A group of Republican lawmakers seeking to counter national security and economic threats from China is calling for the United States to open trade talks with Taiwan, a plan which is "very much" on the radar screen of the Trump administration, according to the congressman who leads the group.

Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by House of Representatives Republicans earlier this year, said such negotiations would be "an important foreign policy statement to make," and help hold China accountable for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which has drawn fire from President Donald Trump.

"It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight."

The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force.

The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide.

Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef.

Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1.

Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019.

The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island. 
&nbsp;

A group of Republican lawmakers seeking to counter national security and economic threats from China is calling for the United States to open trade talks with Taiwan, a plan which is "very much" on the radar screen of the Trump administration, according to the congressman who leads the group.

A group of Republican lawmakers seeking to counter national security and economic threats from China is calling for the United States to open trade talks with Taiwan, a plan which is "very much" on the radar screen of the Trump administration, according to the congressman who leads the group. Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by House of Representatives Republicans earlier this year, said such negotiations would be "an important foreign policy statement to make," and help hold China accountable for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which has drawn fire from President Donald Trump. "It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight." The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force. The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide. Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef. Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1. Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019. The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island.

Taiwan trade deal on Trump administration's radar, lawmaker says

One person was killed and another was wounded as a result of a shooting at the Amazon fulfillment centre in Florida`s Jacksonville city, the Florida Times-Union newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing the local police.

According to the police, the shooting occurred at 7.25 p.m. local time on Tuesday (23:25 GMT). Police officers arrived at the site immediately and found two people -- appearing to be Amazon employees -- with gunshot wounds.&nbsp;

A woman was declared dead on the scene, while a man was taken to a hospital.An investigation into the incident has been launched, according to the police.This is the second shooting to occur at the Amazon centre on Pecan Park Road this year. The previous one took place on June 29.

One person was killed and another was wounded as a result of a shooting at the Amazon fulfillment centre in Florida`s Jacksonville city, the Florida Times-Union newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing the local police.

One person was killed and another was wounded as a result of a shooting at the Amazon fulfillment centre in Florida`s Jacksonville city, the Florida Times-Union newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing the local police. According to the police, the shooting occurred at 7.25 p.m. local time on Tuesday (23:25 GMT). Police officers arrived at the site immediately and found two people -- appearing to be Amazon employees -- with gunshot wounds. A woman was declared dead on the scene, while a man was taken to a hospital.An investigation into the incident has been launched, according to the police.This is the second shooting to occur at the Amazon centre on Pecan Park Road this year. The previous one took place on June 29.

Shooting at Amazon facility in Florida, one dead

India's longest spell of clean air on record came to an end in September when New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital city, recorded a significant deterioration in air quality, partly due to crop waste burning by farmers.

Up until this month, New Delhi and its satellite cities, which last year accounted for half of the dozen most-polluted cities worldwide, had enjoyed respite due to the strict nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

But, a pick-up in economic activity and a slightly early start to crop waste burning, a significant source of pollution during the winter months, has made the air more toxic again.

"The gains which we had seen because of the lockdown are lost in September," said Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a professor at the IIT Kanpur and a member of the National Clear Air Mission, a federal body.

In September, the concentration of poisonous PM2.5 particles in a cubic metre of air averaged at 47.64 micrograms, more than 17% higher from the same month last year, according to a Reuters analysis of government data, indicating a "poor" rating.

That is almost twice the level deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO), though it is still below the safety level of 60 micrograms set by SAFAR, India's environment monitoring agency.

In Punjab state, to the north of New Delhi, there were about 70 crop fires in September, more than double the number in the same month last year, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur in northern India.

Air pollution typically worsens during the winter months from October to December.

Last year, New Delhi suffered nine consecutive days in late October, early November when the air quality was hazardous, with a PM2.5 reading of 509.2 micrograms recorded on Nov. 3 by IQ AirVisual, a Swiss-based group that gathers air-quality data globally.

Authorities intensified a campaign to reduce crop waste burning after the outrage caused by last year's sickening air quality levels, and officials say farmers are likely to reduce burning by 75-80% this year. 
&nbsp;

India's longest spell of clean air on record came to an end in September when New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital city, recorded a significant deterioration in air quality, partly due to crop waste burning by farmers.

