US House of Representatives is expected to vote shortly for its impeachment inquiry against the sitting president Joe Biden. The voting is expected to take place behind closed doors.

US House of Representatives to vote on Biden impeachment inquiry

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Tuesday in US Congress to press increasingly reluctant Republicans to back his country's fight against Russian invasion with renewed US military aid but was unable to do so.

Zelensky in US | US President Joe Biden vows that he will not walk away from Ukraine

Zelensky in US: Russia scoffs at impact of US support; Biden says, 'Will not walk away from Ukraine'

Zelensky in US: Ukraine President Zelesnky unable to win over US Congress as he pleads for aid

With the United States presidential election less than a year away, candidates have ramped up efforts to reach as many voters as possible, including Democratic Shamaine Daniels who is running for office against Trump-backed Republican Representative Scott Perry in the US state of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

The Democrat lost to the Republican candidate by less than 10 points last time but has now called in ‘Ashley’ to help her with the campaign. Daniels announced her candidacy for the US House of Representatives, in addition to the Republican incumbent she is also up against six other Democratic candidates.&nbsp;

<h2>Meet Ashley</h2>

Ashley is an AI-powered campaign volunteer but is far from the typical robocaller since none of her responses&nbsp;are canned or pre-recorded, given her ability to hold conversational calls. &nbsp;

The creators, as per Reuters, intend to mainly work with Democratic campaigns and candidates, and say she is the first political phone banker powered by generative AI technology similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-over-human-staff-indian-ceo-replaces-90-workforce-with-bot-internet-outraged-614666">AI replaces human workers: Indian CEO replaces 90% support staff with chatbot, internet outraged</a>

According to Ashley’s creators at a tech startup Civox, she is capable of having an infinite number of customised one-on-one conversations at the same time.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, the new AI tool was deployed to have high-quality conversations on a large scale paving the way for political campaigning where candidates want to use technology to engage voters.&nbsp;

Ashley called thousands of Pennsylvania voters on behalf of Daniels and like a pro campaign volunteer she analysed a person’s profile to have tailored conversations around their key issues.&nbsp;

“This one kept my attention,” 63-year-old David Fish told Reuters. “The thing I really liked was that it identified itself as AI and didn’t try to fool me.”

Civox, cofounded by Ilya Mouzykantskii and Adam Reis said that Ashley uses a combination of more than 20 different open-source AI models and licensed technology to build Ashley. However, they declined to disclose the exact generative AI models they are using.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-flouted-copyrights-to-train-its-ai-llama-despite-warning-from-lawyers-claims-lawsuit-669148">Meta flouted copyrights to train its AI 'Llama' despite warning from lawyers, claims lawsuit by authors</a>

“This is going to scale fast,” said Mouzykantskii, the London-based CEO of Civox. “We intend to be making tens of thousands of calls a day by the end of the year and into the six digits pretty soon. This is coming for the 2024 election and it’s coming in a very big way. The future is now.”

<h2>Legal concerns</h2>

While the AI tool historic development, is it legal or even ethical? Several countries are in the midst of figuring out legislation to regulate the rapid growth of AI which has raised concerns among experts who have said that it poses an existential threat to humanity.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before the US Congress saying that he was worried about the generative AI’s ability to compromise election integrity through “one-on-one interactive disinformation.”&nbsp;

However, Mouzykantskii told Reuters that he is fully aware of the potential downsides but will not prioritise profits over ethics. To address these concerns, while Civox’s AI does record calls with the voters to further train Ashley, the data of the person is anonymised.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/in-a-historic-first-an-ai-powered-robot-lawyer-set-to-defend-human-in-us-court-550342">In a ‘historic’ first, an AI-powered ‘robot lawyer’ will defend a human in US court</a>

It also includes a measure where, if the conversation goes off-topic or becomes abusive, the AI politely ends the call.&nbsp;

While the US Federal Election Commission has begun looking into whether to regulate AI use in campaigns, there is very little clarity about whether what Daniels is doing is legal or not, but she does plan on using her experience with AI to find ways to regulate it.&nbsp;

“If I’m the first one to deploy tools that rely on AI in the electoral process, I can help figure out what policies and regulations are useful and valuable and also train the electorate in recognizing what ethical AI use in campaigning looks like,” the Democrat candidate told Forbes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With the United States presidential election less than a year away, candidates have ramped up efforts to reach as many voters as possible, including Democratic Shamaine Daniels who is running for office against Trump-backed Republican Representative Scott Perry in the US state of Pennsylvania.

