Weeks after it cleared the regulatory roadblock in the European Union, fresh trouble seems to be brewing for US tech giant Microsoft and its proposed acquisition of video game giant Activision blizzard. Reports suggest that the US regulator plans to stop the transaction from going through before the deal’s July 18 deadline.

Microsoft's deal hits regulatory roadblock | World Business News

11 days after National Gun Violence Awareness Day a horrific shooting incident took place in the US where 10 people have reportedly been wounded in the shooting that took place in downtown Denver, Colorado early on Tuesday. This was about 1.6 kilometers Northeast of the Arena where the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat to win the NBA championship. According to the police, the suspect was taken into custody however three people are said to be in critical condition due to the shooting meanwhile other victims are believed to have non-threatening injuries.

Denver shooting incident: Gun violence continues to polarise the US

Former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at the Miami Federal Court. He's facing the criminal charges of unlawfully keeping the national security documents after leaving the office and then lying to the officials who tried to retrieve them.

Trump & firestorm of criminal investigations: Ex-President Donald Trump indicted | World DNA

In a few hours from now, former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at Miami's Federal Court. He is facing the charges of allegedly unlawfully keeping National Security documents after leaving office and then allegedly lying to the officials who tried to retrieve them. Local authorities and security outside the court are tight in anticipation of protestors and supporters.

US: Ex-President Donald Trump scrambles to find new lawyers for secret documents case

US | Inside Trump's indictment: Charge sheet says Trump put national security at risk | WION

<p>The United States said it has updated its travel warning for Uganda following the adoption of draconian anti-gay legislation last month, a move Kampala branded "blackmail".</p>

<p>President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill into law on May 29, triggering outrage among human rights groups, the United Nations and LGBTQ activists as well as Western powers.</p>

<p>"Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation," the US State Department said in a new advisory issued late Monday.</p>

<p>It said the Anti-Homosexuality Act "raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law".</p>

<p>The law – considered one of the harshest of its kind in the world – contains provisions making "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offence and penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison.</p>

<p>"LGBTQI+ persons, or persons perceived to be LGBTQI+, could face harassment, imprisonment, blackmail, and violence," the State Department said, warning also of the risk of attacks by "vigilantes".</p>

<p>"Be mindful that any public identification with the LGBTQI+ community, as either a member or supporter, could be grounds for prosecution, and that even private consensual same-sex relations are illegal."</p>

<p>Uganda's Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi told AFP the updated travel advisory "was expected and we are not surprised".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, (the) US should understand that Uganda is a sovereign state which legislates for its people, not for the Western world," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They can issue travel advisories as it is within their rights but should be reminded blackmail has no place in (the) modern world."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, US President Joe Biden called for the immediate repeal of the measures he slammed as "a tragic violation of universal human rights", and threatened to cut aid and investment in the East African country.</p>

<p>But earlier this month Museveni defied international calls to rescind the law, saying "no one will move us".</p>

<p>The legislation has broad support in the conservative majority Christian country, where lawmakers have defended the measures as a necessary bulwark against Western immorality.</p>

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The United States said it has updated its travel warning for Uganda following the adoption of draconian anti-gay legislation last month, a move Kampala branded "blackmail".

The United States said it has updated its travel warning for Uganda following the adoption of draconian anti-gay legislation last month, a move Kampala branded "blackmail". President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill into law on May 29, triggering outrage among human rights groups, the United Nations and LGBTQ activists as well as Western powers. "Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation," the US State Department said in a new advisory issued late Monday. It said the Anti-Homosexuality Act "raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law". The law – considered one of the harshest of its kind in the world – contains provisions making "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offence and penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison. "LGBTQI+ persons, or persons perceived to be LGBTQI+, could face harassment, imprisonment, blackmail, and violence," the State Department said, warning also of the risk of attacks by "vigilantes". "Be mindful that any public identification with the LGBTQI+ community, as either a member or supporter, could be grounds for prosecution, and that even private consensual same-sex relations are illegal." Uganda's Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi told AFP the updated travel advisory "was expected and we are not surprised". "However, (the) US should understand that Uganda is a sovereign state which legislates for its people, not for the Western world," he added. "They can issue travel advisories as it is within their rights but should be reminded blackmail has no place in (the) modern world." In May, US President Joe Biden called for the immediate repeal of the measures he slammed as "a tragic violation of universal human rights", and threatened to cut aid and investment in the East African country. But earlier this month Museveni defied international calls to rescind the law, saying "no one will move us". The legislation has broad support in the conservative majority Christian country, where lawmakers have defended the measures as a necessary bulwark against Western immorality. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US updates Uganda travel warning over anti-gay law

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi to hammer out future multi-pronged bilateral cooperation. Sullivan will also be meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

US NSA Jake Sullivan meets Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is in India to finalize the agreements that will be penned during PM Narendra Modi's state visit to the Washington next week.

US NSA Jake Sullivan in India ahead of PM Modi's Washington visit

<p>In a shocking expose ahead of the next US presidential elections, Fox News&nbsp;has alleged,&nbsp;citing sources,&nbsp;that US President Joe Biden received a substantial payment of $5 million from an executive at the Ukrainian gas company, Burisma Holdings. It is noteworthy that Biden's son, Hunter Biden, served on the board of this company.</p>

<p>The matter is related to the gas firm's executive who was facing challenges in accessing the US oil market due to a corruption investigation&nbsp;by Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin and was seeking favour from the Bidens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report by&nbsp;Fox News, the FBI was informed about this information during an interview in June 2020 with a confidential human source who indicated that then-vice president Biden and a foreign individual were allegedly involved in a criminal bribery scheme, which reportedly had an impact on US policy decisions.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-minor-tries-to-rent-hitman-to-kill-child-gets-caught-on-parody-site-602549">Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site</a></p>

<p>The report refers to an FBI FD-1023 form, which is used by FBI agents to document unverified information provided by confidential human sources.</p>

<p>The form, dated 30 June 2020, reportedly describes the interviewed source as "highly credible." As per the form, the source discussed multiple meetings held with a senior executive from Burisma over several years, starting in 2015.</p>

<p>During these meetings, the Burisma executive sought advice from a confidential source, who was a business professional, on matters related to obtaining oil rights in the US and establishing connections with a US oil company. The executive wanted guidance on the best course of action in 2015 and 2016.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deserted-dystopia-chinese-city-evacuated-after-cracks-appear-near-high-rises-602506">Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises</a></p>