India's longest spell of clean air on record came to an end in September when New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital city, recorded a significant deterioration in air quality, partly due to crop waste burning by farmers. Up until this month, New Delhi and its satellite cities, which last year accounted for half of the dozen most-polluted cities worldwide, had enjoyed respite due to the strict nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus. But, a pick-up in economic activity and a slightly early start to crop waste burning, a significant source of pollution during the winter months, has made the air more toxic again. "The gains which we had seen because of the lockdown are lost in September," said Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a professor at the IIT Kanpur and a member of the National Clear Air Mission, a federal body. In September, the concentration of poisonous PM2.5 particles in a cubic metre of air averaged at 47.64 micrograms, more than 17% higher from the same month last year, according to a Reuters analysis of government data, indicating a "poor" rating. That is almost twice the level deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO), though it is still below the safety level of 60 micrograms set by SAFAR, India's environment monitoring agency. In Punjab state, to the north of New Delhi, there were about 70 crop fires in September, more than double the number in the same month last year, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur in northern India. Air pollution typically worsens during the winter months from October to December. Last year, New Delhi suffered nine consecutive days in late October, early November when the air quality was hazardous, with a PM2.5 reading of 509.2 micrograms recorded on Nov. 3 by IQ AirVisual, a Swiss-based group that gathers air-quality data globally. Authorities intensified a campaign to reduce crop waste burning after the outrage caused by last year's sickening air quality levels, and officials say farmers are likely to reduce burning by 75-80% this year.

Delhi loses cleaner lockdown air as farmers burn crop waste

Pakistan's role in fomenting terror in India and elsewhere is perhaps well-documented. But a new report says that over 80 per cent of surveyed convicted drug peddlers say that most&nbsp;narcotic drugs enter India illegally from Pakistan. A recent article in Eureporter has shed light on this. Eureporter is a Brussells based European multimedia news platform.

A survey was carried out involving 872 convicted drug peddlers. Majority of them (83.94 per cent) said that drugs were mainly trafficked illegally into India from Pakistan. This was followed by Nepal (5.05 per cent) and Afghanistan (4.24 per cent)

A recent report from South Asia Democratic Forum said that number of seizures of consignments containing drugs as well as ammunition indicated that activities of terror groups and drug peddlers had increased. This is particularly evident in Punjab.

In June 2019, customs officials in Amritsar seized a heroin cargo worth Rs 2700 crore. The drugs were intended to be trafficked to Kashmir.

Pakistani state uses drug trafficking as a way to raise money to fund terror activities. Narco-terrorism is an integral part of Pakistan's state sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. These funds are then used to conduct asymmetric warfare in the region, mainly against India. This in turn is used to achieve certain foreign policy goals.

Pakistan's role in fomenting terror in India and elsewhere is perhaps well-documented. But a new report says that over 80 per cent of surveyed convicted drug peddlers say that most narcotic drugs enter India illegally from Pakistan.

Pakistan's role in fomenting terror in India and elsewhere is perhaps well-documented. But a new report says that over 80 per cent of surveyed convicted drug peddlers say that most narcotic drugs enter India illegally from Pakistan. A recent article in Eureporter has shed light on this. Eureporter is a Brussells based European multimedia news platform. A survey was carried out involving 872 convicted drug peddlers. Majority of them (83.94 per cent) said that drugs were mainly trafficked illegally into India from Pakistan. This was followed by Nepal (5.05 per cent) and Afghanistan (4.24 per cent) A recent report from South Asia Democratic Forum said that number of seizures of consignments containing drugs as well as ammunition indicated that activities of terror groups and drug peddlers had increased. This is particularly evident in Punjab. In June 2019, customs officials in Amritsar seized a heroin cargo worth Rs 2700 crore. The drugs were intended to be trafficked to Kashmir. Pakistani state uses drug trafficking as a way to raise money to fund terror activities. Narco-terrorism is an integral part of Pakistan's state sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. These funds are then used to conduct asymmetric warfare in the region, mainly against India. This in turn is used to achieve certain foreign policy goals.

Over 80 per cent of convicted peddlers say most narcotics come to India from Pakistan

Written by: Sanjeev Roy

Before Covid (BC) brand collaboration meant that two or more non-competing brands would come together – this was often done purely for promotional gains. &nbsp;

The Covid Era (CE) has, however, brought with it a new wave of not just inter-category but also intra-category brand collaborations – brands that were historically considered “competitors” are actually working together now. Consider this, rival pharma companies in India are working in tandem to ensure that life-saving drugs reach all markets even as they knowingly give up on a part of their competitive advantage.&nbsp;

Or consider this, Apple and Google (both in the past, made too much effort in finding innovative ways of blocking each other’s services) decided to collaborate to create contact tracing solutions.

Examples are aplenty: AstraZeneca and GSK, arch-rivals in the UK pharma industry, collaborating with the University of Cambridge to assist the government in COVID-19 testing efforts; beverage rivals Pernod Ricard, Budweiser, Carlsberg, Remy Martin, have collaborated in launching online clubbing experience in China.

Or consider the many volunteer groups cropping up, where individuals located all over the country were working in tandem to help people in various crises such as the migrant crisis during the lockdown, or floods in Assam and Kerala, cyclone in Bengal – a group of people having never met in-person before and having no common connection except a passion and willingness to make a change.&nbsp;

Perhaps it is one more of the CE paradoxes that we are now seeing: the physical coming together of people has been largely limited due to lockdowns and safety concerns and yet virtual collaborations – driven by common passion and innovative solutions, are on the rise.&nbsp;

On the one hand are governments and organizations who are erecting bigger and thicker walls and on the other are the academia, businesses and individuals who are collaborating, sharing and creating innovative solutions, more than ever before.