With the United States presidential election less than a year away, candidates have ramped up efforts to reach as many voters as possible, including Democratic Shamaine Daniels who is running for office against Trump-backed Republican Representative Scott Perry in the US state of Pennsylvania. The Democrat lost to the Republican candidate by less than 10 points last time but has now called in ‘Ashley’ to help her with the campaign. Daniels announced her candidacy for the US House of Representatives, in addition to the Republican incumbent she is also up against six other Democratic candidates. Meet Ashley Ashley is an AI-powered campaign volunteer but is far from the typical robocaller since none of her responses are canned or pre-recorded, given her ability to hold conversational calls. The creators, as per Reuters, intend to mainly work with Democratic campaigns and candidates, and say she is the first political phone banker powered by generative AI technology similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. ALSO READ | AI replaces human workers: Indian CEO replaces 90% support staff with chatbot, internet outraged According to Ashley’s creators at a tech startup Civox, she is capable of having an infinite number of customised one-on-one conversations at the same time. Over the weekend, the new AI tool was deployed to have high-quality conversations on a large scale paving the way for political campaigning where candidates want to use technology to engage voters. Ashley called thousands of Pennsylvania voters on behalf of Daniels and like a pro campaign volunteer she analysed a person’s profile to have tailored conversations around their key issues. “This one kept my attention,” 63-year-old David Fish told Reuters. “The thing I really liked was that it identified itself as AI and didn’t try to fool me.” Civox, cofounded by Ilya Mouzykantskii and Adam Reis said that Ashley uses a combination of more than 20 different open-source AI models and licensed technology to build Ashley. However, they declined to disclose the exact generative AI models they are using. ALSO READ | Meta flouted copyrights to train its AI 'Llama' despite warning from lawyers, claims lawsuit by authors “This is going to scale fast,” said Mouzykantskii, the London-based CEO of Civox. “We intend to be making tens of thousands of calls a day by the end of the year and into the six digits pretty soon. This is coming for the 2024 election and it’s coming in a very big way. The future is now.” Legal concerns While the AI tool historic development, is it legal or even ethical? Several countries are in the midst of figuring out legislation to regulate the rapid growth of AI which has raised concerns among experts who have said that it poses an existential threat to humanity. Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before the US Congress saying that he was worried about the generative AI’s ability to compromise election integrity through “one-on-one interactive disinformation.” However, Mouzykantskii told Reuters that he is fully aware of the potential downsides but will not prioritise profits over ethics. To address these concerns, while Civox’s AI does record calls with the voters to further train Ashley, the data of the person is anonymised. ALSO READ | In a ‘historic’ first, an AI-powered ‘robot lawyer’ will defend a human in US court It also includes a measure where, if the conversation goes off-topic or becomes abusive, the AI politely ends the call. While the US Federal Election Commission has begun looking into whether to regulate AI use in campaigns, there is very little clarity about whether what Daniels is doing is legal or not, but she does plan on using her experience with AI to find ways to regulate it. “If I’m the first one to deploy tools that rely on AI in the electoral process, I can help figure out what policies and regulations are useful and valuable and also train the electorate in recognizing what ethical AI use in campaigning looks like,” the Democrat candidate told Forbes. (With inputs from agencies)

World’s first AI-powered campaign caller ‘Ashley’ deployed ahead of 2024 elections in US

MRI machines are a serious matter. These machines produce images of our bodily tissues for doctors to analyse. But the machines themselves are not to be trifled with. They produce insanely powerful magnetic fields which can cause injuries or even death if metallic objects are anywhere near when the machine is operating.

