Deepak Kumar on Tuesday booked his berth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's 10m rifle after he bagged a bronze medal in the Asian Shooting Championships.

Also, Kumar became the 10th Indian shooter to win a Tokyo Olympic 2020 quota.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) took to Twitter and congratulated Kumar on his achievement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deepak wins Olympic quota! 
On his birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOPSAthlete?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOPSAthlete</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeepakKumar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeepakKumar</a> gives himself the best present securing a quota in men’s 10m air rifle after winning bronze at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianShooting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianShooting</a> C’ships. He becomes 10th Indian shooter to win a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> quota. 
Many congratulations. <a href="https://t.co/iwJbe9M4sI">pic.twitter.com/iwJbe9M4sI</a>
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1191643487441047552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Deepak Kumar on Tuesday booked his berth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's 10m rifle after he bagged a bronze medal in the Asian Shooting Championships. Also, Kumar became the 10th Indian shooter to win a Tokyo Olympic 2020 quota.

Deepak Kumar on Tuesday booked his berth in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in men's 10m rifle after he bagged a bronze medal in the Asian Shooting Championships. Also, Kumar became the 10th Indian shooter to win a Tokyo Olympic 2020 quota. Sports Authority of India (SAI) took to Twitter and congratulated Kumar on his achievement. Deepak wins Olympic quota! On his birthday #TOPSAthlete #DeepakKumar gives himself the best present securing a quota in men’s 10m air rifle after winning bronze at the #AsianShooting C’ships. He becomes 10th Indian shooter to win a #Tokyo2020 quota. Many congratulations. pic.twitter.com/iwJbe9M4sI — SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) November 5, 2019 ×

Deepak Kumar bags bronze medal at Asian Shooting Championships, secure Olympic quota

Testimony&nbsp;by&nbsp;two&nbsp;of the "three amigos" charged with running&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;policy for President Donald Trump will be made&nbsp;public&nbsp;on Tuesday, as Democratic-led congressional committees <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/committee-releases-first-transcripts-in-trump-impeachment-inquiry-259964">release more transcripts</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;their impeachment investigation.

Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, told reporters on Monday that transcripts would be released of interviews with Kurt Volker,&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;former special representative for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;negotiations, and Gordon Sondland, the US&nbsp;ambassador to the European Union.

Witnesses have testified that Volker and Sondland, with&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;secretary of energy, Rick Perry, were known as the "three amigos," responsible for&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;unofficial channel to Ukrainian government officials.

Volker resigned as special representative in September. He testified to the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight panels for more than eight hours behind closed doors on October&nbsp;3.

Sondland, a major Trump donor, testified on October&nbsp;17.

Perry, a former Texas governor who said he was resigning&nbsp;from&nbsp;his Cabinet post as of December&nbsp;1, has refused to date to testify.

Tuesday's will be the second&nbsp;public&nbsp;release of&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;in the impeachment investigation of Trump that Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally launched on September&nbsp;24.

On Monday, the committees released transcripts of&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;by Marie Yovanovitch, whom Trump abruptly recalled as ambassador to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in May, and Michael McKinley, a former top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

In their interviews, Yovanovitch and McKinley said the State Department was being used for domestic political purposes under Trump and warned that would hurt American interests.

The House investigation is focused on a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic rival as Trump seeks re-election in November 2020.

Trump froze nearly $400 million in US&nbsp;military assistance to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy, prompting accusations&nbsp;from&nbsp;Democrats that he had misused US&nbsp;foreign policy for personal gain.

Strongly backed by his fellow Republicans in Congress, Trump has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of unfairly targeting him in the hope of reversing his surprise election victory in 2016.

The committees began releasing interview transcripts as they prepare for&nbsp;public&nbsp;hearings that could start this month.

According to accounts of their&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;already&nbsp;public, both Sondland and Volker discussed communications between&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;private attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and Ukrainian officials with House investigators.

Volker turned over text messages concerning&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;among himself, Giuliani and other diplomats.

Sondland testified that Trump directed him, Perry and Volker to talk to Giuliani about his concerns about corruption in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and that the three were dismayed by that order.

He said he did not understand "until much later" that Giuliani's agenda included a push for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to investigate Biden. Sondland also said it would be wrong to get a foreign government to launch investigations in order to influence a U.S. election.

The committees have also scheduled more closed-door&nbsp;testimony&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;from&nbsp;Michael Duffey, associate director of the White House budget office, and Wells Griffith, senior director for international energy and the environment on the White House National Security Council.

