One of the biggest attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea till date, they have fired missiles and drones. The US and the UK forces have shot down 21 drones and missiles. This was the 26th attack Yemeni Houthis.

US President Joe Biden says, 'US, UK successfully struck Houthi targets' | World DNA

Controversy over US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's health continues and it's not going away. It has put the White House also in a very tight spot after days of uproar among lawmakers. On Tuesday US officials disclosed that Austin was getting treated for prostate cancer and is recovering well.

US: Republican's call for Llyod Austin's resignation, White House to probe his hospitalisation

In a dramatic conclusion to his civil fraud trial, Donald Trump accused the New York judge justice Arthur Engoron of quote-unquote, having your own agenda. In response, Engoron didn't mince words, asking Trump's lawyer to control his client.

US: Trump tangles with judge as New York civil fraud trial wraps up

Just a couple of days before the people of Taiwan cast their vote, China has strongly opposed any official exchanges between the US and Taiwan. This comes after the Biden administration announced- it will send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan shortly after the election.

Taiwan Presidential elections: China warns voters to make correct choice in elections

US: Donald Trump's trial reaches its climax after clashes with the judge

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday launched impeachment proceedings against Biden top immigration official. The unusual move comes as a bipartisan group of senators negotiate a massive deal that would rework immigration laws in exchange for votes authorizing more aid to Ukraine and Israel. A possible Chinese attempt to take over self-governing Taiwan has been a threat to the island for decades. It’s a topic among the candidates in Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election, but some residents on the island say the threat of a Chinese attack is more real than ever before and they are taking action.

Washington has warned Beijing against meddling in the Taiwan elections

The US Defence Department has revealed that the United States is facing challenges in tracking over $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. According to Pentagon's Watchdog, there is a 59% shortfall in the monitoring of $1.7 billion worth of defence gear.

US defence department struggling to trace funds

US: Trump's trial reaches its climax after clashes with the judge

In another incident that raises tensions in the maritime regions of West Asian, Iranian Navy has confirmed that it has taken control of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The US condemned what it called an “unlawful seizure” and demanded Iran “immediately release the ship and its crew”.

Iran navy seized oil tanker off Oman that was center of dispute with US

The United States and Britain launched strikes against sites linked to the Houthi movement in Yemen, the first on the country since the Iran-backed group started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.

Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen

In another incident that raises tensions in the maritime regions of West Asian. Iranian Navy has confirmed that it has taken control of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The US condemned what it called an “unlawful seizure” and demanded Iran “immediately release the ship and its crew”.

Iran's navy seizes oil tanker off Oman in dispute with US

Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has pleaded not guilty to felony and federal tax evasion charges filed after a plea deal, which could have saved him from a criminal trial, collapsed.

US: Hunter pleads not guilty to tax evasion charges after plea deal collapses

Storms moving into the US Northeast have triggered another controversy involving migrants. The New York City administration was forced to evacuate nearly 2,000 migrants.

Migrant crisis in US: New York evacuates migrants to school, Mayor defends shifting migrants

In another incident that raises tensions in the maritime regions of West Asian. Iranian Navy has confirmed that it has taken control of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.

Heightened tensions in West Asian waters: Iran Navy seizes oil tanker in retaliatory move

US: Donald Trump's New York Civil fraud trial wraps up, judge asks lawyers to 'control your client'

Nine people have been arrested after a mass brawl broke out at a New York City synagogue over a secret tunnel discovered underneath it. The fight erupted at the global headquarters of the Orthodox Jewish Chabad-Lubavitch movement in Crown Heights and it remains closed to the public after the incident.

US: Secret tunnel in NYC synagogue leads to brawl between cops and worshippers

US officials assess that there’s a rising risk Lebanese Hezbollah militants will strike Americans in the Middle East — and even potentially hit inside the United States. Watch this video to know more!

US Intel Agencies warn of Hezbollah attack risk in America

US sees India as a strategic partner but in the alleged plot to murder Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US Washington is now urging new delhi that those behind the murder plot of the Khalistani terrorist need to be held accountable.