A 57-year-old woman in Wisconsin got first-hand experience of this. As per a report in ScienceAlert, the woman received a superficial wound to her buttocks when a concealed weapon on her was subjected to the powerful magnetic field generated by an MRI machine.

The United States Food and Drug Administration mentioned the incident in its report.

Watch | 2024 US Presidential Elections: Joe Biden has found a secret weapon

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It isn't yet clear how the woman was able to slip the gun past the medical staff. It has been reported that the staff carried out the screening procedure before the MRI during which the patient is asked to remove metallic items on their person.

The case of the woman is similar to that of a man in Brazil who lost his life due to injuries he sustained when his gun fired while he was close to an MRI scanner that was in operation.

<h2>What happens in an MRI?</h2>

During medical imagery, the MRI machine produces a strong magnetic field that 'twists' protons in your bodily tissues. These protons then 'line up' in the same direction like very small compasses.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/less-diverse-nature-emojis-are-affecting-conservation-efforts-say-scientists-668859">Scientists say current emojis don't adequately represent 'tree of life'</a>

A follow-up radio pulse then jiggles these protons which take varying times to realign, creating variations which can eventually be used to create a map of the tissue.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-most-people-working-night-shifts-develop-some-kind-of-sleep-disorder-668873">Study: Most people working night shifts develop some kind of sleep disorder</a>

In the case of ferromagnetic substances like iron, nickel and cobalt, this effect is amplified. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI machine causes protons in these elements to heat, shake and leap. The results, sometimes fatal, are for everyone to see. Incidents like these should be a warning to everyone.

(With inputs from agencies)

MRI machines are a serious matter. These machines produce images of our bodily tissues for doctors to analyse. But the machines themselves are not to be trifled with.

MRI machines are a serious matter. These machines produce images of our bodily tissues for doctors to analyse. But the machines themselves are not to be trifled with. They produce insanely powerful magnetic fields which can cause injuries or even death if metallic objects are anywhere near when the machine is operating. A 57-year-old woman in Wisconsin got first-hand experience of this. As per a report in ScienceAlert, the woman received a superficial wound to her buttocks when a concealed weapon on her was subjected to the powerful magnetic field generated by an MRI machine. The United States Food and Drug Administration mentioned the incident in its report. Watch | 2024 US Presidential Elections: Joe Biden has found a secret weapon × It isn't yet clear how the woman was able to slip the gun past the medical staff. It has been reported that the staff carried out the screening procedure before the MRI during which the patient is asked to remove metallic items on their person. The case of the woman is similar to that of a man in Brazil who lost his life due to injuries he sustained when his gun fired while he was close to an MRI scanner that was in operation. What happens in an MRI? During medical imagery, the MRI machine produces a strong magnetic field that 'twists' protons in your bodily tissues. These protons then 'line up' in the same direction like very small compasses. Also Read | Scientists say current emojis don't adequately represent 'tree of life' A follow-up radio pulse then jiggles these protons which take varying times to realign, creating variations which can eventually be used to create a map of the tissue. Also Read | Study: Most people working night shifts develop some kind of sleep disorder In the case of ferromagnetic substances like iron, nickel and cobalt, this effect is amplified. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI machine causes protons in these elements to heat, shake and leap. The results, sometimes fatal, are for everyone to see. Incidents like these should be a warning to everyone. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Gun goes off automatically after woman carries it inside MRI scanner

Harvard University says its president, Claudine Gay, will keep her job despite mounting controversy over her appearance before Congress last week.

Claudine Gay: Harvard president won't lose job over Antisemitism row

A draft of a potential climate deal at the COP28 summit on Monday suggested a range of measures countries could take to slash greenhouse gas emissions, but omitted the "phase out" of fossil fuels many nations have demanded - drawing criticism from the U.S., EU and climate-vulnerable countries.

