According to American media reports, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine amid heightened tensions with Russia over a military buildup in the region. A Russian troop buildup in recent weeks near Ukraine's border and in occupied Crimea has raised concerns of an escalation of the conflict in Kyiv and in the West.

Reports: US top diplomat Antony Blinken to visit Ukraine next week

Pfizer Inc's shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico this week includes doses made in its US plant, the first of what are expected to be ongoing exports of its shots from the United States.

Pfizer to export COVID-19 shots from its US plant, first doses sent to Mexico

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday.

"From our perspective, if we were to see a US shift from strategic ambiguity, as you`ve identified it, to clarity over a willingness to intervene in a Taiwan contingency, the Chinese would find this deeply destabilizing," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the Senate Armed Services Committee, as quoted by The Hill.

"I think it would solidify Chinese perceptions that the US is bent on constraining China`s rise, including through military force, and would probably cause Beijing to aggressively undermine U.S. interests worldwide," she added.

From Taipei`s perspective, Haines said, it`s "possible" a US change from "strategic ambiguity" could lead to more Taiwanese movement toward independence." I would say that already Taiwan is hardening to some extent towards independence as they`re watching, essentially, what happened in Hong Kong, and I think that is an increasing challenge," she added.

The director`s comments at the committee's annual worldwide threats hearing come after the outgoing top U.S. military officer for the region suggested it`s time to rethink U.S. policy toward Taiwan.&nbsp;

The Hill reported that under the decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan where it does not explicitly say it would come to the island`s defence in a conflict with China. The policy is aimed at both avoiding, provoking Beijing and not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, which could lead to a Chinese invasion.&nbsp;

When Asked about the strategic ambiguity policy at a Senate Armed Services hearing last month, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) chief Adm. Philip Davidson said that while the current policy has "helped keep Taiwan in its current status," he believes "these things should be reconsidered routinely."Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, while testifying alongside Haines, said Chinese President Xi Jinping has a goal to "unify Taiwan with China."We don't know that he`s decided on how or when to do that," Berrier added, but noted there has been "an increase in [Chinese military] activity on the sea and the airspace around Taiwan over the last year." This comes as China said its military activities in the Taiwan Strait were targeted at "separatists" in Taiwan and "external forces".

[We] have made full preparation in addressing the separatist activities of Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces," South China Morning Post quoted Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, as saying. Early this month, in their first in-person meeting at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden said in their joint statement that they "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and "encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues."

Beijing, on the other hand, reacted sharply to the statement and expressed firm opposition to Washington and Tokyo's demand for a 'stable' Taiwan strait.&nbsp;

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.&nbsp;

China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing`s concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions.&nbsp;

Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, although the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.&nbsp;

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing.&nbsp;

China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war.

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday.

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday. "From our perspective, if we were to see a US shift from strategic ambiguity, as you`ve identified it, to clarity over a willingness to intervene in a Taiwan contingency, the Chinese would find this deeply destabilizing," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the Senate Armed Services Committee, as quoted by The Hill. "I think it would solidify Chinese perceptions that the US is bent on constraining China`s rise, including through military force, and would probably cause Beijing to aggressively undermine U.S. interests worldwide," she added. From Taipei`s perspective, Haines said, it`s "possible" a US change from "strategic ambiguity" could lead to more Taiwanese movement toward independence." I would say that already Taiwan is hardening to some extent towards independence as they`re watching, essentially, what happened in Hong Kong, and I think that is an increasing challenge," she added. The director`s comments at the committee's annual worldwide threats hearing come after the outgoing top U.S. military officer for the region suggested it`s time to rethink U.S. policy toward Taiwan. The Hill reported that under the decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan where it does not explicitly say it would come to the island`s defence in a conflict with China. The policy is aimed at both avoiding, provoking Beijing and not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, which could lead to a Chinese invasion. When Asked about the strategic ambiguity policy at a Senate Armed Services hearing last month, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) chief Adm. Philip Davidson said that while the current policy has "helped keep Taiwan in its current status," he believes "these things should be reconsidered routinely."Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, while testifying alongside Haines, said Chinese President Xi Jinping has a goal to "unify Taiwan with China."We don't know that he`s decided on how or when to do that," Berrier added, but noted there has been "an increase in [Chinese military] activity on the sea and the airspace around Taiwan over the last year." This comes as China said its military activities in the Taiwan Strait were targeted at "separatists" in Taiwan and "external forces". [We] have made full preparation in addressing the separatist activities of Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces," South China Morning Post quoted Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, as saying. Early this month, in their first in-person meeting at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden said in their joint statement that they "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and "encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues." Beijing, on the other hand, reacted sharply to the statement and expressed firm opposition to Washington and Tokyo's demand for a 'stable' Taiwan strait. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing`s concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions. Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, although the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades. Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war.

