TheNewsGuru

Tag: US

  • Elon Musk rolls out brain chip to aid blind person see

    Elon Musk rolls out brain chip to aid blind person see

    The CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk has announced that Neuralink, his brain-chip startup company, has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an experimental implant device that will “enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see”.

    “The Blindsight device from Neuralink will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see. Provided the visual cortex is intact, it will even enable those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time,” the tech billionaire tweeted early Wednesday.

    In the tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Musk posted a photo of Geordi La Forge, a character from the sci-fi TV series Star Trek, who is blind from birth but uses different technological devices that allows him to see.

    “To set expectations correctly, the vision will first be at low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential to be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet, or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge”.

    Co-founded by Elon Musk in 2016, Neuralink specialises in developing innovative brain-computer interfaces to transform treatments for neurological disorders.

    Neuralink’s technology includes a brain implant that reads neural signals and wirelessly transmits them to external devices, including computers and mobile devices.

    Business World reported that Neuralink is also developing an implant that enables paralysed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts.

    Neuralink is also reported to be conducting a clinical trial with three participants to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in aiding individuals with spinal cord injuries.

    In August 2024, it was widely reported that Neuralink successfully implanted its brain-computer interface in a second patient, who is now able to control video games and create 3D designs using just their thoughts.

     

  • Primary school female pupil shoots teacher to death in US, gives reasons

    Primary school female pupil shoots teacher to death in US, gives reasons

    An 8-year-old American juvenile, Quianna Hudson brought her father’s gun and pulled the trigger to school  shot her 56-year-old gymnastics teacher, Jim Turner.

    It was gathered that the incident  happened at Ford Elementary School in Detroit, Michigan, United States.

    Findings show that Turner summoned Quianna to his office, during the gym class and shortly after, two gunshots rang out, sending students fleeing in terror.

    The school security personnel rushed to the scene to find Turner deceased, with gunshot wounds to his thigh and chest.

    Upon interrogation by the US Police, the little girl said that the Gym teacher had been inappropriately touching her and threatened to harm her if she reported the abuse.

    Fearing for her safety, she retrieved her father’s gun from under a mattress and brought it to school for protection.

    However, CCTV footage corroborated Quianna’s account, showing Turner regularly taking her into his office. Quianna’s parents were expected to face charges related to Turner’s death.

  • US, Nigeria tightens trade, economic relations

    US, Nigeria tightens trade, economic relations

    Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite, has affirmed the commitment of Nigeria and the United States to enhancing their trade and economic collaboration. The discussions focused on several key areas, including the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Bi-National Commission (BNC), and the Commercial Investment Dialogue (CID).

    During a meeting with a United States delegation led by Arun Venkataraman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, in Abuja, both parties emphasized the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s exports, promoting innovation, and creating a business-friendly environment.

    Dr. Uzoka Anite highlighted the robust relationship between the two nations, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to open trade and economic collaboration. She noted Nigeria’s vast economic potential, which includes a large market and abundant natural resources. She also mentioned initiatives like the National Talent Export Program, which aims to position Nigeria as a hub for talent outsourcing.

    “We are committed to deepening our partnership in trade and investment,” the minister stated. “This includes promoting non-oil exports to the USA under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and fostering an environment where businesses can flourish.”

    Mr. Venkataraman expressed the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms and addressing challenges faced by American companies operating in Nigeria. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to deepening business ties and building a strategic commercial partnership, which underscores a mutual interest in enhancing economic growth and creating opportunities for people in both countries.

    He stated, “We know that the United States and Nigeria recognize the immense potential of our economic cooperation, but now it is time to take that potential and make it a reality. We are not here to talk; we are here to take action.”

    The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on the importance of regular dialogue and collaboration to address trade disparities, foster investment, and promote innovation, thereby renewing their commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the United States.

  • US supports AfDB’s $117bn capital increase

    US supports AfDB’s $117bn capital increase

    The United States (US) has joined shareholders in endorsing a general callable capital increase (GCCI) of up to 117 billion dollars (about N175.5 trillion at N1,500 per dollar) for the African Development Bank( AfDB) Group.

