</h2>

The resolution further encourages like-minded partners to increase their own respective assistance to Arunachal Pradesh and extend their strong support towards the US-India bilateral partnership, which includes the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (ICET). 
 
After the approval of SFRC, Merkley, who is also the co-chair of the Congressional executive commission on China, in a statement said, “Committee passage of this resolution affirms that the US views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC) — and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners.” 
 
He stated that American values “supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the centre of all of our actions and relationships” around the world.

WATCH |&nbsp;India and China ramp up border infrastructure

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Haggerty, who is seen as an important voice on Indo-Pacific issues, said that he was happy to co-lead the resolution which reaffirmed the territorial integrity of India and pushed back against China’s “provocations”. 
 
“At a time when China continues to pose grave and gathering threats to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, it’s critical for the US to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our strategic partners in the region — especially India and other Quad countries — and push back against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)’s broader strategy of territorial aggrandizement that it has pursued in the South and East China Seas, the Himalayas, and the southern Pacific,” stated Haggerty.

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The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), on a bipartisan basis, gave approval to a resolution which reaffirmed the status of Arunachal Pradesh as an 'integral part' of India.

The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), on a bipartisan basis, gave approval to a resolution which reaffirmed the status of Arunachal Pradesh as an 'integral part' of India. The approval of SFRC clears the way for the introduction of the resolution on the floor of the Senate and its chances of getting adopted by the full chamber. Oregon’s Jeff Merkley and Tennessee’s Bill Haggerty introduced the resolution and it was co-sponsored by Texas’s John Cornyn, Virginia’s Tim Kaine, and Maryland’s Chris Van Hollen. The resolution appreciates the Indian government for the steps taken to “defend itself” against the “aggression and security threats” from China. ALSO READ | China’s long-cherished dream of breaking up India and New Delhi in slumber mode It has supported the defence modernisation and diversification of India and applauded the development efforts of India in Arunachal Pradesh, which includes the steps to improve border infrastructure. The resolution has been committed to increasing assistance of the US in the region, which includes through its aid agencies. US deepening support to Arunachal Pradesh The resolution further encourages like-minded partners to increase their own respective assistance to Arunachal Pradesh and extend their strong support towards the US-India bilateral partnership, which includes the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (ICET). After the approval of SFRC, Merkley, who is also the co-chair of the Congressional executive commission on China, in a statement said, “Committee passage of this resolution affirms that the US views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC) — and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners.” He stated that American values “supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the centre of all of our actions and relationships” around the world. WATCH | India and China ramp up border infrastructure Haggerty, who is seen as an important voice on Indo-Pacific issues, said that he was happy to co-lead the resolution which reaffirmed the territorial integrity of India and pushed back against China’s “provocations”. “At a time when China continues to pose grave and gathering threats to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, it’s critical for the US to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our strategic partners in the region — especially India and other Quad countries — and push back against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)’s broader strategy of territorial aggrandizement that it has pursued in the South and East China Seas, the Himalayas, and the southern Pacific,” stated Haggerty. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Senate Committee calls Arunachal Pradesh an ‘integral part’ of India

Chinese cyber spies are exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's cloud to hack email accounts at the Commerce and State departments, according to a reports.&nbsp;

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's account was also hacked, The Washington Post reported.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been probing the incident.&nbsp;

Microsoft and US officials said on Wednesday (July 11) that the hackers have secretly accessed email accounts at around 25 organisations since May.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" show that the US detected a breach of federal government accounts "fairly rapidly" and managed to prevent further violations.&nbsp;

According to a senior US government official, it would not be fair to compare the espionage to the SolarWinds compromise, which was a sweeping set of digital break-ins that were disclosed in late 2020 and blamed on Russian cyber spies.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the official called the recently discovered campaign "much narrower" compared to SolarWinds.

The official said he could not comment on Microsoft's decision to attribute the hack to China.&nbsp;

Microsoft said in a statement that the hacking group - which it dubbed Storm-0558 - forged digital authentication tokens to access webmail accounts running on the firm's Outlook service.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-launches-long-teased-chatgpt-rival-xai-614844">Elon Musk launches AI firm ‘xAI’, likely to come up with ChatGPT rival</a>&nbsp;

"As with any observed nation-state actor activity, Microsoft has contacted all targeted or compromised organizations directly via their tenant admins and provided them with important information to help them investigate and respond," Microsoft said, without providing details regarding which organisations or governments had been affected.

However, the company added that the hacking group involved primarily targets entities in Western Europe.&nbsp;

National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodges told the Post that the "US government safeguards identified an intrusion in Microsoft's cloud security, which affected unclassified systems".&nbsp;

Hodges said, "Officials immediately contacted Microsoft to find the source and vulnerability in their cloud service. We continue to hold the procurement providers of the US government to a high-security threshold."&nbsp;

The US Commerce Department said it took "immediate action" after Microsoft notified it of a compromise.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/explained-what-is-69bn-microsoft-activision-deal-that-could-transform-gaming-industry-forever-614743">Explained: What is $69bn Microsoft-Activision deal that could transform gaming industry forever?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>China says this is 'disinformation'&nbsp;</h2>

Beijing denied involvement in hacking operations regardless of the available evidence or context.&nbsp;

The Chinese embassy in London called the accusation "disinformation" and termed the US government "the world's biggest hacking empire and global cyber thief".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese cyber spies are exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's cloud to hack email accounts at the Commerce and State departments, according to a reports. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's account was also hacked, The Washington Post reported.