<p>The source revealed to Fox News that the Burisma executive discussed Hunter Biden's role on the board and referred to him as "dumb".</p>

<p>The executive explained to the confidential source that Burisma had to make payments to the Bidens due to an ongoing investigation by Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. The executive emphasised the difficulty Burisma would face in entering the US market amid that investigation.</p>

<p>Further details from the conversation indicate that the confidential source suggested to the Burisma executive to pay the Bidens $50,000 each. In response, the executive corrected the source, stating that it was not $50,000 but rather $5 million for each Biden.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China</strong></p>

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<p>According to a Fox News source familiar with the document, the Burisma executive allegedly told the confidential human source that payments of $5 million were made to both Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. The sources who shared this information with Fox News Digital claim that the confidential human source believes these payments occurred based on their conversations with the Burisma executive.</p>

<p>The confidential source reportedly stated that the Burisma executive mentioned making the payments through multiple bank accounts, making it difficult for investigators to uncover the truth for at least a decade. Additionally, the document makes a reference to "the Big Guy",&nbsp;which is believed to be a mention of Joe Biden.</p>

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In a shocking expose ahead of the next US presidential elections, Fox News has alleged, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden received a substantial payment of $5 million from an executive at the Ukrainian gas company, Burisma Holdings.

In a shocking expose ahead of the next US presidential elections, Fox News has alleged, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden received a substantial payment of $5 million from an executive at the Ukrainian gas company, Burisma Holdings. It is noteworthy that Biden's son, Hunter Biden, served on the board of this company. The matter is related to the gas firm's executive who was facing challenges in accessing the US oil market due to a corruption investigation by Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin and was seeking favour from the Bidens. According to the report by Fox News, the FBI was informed about this information during an interview in June 2020 with a confidential human source who indicated that then-vice president Biden and a foreign individual were allegedly involved in a criminal bribery scheme, which reportedly had an impact on US policy decisions. Also Read | Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site The report refers to an FBI FD-1023 form, which is used by FBI agents to document unverified information provided by confidential human sources. The form, dated 30 June 2020, reportedly describes the interviewed source as "highly credible." As per the form, the source discussed multiple meetings held with a senior executive from Burisma over several years, starting in 2015. During these meetings, the Burisma executive sought advice from a confidential source, who was a business professional, on matters related to obtaining oil rights in the US and establishing connections with a US oil company. The executive wanted guidance on the best course of action in 2015 and 2016. Also Read | Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises The source revealed to Fox News that the Burisma executive discussed Hunter Biden's role on the board and referred to him as "dumb". The executive explained to the confidential source that Burisma had to make payments to the Bidens due to an ongoing investigation by Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. The executive emphasised the difficulty Burisma would face in entering the US market amid that investigation. Further details from the conversation indicate that the confidential source suggested to the Burisma executive to pay the Bidens $50,000 each. In response, the executive corrected the source, stating that it was not $50,000 but rather $5 million for each Biden. Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China × According to a Fox News source familiar with the document, the Burisma executive allegedly told the confidential human source that payments of $5 million were made to both Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. The sources who shared this information with Fox News Digital claim that the confidential human source believes these payments occurred based on their conversations with the Burisma executive. The confidential source reportedly stated that the Burisma executive mentioned making the payments through multiple bank accounts, making it difficult for investigators to uncover the truth for at least a decade. Additionally, the document makes a reference to "the Big Guy", which is believed to be a mention of Joe Biden. 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. ×

Biden received $5mn in bribery scheme from Ukrainian gas firm executive: Report

In Pics | NATO conducts its biggest-ever drill in Germany

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Ukraine claims to have retaken three villages in Donetsk, Russia claims to repel Ukrainian attack on Black Sea warship, Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, Russia arrests US citizens on drug dealing charges.

Russia arrests US citizen on drug charges | Pro-Trump supporters rally in Florida

<p>A fisherman made an unusual discovery while fishing in the Hudson Valley, New York. Eric Osinkie came across a marine animal with a remarkably strange mouth and immediately shared photos of the creature on the Catskill Outdoors Facebook group.&nbsp;In the caption, he explained that he had been fishing for elusive catskill creek trout but ended up catching a new species instead.</p>

<p>"Went fishing for the fish that seem to always be right out of my grasp the catskill creek trout had 2 hooked lost one fumbling for my net and the other snapped my line but I did catch a new Species today have a look," Osinkie captioned the post, as per media reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-of-62-magnitude-jolts-japans-hokkaido-603117">Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts Japan's Hokkaido</a></p>

<p>Describing the catch as the "weirdest" he had ever encountered, Osinkie likened the creature's mouth to the Sarlacc pit from <em>Star Wars</em>.&nbsp;Surprisingly, he had mistakenly thought it was a stick at first.</p>

<h2><strong>Looks like eel-leech hybrid</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The animal, resembling a cross between an eel and a leech, measured two feet in length. Osinkie expressed his excitement at seeing such a creature in person.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-airlines-flight-makes-emergency-landing-injures-crew-as-air-slide-deploys-603115">Delta Airlines flight makes emergency landing, injures crew as air slide deploys</a></p>

<p>"I knew what it was as soon as I picked it up out of my net," he said, adding, "It was cool. I've never seen one in person before".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After sharing the images on Facebook, Osinkie's post quickly went viral, amassing nearly 500 comments and over 500 shares.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Internet users were bewildered by the strange appearance of the creature. Some compared it to the alien from the movie <em>Alien</em>&nbsp;or referenced similar creatures seen on the show <em>River Monsters.</em> The consensus was that it looked like something out of a scary movie or outer space.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: INS Vikramaditya, Vikrant lead Navy’s mega ops in Arabian Sea</strong></p>

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<p>Newsweek reported, based on information from the New York State Department of Environment Conservation (DEC), that the creature was identified as a sea lamprey.&nbsp;This species is parasitic and feeds on other fish by attaching itself to them using its suction disk mouth and sharp teeth. It punctures the victim's skin and consumes its body fluids.</p>

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A fisherman made an unusual discovery while fishing in the Hudson Valley, New York. Eric Osinkie came across a marine animal with a remarkably strange mouth and immediately shared photos of the creature on the Catskill Outdoors Facebook group.