China would find change in policy toward Taiwan 'deeply destabilising': US

New York City is all set to reopen fully from July 1 after more than a year of COVID-19 induced closures and capacity restrictions. Mayor Bill de Blasio cited strong Coronavirus vaccination numbers in the city as a reason for the reopening.

New York City plans to fully reopen July 1 says Mayor Bill de Blasio

The sister of a black man Lymond Moses shot to death by Delaware police in January sued the officers, saying her brother’s death was not justified and another example of unnecessary deadly force by white police against Black citizens.

US: Sister of dead black man Lymond Moses sues Delaware police

Another man dies in police custody in US. Officers in California kneels on a 26-year-old man for five minutes till he stops responding. 3 cops involved placed on paid leave, autopsy report is pending. Bodycam footage of the arrest has been released. Watch

Bodycam footage: Cop kneels on man to death

A Chinese businessman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to US charges that he smuggled marine technology out of the United States for the benefit of a Chinese military university involved in developing underwater drones.&nbsp;

Shuren Qin, a marine biologist and founder of a company that sells oceanographic instruments, pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to illegally exporting to China devices called hydrophones that can be used to monitor sound underwater.&nbsp;

He was charged in 2018 amid rising US concerns about the national security threat posed by China.&nbsp;

Assistant Attorney General John Demers said during a seminar on Wednesday at George Washington University that Chinese espionage and technology theft cases remain a top priority under the Biden administration's Justice Department.&nbsp;

Qin, who resides in Wellesley, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to 10 counts including conspiring to commit export violations, visa fraud, money laundering and smuggling.&nbsp;

Prosecutors previously also accused Qin, 45, of exporting unmanned surface vehicles and robotic boats, and alleged he had from 2015 to 2018 supplied $8 million in goods to Chinese government-controlled entities.&nbsp;

He admitted to charges only concerning 60 hydrophones worth $100,000. Under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend a prison sentence at the low end of the 87 to 108 months he faces under federal sentencing guidelines.&nbsp;

The plea was conditional, and Qin may still appeal a judge's decision to not suppress evidence against him.&nbsp;

Defence lawyers said Qin founded LinkOcean Technologies Ltd in China in 2005 to provide oceanographic instruments to scientists and immigrated to the United States with his family in 2014 as a permanent resident.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said Northwestern Polytechnical University, a Chinese military research institute, tasked Qin with obtaining items used for anti-submarine warfare and that he obtained hydrophones for it from a US manufacturer.&nbsp;

William Kettlewell, Qin's attorney, said he was unaware of the university's intended uses for the products. The university was also indicted but has never appeared in court. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Chinese businessman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to US charges that he smuggled marine technology out of the United States for the benefit of a Chinese military university involved in developing underwater drones.

A Chinese businessman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to US charges that he smuggled marine technology out of the United States for the benefit of a Chinese military university involved in developing underwater drones. Shuren Qin, a marine biologist and founder of a company that sells oceanographic instruments, pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to illegally exporting to China devices called hydrophones that can be used to monitor sound underwater. He was charged in 2018 amid rising US concerns about the national security threat posed by China. Assistant Attorney General John Demers said during a seminar on Wednesday at George Washington University that Chinese espionage and technology theft cases remain a top priority under the Biden administration's Justice Department. Qin, who resides in Wellesley, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to 10 counts including conspiring to commit export violations, visa fraud, money laundering and smuggling. Prosecutors previously also accused Qin, 45, of exporting unmanned surface vehicles and robotic boats, and alleged he had from 2015 to 2018 supplied $8 million in goods to Chinese government-controlled entities. He admitted to charges only concerning 60 hydrophones worth $100,000. Under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend a prison sentence at the low end of the 87 to 108 months he faces under federal sentencing guidelines. The plea was conditional, and Qin may still appeal a judge's decision to not suppress evidence against him. Defence lawyers said Qin founded LinkOcean Technologies Ltd in China in 2005 to provide oceanographic instruments to scientists and immigrated to the United States with his family in 2014 as a permanent resident. Prosecutors said Northwestern Polytechnical University, a Chinese military research institute, tasked Qin with obtaining items used for anti-submarine warfare and that he obtained hydrophones for it from a US manufacturer. William Kettlewell, Qin's attorney, said he was unaware of the university's intended uses for the products. The university was also indicted but has never appeared in court. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese businessman admits smuggling US marine tech to China 