Chinese cyber spies are exploiting a loophole in Microsoft's cloud to hack email accounts at the Commerce and State departments, according to a reports. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's account was also hacked, The Washington Post reported. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been probing the incident. Microsoft and US officials said on Wednesday (July 11) that the hackers have secretly accessed email accounts at around 25 organisations since May. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" show that the US detected a breach of federal government accounts "fairly rapidly" and managed to prevent further violations. According to a senior US government official, it would not be fair to compare the espionage to the SolarWinds compromise, which was a sweeping set of digital break-ins that were disclosed in late 2020 and blamed on Russian cyber spies. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the official called the recently discovered campaign "much narrower" compared to SolarWinds. The official said he could not comment on Microsoft's decision to attribute the hack to China. Microsoft said in a statement that the hacking group - which it dubbed Storm-0558 - forged digital authentication tokens to access webmail accounts running on the firm's Outlook service. Also read: Elon Musk launches AI firm ‘xAI’, likely to come up with ChatGPT rival "As with any observed nation-state actor activity, Microsoft has contacted all targeted or compromised organizations directly via their tenant admins and provided them with important information to help them investigate and respond," Microsoft said, without providing details regarding which organisations or governments had been affected. However, the company added that the hacking group involved primarily targets entities in Western Europe. National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodges told the Post that the "US government safeguards identified an intrusion in Microsoft's cloud security, which affected unclassified systems". Hodges said, "Officials immediately contacted Microsoft to find the source and vulnerability in their cloud service. We continue to hold the procurement providers of the US government to a high-security threshold." The US Commerce Department said it took "immediate action" after Microsoft notified it of a compromise. Also read: Explained: What is $69bn Microsoft-Activision deal that could transform gaming industry forever? China says this is 'disinformation' Beijing denied involvement in hacking operations regardless of the available evidence or context. The Chinese embassy in London called the accusation "disinformation" and termed the US government "the world's biggest hacking empire and global cyber thief". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese spies targeted Microsoft, US commerce secretary's email, other officials: Report

The United States on Wednesday released a statement saying that it "strongly condemns" North Korea's latest ballistic projectile launch and also urged Pyongyang to end its destabilising actions and come to the table for negotiations.&nbsp;

"This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region," National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge said in a statement.

South Korea's military said that North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile in a lofted trajectory from the Pyongyang area at about 10:00 am (0100 GMT).

The missile launch happened after North Korea cautioned the United States to shoot down the spy planes that violated its airspace.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-long-range-ballistic-missile-12th-this-year-614512">North Korea fires suspected long-range ballistic missile, 12th this year</a>

Currently, the relations between both the Korean countries are facing a setback with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calling for increased weapon development, including tactical nukes.

The latest test launch "demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people," Hodge said.

"We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations," the spokesman added.

"The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions and instead choose diplomatic engagement," he continued, stressing the United States will "take all necessary measures" to ensure its security and that of its allies South Korea and Japan. &nbsp;

<h2>North Korea condemns US&nbsp;for violating airspace</h2>

On Monday, North Korea had accused the United States of violating its airspace by carrying out surveillance flights and stated that, even though Pyongyang was exercising restraint, and warned it may shoot down such flights.

It further condemned the plans of Washington of deploying a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson said "provocative" flights were flown by US spy aircraft this month, as one reconnaissance plane intruded into the country's airspace over the East Sea "several times".

"There is no guarantee that such a shocking accident as the downing of the US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane will not happen in the East Sea of Korea," said the spokesperson in a statement, released by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Pyongyang further released a statement and slammed United States' plan to deploy strategic nuclear assets to the Korean peninsula as "the most undisguised nuclear blackmail" to North Korea which poses a grave threat to global and regional security.

"The present situation clearly proves that the situation of the Korean peninsula is coming closer to the threshold of nuclear conflict due to the US provocative military action," it stated.

"Whether the extreme situation, desired by nobody, is created or not on the Korean peninsula depends on the future action of the US, and if any sudden situation happens ... the US will be held totally accountable for it," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

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The United States on Wednesday released a statement saying that it "strongly condemns" North Korea's latest ballistic projectile launch and also urged Pyongyang to end its destabilising actions and come to the table for negotiations.

The United States on Wednesday released a statement saying that it "strongly condemns" North Korea's latest ballistic projectile launch and also urged Pyongyang to end its destabilising actions and come to the table for negotiations. "This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region," National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge said in a statement. South Korea's military said that North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile in a lofted trajectory from the Pyongyang area at about 10:00 am (0100 GMT). The missile launch happened after North Korea cautioned the United States to shoot down the spy planes that violated its airspace. Also read: North Korea fires suspected long-range ballistic missile, 12th this year Currently, the relations between both the Korean countries are facing a setback with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calling for increased weapon development, including tactical nukes. The latest test launch "demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people," Hodge said. "We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations," the spokesman added. "The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions and instead choose diplomatic engagement," he continued, stressing the United States will "take all necessary measures" to ensure its security and that of its allies South Korea and Japan. North Korea condemns US for violating airspace On Monday, North Korea had accused the United States of violating its airspace by carrying out surveillance flights and stated that, even though Pyongyang was exercising restraint, and warned it may shoot down such flights. It further condemned the plans of Washington of deploying a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson said "provocative" flights were flown by US spy aircraft this month, as one reconnaissance plane intruded into the country's airspace over the East Sea "several times". "There is no guarantee that such a shocking accident as the downing of the US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane will not happen in the East Sea of Korea," said the spokesperson in a statement, released by the official Korean Central News Agency. Pyongyang further released a statement and slammed United States' plan to deploy strategic nuclear assets to the Korean peninsula as "the most undisguised nuclear blackmail" to North Korea which poses a grave threat to global and regional security. "The present situation clearly proves that the situation of the Korean peninsula is coming closer to the threshold of nuclear conflict due to the US provocative military action," it stated. "Whether the extreme situation, desired by nobody, is created or not on the Korean peninsula depends on the future action of the US, and if any sudden situation happens ... the US will be held totally accountable for it," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United States 'strongly condemns' North Korea ballistic missile launch, says White House

A 6-year-old girl from Miami bravely fought off a kidnapper outside her apartment, said the police. Ah’lyric and her siblings were playing in the courtyard of their complex when the incident took place last week on Thursday.&nbsp;

While the other kids went inside, Ah’lyric noticed a white Range Rover parked near her apartment. She stayed on the staircase when a man approached and grabbed her arm. The suspect was later identified as 32-year-old Leonardo Venegas.

