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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the government and the people of the archipelago nation on the occasion of the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr. Watch in for more details!

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House Republicans on Wednesday (Apr 10) blocked a bill that would reauthorise a crucial national security surveillance program, marking a fresh blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson.

House Republicans on Wednesday (Apr 10) blocked a bill that would reauthorise a crucial national security surveillance program, marking a fresh blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the procedural vote to bring up the bill failed 193-228, with nearly 20 Republicans voting no. The report said that hours before the vote, House Speaker Johnson, 52, made a final push, urging for the passage (of the bill) saying that Congress must "address these abuses" without cutting off the surveillance program entirely. “It’s a critically important piece of our intelligence and law enforcement in this country," he told reporters. What would the bill do? The bill would renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows the government to collect without a warrant the communications of non-Americans outside the US to gather foreign intelligence. The reauthorisation is tied to a series of reforms to satisfy critics who complained of civil liberties violations against Americans. But Republican opponents complained that those changes did not go far enough. Also read | Russian intelligence passed on 'lies' about the Bidens, FBI informant claims It is unclear if the proposal, backed by the Biden administration and Johnson, would eventually have enough votes to advance. Though the surveillance program expires on April 19, the Biden administration has said it expects its authority to collect intelligence to remain operational for at least another year, thanks to an opinion earlier in April from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which receives surveillance applications. But administration officials said that if the program lapses, some telecommunications companies could reduce or stop cooperation with the government or challenge its authority. FISA was used illegally against me: Trump US officials said the surveillance program is crucial in disrupting terror attacks, cyber intrusions and foreign espionage, and has also produced intelligence that Washington relied on for specific operations. On Wednesday, former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that FISA was illegally used against him. "Kill FISA. It was illegally used against me, and many others. They spied on my campaign," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US: In fresh blow to House Speaker Johnson, surveillance bill blocked by Republicans

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Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany which operates both domestic and international flights, has prolonged the halt of its flights from Frankfurt to Tehran till April 13 because of the security apprehensions in the Middle East.&nbsp;This decision comes amid heightened vigilance in the region anticipating a potential retaliation from Iran following a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria.

"Last weekend it was decided not to operate a flight to Tehran with a layover for the crew due to the security situation," a spokesperson for the airline reportedly said.&nbsp;

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The airlines said that the move was made to&nbsp;prevent crew members from spending overnight layovers in the Iranian capital.

"On the route, the crew has to spend the night in Tehran before the return flight to Frankfurt. We want to avoid disembarking for safety reasons," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

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Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa Group and one of the largest airline groups in Europe, are the sole Western carriers operating flights to Tehran.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that Tehran, the capital city of Iran and a major economic and cultural hub in the region, is mostly served by several Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines.&nbsp;

Notably, suspected Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital on April 1. Iran reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of seven military advisers.

Amid the threat of a potential retaliation by Iran, US President Joe Biden has vowed US' "ironclad" support to Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Austrian Airlines Makes Changes</h2>

Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines announced its plans to operate flights to Tehran on Thursday but disclosed adjustments in timings to avoid overnight layovers.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vietnam-real-estate-billionaire-sentenced-to-death-sunak-spent-over-2-mn-on-focus-groups-710139">Vietnam: Real estate billionaire sentenced to death | Sunak spent over $2 Mn on focus groups</a>

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“The Austrian Airlines flight to Tehran scheduled for today will take place, but will depart from Vienna several hours late in order to minimise the time between landing and departure in Tehran,” a spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany which operates both domestic and international flights, has prolonged the halt of its flights from Frankfurt to Tehran till April 13 because of the security apprehensions in the Middle East.

Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany which operates both domestic and international flights, has prolonged the halt of its flights from Frankfurt to Tehran till April 13 because of the security apprehensions in the Middle East. This decision comes amid heightened vigilance in the region anticipating a potential retaliation from Iran following a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. "Last weekend it was decided not to operate a flight to Tehran with a layover for the crew due to the security situation," a spokesperson for the airline reportedly said. Also Read | US President Biden considering Australia's request to drop Julian Assange's prosecution The airlines said that the move was made to prevent crew members from spending overnight layovers in the Iranian capital. "On the route, the crew has to spend the night in Tehran before the return flight to Frankfurt. We want to avoid disembarking for safety reasons," the spokesperson added. Also Read | Rwanda genocide: Envoy Mukangira shares personal tale of loss, pays homage to victims in Delhi Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa Group and one of the largest airline groups in Europe, are the sole Western carriers operating flights to Tehran. It is pertinent to note that Tehran, the capital city of Iran and a major economic and cultural hub in the region, is mostly served by several Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines. Notably, suspected Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital on April 1. Iran reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of seven military advisers. Amid the threat of a potential retaliation by Iran, US President Joe Biden has vowed US' "ironclad" support to Israel. Austrian Airlines Makes Changes Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines announced its plans to operate flights to Tehran on Thursday but disclosed adjustments in timings to avoid overnight layovers. WATCH | Vietnam: Real estate billionaire sentenced to death | Sunak spent over $2 Mn on focus groups × “The Austrian Airlines flight to Tehran scheduled for today will take place, but will depart from Vienna several hours late in order to minimise the time between landing and departure in Tehran,” a spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lufthansa extends Tehran flight suspension amid middle east security concerns

Real estate mogul Truong My Lan received the death penalty on Thursday from a Vietnamese court for her involvement in the largest financial fraud in the nation's history, a 304-trillion-dong ($12.5-billion) scheme. Watch to know more.

Vietnam: Real estate tycoon sentenced to death

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday (April 11) said that Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday (April 11) said that Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. It was the second time both the leaders crossed paths after the 2015 summit in Singapore when Ma was Taiwan's President. The 2015 summit marked the first time Chinese and Taiwanese leaders had met since the end of the civil war in 1949. The Republic of China government lost that civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists and fled to Taiwan. Also read: ‘No force can separate us’: China’s Xi Jinping holds meeting with pro-Beijing ex-president of Taiwan Ma Ying-jeou said he hoped young Taiwanese could put aside ideology and realize the historical and cultural links between Taiwan and China. China has always claimed Taiwan as its territory and has been asserting these claims by putting political pressure on democratically-governed Taiwan. Ma said that the youth on either side of the strait were “descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors.” In addition, Ma stated that all people on either side of the strait are members of "the Republic of China," although he later corrected himself to say “the Chinese people,” referring to those who are Chinese ethnically or culturally. An identical blunder was made by Ma during his meeting with Xi, as seen in footage shown by Taiwanese media stations. China's government, formerly known as the People's Republic of China, does not recognise the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, making Xi's attendance during the slip-up extremely contentious. Ma did not respond when asked if the language was deliberate.

Former Taiwan president says Taiwan, China can peacefully resolve differences

Vietnamese billionaire Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for her involvement in the country's biggest fraud case&nbsp;of $27 billion&nbsp;from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a decade.

Prosecutors revealed on Thursday (April 11) that the scam's total damages now stand at $27 billion, equivalent to nearly 3 per cent&nbsp;of Vietnam's gross domestic product (GDP), despite initial reports indicating $12.5 billion had been embezzled, as reported by the Guardian.

Following a five-week trial, Truong and 85 others including, former central bankers, ex-government officials, and previous SCB executives faced verdicts and sentencing in southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City Thursday (April 11) . Lan's family member speaking to&nbsp;Reuters before the verdict was out said&nbsp;she will contest the death penalty if issued.

They face charges of bribery, abuse of power, appropriation, and violations of banking law. Prosecutors wanted Lan to face the death penalty.&nbsp;

Vietnam has undergone a national corruption crackdown. Around 4,400 people have been indicted in this corruption crackdown wave. "In my desperation, I thought of death," Lan said in court last week.

She denied being a part of the money embezzlement and said, "I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment -- the banking sector -- which I have little knowledge of."