A fisherman made an unusual discovery while fishing in the Hudson Valley, New York. Eric Osinkie came across a marine animal with a remarkably strange mouth and immediately shared photos of the creature on the Catskill Outdoors Facebook group. In the caption, he explained that he had been fishing for elusive catskill creek trout but ended up catching a new species instead. "Went fishing for the fish that seem to always be right out of my grasp the catskill creek trout had 2 hooked lost one fumbling for my net and the other snapped my line but I did catch a new Species today have a look," Osinkie captioned the post, as per media reports. Also Read | Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts Japan's Hokkaido Describing the catch as the "weirdest" he had ever encountered, Osinkie likened the creature's mouth to the Sarlacc pit from Star Wars. Surprisingly, he had mistakenly thought it was a stick at first. Looks like eel-leech hybrid The animal, resembling a cross between an eel and a leech, measured two feet in length. Osinkie expressed his excitement at seeing such a creature in person. Also Read | Delta Airlines flight makes emergency landing, injures crew as air slide deploys "I knew what it was as soon as I picked it up out of my net," he said, adding, "It was cool. I've never seen one in person before". After sharing the images on Facebook, Osinkie's post quickly went viral, amassing nearly 500 comments and over 500 shares. Internet users were bewildered by the strange appearance of the creature. Some compared it to the alien from the movie Alien or referenced similar creatures seen on the show River Monsters. The consensus was that it looked like something out of a scary movie or outer space. Watch | India: INS Vikramaditya, Vikrant lead Navy’s mega ops in Arabian Sea × Newsweek reported, based on information from the New York State Department of Environment Conservation (DEC), that the creature was identified as a sea lamprey. This species is parasitic and feeds on other fish by attaching itself to them using its suction disk mouth and sharp teeth. It punctures the victim's skin and consumes its body fluids. 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. ×

'Alien' sea creature found by US fisherman, looks like Sarlacc monster from Star Wars

<p>A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the court appearance?</strong></h2>

<p>Khamovniki District Court of Moscow has said that the name of the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, the spelling of his name has since been disputed. The 51-year-old was described as a “former paratrooper and musician” and accused of running a drug dealing business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was seen on Russian state television locked in a metal cage. Meanwhile, REN TV has previously shown an image of him being detained on June 6 in Moscow, lying on the floor in his underpants and a t-shirt with his hands restrained behind his back, reported Reuters. The US citizen was reportedly presented in the court on June 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-on-charges-of-espionage-denied-bail-583727">Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement, Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction said, “On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a US citizen.” The message on Telegram added, “The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023.”</p>

<p>According to Russian media reports, if convicted, the 51-year-old could face 12 years in prison. The suspicious substance was found at Leake’s apartment, reported REN TV.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the US citizen and his arrest</strong>?</h2>

<p>As per media reports, the US citizen had been living in Russia for some years now. Notably, Leake’s arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington as Russia has arrested several US citizens recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brittney-griner-breaks-silence-on-return-from-russia-to-play-in-wnba-in-2023-543834">Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>Washington has also accused Moscow of arbitrary detentions of US citizens for use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians jailed in the United States. It was not immediately clear if Leake had access to legal counsel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An anonymous source told Reuters, that the rock group that Leake was a part of had not played a concert since 2019. Additionally, when the US citizen first came to Moscow he worked as an English teacher and helped translate songs for Russian bands, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How has the US responded to the arrest?</strong></h2>

<p>A US state department spokesperson said they are aware of the arrest but did not reveal any further details citing privacy concerns. “We are aware of reports of the recent arrest of a US citizen in Moscow. When a US citizen is detained overseas, the department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”&nbsp;</p>

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A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial.

A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial. What do we know about the court appearance? Khamovniki District Court of Moscow has said that the name of the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, the spelling of his name has since been disputed. The 51-year-old was described as a “former paratrooper and musician” and accused of running a drug dealing business. He was seen on Russian state television locked in a metal cage. Meanwhile, REN TV has previously shown an image of him being detained on June 6 in Moscow, lying on the floor in his underpants and a t-shirt with his hands restrained behind his back, reported Reuters. The US citizen was reportedly presented in the court on June 10. Also read | Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail In a statement, Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction said, “On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a US citizen.” The message on Telegram added, “The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023.” According to Russian media reports, if convicted, the 51-year-old could face 12 years in prison. The suspicious substance was found at Leake’s apartment, reported REN TV. What do we know about the US citizen and his arrest? As per media reports, the US citizen had been living in Russia for some years now. Notably, Leake’s arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington as Russia has arrested several US citizens recently. Also read | Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023 Washington has also accused Moscow of arbitrary detentions of US citizens for use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians jailed in the United States. It was not immediately clear if Leake had access to legal counsel. An anonymous source told Reuters, that the rock group that Leake was a part of had not played a concert since 2019. Additionally, when the US citizen first came to Moscow he worked as an English teacher and helped translate songs for Russian bands, reported Reuters. How has the US responded to the arrest? A US state department spokesperson said they are aware of the arrest but did not reveal any further details citing privacy concerns. “We are aware of reports of the recent arrest of a US citizen in Moscow. When a US citizen is detained overseas, the department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.” (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.

US citizen arrested in Russia over drug dealing charges

<p>With only a few days left for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US, all eyes are now on the next chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries. In the run-up to the visit, a slew of press briefings, official visits, and expert commentaries have surfaced, underlining the various facets of the evolving India-US partnership, the global geopolitical dynamics, and what to expect next.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the recent New Delhi visit, Pentagon official Ely Ratner underlined that PM Modi’s upcoming visit would be historic and set a new benchmark in the relationship. In another briefing in Washington DC, the US Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre remarked that the US and India share a resolve to elevate the bilateral strategic partnership, and the discussions would centre around strengthening the commitment toward the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond everything else, the tech partnership is emerging as the most keenly observed theme on the agenda, not just for India and the US but also for Russia, China, Europe, West Asia, and others.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tech takes centre stage</strong></p>