New COP28 draft deal stops short of fossil fuel 'phase out'

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US on Monday (Dec 11), ahead of his last-ditch effort to convince US lawmakers to continue aid for Ukraine as the country fights off Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president was in Argentina over the weekend. In the US, he is due to address the National Defence University in Washington.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on Tuesday at the White House. He will also meet leaders in the US Congress including the Republican leader of US House of Representatives. The mood within the Republican Party has swung against continuous aid to Ukraine and several lawmakers have expressed this opinion out loud in public.

Karine Jean Pierre, the White House press secretary said that visit from Zelenskt would “underscore the United States' unshakeable commitment" to Ukraine.

Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky to meet President Biden as war funding against Russia is decreasing

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Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After initial successes, Russian forces had to retreat from large swathes of land. The Western bloc, led primarily by the US poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military help to Ukraine due to which Ukrainian troops became better equipped.

However, Ukraine's much-anticipated counter-offensive has not yielded much in last few months due to which questions are being raised on the continued aid to Ukraine.

<h2>Support waning for continued aid</h2>

Just last week, Republican senators blocked a request from the White House for USD 106 billion in emergency aid mainly for Ukraine and Israel.

The Republican right-wing, under the influence of former US president Donald Trump has increasingly turned against continuing aid to Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-injured-after-russian-strike-on-kyiv-biden-to-host-zelensky-at-white-house-amid-deadlock-on-aid-668361">At least 4 injured after Russian strike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at White House amid deadlock on aid</a>

"What's in America's best interest is to accept Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians and we need to bring the war to a close," Senator JD Vance, a close Trump ally, said on Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-putins-moscow-is-west-asias-dear-friend-668274">The Capitals: Putin's Moscow is West Asia's 'dear friend'</a>

He has said there shouldn't be a 'black check' to Ukraine.

"You need to articulate what the ambition is. What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn't?" he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US on Monday (Dec 11), ahead of his last-ditch effort to convince US lawmakers to continue aid for Ukraine as the country fights off Russian invasion.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US on Monday (Dec 11), ahead of his last-ditch effort to convince US lawmakers to continue aid for Ukraine as the country fights off Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president was in Argentina over the weekend. In the US, he is due to address the National Defence University in Washington. Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on Tuesday at the White House. He will also meet leaders in the US Congress including the Republican leader of US House of Representatives. The mood within the Republican Party has swung against continuous aid to Ukraine and several lawmakers have expressed this opinion out loud in public. Karine Jean Pierre, the White House press secretary said that visit from Zelenskt would “underscore the United States' unshakeable commitment" to Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky to meet President Biden as war funding against Russia is decreasing × Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. After initial successes, Russian forces had to retreat from large swathes of land. The Western bloc, led primarily by the US poured in billions of dollars in humanitarian and military help to Ukraine due to which Ukrainian troops became better equipped. However, Ukraine's much-anticipated counter-offensive has not yielded much in last few months due to which questions are being raised on the continued aid to Ukraine. Support waning for continued aid Just last week, Republican senators blocked a request from the White House for USD 106 billion in emergency aid mainly for Ukraine and Israel. The Republican right-wing, under the influence of former US president Donald Trump has increasingly turned against continuing aid to Ukraine. Also Read | At least 4 injured after Russian strike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at White House amid deadlock on aid "What's in America's best interest is to accept Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians and we need to bring the war to a close," Senator JD Vance, a close Trump ally, said on Sunday. Also Read | The Capitals: Putin's Moscow is West Asia's 'dear friend' He has said there shouldn't be a 'black check' to Ukraine. "You need to articulate what the ambition is. What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn't?" he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky arrives in US for last-ditch effort for more aid

Zelensky is all set to embark on his third visit to Washington since the war in Ukraine began. He last visited in September. Aid for Ukraine in its effort to ward off Russia will be a prime agenda here, but will Zelensky be able to navigate his way around the divisions in the U.S. leaders on continuing the aid for Ukraine?