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There have been multiple protests since Lan's arrest. According to police, there are over 42,000 victims of the fraud. Lan's husband is also a defendant in the case.

Since Lan's arrest, the fraud victims have not received interest or principal payments and are unable to withdraw their money. In 2022, the projected allocations for Lan's evaluations were&nbsp;equal to around 3% of Vietnam's GDP. More than a thousand of Lan's possessions were taken by the prosecution.

According to the authorities, $5.2 million was allegedly given as bribe (largest recorded in Vietnam)&nbsp;to SCB bankers to help cover up the fraud.

According to state media, Do Thi Nhan, the former chief of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team and the person who was offered the bribe, said that she was given the cash in Styrofoam boxes, but&nbsp;when she realised they were filled with cash, she refused the 'bribe'.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vietnamese billionaire Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for her involvement in the country's biggest fraud case of $27 billion from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a decade.

Vietnamese billionaire Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for her involvement in the country's biggest fraud case of $27 billion from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a decade. Prosecutors revealed on Thursday (April 11) that the scam's total damages now stand at $27 billion, equivalent to nearly 3 per cent of Vietnam's gross domestic product (GDP), despite initial reports indicating $12.5 billion had been embezzled, as reported by the Guardian. Following a five-week trial, Truong and 85 others including, former central bankers, ex-government officials, and previous SCB executives faced verdicts and sentencing in southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City Thursday (April 11) . Lan's family member speaking to Reuters before the verdict was out said she will contest the death penalty if issued. They face charges of bribery, abuse of power, appropriation, and violations of banking law. Prosecutors wanted Lan to face the death penalty. Vietnam has undergone a national corruption crackdown. Around 4,400 people have been indicted in this corruption crackdown wave. "In my desperation, I thought of death," Lan said in court last week. She denied being a part of the money embezzlement and said, "I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment -- the banking sector -- which I have little knowledge of." Also read: Ex-CFO of Trump Organization Allen Weisselberg sent to jail for false testimony in civil fraud trial There have been multiple protests since Lan's arrest. According to police, there are over 42,000 victims of the fraud. Lan's husband is also a defendant in the case. Since Lan's arrest, the fraud victims have not received interest or principal payments and are unable to withdraw their money. In 2022, the projected allocations for Lan's evaluations were equal to around 3% of Vietnam's GDP. More than a thousand of Lan's possessions were taken by the prosecution. According to the authorities, $5.2 million was allegedly given as bribe (largest recorded in Vietnam) to SCB bankers to help cover up the fraud. According to state media, Do Thi Nhan, the former chief of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team and the person who was offered the bribe, said that she was given the cash in Styrofoam boxes, but when she realised they were filled with cash, she refused the 'bribe'. (With inputs from agencies)

Female billionaire sentenced to death for multi-billion dollar fraud in Vietnam

Israel and US fear Iran might attack Israel using missiles & drones

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Russia launches Angara space rocket | US extends 'ironclad' support to Israel

Rishi Sunak's 'eat out to help out policy' is once again under the radar. In the latest reports claim Sunak spent more than $2.5 million on focus groups to promote his campaign. While UK government's top medical advisers say they were not consulted about the scheme.

UK: PM Sunak spent $2.5M on focus groups to sell 'Eat Out' scheme: Report

US & Israel fear Iran might attack Israel using missiles & drones

A new study by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has highlighted that racist policing is under-reported in the European Union. Watch to know more.