Officials have said they do not expect either to appear, after four White House witnesses failed to testify on Monday.

Schiff said the failure of the witnesses to show up was more evidence against Trump. "This will only further add to the body of evidence on a potential obstruction of Congress charge against the president," Schiff told reporters.

Testimony by two of the "three amigos" charged with running Ukraine policy for President Donald Trump will be made public on Tuesday, as Democratic-led congressional committees release more transcripts from their impeachment investigation.

Testimony by two of the "three amigos" charged with running Ukraine policy for President Donald Trump will be made public on Tuesday, as Democratic-led congressional committees release more transcripts from their impeachment investigation. Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, told reporters on Monday that transcripts would be released of interviews with Kurt Volker, Trump's former special representative for Ukraine negotiations, and Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union. Witnesses have testified that Volker and Sondland, with Trump's secretary of energy, Rick Perry, were known as the "three amigos," responsible for Trump's unofficial channel to Ukrainian government officials. Volker resigned as special representative in September. He testified to the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight panels for more than eight hours behind closed doors on October 3. Sondland, a major Trump donor, testified on October 17. Perry, a former Texas governor who said he was resigning from his Cabinet post as of December 1, has refused to date to testify. Tuesday's will be the second public release of testimony in the impeachment investigation of Trump that Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally launched on September 24. On Monday, the committees released transcripts of testimony by Marie Yovanovitch, whom Trump abruptly recalled as ambassador to Ukraine in May, and Michael McKinley, a former top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In their interviews, Yovanovitch and McKinley said the State Department was being used for domestic political purposes under Trump and warned that would hurt American interests. The House investigation is focused on a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic rival as Trump seeks re-election in November 2020. Trump froze nearly $400 million in US military assistance to Ukraine shortly before speaking to Zelenskiy, prompting accusations from Democrats that he had misused US foreign policy for personal gain. Strongly backed by his fellow Republicans in Congress, Trump has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of unfairly targeting him in the hope of reversing his surprise election victory in 2016. The committees began releasing interview transcripts as they prepare for public hearings that could start this month. According to accounts of their testimony already public, both Sondland and Volker discussed communications between Trump's private attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and Ukrainian officials with House investigators. Volker turned over text messages concerning Ukraine among himself, Giuliani and other diplomats. Sondland testified that Trump directed him, Perry and Volker to talk to Giuliani about his concerns about corruption in Ukraine and that the three were dismayed by that order. He said he did not understand "until much later" that Giuliani's agenda included a push for Ukraine to investigate Biden. Sondland also said it would be wrong to get a foreign government to launch investigations in order to influence a U.S. election. The committees have also scheduled more closed-door testimony on Tuesday from Michael Duffey, associate director of the White House budget office, and Wells Griffith, senior director for international energy and the environment on the White House National Security Council. Officials have said they do not expect either to appear, after four White House witnesses failed to testify on Monday. Schiff said the failure of the witnesses to show up was more evidence against Trump. "This will only further add to the body of evidence on a potential obstruction of Congress charge against the president," Schiff told reporters.

Testimony from two of Trump's Ukraine policymakers to become public

By Mallika Singh

India on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-india-decides-not-to-join-rcep-259919">pulled out of</a> the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. 
&nbsp; 
While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. 
&nbsp; 
India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”.

"The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-not-to-join-rcep-goes-against-countrys-core-interests-259904">Narendra Modi </a>said.

New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. &nbsp;

According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. 
&nbsp; 
With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States.

China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. &nbsp;

India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets.

The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia.

India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country.

India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product.

Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector.

Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year. 
&nbsp;

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”. "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States. China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets. The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia. India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country. India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product. Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector. Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year.

RCEP pull-out: India stands by reduced trade deficits, data localisation, and enhancing domestic markets

Facebook&nbsp;Inc on Monday unveiled a new logo for the company to distinguish it from its apps and&nbsp;to mark the company expanding beyond online social networking to messaging, photo-sharing, virtual reality and even wallets for digital currency.

The new branding, basically the company name in crisp lettering, will be stamped on its "family" of offerings including Messinger, Instagram, Oculus, Workplace, Portal and Calibra, according to chief marketing officer Antonio Lucio.