<p>With the signing of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the intent to craft a high-technology bilateral partnership has been signalled by the highest echelons of policymaking in both countries. It has been widely appreciated for moving toward realising the vast potential for strengthening the US-India relationship. Through this initiative, India and the US have sought to create coordination and cooperation mechanisms on semiconductor supply chains, quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G and 6G, and other emerging technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking the iCET forward, the inaugural meeting of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue (IUSTD) was held recently in Washington, DC, focusing on facilitating development and trade in critical domain technologies like AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotech, and telecom. To keep things on track, both have also agreed to set up a monitoring group to review the progress toward the bilateral high-tech trade and the deepening tech partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, a new roadmap for defence industrial cooperation—expected to fast-track technology tie-ups and co-production of military platforms—has been adopted, along with the soon-to-be-launched‘ India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem’ (INDUS-X) for advancing cutting-edge technology cooperation. This will supplement the governmental mechanisms by partnerships between companies, investors, research institutions, and start-up accelerators in the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Impact on Tech Geopolitics&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Today, the 'Make in India policy' is focused on attracting global investments in various sectors. This is now complemented by the evolving geopolitical dynamics, where American firms are reshaping their supply chains and manufacturing in line with the growing tech rivalry with China. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond the bilateral track, India and the US could also seek to expand the tech partnership in other formats. For instance, pillar five under the new US national cybersecurity strategy emphasises utilising mechanisms like Quad to advance shared goals for cyberspace, in conjunction with other mechanisms like AUKUS to enable effective operational collaboration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-president-biden-to-host-indias-pm-modi-on-june-22-white-house-591050"><strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;US President Biden to host India's PM Modi on June 22: White House</strong></a><br />
<br />
At the Quad level, India is engaging in cooperation in the high-tech sector through mechanisms like the 'Quad Critical and Emerging Technology' working group, while the other AUKUS nations (Australia and the UK) are also strengthening tech partnerships with India. According to some reports, the UK has also proposed a trilateral cyber partnership between India, Australia, and the UK. A closer US-India tech partnership will only deepen India’s engagement in these frameworks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, not everything is as straightforward as the US and India would like. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has shaken the global geopolitical landscape. Along with other G7 members, the US has committed itself to ‘starving’ Russia of technology by disrupting the supply chains that fuel the Russian military and economy. In this light, Russia now aims to craft a Eurasian tech alliance where it sees both India and China as valuable partners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though a strong Russia-China partnership in the tech domain is inevitable, Russian companies are now seeking the Indian market for investments and engagement. This was displayed in the recent India-Russia business forums, where Russian firms presented their tech offerings for the Indian market. Moscow has declared 2022-2031 as the decade of science and technology, seeking to build self-reliance and closer partnerships with friendly countries. In the new foreign policy strategy released in April this year, Russia reaffirmed the partnership with India as privileged and strategic, emphasising increasing bilateral trade, strengthening investment, and technological ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, China will see the growing India-US partnership as the next phase in its global tech competition with the US and its allies. It is now widely accepted that the US is at an inflexion point, with its tech superiority gradually waning compared to China. In its national strategies, the US now deems China as the “only country with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly, having the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do so.” A greater Indian partnership with the US and its allies, as well as with Taiwan; and India’s decisions in recent years to ban Chinese technologies and platforms, will be seen in Beijing as New Delhi’s stamp of approval for the unfolding tech war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What’s next?</strong></p>

<p>A closer India-US tech partnership will have ripple effects on the dynamics beyond bilateral levels. In the previous decade, China has been a significant partner in the tech domain for Europe. While for West Asia, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, China is now increasingly emerging as a major tech partner. As the war in Eastern Europe continues, US-led sanctions on Russia have pushed it into the Chinese tech ecosystem. However, Moscow is still looking to avoid complete dependence on Beijing. This is where India holds tremendous significance as a major tech hub for global tech dynamics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On its part, New Delhi has looked to increase its tech outreach to West Asia and sought to strengthen cooperation with the ASEAN. A closer India-US partnership can boost India’s capacity and capability for further outreach in regions like Africa and Central Asia, where China continues to make inroads. However, though India continues to maintain strategic autonomy by balancing both the West and Russia, apprehensions in Moscow will peak regarding the feasibility of India as a tech partner as New Delhi becomes enmeshed in the overlapping groups and frameworks led by the US. Overall, strong signals are in the air that the upcoming visit might define the Indian strategic direction in the tech domain for the decade ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></p>

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With only a few days left for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US, all eyes are now on the next chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