Racist policing massively under-reported in the European Union: Report

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (Apr 10) that he was considering Australia's request to drop the prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (Apr 10) that he was considering Australia's request to drop the prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. "We are considering it," President Biden told a reporter on being asked about Australia's request to end Assange's prosecution. Assange, 52, is an Australian editor who gained the reputation of a sophisticated computer programmer. Assange launched the Wikileaks website in 2006, and it gained prominence in April 2010 when it published a classified video showing a 2007 US helicopter attack that killed a dozen people in Iraq's capital Baghdad. The website has released thousands of classified US military documents on the war in Afghanistan, and hundreds of thousands of US secret files on the Iraq war. Also read | Julian Assange has talked about suicide amid 'very dark times in prison', says wife Stella Assange is battling extradition from the United Kingdom (UK) to the US, where he is wanted on criminal charges over the release of confidential American military records and diplomatic cables. If extradited, the 52-year-old faces a sentence of up to 175 years in a maximum security prison. 'Encouraging comment from Biden' In February, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed a parliamentary motion calling for the return of Assange. "This is an encouraging comment from President Biden," Albanese told ABC television on Thursday. "I believe this must be brought to a conclusion and that Mr Assange has already paid a significant price, and enough is enough," he added. The Australian PM also said that there was nothing to be gained by Assange's continued incarceration. Assange's lawyer Barry Pollack also said that the US president's comment was encouraging. "It is encouraging that President Biden has confirmed that the United States is considering dropping its case against Julian Assange," Pollack told the news agency Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden considering Australia's request to drop Julian Assange's prosecution

Unmanned aerial vehicles are playing a crucial role in the Russia Ukraine war both sides have extensively relied on drones and now reports claim that Kyiv is facing trouble with US made variants. Watch in for more details!

US drones failing to meet mission objectives in Ukraine: Report

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Voting has concluded in South Korea's parliamentary elections and a major blow to president Yoon Suk Yeol South Korea's liberal opposition block is expected to strengthen its majority in the country's 300-member Parliament.

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About 200&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military personnel withdrew to a bridge to Thailand on Thursday after a days-long assault by the anti-junta resistance, which declared it had won control of the critical border town of Myawaddy, the latest in a string of rebel wins.

Myanmar's military-run government is battling insurgencies on several fronts and has suffered a series of defeats in frontier areas since last October, when rebel groups launched a coordinated offensive near the Chinese border.

The impoverished Southeast Asian nation has been in turmoil after the military deposed an elected civilian government in a 2021 coup, sparking a nationwide armed resistance that is now operating alongside some long-established ethnic rebel groups.

"Today KNU-led joint resistance forces captured the remaining military base in Myawaddy," Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for&nbsp;Myanmar's National Unity Government, told Reuters.

The body is a shadow administration of ousted lawmakers and anti-junta groups.

"This is a crucial victory for our revolution since Myawaddy is an important border town for the junta, one of the main (sources of) income from border trade," he added.

A spokesperson for the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta did not respond to telephone calls to seek comment.

The retreat of junta troops in Myawaddy, adjacent to the Thai town of Mae Sot, signals the potential loss of another key border trading outpost with direct highway access to parts of central&nbsp;Myanmar.

On Thursday, about 200 fleeing&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;soldiers gathered at a border crossing into Thailand, said Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the Karen National Union (KNU), an anti-junta group leading the assault on Myawaddy.

News outlet Khit Thit said Thai authorities were in talks with the soldiers to decide whether to grant them refuge.

<h2>Border crossings</h2>

The assault on Myawaddy began last week after the KNU said it had attacked a junta camp near the town, forcing some 500 security personnel to surrender, along with their families.

The military has already lost control of areas along&nbsp;Myanmar's borders with Bangladesh, China and India, while suffering a significant loss of manpower that has pushed it to introduce a draft for the first time.

"Next the resistance forces might go after major towns across&nbsp;Myanmar," said political analyst Than Soe Naing, adding that&nbsp;Myanmar's resistance forces control almost all border trading posts after the latest takeover in Myawaddy.

Border crossings in the area were open for civilians who were arriving in Thailand from&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in large numbers, said police official Borwornphop Soontornlekha, the immigration superintendent in Tak, the province where Mae Sot is located.

"Usually there are about 2,000 people who cross into Mae Sot from Myawaddy each day but the last three days the number was almost 4,000 a day," Borwornphop told Reuters.

Families with children were among the long queues at one border crossing near Mae Sot on Thursday, as Thai soldiers checked the bags and belongings of those going across.