Uber has come up with unique feature in US. The company is introducing a new feature in its app that will allow people to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments and reserve rental cars.

Uber app in US to enable users to book COVID-19 vaccines

US Federal Reserve has held its key interest rates near zero and said it plans to continue supporting economic recovery. Fed is maintaining the policies until the economy heals further from the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

World Business Watch: Powell waves inflation worries away as Fed holds rates near zero

The US on Thursday expressed its deep concern over a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city. The law has raised fears that Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed in Hong Kong.

The new law was passed on Wednesday by city legislature that is now devoid of opposition. The law grants immigration chief powers to bar people from boarding planes to and from the city.

"We are aware of this legislation and share widespread concerns in Hong Kong about its content, potential uses, and lack of oversight or accountability," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

"We have long-standing concerns about the PRC's arbitrary use of exit bans without due process of law, including against American citizens. We are deeply concerned by the prospect of Hong Kong authorities adopting similar arbitrary measures," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Hong Kong government claims that the law won't be applied to those leaving the city but it is aimed at illegal immigrants travelling to the business hub.

But the wording of the bill does not limit the power to arriving flights or immigrants and legal experts say it could also be deployed against anyone leaving Hong Kong.

In a potential recognition of those concerns, Hong Kong's government late Wednesday said it would draft subsidiary legislation specifying that the law would only be applied to inbound flights.&nbsp;

The US statement urged the Hong Kong government to honour this "public commitment" to not use the law "as a pretext to deny boarding for outbound passengers".&nbsp;

Britain's Foreign Office also issued a brief statement.&nbsp;

"The right of people to leave Hong Kong is guaranteed under the Basic Law and should be upheld," a spokesperson said, referring to the city's post-handover mini-constitution.

So-called "exit bans" are often used by mainland China against activists who challenge authorities. They have also ensnared business figures involved in commercial disputes.

Local activists and lawyers from Hong Kong's influential Bar Association warn the bill gives "apparently unfettered power" to the immigration director to do the same, should they wish to.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US on Thursday expressed its deep concern over a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city. The law has raised fears that Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed in Hong Kong.

The US on Thursday expressed its deep concern over a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city. The law has raised fears that Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed in Hong Kong. The new law was passed on Wednesday by city legislature that is now devoid of opposition. The law grants immigration chief powers to bar people from boarding planes to and from the city. "We are aware of this legislation and share widespread concerns in Hong Kong about its content, potential uses, and lack of oversight or accountability," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. "We have long-standing concerns about the PRC's arbitrary use of exit bans without due process of law, including against American citizens. We are deeply concerned by the prospect of Hong Kong authorities adopting similar arbitrary measures," the spokesperson added. Hong Kong government claims that the law won't be applied to those leaving the city but it is aimed at illegal immigrants travelling to the business hub. But the wording of the bill does not limit the power to arriving flights or immigrants and legal experts say it could also be deployed against anyone leaving Hong Kong. In a potential recognition of those concerns, Hong Kong's government late Wednesday said it would draft subsidiary legislation specifying that the law would only be applied to inbound flights. The US statement urged the Hong Kong government to honour this "public commitment" to not use the law "as a pretext to deny boarding for outbound passengers". Britain's Foreign Office also issued a brief statement. "The right of people to leave Hong Kong is guaranteed under the Basic Law and should be upheld," a spokesperson said, referring to the city's post-handover mini-constitution. So-called "exit bans" are often used by mainland China against activists who challenge authorities. They have also ensnared business figures involved in commercial disputes. Local activists and lawyers from Hong Kong's influential Bar Association warn the bill gives "apparently unfettered power" to the immigration director to do the same, should they wish to. (With inputs from agencies)

US expresses deep concern over Hong Kong's 'exit ban' law

US President Joe Biden made his first joint address to Congress, outlining his vision for the country and speaking to what he sees as his administration's initial accomplishments as he nears 100 days in office.