Biden invites Zelenskiy to White House for meeting

The Red Sea has become a dangerous flashpoint. The maritime lifeline is in danger of becoming a death line as Houthis, Based in Yemen, have begun attacks on ships doing commerce with Israel. Such is the situation that the U.S. has reached out to China, to help it protect the vital shipping lane.

Red Sea Becomes a War Zone | Will China Join U.S. In Safeguarding Shipping Lane From Houthis?

Asian markets edged higher with japan stocks leading gains for a second straight session ahead of the final US Federal reserve meeting of the year.

Asian markets open higher ahead of US Fed meeting | World Business Watch

The Texas Supreme Court, on Monday (Dec 11) reversed a lower court’s ruling that allowed Kate Cox, a 31-year-old&nbsp;woman,&nbsp;to have&nbsp;an abortion under the state's "medical emergency". The recent ruling came hours after she was forced to leave the state for an emergency abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A court filing by her lawyers said&nbsp;that Cox was prevented from terminating her potentially life-threatening pregnancy.&nbsp;

Last week, a Texas judge allowed her to have an abortion, a decision that challenged the US state's strict laws prohibiting the procedure. But the Texas Supreme Court had temporarily halted the decision&nbsp;late Friday.

The&nbsp;Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents Cox said that she has&nbsp;left the state to get health care elsewhere, but hours later the state's apex court ruled against her.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-meets-cbi-chief-amid-us-allegations-against-india-over-alleged-pannun-murder-plot-668688">FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'</a>&nbsp;

Cox hails from Dallas-Fort Worth and&nbsp;is a mother of two. She is more than 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus that has a rare genetic defect, which means it will likely die before birth or at most live a few days.&nbsp;

Ultrasounds revealed many serious conditions, including a twisted spine and irregular skull and heart development. Doctors have said that unless the pregnancy is terminated, it could cause a uterine rupture that threatens Cox's life and future fertility.&nbsp;

She sued the state to have an abortion for a pregnancy that she and her physicians claim endangers not only her life but also her future fertility. As mentioned, she initially won a right to an abortion but the state's Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed to the Texas Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-imf-official-warns-fragmentation-in-global-economy-could-trigger-new-cold-war-668686">Senior IMF official warns fragmentation in global economy could trigger 'new Cold War'</a>&nbsp;

The appeal has blocked the lower court's order, with Paxton threatening to prosecute any doctor carrying out the abortion.&nbsp;

The new filing stated: "Due to the ongoing deterioration of Ms. Cox's health condition, and in light of the administrative stay entered by the Court on December 8 and the Attorney General's ongoing threats to enforce Texas's abortion bans against the Plaintiffs in this case, Ms. Cox is now forced to seek medical care outside of Texas."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Trump forgoes testification at trial as his poll ratings rise&nbsp;

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<h2>Abortion laws in Texas</h2>

Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation, prohibiting it even in cases of rape or incest. While the state's law does allow abortions in cases where the mother's life is in danger, physicians have said that in practice the wording is vague and unclear, leaving them open to legal consequences for exercising their medical judgment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Texas Supreme Court, on Monday (Dec 11) reversed a lower court’s ruling that allowed Kate Cox, a 31-year-old woman, to have an abortion under the state's "medical emergency".

