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Indian-Origin Neurosurgeon Fined $2 Million for Medicare Fraud

Dr. Rajesh Bindal, a 53-year-old Indian-origin neurosurgeon based in Houston, has been fined over $2 million for Medicare fraud after falsely claiming to perform surgeries involving electro-acupuncture devices. The fine, totaling $2,095,946, follows accusations from federal investigators that Bindal billed for invasive procedures that never took place. Instead of legitimate surgeries, the devices were simply taped behind patients' ears, often falling off shortly after. In some instances, procedures were conducted by a device sales representative or a physician assistant rather than Bindal himself. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani criticized Bindal for prioritizing personal greed over patient care, emphasizing that such fraud not only wastes taxpayer money but also erodes trust in healthcare systems. Jason E. Meadows, a special agent with the Department of Health and Human Services, echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact on vulnerable patients and the integrity of critical programs like Medicare. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 8 pm

NewJeans Leaves ADOR, Contract Remains Valid, Agency Confirms

South Korean pop group NewJeans announced their departure from label ADOR on Thursday, citing "mistreatment" and a lack of support from the agency. At an emergency press conference in Seoul, member Hanni stated, "ADOR has neither the ability nor the will to protect NewJeans," adding that remaining with the agency would only prolong their "psychological pain." The announcement quickly gained traction on social media, making NewJeans a trending topic. ADOR responded by asserting that they had not violated any contracts and expressed a desire for open dialogue, claiming they complied with a list of demands submitted by the group on November 14. The agency emphasized that the exclusive contracts remain valid, despite the artists' claims of a broken trust. ADOR reiterated its commitment to support NewJeans in their pursuit of global success, urging them to continue their activities under the label. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 9 pm

Nigeria Faces 'Cryptic Pregnancy' Scam: Your Questions Answered

A disturbing fertility scam has emerged in Anambra State, Nigeria, where desperate women are deceived into believing they are experiencing "cryptic pregnancies." Investigated by BBC Africa Eye, these women are lured into clinics with promises of treatments that result in false pregnancies, and are warned against seeking medical help, as the scammers claim the "baby" grows outside the womb. They receive dubious injections, crushed pills, and bizarre instructions, including how to time intercourse. As the supposed delivery approaches, women are coerced into paying for a "rare drug" to induce labor, only to awaken with fake Caesarean scars or under the influence of hallucinogenic injections. Initial treatments cost around 350,000 naira ($205), while the labor-inducing drug can reach up to two million naira ($1,180). Authorities report that scammers exploit vulnerable women, sometimes even leading them to sell their newborns for money. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 9 pm

COP29's Carbon Trading Deal: A Decade of Flawed Debate

Negotiators at the COP29 climate conference in Baku have reached a significant agreement on carbon credit trading rules, concluding nearly a decade of contentious discussions. This new framework allows countries and companies to purchase credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally, integrating these reductions into their own climate strategies. Proponents argue this will provide much-needed clarity and funding for environmental initiatives. However, critics highlight serious flaws in the agreement, including the potential for "double counting" emissions reductions and inadequate safeguards for vulnerable communities. The rules also fail to establish minimum standards for carbon storage, raising concerns about the reliance on temporary solutions like tree planting to offset long-lasting emissions. As nations begin trading carbon credits under the Paris Agreement, the effectiveness of these new regulations remains uncertain, particularly given the increasing challenges of climate-induced disasters that hinder natural carbon capture. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 10 pm

Israel Attacks Hezbollah in Lebanon Post-Ceasefire

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that they targeted a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon, just one day after a ceasefire took effect between the two sides. The military reported detecting "terrorist activity" at the site, which was allegedly used for storing mid-range rockets. An Israeli Air Force aircraft was deployed to neutralize the threat. Despite the ceasefire, the IDF stated it would continue operations in southern Lebanon to address any violations of the agreement. This strike underscores ongoing tensions in the region, particularly concerning Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and has been a significant player in the conflict. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 8 pm

