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Tag: United States

  • United States: Hurricane Milton Death Toll Rises To 14 | world news

    WASHINGTON DC: The death toll from Hurricane Milton has risen to at least 14 after another fatality was reported in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, CNN reported. A woman in her late 70s lost her life while working on post-hurricane restoration efforts when a large tree branch fell on her. This incident occurred shortly after 11:00 am ET on Thursday, as stated in a news release from the city.

    “Although the storm has passed, its devastation has tragically taken the life of one of our community members,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our thoughts are with the family as they grieve their loved one.” More than 2.9 million utility customers across Florida were without power. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, down from the initial Category 5, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

    Twenty-five people have been rescued from a mobile home park in St. Lucie County that left six dead, the county Sheriff Keith Pearson told CNN. While officials don’t have an exact number of people they are looking for, crews are going through the rubble of destroyed homes to try to find others, Pearson said. But the conditions of the search make it difficult.

    US President Joe Biden also advised people to stay safe amid Hurricane Milton. Sharing a post on it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.”

    In another post, he said, “As difficult as these past days have been, we’ve seen incredible courage from so many Americans coming together–first responders, friends, families, and neighbors looking out for one another. To all the people impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene: We’ve got your back.”

    As of Wednesday morning, a little over 23 percent of Florida gas stations were without fuel, including more than 59 percent in the area around Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, CBS News reported, citing GasBuddy. Those numbers had witnessed a rise since Tuesday night. Tornado warnings were issued for various cites, in addition to hurricane and storm surge warnings already in place for many of those same places.

  • Joe Biden, Xi Jinping Plan To Hold Talks Soon, Says White House world news

    The United States and China are planning a phone call between President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping “in the coming weeks”, the White House said on Thursday.

    The call, likely to be held prior to the US presidential elections this November, was discussed between Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their two-day meeting in Yanqi Lake, Beijing on August 27–28.

    The White House also said the two countries will also aim to organize a phone conversation between military theater commanders “in the near future.”

    The two leaders had met in California in November 2023 termed as the Woodside Summit.

    During Sullivan and Wang’s meeting, the two sides held candid, substantive, and constructive discussions on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.

    Sullivan and Wang noted the importance of the strategic channel of communication over the past 18 months and committed to maintaining high-level diplomacy and working level consultations on an ongoing basis, the White House said.

    The two also discussed progress and next steps on implementation of the Woodside Summit commitments, including counternarcotics, military-to-military communications, and Artificial Intelligence safety and risk. The top US and Chinese diplomats discussed next steps to reduce the flow of illicit synthetic drugs, continue repatriation of undocumented migrants, and law enforcement cooperation.

    They also underlined the importance of concrete steps to tackle the climate crisis and welcomed further discussions during Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta’s upcoming trip to China.

    Sullivan emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced US technologies from being used to undermine its national security, without unduly limiting trade or investment.

    The US National Security Advisor in his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister also raised continued concerns about China’s unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices.

    Sullivan reiterated that it remains a top priority to resolve the cases of American citizens who are wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans in China. He also underlined the long-standing US commitment to universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, the White House stated.

    Sullivan’s visit was the fifth time that the US NSA and Wang were holding strategic talks since May 2023 and the first time US National Security Advisor to visit China in eight years.

    Sullivan underlined the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and emphasized concerns about Chinese support for Russia’s defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security.

    Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies and expressed concern about Chinese destabilizing actions against “lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea.” The two sides also discussed shared concerns about the North Korea, Myanmar and West Asia.

    Meanwhile, Sullivan on August 29 met with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission in Beijing and stressed that both countries have a responsibility to prevent competition from veering into conflict or confrontation, according to a read out from the White House. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of regular military-to-military communications as part of efforts to maintain high-level diplomacy and open lines of communication, as directed by Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the November 2023 Woodside Summit.