    The AfDB in a statement said the US recognised the bank and its African counterparts as key partners in fostering prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and integrated development.

    The bank has undertaken several initiatives to support financing across Africa.

    The AfDB is noted for its leadership in financial innovation, being the first multilateral development bank to issue hybrid capital to the private sector.

    The US Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development Alexia Latortue, said the US supported the GCCI to ensure sustained financing levels for the continent.

    Latortue said this became eminent following the multiple external shocks affecting the AfDB’s balance sheet.

    “We furthermore applaud AfDB’s completed delivery of policy commitments under the 7th General Capital Increase and welcome the Bank’s new Ten-Year Strategy.

    “This positions the AfDB to continue delivering quality infrastructure for Africa as well as tackling global and regional challenges such as climate change and fragility.

    “The United States is proud to stand together with AfDB and our fellow shareholders in support of a prosperous, inclusive, resilient and integrated Africa.

    “The US commitment to the AfDB is rooted in our shared development agenda. An agenda that strives for economic development in Africa that is inclusive, sustainable, and lifts people out of poverty,” she said.

    Latortue said:” in our shared agenda, high-quality jobs and sustainable economic development have the potential to transform economies and change lives.”

    During the AfDB’s Annual Meetings, Governors reviewed progress on the Bank’s evolution journey, and discussed ways to enhance private sector engagement and mobilisation.

    The governors also approved additional measures aimed at strengthening the AfDB as a preferred partner on the continent.

  • Biden hails court’s judgment convicting Donald Trump

    Biden hails court’s judgment convicting Donald Trump

    United States President,  Joe Biden has hailed the New York Court judgement convicting Donald Trump, saying that “no one is above the law”.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the former American president, Trump was found guilty of all 34 counts he faced on charges of falsifying business records to commit election fraud.

    This makes the 77-year-old the first ex-American president to be criminally convicted.

    “But today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality.

    “There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box.”

    Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.

  • SAD! Nigerian father mourns doctor son killed by drunk driver in US

    SAD! Nigerian father mourns doctor son killed by drunk driver in US

    A grieving father identified as IKB Igboanugo on Facebook took to the platform on Monday to mourn the death of his son, Uzochukwu Igboanugo, a 32-year-old ophthalmologist based in America.

    According to the grieving father, Uzochukwu lost his life in a fatal car accident allegedly caused by a drunk driver.

    He wrote, “I lost this my son 3 weeks ago, I have been crying like a baby. A medical doctor (ophthalmologist) in America.

    “An accident victim of a drunkard who fell asleep while speeding on the highway, jumped his lane opposite direction and hit with speed force on the driver’s side door where my son was as he was driving home after work.

    “We can’t question God as He has the final decision.”

    The grieving father described his late son as “a very nice boy, always happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, loving, and sociable.”

    Igboanugo said his late son wasn’t married as he “sacrificed all his time” to become a medical doctor. He added that he and his wife have been going through psychological trauma since their son’s death.

    He wrote, “He was 32 years old, not yet married despite my nagging, he sacrificed all his time and achieved Ophthalmology which is a very difficult medical course in the history of reading medicine to become a medical doctor.

    “Since his death, I have been going through mental and psychological trauma, as my doctor has been warning me. My wife also has not been herself.”

    He further expressed the pain of losing a child, saying that even the worst enemy doesn’t deserve this kind of tragedy.

    “Please don’t wish your worst enemy this type of tragedy, now I pray for anybody who has not lost his child never to experience it. It is hellish and a disaster.

    ‘Uzochukwu, my son, you are now in God’s bosom and working for Him; that was why he took you this early. As your soul will rest in God’s bosom in Jesus name,” he added.

  • War: Iran advises US, UK, France, Germany to stop supporting Israel

    War: Iran advises US, UK, France, Germany to stop supporting Israel

    Senior political and military  figures in Iran have continued to warn Israel against retaliating, saying that the effect and counter attack will be massive.