At first glance, it might appear almost counterintuitive that brands in times of such economic difficulty - instead of pushing harder to outdo the competitors – are collaborating with them.&nbsp;

Why&nbsp;Now? 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>For many it might simply be self-interest.&nbsp;With bars and restaurants closed and e-commerce on the rise, the beverage companies, a music label and an ecom site, found that together they could achieve more than they could individually. Carlsberg and Budweiser, who in any case sit in the same bar shelf, found more joy in raising a toast together than in clashing swords.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The pharma companies found their distribution networks totally disrupted during the first lockdown. Cries of help from kidney transplant patients in Ranchi for the lifesaving drug of one company or a cancer patient in Dharamshala for the drugs of the other company, could only be met if they relied on each other to share costs of a chartered airplane or use each other’s distribution strengths in different areas. Not only did they save lives, but they also managed to retain valuable customers. These are big chasms that have been crossed and organisations could start seeing long term merit in collaborating on certain aspects rather than competing.</li>
	<li>Homo Sapiens are social animals. For us, connecting with others is a natural urge. We have been forced into isolation and fear and uncertainty is high. At a time like this, seeking out others is natural.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>At Future Forward, the virtual group&nbsp;of scenario planning&nbsp;enthusiasts (who co- authored Here Today Here Tomorrow), seeking answers and trying to make sense of the future, is our way of coping with uncertainty and fear. We do it as a collective instead of individually. Instinct has driven collaboration, on what is primarily an intellectual pursuit.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consider this analogy: Onam Sadya (traditional vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf in Kerala for Onam) reimagined as a mélange of Malayali and Bengali vegetarian dishes to create a new, unique experience; conceived as one meal but cooked by two chefs specializing in each cuisine. The Malayali Chef and the Bengali Chef, looking to remain interesting and relevant in a changed market, seek each other out and create an experience that stands out. Alone is scary, together is less so.</li>
</ul>

This is a time that needs us to be together. The problem is large and those with muscle have to unite and contribute. The solutions are needed fast. This is beyond profits. Glaxo, AstraZenaca, Oxford, Serum Institute of India, WHO and a whole host of others have to pull together to solve a global problem, fast. Apple and Google have to combine resources.

&nbsp;

Is this sustainable?

The biggest benefit is that of survival – not being a part of the solution will mean that customers will write off the brands sooner rather than later.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinese-scientist-says-covid-19-was-created-by-chinas-military-327862">Chinese scientist says covid-19 was created by China’s military</a> 
 
Innovative outputs, synergies, new markets, engaged consumers, solutions at scale are the benefits that can outlive the pandemic. To keep it working though organisations and individuals have to be mindful of what has worked so far:

<ul>
	<li>Shared purpose, the will to make a difference and common goals have never been more important. Apple and Google sit at the same table because they both share the same purpose of finding solutions for dealing with the pandemic. This is what their stakeholders want as well. At Future Forward we are united by our common enthusiasm for scenario planning and making sense of the future. We had common goals, a paper on trends first and then the book.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Say bye to ego and welcome humility. If AstraZeneca were to try to steal the thunder for itself and not acknowledge its partners, the collaboration is bound to run into trouble. For corporations and nations, this is a new muscle to exercise. Individuals collaborating would also do well to remember this. The edifice of success has been built around claiming the glory and the spoils. Implicit in collaboration is sharing and generosity. The belief that as each collaborator gets stronger, the entire collaboration benefits.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The virus while creating a distanced world, has opened the doors on many new connections. Nature has once again knocked us hard on the head, teaching us lessons that can create a more beautiful, just and happy world.

Sanjeev Roy is an Executive Coach, OD Consultant and Co-Author of ‘Here Today Here Tomorrow’&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Written by: Sanjeev Roy Before Covid (BC) brand collaboration meant that two or more non-competing brands would come together – this was often done purely for promotional gains.