Nikhil Gupta accused of allegedly plotting Khalistani terrorist killing | WION Newspoint

Chip wars between US and China, says Chris Miller, author The Chip War. Watch the video to know more.

Author of 'The Chip War', Chris Miller, says 'China companies five years behind leading chip makers'

American intel agencies warn of Hezbollah attack risk in US

Families of two prisoners who died in separate jails&nbsp;in Alabama, USA have taken the state to court after it was found that internal organs were missing from their bodies when they were returned to their loved ones. The federal lawsuit filed by family of late Brandon Clay Dotson has accused that his body was decomposing and his heart was missing when the remains were handed over by the prison&nbsp;authorities. A court filing in the case also mentions that daughter of Charles Edward Singleton, another prisoner who died in jail, found that all of her father's internal organs were missing.

The Associated Press qouted Lauren Faraino, Dotson family lawyer as saying that as multiple families have had this experience, this is “absolutely part of a pattern.”

On November 16, Dotson was found dead at Ventress Correctional Facility. When his boy was handed over to the family, they suspected foul play and hired a pathologist who carried out a second autopsy. It was then found that the heart was missing from the dead body, says the lawsuit. The family is asking the state the reason behind this and is demanding that the heart be returned.

<h2>A 'grave robbery'</h2>

“Defendants’ outrageous and inexcusable mishandling of the deceased’s body amounts to a reprehensible violation of human dignity and common decency,” says the lawsuit, as per AP.

“...their appalling misconduct is nothing short of grave robbery and mutilation.” it adds.

Faraino said that&nbsp;on making inquiries, the family found&nbsp;there had been several such cases.

Watch | Hunter Biden's surprise visit to Capitol Hill causes frenzy in US Congress

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In a court filing last week, the Dotsons mentioned the case of Charles Edward Singleton. The filing reportedly says that Singleton's family found that all of his internal organs were missing from his dead body. The filing mentions writing from Charlene Drake, Singleton's daughter which corroborates what Dotson family has said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mealy-mouth-politician-lies-and-more-desantis-and-haley-engage-in-verbal-battle-at-pre-iowa-debate-678851">'Mealy-mouth politician', 'lies' and more: DeSantis and Haley engage in verbal battle at pre-Iowa debate</a>

Drake quoted the funeral director who told her that “normally the organs are in a bag placed back in the body after an autopsy, but Charles had been brought to the funeral home with no internal organs.”&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mealy-mouth-politician-lies-and-more-desantis-and-haley-engage-in-verbal-battle-at-pre-iowa-debate-678851">'Mealy-mouth politician', 'lies' and more: DeSantis and Haley engage in verbal battle at pre-Iowa debate</a>

The Dotsons now contend that Brandon Clay Dotson's heart may have been inside his body during state autopsy. They say that it may have been given to the medical school at University of Alabama at Birmingham

AP reports that the university had termed this claim "bald speculation". The university has also made a court filing declaring that it did not perform the autopsy and did not receive Dotson's organs.

(With inputs from agencies)

Families of two prisoners who died in separate jails in Alabama, USA have taken the state to court after it was found that internal organs were missing from their bodies when they were returned to their loved ones.