The social media company said it would start using the new brand within its products and marketing materials and would update the&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;for Business website over the coming weeks.&nbsp;

In June, the company began including "from&nbsp;Facebook" within its apps that includes Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Facebook Inc on Monday unveiled a new logo for the company to distinguish it from its apps and to mark the company expanding beyond online social networking to messaging, photo-sharing, virtual reality and even wallets for digital currency.

Facebook Inc on Monday unveiled a new logo for the company to distinguish it from its apps and to mark the company expanding beyond online social networking to messaging, photo-sharing, virtual reality and even wallets for digital currency. The new branding, basically the company name in crisp lettering, will be stamped on its "family" of offerings including Messinger, Instagram, Oculus, Workplace, Portal and Calibra, according to chief marketing officer Antonio Lucio. The social media company said it would start using the new brand within its products and marketing materials and would update the Facebook for Business website over the coming weeks. In June, the company began including "from Facebook" within its apps that includes Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Facebook launches new company logo

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia had not withdrawn from a planned "safe zone" in northeast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-to-launch-military-operation-in-northeast-syria-254000">Syria </a>despite Turkey's agreements with the United States and Russia.

Turkey struck two separate deals with the United States and Russia for the YPG, which Ankara views as a terrorist group, to withdraw from the "safe zone" it plans to form in northeastern Syria.

While Washington and Moscow have said the fighters left, Erdogan has said this was not the case.

Speaking to lawmakers from his AK Party in Ankara, Erdogan said YPG fighters remained in Tel Rifaat, Manbij and to the east of Ras al Ain, which Turkey targeted in its latest incursion.

He also said Turkey would abide by its deals as long as the United States and Russia kept their own promises.

He later told reporters in parliament that US&nbsp;forces were still holding joint patrols with the YPG inside the 30-km border strip from which the militia was meant to withdraw.

"How can we explain America holding patrols with terrorist organisations in this region even though they made the decision to withdraw? This is not in our agreement," he said.

Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group tied to militants who have waged an insurgency in southeast Turkey since 1984. US&nbsp;support for the YPG, which was the main ally in the fight against the Islamic State, has infuriated Turkey.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia had not withdrawn from a planned "safe zone" in northeast Syria despite Turkey's agreements with the United States and Russia.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia had not withdrawn from a planned "safe zone" in northeast Syria despite Turkey's agreements with the United States and Russia. Turkey struck two separate deals with the United States and Russia for the YPG, which Ankara views as a terrorist group, to withdraw from the "safe zone" it plans to form in northeastern Syria. While Washington and Moscow have said the fighters left, Erdogan has said this was not the case. Speaking to lawmakers from his AK Party in Ankara, Erdogan said YPG fighters remained in Tel Rifaat, Manbij and to the east of Ras al Ain, which Turkey targeted in its latest incursion. He also said Turkey would abide by its deals as long as the United States and Russia kept their own promises. He later told reporters in parliament that US forces were still holding joint patrols with the YPG inside the 30-km border strip from which the militia was meant to withdraw. "How can we explain America holding patrols with terrorist organisations in this region even though they made the decision to withdraw? This is not in our agreement," he said. Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group tied to militants who have waged an insurgency in southeast Turkey since 1984. US support for the YPG, which was the main ally in the fight against the Islamic State, has infuriated Turkey.

Kurdish fighters have not left Syria 'safe zone' despite US, Russia deals: Erdogan

Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-president-sparks-outrage-for-calling-god-stupid-147127">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has appointed his main political rival, Leni Robredo, his "drugs tsar" after the opposition leader expressed alarm about the high death toll in his anti-narcotics campaign and said it needed a fresh approach.

The appointment follows critical remarks by Robredo during an interview with Reuters, and in subsequent media appearances, which angered the volatile Duterte and led to a torrent of social media fury at Robredo, who is his vice president but has no role in his administration.

Duterte's spokesman announced Robredo's appointment on Tuesday as co-chair of an inter-agency panel on drugs, which he said was genuine and not a cynical political play to discredit her, as her camp believed. The president has ordered all agencies to give her their full support.

"If she has been criticising the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-drugs-war-escalates-teenager-killed-19175">drug war</a> as ineffective, then there must be ideas on her mind to make it effective," Panelo said on television.

Robredo, 54, was elected separately to Duterte and is among a growing number of critics who say his approach has boosted his tough image but had little impact on the drugs trade or addiction rates.

She did not immediately confirm if she would take the job. Her spokesman has said she would not be a scapegoat for the shortcomings of Duterte's war on drugs.