Written by: Sanjeev Roy Before Covid (BC) brand collaboration meant that two or more non-competing brands would come together – this was often done purely for promotional gains. The Covid Era (CE) has, however, brought with it a new wave of not just inter-category but also intra-category brand collaborations – brands that were historically considered “competitors” are actually working together now. Consider this, rival pharma companies in India are working in tandem to ensure that life-saving drugs reach all markets even as they knowingly give up on a part of their competitive advantage. Or consider this, Apple and Google (both in the past, made too much effort in finding innovative ways of blocking each other’s services) decided to collaborate to create contact tracing solutions. Examples are aplenty: AstraZeneca and GSK, arch-rivals in the UK pharma industry, collaborating with the University of Cambridge to assist the government in COVID-19 testing efforts; beverage rivals Pernod Ricard, Budweiser, Carlsberg, Remy Martin, have collaborated in launching online clubbing experience in China. Or consider the many volunteer groups cropping up, where individuals located all over the country were working in tandem to help people in various crises such as the migrant crisis during the lockdown, or floods in Assam and Kerala, cyclone in Bengal – a group of people having never met in-person before and having no common connection except a passion and willingness to make a change. Perhaps it is one more of the CE paradoxes that we are now seeing: the physical coming together of people has been largely limited due to lockdowns and safety concerns and yet virtual collaborations – driven by common passion and innovative solutions, are on the rise. On the one hand are governments and organizations who are erecting bigger and thicker walls and on the other are the academia, businesses and individuals who are collaborating, sharing and creating innovative solutions, more than ever before. At first glance, it might appear almost counterintuitive that brands in times of such economic difficulty - instead of pushing harder to outdo the competitors – are collaborating with them. Why Now? For many it might simply be self-interest. With bars and restaurants closed and e-commerce on the rise, the beverage companies, a music label and an ecom site, found that together they could achieve more than they could individually. Carlsberg and Budweiser, who in any case sit in the same bar shelf, found more joy in raising a toast together than in clashing swords. The pharma companies found their distribution networks totally disrupted during the first lockdown. Cries of help from kidney transplant patients in Ranchi for the lifesaving drug of one company or a cancer patient in Dharamshala for the drugs of the other company, could only be met if they relied on each other to share costs of a chartered airplane or use each other’s distribution strengths in different areas. Not only did they save lives, but they also managed to retain valuable customers. These are big chasms that have been crossed and organisations could start seeing long term merit in collaborating on certain aspects rather than competing. Homo Sapiens are social animals. For us, connecting with others is a natural urge. We have been forced into isolation and fear and uncertainty is high. At a time like this, seeking out others is natural. At Future Forward, the virtual group of scenario planning enthusiasts (who co- authored Here Today Here Tomorrow), seeking answers and trying to make sense of the future, is our way of coping with uncertainty and fear. We do it as a collective instead of individually. Instinct has driven collaboration, on what is primarily an intellectual pursuit. Consider this analogy: Onam Sadya (traditional vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf in Kerala for Onam) reimagined as a mélange of Malayali and Bengali vegetarian dishes to create a new, unique experience; conceived as one meal but cooked by two chefs specializing in each cuisine. The Malayali Chef and the Bengali Chef, looking to remain interesting and relevant in a changed market, seek each other out and create an experience that stands out. Alone is scary, together is less so. This is a time that needs us to be together. The problem is large and those with muscle have to unite and contribute. The solutions are needed fast. This is beyond profits. Glaxo, AstraZenaca, Oxford, Serum Institute of India, WHO and a whole host of others have to pull together to solve a global problem, fast. Apple and Google have to combine resources. Is this sustainable? The biggest benefit is that of survival – not being a part of the solution will mean that customers will write off the brands sooner rather than later. Also Read | Chinese scientist says covid-19 was created by China’s military Innovative outputs, synergies, new markets, engaged consumers, solutions at scale are the benefits that can outlive the pandemic. To keep it working though organisations and individuals have to be mindful of what has worked so far: Shared purpose, the will to make a difference and common goals have never been more important. Apple and Google sit at the same table because they both share the same purpose of finding solutions for dealing with the pandemic. This is what their stakeholders want as well. At Future Forward we are united by our common enthusiasm for scenario planning and making sense of the future. We had common goals, a paper on trends first and then the book. Say bye to ego and welcome humility. If AstraZeneca were to try to steal the thunder for itself and not acknowledge its partners, the collaboration is bound to run into trouble. For corporations and nations, this is a new muscle to exercise. Individuals collaborating would also do well to remember this. The edifice of success has been built around claiming the glory and the spoils. Implicit in collaboration is sharing and generosity. The belief that as each collaborator gets stronger, the entire collaboration benefits. The virus while creating a distanced world, has opened the doors on many new connections. Nature has once again knocked us hard on the head, teaching us lessons that can create a more beautiful, just and happy world. Sanjeev Roy is an Executive Coach, OD Consultant and Co-Author of ‘Here Today Here Tomorrow’ (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Collaborate, not compete – lessons from the new normal

Democratic Party's US presidential nominee Joe Biden made his displeasure clear over Trump administration's haste to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court. In his address to the media, he said that this move by Donald Trump defied "every precedent, every expectation". In his strongly-worded statement, Biden underlined the much talked about 'doubletalk' of the Republican Party.

"Never before in our has a Supreme Court justice been nominated and installed while the presidential election is already underway," said Biden.

In 2016, Republican Party had refused to hold a hearing for a judge former US President Barack Obama wanted to nominate for the Supreme Court. The GOP had argued that such a step could not be taken in an election year.

But now, the Republican Party is rapidly closing its rank to ensure that Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett's nomination.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-party-races-against-time-to-confirm-amy-coney-barrett-on-us-supreme-court-330701">Republican Party races against time to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on US Supreme Court</a>

"There's no mystery about what is happening here, President Trump is trying to throw out the affordable care act He has been trying to do that for last 4 years," said Joe Biden.