    Both Sullivan and Zhang recognized the progress in sustained, regular military-military communications over the past ten months and planned to hold a theater commander telephone call in the near future, the White House said. Sullivan also raised the importance of cross-Strait peace and stability, the US commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, concerns about Chinese support for Russia’s defense industrial base, the need to avoid miscalculation and escalation in cyber space, and ongoing efforts. to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.

  • Sheikh Hasina’s Son Clears Air Around Asylum Claims Linked To Ex-Bangladesh PM; Reveals Her Future Plan | world news

    As Bangladesh scrambles to form an interim government and re-establish normalcy in the country, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed has cleared the air around the reports of his mother seeking asylum. Wazeed, who is based in Washington, said that Hasina has not sought asylum anywhere including the United States and the United Kingdom. Hasina is currently in India and there is no clarity on her next destination.

    Wazed said that Hasina was already contemplating a retirement and after the coup, she decided to retire from politics. He said that Hasina is likely to divide her time among her family members. Wzed told NDTV that the question of the UK or the US not responding to her asylum request is not true as she has not sought shelter anywhere. He said that since the family members live in different countries, Hasina might be traveling between places. While Wazed is in the United States, Hasina’s sister is in London and her daughter is in Delhi.

    Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon urged India to arrest the former Prime Minister and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, and return them to Bangladesh. As reported by Dhaka Tribune, Khokon said, “We want to maintain a positive relationship with the people of India. Please arrest Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, who fled the country, and send them back to Bangladesh.”

    Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina, on August 5, tendering her resignation from her post in the wake of mounting protests. The protests, led mostly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests.

  • Indian American Physician Mona Ghosh Pleads Guilty To Healthcare Fraud Worth $2.4 Million |

    WASHINGTON: A 51-year-old Indian American physician from the Chicago area has pleaded guilty to a federal healthcare fraud by billing Medicaid and private insurers for nonexistent services. Mona Ghosh, who owns and operates Progressive Women’s Healthcare, specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology services, pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud.

    Each count is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. US District Judge Franklin U Valderrama has set sentencing for October 22. Federal prosecutors allege that Ghosh is accountable for at least $2.4 million in fraudulently obtained reimbursements.

    She admitted in her plea agreement that she was accountable for more than $1.5 million of such fraudulently obtained reimbursements. The final amount will be determined by the court at sentencing, a media release said.

    According to court documents, from 2018 to 2022, Ghosh submitted, and caused her employees to submit, fraudulent claims to Medicaid, TRICARE, and numerous other insurers for procedures and services that were not provided or were not medically necessary, some of which were performed without patient consent.

    Ghosh also fraudulently overstated the length and complexity of in-office and telemedicine visits and submitted claims using billing codes for which the visits did not qualify in order to seek higher reimbursement rates, her plea agreement states.

    She admitted that she had prepared false patient medical records to support the fraudulent reimbursement claims.

  • Could China’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal Become a Concern for Other Countries? ,

    SOLNA: The Chinese nuclear arsenal has increased from 410 warheads to 500 warheads within a year, claimed The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its 55th yearbook 2024. SIPRI, an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament in its report stated that “the estimated size of China’s nuclear arsenal increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, and it is expected to keep growing.”

    It further mentioned that for the first time, China may also now be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime. Depending on how it decides to structure its forces, China could potentially have at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as either Russia or the USA by the turn of the decade.

    ‘China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, but in nearly all of the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces.” stated, Associate Senior Fellow with SIPRI, Hans M. Kristensen.

    China is likely to have a significantly smaller total nuclear weapons arsenal than either the United States or Russia, but due to its rapid deployment, it may eventually catch up to them in terms of active armament in the years to come, according to SIPRI.

    According to SIPRI, there are over 2,100 nuclear missiles that are thought to be in use and under control at any given time, practically all of which are possessed by the United States or Russia.

    China is increasing its weapons at a time when tensions across the world are rising due to the hostilities in Taiwan and the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. China has been holding more military exercises close to Taiwan in the past year, which some observers interpret as preparation for an invasion of the disputed territory, The Hill reported.