Thailand's military has stepped up security on its side of the border, using army vehicles equipped with roof-mounted machine guns.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who earlier told Reuters the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta was "losing strength" and pushed to open talks with the regime, said on Thursday the recent fighting should not spill into his country's airspace.

Thailand remains neutral in the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;conflict and is able to accept up to 100,000 people displaced by the turmoil, its foreign minister has said.

At least 2,000 people have been displaced within&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;by the latest round of fighting between the rebels and the military, according to civil society group Karen Peace Support Network.

About 200 Myanmar military personnel withdrew to a bridge to Thailand on Thursday after a days-long assault by the anti-junta resistance, which declared it had won control of the critical border town of Myawaddy, the latest in a string of rebel wins.

About 200 Myanmar military personnel withdrew to a bridge to Thailand on Thursday after a days-long assault by the anti-junta resistance, which declared it had won control of the critical border town of Myawaddy, the latest in a string of rebel wins. Myanmar's military-run government is battling insurgencies on several fronts and has suffered a series of defeats in frontier areas since last October, when rebel groups launched a coordinated offensive near the Chinese border. The impoverished Southeast Asian nation has been in turmoil after the military deposed an elected civilian government in a 2021 coup, sparking a nationwide armed resistance that is now operating alongside some long-established ethnic rebel groups. "Today KNU-led joint resistance forces captured the remaining military base in Myawaddy," Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for Myanmar's National Unity Government, told Reuters. The body is a shadow administration of ousted lawmakers and anti-junta groups. "This is a crucial victory for our revolution since Myawaddy is an important border town for the junta, one of the main (sources of) income from border trade," he added. A spokesperson for the Myanmar junta did not respond to telephone calls to seek comment. The retreat of junta troops in Myawaddy, adjacent to the Thai town of Mae Sot, signals the potential loss of another key border trading outpost with direct highway access to parts of central Myanmar. On Thursday, about 200 fleeing Myanmar soldiers gathered at a border crossing into Thailand, said Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the Karen National Union (KNU), an anti-junta group leading the assault on Myawaddy. News outlet Khit Thit said Thai authorities were in talks with the soldiers to decide whether to grant them refuge. Border crossings The assault on Myawaddy began last week after the KNU said it had attacked a junta camp near the town, forcing some 500 security personnel to surrender, along with their families. The military has already lost control of areas along Myanmar's borders with Bangladesh, China and India, while suffering a significant loss of manpower that has pushed it to introduce a draft for the first time. "Next the resistance forces might go after major towns across Myanmar," said political analyst Than Soe Naing, adding that Myanmar's resistance forces control almost all border trading posts after the latest takeover in Myawaddy. Border crossings in the area were open for civilians who were arriving in Thailand from Myanmar in large numbers, said police official Borwornphop Soontornlekha, the immigration superintendent in Tak, the province where Mae Sot is located. "Usually there are about 2,000 people who cross into Mae Sot from Myawaddy each day but the last three days the number was almost 4,000 a day," Borwornphop told Reuters. Families with children were among the long queues at one border crossing near Mae Sot on Thursday, as Thai soldiers checked the bags and belongings of those going across. Thailand's military has stepped up security on its side of the border, using army vehicles equipped with roof-mounted machine guns. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who earlier told Reuters the Myanmar junta was "losing strength" and pushed to open talks with the regime, said on Thursday the recent fighting should not spill into his country's airspace. Thailand remains neutral in the Myanmar conflict and is able to accept up to 100,000 people displaced by the turmoil, its foreign minister has said. At least 2,000 people have been displaced within Myanmar by the latest round of fighting between the rebels and the military, according to civil society group Karen Peace Support Network.

Myanmar troops retreat as rebels declare control over key border town

India's Vidit Gujrathi defeated Alireza Firouzja, while Praggnanandhaa defeated Nijat Abasov on a successful day for Indians in the open segment at the Candidates chess tournament. Watch to know more.

FIDE Candidates Chess: Vidit, Praggnanandhaa win; Gukesh on top of standings

Video of a robot-like waitress serving at a Chinese restaurant has left the internet confused, about whether it’s an actual robot or a woman. Watch in for more details!