He remains hugely popular because of his defiance of the international outcry caused by his signature crackdown, which human rights groups say involves systematic executions and police cover-ups. Police reject that and say the nearly 7,000 people they killed were armed drug suspects who resisted arrest.

Duterte is furious that the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council wants to investigate the killings, adding to an ongoing preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court (ICC), of which Duterte has cancelled the Philippines' membership.

Obliged&nbsp;to&nbsp;accept

Allies of the president urged Robredo to take the post while the Dangerous Drugs Board and police said they welcomed her experience, ideas and a new perspective.

Political analyst Ramon Casiple said that politics aside, Robredo was not in a position to decline.

"There's the obligation, not just a personal decision. If you were elected and the president sought for help, you will," he said.

Duterte has openly insulted Robredo, who leads a party with diminished power and influence.

She advocates tackling drugs from a health, social and community perspective, including prevention and treatment rather than a largely police-centred approach.

Activists say police are operating with impunity, with the implied support of a president who once vowed to kill 100,000 dealers, and he would be happy to slaughter millions of addicts. He has since said he uses hyperbole to stress a point and denies inciting murder.

Estimates of the number killed during the drugs war vary significantly, but thousands of users and alleged dealers have wound up dead outside of official police operations, many in mysterious circumstances.

Robredo on October&nbsp;23 told Reuters that international help, including from the United Nations and ICC, should be sought if the government refused to change tack and stop abusive police. On Duterte's approach, she said: "Obviously, it's not working."

Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana of the Commission on Human Rights was hopeful Robredo could stop the killings.

"Are we going to look at addicts as victims?" she said. "The approach would not be to kill them but to rehabilitate them."

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his main political rival, Leni Robredo, his "drugs tsar" after the opposition leader expressed alarm about the high death toll in his anti-narcotics campaign and said it needed a fresh approach.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his main political rival, Leni Robredo, his "drugs tsar" after the opposition leader expressed alarm about the high death toll in his anti-narcotics campaign and said it needed a fresh approach. The appointment follows critical remarks by Robredo during an interview with Reuters, and in subsequent media appearances, which angered the volatile Duterte and led to a torrent of social media fury at Robredo, who is his vice president but has no role in his administration. Duterte's spokesman announced Robredo's appointment on Tuesday as co-chair of an inter-agency panel on drugs, which he said was genuine and not a cynical political play to discredit her, as her camp believed. The president has ordered all agencies to give her their full support. "If she has been criticising the drug war as ineffective, then there must be ideas on her mind to make it effective," Panelo said on television. Robredo, 54, was elected separately to Duterte and is among a growing number of critics who say his approach has boosted his tough image but had little impact on the drugs trade or addiction rates. She did not immediately confirm if she would take the job. Her spokesman has said she would not be a scapegoat for the shortcomings of Duterte's war on drugs. He remains hugely popular because of his defiance of the international outcry caused by his signature crackdown, which human rights groups say involves systematic executions and police cover-ups. Police reject that and say the nearly 7,000 people they killed were armed drug suspects who resisted arrest. Duterte is furious that the UN Human Rights Council wants to investigate the killings, adding to an ongoing preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court (ICC), of which Duterte has cancelled the Philippines' membership. Obliged to accept Allies of the president urged Robredo to take the post while the Dangerous Drugs Board and police said they welcomed her experience, ideas and a new perspective. Political analyst Ramon Casiple said that politics aside, Robredo was not in a position to decline. "There's the obligation, not just a personal decision. If you were elected and the president sought for help, you will," he said. Duterte has openly insulted Robredo, who leads a party with diminished power and influence. She advocates tackling drugs from a health, social and community perspective, including prevention and treatment rather than a largely police-centred approach. Activists say police are operating with impunity, with the implied support of a president who once vowed to kill 100,000 dealers, and he would be happy to slaughter millions of addicts. He has since said he uses hyperbole to stress a point and denies inciting murder. Estimates of the number killed during the drugs war vary significantly, but thousands of users and alleged dealers have wound up dead outside of official police operations, many in mysterious circumstances. Robredo on October 23 told Reuters that international help, including from the United Nations and ICC, should be sought if the government refused to change tack and stop abusive police. On Duterte's approach, she said: "Obviously, it's not working." Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana of the Commission on Human Rights was hopeful Robredo could stop the killings. "Are we going to look at addicts as victims?" she said. "The approach would not be to kill them but to rehabilitate them."