Affordable Care Act or 'Obamacare' is the act brought into effect by Barack Obama administration. The act enabled millions of financially weak Americans to avail affordable healthcare. Republican Party is fiercely against the act. If the act is repealed, millions of Americans will lose access to healthcare.

Biden said that there were "written" records showing how Amy Coney Barrett was against Obamacare.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-wants-drug-test-for-joe-biden-before-us-presidential-debates-2020-330721">Donald Trump wants drug test for Joe Biden before US presidential debates 2020</a>

Democratic Party has very few options left to block confirmation of Barrett. Republicans control the Senate 53-47.

At the end of his media address. Joe Biden urged all Senators to "take off blinders", keep aside the politics and bring USA back from the brink. Biden did not take questions after his address. 
&nbsp;

Democratic Party's US presidential nominee Joe Biden made his displeasure clear over Trump administration's haste to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court. In his address to the media, he said that this move by Donald Trump defied "every precedent, every expectation".

Democratic Party's US presidential nominee Joe Biden made his displeasure clear over Trump administration's haste to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court. In his address to the media, he said that this move by Donald Trump defied "every precedent, every expectation". In his strongly-worded statement, Biden underlined the much talked about 'doubletalk' of the Republican Party. "Never before in our has a Supreme Court justice been nominated and installed while the presidential election is already underway," said Biden. In 2016, Republican Party had refused to hold a hearing for a judge former US President Barack Obama wanted to nominate for the Supreme Court. The GOP had argued that such a step could not be taken in an election year. But now, the Republican Party is rapidly closing its rank to ensure that Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett's nomination. Also Read | Republican Party races against time to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on US Supreme Court "There's no mystery about what is happening here, President Trump is trying to throw out the affordable care act He has been trying to do that for last 4 years," said Joe Biden. Affordable Care Act or 'Obamacare' is the act brought into effect by Barack Obama administration. The act enabled millions of financially weak Americans to avail affordable healthcare. Republican Party is fiercely against the act. If the act is repealed, millions of Americans will lose access to healthcare. Biden said that there were "written" records showing how Amy Coney Barrett was against Obamacare. Also Read: Donald Trump wants drug test for Joe Biden before US presidential debates 2020 Democratic Party has very few options left to block confirmation of Barrett. Republicans control the Senate 53-47. At the end of his media address. Joe Biden urged all Senators to "take off blinders", keep aside the politics and bring USA back from the brink. Biden did not take questions after his address.

Joe Biden strongly opposes Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to US Supreme Court

Things have gathered pace in Republican Party camps in the US as the GOP closes ranks to hasten the process of confirming Amy Cony Barrett on the Supreme Court. In early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett but a final seal of approval will come from US Senate that will confirm the nomination. Amy Coney Barrett will replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the Supreme Court. Ginsburg passed away on September 18.

Republican Party has 53-47 majority in the Senate.

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, himself a Republican, has already made confirming Amy Coney Barrett a paramount priority.

"I look forward to meeting with the nominee next week and will carefully study her record and credentials," he said,"As I have stated, this nomination will receive a vote on the Senate floor in the weeks ahead."

Why&nbsp;the hurry

Amy Coney Barrett is known for her conservative views. Republican Party's vote base is conservative Americans. If Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed on the Supreme Court, the conservative judges will have 6-3 majority over judges who are more liberal.

Moreover, the republican party is trying hard to confirm Amy Coney Barrett before November 3 US Presidential Elections.

In 2000, US Supreme Court had to resolve US Presidential Elections after the votes had been cast and counted. Republican Party's George Bush was declared winner of the election.

It is being said that by confirming Amy Coney Barrett in Supreme Court, Republicans envisage a possible advantage if Supreme Court needs to get involved to resolve US Elections 2020.

Amy Coney Barrett to meet Senators

Barrett is expected to begin meetings with individual senators on Tuesday. Trump said the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by his ally Senator Lindsey Graham, would begin confirmation hearings on Oct. 12.

Like Trump's two other appointees, Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, Barrett is young enough that she could serve for decades in the lifetime job, leaving a lasting conservative imprint. Trump's two previous appointments were surrounded by controversy.

'Hypocrite' Republican Party?

Republican Party is drawing criticism for trying to rush through things just to obtain advantage in presidential elections.

In 2016, when then-President Barack Obama wanted to fill Supreme Court vacancy, Mitch McConnell had refused to hold Senate hearing saying that such a step could not be taken during an election year.

Now the Republicans are doing the same thing for their favoured Supreme Court nominee not just in an election year but just weeks before the presidential elections.

What options do Democrats have?

At the moment very few. Although two Republican Senators have said that they will not support Trump's nominee, another defection from the Republican camp would bring the Senate strength during the vote to 50-50. Vice-President Mike Pence can then exercise casting vote in favour of Amy Coney Barrett.

Biden and his vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, a member of the Judiciary Committee, blasted Trump's choice of Barrett, focusing in particular on the threat they said she would pose to healthcare for millions of Americans.