    It would be recalled that United States, United, France and Germany have all been advised to stop supporting Israel.

    Brig Gen Abolfazl Shekarchi, as reported by the official state news agency IRNA, there will be an even stronger response from Iran if Israel retaliates to the strikes at the weekend.

    We remind the heads of state of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to stop supporting the declining child-killing terrorist regime of Israel.

    “The Islamic Republic of Iran has proven that it is not a warmonger and does not seek to spread the war.

    “The response will be stronger if the regime carries out a more severe aggressive act.

    Overnight a senior official told Al Jazeera that Iran had a broad range of options to use against Israel, adding that “its bullying and madly taken behavior towards Iran will not work.

  • Gaza War: US president Biden knocks Israel’s Netanyahu

    Gaza War: US president Biden knocks Israel’s Netanyahu

    United States president, Joe Biden has knocked Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu over his approach on war on Gaza describing it as a mistake.

    Biden has now urged Israel to call for a ceasefire.

    This is Biden’s latest criticism of Netanyahu amid growing tensions over the civilian death toll from Israel’s war on Hamas.

    “I think what he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden told Univision, a US Spanish-language TV network, when asked about Netanyahu’s handling of the war.

    The US number one citizen reiterated that an Israeli drone attack last week that killed seven aid workers from a US-based charity in Gaza – and sparked a tense phone call with Netanyahu – was “outrageous”.

    “What I’m calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country,” said Biden.

    The president’s earlier remarks was that the burden lay with Hamas to agree to a truce and hostage release deal.

    Biden also stepped up pressure on Israel to let more aid into devastated Gaza.

    “There’s no excuse to not provide for the medical and the food needs of those people. It should be done now,” he added.

  • Geopolitical Tensions: Oil price hits $90 first time in six months

    Geopolitical Tensions: Oil price hits $90 first time in six months

    Amid geopolitical tensions hitting some parts of the world, Crude oil price surged further on Thursday, hitting $90.65 per barrel.

    Brent crude futures for June settled up $1.30, or 1.5 per cent to $90.65 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for May settled up $1.16, or 1.4 per cent, to $86.59 a barrel.

    Both contracts closed on Thursday at their highest levels since October last year, having received support in recent days from the heightened geopolitical tensions and potential supply risks.

    It was gathered that the increment was necessitated following news reports that Israeli embassies across the US have been placed on high alert due to increasing threats of an Iranian attack on Israeli diplomats.

    It would be recalled  that Iran has vowed revenge against Israel for an attack on Monday that killed high-ranking Iranian military personnel. Iran is the third-largest producer in OPEC.

    In a sudden twist, Washington issued its strongest public rebuke toward Israel on Thursday since the start of its war with Hamas, warning that US policy on Gaza will be determined by whether Israel takes steps to address the safety of Palestinian civilians and aid workers.

    Meanwhile, the US on Thursday imposed new Iran-related counter-terrorism sanctions against Oceanlink Maritime DMCC and its vessels, citing its role in shipping commodities on behalf of the Iranian military.

  • Teddy Swims tops U.S. billboard hot 100 chart

    Teddy Swims tops U.S. billboard hot 100 chart

    Loose Control’ by Teddy Swims has topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart, making it his first song to ever top the chart.

    ‘Beautiful Things’ by Benson Boone, came in at second while ‘We can’t Be Friends’ by Ariana Grande came in third on the chart.

    ‘Lovin On Me’ by Jack Harlow;  ‘Carnival’ by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign,  featuring Rich The Kid and Playboi Carti; and ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ by Beyoncé   were rated fourth, fifth and sixth respectively on the chart.

    ‘Remember Everything’ by Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves; ‘Greedy’ by Tate McRae and ‘Enough (Maimi)’, recently released song by Cardi B were the other songs that occupied the seventh, eighth and ninth positions.

    Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ completed the top 10.

    Billboard Hot 100 is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by Billboard Magazine.

    Chart rankings are based on sales, both physical and digital, radio play, and online streaming in the United States.

    A new chart is compiled and officially released to the public by Billboard every Tuesday.