Philippines' President Duterte picks top drug war critic Robredo as his 'drugs tsar'

Lev Parnas, an indicted Ukrainian-American businessman who has ties to President Donald Trump's personal lawyer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/giuliani-says-trump-did-not-pay-for-his-push-for-biden-probe-252746">Rudy Giuliani</a>, is now prepared to comply with requests for records and testimony from congressional impeachment investigators, his lawyer told Reuters on Monday.

Parnas, who helped Giuliani look for dirt on Trump's political rival, former Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-must-investigate-joe-bidens-son-ex-ukrainian-pm-252662">Joe Biden</a>, is a key figure in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-to-formalise-donald-trump-impeachment-investigation-259008">impeachment enquiry</a> that is examining whether Trump abused his office for personal political gain.

His apparent decision to work with the congressional committees represents a change of heart. Parnas rebuffed a request from three House of Representatives committees last month to provide documents and testimony.

“We will honour and not avoid the committee’s requests to the extent they are legally proper, while scrupulously protecting Mr Parnas’ privileges including that of the Fifth Amendment,” said the lawyer, Joseph Bondy, referring to his client's constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination.

Giuliani did not immediately respond to requests for comment. On Capitol Hill, the House leadership and a spokesperson for the House Intelligence Committee declined to comment.

His previous lawyer, John Dowd, wrote to the committees in early October complaining that their requests for documents were “overly broad and unduly burdensome.”

Parnas pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court last month to being part of a scheme that used a shell company to donate money to a pro-Trump election committee and illegally raise money for a former congressman as part of an effort to have the president remove the US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine.

The indictment does not address the issues involved in the impeachment inquiry.

Parnas would be a crucial witness if he were to cooperate. He has said he played a key role in connecting Giuliani to Ukrainian officials during Giuliani's investigation into Biden and his son Hunter.

Trump's request to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a July 25 phone call to investigate the Bidens was at the heart of a whistleblower complaint by an intelligence officer that sparked the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry on September&nbsp;24.

Lev Parnas, an indicted Ukrainian-American businessman who has ties to President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, is now prepared to comply with requests for records and testimony from congressional impeachment investigators, his lawyer told Reuters on Monday.

Lev Parnas, an indicted Ukrainian-American businessman who has ties to President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, is now prepared to comply with requests for records and testimony from congressional impeachment investigators, his lawyer told Reuters on Monday. Parnas, who helped Giuliani look for dirt on Trump's political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, is a key figure in the impeachment enquiry that is examining whether Trump abused his office for personal political gain. His apparent decision to work with the congressional committees represents a change of heart. Parnas rebuffed a request from three House of Representatives committees last month to provide documents and testimony. “We will honour and not avoid the committee’s requests to the extent they are legally proper, while scrupulously protecting Mr Parnas’ privileges including that of the Fifth Amendment,” said the lawyer, Joseph Bondy, referring to his client's constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination. Giuliani did not immediately respond to requests for comment. On Capitol Hill, the House leadership and a spokesperson for the House Intelligence Committee declined to comment. His previous lawyer, John Dowd, wrote to the committees in early October complaining that their requests for documents were “overly broad and unduly burdensome.” Parnas pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court last month to being part of a scheme that used a shell company to donate money to a pro-Trump election committee and illegally raise money for a former congressman as part of an effort to have the president remove the US ambassador to Ukraine. The indictment does not address the issues involved in the impeachment inquiry. Parnas would be a crucial witness if he were to cooperate. He has said he played a key role in connecting Giuliani to Ukrainian officials during Giuliani's investigation into Biden and his son Hunter. Trump's request to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a July 25 phone call to investigate the Bidens was at the heart of a whistleblower complaint by an intelligence officer that sparked the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry on September 24.

Rudy Giuliani's associate Lev Parnas will comply with Trump impeachment enquiry

Columbia Global Centers, Mumbai announces the launch of the Urban Works Innovation Challenge 2019-2020 for transforming India`s cities into safe and sustainable places through technical innovation.

The challenge, which is part of a three-year program inaugurated in 2018 and supported by the RMZ Foundation, gives young innovators a globally competitive opportunity to receive mentorship from faculty and alumni of Columbia University`s prestigious Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science as well as from distinguished entrepreneurs and academics in India.

Winning teams can also avail of unrestricted capital from a total annual fund of Rs 1.2 crores, and peer networks and infrastructural support from a tech-first collaborative workspace at The CoWrks Foundry for a six month period.