Biden noted that even as Trump's administration is seeking to strike down Obamacare in a case the Supreme Court is due to hear on Nov. 10, Barrett has a "written track record" criticizing a pivotal 2012 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts preserving the healthcare law formally known as the Affordable Care Act. If quickly confirmed, Barrett could be on the bench to hear that case.

Democrats also fretted that Barrett could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, a goal of religious conservatives.

"Trump's hand-picked successor to Justice Ginsburg's seat makes it clear: they intend to destroy the Affordable Care Act &amp; overturn Roe. This selection would move the court further right for a generation &amp; harm millions of Americans," Harris wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

An emboldened Supreme Court conservative majority could shift the United States to the right on hot-button issues by, among other things, curbing abortion rights, expanding religious rights, striking down gun control laws, halting the expansion of LGBT rights, and endorsing new restrictions on voting rights.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Things have gathered pace in Republican Party camps in the US as the GOP closes ranks to hasten the process of confirming Amy Cony Barrett on the Supreme Court. In early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett but a final seal of approval will come from US Senate that will confirm the nomination.

Things have gathered pace in Republican Party camps in the US as the GOP closes ranks to hasten the process of confirming Amy Cony Barrett on the Supreme Court. In early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett but a final seal of approval will come from US Senate that will confirm the nomination. Amy Coney Barrett will replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the Supreme Court. Ginsburg passed away on September 18. Republican Party has 53-47 majority in the Senate. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, himself a Republican, has already made confirming Amy Coney Barrett a paramount priority. "I look forward to meeting with the nominee next week and will carefully study her record and credentials," he said,"As I have stated, this nomination will receive a vote on the Senate floor in the weeks ahead." Why the hurry Amy Coney Barrett is known for her conservative views. Republican Party's vote base is conservative Americans. If Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed on the Supreme Court, the conservative judges will have 6-3 majority over judges who are more liberal. Moreover, the republican party is trying hard to confirm Amy Coney Barrett before November 3 US Presidential Elections. In 2000, US Supreme Court had to resolve US Presidential Elections after the votes had been cast and counted. Republican Party's George Bush was declared winner of the election. It is being said that by confirming Amy Coney Barrett in Supreme Court, Republicans envisage a possible advantage if Supreme Court needs to get involved to resolve US Elections 2020. Amy Coney Barrett to meet Senators Barrett is expected to begin meetings with individual senators on Tuesday. Trump said the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by his ally Senator Lindsey Graham, would begin confirmation hearings on Oct. 12. Like Trump's two other appointees, Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, Barrett is young enough that she could serve for decades in the lifetime job, leaving a lasting conservative imprint. Trump's two previous appointments were surrounded by controversy. 'Hypocrite' Republican Party? Republican Party is drawing criticism for trying to rush through things just to obtain advantage in presidential elections. In 2016, when then-President Barack Obama wanted to fill Supreme Court vacancy, Mitch McConnell had refused to hold Senate hearing saying that such a step could not be taken during an election year. Now the Republicans are doing the same thing for their favoured Supreme Court nominee not just in an election year but just weeks before the presidential elections. What options do Democrats have? At the moment very few. Although two Republican Senators have said that they will not support Trump's nominee, another defection from the Republican camp would bring the Senate strength during the vote to 50-50. Vice-President Mike Pence can then exercise casting vote in favour of Amy Coney Barrett. Biden and his vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, a member of the Judiciary Committee, blasted Trump's choice of Barrett, focusing in particular on the threat they said she would pose to healthcare for millions of Americans. Biden noted that even as Trump's administration is seeking to strike down Obamacare in a case the Supreme Court is due to hear on Nov. 10, Barrett has a "written track record" criticizing a pivotal 2012 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts preserving the healthcare law formally known as the Affordable Care Act. If quickly confirmed, Barrett could be on the bench to hear that case. Democrats also fretted that Barrett could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, a goal of religious conservatives. "Trump's hand-picked successor to Justice Ginsburg's seat makes it clear: they intend to destroy the Affordable Care Act & overturn Roe. This selection would move the court further right for a generation & harm millions of Americans," Harris wrote on Twitter on Saturday. An emboldened Supreme Court conservative majority could shift the United States to the right on hot-button issues by, among other things, curbing abortion rights, expanding religious rights, striking down gun control laws, halting the expansion of LGBT rights, and endorsing new restrictions on voting rights. (With Reuters inputs)

Republican Party races against time to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on US Supreme Court

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a right-wing party`s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, opting for stability amid the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Swiss People`s Party (SVP) had forced a referendum on the EU agreement in a bid to curb immigration to the country where foreigners make up a quarter of the population.

The measure lost, as expected, by a 62%-38% margin.

"The bilateral path is the right one for Switzerland and for the EU. The Swiss people have confirmed this path again today," Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told reporters in Bern.