The Texas Supreme Court, on Monday (Dec 11) reversed a lower court’s ruling that allowed Kate Cox, a 31-year-old woman, to have an abortion under the state's "medical emergency". The recent ruling came hours after she was forced to leave the state for an emergency abortion. A court filing by her lawyers said that Cox was prevented from terminating her potentially life-threatening pregnancy. Last week, a Texas judge allowed her to have an abortion, a decision that challenged the US state's strict laws prohibiting the procedure. But the Texas Supreme Court had temporarily halted the decision late Friday. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents Cox said that she has left the state to get health care elsewhere, but hours later the state's apex court ruled against her. Also read: FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot' Cox hails from Dallas-Fort Worth and is a mother of two. She is more than 20 weeks pregnant with a fetus that has a rare genetic defect, which means it will likely die before birth or at most live a few days. Ultrasounds revealed many serious conditions, including a twisted spine and irregular skull and heart development. Doctors have said that unless the pregnancy is terminated, it could cause a uterine rupture that threatens Cox's life and future fertility. She sued the state to have an abortion for a pregnancy that she and her physicians claim endangers not only her life but also her future fertility. As mentioned, she initially won a right to an abortion but the state's Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed to the Texas Supreme Court. Also read: Senior IMF official warns fragmentation in global economy could trigger 'new Cold War' The appeal has blocked the lower court's order, with Paxton threatening to prosecute any doctor carrying out the abortion. The new filing stated: "Due to the ongoing deterioration of Ms. Cox's health condition, and in light of the administrative stay entered by the Court on December 8 and the Attorney General's ongoing threats to enforce Texas's abortion bans against the Plaintiffs in this case, Ms. Cox is now forced to seek medical care outside of Texas." Watch: Trump forgoes testification at trial as his poll ratings rise × Abortion laws in Texas Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation, prohibiting it even in cases of rape or incest. While the state's law does allow abortions in cases where the mother's life is in danger, physicians have said that in practice the wording is vague and unclear, leaving them open to legal consequences for exercising their medical judgment. (With inputs from agencies)

Texas supreme court overturns ruling on pregnant woman seeking abortion after she leaves state

In the context of an alleged plot to kill a pro-Khalistan leader on US soil, FBI director Christopher Wray met with CBI chief Praveen Sood on Monday to discuss important issues like the extradition of suspects wanted by India and financial crimes enabled by cyberspace.

Wray's 2-day visit: Trip comes amid 'Pannun kill plot' charge

The Supreme Court will comment on Donald Trump's historic prosecution for the first time on Monday, when special counsel Jack Smith asked the court to determine whether the former president is immune from prosecution for crimes he is accused of committing while in office.

US: Special Counsel Jack Smith requests Supreme Court to weigh in on community claim | World DNA

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

Wray and other senior officials reached the agency headquarters in the afternoon for the meeting.

The FBI Director, during his two-day visit to India, is set to meet top officials of Indian security and law enforcement establishments, the officials said.

He arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening (Dec 10).

Wray and Sood, during their meeting, discussed issues related to the exchange of information on cybercrime cases, narcotics, pending judicial requests and extradition of wanted criminals, people familiar with the matter said.

"Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyber-enabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes," CBI said in an official press statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-strategic-partner-but-ones-behind-assassination-plot-should-be-held-accountable-white-house-667394">India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House</a>

The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit', had made a mention of the FBI director's visit to India.

He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States, four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week."

Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on being asked about Wray's visit to India, said that it was a part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics.

"As you're aware, we have robust security, cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation with the US agencies. We are also engaged in capacity-building programmes. So as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation, a visit By the FBI director is in the works," he had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials. Wray and other senior officials reached the agency headquarters in the afternoon for the meeting. The FBI Director, during his two-day visit to India, is set to meet top officials of Indian security and law enforcement establishments, the officials said. He arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening (Dec 10). Wray and Sood, during their meeting, discussed issues related to the exchange of information on cybercrime cases, narcotics, pending judicial requests and extradition of wanted criminals, people familiar with the matter said. "Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyber-enabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes," CBI said in an official press statement. Also read: India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit', had made a mention of the FBI director's visit to India. He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States, four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week." Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on being asked about Wray's visit to India, said that it was a part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. "As you're aware, we have robust security, cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation with the US agencies. We are also engaged in capacity-building programmes. So as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation, a visit By the FBI director is in the works," he had said. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'

US: Zelensky arrives in US; meets with IMF, military officers & lawmakers in bid to unlock aid

According to media sources on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden is anticipated to miss India's Republic Day celebration in January. His visit was a part of the Quad Summit, which will now take place later in the year in India instead of in January of next year.