"There is a huge opportunity in this country to harness the imagination, invigoration, and forward-looking vision of the youth in India to think about how Indian cities can be at the foundation of a global economy that advances human development," said Patricia J Culligan, Professor of Civil Engineering at Columbia University.

Almost 600 million Indians will live in cities by 2030. Rapid urbanization poses serious environmental and societal challenges, including degrading air quality, rising plastic waste, hindered mobility, mental health problems, and reduced safety for women.

In this evolving landscape, there is growing recognition that the country`s urban workforce requires workplaces and city-wide ecosystems to become more productive, innovative, and inclusive.

"Solutions that make use of contemporary technology can play a critical role in addressing these needs, thereby making our cities and work environments sustainable and safe for all," said Dr Ravina Aggarwal, Director of Columbia`s Mumbai Center.

The 2019-2020 challenge will support tech-based solutions to transform 21st-century cities into sustainable and safe work environments that span diverse industries and socio-economic geographies.

Broad areas for solution development include green technologies, decentralised energy-efficient solutions, sustainable resource use, waste management, accessibility, health and wellbeing, and gender security.

The innovation challenge is open to applications till November 15, 2019, from start-ups, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and practitioners intent on designing the future of Indian cities and improving urban work environments.

Teams with successful design prototypes will have the opportunity to pitch their design to leading corporations and investors.

"Our engagement with Columbia Global Centers, Mumbai and Columbia Engineering was formed with the vision of seeking out and empowering the most incredible minds doing deeply intentional and well-researched work into solving these problems at a global scale," said Nruthya Madappa, Managing Partner of The CoWrks Foundry.

&nbsp;

Columbia Global Centers, Mumbai announces the launch of the Urban Works Innovation Challenge 2019-2020 for transforming India`s cities into safe and sustainable places through technical innovation.

Columbia Global Centers, Mumbai announces the launch of the Urban Works Innovation Challenge 2019-2020 for transforming India`s cities into safe and sustainable places through technical innovation. The challenge, which is part of a three-year program inaugurated in 2018 and supported by the RMZ Foundation, gives young innovators a globally competitive opportunity to receive mentorship from faculty and alumni of Columbia University`s prestigious Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science as well as from distinguished entrepreneurs and academics in India. Winning teams can also avail of unrestricted capital from a total annual fund of Rs 1.2 crores, and peer networks and infrastructural support from a tech-first collaborative workspace at The CoWrks Foundry for a six month period. "There is a huge opportunity in this country to harness the imagination, invigoration, and forward-looking vision of the youth in India to think about how Indian cities can be at the foundation of a global economy that advances human development," said Patricia J Culligan, Professor of Civil Engineering at Columbia University. Almost 600 million Indians will live in cities by 2030. Rapid urbanization poses serious environmental and societal challenges, including degrading air quality, rising plastic waste, hindered mobility, mental health problems, and reduced safety for women. In this evolving landscape, there is growing recognition that the country`s urban workforce requires workplaces and city-wide ecosystems to become more productive, innovative, and inclusive. "Solutions that make use of contemporary technology can play a critical role in addressing these needs, thereby making our cities and work environments sustainable and safe for all," said Dr Ravina Aggarwal, Director of Columbia`s Mumbai Center. The 2019-2020 challenge will support tech-based solutions to transform 21st-century cities into sustainable and safe work environments that span diverse industries and socio-economic geographies. Broad areas for solution development include green technologies, decentralised energy-efficient solutions, sustainable resource use, waste management, accessibility, health and wellbeing, and gender security. The innovation challenge is open to applications till November 15, 2019, from start-ups, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and practitioners intent on designing the future of Indian cities and improving urban work environments. Teams with successful design prototypes will have the opportunity to pitch their design to leading corporations and investors. "Our engagement with Columbia Global Centers, Mumbai and Columbia Engineering was formed with the vision of seeking out and empowering the most incredible minds doing deeply intentional and well-researched work into solving these problems at a global scale," said Nruthya Madappa, Managing Partner of The CoWrks Foundry.

Columbia University's Urban works innovation challenge for start-ups in India

Britain is following standard procedure by not publishing a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics until after the election, one of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">Boris Johnson's</a> most senior ministers said.

The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has cleared security service clearance but has not yet cleared approval by Johnson's Downing Street office and so will not be published before the December&nbsp;12 election.

When asked if the government was sitting on the report, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove told the BBC,&nbsp;"Absolutely not".