With only a few days left for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US, all eyes are now on the next chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries. In the run-up to the visit, a slew of press briefings, official visits, and expert commentaries have surfaced, underlining the various facets of the evolving India-US partnership, the global geopolitical dynamics, and what to expect next. During the recent New Delhi visit, Pentagon official Ely Ratner underlined that PM Modi’s upcoming visit would be historic and set a new benchmark in the relationship. In another briefing in Washington DC, the US Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre remarked that the US and India share a resolve to elevate the bilateral strategic partnership, and the discussions would centre around strengthening the commitment toward the Indo-Pacific region. Beyond everything else, the tech partnership is emerging as the most keenly observed theme on the agenda, not just for India and the US but also for Russia, China, Europe, West Asia, and others. Tech takes centre stage With the signing of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the intent to craft a high-technology bilateral partnership has been signalled by the highest echelons of policymaking in both countries. It has been widely appreciated for moving toward realising the vast potential for strengthening the US-India relationship. Through this initiative, India and the US have sought to create coordination and cooperation mechanisms on semiconductor supply chains, quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G and 6G, and other emerging technologies. Taking the iCET forward, the inaugural meeting of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue (IUSTD) was held recently in Washington, DC, focusing on facilitating development and trade in critical domain technologies like AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotech, and telecom. To keep things on track, both have also agreed to set up a monitoring group to review the progress toward the bilateral high-tech trade and the deepening tech partnership. Further, a new roadmap for defence industrial cooperation—expected to fast-track technology tie-ups and co-production of military platforms—has been adopted, along with the soon-to-be-launched‘ India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem’ (INDUS-X) for advancing cutting-edge technology cooperation. This will supplement the governmental mechanisms by partnerships between companies, investors, research institutions, and start-up accelerators in the two countries. Impact on Tech Geopolitics Today, the 'Make in India policy' is focused on attracting global investments in various sectors. This is now complemented by the evolving geopolitical dynamics, where American firms are reshaping their supply chains and manufacturing in line with the growing tech rivalry with China. Beyond the bilateral track, India and the US could also seek to expand the tech partnership in other formats. For instance, pillar five under the new US national cybersecurity strategy emphasises utilising mechanisms like Quad to advance shared goals for cyberspace, in conjunction with other mechanisms like AUKUS to enable effective operational collaboration. ALSO READ| US President Biden to host India's PM Modi on June 22: White House At the Quad level, India is engaging in cooperation in the high-tech sector through mechanisms like the 'Quad Critical and Emerging Technology' working group, while the other AUKUS nations (Australia and the UK) are also strengthening tech partnerships with India. According to some reports, the UK has also proposed a trilateral cyber partnership between India, Australia, and the UK. A closer US-India tech partnership will only deepen India’s engagement in these frameworks. However, not everything is as straightforward as the US and India would like. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has shaken the global geopolitical landscape. Along with other G7 members, the US has committed itself to ‘starving’ Russia of technology by disrupting the supply chains that fuel the Russian military and economy. In this light, Russia now aims to craft a Eurasian tech alliance where it sees both India and China as valuable partners. Though a strong Russia-China partnership in the tech domain is inevitable, Russian companies are now seeking the Indian market for investments and engagement. This was displayed in the recent India-Russia business forums, where Russian firms presented their tech offerings for the Indian market. Moscow has declared 2022-2031 as the decade of science and technology, seeking to build self-reliance and closer partnerships with friendly countries. In the new foreign policy strategy released in April this year, Russia reaffirmed the partnership with India as privileged and strategic, emphasising increasing bilateral trade, strengthening investment, and technological ties. On the other hand, China will see the growing India-US partnership as the next phase in its global tech competition with the US and its allies. It is now widely accepted that the US is at an inflexion point, with its tech superiority gradually waning compared to China. In its national strategies, the US now deems China as the “only country with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly, having the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do so.” A greater Indian partnership with the US and its allies, as well as with Taiwan; and India’s decisions in recent years to ban Chinese technologies and platforms, will be seen in Beijing as New Delhi’s stamp of approval for the unfolding tech war. What’s next? A closer India-US tech partnership will have ripple effects on the dynamics beyond bilateral levels. In the previous decade, China has been a significant partner in the tech domain for Europe. While for West Asia, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, China is now increasingly emerging as a major tech partner. As the war in Eastern Europe continues, US-led sanctions on Russia have pushed it into the Chinese tech ecosystem. However, Moscow is still looking to avoid complete dependence on Beijing. This is where India holds tremendous significance as a major tech hub for global tech dynamics. On its part, New Delhi has looked to increase its tech outreach to West Asia and sought to strengthen cooperation with the ASEAN. A closer India-US partnership can boost India’s capacity and capability for further outreach in regions like Africa and Central Asia, where China continues to make inroads. However, though India continues to maintain strategic autonomy by balancing both the West and Russia, apprehensions in Moscow will peak regarding the feasibility of India as a tech partner as New Delhi becomes enmeshed in the overlapping groups and frameworks led by the US. Overall, strong signals are in the air that the upcoming visit might define the Indian strategic direction in the tech domain for the decade ahead. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE

PM Modi’s US visit: A new chapter to be heralded for tech geopolitics

<p>The voice on the phone seemed frighteningly real – an American mother heard her daughter sobbing before a man took over and demanded a ransom. But the girl was an AI clone and the abduction was fake.</p>

<p>The biggest peril of Artificial Intelligence, experts say, is its ability to demolish the boundaries between reality and fiction, handing cybercriminals a cheap and effective technology to propagate disinformation.</p>

<p>In a new breed of scams that has rattled US authorities, fraudsters are using strikingly convincing AI voice cloning tools – widely available online – to steal from people by impersonating family members.</p>

<p>"Help me, mom, please help me," Jennifer DeStefano, an Arizona-based mother, heard a voice saying on the other end of the line.</p>

<p>DeStefano was "100 per cent" convinced it was her 15-year-old daughter in deep distress while away on a skiing trip.</p>

<p>"It was never a question of who is this? It was completely her voice... it was the way she would have cried," DeStefano told a local television station in April.</p>

<p>"I never doubted for one second it was her."</p>

<p>The scammer who took over the call, which came from a number unfamiliar to DeStefano, demanded up to $1 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The AI-powered ruse was over within minutes when DeStefano established contact with her daughter. But the terrifying case, now under police investigation, underscored the potential for cybercriminals to misuse AI clones.</p>

<h2>Grandparent scam</h2>

<p>"AI voice cloning, now almost indistinguishable from human speech, allows threat actors like scammers to extract information and funds from victims more effectively," Wasim Khaled, chief executive of Blackbird.AI, told AFP.</p>

<p>A simple internet search yields a wide array of apps, many available for free, to create AI voices with a small sample -- sometimes only a few seconds -- of a person's real voice that can be easily stolen from content posted online.</p>

<p>"With a small audio sample, an AI voice clone can be used to leave voicemails and voice texts. It can even be used as a live voice changer on phone calls," Khaled said.</p>

<p>"Scammers can employ different accents, genders, or even mimic the speech patterns of loved ones. [The technology] allows for the creation of convincing deep fakes."</p>

<p>In a global survey of 7,000 people from nine countries, including the United States, one in four people said they had experienced an AI voice cloning scam or knew someone who had.</p>

<p>Seventy per cent of the respondents said they were not confident they could "tell the difference between a cloned voice and the real thing," said the survey, published last month by the US-based McAfee Labs.</p>

<p>American officials have warned of a rise in what is popularly known as the "grandparent scam" -– where an imposter poses as a grandchild in urgent need of money in a distressful situation.</p>

<p>"You get a call. There's a panicked voice on the line. It's your grandson. He says he's in deep trouble —- he wrecked the car and landed in jail. But you can help by sending money," the US Federal Trade Commission said in a warning in March.</p>

<p>"It sounds just like him. How could it be a scam? Voice cloning, that's how."</p>

<p>In the comments beneath the FTC's warning were multiple testimonies of elderly people who had been duped that way.</p>

<h2>'Malicious'</h2>

<p>That also mirrors the experience of Eddie, a 19-year-old in Chicago whose grandfather received a call from someone who sounded just like him, claiming he needed money after a car accident.</p>

<p>The ruse, reported by McAfee Labs, was so convincing that his grandfather urgently started scrounging together money and even considered re-mortgaging his house, before the lie was discovered.</p>

<p>"Because it is now easy to generate highly realistic voice clones... nearly anyone with any online presence is vulnerable to an attack," Hany Farid, a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Information, told AFP.</p>

<p>"These scams are gaining traction and spreading."</p>

<p>Earlier this year, AI startup ElevenLabs admitted that its voice cloning tool could be misused for "malicious purposes" after users posted a deepfake audio purporting to be actor Emma Watson reading Adolf Hitler's biography "Mein Kampf."</p>

<p>"We're fast approaching the point where you can't trust the things that you see on the internet," Gal Tal-Hochberg, group chief technology officer at the venture capital firm Team8, told AFP.</p>

<p>"We are going to need new technology to know if the person you think you're talking to is actually the person you're talking to," he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The voice on the phone seemed frighteningly real – an American mother heard her daughter sobbing before a man took over and demanded a ransom. But the girl was an AI clone and the abduction was fake.