In a conversation with CBS Miami, she said, "There was a kidnapper walking to the back where I was sitting. He pulled me. He picked me up. He started running with me."

"She's really brave," said the girl's mother, Teshia McGill. "She fought him off."

"Then I bit him," said the girl. "Then he slapped me and threw me on the floor."

"(We're) thankful that that six-year-old little girl had a great memory," CBS Miami quoted Miami police officer Kiara Delva as saying. "She was able to give a great description of the suspect involved, which helped our tactical robbery detectives to locate the vehicle. Very brave - she fought for her safety."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andrew-tate-claims-us-vp-kamala-harris-largely-incompetent-and-prone-to-playing-the-race-card-614739"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/andrew-tate-claims-us-vp-kamala-harris-largely-incompetent-and-prone-to-playing-the-race-card-614739">Andrew Tate claims US VP Kamala Harris 'largely incompetent' and prone to playing the 'race card'</a>

As per local media reports, the surveillance footage showed the man fleeing the scene soon after.

The accused was then taken into custody after a licence plate reader captured the car's tag.&nbsp;

He reportedly told the investigators that he was on the lookout to buy houses in the area. He further asserted that he began running after he heard someone screaming. But on being asked about his encounter with the girl, he said that he wanted an attorney.

"This is a case that has us extremely worried, concerned, something that's not very common," Miami Police Capt. Freddie Cruz said. "Luckily we were able to apprehend this individual."

“If you're going to be playing outside, which is a wonderful thing, please, try to play in groups, try to have an adult present, some sort of supervision, know where your children or if you're a guardian, know where they are at,” Freddie said offering tips to keep kids safe.

He further said that the police are probing to find out if there were more victims.

"This is obviously something very disturbing, again, something that's not very common in the city of Miami," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A 6-year-old girl from Miami bravely fought off a kidnapper outside her apartment, said the police. Ah’lyric and her siblings were playing in the courtyard of their complex when the incident took place last week on Thursday.

A 6-year-old girl from Miami bravely fought off a kidnapper outside her apartment, said the police. Ah’lyric and her siblings were playing in the courtyard of their complex when the incident took place last week on Thursday. While the other kids went inside, Ah’lyric noticed a white Range Rover parked near her apartment. She stayed on the staircase when a man approached and grabbed her arm. The suspect was later identified as 32-year-old Leonardo Venegas. In a conversation with CBS Miami, she said, "There was a kidnapper walking to the back where I was sitting. He pulled me. He picked me up. He started running with me." "She's really brave," said the girl's mother, Teshia McGill. "She fought him off." "Then I bit him," said the girl. "Then he slapped me and threw me on the floor." "(We're) thankful that that six-year-old little girl had a great memory," CBS Miami quoted Miami police officer Kiara Delva as saying. "She was able to give a great description of the suspect involved, which helped our tactical robbery detectives to locate the vehicle. Very brave - she fought for her safety." Also read: Andrew Tate claims US VP Kamala Harris 'largely incompetent' and prone to playing the 'race card' As per local media reports, the surveillance footage showed the man fleeing the scene soon after. The accused was then taken into custody after a licence plate reader captured the car's tag. He reportedly told the investigators that he was on the lookout to buy houses in the area. He further asserted that he began running after he heard someone screaming. But on being asked about his encounter with the girl, he said that he wanted an attorney. "This is a case that has us extremely worried, concerned, something that's not very common," Miami Police Capt. Freddie Cruz said. "Luckily we were able to apprehend this individual." “If you're going to be playing outside, which is a wonderful thing, please, try to play in groups, try to have an adult present, some sort of supervision, know where your children or if you're a guardian, know where they are at,” Freddie said offering tips to keep kids safe. He further said that the police are probing to find out if there were more victims. "This is obviously something very disturbing, again, something that's not very common in the city of Miami," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

6-year-old Miami girl bravely fights off man trying to abduct her

Republican congressman and doctor Greg Murphy called out United States President Joe Biden for getting "so much Botox" while slamming the re-election bid of the incumbent president.&nbsp;

North Carolina's representative Greg Murphy, who was formerly a professor of surgery and chief of the division of urology at the East Carolina University School of Medicine, while talking about the health of the president, stated that Biden had undergone “so much filler” and "so much plastic surgery".

Biden has been facing questions related to his health since he made the announcement that he intends to contest elections for a second term. Joe Biden is the oldest president to date in the history of the United States and will turn 86 till he completes a potential second stint as the president in the White House.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-skips-nato-dinner-meet-due-to-hectic-workload-614747">US President Joe Biden skipped NATO dinner meet due to ‘hectic workload’: Report</a>

The concerns regarding Biden's physical and mental health have been brushed off by him, who stated that his mind was "focused".

“I no more think of myself as being as old as I am than a fly. There's not things that I don't do now that I did before, whether it's physical or mental—or anything else,” he had earlier stated.&nbsp;

Speaking to Fox News, Greg Murphy said, "Let's look at Joe. He's had so much plastic surgery, so much Botox, so much filler. That's on the outside. I deal in a surgical field that has a lot of older patients and so I have seen patients through the year decline mentally—it's just a fact, it's what happens."&nbsp;

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Rep. Greg Murphy to Maria Bartiromo: "Let's look at Joe. He's had so much plastic surgery, so much botox, so much filler." <a href="https://t.co/uFQNKtQbM5">pic.twitter.com/uFQNKtQbM5</a>
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<h2>Earlier claims of Biden undergoing plastic surgery</h2>

The alleged "outbursts" of Joe Biden at staff spoke of "a form of dementia," as Biden would be "frustrated" by his inability to communicate his thoughts, alleged the Republican.&nbsp;

The claims regarding Joe Biden undergoing plastic surgery were made even earlier. In 2019, in the Washington Examiner, various cosmetic surgeons said that scars visible on the side of Biden's cheeks were "obvious" signs of a facelift.