    According to SIPRI, the majority of nations are expanding or modernising their stockpiles at the same time as the nuclear buildup. According to the institute, Israel, which does not formally recognise that it possesses nuclear weapons, is said to have moved to modernise its stockpile, while North Korea, France, and India have taken steps to increase their armaments in the past year.

  • US Weather Update: Storms, Tornadoes Leave Texas Reeling With Power Outages, Damaged Cars, Homes |

    Texas Tornadoes Update: Some parts of the United States are experiencing extreme weather conditions with people being forced to leave without electricity due to power outages caused due to damaged lines. Several cars and homes have been damaged in Dallas and Texas by tornadoes and storms. According to US weather reports, storms battered the Texa and plains after passing through the Dallas area.

    The tornadoes and storm brought strong winds, and baseball-sized hailstorms disrupting the public. As per reports, strong storms with damaging winds, hail, and rain caused heavy damage in Texas. The United States is recovering from severe weather conditions as a total of 23 people have died during Memorial Day weekend due to tornadoes and storms. Seven people were killed in Cooke County, Texas, from a tornado that tore through a mobile home park Saturday, and an additional seven deaths were reported across Arkansas.

    Strong storms with damaging winds, hail, and rain pummeled Texas Tuesday morning. This comes as much of the US is recovering from severe weather, including tornadoes, that killed at least 23 people during Memorial Day weekend. https://t.co/HT9K8XSqtS pic.twitter.com/Dba0NdejjY — ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) May 28, 2024

    One man died in Texas while about 1 million businesses and homes were without power. Before the storms, heat waves had added to the misery of the people. Social media posts – on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) showed winds pushing one American Airlines plane away from a gate at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

    Security cameras at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport captured an unoccupied American Airlines 737-800 jet being pushed away from a gate by the wind gusts Tuesday morning — via @ABC News https://t.co/CwcX9FvY49 pic.twitter.com/Hz4rQ5Sw25 — Bill Hutchinson (@bill_hutchinson) May 28, 2024

    Roughly 150,000 homes and businesses lacked electricity midday Tuesday in Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia and Missouri. This month has been marked by devastating tornadoes and severe weather across the nation’s midsection.

    SEVERE WEATHER | Four north Texas counties have been added to a recent disaster declaration after severe storms across North Texas. READ MORE: https://t.co/mQFgM7d8m6 pic.twitter.com/JKrUdWsXM6 — News 4 San Antonio (@News4SA) May 29, 2024

    Last week, tornadoes in Iowa resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of injuries. Additionally, storms in Houston this month claimed the lives of eight people. April saw the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the United States. These severe weather events are occurring against the backdrop of climate change, which is generally intensifying storms worldwide.

  • ‘Israel Will Decide How To Respond To Iran’: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells West Amid Calls For Restraint | world news

    Tel Aviv: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his nation’s commitment to defending itself autonomously, regardless of advice from allies, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Netanyahu’s assertion came during a cabinet meeting following discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who had arrived in Israel in the wake of Tehran’s recent attack. Germany and the UK, while urging restraint from Israel, warned of the potential for broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Israel remains steadfast in its determination to retaliate against Iran, emphasizing the need for consequences following the attack.

    Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s prerogative to make independent decisions for its defense, regardless of external counsel. While appreciating the suggestions from allies, he reiterated Israel’s commitment to taking necessary measures to ensure its security. In his remarks at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that the two leaders had “all kinds of suggestions and advice.” He noted that while it was appreciated, Israel would nevertheless “make our own decisions, and Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

    Cameron acknowledged the likelihood of retaliation against Israel but expressed hope for a measured response to prevent further escalation. Baerbock voiced opposition to Israel’s retaliatory plans, advocating for prudence and emphasizing the need to prevent further fueling of the conflict.

    Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s office underlined Israel’s right to self-defense during discussions with foreign counterparts. Talks between Cameron, Baerbock, and Israeli leaders centered on the potential for Israeli retaliation.

    Baerbock and Cameron are slated to participate in a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy, where discussions will include considerations for imposing sanctions on Iran. Baerbock reiterated calls for Israel to exercise restraint, stressing the importance of responsible action.

    Cameron urged a refocus on addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas continues. The escalation between Israel and Iran follows Tehran’s retaliatory strikes for an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria.

    Israel’s Defense Forces reported a high interception rate of projectiles launched by Iran, underscoring Israel’s military capabilities. The attack, comprising drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, was largely intercepted, with support from allies including the US, Jordan, and the UK.

  • Another Indian Student Dies In Ohio; Probe Underway, Says Indian Consulate world news

    OHIO: Another Indian student has tragically passed away in the state of Ohio, United States, with the Indian Consulate in New York confirming the incident on Friday. Identified as Uma Satya Sai Gadde, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery as police delve into the investigation. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, the Indian Consulate in New York conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family, highlighting its efforts to provide comprehensive support during this difficult time. This includes facilitating the repatriation of Gadde’s mortal remains to India promptly.

    Deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Mr. Uma Satya Sai Gadde, an Indian student in Cleveland, Ohio.

    Police investigation is underway. @IndiainNewYork continues to remain in touch with the family in India.

    All possible assistance is being extended including to transport… — India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 5, 2024

    Police Investigation Underway

    Authorities are currently engaged in a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of Gadde’s untimely demise. The Consulate assured continued coordination with the family in India and pledged unwavering assistance throughout the investigative process. This unfortunate incident unfolds against a backdrop of increasing concerns surrounding the welfare and safety of Indian students residing in the United States.

    Rising Concerns Over Safety

    In a distressing trend, incidents involving Indian students in the US have garnered attention in recent times, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and security measures. In March, the disappearance of 25-year-old Mohammed Abdul Arafat, a student from Hyderabad, sparked alarm among his family members. After receiving a ransom call following Arafat’s disappearance, his family sought urgent intervention from the External Affairs Ministry.

    Previous Incidents Highlight Vulnerability

    This recent tragedy follows a series of distressing events involving Indian students abroad. Earlier this year, Syed Mazahir Ali, a student from Hyderabad, fell victim to a brutal attack in Chicago, underscoring the vulnerability faced by students studying overseas.

    Similarly, the harrowing accounts of Neel Acharya and Vivek Saini serve as grim reminders of the dangers encountered by Indian students abroad. Acharya, a student at Purdue University, was found deceased after days of being reported missing, while Saini tragically succumbed to a violent assault in Georgia.

    As investigations into these incidents continue, concerns over the safety and security of Indian students studying abroad persist. The Indian government and diplomatic missions remain steadfast in their commitment to providing assistance and support to affected individuals and their families.

    Since the beginning of 2024, there have been at least 10 deaths involving Indian or Indian-origin students in the US.

  • US ‘Outraged’ By Israeli Airstrike Killing Aid Workers In Gaza, UK Summons Envoy | world news

    Washington: The Joe Biden Administration is outraged and has expressed deep dismay over an Israeli airstrike that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza, a White House official said on Tuesday. President Joe Biden also spoke with Jose Andres, the founder of the affected organization and conveyed his condolences. “We were outraged to learn of an IDF strike that killed a number of civilian humanitarian workers yesterday from the World Central Kitchen, which has been tirelessly working to get food to those who are hungry in Gaza, and quite frankly, around the world,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing Tuesday, adding, “We send our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.”

    Kirby emphasized that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces have pledged to conduct an investigation “in a swift and comprehensive manner.” “We hope that those findings will be made public and that there is appropriate accountability held,” Kirby said. He noted that an initial inquiry had already been completed. Furthermore, Kirby highlighted that one of the victims was a dual-national United States citizen.