The voice on the phone seemed frighteningly real – an American mother heard her daughter sobbing before a man took over and demanded a ransom. But the girl was an AI clone and the abduction was fake. The biggest peril of Artificial Intelligence, experts say, is its ability to demolish the boundaries between reality and fiction, handing cybercriminals a cheap and effective technology to propagate disinformation. In a new breed of scams that has rattled US authorities, fraudsters are using strikingly convincing AI voice cloning tools – widely available online – to steal from people by impersonating family members. "Help me, mom, please help me," Jennifer DeStefano, an Arizona-based mother, heard a voice saying on the other end of the line. DeStefano was "100 per cent" convinced it was her 15-year-old daughter in deep distress while away on a skiing trip. "It was never a question of who is this? It was completely her voice... it was the way she would have cried," DeStefano told a local television station in April. "I never doubted for one second it was her." The scammer who took over the call, which came from a number unfamiliar to DeStefano, demanded up to $1 million. The AI-powered ruse was over within minutes when DeStefano established contact with her daughter. But the terrifying case, now under police investigation, underscored the potential for cybercriminals to misuse AI clones. Grandparent scam "AI voice cloning, now almost indistinguishable from human speech, allows threat actors like scammers to extract information and funds from victims more effectively," Wasim Khaled, chief executive of Blackbird.AI, told AFP. A simple internet search yields a wide array of apps, many available for free, to create AI voices with a small sample -- sometimes only a few seconds -- of a person's real voice that can be easily stolen from content posted online. "With a small audio sample, an AI voice clone can be used to leave voicemails and voice texts. It can even be used as a live voice changer on phone calls," Khaled said. "Scammers can employ different accents, genders, or even mimic the speech patterns of loved ones. [The technology] allows for the creation of convincing deep fakes." In a global survey of 7,000 people from nine countries, including the United States, one in four people said they had experienced an AI voice cloning scam or knew someone who had. Seventy per cent of the respondents said they were not confident they could "tell the difference between a cloned voice and the real thing," said the survey, published last month by the US-based McAfee Labs. American officials have warned of a rise in what is popularly known as the "grandparent scam" -– where an imposter poses as a grandchild in urgent need of money in a distressful situation. "You get a call. There's a panicked voice on the line. It's your grandson. He says he's in deep trouble —- he wrecked the car and landed in jail. But you can help by sending money," the US Federal Trade Commission said in a warning in March. "It sounds just like him. How could it be a scam? Voice cloning, that's how." In the comments beneath the FTC's warning were multiple testimonies of elderly people who had been duped that way. 'Malicious' That also mirrors the experience of Eddie, a 19-year-old in Chicago whose grandfather received a call from someone who sounded just like him, claiming he needed money after a car accident. The ruse, reported by McAfee Labs, was so convincing that his grandfather urgently started scrounging together money and even considered re-mortgaging his house, before the lie was discovered. "Because it is now easy to generate highly realistic voice clones... nearly anyone with any online presence is vulnerable to an attack," Hany Farid, a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Information, told AFP. "These scams are gaining traction and spreading." Earlier this year, AI startup ElevenLabs admitted that its voice cloning tool could be misused for "malicious purposes" after users posted a deepfake audio purporting to be actor Emma Watson reading Adolf Hitler's biography "Mein Kampf." "We're fast approaching the point where you can't trust the things that you see on the internet," Gal Tal-Hochberg, group chief technology officer at the venture capital firm Team8, told AFP. "We are going to need new technology to know if the person you think you're talking to is actually the person you're talking to," he said.

Can you trust your ears? AI voice scams rattle US

Food delivery partners in New York city will get a minimum wage. This move comes at a time when there has been a surge in app-based food delivery services. As per one estimate, New York's food delivery workers currently make on average about 7 dollars an hour. The new pay-rate will allow them to eventually earn nearly 20 dollars an hour.

Minimum wages for food delivery agents in New York | World Business Watch

As weakening demand and economic uncertainties loom, factories around the world are contending with declining orders and contraction. From the United States to the eurozone, manufacturing industries are experiencing a decline in new orders and struggling to work through backlogs.

Global manufacturing sector faces weakening demand

An elevated section of one of the most busiest US highways, the I-95 roadway came crumbling down on Sunday after a tanker carrying gasoline caught fire below the overpass. The collapse has taken out four traffic lanes along an elevated section of the heavily used I-95.

US: Overpass collapses in Philadelphia as tanker explodes under it, no casualties reported

Pro-Trump supporters drove in a caravan from Miami to Palm Beach to show their support for the ex-president. Trump was recently indicted over a classified documents case. To know more watch this interview with Political Analyst, Adele Nazar.

Trump's indictment could trigger violence?

Another incident of gun violence was reported in the US. Multiple shots were fired at a nightclub in Houston, Texas. It has left six people injured and one is in critical condition. According to the Houston Police Department, the shooting took place in the parking lot of Tabú bar club, on Richmond Avenue in West Houston at 2 am. Watch to know more.

Six people shot in Houston parking lot | Texas mass shooting

China has been spying from Cuba for some time, US official says. The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that China had reached a secret deal with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island roughly 100 miles from Florida. The U.S. and Cuban governments cast strong doubt on the report.