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden greets NATO's newest member, Finland

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"Oh he's had a facelift, there's no question," said Arthur Perry, a plastic surgeon and associate professor of surgery at Columbia University, while speaking to the outlet. Meanwhile, a cosmetic surgeon based in New York, Cap Lesesne, said in the article, "The problem with Biden's surgery is that it's obvious. I've operated on several high-profile individuals, and I'd never let them look like that. Those are classic facelift scars. It's probably been over a year. I kind of feel bad for him. He should have had those scars removed."

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Republican congressman and doctor Greg Murphy called out United States President Joe Biden for getting "so much Botox" while slamming the re-election bid of the incumbent president.

Republican congressman and doctor Greg Murphy called out United States President Joe Biden for getting "so much Botox" while slamming the re-election bid of the incumbent president. North Carolina's representative Greg Murphy, who was formerly a professor of surgery and chief of the division of urology at the East Carolina University School of Medicine, while talking about the health of the president, stated that Biden had undergone “so much filler” and "so much plastic surgery". Biden has been facing questions related to his health since he made the announcement that he intends to contest elections for a second term. Joe Biden is the oldest president to date in the history of the United States and will turn 86 till he completes a potential second stint as the president in the White House. ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden skipped NATO dinner meet due to ‘hectic workload’: Report The concerns regarding Biden's physical and mental health have been brushed off by him, who stated that his mind was "focused". “I no more think of myself as being as old as I am than a fly. There's not things that I don't do now that I did before, whether it's physical or mental—or anything else,” he had earlier stated. Speaking to Fox News, Greg Murphy said, "Let's look at Joe. He's had so much plastic surgery, so much Botox, so much filler. That's on the outside. I deal in a surgical field that has a lot of older patients and so I have seen patients through the year decline mentally—it's just a fact, it's what happens." Rep. Greg Murphy to Maria Bartiromo: "Let's look at Joe. He's had so much plastic surgery, so much botox, so much filler." pic.twitter.com/uFQNKtQbM5 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 12, 2023 × Earlier claims of Biden undergoing plastic surgery The alleged "outbursts" of Joe Biden at staff spoke of "a form of dementia," as Biden would be "frustrated" by his inability to communicate his thoughts, alleged the Republican. The claims regarding Joe Biden undergoing plastic surgery were made even earlier. In 2019, in the Washington Examiner, various cosmetic surgeons said that scars visible on the side of Biden's cheeks were "obvious" signs of a facelift. WATCH | Biden greets NATO's newest member, Finland "Oh he's had a facelift, there's no question," said Arthur Perry, a plastic surgeon and associate professor of surgery at Columbia University, while speaking to the outlet. Meanwhile, a cosmetic surgeon based in New York, Cap Lesesne, said in the article, "The problem with Biden's surgery is that it's obvious. I've operated on several high-profile individuals, and I'd never let them look like that. Those are classic facelift scars. It's probably been over a year. I kind of feel bad for him. He should have had those scars removed." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'So much Botox': US President Biden called out for getting plastic surgery

General David Berger has stepped down as the commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, leaving the position without a confirmed leader for the first time in a century.

US Marine Corps faces leadership void

The United States Congress is set to resume discussions on how to fund the federal government, leading to a potential showdown between the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and the Democratic-led Senate.

Potential govt. shutdown looms as US Congress returns to budget battle

A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that she illegally gave her daughter medications to perform an abortion in 2022. She even admitted that she helped the teen to burn and bury the fetus in a field.&nbsp;

Earlier in May, a mother from Nebraska, identified as Jessica Burgess, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her then-17-year-old daughter Celeste Burgess had also pleaded not guilty to three charges, including a felony. Celeste is being tried as an adult in this case.&nbsp;

Jessica dropped the earlier not-guilty plea and admitted that she assisted her daughter to abort the pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;

She is also accused of false reporting and tampering with human skeletal remains.&nbsp;Madison County district court documents show that she had ordered abortion pills on the internet.&nbsp;

Local reports have mentioned that two other charges against the mother were dismissed. The charges were: concealing the death of another person and abortion by someone other than a licensed physician.&nbsp;

They had burned the remains of the fetus and buried it in a field north of Norfolk in north-eastern Nebraska, which was later discovered by the investigating authorities.&nbsp;

In Nebraska, self-managed abortion is not illegal, but this case is different as prosecutors have charged both the mother and the daughter under other criminal statutes.&nbsp;

Celeste pleaded guilty to one count of abandoning a dead human body and faces up to two years in prison. Celeste will&nbsp;be sentenced on July 20 and Jessica is set for sentencing on September 22.&nbsp;

<h2>Roe v Wade judgement in US&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion making it a hot topic across the nation. The issue regarding abortion appeared to be legally settled in 1973 by the SC's landmark ruling in Roe v Wade before it&nbsp;was struck down.&nbsp;

After the decision, the court placed reproductive rights in the hands of individual US states: some quickly banned the procedure, but others moved to protect it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that she illegally gave her daughter medications to perform an abortion in 2022. She even admitted that she helped the teen to burn and bury the fetus in a field.

A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that she illegally gave her daughter medications to perform an abortion in 2022. She even admitted that she helped the teen to burn and bury the fetus in a field. Earlier in May, a mother from Nebraska, identified as Jessica Burgess, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her then-17-year-old daughter Celeste Burgess had also pleaded not guilty to three charges, including a felony. Celeste is being tried as an adult in this case. Jessica dropped the earlier not-guilty plea and admitted that she assisted her daughter to abort the pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation. She is also accused of false reporting and tampering with human skeletal remains. Madison County district court documents show that she had ordered abortion pills on the internet. Local reports have mentioned that two other charges against the mother were dismissed. The charges were: concealing the death of another person and abortion by someone other than a licensed physician. They had burned the remains of the fetus and buried it in a field north of Norfolk in north-eastern Nebraska, which was later discovered by the investigating authorities. In Nebraska, self-managed abortion is not illegal, but this case is different as prosecutors have charged both the mother and the daughter under other criminal statutes. Celeste pleaded guilty to one count of abandoning a dead human body and faces up to two years in prison. Celeste will be sentenced on July 20 and Jessica is set for sentencing on September 22. Roe v Wade judgement in US Last year, the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion making it a hot topic across the nation. The issue regarding abortion appeared to be legally settled in 1973 by the SC's landmark ruling in Roe v Wade before it was struck down. After the decision, the court placed reproductive rights in the hands of individual US states: some quickly banned the procedure, but others moved to protect it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Woman pleads guilty to helping daughter abort pregnancy illegally, burn and bury fetus

The United States on Monday backed Turkey's bid to enter the European Union but said that Erdogan shouldn't link it to the acceptance of Sweden's entry into NATO, news agency AFP reported citing a senior American official.