Biden's delivers first address to Congress, says America is dreaming & leading the world again

Biden delivers first joint address to Congress, says America on the move again

Federal investigators raided the New York apartment of former US President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani early on Wednesday as part of a probe into his dealings in Ukraine.

Trump's Ex lawyer Rudy Giuliani's apartment searched in federal investigation

&nbsp;A US&nbsp;legislative proposal to allocate $112&nbsp;billion for basic and advanced technology research and science in the face of rising competitive pressure from China will be delayed by at least two weeks, US&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Republicans and staffers said on Monday.

The bipartisan "Endless Frontier" measure was scheduled to be debated by the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Commerce Committee on Wednesday, having been formally introduced on April 21. But with more than 230 amendments filed for consideration,&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Republicans said the markup would not go forward until after a one-week&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;recess than ends May 10.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="US increases pressure on China through new strategic competition policy">US increases pressure on China through new strategic competition policy</a>

Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee, told reporters that lawmakers needed more time "for some consensus&nbsp;to develop."

A spokesman for Senator Todd Young, the primary Republican sponsor told Reuters the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;will not be heard in committee "this week but we expect it to happen after the recess."

The measure, sponsored by&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Young and others, would also authorize another $10&nbsp;billion to designate at least 10 regional technology hubs and create a supply chain crisis response program to address issues like the shortfall in semiconductor chips harming auto production.

A spokesman for Senator Maria Cantwell, who chairs the Commerce Committee, did not immediately comment on Monday night.

Many lawmakers want to&nbsp;use the legislation to advance other priorities and attach additional proposals. Senators Gary Peters and John Thune want to&nbsp;use the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;to speed the deployment of thousands of self-driving cars.

Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, another sponsor, said US&nbsp;superiority in science and technology "is at risk. The Chinese Communist Party has&nbsp;used decades of intellectual property theft and industrial espionage to close this technological gap in a way that threatens not only our economic security, but also our way of life."

Schumer said separately last week he will push for "emergency spending" to implement semiconductor manufacturing provisions in last year’s defense&nbsp;bill.

A US legislative proposal to allocate $112 billion for basic and advanced technology research and science in the face of rising competitive pressure from China will be delayed by at least two weeks, US Senate Republicans and staffers said on Monday.

A US legislative proposal to allocate $112 billion for basic and advanced technology research and science in the face of rising competitive pressure from China will be delayed by at least two weeks, US Senate Republicans and staffers said on Monday. The bipartisan "Endless Frontier" measure was scheduled to be debated by the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, having been formally introduced on April 21. But with more than 230 amendments filed for consideration, Senate Republicans said the markup would not go forward until after a one-week Senate recess than ends May 10. Also read: US increases pressure on China through new strategic competition policy Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee, told reporters that lawmakers needed more time "for some consensus to develop." A spokesman for Senator Todd Young, the primary Republican sponsor told Reuters the bill will not be heard in committee "this week but we expect it to happen after the recess." The measure, sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Young and others, would also authorize another $10 billion to designate at least 10 regional technology hubs and create a supply chain crisis response program to address issues like the shortfall in semiconductor chips harming auto production. A spokesman for Senator Maria Cantwell, who chairs the Commerce Committee, did not immediately comment on Monday night. Many lawmakers want to use the legislation to advance other priorities and attach additional proposals. Senators Gary Peters and John Thune want to use the bill to speed the deployment of thousands of self-driving cars. Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, another sponsor, said US superiority in science and technology "is at risk. The Chinese Communist Party has used decades of intellectual property theft and industrial espionage to close this technological gap in a way that threatens not only our economic security, but also our way of life." Schumer said separately last week he will push for "emergency spending" to implement semiconductor manufacturing provisions in last year’s defense bill.

US legislation on China to be delayed, lawmakers say

The Biden administration is easing decades-old requirements that made it difficult for doctors to treat opioid addiction using medication.&nbsp;

New guidelines announced on Tuesday mean doctors and other health workers will no longer need extra hours of training to prescribe buprenorphine, a gold standard medicine that helps with cravings. And they no longer have to refer patients to counseling services.&nbsp;

Under the loosened guidelines, prescribers will be able to treat up to 30 patients at a time with the drug. It comes in a pill or film that dissolves under the tongue. It costs about USD 100 a month. A common version of buprenorphine is Suboxone.&nbsp;

Because of how opioids act on the brain, people dependent on them get sick if they stop using. &nbsp;

Withdrawal can feel like a bad flu with cramping, sweating, anxiety and sleeplessness. Cravings for the drug can be so intense that relapse is common.&nbsp;

Buprenorphine helps by moving a patient from powerful painkillers or an illicit opioid like heroin to a regular dose of a legal opioid-based medication.&nbsp;

Besides doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives and some other types of nurses will be able to prescribe buprenorphine without first getting special training.&nbsp;

The Trump administration tried to make a similar change in its final days but it would have applied only to doctors. &nbsp;

The Biden administration put the matter on hold for a legal and policy review, ultimately deciding to expand the easier guidelines to more prescribers. &nbsp;

"What it does is provide more on-ramps to treatment," said Brendan Saloner, an addiction researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. &nbsp;

"This will help in health centers, hospitals, jails and prisons places where these folks sometimes show up for treatment."&nbsp;

Stricter requirements will remain for prescribers, who want to treat more than 30 patients at a time.&nbsp;

The prescribing requirements date back to legislation in 2000 meant to prevent too-easy access to a medicine with its own potential for misuse. But only a small number of doctors went through the steps and, in many parts of the country, patients couldn't find a prescriber. Ironically, doctors could prescribe buprenorphine for pain without the extra training.&nbsp;

US drug overdose deaths have climbed during the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 90,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in September, the highest number ever recorded in a one-year period. There is not yet data for all of 2020, and the figures are preliminary.&nbsp;

“The change will increase the number of prescribers and the number of patients who receive prescriptions," said Assistant Health Secretary Dr Rachel Levine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The Biden administration is easing decades-old requirements that made it difficult for doctors to treat opioid addiction using medication. New guidelines announced on Tuesday mean doctors and other health workers will no longer need extra hours of training to prescribe buprenorphine, a gold standard medicine that helps with cravings.

The Biden administration is easing decades-old requirements that made it difficult for doctors to treat opioid addiction using medication. New guidelines announced on Tuesday mean doctors and other health workers will no longer need extra hours of training to prescribe buprenorphine, a gold standard medicine that helps with cravings. And they no longer have to refer patients to counseling services. Under the loosened guidelines, prescribers will be able to treat up to 30 patients at a time with the drug. It comes in a pill or film that dissolves under the tongue. It costs about USD 100 a month. A common version of buprenorphine is Suboxone. Because of how opioids act on the brain, people dependent on them get sick if they stop using. Withdrawal can feel like a bad flu with cramping, sweating, anxiety and sleeplessness. Cravings for the drug can be so intense that relapse is common. Buprenorphine helps by moving a patient from powerful painkillers or an illicit opioid like heroin to a regular dose of a legal opioid-based medication. Besides doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives and some other types of nurses will be able to prescribe buprenorphine without first getting special training. The Trump administration tried to make a similar change in its final days but it would have applied only to doctors. The Biden administration put the matter on hold for a legal and policy review, ultimately deciding to expand the easier guidelines to more prescribers. "What it does is provide more on-ramps to treatment," said Brendan Saloner, an addiction researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "This will help in health centers, hospitals, jails and prisons places where these folks sometimes show up for treatment." Stricter requirements will remain for prescribers, who want to treat more than 30 patients at a time. The prescribing requirements date back to legislation in 2000 meant to prevent too-easy access to a medicine with its own potential for misuse. But only a small number of doctors went through the steps and, in many parts of the country, patients couldn't find a prescriber. Ironically, doctors could prescribe buprenorphine for pain without the extra training. US drug overdose deaths have climbed during the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 90,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in September, the highest number ever recorded in a one-year period. There is not yet data for all of 2020, and the figures are preliminary. “The change will increase the number of prescribers and the number of patients who receive prescriptions," said Assistant Health Secretary Dr Rachel Levine. (With inputs from agencies)

US lifts barriers to prescribing addiction treatment drug 

The US Capitol is on high alert as it braces for President Joe Biden's first address to a joint session of Congress. Security has been ramped up as the deadly attack on the Capitol was carried out by former President Donald Trump's supporters on 6 January.

US Capitol on high alert for Biden’s first address to Congress

A bipartisan group of US&nbsp;senators&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;urged the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration to slap&nbsp;more&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on the military&nbsp;junta&nbsp;in&nbsp;Myanmar, including choking revenues to a state energy company, in response to its coup and violent crackdown on protesters.

Senators&nbsp;Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, and Marco Rubio, a Republican, and four others&nbsp;urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a letter to "explore new avenues to support the people of Burma in their ongoing struggle for democracy in the face of escalating crimes against humanity."

They want the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration to stop royalties flowing from businesses including US&nbsp;energy major Chevron Corp to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Oil and Gas Enterprise, or MOGE, an agency within the Energy Ministry. MOGE provides financial support to military leaders, including General Min Aung Hlaing, already under US&nbsp;sanctions.

MOGE is a partner in Yadana, a natural gas field in which Chevron has a 28.3 per cent&nbsp;stake.

Human rights groups have&nbsp;urged energy companies including Chevron and Total to cut ties to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;after the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1, detaining her and cracking down on protesters.&nbsp;More&nbsp;than 750 people have since been killed.

Gas revenues from joint ventures involving companies like Total and Chevron are the most significant single source of foreign exchange revenue for the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;government, generating cash payments of about $1.1 billion annually, the&nbsp;senators&nbsp;said.

They proposed the ventures pay revenue into a trust to be held until&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has a democratically elected government or to be used for humanitarian purposes, according to the letter, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.

A Chevron representative said any diversion of revenues or taxes owed to MOGE into an escrow account "could be considered a breach of contract and potentially put employees of the joint venture partners at undue risk of criminal prosecution."

Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State and Treasury departments did not immediately respond.

Chevron paid around $50 million to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;between 2014 and 2018, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which works to increase transparency in international business.

A bipartisan group of US senators on Tuesday urged the Biden administration to slap more sanctions on the military junta in Myanmar, including choking revenues to a state energy company, in response to its coup and violent crackdown on protesters.

A bipartisan group of US senators on Tuesday urged the Biden administration to slap more sanctions on the military junta in Myanmar, including choking revenues to a state energy company, in response to its coup and violent crackdown on protesters. Senators Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, and Marco Rubio, a Republican, and four others urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a letter to "explore new avenues to support the people of Burma in their ongoing struggle for democracy in the face of escalating crimes against humanity." They want the Biden administration to stop royalties flowing from businesses including US energy major Chevron Corp to Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, or MOGE, an agency within the Energy Ministry. MOGE provides financial support to military leaders, including General Min Aung Hlaing, already under US sanctions. MOGE is a partner in Yadana, a natural gas field in which Chevron has a 28.3 per cent stake. Human rights groups have urged energy companies including Chevron and Total to cut ties to Myanmar after the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, detaining her and cracking down on protesters. More than 750 people have since been killed. Gas revenues from joint ventures involving companies like Total and Chevron are the most significant single source of foreign exchange revenue for the Myanmar government, generating cash payments of about $1.1 billion annually, the senators said. They proposed the ventures pay revenue into a trust to be held until Myanmar has a democratically elected government or to be used for humanitarian purposes, according to the letter, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. A Chevron representative said any diversion of revenues or taxes owed to MOGE into an escrow account "could be considered a breach of contract and potentially put employees of the joint venture partners at undue risk of criminal prosecution." Total did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State and Treasury departments did not immediately respond. Chevron paid around $50 million to Myanmar between 2014 and 2018, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which works to increase transparency in international business.

Senators urge Biden to impose more sanctions on Myanmar junta

President Joe Biden said that the United States is sending a whole series of help that India needs in its battle against COVID-19, reiterating that New Delhi had done the same when his country was in need last year.

Biden: Immediately sending a whole series of help that India needed

US President Joe Biden said that fully vaccinated Americans can go outdoors without a face mask, but not in crowd. President Biden touted the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as another reason for people to get vaccinated.