Joe Biden unlikely to visit India for Republic Day celebrations, Quad summit also postponed

The Director Of The United States FBI, Christopher Wray reached the Indian capital New Delhi on a two day visit. The visit comes in the backdrop of a US Federal investigation into an alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

FBI director's 2-day India visit:  To meet India's top security and law enforcement agencies

Semiconductors have in recent years become a focal point in the U.S.’s efforts to impede China’s technological advancement. Now Washington has its eye on yet another red-hot tech sector where China is making great strides: batteries for electric vehicles.

US-China tech war escalates over EV battery dominance

The United States is concerned about reports Israel used U.S.-supplied white phosphorus munitions in an October attack in southern Lebanon, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday.

Israel banking on White Phosphorus munitions? What harm does white phosphorus cause? | WION

The Republican-controlled US&nbsp;House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday to formalize its impeachment inquiry of Democratic President Joe Biden, a Republican leadership aide said on Monday.

The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because official plans for floor action remained fluid. Earlier on Monday, a Republican lawmaker said House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed plans for a Thursday vote at a closed-door meeting, a time frame that had also been echoed by other Republicans.

The House is due to leave Washington on Thursday for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dictator-for-a-day-biden-labels-trump-a-threat-to-democracy-reaffirms-commitment-to-israel-668738">&nbsp;'Dictator for a day': Biden labels Trump a threat to democracy; reaffirms commitment to Israel</a>

House Republicans accuse the Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions Biden participated in as vice president during President Barack Obama's 2009-2017 administration.

They have also accused the US&nbsp;Department of Justice of inappropriately interfering with an investigation into Biden's businessman son Hunter Biden. The Justice Department denies wrongdoing.

Republican Representative Kelly Armstrong on Thursday introduced a 14-page resolution that would allow the full House to vote on authorizing the probe.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival</a>

House Republicans have so far failed to produce evidence tying Biden's actions as vice president to his son's businesses, and it is unlikely that the Senate, where Biden's Democratic Party holds a slim majority, would vote to convict the president if the House did pass articles of impeachment.

Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican member of one of three committees investigating Biden, told Fox News on Sunday that he expects the inquiry to wrap up within the next two months and the House to draft articles of impeachment sometime in the spring.

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday to formalize its impeachment inquiry of Democratic President Joe Biden, a Republican leadership aide said on Monday.

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday to formalize its impeachment inquiry of Democratic President Joe Biden, a Republican leadership aide said on Monday. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because official plans for floor action remained fluid. Earlier on Monday, a Republican lawmaker said House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed plans for a Thursday vote at a closed-door meeting, a time frame that had also been echoed by other Republicans. The House is due to leave Washington on Thursday for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks. ALSO READ | 'Dictator for a day': Biden labels Trump a threat to democracy; reaffirms commitment to Israel House Republicans accuse the Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions Biden participated in as vice president during President Barack Obama's 2009-2017 administration. They have also accused the US Department of Justice of inappropriately interfering with an investigation into Biden's businessman son Hunter Biden. The Justice Department denies wrongdoing. Republican Representative Kelly Armstrong on Thursday introduced a 14-page resolution that would allow the full House to vote on authorizing the probe. ALSO READ | Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival House Republicans have so far failed to produce evidence tying Biden's actions as vice president to his son's businesses, and it is unlikely that the Senate, where Biden's Democratic Party holds a slim majority, would vote to convict the president if the House did pass articles of impeachment. Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican member of one of three committees investigating Biden, told Fox News on Sunday that he expects the inquiry to wrap up within the next two months and the House to draft articles of impeachment sometime in the spring.

US House to vote on formalising Biden's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday: Report

An anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a commercial tanker vessel and caused a fire, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). This comes days after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to target any ships near Israel, which is engaged in a war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

The US military reported that there was damage but no casualties due to the incident which took place&nbsp;on Monday (Dec 11).