"Today is a great day for the relations between the European Union and Switzerland," European Council President Charles Michel tweeted. "The Swiss people have spoken &amp; sent a clear message: together we have a great future ahead of us."

The SVP - the biggest party in parliament - has long pushed to take back control of immigration, echoing some arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain`s exit from the EU. It won a referendum on the issue in 2014, only to see parliament water down its implementation.

Opponents said the plan would have robbed business of skilled workers and torpedoed accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland`s access to the crucial EU single market.

Around two-thirds of the 2.1 million foreigners living in Switzerland in 2019 were citizens of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU.

The domestic political battle immediately turned to Switzerland`s biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty meant to cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereignty and would never win a referendum.

With questions open over state aid, rules to protect high Swiss wages, and access to welfare benefits, the Swiss have dragged their feet while trying to forge a domestic consensus, triggering a row over cross-border stock trading.

"The government will determine Switzerland`s position in the coming weeks and take up discussions with the EU over the issues that remain open," Keller-Sutter said.

Voters also blocked an attempt to make it easier to shoot wolves deemed a threat to livestock. 
They narrowly approved the government`s plans to buy new fighter jets for up to 6 billion Swiss francs ($6.46 billion).

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a right-wing party`s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, opting for stability amid the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a right-wing party`s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, opting for stability amid the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Swiss People`s Party (SVP) had forced a referendum on the EU agreement in a bid to curb immigration to the country where foreigners make up a quarter of the population. The measure lost, as expected, by a 62%-38% margin. "The bilateral path is the right one for Switzerland and for the EU. The Swiss people have confirmed this path again today," Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told reporters in Bern. "Today is a great day for the relations between the European Union and Switzerland," European Council President Charles Michel tweeted. "The Swiss people have spoken & sent a clear message: together we have a great future ahead of us." The SVP - the biggest party in parliament - has long pushed to take back control of immigration, echoing some arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain`s exit from the EU. It won a referendum on the issue in 2014, only to see parliament water down its implementation. Opponents said the plan would have robbed business of skilled workers and torpedoed accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland`s access to the crucial EU single market. Around two-thirds of the 2.1 million foreigners living in Switzerland in 2019 were citizens of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU. The domestic political battle immediately turned to Switzerland`s biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty meant to cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereignty and would never win a referendum. With questions open over state aid, rules to protect high Swiss wages, and access to welfare benefits, the Swiss have dragged their feet while trying to forge a domestic consensus, triggering a row over cross-border stock trading. "The government will determine Switzerland`s position in the coming weeks and take up discussions with the EU over the issues that remain open," Keller-Sutter said. Voters also blocked an attempt to make it easier to shoot wolves deemed a threat to livestock. They narrowly approved the government`s plans to buy new fighter jets for up to 6 billion Swiss francs ($6.46 billion).

Swiss voters clearly reject curbs on EU immigration

Belarusian police said on Sunday they had used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse "disobedient" protesters in the eastern city of Gomel and prevent them from breaking through the rows of police, Russia`s TASS news agency reported.

Belarusians continue to protest across the country against what they say was a rigged presidential election last month, of which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the outright winner.

Belarusian police said on Sunday they had used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse "disobedient" protesters in the eastern city of Gomel and prevent them from breaking through the rows of police, Russia`s TASS news agency reported.

Belarusian police said on Sunday they had used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse "disobedient" protesters in the eastern city of Gomel and prevent them from breaking through the rows of police, Russia`s TASS news agency reported. Belarusians continue to protest across the country against what they say was a rigged presidential election last month, of which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the outright winner.

Belarusian police use tear gas, stun grenades against protesters: Report

US President Donald Trump has repeated his demand for a drug test for his Democratic Party opponent Joe Biden. But this time, Trump has made the demand with a reference to upcoming US Presidential debates. Trump said he would "strongly" demand a drug test for "sleepy" Joe Biden before or after presidential debates. In his tweet, he said that he will undergo a test "also".&nbsp;

"I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???" tweeted Donald Trump.

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I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1310211120922230784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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We are within days of the first presidential debates. The debate will take place on September 29 (US time). This will be the first time both candidates will go head-to-head in a straight battle that will determine their perception among US voters.

Trump has upped his allegations against Biden that he was on drugs. Although he has not offered any evidence, Trump has argued that Biden's performance in his public interactions had improved and this was not possible without help of drugs.

Biden has already rubbished Trump's claims. However, this has not deterred Donald Trump from repeating the charge. 
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US President Donald Trump has repeated his demand for a drug test for his Democratic Party opponent Joe Biden. But this time, Trump has made the demand with a reference to upcoming US Presidential debates.