    President Biden, in a post on Incidents like yesterday’s simply should not happen…”


    US President Joe Biden tweets, “I am outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, in Gaza yesterday. Incidents like yesterday’s simply should not happen…” pic.twitter.com/WoWT0BtLt1 — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024


    An Israeli military strike on Monday night resulted in the tragic deaths of seven aid workers from the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen as they were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza. The workers were traveling in two armored cars marked with the charity’s logo and another vehicle, CNN reported. Among those killed were three British nationals, a dual US-Canadian citizen, individuals from Australia and Poland, and a Palestinian.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the incident, stating that “innocent people” were “unintentionally struck” by the military. The Israel Defense Forces pledged to “at the highest levels.”

    Meanwhile, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres slammed the Israeli government, saying it “needs to stop this indiscriminate killing.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized to Andres and expressed condolences to the families of the aid workers. He assured a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

    Herzog “expressed his deep sorrow and sincere apologies over the tragic loss of life of WCK staff in the Gaza Strip last night, and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones,” according to a post on X from the presidency. “The President reiterated Israel’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation of the tragedy,” the post read.

    UK Summons Israeli Ambassador

    Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has taken a firm stance following the tragic killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, including three British nationals, summoning the Israeli ambassador to London for a decisive discussion, CNN reported. British Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, summoned Israel’s ambassador to set out the government’s “unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British nationals,” he said in a Foreign Office press release.

    Israel-Hamas Conflict

    The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has proven particularly deadly for aid workers, with this incident marking one of the deadliest in over two decades, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. In less than six months, nearly 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, surpassing casualties in other conflicts such as Afghanistan, Syria, and South Sudan over the past 20 years, as reported by CNN.

    The Aid Worker Security data encompasses workers from various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations. Since October 7, more than 170 UN staff members have been reported killed, marking the highest number of casualties among UN personnel in history.

    Additionally, fifteen Palestine Red Crescent Society workers and volunteers have lost their lives, as reported by the UN on March 29, CNN reported.

  • ‘India Does Not Need Lessons From…’: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar After US, Germany, UN Comment On Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest |

    New Delhi: Countering recent comments by the US, Germany and the UN on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has affirmed India’s stance as a sovereign nation with a robust judicial system. Addressing attendees at the 70th Founders’ Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi, VP Dhankhar emphasized that India does not require lessons from any country on the rule of law. “Recently, people are telling us about the rule of law. One country in Europe, a developed democracy, they need to think within. They need to attend to their own affairs,” stated Dhankhar, asserting India’s capability to manage its internal matters independently.

    “Equality before the law is a ‘new norm’ in India today and the law is holding those accountable who thought themselves as beyond law,” he said. “But what do we see? The moment law takes its course, they take to the streets, high decibel debates, camouflaging the culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose,” he added.

    Challenges To The Rule Of Law

    Dhankhar highlighted the challenges faced by Indian democracy, noting that some individuals resort to street protests and high-decibel debates when faced with legal proceedings. He condemned attempts to evade accountability by masking wrongdoing under the guise of human rights advocacy.

    Strengthening Judicial System

    The Vice President praised India’s judicial system as robust, pro-people, and independent, urging deeper reflection on the tendency to circumvent the rule of law. He emphasized that corruption no longer offers immunity, stating unequivocally that “corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment, or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail.”

    Defending Institutions

    Expressing concern over attempts to undermine Indian institutions, Dhankhar questioned the legitimacy of unregistered political entities and called for accountability and transparency in political engagement.

    India’s Global Standing

    Asserting India’s rightful place on the global stage, Dhankhar highlighted the nation’s contributions to global governance and advocated for India’s inclusion in the United Nations Security Council. He argued that India’s constitutionally structured democracy uniquely qualifies it to represent the interests of diverse nations.

    In addition to his remarks, Vice President Dhankhar inaugurated the renovated premises of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and unveiled several publications. The event was attended by dignitaries including Surendra Nath Tripathi, DG, IIPA, and Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA.