Top government scientists at the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could face reassignment every five years under a new regulation the Trump administration issued Friday evening, a move that surprised health officials across the government.

The rule, which the Department of Health and Human Services described in a news release as an effort to “increase professional development opportunities” and “harmonize HR practices,” was summarized in more blunt terms in the document’s file name: “term limits.”

Under the rule, more than a dozen senior officials could lose their positions as soon as this year — including a key regulator at the FDA responsible for evaluating COVID-19 drugs. Altogether, around 60 top government health officials would be subject to new employment reviews under the policy.

Although the regulation may well be reversed by the Biden administration, it is a parting shot in the Trump administration’s consistent efforts to give political appointees more sway over policy.

Because the rule, which was first reported to be under consideration by Politico, concerns the agency’s practice and procedure, it is not subject to normal rules of notice and comment, making it easier to change than other regulations. It is expected to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the day before the Trump administration ends. It would not take effect for another 30 days, providing a window for preemptive reversal.

Top officials at the FDA, the CDC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were caught off guard by the last-minute move. Agency heads at the National Institutes of Health are already subject to such five-year reviews, under legislation passed by Congress in 2016, a policy that was broadly criticized.

Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the FDA commissioner, said in an interview Friday that the new rule could be perceived as threatening. He said recently that he was open to the agency being moved out of HHS and becoming independent.

“The implications of term limits could have a serious and far-reaching public health impact, affecting industry, patient groups, stakeholders,” he said Friday. “It needs a very vigorous discussion informed by all points of view. That didn’t happen here.”

Hahn said the rule meant that a career official “might be willing to do the bidding of an administration knowing his job is on the line in five years.”

“It’s fundamentally different than academia because of the political overtones,” he said.

Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said her agency had been unaware of the new policy.

“We were completely blindsided by this when agencies were focused on the pandemic response, and the staff has worked tirelessly,” she said. “I think our career staff deserve better than an unvetted policy.”

Brian Harrison, the HHS chief of staff, oversaw the rule himself, in place of the department’s secretary, Alex Azar. The move was the product of a small “deregulatory group” at HHS that Harrison led this year, he said in an interview. Top health officials have grumbled about what they view as Harrison’s efforts to draw attention to his role in pursuing new rules, including using the department’s public affairs Twitter account to regularly feature graphics with his name on them commenting on new policies.

No one will lose employment as a result of the rule, he said in a conference call with reporters on Friday. Employees who might lose their roles at the top of centers, bureaus and divisions would be appointed somewhere else within their agency. Others could be renewed for additional five-year terms.

“All Americans are very familiar with having to check in with their boss,” Harrison said. “This simply institutionalizes leaders within HHS, whose boss is the secretary right now, to check in with their boss two times a decade.”

Many top health officials are hired as political appointees, meaning they frequently exit the agencies when there is a change in presidential leadership. But the new rule would affect the professional career staff, who often work in the government for decades.

Harrison said the change would help diversify the leadership ranks by making way for new employees to ascend to leadership roles. But critics of the policy say it could instead be a convenient way for political leaders to sideline senior career staff members with opposing views and could repel talented scientists considering entering government service.

The new rule is part of a broader pattern of Trump administration moves that weaken career protections for career civil servants. It’s a group that Trump and other officials have frequently derided as a “deep state” eager to undermine his agenda — a charge the president has made about FDA regulators.

Another recent executive order would strip tens of thousands of government workers of Civil Service protections, making them easier to fire.

Richard C. Loeb, a senior policy counsel at the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, said the rule was a “temper tantrum on the way out of office.”

“If there’s a way they can make government employment less attractive to people, this is how to do it,” he said. “These jobs would likely go to academics who would have tenure. It will signal to them there’s no reason to take this job.”

Loeb said the employees subject to the new reviews were already subject to performance appraisals, which can be used to fire them for poor performance.

“The problem they face is that they have to document why you’re performing poorly,” he said.

Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan who studies administrative law, said the policy was unlikely to survive the change in leadership.

“If the Biden administration dislikes this, they can get rid of it and probably will,” he said. “It’s not going to last.”

Top government scientists at the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could face reassignment every five years under a new regulation the Trump administration issued Friday evening, a move that surprised health officials across the government.

Top government scientists at the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could face reassignment every five years under a new regulation the Trump administration issued Friday evening, a move that surprised health officials across the government. The rule, which the Department of Health and Human Services described in a news release as an effort to “increase professional development opportunities” and “harmonize HR practices,” was summarized in more blunt terms in the document’s file name: “term limits.” Under the rule, more than a dozen senior officials could lose their positions as soon as this year — including a key regulator at the FDA responsible for evaluating COVID-19 drugs. Altogether, around 60 top government health officials would be subject to new employment reviews under the policy. Although the regulation may well be reversed by the Biden administration, it is a parting shot in the Trump administration’s consistent efforts to give political appointees more sway over policy. Because the rule, which was first reported to be under consideration by Politico, concerns the agency’s practice and procedure, it is not subject to normal rules of notice and comment, making it easier to change than other regulations. It is expected to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the day before the Trump administration ends. It would not take effect for another 30 days, providing a window for preemptive reversal. Top officials at the FDA, the CDC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were caught off guard by the last-minute move. Agency heads at the National Institutes of Health are already subject to such five-year reviews, under legislation passed by Congress in 2016, a policy that was broadly criticized. Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the FDA commissioner, said in an interview Friday that the new rule could be perceived as threatening. He said recently that he was open to the agency being moved out of HHS and becoming independent. “The implications of term limits could have a serious and far-reaching public health impact, affecting industry, patient groups, stakeholders,” he said Friday. “It needs a very vigorous discussion informed by all points of view. That didn’t happen here.” Hahn said the rule meant that a career official “might be willing to do the bidding of an administration knowing his job is on the line in five years.” “It’s fundamentally different than academia because of the political overtones,” he said. Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said her agency had been unaware of the new policy. “We were completely blindsided by this when agencies were focused on the pandemic response, and the staff has worked tirelessly,” she said. “I think our career staff deserve better than an unvetted policy.” Brian Harrison, the HHS chief of staff, oversaw the rule himself, in place of the department’s secretary, Alex Azar. The move was the product of a small “deregulatory group” at HHS that Harrison led this year, he said in an interview. Top health officials have grumbled about what they view as Harrison’s efforts to draw attention to his role in pursuing new rules, including using the department’s public affairs Twitter account to regularly feature graphics with his name on them commenting on new policies. No one will lose employment as a result of the rule, he said in a conference call with reporters on Friday. Employees who might lose their roles at the top of centers, bureaus and divisions would be appointed somewhere else within their agency. Others could be renewed for additional five-year terms. “All Americans are very familiar with having to check in with their boss,” Harrison said. “This simply institutionalizes leaders within HHS, whose boss is the secretary right now, to check in with their boss two times a decade.” Many top health officials are hired as political appointees, meaning they frequently exit the agencies when there is a change in presidential leadership. But the new rule would affect the professional career staff, who often work in the government for decades. Harrison said the change would help diversify the leadership ranks by making way for new employees to ascend to leadership roles. But critics of the policy say it could instead be a convenient way for political leaders to sideline senior career staff members with opposing views and could repel talented scientists considering entering government service. The new rule is part of a broader pattern of Trump administration moves that weaken career protections for career civil servants. It’s a group that Trump and other officials have frequently derided as a “deep state” eager to undermine his agenda — a charge the president has made about FDA regulators. Another recent executive order would strip tens of thousands of government workers of Civil Service protections, making them easier to fire. Richard C. Loeb, a senior policy counsel at the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, said the rule was a “temper tantrum on the way out of office.” “If there’s a way they can make government employment less attractive to people, this is how to do it,” he said. “These jobs would likely go to academics who would have tenure. It will signal to them there’s no reason to take this job.” Loeb said the employees subject to the new reviews were already subject to performance appraisals, which can be used to fire them for poor performance. “The problem they face is that they have to document why you’re performing poorly,” he said. Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan who studies administrative law, said the policy was unlikely to survive the change in leadership. “If the Biden administration dislikes this, they can get rid of it and probably will,” he said. “It’s not going to last.”

Last-minute rule seeks to impose term limits on top career health officials

Two Taliban terrorists killed 12 pro-government Afghan militiamen, as per officials. The attack came at night in Ghorian District in Herat on Friday.

"Twelve pro-government militiamen were killed in the Taliban attack in Ghorian district last night," said Farhad Khademi, ditrict governor. He was quoted by AFP. 
Herat provincial council member Mohammad Sardar Bahaduri confirmed the attack and said it was carried out by two Taliban fighters who had infiltrated the base.

"The militiamen were dining when the attack happened," he said.

In a separate incident, a vehicle carrying policemen was struck by a roadside bomb in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz told reporters.

Two policemen were killed and one wounded in the attack, he said.

Violence has surged across Afghanistan in recent months, especially in Kabul, which has been rocked by a new trend of targeted killings.

The bloodshed comes even as the Taliban and government negotiators engage in peace talks to end the nearly two-decades-long war in the country.

Representatives from two warring sides are currently in the Qatari capital Doha discussing the agenda for the talks.

Two Taliban terrorists killed 12 pro-government Afghan militiamen, as per officials. The attack came at night in Ghorian District in Herat on Friday. "Twelve pro-government militiamen were killed in the Taliban attack in Ghorian district last night," said Farhad Khademi, ditrict governor.

Two Taliban terrorists killed 12 pro-government Afghan militiamen, as per officials. The attack came at night in Ghorian District in Herat on Friday. "Twelve pro-government militiamen were killed in the Taliban attack in Ghorian district last night," said Farhad Khademi, ditrict governor. He was quoted by AFP. Herat provincial council member Mohammad Sardar Bahaduri confirmed the attack and said it was carried out by two Taliban fighters who had infiltrated the base. "The militiamen were dining when the attack happened," he said. In a separate incident, a vehicle carrying policemen was struck by a roadside bomb in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz told reporters. Two policemen were killed and one wounded in the attack, he said. Violence has surged across Afghanistan in recent months, especially in Kabul, which has been rocked by a new trend of targeted killings. The bloodshed comes even as the Taliban and government negotiators engage in peace talks to end the nearly two-decades-long war in the country. Representatives from two warring sides are currently in the Qatari capital Doha discussing the agenda for the talks.

Two Taliban terrorists kill 12 pro-government Afghan militiamen

China's National Health Commission on Saturday said that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the northeast have been caused by travellers entering the country or contaminated frozen food imports. In a statement made at a government meeting, NHC Minister Ma Xiaowei said that the virus was spreading to rural areas and that the handling of the recent situation had exposed how prevention and control measures had been relaxed.

"Since Dec. 2020, epidemic clusters have occurred in Beijing, Sichuan, Liaoning, Hebei and Heilongjiang," a statement posted on the NHC's website said citing the briefing by Ma.

"They mainly have the following characteristics. Firstly, they are all imported from abroad, caused by travellers from overseas, or contaminated cold-chain imported items."

Though the number of cases is lower than what it was at the height of the pandemic, concerns over second wave are growing.

This surge comes as a World Health Organization-led (WHO) team of investigators are in quarantine in the city of Wuhan, where the disease was first detected in late 2019. The team aims to investigate the origins of the pandemic that has now killed nearly 2 million people worldwide.

China is the only country to claim COVID-19 can be transmitted via cold chain imports, even though the WHO has downplayed the risks, and has been pushing a narrative via state media that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered late last year in the central city of Wuhan.

The country has in the past week seen the number of daily cases jump to an over 10-month high, and for Jan. 15 reported 130 new coronavirus cases in the mainland, versus 144 cases a day earlier.

Of those cases, 115 were local infections, 90 of which were in Hebei province surrounding Beijing that has been hit hardest in the latest wave.

Another 23 cases were found in northeastern Heilongjiang province while two cases were reported in Beijing. The authority also reported 79 new asymptomatic patients, which it does not classify as confirmed cases, were found on Jan. 15 compared with 66 a day earlier.

Around 28 million people have been put under lockdown so far and Ma said that activities like wedding banquets and other large gatherings have been responsible for latest outbreak.

(With Reuters inputs)

China's National Health Commission on Saturday said that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the northeast have been caused by travellers entering the country or contaminated frozen food imports.

China's National Health Commission on Saturday said that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the northeast have been caused by travellers entering the country or contaminated frozen food imports. In a statement made at a government meeting, NHC Minister Ma Xiaowei said that the virus was spreading to rural areas and that the handling of the recent situation had exposed how prevention and control measures had been relaxed. "Since Dec. 2020, epidemic clusters have occurred in Beijing, Sichuan, Liaoning, Hebei and Heilongjiang," a statement posted on the NHC's website said citing the briefing by Ma. "They mainly have the following characteristics. Firstly, they are all imported from abroad, caused by travellers from overseas, or contaminated cold-chain imported items." Though the number of cases is lower than what it was at the height of the pandemic, concerns over second wave are growing. This surge comes as a World Health Organization-led (WHO) team of investigators are in quarantine in the city of Wuhan, where the disease was first detected in late 2019. The team aims to investigate the origins of the pandemic that has now killed nearly 2 million people worldwide. China is the only country to claim COVID-19 can be transmitted via cold chain imports, even though the WHO has downplayed the risks, and has been pushing a narrative via state media that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered late last year in the central city of Wuhan. The country has in the past week seen the number of daily cases jump to an over 10-month high, and for Jan. 15 reported 130 new coronavirus cases in the mainland, versus 144 cases a day earlier. Of those cases, 115 were local infections, 90 of which were in Hebei province surrounding Beijing that has been hit hardest in the latest wave. Another 23 cases were found in northeastern Heilongjiang province while two cases were reported in Beijing. The authority also reported 79 new asymptomatic patients, which it does not classify as confirmed cases, were found on Jan. 15 compared with 66 a day earlier. Around 28 million people have been put under lockdown so far and Ma said that activities like wedding banquets and other large gatherings have been responsible for latest outbreak. (With Reuters inputs)

China says latest COVID outbreak is due to foreign travellers

Inspite of the massive power blackout in Pakistan, Imran Khan government has planned to raise power tariff. The decision has been taken in view of increasing International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt. The government was increasing power tariff by Pakistani Rupees 1.90 per unit. This decision is being taken to revive the stalled IMF loan programme under USD 6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF)&nbsp;

As per government projections the circular bill will mount up to Rs 2805 by June 2021. This will put the power sector into cash crunch situation.

The government has already hiked power tariff several times but it has not helped the power sector.

The multilateral creditors, including the IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, had often suggested increasing power tariffs in the past to fix the problem of circular debt.The circular debt was persistently raising trends and it might escalate to Rs 2,805 billion by the end of June 2021.&nbsp;

It had climbed to Rs 2,150 billion during the last financial year 2019-20, indicating that the bleeding of the power sector surged by Rs 538 billion just in 12 months from July 2019 to June 30, 2020, reported The News International.

This shows that the circular debt went up by Rs 44.8 billion on a monthly basis in the last financial year.

Meanwhile, the Imran government shifted the blame on the COVID-19 pandemic and said that the situation ballooned the circular debt in the second half of the last fiscal year.The government performance was also exposed as it claimed that the monthly accumulation of circular debt was curtailed at just Rs 10 to 12 billion.

(With agency inputs)

Inspite of the massive power blackout in Pakistan, Imran Khan government has planned to raise power tariff. The decision has been taken in view of increasing International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt.

Inspite of the massive power blackout in Pakistan, Imran Khan government has planned to raise power tariff. The decision has been taken in view of increasing International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt. The government was increasing power tariff by Pakistani Rupees 1.90 per unit. This decision is being taken to revive the stalled IMF loan programme under USD 6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) As per government projections the circular bill will mount up to Rs 2805 by June 2021. This will put the power sector into cash crunch situation. The government has already hiked power tariff several times but it has not helped the power sector. The multilateral creditors, including the IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, had often suggested increasing power tariffs in the past to fix the problem of circular debt.The circular debt was persistently raising trends and it might escalate to Rs 2,805 billion by the end of June 2021. It had climbed to Rs 2,150 billion during the last financial year 2019-20, indicating that the bleeding of the power sector surged by Rs 538 billion just in 12 months from July 2019 to June 30, 2020, reported The News International. This shows that the circular debt went up by Rs 44.8 billion on a monthly basis in the last financial year. Meanwhile, the Imran government shifted the blame on the COVID-19 pandemic and said that the situation ballooned the circular debt in the second half of the last fiscal year.The government performance was also exposed as it claimed that the monthly accumulation of circular debt was curtailed at just Rs 10 to 12 billion. (With agency inputs)

Pakistan wants to hike power tariff despite recent massive blackout

US Secret Service has been paying $3000 per month for an apartment near Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's home in Washington to provide toilet and office facilities to agents protecting the couple. The Kushners have a sprawling 5000 square feet home in Washington with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. But as per CNN report, agents protecting the couple do not enter the home.

CNN cited a source to say that it was not known why didn't the agents tasked with providing security to the couple use one bathroom in the home. It is not yet clear whether permission was denied.

The Secret Service has rented the apartment since 2017. This means that more than $100,000 has been paid till now.

White House spokesperson Judd Deere has been mentioned to have denied that Secret Service was refused permission to use facilities at Ivanka's house.

Deere said that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner had "utmost respect" for the secret agents protecting the couple.

He claimed that their house was always open to them. Secret Service reportedly denied a comment.

US Secret Service has been paying $3000 per month for an apartment near Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's home in Washington to provide toilet and office facilities to agents protecting the couple.

US Secret Service has been paying $3000 per month for an apartment near Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's home in Washington to provide toilet and office facilities to agents protecting the couple. The Kushners have a sprawling 5000 square feet home in Washington with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. But as per CNN report, agents protecting the couple do not enter the home. CNN cited a source to say that it was not known why didn't the agents tasked with providing security to the couple use one bathroom in the home. It is not yet clear whether permission was denied. The Secret Service has rented the apartment since 2017. This means that more than $100,000 has been paid till now. White House spokesperson Judd Deere has been mentioned to have denied that Secret Service was refused permission to use facilities at Ivanka's house. Deere said that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner had "utmost respect" for the secret agents protecting the couple. He claimed that their house was always open to them. Secret Service reportedly denied a comment.

Secret Service pays $3000 to use toilet near Ivanka Trump's house: Report

Parts of Delhi reeled under a "severe" cold wave and witnessed "dense" fog on Thursday as the minimum temperature dropped to 2 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Visibility levels dropped to 100 metres at Palam and 201 metres at Safdarjung due to "dense" to "moderate" fog in the morning, an IMD official said.

According to the IMD, "very dense fog" is when visibility is between 0 and 50 metres. In case of "dense" fog, visibility is between 51 and 200 metres, "moderate" 201 and 500 metres, and "shallow" 501 and 1,000 metres.

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative data for the city, recorded a minimum of 2 degrees Celsius, five notches below normal, as against 3.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The weather stations at Lodhi Road and Ridge recorded a minimum of 2.4 and 3.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In the plains, the IMD declares a "cold wave" if the minimum temperature dips to 4 degrees Celsius. A "severe cold wave" is when the minimum is 2 degrees Celsius or less.

Cold and dry northerly/northwesterly winds from the western Himalayas have been barreling through the plains, bringing theminimum temperature in north India down, Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre said.

On January 1, the city had recorded a minimum of 1.1 degrees Celsius, lowest for the month in 15 years.

Delhi had been registering above-normal minimum temperatures till Monday, as a cloud cover persisted over the city under the influence of successive Western Disturbances.

However, the temperature started dropping with the commencement of cold northwesterly winds after the withdrawal of the latest WD.

Parts of Delhi reeled under a "severe" cold wave and witnessed "dense" fog on Thursday as the minimum temperature dropped to 2 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Parts of Delhi reeled under a "severe" cold wave and witnessed "dense" fog on Thursday as the minimum temperature dropped to 2 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Visibility levels dropped to 100 metres at Palam and 201 metres at Safdarjung due to "dense" to "moderate" fog in the morning, an IMD official said. According to the IMD, "very dense fog" is when visibility is between 0 and 50 metres. In case of "dense" fog, visibility is between 51 and 200 metres, "moderate" 201 and 500 metres, and "shallow" 501 and 1,000 metres. The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative data for the city, recorded a minimum of 2 degrees Celsius, five notches below normal, as against 3.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The weather stations at Lodhi Road and Ridge recorded a minimum of 2.4 and 3.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. In the plains, the IMD declares a "cold wave" if the minimum temperature dips to 4 degrees Celsius. A "severe cold wave" is when the minimum is 2 degrees Celsius or less. Cold and dry northerly/northwesterly winds from the western Himalayas have been barreling through the plains, bringing theminimum temperature in north India down, Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre said. On January 1, the city had recorded a minimum of 1.1 degrees Celsius, lowest for the month in 15 years. Delhi had been registering above-normal minimum temperatures till Monday, as a cloud cover persisted over the city under the influence of successive Western Disturbances. However, the temperature started dropping with the commencement of cold northwesterly winds after the withdrawal of the latest WD.

Minimum temperature dips to 2 degrees Celsius in Delhi

Donald Trump impeachment: These 10 Republicans voted against US president

Donald Trump became first US president to be impeached twice. On Thursday (Indian time0 US House of Representatives impeached Trump for "incitement of insurrection" that led to attack on US Capitol Building a few days ago. The impeachmenyt article will now be sent to US Senate. Meanwhile, China has reported first COVID death in eight months just as WHO team arrived. Istambul is in danger of running out of water in 45 days. Read this and more in your morning news brief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-impeached-again-becomes-first-us-president-to-suffer-impeachment-twice-356536">Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-impeached-again-becomes-first-us-president-to-suffer-impeachment-twice-356536"><img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f02572fc-777e-46df-aa1b-6604ae723c51" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump_10.JPG" /></a> 
 
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. 10 Republican representatives broke the party line to support Trump impeachment. This the second impeachment Trump has suffered

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-what-happens-next-will-he-leave-office-immediately-356561">Trump impeachment: What happens next? Will he leave office immediately?</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-what-happens-next-will-he-leave-office-immediately-356561"><img alt="Trump impeachment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89e24898-5cb8-4c50-81f5-e994b7ed6d32" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump%202_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
In any case, suffering impeachment, guilty or not, is a huge political blot. And Donald Trump has suffered this fate twice

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-coronavirus-death-in-eight-months-as-who-team-arrives-356538">China reports first coronavirus death in eight months as WHO team arrives</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-coronavirus-death-in-eight-months-as-who-team-arrives-356538"><img alt="China coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="990aa0d2-f17d-4226-a5dc-6f2b3be14cdc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China%20coronavirus.JPG" /></a> 
 
Hebei's capital city Shijiazhuang has become the new epicentre of the virus with authorities closing down schools, transport and shops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-may-run-out-of-water-in-45-days-due-to-severe-drought-356540">Istanbul may run out of water in 45 days due to severe drought</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-may-run-out-of-water-in-45-days-due-to-severe-drought-356540"><img alt="Turkey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dc0df2b-9120-44bc-8280-eb38bc74283a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Turkey_4.JPG" /></a> 
 
Sprawling underdevelopment and poor rainfall are being blamed for putting Istanbul, the megacity of 17 million people close to running out water

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-do-not-celebrate-or-feel-pride-in-banning-trump-twitter-chief-jack-dorsey-356549">I do not celebrate or feel pride in banning Trump: Twitter chief Jack Dorsey</a>

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Twitter had said Trump's tweets violated "Glorification of Violence Policy" as it moved to permanently suspend his account.

Video: U.S. House impeaches outgoing President Donald Trump once again

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Video | United States: Washington enhances its security in the wake of Joe Biden' inauguration

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Donald Trump became first US president to be impeached twice. On Thursday (Indian time0 US House of Representatives impeached Trump for "incitement of insurrection" that led to attack on US Capitol Building a few days ago.

Donald Trump became first US president to be impeached twice. On Thursday (Indian time0 US House of Representatives impeached Trump for "incitement of insurrection" that led to attack on US Capitol Building a few days ago. The impeachmenyt article will now be sent to US Senate. Meanwhile, China has reported first COVID death in eight months just as WHO team arrived. Istambul is in danger of running out of water in 45 days. Read this and more in your morning news brief Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. 10 Republican representatives broke the party line to support Trump impeachment. This the second impeachment Trump has suffered Trump impeachment: What happens next? Will he leave office immediately? In any case, suffering impeachment, guilty or not, is a huge political blot. And Donald Trump has suffered this fate twice China reports first coronavirus death in eight months as WHO team arrives Hebei's capital city Shijiazhuang has become the new epicentre of the virus with authorities closing down schools, transport and shops. Istanbul may run out of water in 45 days due to severe drought Sprawling underdevelopment and poor rainfall are being blamed for putting Istanbul, the megacity of 17 million people close to running out water I do not celebrate or feel pride in banning Trump: Twitter chief Jack Dorsey Twitter had said Trump's tweets violated "Glorification of Violence Policy" as it moved to permanently suspend his account. Video: U.S. House impeaches outgoing President Donald Trump once again × Video | United States: Washington enhances its security in the wake of Joe Biden' inauguration ×

Morning news brief: Trump impeached again, China COVID death, and more

US President Donald Trump was impeached by US House of Representatives on Thursday (Indian time). With this Trump has become first US President to suffer impeachment twice. &nbsp;Former US presidents Andrew Jackson and Bill Clinton were impeached during their time. But what does Trump's impeachment mean? Will he be forced to leave the Oval Office immediately? Let's check this thing.

The process

When US House of Representatives impeaches&nbsp;the president, the impeachment article is sent to US Senate. It is here that the actual trial of the president takes place. The US Senate is tasked with finding the president guilty - or otherwise- of the charges levelled against him.&nbsp;

Once the impeachment article is sent to US Senate, it becomes its top priority when it reconvenes. In the present case, the words 'when it reconvenes' hold the sway as US Senate is in recess. It will only reconvene on January 19, just a day before Joe Biden is to be inaugurated.

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&nbsp;

US House of Representatives (the one that impeached Trump) is controlled by Democratic Party while Republicans have control over US Senate right now. Republican Party's Majority Leader in Senate Mitch McConnell has already rejected Democratic Party's demand to reconvene immediately.

This means that the Senate is most likely to tackle the issue of impeachment only after Biden takes&nbsp;office. This may lead to several situations.

There is a difference of opinion among legal scholars about whether Senate can process impeachment of a president who is out of office. Some say it can't be done while others assert it is possible. However, Trump may have legal options with which he can attempt to get involved or potentially even stop the proceedings using loopholes and interpretation of the law.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/along-with-trump-impeachment-biden-urges-us-senate-to-consider-other-urgent-business-356546">Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business'</a>

And after all this, if it comes to the final stages in Senate, it will need affirmation of 67 out of 100 Senators for the house to declare Trump guilty. Even after wins in Georgia, Democratic Party holds a wafer-thin majority in Senate.

There is always the possibility of Republican Senators breaking party lines to vote in favour of impeachment as some Republican members in House of Representatives did, it appears a long game as of now.

However, in any case, suffering impeachment, guilty or not, is a huge political blot. And Donald Trump has suffered this fate twice.

All in all, it appears unlikely at the moment that impeachment proceedings would force Trump to leave office before his term ends.

US President Donald Trump was impeached by US House of Representatives on Thursday (Indian time). With this Trump has become first US President to suffer impeachment twice.

US President Donald Trump was impeached by US House of Representatives on Thursday (Indian time). With this Trump has become first US President to suffer impeachment twice. Former US presidents Andrew Jackson and Bill Clinton were impeached during their time. But what does Trump's impeachment mean? Will he be forced to leave the Oval Office immediately? Let's check this thing. The process When US House of Representatives impeaches the president, the impeachment article is sent to US Senate. It is here that the actual trial of the president takes place. The US Senate is tasked with finding the president guilty - or otherwise- of the charges levelled against him. Once the impeachment article is sent to US Senate, it becomes its top priority when it reconvenes. In the present case, the words 'when it reconvenes' hold the sway as US Senate is in recess. It will only reconvene on January 19, just a day before Joe Biden is to be inaugurated. × US House of Representatives (the one that impeached Trump) is controlled by Democratic Party while Republicans have control over US Senate right now. Republican Party's Majority Leader in Senate Mitch McConnell has already rejected Democratic Party's demand to reconvene immediately. This means that the Senate is most likely to tackle the issue of impeachment only after Biden takes office. This may lead to several situations. There is a difference of opinion among legal scholars about whether Senate can process impeachment of a president who is out of office. Some say it can't be done while others assert it is possible. However, Trump may have legal options with which he can attempt to get involved or potentially even stop the proceedings using loopholes and interpretation of the law. Also Read | Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business' And after all this, if it comes to the final stages in Senate, it will need affirmation of 67 out of 100 Senators for the house to declare Trump guilty. Even after wins in Georgia, Democratic Party holds a wafer-thin majority in Senate. There is always the possibility of Republican Senators breaking party lines to vote in favour of impeachment as some Republican members in House of Representatives did, it appears a long game as of now. However, in any case, suffering impeachment, guilty or not, is a huge political blot. And Donald Trump has suffered this fate twice. All in all, it appears unlikely at the moment that impeachment proceedings would force Trump to leave office before his term ends.

Trump impeachment: What happens next? Will he leave office immediately?

US President Donald Trump on Thursday became first president in US history to be impeached twice. US House of Representatives has charged him of 'incitement of insurrection' over the Capitol Hill violence that erupted on January 6 after Trump's address to his supporters in Washington DC. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. 10 Republican representatives broke the party line to support Trump impeachment. This the second impeachment Trump has suffered. The House had previously impeached Trump in 2019 for abuse of power. No US President has ever been removed through impeachment but such proceedings carry huge political weight and suffering impeachment twice definitely does not go down well with position any US President

What happens now?

US House of Representatives will submit the article of impeachment to US Senate. If the Senate accepts and holds Trump guilty after a trial, he may have to leave the office. Republican Party controls the Senate right now.

The Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, rejected Democratic calls for a quick impeachment trial, saying there was no way to conclude it before Trump leaves office. But even if he has left the White House, a Senate conviction of Trump could lead to a vote on banning him from running for office again.

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&nbsp;

In a video statement released after the vote, Trump did not mention the impeachment vote and took no responsibility for his remarks to supporters last week, but condemned the violence.

"Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law and order," Trump said.

The impeachment debate

The debate over impeachment went on in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as thousands of rifle-carrying National Guard troops were stationed inside and outside the Capitol. It's the same building in which lawmakers had to crouch and hide as thousands of Trump supporters laid siege on January 6.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/along-with-trump-impeachment-biden-urges-us-senate-to-consider-other-urgent-business-356546">Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business'</a>

"The president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said on the House floor before the vote. "He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love."

Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called Trump "the most dangerous man to ever occupy the Oval Office." Congresswoman Maxine Waters accused Trump of wanting civil war and fellow Democrat Jim McGovern said the president "instigated an attempted coup."

Some Republicans argued the impeachment drive was a rush to judgment that bypassed the customary deliberative process such as hearings and called on Democrats to abandon the effort for the sake of national unity and healing.

"Impeaching the president in such a short time frame would be a mistake," said Kevin McCarthy, the House's top Republican. "That doesn't mean the president is free from fault. The president bears responsibility for Wednesday's attack on Congress by mob rioters."

Trump's closest allies, such as Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, went further, accusing Democrats of recklessly acting out of pure political interest.

"This is about getting the president of the United States," said Jordan, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in a private White House ceremony this week. "It's always been about getting the president, no matter what. It's an obsession."

Ten Republicans voted to impeach, including Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican.

"I am not choosing a side, I'm choosing truth," Republican Jamie Herrera Beutler said in announcing her support for impeachment, drawing applause from Democrats. "It's the only way to defeat fear."

In a break from standard procedure, Republican House leaders refrained from urging their members to vote against impeachment, calling the vote a matter of individual conscience.

(With Reuters inputs)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday became first president in US history to be impeached twice. US House of Representatives has charged him of 'incitement of insurrection' over the Capitol Hill violence that erupted on January 6 after Trump's address to his supporters in Washington DC.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday became first president in US history to be impeached twice. US House of Representatives has charged him of 'incitement of insurrection' over the Capitol Hill violence that erupted on January 6 after Trump's address to his supporters in Washington DC. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. 10 Republican representatives broke the party line to support Trump impeachment. This the second impeachment Trump has suffered. The House had previously impeached Trump in 2019 for abuse of power. No US President has ever been removed through impeachment but such proceedings carry huge political weight and suffering impeachment twice definitely does not go down well with position any US President What happens now? US House of Representatives will submit the article of impeachment to US Senate. If the Senate accepts and holds Trump guilty after a trial, he may have to leave the office. Republican Party controls the Senate right now. The Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, rejected Democratic calls for a quick impeachment trial, saying there was no way to conclude it before Trump leaves office. But even if he has left the White House, a Senate conviction of Trump could lead to a vote on banning him from running for office again. × In a video statement released after the vote, Trump did not mention the impeachment vote and took no responsibility for his remarks to supporters last week, but condemned the violence. "Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law and order," Trump said. The impeachment debate The debate over impeachment went on in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as thousands of rifle-carrying National Guard troops were stationed inside and outside the Capitol. It's the same building in which lawmakers had to crouch and hide as thousands of Trump supporters laid siege on January 6. Also Read | Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business' "The president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said on the House floor before the vote. "He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love." Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called Trump "the most dangerous man to ever occupy the Oval Office." Congresswoman Maxine Waters accused Trump of wanting civil war and fellow Democrat Jim McGovern said the president "instigated an attempted coup." Some Republicans argued the impeachment drive was a rush to judgment that bypassed the customary deliberative process such as hearings and called on Democrats to abandon the effort for the sake of national unity and healing. "Impeaching the president in such a short time frame would be a mistake," said Kevin McCarthy, the House's top Republican. "That doesn't mean the president is free from fault. The president bears responsibility for Wednesday's attack on Congress by mob rioters." Trump's closest allies, such as Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, went further, accusing Democrats of recklessly acting out of pure political interest. "This is about getting the president of the United States," said Jordan, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in a private White House ceremony this week. "It's always been about getting the president, no matter what. It's an obsession." Ten Republicans voted to impeach, including Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican. "I am not choosing a side, I'm choosing truth," Republican Jamie Herrera Beutler said in announcing her support for impeachment, drawing applause from Democrats. "It's the only way to defeat fear." In a break from standard procedure, Republican House leaders refrained from urging their members to vote against impeachment, calling the vote a matter of individual conscience. (With Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice

US President-elect Joe Biden released a statement after US House of Representatives impeached sitting US President Donald Trump. In his statement, Biden said he hoped that the US Senate finds a way to work on impeachment proceedings "while also" working on other "urgent business". US House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump on Thursday (Indian time) making him the only president to suffer impeachment twice.

“This nation also remains in the grip of a deadly virus and a reeling economy,” said Biden in his statement “I hope that the Senate leadership will find a way to deal with their Constitutional responsibilities on impeachment while also working on the other urgent business of this nation.”&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

While he said that violence at Capitol Hill was incited by Trump, Biden drew attention to other pressing matters US faced.

“From confirmations to key posts such as Secretaries for Homeland Security, State, Defense, Treasury, and Director of National Intelligence, to getting our vaccine program on track, and to getting our economy going again. Too many of our fellow Americans have suffered for too long over the past year to delay this urgent work,” said Biden in a statement. He was quoted by CNN.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-impeached-again-becomes-first-us-president-to-suffer-impeachment-twice-356536">Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice</a>

Biden has previously indicated his unwillingness to go out all guns blazing on Trump's removal from Oval Office via impeachment. Recently, Biden said that it was up to US Congress to decide for or against Trump's removal from office before his term comes to an end.

Political experts have been quoted in various news reports saying that it was unlikely of Biden to spend his political capital to lobby US Senate for Trump's removal especially as the Senate will be due to clear Biden's nominees on important posts in his cabinet.

US President-elect Joe Biden released a statement after US House of Representatives impeached sitting US President Donald Trump. In his statement, Biden said he hoped that the US Senate finds a way to work on impeachment proceedings "while also" working on other "urgent business".

US President-elect Joe Biden released a statement after US House of Representatives impeached sitting US President Donald Trump. In his statement, Biden said he hoped that the US Senate finds a way to work on impeachment proceedings "while also" working on other "urgent business". US House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump on Thursday (Indian time) making him the only president to suffer impeachment twice. “This nation also remains in the grip of a deadly virus and a reeling economy,” said Biden in his statement “I hope that the Senate leadership will find a way to deal with their Constitutional responsibilities on impeachment while also working on the other urgent business of this nation.” × While he said that violence at Capitol Hill was incited by Trump, Biden drew attention to other pressing matters US faced. “From confirmations to key posts such as Secretaries for Homeland Security, State, Defense, Treasury, and Director of National Intelligence, to getting our vaccine program on track, and to getting our economy going again. Too many of our fellow Americans have suffered for too long over the past year to delay this urgent work,” said Biden in a statement. He was quoted by CNN. Also Read | Donald Trump impeached again, becomes first US president to suffer impeachment twice Biden has previously indicated his unwillingness to go out all guns blazing on Trump's removal from Oval Office via impeachment. Recently, Biden said that it was up to US Congress to decide for or against Trump's removal from office before his term comes to an end. Political experts have been quoted in various news reports saying that it was unlikely of Biden to spend his political capital to lobby US Senate for Trump's removal especially as the Senate will be due to clear Biden's nominees on important posts in his cabinet.

Along with Trump impeachment, Biden urges US Senate to consider 'other urgent business'

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