"The United States has for a number of years supported Turkey's EU aspirations and we continue to do so," said State Department spokesman Matt Miller.

"However, we do not believe that it should be an impediment to Sweden's accession to NATO," Miller said.

Miller stressed that the United States has no role in EU decisions on its membership, saying: "Ultimately, that's a matter between the European Union and Turkey."

However, he said that the expansion of NATO to include Sweden was of prominence to Washington.

He highlighted that the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan three times in the last six days, further adding that US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation with Erdogan on Sunday.

Sweden has met Ankara's demands to gain its approval for entering NATO, Miller said.

"We believe that Sweden has addressed them and, as I said, we think it's time to move to full membership," he added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-back-swedens-nato-bid-if-eu-embraces-ankara-says-erdogan-613983">'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan</a>

Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara.

His remarks came at the time of a landmark NATO summit where Western leaders will showcase unity in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. &nbsp;

<h2>Scholz says Erdogan's new demand merges two unrelated issues</h2>

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Erdogan's demand calling it 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation.

Erdogan, on Monday, asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy.

“I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said.

"Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital.

"First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland."

He further added that this is what he "told United States President Joe Biden" when the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Sunday.

Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merged two unrelated issues.

"Sweden meets all the requirements for NATO membership," he said in Berlin. "The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue."&nbsp;

Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987.

It then got converted into an &nbsp;EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005.

The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from the agencies)

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The United States on Monday backed Turkey's bid to enter the European Union but said that Erdogan shouldn't link it to the acceptance of Sweden's entry into NATO, news agency AFP reported citing a senior American official.

The United States on Monday backed Turkey's bid to enter the European Union but said that Erdogan shouldn't link it to the acceptance of Sweden's entry into NATO, news agency AFP reported citing a senior American official. "The United States has for a number of years supported Turkey's EU aspirations and we continue to do so," said State Department spokesman Matt Miller. "However, we do not believe that it should be an impediment to Sweden's accession to NATO," Miller said. Miller stressed that the United States has no role in EU decisions on its membership, saying: "Ultimately, that's a matter between the European Union and Turkey." However, he said that the expansion of NATO to include Sweden was of prominence to Washington. He highlighted that the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan three times in the last six days, further adding that US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation with Erdogan on Sunday. Sweden has met Ankara's demands to gain its approval for entering NATO, Miller said. "We believe that Sweden has addressed them and, as I said, we think it's time to move to full membership," he added. Also read: 'Turkey will back Sweden's NATO bid if EU embraces Ankara', says Erdogan Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. His remarks came at the time of a landmark NATO summit where Western leaders will showcase unity in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. Scholz says Erdogan's new demand merges two unrelated issues German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Erdogan's demand calling it 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation. Erdogan, on Monday, asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy. “I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said. "Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital. "First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland." He further added that this is what he "told United States President Joe Biden" when the two leaders had a telephonic conversation on Sunday. Scholz said Erdogan's new demand merged two unrelated issues. "Sweden meets all the requirements for NATO membership," he said in Berlin. "The other question is one that is not connected with it and that is why I do not think it should be seen as a connected issue." Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987. It then got converted into an EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005. The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup. (With inputs from the agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US says Erdogan should not link joining EU to Sweden's NATO entry

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: North Korea has denounced the United States' move to deploy a nuclear missile submarine to waters near the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea condemns US for naval submarine deployment

North Korea on Monday accused the United States of violating its airspace by carrying out surveillance flights and stated that, even though Pyongyang was exercising restraint, and warned it may shoot down such flights. 
 
It further condemned the plans of Washington of deploying a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson said "provocative" flights were flown by US spy aircraft this month, as one reconnaissance plane intruded into the country's airspace over the East Sea "several times". 
 
"There is no guarantee that such a shocking accident as the downing of the US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane will not happen in the East Sea of Korea," said the spokesperson in a statement, released by the official Korean Central News Agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-retrieves-wreckage-of-n-korean-military-satellite-from-sea-in-major-intelligence-win-612048">'No military utility': S Korea retrieves N Korean satellite from sea in major intelligence win</a>

The spokesperson mentioned the past incidents when US aircraft were shot down by Pyongyang and warned that Washington will pay for its "frantically staged" air espionage.

<h2>'Nuclear blackmail'</h2>

In the statement, it&nbsp; slammed United States' plan to deploy strategic nuclear assets to the Korean peninsula as "the most undisguised nuclear blackmail" to North Korea which poses a grave threat to global and regional security. 
 
"The present situation clearly proves that the situation of the Korean peninsula is coming closer to the threshold of nuclear conflict due to the US provocative military action," it stated. 
 
"Whether the extreme situation, desired by nobody, is created or not on the Korean peninsula depends on the future action of the US, and if any sudden situation happens ... the US will be held totally accountable for it," it added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Protests intensify in Japan and South Korea over Fukushima water release

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In April, Washington stated that a nuclear ballistic submarine will be sent to them to visit a port in South Korea in decades. Multiple sanctions-busting launches have been conducted by North Korea this year, which includes test-firing its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles and trying to put a military spy satellite into orbit in May. 
 
South Korea and the United States recently ramped up defence co-operation as they staged joint military exercises with high-profile US strategic assets and advanced stealth jets. 
 
A US B-52 strategic had participated in air military drills with South Korea in June in a show of force after the failed launch of a North Korea's spy satellite in May. 
 