Families of two prisoners who died in separate jails in Alabama, USA have taken the state to court after it was found that internal organs were missing from their bodies when they were returned to their loved ones. The federal lawsuit filed by family of late Brandon Clay Dotson has accused that his body was decomposing and his heart was missing when the remains were handed over by the prison authorities. A court filing in the case also mentions that daughter of Charles Edward Singleton, another prisoner who died in jail, found that all of her father's internal organs were missing. The Associated Press qouted Lauren Faraino, Dotson family lawyer as saying that as multiple families have had this experience, this is “absolutely part of a pattern.” On November 16, Dotson was found dead at Ventress Correctional Facility. When his boy was handed over to the family, they suspected foul play and hired a pathologist who carried out a second autopsy. It was then found that the heart was missing from the dead body, says the lawsuit. The family is asking the state the reason behind this and is demanding that the heart be returned. A 'grave robbery' “Defendants’ outrageous and inexcusable mishandling of the deceased’s body amounts to a reprehensible violation of human dignity and common decency,” says the lawsuit, as per AP. “...their appalling misconduct is nothing short of grave robbery and mutilation.” it adds. Faraino said that on making inquiries, the family found there had been several such cases. Watch | Hunter Biden's surprise visit to Capitol Hill causes frenzy in US Congress × In a court filing last week, the Dotsons mentioned the case of Charles Edward Singleton. The filing reportedly says that Singleton's family found that all of his internal organs were missing from his dead body. The filing mentions writing from Charlene Drake, Singleton's daughter which corroborates what Dotson family has said. Also Read | 'Mealy-mouth politician', 'lies' and more: DeSantis and Haley engage in verbal battle at pre-Iowa debate Drake quoted the funeral director who told her that “normally the organs are in a bag placed back in the body after an autopsy, but Charles had been brought to the funeral home with no internal organs.” Also Read | 'Mealy-mouth politician', 'lies' and more: DeSantis and Haley engage in verbal battle at pre-Iowa debate The Dotsons now contend that Brandon Clay Dotson's heart may have been inside his body during state autopsy. They say that it may have been given to the medical school at University of Alabama at Birmingham AP reports that the university had termed this claim "bald speculation". The university has also made a court filing declaring that it did not perform the autopsy and did not receive Dotson's organs. (With inputs from agencies)

Alabama state accused of 'grave robbery' after jail returns inmate's body with his heart missing

More than months after Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel and infiltrated the country by air, land and sea on Oct. 7, the region stands on high alert amid fears of a wider conflict and thousands dead on both sides of the Israel-Gaza border.

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli strikes on central and southern Gaza

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Wednesday suspended his campaign for president. He has cast his decision as part of an effort to prevent former president Donald Trump being re-elected.

US: Chris Christie drops out of Republican Presidential race

It's a war in the Red Sea. Maritime trade through this critical passage for world trade has been hit by relentless Houthi attacks as Yemen's rebel group seeks to avenge the continuous Israeli assault on Palestinians in Gaza. Their target is Western shipping. The U.S. has mobilized heavily in the waters and many countries have rushed warships to the region. But is this strategy working?

Brewing conflict in Red Sea: UN Security Council's resoluti sponsored by US & Japan | WION

Hunter Biden made a surprise visit to Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday and this stirred a political reaction. The Republicans were pushing for a vote to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for not testifying in their impeachment inquiry.

US: Hunter Biden makes appearance at Capitol Hill, suprise visit causes frenzy in Congress

Battle for Red Sea: UNSC resolution on Red Sea Houthi attacks, calls for Houthis to 'stop attacks'

US: Snow, strong winds & rain promt evacuation of migrants, temporary relocation to stay

The island of Taiwan has cited an optic in malicious activity in the lead up to its 13th January election. The taiwan's Doomsday scenario includes not just an invasion by the Chinese troops but also a wave of attacks against its cyber infrastructure the complete breakdown in critical infrastructure is what a D-Day would look like.

Taiwan's D-Day plans against Chinese invasion

As many as 19.3 million voters in Taiwan will elect a new president on January 13th. Their vote could act as a major flashpoint in the global tussle for power. But why are these polls in the tiny island so significant for the world?