"It's always the case with select committee reports, particularly when they deal with sensitive issues, that there is a process through which they have to go before they are published and a response is issued," Gove said.

"This is no different from the standard procedure," he said, adding that it was going through the "same process as ever".

Dominic Grieve, the chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, has said there is no legitimate reason for delaying the publication of the report.

"We continue to be very disappointed by the failure of the government to publish this report and to provide any explanation as to why it should not be published. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-rejects-calls-for-no-deal-brexit-in-election-pitch-259559">Explanations</a> currently advanced that the timing is too short are entirely disingenuous and grossly misleading," Grieve told the BBC.

Britain is following standard procedure by not publishing a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics until after the election, one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most senior ministers said.

Britain is following standard procedure by not publishing a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics until after the election, one of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most senior ministers said. The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has cleared security service clearance but has not yet cleared approval by Johnson's Downing Street office and so will not be published before the December 12 election. When asked if the government was sitting on the report, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove told the BBC, "Absolutely not". "It's always the case with select committee reports, particularly when they deal with sensitive issues, that there is a process through which they have to go before they are published and a response is issued," Gove said. "This is no different from the standard procedure," he said, adding that it was going through the "same process as ever". Dominic Grieve, the chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, has said there is no legitimate reason for delaying the publication of the report. "We continue to be very disappointed by the failure of the government to publish this report and to provide any explanation as to why it should not be published. Explanations currently advanced that the timing is too short are entirely disingenuous and grossly misleading," Grieve told the BBC.

UK delays publishing report on Russia poll meddling, calls it 'standard procedure'

How the legend of Guy Fawkes & 'V for Vendetta' inspired Hong Kong protesters

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd&nbsp;said on Tuesday it will shut down a CPU research division at one of its United States&nbsp;facilities, a move that analysts said dimmed prospects for the tech giant's Exynos-branded mobile chips.

Exynos mobile processor chips are considered a hallmark of the South Korean firm's attempts to reduce its reliance on memory chips and increase sales of logic chips that are used to power mobile devices and autonomous vehicles.

But the proprietary chips, which are found in Samsung's flagship Galaxy series smartphones and compete against Qualcomm Inc's&nbsp;marquee mobile processors, have struggled to find external customers.

The decision to shut down the division, which will make some 300 jobs redundant, point to challenges Samsung faces in promoting Exynos chips, analysts said.

"(Exynos) chips are not really used anywhere else and continue to lose ground in the mobile processor market, raising concerns about the company's competitiveness," said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at Cape Investment &amp; Securities.

The move has led to speculation that Samsung will use core designs from ARM or semi-custom designs. Park added that Samsung is not likely to give up the Exynos business entirely.

Samsung said it will continue to develop and produce Exynos chips regardless of the termination of CPU (central processing unit) core projects, and some of 300 affected employees could be relocated to different projects.

"Based upon a thorough assessment of our System LSI business and the need to stay competitive in the global market, Samsung has decided to transition part of our U.S.-based R&amp;D teams," it said in a statement, referring to its logic chip business.

Affected employees will mostly come from its Austin R&amp;D Center, which had been researching CPU core since 2010, while a small number of employees at its CPU project team at Advanced Computing Lab in San Jose will be let go or relocated to other divisions, a company spokeswoman said.

"Core research brought less value than expected to Samsung's entire logic chip business," said source with direct knowledge of the matter who was not authorised to speak to media on the matter and declined to be identified.