China's robotic waitress: Video of robot-like waitress serving food at a restaurant puzzles internet

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources.

As per the findings released by the federal agency on Wednesday (Apr 10), PFAs or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances were detected in major rivers across the arid state. However, the highest concentrations were found downstream in urban areas.

<h2>High concentration&nbsp;of forever chemicals</h2>

Researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) started inspecting the water in New Mexico after contamination was discovered at military installations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-china-australia-identified-as-hotspots-for-harmful-forever-chemicals-says-news-study-709504">US, China, Australia identified as hotspots for harmful ‘forever chemicals’, says news study</a>

They found a 10 times higher concentration of PFAs in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, compared to its upstream locations.

Researchers also took dozens of samples from groundwater wells and surface water sites as part of an initial statewide survey between August 2020 and October 2021. However, the officials said that the majority of samples from wells did not turn up PFAs.

<h2>Future decisions</h2>

The latest findings surrounding forever chemicals and contamination will help regulators make decisions about protecting drinking water resources in the future, said Andy Jochems of the Environment Department's water protection team.

Officials on Wednesday said they do not anticipate that the new regulation would require anything more than continued monitoring and reporting. This is because the utility that serves the Albuquerque area has not witnessed PFAS concentrations in the drinking water system approaching the EPA limits.

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As per Kimberly Beisner, a USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies, the change in concentrations could be due to wastewater discharges and stormwater run-off. Utility spokesperson David Morris said it's possible that at some point there may need to be enhancements at the city's sewage treatment plant.

<h2>Standards to curb 'forever chemicals' from drinking water</h2>

This&nbsp;comes, as the US&nbsp;Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever drinking water standard to protect people against toxic "forever chemicals" found in many household and everyday items.&nbsp;

In its first&nbsp;major move to curb the cancer-causing chemicals, the agency&nbsp;offered $1 billion to states for public water system testing.

The final rule is expected to impact around six and 10 per cent of the 66,000 public drinking water systems in the United States. Additionally, it will result in a significant decrease in exposure to the group of 15,000 chemicals known as PFAS for approximately 100 million individuals. It would help avoid tens of thousands of deaths that have been linked to PFAS, said&nbsp;the agency, as quoted by Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources.

In New Mexico, recent studies by the US Geological Survey and state environment officials have found cancer-causing so-called forever chemicals in water sources. As per the findings released by the federal agency on Wednesday (Apr 10), PFAs or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances were detected in major rivers across the arid state. However, the highest concentrations were found downstream in urban areas. High concentration of forever chemicals Researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) started inspecting the water in New Mexico after contamination was discovered at military installations. Also read | US, China, Australia identified as hotspots for harmful ‘forever chemicals’, says news study They found a 10 times higher concentration of PFAs in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, compared to its upstream locations. Researchers also took dozens of samples from groundwater wells and surface water sites as part of an initial statewide survey between August 2020 and October 2021. However, the officials said that the majority of samples from wells did not turn up PFAs. Future decisions The latest findings surrounding forever chemicals and contamination will help regulators make decisions about protecting drinking water resources in the future, said Andy Jochems of the Environment Department's water protection team. Officials on Wednesday said they do not anticipate that the new regulation would require anything more than continued monitoring and reporting. This is because the utility that serves the Albuquerque area has not witnessed PFAS concentrations in the drinking water system approaching the EPA limits. Also read | People using cannabis vapes in UK at risk from 'zombie' drug, warn experts As per Kimberly Beisner, a USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies, the change in concentrations could be due to wastewater discharges and stormwater run-off. Utility spokesperson David Morris said it's possible that at some point there may need to be enhancements at the city's sewage treatment plant. Standards to curb 'forever chemicals' from drinking water This comes, as the US Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever drinking water standard to protect people against toxic "forever chemicals" found in many household and everyday items. In its first major move to curb the cancer-causing chemicals, the agency offered $1 billion to states for public water system testing. The final rule is expected to impact around six and 10 per cent of the 66,000 public drinking water systems in the United States. Additionally, it will result in a significant decrease in exposure to the group of 15,000 chemicals known as PFAS for approximately 100 million individuals. It would help avoid tens of thousands of deaths that have been linked to PFAS, said the agency, as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers find high quantities of cancer causing 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water

Canada's emergency preparedness minister has warned that the north American country's wildfire season could be worse than&nbsp;last year, and that it could lead to unprecedented smoke conditions across the country as well as in the United States.