WION power explainer | Global implications of Taiwan election

China warns against any form of US-Taiwan exchange

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light to the first US-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking Bitcoin.<o:p></o:p>

This is based on a Reuters report.<o:p></o:p>

The decision marks a watershed moment for the world's largest cryptocurrency and the broader crypto industry. The SEC approved 11 applications, including those from BlackRock, Ark Investments/21Shares, Fidelity, Invesco, and VanEck, despite warnings about potential risks from some officials and investor advocates. <o:p></o:p>

The move is set to kick off a fierce competition for market share among these prominent financial institutions.<o:p></o:p>

Institutionalisation of Bitcoin as an Asset Class<o:p></o:p>

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC is considered a game-changer for Bitcoin, offering investors exposure to the cryptocurrency without direct ownership. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Andrew Bond, the managing director at Rosenblatt Securities, who said, "It's a huge positive for the institutionalization of bitcoin as an asset class." <o:p></o:p>

Analysts from Standard Chartered predict that the ETFs could attract between $50 billion to $100 billion this year alone, providing a significant boost to the crypto industry, which has faced various scandals in the past. <o:p></o:p>

The market capitalisation of Bitcoin stood at over $913 billion as of Wednesday.<o:p></o:p>

Market Dynamics: Fees, Liquidity, and Competition<o:p></o:p>

As the ETFs are set to begin trading, the battle for market inflows will be heavily influenced by fees and liquidity, according to analysts. <o:p></o:p>

Some issuers, including BlackRock and Ark/21Shares, have already adjusted their proposed fees, ranging from 0.2 per cent to 1.5 per cent, with some firms waiving fees entirely for a certain period. <o:p></o:p>

The success of these ETFs will depend on their ability to attract short-term speculators looking to navigate the products efficiently. <o:p></o:p>

Companies are gearing up for intense marketing efforts, expecting a flurry of online advertising to promote Bitcoin as a viable investment.<o:p></o:p>

Unprecedented Approvals Amid Social Media Controversy<o:p></o:p>

The SEC's approval comes on the heels of a social media controversy, where an unauthorised person posted a fake announcement on the SEC's account, claiming approval of the Bitcoin ETFs. <o:p></o:p>

The agency quickly rejected the post and is now collaborating with law enforcement for an investigation. <o:p></o:p>

Despite this incident and a confusing announcement on Wednesday, the crypto industry remains celebratory. Steven McClurg, CIO at Valkyrie, commented on the uniqueness of the situation, stating, "I've never been in a situation where 10 of the same ETF was launched on the same day."<o:p></o:p>

Industry Reactions and Potential Impact on Crypto Products<o:p></o:p>

Industry leaders and experts have shared their perspectives on the approval. <o:p></o:p>

Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein expressed excitement at the prospect of democratising access to Bitcoin. <o:p></o:p>

Douglas Yones, head of exchange-traded products at the NYSE, sees this as a "milestone" for the ETF industry, while Cynthia Lo Bessette from Fidelity believes it provides "increased choice for investors." <o:p></o:p>

Regulatory experts suggest that Bitcoin ETFs could pave the way for other innovative crypto products. <o:p></o:p>

Jim Angel, associate professor at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business, stated, "Once the dam has been breached, it’s going to be really hard for the SEC to continue its ‘just say no to crypto’ approach."<o:p></o:p>

SEC's Unusual Decision and Chairman Gensler's Position<o:p></o:p>

The SEC's approval marks a significant turnaround from its previous stance on Bitcoin ETFs, citing concerns about potential manipulation. <o:p></o:p>

SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a well-known crypto sceptic, joined two Republican commissioners in voting to approve the products, while the agency's two Democratic commissioners voted against. <o:p></o:p>

Gensler emphasised that the approval does not endorse Bitcoin, referring to it as a "speculative, volatile asset" used for criminal activities. <o:p></o:p>

The decision is seen as a response to a federal appeals court ruling last year that criticized the SEC for rejecting Grayscale Investments' ETF application.<o:p></o:p>

Investor Protection and Ongoing Scrutiny<o:p></o:p>

To meet the SEC's investor protection standards, several exchanges had initially proposed partnering with Coinbase to monitor the underlying Bitcoin market. <o:p></o:p>

However, this collaboration was scrapped in favour of an existing arrangement with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. <o:p></o:p>

The SEC is currently suing Coinbase for allegedly breaching US securities laws, a matter the company denies. <o:p></o:p>

Dennis Kelleher, CEO of investor advocacy think tank Better Markets, criticised the SEC's decision, calling it a "historic mistake" and warning that Bitcoin remains vulnerable to fraudsters.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light to the first US-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking Bitcoin. This is based on a Reuters report.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light to the first US-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking Bitcoin. This is based on a Reuters report. The decision marks a watershed moment for the world's largest cryptocurrency and the broader crypto industry. The SEC approved 11 applications, including those from BlackRock, Ark Investments/21Shares, Fidelity, Invesco, and VanEck, despite warnings about potential risks from some officials and investor advocates. The move is set to kick off a fierce competition for market share among these prominent financial institutions. Institutionalisation of Bitcoin as an Asset Class The approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC is considered a game-changer for Bitcoin, offering investors exposure to the cryptocurrency without direct ownership. Reuters cited Andrew Bond, the managing director at Rosenblatt Securities, who said, "It's a huge positive for the institutionalization of bitcoin as an asset class." Analysts from Standard Chartered predict that the ETFs could attract between $50 billion to $100 billion this year alone, providing a significant boost to the crypto industry, which has faced various scandals in the past. The market capitalisation of Bitcoin stood at over $913 billion as of Wednesday. Market Dynamics: Fees, Liquidity, and Competition As the ETFs are set to begin trading, the battle for market inflows will be heavily influenced by fees and liquidity, according to analysts. Some issuers, including BlackRock and Ark/21Shares, have already adjusted their proposed fees, ranging from 0.2 per cent to 1.5 per cent, with some firms waiving fees entirely for a certain period. The success of these ETFs will depend on their ability to attract short-term speculators looking to navigate the products efficiently. Companies are gearing up for intense marketing efforts, expecting a flurry of online advertising to promote Bitcoin as a viable investment. Unprecedented Approvals Amid Social Media Controversy The SEC's approval comes on the heels of a social media controversy, where an unauthorised person posted a fake announcement on the SEC's account, claiming approval of the Bitcoin ETFs. The agency quickly rejected the post and is now collaborating with law enforcement for an investigation. Despite this incident and a confusing announcement on Wednesday, the crypto industry remains celebratory. Steven McClurg, CIO at Valkyrie, commented on the uniqueness of the situation, stating, "I've never been in a situation where 10 of the same ETF was launched on the same day." Industry Reactions and Potential Impact on Crypto Products Industry leaders and experts have shared their perspectives on the approval. Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein expressed excitement at the prospect of democratising access to Bitcoin. Douglas Yones, head of exchange-traded products at the NYSE, sees this as a "milestone" for the ETF industry, while Cynthia Lo Bessette from Fidelity believes it provides "increased choice for investors." Regulatory experts suggest that Bitcoin ETFs could pave the way for other innovative crypto products. Jim Angel, associate professor at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business, stated, "Once the dam has been breached, it’s going to be really hard for the SEC to continue its ‘just say no to crypto’ approach." SEC's Unusual Decision and Chairman Gensler's Position The SEC's approval marks a significant turnaround from its previous stance on Bitcoin ETFs, citing concerns about potential manipulation. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a well-known crypto sceptic, joined two Republican commissioners in voting to approve the products, while the agency's two Democratic commissioners voted against. Gensler emphasised that the approval does not endorse Bitcoin, referring to it as a "speculative, volatile asset" used for criminal activities. The decision is seen as a response to a federal appeals court ruling last year that criticized the SEC for rejecting Grayscale Investments' ETF application. Investor Protection and Ongoing Scrutiny To meet the SEC's investor protection standards, several exchanges had initially proposed partnering with Coinbase to monitor the underlying Bitcoin market. However, this collaboration was scrapped in favour of an existing arrangement with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The SEC is currently suing Coinbase for allegedly breaching US securities laws, a matter the company denies. Dennis Kelleher, CEO of investor advocacy think tank Better Markets, criticised the SEC's decision, calling it a "historic mistake" and warning that Bitcoin remains vulnerable to fraudsters. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US SEC approves Bitcoin ETFs, paving the way for Crypto market revolution

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