The termination of its CPU core projects comes after Samsung, the world's largest memory chipmaker, said in April that it plans to invest $116 billion in logic chips through 2030.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Tuesday it will shut down a CPU research division at one of its United States facilities, a move that analysts said dimmed prospects for the tech giant's Exynos-branded mobile chips.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Tuesday it will shut down a CPU research division at one of its United States facilities, a move that analysts said dimmed prospects for the tech giant's Exynos-branded mobile chips. Exynos mobile processor chips are considered a hallmark of the South Korean firm's attempts to reduce its reliance on memory chips and increase sales of logic chips that are used to power mobile devices and autonomous vehicles. But the proprietary chips, which are found in Samsung's flagship Galaxy series smartphones and compete against Qualcomm Inc's marquee mobile processors, have struggled to find external customers. The decision to shut down the division, which will make some 300 jobs redundant, point to challenges Samsung faces in promoting Exynos chips, analysts said. "(Exynos) chips are not really used anywhere else and continue to lose ground in the mobile processor market, raising concerns about the company's competitiveness," said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at Cape Investment & Securities. The move has led to speculation that Samsung will use core designs from ARM or semi-custom designs. Park added that Samsung is not likely to give up the Exynos business entirely. Samsung said it will continue to develop and produce Exynos chips regardless of the termination of CPU (central processing unit) core projects, and some of 300 affected employees could be relocated to different projects. "Based upon a thorough assessment of our System LSI business and the need to stay competitive in the global market, Samsung has decided to transition part of our U.S.-based R&D teams," it said in a statement, referring to its logic chip business. Affected employees will mostly come from its Austin R&D Center, which had been researching CPU core since 2010, while a small number of employees at its CPU project team at Advanced Computing Lab in San Jose will be let go or relocated to other divisions, a company spokeswoman said. "Core research brought less value than expected to Samsung's entire logic chip business," said source with direct knowledge of the matter who was not authorised to speak to media on the matter and declined to be identified. The termination of its CPU core projects comes after Samsung, the world's largest memory chipmaker, said in April that it plans to invest $116 billion in logic chips through 2030.

Samsung to shut down United States CPU research division

To improve the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court ordered a complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi. Stubble burning is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and is generally done during this time of the year.&nbsp;

Responding to the plea filed by activists, the apex court said that people of India are losing "precious years" due to air pollution, adding that this cannot be allowed in a "civilised" country, reports AFP.

The Supreme Court also added that the entire police administration and the police department will be held liable if its latest directions are not followed.&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi's air quality showed signs of improvement as it moved to "very poor" from the "severe" category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recordings, Delhi's overall air quality was marked at 397, which falls under the "very poor" category. Delhi's pollution levels started dropping down marginally later on Monday due to an increase in wind speed.&nbsp;

The IMD predicted light rains on November 7 in Delhi which can further improve the air quality.

Northern India, every year during this time faces the menace of smog, due to stubble burning, bursting of crackers, and construction activities as the cooler air gets mixed with pollutants from these activities that make&nbsp;the air toxic and difficult to breathe.&nbsp;

On Monday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal implemented the odd-even rationing scheme, in which cars with odd and even number plates are allowed to hit streets on alternate days. Kejriwal described the first day of the scheme as a success adding that nearly 15 lakh cars were off the road which prevented pollution and traffic.

However, Vijay Goel, a member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defied the odd-even rules and called the scheme an election gimmick. Delhi is due for the legislative elections next year.&nbsp;

So far, steps such as banning construction activities in Delhi, parking an air purifier&nbsp;vehicle in front of Taj Mahal have been taken to reduce air pollution levels. Delhi schools are also closed until Wednesday.&nbsp;

As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities are a part of 15 most polluted cities in the world, including Delhi. Around 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To improve the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court ordered a complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi. Stubble burning is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and is generally done during this time of the year.

To improve the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court ordered a complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi. Stubble burning is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and is generally done during this time of the year. Responding to the plea filed by activists, the apex court said that people of India are losing "precious years" due to air pollution, adding that this cannot be allowed in a "civilised" country, reports AFP. The Supreme Court also added that the entire police administration and the police department will be held liable if its latest directions are not followed. Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi's air quality showed signs of improvement as it moved to "very poor" from the "severe" category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recordings, Delhi's overall air quality was marked at 397, which falls under the "very poor" category. Delhi's pollution levels started dropping down marginally later on Monday due to an increase in wind speed. The IMD predicted light rains on November 7 in Delhi which can further improve the air quality. Northern India, every year during this time faces the menace of smog, due to stubble burning, bursting of crackers, and construction activities as the cooler air gets mixed with pollutants from these activities that make the air toxic and difficult to breathe. On Monday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal implemented the odd-even rationing scheme, in which cars with odd and even number plates are allowed to hit streets on alternate days. Kejriwal described the first day of the scheme as a success adding that nearly 15 lakh cars were off the road which prevented pollution and traffic. However, Vijay Goel, a member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defied the odd-even rules and called the scheme an election gimmick. Delhi is due for the legislative elections next year. So far, steps such as banning construction activities in Delhi, parking an air purifier vehicle in front of Taj Mahal have been taken to reduce air pollution levels. Delhi schools are also closed until Wednesday. As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities are a part of 15 most polluted cities in the world, including Delhi. Around 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.

Supreme Court orders complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi

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