China has been spying from Cuba for some time, US official says

US Official: China spying reports well-documented in US intel records

<p>Heavy clashes, gunfire, and shelling resumed in the Sudanese capital after the end of a 24-hour ceasefire between the two warring factions, on Sunday (June 11), as some residents have also reported air strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fighting that broke out between the Sudanese army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has been going on for nearly two months now, and has since killed thousands and displaced millions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Egypt has announced a new policy which would require all citizens of neighbouring Sudan to obtain visas before entering their border, said the foreign ministry, on Saturday, citing a crackdown on “illegal activities” including fraud.</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Sudan?</strong></h2>

<p>In a series of attempted and failed truces and ceasefires, the one that recently expired offered some respite to the residents in the capital city of Khartoum who were able to leave their houses and stock up on food and other essentials.</p>

<p>Additionally, people in the country have also said that the fighting has intensified in recent weeks including in the densely populated neighbourhood of Haj Youssef in Bahri.&nbsp;Bahri is one of three adjoining cities, along with Khartoum and Omdurman.</p>

<p>Notably, the ceasefire had been announced by the United States and Saudi Arabia mediators who said if they failed to adhere to it, it may break off mediation efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as several ceasefire agreements have been violated and both sides blamed each other for doing so. The mediators said they “share the frustration of the Sudanese people about the uneven implementation of previous ceasefires”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Fighting continues after brief respite</strong></h2>

<p>The ceasefire ended at 6:00 am (local time) and as per reports only minutes later, on Sunday, the capital city was rocked with explosions from shelling and clashes. The artillery fire resumed in the north of Omdurman while clashes erupted in southern and central Khartoum, reported Reuters, citing residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The one-day lull was “like a dream” that evaporated, said Nasreddin Ahmed, a resident of south Khartoum, as per AFP. Similarly, Musab Saleh, a 38-year-old resident of southern Khartoum, said that the “truce made us relax a bit, but the war and fear are returning today,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Egypt toughens visa restrictions for Sudan</strong></h2>

<p>The Egyptian foreign ministry announced new visa restrictions for Sudanese citizens which has reversed the longstanding exemption for children, women and elderly men. According to the local monitoring group, at least 1,800 people have died due to the fighting, while more than 1.9 million have been displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thousands of people have fled Sudan and taken refuge in neighbouring countries,&nbsp;including&nbsp; Egypt where more than 200,000 people are reported to have fled since the conflict began. As per the new rules, those Sudanese who had previously been exempted from visas which included women of all ages, children under 16 and anyone over 50.</p>

<p>However, the ministry has stressed that the new requirements were not designed to “prevent or limit” the entry of Sudanese nationals but rather to stop “illegal activities by individuals and groups on the Sudanese side of the border, who forged entry visas” for profit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “Egypt has welcomed more than 200,000 Sudanese citizens since the start of the crisis…adding to the approximately five million Sudanese citizens who were already present (before the conflict).”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Heavy clashes, gunfire, and shelling resumed in the Sudanese capital after the end of a 24-hour ceasefire between the two warring factions, on Sunday (June 11), as some residents have also reported air strikes.

Heavy clashes, gunfire, and shelling resumed in the Sudanese capital after the end of a 24-hour ceasefire between the two warring factions, on Sunday (June 11), as some residents have also reported air strikes. The fighting that broke out between the Sudanese army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has been going on for nearly two months now, and has since killed thousands and displaced millions. Meanwhile, Egypt has announced a new policy which would require all citizens of neighbouring Sudan to obtain visas before entering their border, said the foreign ministry, on Saturday, citing a crackdown on “illegal activities” including fraud. What is happening in Sudan? In a series of attempted and failed truces and ceasefires, the one that recently expired offered some respite to the residents in the capital city of Khartoum who were able to leave their houses and stock up on food and other essentials. Additionally, people in the country have also said that the fighting has intensified in recent weeks including in the densely populated neighbourhood of Haj Youssef in Bahri. Bahri is one of three adjoining cities, along with Khartoum and Omdurman. Notably, the ceasefire had been announced by the United States and Saudi Arabia mediators who said if they failed to adhere to it, it may break off mediation efforts. This comes as several ceasefire agreements have been violated and both sides blamed each other for doing so. The mediators said they “share the frustration of the Sudanese people about the uneven implementation of previous ceasefires”. Fighting continues after brief respite The ceasefire ended at 6:00 am (local time) and as per reports only minutes later, on Sunday, the capital city was rocked with explosions from shelling and clashes. The artillery fire resumed in the north of Omdurman while clashes erupted in southern and central Khartoum, reported Reuters, citing residents. The one-day lull was “like a dream” that evaporated, said Nasreddin Ahmed, a resident of south Khartoum, as per AFP. Similarly, Musab Saleh, a 38-year-old resident of southern Khartoum, said that the “truce made us relax a bit, but the war and fear are returning today,” reported Reuters. Egypt toughens visa restrictions for Sudan The Egyptian foreign ministry announced new visa restrictions for Sudanese citizens which has reversed the longstanding exemption for children, women and elderly men. According to the local monitoring group, at least 1,800 people have died due to the fighting, while more than 1.9 million have been displaced. Thousands of people have fled Sudan and taken refuge in neighbouring countries, including Egypt where more than 200,000 people are reported to have fled since the conflict began. As per the new rules, those Sudanese who had previously been exempted from visas which included women of all ages, children under 16 and anyone over 50. However, the ministry has stressed that the new requirements were not designed to “prevent or limit” the entry of Sudanese nationals but rather to stop “illegal activities by individuals and groups on the Sudanese side of the border, who forged entry visas” for profit. It added, “Egypt has welcomed more than 200,000 Sudanese citizens since the start of the crisis…adding to the approximately five million Sudanese citizens who were already present (before the conflict).” (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.

Sudan: Fighting resumes after 24-hour ceasefire expires; Egypt toughens visa rules

When Donald Trump announced to the world Thursday night that he had been indicted on a raft of federal charges, his message was consistent and singularly focused: Joe Biden is using the government to crush his political comeback.

Trump claims he is victim of 'vicious persecution' by Biden in first speech since federal indictment

Apocalyptic smog has blanketed major U.S. cities including New York, Washington, Boston following record wildfires in Canada. Flights, Major League games and theatre productions have been cancelled across the US as people struggle to breathe. Vikram Chandra tells you more.

US Apocalyptic Smog: New York, Washington battle toxic air

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met in Bali in November and agreed to try to stop high tensions from soaring out of control, including by sending Blinken to Beijing. Blinken abruptly canceled a trip scheduled in early February. Back then, a Chinese balloon, which Beijing denies was a government spy vessel, spent a week flying over the US And Canada, before being shot down. The two sides have more recently looked again to keep tensions in check. Biden's national security advisor jake sullivan and top Chinese diplomat wang yi held an extensive closed-door meeting in Vienna last month. Tensions have risen sharply between the world's two largest economies in recent years, especially over Taiwan. The two countries are also at odds over China's increasingly assertive posture in the region and over trade and human rights. The u.S. President has looked to limited areas for cooperation with China, such as climate change.