US President Donald Trump has repeated his demand for a drug test for his Democratic Party opponent Joe Biden. But this time, Trump has made the demand with a reference to upcoming US Presidential debates. Trump said he would "strongly" demand a drug test for "sleepy" Joe Biden before or after presidential debates. In his tweet, he said that he will undergo a test "also". "I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy???" tweeted Donald Trump. I will be strongly demanding a Drug Test of Sleepy Joe Biden prior to, or after, the Debate on Tuesday night. Naturally, I will agree to take one also. His Debate performances have been record setting UNEVEN, to put it mildly. Only drugs could have caused this discrepancy??? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 27, 2020 × We are within days of the first presidential debates. The debate will take place on September 29 (US time). This will be the first time both candidates will go head-to-head in a straight battle that will determine their perception among US voters. Trump has upped his allegations against Biden that he was on drugs. Although he has not offered any evidence, Trump has argued that Biden's performance in his public interactions had improved and this was not possible without help of drugs. Biden has already rubbished Trump's claims. However, this has not deterred Donald Trump from repeating the charge.

Donald Trump wants drug test for Joe Biden before US presidential debates 2020

An issue with England's COVID-19 smartphone app, launched to curb the spread of the virus, which meant it could not accept around a third of test results has been resolved, the government said on Sunday.

The app's official account had said on Saturday it could not link to test results taken in Public Health England laboratories, via the National Health Service or as part of a survey run by the Office for National Statistics.

"Everyone who receives a positive test result can log their result on the app," a health ministry spokesman said.

"A minority of people, such as hospital patients, who were unable to log their positive result can now request a code when contacted by NHS Test and Trace to input on their app."

An issue with England's COVID-19 smartphone app, launched to curb the spread of the virus, which meant it could not accept around a third of test results has been resolved, the government said on Sunday.

An issue with England's COVID-19 smartphone app, launched to curb the spread of the virus, which meant it could not accept around a third of test results has been resolved, the government said on Sunday. The app's official account had said on Saturday it could not link to test results taken in Public Health England laboratories, via the National Health Service or as part of a survey run by the Office for National Statistics. "Everyone who receives a positive test result can log their result on the app," a health ministry spokesman said. "A minority of people, such as hospital patients, who were unable to log their positive result can now request a code when contacted by NHS Test and Trace to input on their app."

UK says test result issue on England's COVID-19 app resolved

Twenty-six Bangladeshi policemen are undergoing termination proceedings for failing a surprise drug test, according to media reports.

The erring officials include a traffic sergeant, four sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, a 'nayek', and 17 constables -- all members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Tribune reported.

The DMP is conducting surprise dope tests on law enforcement officials as part of a wider crackdown on drug peddling. Over 100 policemen have been tested so far, the report added.

Most of the erring officials were found using yaba pills (amphetamine) and marijuana.

DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam told the newspaper that the termination proceedings will end soon. A departmental case has been filed against them and they will be dismissed after the legal process is duly followed.

"Policemen who are involved with drugs or helping drug traders will be arrested and prosecuted. At (police) unit meetings, I have said tell me if anyone of is addicted to drugs so we can arrange for their treatment," Islam said.

The sackings come at the backdrop of increased allegations of police involvement in drug mafia and of some using themselves.

"We first identified a list of suspected drug abusers, scrutinised the list, and finally tested them. We have conducted dope test on over 100 police officials,? the DMP chief told the newspaper.

He said the sackings should send out the clear message that drug trade will not be tolerated. 
More drug tests in the police force are expected in the coming weeks.

The Daily Star reported that the suspended officials are being treated as regular criminals.

The drug tests have created fear and many of the officials are said to be cleaning up their act before the surprise test, The Daily Star reported.

Twenty-six Bangladeshi policemen are undergoing termination proceedings for failing a surprise drug test, according to media reports. The erring officials include a traffic sergeant, four sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, a 'nayek', and 17 constables -- all members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Twenty-six Bangladeshi policemen are undergoing termination proceedings for failing a surprise drug test, according to media reports. The erring officials include a traffic sergeant, four sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, a 'nayek', and 17 constables -- all members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Tribune reported. The DMP is conducting surprise dope tests on law enforcement officials as part of a wider crackdown on drug peddling. Over 100 policemen have been tested so far, the report added. Most of the erring officials were found using yaba pills (amphetamine) and marijuana. DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam told the newspaper that the termination proceedings will end soon. A departmental case has been filed against them and they will be dismissed after the legal process is duly followed. "Policemen who are involved with drugs or helping drug traders will be arrested and prosecuted. At (police) unit meetings, I have said tell me if anyone of is addicted to drugs so we can arrange for their treatment," Islam said. The sackings come at the backdrop of increased allegations of police involvement in drug mafia and of some using themselves. "We first identified a list of suspected drug abusers, scrutinised the list, and finally tested them. We have conducted dope test on over 100 police officials,? the DMP chief told the newspaper. He said the sackings should send out the clear message that drug trade will not be tolerated. More drug tests in the police force are expected in the coming weeks. The Daily Star reported that the suspended officials are being treated as regular criminals. The drug tests have created fear and many of the officials are said to be cleaning up their act before the surprise test, The Daily Star reported.

26 Bangladeshi policemen face termination for failing drug test

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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