The country's climatic conditions have been dominated with persistent drought and months of above-average temperatures. Canada remains at the risk of repeating last year's devastating wildfires.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Canada risks another 'catastrophic' wildfire season

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"We can expect that the wildfire season will start sooner, end later and potentially be more explosive," Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan told a news conference.

The Canadian wildfire season runs from May through October.

<h2>Canada wildfires: What happened in 2023?</h2>

The 2023 fire season was Canada's worst in recorded history. It burnt&nbsp;more than 15 million hectares and forced more than 230,000 people from their homes.&nbsp;

Smoke from the wildfires in Canada also poured into the US East Coast and Midwest last June.&nbsp;

<h2>Canada's potential wildfire season in 2024: What is the forecast?</h2>

According to a briefing document showing the forecast of the fire risk for the spring, the conditions are already ripe this year for an early and above-normal fire risk. The geographic lineage is all the way from Quebec to British Columbia in both April and May 2024.&nbsp;

Canadian Prairies have had a warmer than normal winter with minimal snow and widespread drought.&nbsp;

For April, May and June, there is also a high probability of above normal temperatures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-402000-acre-wildfire-threatens-canadas-yellowknife-authorities-sound-the-alarm-626228">Massive 402,000 acre wildfire threatens Canada`s Yellowknife, authorities sound alarm</a>

Human activity is the main contributing factor to the added risk for potential wildfire in the spring, according to Michael Norton, the director general of the Northern Forestry Centre at Natural Resources Canada.

This includes burning of residual crop stashes, fireworks as well as the heat from off-road vehicles igniting grass or other debris on the ground.&nbsp;

Often, lightning becomes a primary source of wildfires during the summer.

Canada's emergency preparedness minister has warned that the north American country's wildfire season could be worse than last year, and that it could lead to unprecedented smoke conditions across the country as well as in the United States.

Canada's emergency preparedness minister has warned that the north American country's wildfire season could be worse than last year, and that it could lead to unprecedented smoke conditions across the country as well as in the United States. The country's climatic conditions have been dominated with persistent drought and months of above-average temperatures. Canada remains at the risk of repeating last year's devastating wildfires. Also watch | Canada risks another 'catastrophic' wildfire season × "We can expect that the wildfire season will start sooner, end later and potentially be more explosive," Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan told a news conference. The Canadian wildfire season runs from May through October. Canada wildfires: What happened in 2023? The 2023 fire season was Canada's worst in recorded history. It burnt more than 15 million hectares and forced more than 230,000 people from their homes. Smoke from the wildfires in Canada also poured into the US East Coast and Midwest last June. Canada's potential wildfire season in 2024: What is the forecast? According to a briefing document showing the forecast of the fire risk for the spring, the conditions are already ripe this year for an early and above-normal fire risk. The geographic lineage is all the way from Quebec to British Columbia in both April and May 2024. Canadian Prairies have had a warmer than normal winter with minimal snow and widespread drought. For April, May and June, there is also a high probability of above normal temperatures. Also read | Massive 402,000 acre wildfire threatens Canada`s Yellowknife, authorities sound alarm Human activity is the main contributing factor to the added risk for potential wildfire in the spring, according to Michael Norton, the director general of the Northern Forestry Centre at Natural Resources Canada. This includes burning of residual crop stashes, fireworks as well as the heat from off-road vehicles igniting grass or other debris on the ground. Often, lightning becomes a primary source of wildfires during the summer.

Canada may face wildfires worse than worst-ever 2023 inferno, government warns

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