Bangladesh High Court Denies ISKCON Ban, Reports Say

The High Court in Dhaka has declined to impose a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, following a lawyer's request linked to recent violence surrounding the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. The lawyer, Advocate Saiful Islam, was killed during clashes between security forces and Das's supporters after his arrest on sedition charges. The court has requested information from the attorney general regarding government actions concerning ISKCON. In response to the unrest, 33 individuals have been arrested in connection with the lawyer's murder and ISKCON's activities. Meanwhile, a group of lawyers has sent a legal notice calling ISKCON a "radical organisation" and demanding its ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act. ISKCON has condemned Das's arrest and urged for peaceful coexistence for Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting concerns over communal tensions. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 6 pm

Russia Targets Ukraine's Winter, Knocks Out Power for Millions

Russia launched a significant assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, deploying 90 missiles and 100 drones, leaving over one million people without electricity as winter sets in. This marks the 11th large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy systems this year, prompting officials to accuse Russia of "weaponising winter" with support from allies like North Korea. At least five people were injured, and many residents sought refuge in metro stations during a prolonged air raid alert. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as a "very mean escalation," highlighting the use of cluster munitions against civilians. In response, Zelenskyy urged allies for enhanced air defense systems, emphasizing their life-saving potential. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied arms, asserting that Russia would continue to target military installations in countries providing such support. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 7 pm

UK Braces for 411-Mile Snowstorm This Week

Large parts of the UK are under severe weather warnings as a significant 411-mile snowstorm approaches, set to impact temperatures ahead of the holiday season. Weather alerts have been issued for commuters, with the long-range forecast predicting snow flurries peaking on December 7, particularly affecting regions like Newcastle, Cumbria, Northumberland, and Greater Manchester. The Met Office warns of a generally dry pattern interrupted by low-pressure systems, bringing wind and rain, while the Midlands, Wales, and Northern Ireland are expected to remain dry. Temperatures are forecasted to be near average, with Scotland potentially dropping below zero and England and Wales around 4-5 degrees Celsius. Rainfall estimates suggest Plymouth and Southampton could receive up to 80mm, with London, Birmingham, and Cardiff expecting 35-40mm. This weather update follows recent flooding caused by Storm Bert, highlighting the ongoing volatility of UK weather. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 7 pm

Gorilla Dies After Being Crushed by Zoo Door

A tragic incident at the Calgary Zoo in Alberta resulted in the death of Eyare, a 2-year-old western lowland gorilla, after a staff member accidentally crushed her head with a hydraulic door. The accident occurred on November 12 while the gorilla was being separated from her troop for training. Despite immediate veterinary intervention, including CPR, Eyare succumbed to her injuries. The zoo's director, Colleen Baird, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing Eyare's impact on the community and the zoo's commitment to preventing future incidents. Following the accident, the involved staff member was reassigned, and additional training for employees was announced. Animal Justice, a Canadian nonprofit advocating for animal welfare, called for an independent investigation into the zoo's safety practices, citing concerns over a higher-than-average rate of animal deaths. The zoo defended its operational standards, noting that human-caused fatalities are extremely rare. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 7 pm

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

Australian lawmakers have enacted stringent legislation to prohibit social media access for those under 16, marking one of the toughest crackdowns globally. The bill, which received bipartisan support, mandates that social media companies take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from creating accounts, with penalties reaching up to Aus$50 million for non-compliance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the initiative, highlighting the need to protect youth from online dangers. However, many young Australians, like 12-year-old Angus Lydom, express disappointment, asserting they will find ways to bypass the ban. Critics argue the legislation lacks enforcement details, raising concerns it may become merely symbolic. The law will take at least a year to implement, with some platforms potentially exempted. As Australia leads the way, other nations are observing closely, with proposals for similar restrictions emerging elsewhere, including in Spain and Florida. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2024, 7 pm

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