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The attack on what is reported to be a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA took place around 111 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden around 2100 GMT, a US official told Reuters.&nbsp;

A second US official told the news agency that the ship was able to move under its own power in the hours after the attack. “The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time,” said the CENTCOM, which oversees American forces in the Middle East.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-drones-assists-multiple-commercial-vessels-attacked-in-red-sea-by-yemens-houthis-665938">US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis</a>

“There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS MASON responded to the M/T STRINDA's mayday call and is currently rendering assistance,” it said in a statement.&nbsp;

The STRINDA is a Norway-flagged chemical tanker and is owned by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, according to Reuters. The report citing data from ship tracking firm Kpler said that the STRINDA had loaded vegetable oil and biofuels in Malaysia and was headed for Venice, Italy.&nbsp;

<h2>UK flags unusual activity near Yemen</h2>

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said that it received reports of an entity declaring itself to be the Yemeni navy ordering a vessel to alter course to an unspecified Yemeni port, on Tuesday (Dec 12).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-concerned-over-reports-of-israel-using-white-phosphorus-in-lebanon-attack-668699">White House 'concerned' over reports that Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon</a>

Notably, ships of both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as Yemeni navy. According to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com, the suspected vessel was a “northbound cargo-laden oil tanker”.

<h2>Houthis claim responsibility for attack</h2>

The recent incident involving the Norwegian tanker comes after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, on Saturday (Dec 9) said that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

The threat was issued amid Israel’s ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis which control much of Yemen, says its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

The&nbsp;Iran-backed group later claimed responsibility for the attack calling it a "qualitative military operation" against a tanker which was carrying oil to Israel.&nbsp;

"The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation against the Norwegian ship Strinda, which was loaded with oil" bound for Israel, said the&nbsp;military spokesman Yahya Saree, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of December, several commercial vessels have come under attack in international waters prompting the US Navy destroyers stationed in the region to intervene.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Dec 3), the US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance after missile and drone attacks on three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a commercial tanker vessel and caused a fire, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

An anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a commercial tanker vessel and caused a fire, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). This comes days after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to target any ships near Israel, which is engaged in a war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The US military reported that there was damage but no casualties due to the incident which took place on Monday (Dec 11). What happened? The attack on what is reported to be a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA took place around 111 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden around 2100 GMT, a US official told Reuters. A second US official told the news agency that the ship was able to move under its own power in the hours after the attack. “The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time,” said the CENTCOM, which oversees American forces in the Middle East. ALSO READ | US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis “There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS MASON responded to the M/T STRINDA's mayday call and is currently rendering assistance,” it said in a statement. The STRINDA is a Norway-flagged chemical tanker and is owned by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, according to Reuters. The report citing data from ship tracking firm Kpler said that the STRINDA had loaded vegetable oil and biofuels in Malaysia and was headed for Venice, Italy. UK flags unusual activity near Yemen The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said that it received reports of an entity declaring itself to be the Yemeni navy ordering a vessel to alter course to an unspecified Yemeni port, on Tuesday (Dec 12). ALSO READ | White House 'concerned' over reports that Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon Notably, ships of both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as Yemeni navy. According to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com, the suspected vessel was a “northbound cargo-laden oil tanker”. Houthis claim responsibility for attack The recent incident involving the Norwegian tanker comes after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, on Saturday (Dec 9) said that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. The threat was issued amid Israel’s ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis which control much of Yemen, says its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea The Iran-backed group later claimed responsibility for the attack calling it a "qualitative military operation" against a tanker which was carrying oil to Israel. "The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation against the Norwegian ship Strinda, which was loaded with oil" bound for Israel, said the military spokesman Yahya Saree, as quoted by news agency AFP. Since the beginning of December, several commercial vessels have come under attack in international waters prompting the US Navy destroyers stationed in the region to intervene. On Sunday (Dec 3), the US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance after missile and drone attacks on three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military

In the coming week, central bankers, from Washington to Frankfurt to London and beyond, will make their final policy decision for the year. That comes at a time of apprehension about the direction the global inflation cycle is taking.

Global rate-cut standoff looms | World Business Watch

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