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated it was time to show "the international community’s determination to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is stronger than North Korea’s desire to develop nuclear weapons.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea on Monday accused the United States of violating its airspace by carrying out surveillance flights and stated that, even though Pyongyang was exercising restraint, and warned it may shoot down such flights.

North Korea on Monday accused the United States of violating its airspace by carrying out surveillance flights and stated that, even though Pyongyang was exercising restraint, and warned it may shoot down such flights. It further condemned the plans of Washington of deploying a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson said "provocative" flights were flown by US spy aircraft this month, as one reconnaissance plane intruded into the country's airspace over the East Sea "several times". "There is no guarantee that such a shocking accident as the downing of the US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane will not happen in the East Sea of Korea," said the spokesperson in a statement, released by the official Korean Central News Agency. ALSO READ | 'No military utility': S Korea retrieves N Korean satellite from sea in major intelligence win The spokesperson mentioned the past incidents when US aircraft were shot down by Pyongyang and warned that Washington will pay for its "frantically staged" air espionage. 'Nuclear blackmail' In the statement, it slammed United States' plan to deploy strategic nuclear assets to the Korean peninsula as "the most undisguised nuclear blackmail" to North Korea which poses a grave threat to global and regional security. "The present situation clearly proves that the situation of the Korean peninsula is coming closer to the threshold of nuclear conflict due to the US provocative military action," it stated. "Whether the extreme situation, desired by nobody, is created or not on the Korean peninsula depends on the future action of the US, and if any sudden situation happens ... the US will be held totally accountable for it," it added. WATCH | Protests intensify in Japan and South Korea over Fukushima water release In April, Washington stated that a nuclear ballistic submarine will be sent to them to visit a port in South Korea in decades. Multiple sanctions-busting launches have been conducted by North Korea this year, which includes test-firing its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles and trying to put a military spy satellite into orbit in May. South Korea and the United States recently ramped up defence co-operation as they staged joint military exercises with high-profile US strategic assets and advanced stealth jets. A US B-52 strategic had participated in air military drills with South Korea in June in a show of force after the failed launch of a North Korea's spy satellite in May. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated it was time to show "the international community’s determination to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is stronger than North Korea’s desire to develop nuclear weapons.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea accuses US of violating airspace, condemns move to deploy nuclear missile submarine

The White House on Friday announced that the proposed NATO membership of Ukraine will be discussed in the summit of the alliance scheduled next week in Vilnius, however, no decision will be taken in this regard. 
 
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the summit will emphasise the readiness of NATO to accept membership of Ukraine, which he termed as a “milestone” in itself. 
 
"The NATO Summit will dive into the question of NATO's relationship with Ukraine, both the question of its pathway towards future membership and the question of an ongoing partnership that has existed for several years," said Sullivan. 
 
However, "Ukraine will not be joining NATO coming out of this summit," he stated. Kyiv "still has further steps that it needs to take before membership," Sullivan said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-supports-ukraines-nato-membership-as-zelensky-seeks-backing-ahead-of-lithuania-summit-613283">Erdogan supports Ukraine's NATO membership as Zelensky seeks backing ahead of Lithuania summit</a>

"Ukraine will have the opportunity to discuss the reforms that are still necessary for Ukraine to come up to NATO standards,” the national security advisor stated. 
 
This statement comes right after Turkey expressed its solidarity with Ukraine's membership proposal as Zelensky held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 
 
"I raised the question of Ukraine's membership in the NATO alliance and was happy to hear that the President (Erdogan) supports Ukraine to be a NATO member," said Zelensky. 
 
"We made certain agreements. I asked Turkey to join into the efforts of rebuilding and transforming Ukraine, it is a colossal project, and we need Turkey’s experience and technology to help us,” he said. 
 
The two leaders also discussed the issue of the Black Sea and emphasised that it should be an area of safety not of 'so-called frozen conflicts'. 
 
"We have a common understanding that no one can tell our nations what to do in the Black Sea region that doesn’t coincide with our country’s and our people’s interests. The Black Sea should be an area of safety, co-operation and not an area of war or any crises or so-called frozen conflicts that can ignite at any minute and strike and affect people’s lives," Zelensky stated.

<h2>Zelensky to attend two-day gathering in Lithuania</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be attending the two-day conference in Lithuania to propose that Kyiv must join the alliance when the war with Russia ends.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia?

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Sullivan further stated that the White House expects NATO membership of Sweden to win final approval in the coming future. Sullivan stated that it was "possible" that Turkey and Hungary pull back their opposition to Sweden's membership at next week's summit. 
 
"If not, we believe it will happen in the not-too-distant future,” he said. 
 
Sullivan stated that there was "fundamentally goodwill" within the alliance toward Sweden's bid. "A strong NATO makes the United States and the entire world more safe and more secure," he stated.

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The White House on Friday announced that the proposed NATO membership of Ukraine will be discussed in the summit of the alliance scheduled next week in Vilnius, however, no decision will be taken in this regard.

The White House on Friday announced that the proposed NATO membership of Ukraine will be discussed in the summit of the alliance scheduled next week in Vilnius, however, no decision will be taken in this regard. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the summit will emphasise the readiness of NATO to accept membership of Ukraine, which he termed as a “milestone” in itself. "The NATO Summit will dive into the question of NATO's relationship with Ukraine, both the question of its pathway towards future membership and the question of an ongoing partnership that has existed for several years," said Sullivan. However, "Ukraine will not be joining NATO coming out of this summit," he stated. Kyiv "still has further steps that it needs to take before membership," Sullivan said. ALSO READ | Erdogan supports Ukraine's NATO membership as Zelensky seeks backing ahead of Lithuania summit "Ukraine will have the opportunity to discuss the reforms that are still necessary for Ukraine to come up to NATO standards,” the national security advisor stated. This statement comes right after Turkey expressed its solidarity with Ukraine's membership proposal as Zelensky held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "I raised the question of Ukraine's membership in the NATO alliance and was happy to hear that the President (Erdogan) supports Ukraine to be a NATO member," said Zelensky. "We made certain agreements. I asked Turkey to join into the efforts of rebuilding and transforming Ukraine, it is a colossal project, and we need Turkey’s experience and technology to help us,” he said. The two leaders also discussed the issue of the Black Sea and emphasised that it should be an area of safety not of 'so-called frozen conflicts'. "We have a common understanding that no one can tell our nations what to do in the Black Sea region that doesn’t coincide with our country’s and our people’s interests. The Black Sea should be an area of safety, co-operation and not an area of war or any crises or so-called frozen conflicts that can ignite at any minute and strike and affect people’s lives," Zelensky stated. Zelensky to attend two-day gathering in Lithuania Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be attending the two-day conference in Lithuania to propose that Kyiv must join the alliance when the war with Russia ends. WATCH | Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia? Sullivan further stated that the White House expects NATO membership of Sweden to win final approval in the coming future. Sullivan stated that it was "possible" that Turkey and Hungary pull back their opposition to Sweden's membership at next week's summit. "If not, we believe it will happen in the not-too-distant future,” he said. Sullivan stated that there was "fundamentally goodwill" within the alliance toward Sweden's bid. "A strong NATO makes the United States and the entire world more safe and more secure," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

No final decision on membership of Ukraine to be taken at NATO Summit: US

A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere. The phenomenon is likely to occur in 17 American states, including three in New England. 
 
Northern Lights, also called as aurora borealis, are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, however, the 11-year solar cycle which is expected to peak in 2024 will make the lights visible in the south. 
 
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks made a forecast about the auroral activity for the regions on Thursday in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-to-turn-snowfall-into-extreme-rainfalls-in-high-altitude-regions-risk-of-landslides-study-609833">Climate change to turn snow into extreme rainfalls in high-altitude regions, risk of landslides: Study</a>

As per the forecast, if the weather conditions remain favourable, the northern lights will surely illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of these US states - Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland. 
 
The report published by the UAF Institute states, “Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.”

<h2>When to view Aurora Borealis in the night sky</h2>

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Centre stated that people, who are planning to experience an aurora borealis, should move away from city lights and added that the best time to view the phenomenon is between 10 pm&nbsp;and 2 am&nbsp;local time. 
 
The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be monitoring the activity closely&nbsp;as the date approaches. NOAA will be publishing its own forecast for assisting potential viewers.

WATCH |&nbsp;El Nino is coming: Are we ready?

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The last such event occurred in the United States in late April. Amid a geomagnetic storm, the aurora could be seen in 30 US states. 
 
Explaining the natural phenomena of northern lights, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre said, “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centred on the magnetic pole of Earth.” 
 
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A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere.

A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere. The phenomenon is likely to occur in 17 American states, including three in New England. Northern Lights, also called as aurora borealis, are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, however, the 11-year solar cycle which is expected to peak in 2024 will make the lights visible in the south. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks made a forecast about the auroral activity for the regions on Thursday in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. ALSO READ | Climate change to turn snow into extreme rainfalls in high-altitude regions, risk of landslides: Study As per the forecast, if the weather conditions remain favourable, the northern lights will surely illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of these US states - Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland. The report published by the UAF Institute states, “Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.” When to view Aurora Borealis in the night sky The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Centre stated that people, who are planning to experience an aurora borealis, should move away from city lights and added that the best time to view the phenomenon is between 10 pm and 2 am local time. The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be monitoring the activity closely as the date approaches. NOAA will be publishing its own forecast for assisting potential viewers. WATCH | El Nino is coming: Are we ready? The last such event occurred in the United States in late April. Amid a geomagnetic storm, the aurora could be seen in 30 US states. Explaining the natural phenomena of northern lights, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre said, “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centred on the magnetic pole of Earth.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Solar storm to make Northern Lights visible in 17 US states. Here's when to watch the spectacle

The US is fulfilling a request from the Ukrainian president to send cluster munitions, which are banned by over 100 countries. Ukraine believes the munitions will have a strong psychological impact on Russian forces, but concerns are raised about the devastating impact and long-term danger they pose.

US sends cluster munitions to Ukraine despite global opposition

According to a recently conducted government study, nearly half the tap water has been contaminated by one or more “forever chemicals”, which are linked to health issues like cancer and infertility, in the United States. 
 
The country’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency US Geological Survey (USGS) said that around 45 per cent of the country's tap water has been impacted. 
 
Although more than 12,000 types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, exist&nbsp;in the world, it is not possible to detect all of them with current testing. Only 32 types of PFAS were tested in the drinking water by the USGS.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-resort-to-panic-buying-salt-as-japan-preps-release-of-treated-water-into-sea-610252">South Koreans resort to panic-buying salt as Japan preps release of treated water into sea</a>

<h2>PFAS present in everyday products</h2>

Locations and cities which were close to “potential sources” of PFAS faced the most contamination by the chemicals, which were found in a glut of everyday products ranging from non-stick cookware to takeout containers and fire-fighting foam. 
 
Dr. Jamie DeWitt, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the Department of Pharmacology &amp; Toxicology at East Carolina University while speaking to CNN, said, “There’s been almost no place scientists have looked where they have not found PFAS.” 
 
The study discovered that most of the exposed regions included central and southern parts of California, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes and the Eastern Seaboard. As per the USGS, the probability of PFAS not being present in tap water is around 75 per cent in rural areas and around 25 per cent in urban areas.

<h2>Harmful effects of PFAS</h2>

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to increased high blood pressure or decreased fertility in pregnant women. The chemical substances may also have developmental effects in children and can increase the risk of a few cancers which include prostate, kidney, and testicular. The researchers are carrying out more studies to explore other potential health impacts of PFAS.

WATCH |&nbsp;Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with ‘forever chemicals: Government study

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PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because of the length of time they require to break down in the environment. Speaking to CNN, Dr. Graham Peaslee, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy said, “I think that we should try our best to work on how to clean this up. My fear is that this is, global warming aside, this is probably the most expensive environmental problem we’re ever going to face.” 
 
“There’s nothing that will magically fix it. It’s fairly expensive to clean this up. And it’s a recurring cost, and there’s no permanent solutions to it for any particular utility. It looks frightening,” Peaslee added.

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According to a recently conducted government study, nearly half the tap water has been contaminated by one or more “forever chemicals”, which are linked to health issues like cancer and infertility, in the United States.

According to a recently conducted government study, nearly half the tap water has been contaminated by one or more “forever chemicals”, which are linked to health issues like cancer and infertility, in the United States. The country’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency US Geological Survey (USGS) said that around 45 per cent of the country's tap water has been impacted. Although more than 12,000 types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, exist in the world, it is not possible to detect all of them with current testing. Only 32 types of PFAS were tested in the drinking water by the USGS. ALSO READ | South Koreans resort to panic-buying salt as Japan preps release of treated water into sea PFAS present in everyday products Locations and cities which were close to “potential sources” of PFAS faced the most contamination by the chemicals, which were found in a glut of everyday products ranging from non-stick cookware to takeout containers and fire-fighting foam. Dr. Jamie DeWitt, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at East Carolina University while speaking to CNN, said, “There’s been almost no place scientists have looked where they have not found PFAS.” The study discovered that most of the exposed regions included central and southern parts of California, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes and the Eastern Seaboard. As per the USGS, the probability of PFAS not being present in tap water is around 75 per cent in rural areas and around 25 per cent in urban areas. Harmful effects of PFAS The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to increased high blood pressure or decreased fertility in pregnant women. The chemical substances may also have developmental effects in children and can increase the risk of a few cancers which include prostate, kidney, and testicular. The researchers are carrying out more studies to explore other potential health impacts of PFAS. WATCH | Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with ‘forever chemicals: Government study PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because of the length of time they require to break down in the environment. Speaking to CNN, Dr. Graham Peaslee, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy said, “I think that we should try our best to work on how to clean this up. My fear is that this is, global warming aside, this is probably the most expensive environmental problem we’re ever going to face.” “There’s nothing that will magically fix it. It’s fairly expensive to clean this up. And it’s a recurring cost, and there’s no permanent solutions to it for any particular utility. It looks frightening,” Peaslee added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nearly half of tap water contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’ in US, claims study

The Joe Biden government&nbsp;on Thursday said that the United States “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium — two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors.&nbsp;

“These actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains,” said a spokesperson for the US Commerce Department, in an email sent to the South China Morning Post. The spokesperson stated that the United States would “engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains”.&nbsp;

The step of restricting the export of metals was taken by China in response to actions taken by Washington to limit the export of high-end US technology to China that could be&nbsp;used by Beijing for the development of advanced military and computing applications.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-after-china-restricts-metals-export-us-mulls-ban-on-access-to-cloud-computing-611647">Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing</a>

China’s Commerce Ministry, citing “security and national interests”, on Monday stated that export controls will be imposed on germanium and gallium products from August 1, a step that analysts stated would intensify the tech war between the United States and China and complicate efforts of Washington to cut down reliance on Beijing for critical materials.

It would take “considerable time and investment to recreate even a portion of critical mineral supply chains”, stated Paul Triolo, senior vice president for China at the Albright Stonebridge Group.&nbsp;

<h2>US-China tech war to dominate Yellen’s visit&nbsp;</h2>

China’s Commerce Ministry on Thursday stated that the US and the European Union have been informed in advance by Beijing about its decision through “export control dialogue channels”.&nbsp;

The reaction of Washington to the latest development came as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reached Beijing on a four-day visit to China, where she will be exploring areas of cooperation, amid turbulent ties between the two nations.&nbsp;

“While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will discuss with officials the importance for our countries – as the world’s two largest economies – to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges,” stated the Treasury Department.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US flags China's role in drug menace

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Yellen's visit comes a month after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with senior Chinese officials and held a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Blinken, last week, said that he had made it clear that the US does not intend to contain the global and economic rise of China.&nbsp;

Beijing “almost certainly sees these controls as a potential bargaining chip”, Triolo stated.

Meanwhile, a veiled message was issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin to Washington and its allies. “We oppose the overstretch of the national security concept and abuse of export control by a handful of countries and bullying practices of going all out to suppress and contain specific countries,” he stated.&nbsp;

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<section>
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The Joe Biden government on Thursday said that the United States “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium — two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors.

The Joe Biden government on Thursday said that the United States “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium — two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors. “These actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains,” said a spokesperson for the US Commerce Department, in an email sent to the South China Morning Post. The spokesperson stated that the United States would “engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains”. The step of restricting the export of metals was taken by China in response to actions taken by Washington to limit the export of high-end US technology to China that could be used by Beijing for the development of advanced military and computing applications. ALSO READ | Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing China’s Commerce Ministry, citing “security and national interests”, on Monday stated that export controls will be imposed on germanium and gallium products from August 1, a step that analysts stated would intensify the tech war between the United States and China and complicate efforts of Washington to cut down reliance on Beijing for critical materials. It would take “considerable time and investment to recreate even a portion of critical mineral supply chains”, stated Paul Triolo, senior vice president for China at the Albright Stonebridge Group. US-China tech war to dominate Yellen’s visit China’s Commerce Ministry on Thursday stated that the US and the European Union have been informed in advance by Beijing about its decision through “export control dialogue channels”. The reaction of Washington to the latest development came as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reached Beijing on a four-day visit to China, where she will be exploring areas of cooperation, amid turbulent ties between the two nations. “While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will discuss with officials the importance for our countries – as the world’s two largest economies – to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges,” stated the Treasury Department. WATCH | US flags China's role in drug menace Yellen's visit comes a month after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with senior Chinese officials and held a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Blinken, last week, said that he had made it clear that the US does not intend to contain the global and economic rise of China. Beijing “almost certainly sees these controls as a potential bargaining chip”, Triolo stated. Meanwhile, a veiled message was issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin to Washington and its allies. “We oppose the overstretch of the national security concept and abuse of export control by a handful of countries and bullying practices of going all out to suppress and contain specific countries,” he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tech war: US says 'firmly opposing' China's new restrictions on export of two strategic metals

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