US & China look to keep tensions in check | Disagreements over Taiwan, trade & human rights

The indictment marks former US President Trump's most serious legal threat yet, as a firestorm of criminal investigations imperils his bid for a second white house term. The indictment of a former president on federal charges is unprecedented in US History. The situation has been made more extraordinary by Trump's status as the clear front-runner in the Republican race to challenge joe biden next year. Biden said he has had no contact with attorney general merrick garland regarding the indictment of Trump over the handling of classified documents. Trump's closest rival for the presidential nomination condemned the justice department for its move to charge him, underscoring their fear of upsetting his core supporters.

Trump's Republican rivals fear upsetting his core supporters, condemn Justice Department | Details

Authorities in war-hit Sudan have declared the head of the United Nations mission in the country, Volker Perthes, “persona non grata” two weeks after the army chief accused him of inflaming the conflict and called for his removal.

Sudan declares UN envoy Volker Perthes ‘persona non grata’

Donald Trump is facing 37 felony charges over the alleged mishandling of classified documents. The 76-year-old billionaire - who served as the 45th president of the US between 2017 and 2021 - could face a lengthy prison sentence if he's ultimately convicted.

Donald Trump faces 37 felony charges in classified documents investigation

Prosecutors accused the former US President of endangering national security by holding on to top secret nuclear & defense documents after leaving White House. 76-year-old Trump is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The 49-page charge sheet said Trump took hundreds of classified government documents in cardboard boxes to his mar-a-lago residence in Florida. The indictment said Trump kept the files, which included records from the Pentagon, CIA & national security agency, unsecured at mar-a-logo, which hosted large events. On at least two occasions, trump showed classified papers on US Military operations & plans to people not cleared to see them at his Bedminster-new Jersey golf club. Trump's personal aide, Walt Nauta, was named as a co-conspirator, and charged with six counts for helping him hide documents. As per the indictment, the documents were kept at various locations in Mar-a-lago, including a ballroom, a bathroom, trump's bedroom & a storage room.

Prosecutors say Trump held on to secret nuclear & defence documents after leaving White House

<p>Aileen Cannon, a federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump, has been assigned to oversee a new federal criminal case against him in Miami pertaining to classified documents, as per media reports. Cannon gained public attention when she presided over court proceedings involving the FBI's search of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.</p>

<p>The Florida district judge Cannon was assigned to preside over the case involving Donald Trump's classified documents where she ruled in favor of Trump during an earlier hearing last year. She was appointed to the federal bench by the former president three years ago.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-nine-people-shot-at-in-yet-another-targeted-shooting-incident-602856">San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident</a></p>

<p>However, Cannon faced criticism from an appeals court panel for granting Trump's request to have an independent special master review the documents. This decision resulted in a slowdown of the justice department's investigation and raised concerns about Cannon's impartiality.</p>

<h2><strong>Confirmation and controversy</strong></h2>

<p>Trump nominated Aileen Cannon for the federal bench in May 2020, and she was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 56-21 shortly after the presidential election. Prior to this high-profile case, Cannon had stayed relatively out of the national spotlight.</p>

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<p>Her decision to appoint a third-party "special master" to oversee the review of evidence in classified case was later overturned by a conservative panel of judges on the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals.</p>

<h2><strong>Professional background</strong></h2>

<p>Before her appointment, Cannon served as an assistant US attorney in Florida, working in the Major Crimes Division and as an appellate attorney. She also clerked for a federal judge after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School and practiced law at a firm in Washington, DC. During her career, she handled various cases, including those related to government investigations.</p>

<h2><strong>Role in the new case</strong></h2>

<p>If she remains on this new case, Cannon will have significant authority to control the timing and evidence presented, as well as review the Justice Department's legal theory.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft</strong></p>

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<p>Trump is facing a total of 37 counts in the investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith, which alleges mishandling of classified documents. This indictment marks the first instance of a former president being indicted for federal crimes.</p>

<h2><strong>Charges and court appearance</strong></h2>

<p>Trump is expected to appear in Miami federal court on Tuesday, where Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, who signed the search warrant for Mar-a-Lago, will read the charges against him. The charges include 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information, as well as various other charges such as conspiracy to obstruct justice, false statements, and concealing documents in a federal investigation.</p>

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Aileen Cannon, a federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump, has been assigned to oversee a new federal criminal case against him in Miami pertaining to classified documents, as per media reports.

Aileen Cannon, a federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump, has been assigned to oversee a new federal criminal case against him in Miami pertaining to classified documents, as per media reports. Cannon gained public attention when she presided over court proceedings involving the FBI's search of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Florida district judge Cannon was assigned to preside over the case involving Donald Trump's classified documents where she ruled in favor of Trump during an earlier hearing last year. She was appointed to the federal bench by the former president three years ago. Also Read | San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident However, Cannon faced criticism from an appeals court panel for granting Trump's request to have an independent special master review the documents. This decision resulted in a slowdown of the justice department's investigation and raised concerns about Cannon's impartiality. Confirmation and controversy Trump nominated Aileen Cannon for the federal bench in May 2020, and she was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 56-21 shortly after the presidential election. Prior to this high-profile case, Cannon had stayed relatively out of the national spotlight. Also Read | Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law Her decision to appoint a third-party "special master" to oversee the review of evidence in classified case was later overturned by a conservative panel of judges on the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals. Professional background Before her appointment, Cannon served as an assistant US attorney in Florida, working in the Major Crimes Division and as an appellate attorney. She also clerked for a federal judge after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School and practiced law at a firm in Washington, DC. During her career, she handled various cases, including those related to government investigations. Role in the new case If she remains on this new case, Cannon will have significant authority to control the timing and evidence presented, as well as review the Justice Department's legal theory. Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft × Trump is facing a total of 37 counts in the investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith, which alleges mishandling of classified documents. This indictment marks the first instance of a former president being indicted for federal crimes. Charges and court appearance Trump is expected to appear in Miami federal court on Tuesday, where Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, who signed the search warrant for Mar-a-Lago, will read the charges against him. The charges include 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information, as well as various other charges such as conspiracy to obstruct justice, false statements, and concealing documents in a federal investigation. 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. ×

Who is Aileen Cannon? Trump-appointed judge in classified documents case

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