US: Biden says fully vaccinated people can go without masks outdoors

The United States has ordered non-essential staff to leave its Kabul embassy citing increased threats as Washington prepares to end its 20-year war in Afghanistan. The order came two weeks after President Joe Biden announced that US troops would leave the country by September.

US orders officials to leave Kabul embassy as it begins troop pullout

A US military ship fired warning shots after three vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) came close to it and another American patrol boat in the Gulf.

US Navy ship fires warning shots after close encounter with Iranian vessels

In June 2020, Karen Garner was detained by US police after walking out of a Walmart store in Colorado. She had&nbsp;reportedly not paid for $13 worth of items.

Now, a video has emerged that apparently shows the cops&nbsp;mocking the&nbsp;woman when her shoulder “popped” during the arrest. They were watching the body cam footage of her detention. Turns out, her elbow was fractured and her shoulder was dislocated during the confrontation.

The clip&nbsp;has gone viral on social media.

Watch below

<blockquote>
Colorado Officers appear to be laughing at 73-year-old dementia patient Karen Gardner they just arrested with force <a href="https://t.co/GENB4Llp5R">pic.twitter.com/GENB4Llp5R</a>
— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1386850738391949316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>

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An investigation has been launched into the Loveland Police Department’s arrest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/body-camera-video-shows-us-police-officers-berating-five-year-old-boy-373882" hreflang="en">Body camera video shows US police officers berating five-year-old boy</a>

The footage was released on Monday, and show the police officers fist bumping each other while making the arrest.&nbsp; Video from the victim’s holding cell showed her handcuffed while the officers joked about her.

“Ready for the pop? Hear the pop?”, an officer can be heard saying. One of the officers can then be heard saying “I love it”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/body-camera-footage-shows-capitol-rioters-trampling-over-woman-360160" hreflang="en">Body camera footage shows Capitol rioters trampling over woman</a>

The family of Karen Garner hired a sound engineer to enhance the audio of the remarks made by the officers. Their lawyer has pursued a federal lawsuit against the department for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and for “violently” assaulting Garner.

Loveland Police in a statement said that they would not be making any comments until a consequence is reached in the “criminal investigation” which was launched last week.

In June 2020, Karen Garner was detained by US police after walking out of a Walmart store in Colorado. She had reportedly not paid for $13 worth of items. Now, a video has emerged that apparently shows the cops mocking the woman when her shoulder “popped” during the arrest.

In June 2020, Karen Garner was detained by US police after walking out of a Walmart store in Colorado. She had reportedly not paid for $13 worth of items. Now, a video has emerged that apparently shows the cops mocking the woman when her shoulder “popped” during the arrest. They were watching the body cam footage of her detention. Turns out, her elbow was fractured and her shoulder was dislocated during the confrontation. The clip has gone viral on social media. Watch below Colorado Officers appear to be laughing at 73-year-old dementia patient Karen Gardner they just arrested with force pic.twitter.com/GENB4Llp5R — Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) April 27, 2021 × An investigation has been launched into the Loveland Police Department’s arrest. Also read: Body camera video shows US police officers berating five-year-old boy The footage was released on Monday, and show the police officers fist bumping each other while making the arrest. Video from the victim’s holding cell showed her handcuffed while the officers joked about her. “Ready for the pop? Hear the pop?”, an officer can be heard saying. One of the officers can then be heard saying “I love it”. Also read: Body camera footage shows Capitol rioters trampling over woman The family of Karen Garner hired a sound engineer to enhance the audio of the remarks made by the officers. Their lawyer has pursued a federal lawsuit against the department for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and for “violently” assaulting Garner. Loveland Police in a statement said that they would not be making any comments until a consequence is reached in the “criminal investigation” which was launched last week.

Watch: US police officers caught mocking a dementia patient after arrest

The United States will began sharing its entire pipeline of AstraZeneca vaccines after a federal safety review. 60 million doses are expected to be available for export in the coming month.

US to share its stockpile of AstraZeneca jabs after safety review

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden on the evolving COVID-19 situation in the country. PM Modi conveyed the support and discussed India's requirement and US efforts to meet them amid the ongoing pandemic.

Indian PM Modi thanks US President Joe Biden for offer of help over phone

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