Former President Donald Trump's favourite wooden box which beeped for a Diet Coke has been removed from US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-suggests-removing-aliens-suggests-noncitizens-for-immigrants-358475">Biden's</a> famous Resolute desk at the Oval Office.

Watch:

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The famous desk has been used by successive US presidents at the White House which is built from oak timbers from HMS Resolute in the 1880s.

Trump had the button put on a wooden box next to his phone on the White House Resolute desk, whenever the ex-president pressed it a butler would enter the room carrying a bottle of Diet Coke on a silver platter.

The ex-US president would reportedly consume a dozen coke bottles a day. Biden has made other changes to his decor at the famous room with pictures of late son Beau <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bernie-sanders-opens-up-about-that-meme-moment-from-biden-harris-inauguration-i-was-just-trying-to-keep-warm-358470">Biden</a>, who died of brain cancer in 2015, including family photos of first lady Jill Biden behind the Resolute desk.

Reports say 46th commander-in-chief is a soda fan and prefers Coke Zero, including ice-cream with vanilla. An Ohio-based ice cream company brand had in fact launched a flavour which is Biden's favourite passion.

Trump was not the first sitting president to openly boycott his successor inauguration on Wednesday. In 1801 the second US president John Adams snubbed his successor Thomas Jefferson, leaving the White House at dawn after calling his former vice-president as "a mean-spirited, low-lived son of a half-breed Indian squaw".

His son John Quincy Adams won a disputed election in 1824 against Andrew Jackson, who claimed the vote had been stolen. Four years later Jackson turned the tables after a contentious campaign. Like his father, Adams junior left the White House the night before the inauguration.

Jackson, who brought his slaves to Washington with him, is a hero of Trump's. His portrait hangs by his desk in the Oval Office.

Former President Donald Trump's favourite wooden box which beeped for a Diet Coke has been removed from US President Biden's famous Resolute desk at the Oval Office.

Former President Donald Trump's favourite wooden box which beeped for a Diet Coke has been removed from US President Biden's famous Resolute desk at the Oval Office. Watch: The famous desk has been used by successive US presidents at the White House which is built from oak timbers from HMS Resolute in the 1880s. Trump had the button put on a wooden box next to his phone on the White House Resolute desk, whenever the ex-president pressed it a butler would enter the room carrying a bottle of Diet Coke on a silver platter. The ex-US president would reportedly consume a dozen coke bottles a day. Biden has made other changes to his decor at the famous room with pictures of late son Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015, including family photos of first lady Jill Biden behind the Resolute desk. Reports say 46th commander-in-chief is a soda fan and prefers Coke Zero, including ice-cream with vanilla. An Ohio-based ice cream company brand had in fact launched a flavour which is Biden's favourite passion. Trump was not the first sitting president to openly boycott his successor inauguration on Wednesday. In 1801 the second US president John Adams snubbed his successor Thomas Jefferson, leaving the White House at dawn after calling his former vice-president as "a mean-spirited, low-lived son of a half-breed Indian squaw". His son John Quincy Adams won a disputed election in 1824 against Andrew Jackson, who claimed the vote had been stolen. Four years later Jackson turned the tables after a contentious campaign. Like his father, Adams junior left the White House the night before the inauguration. Jackson, who brought his slaves to Washington with him, is a hero of Trump's. His portrait hangs by his desk in the Oval Office.

Now, Biden removes Trump's Diet Coke button from Oval desk

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-economic-crisis-racial-injustice-climate-crisis-threats-to-our-democracy-says-president-biden-from-lincoln-memorial-358219">Biden</a> stamped his authority on his first day at the White House telling his new staff,&nbsp;"I'm not joking when I say this: If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot."

Watch:

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-signs-raft-of-orders-rolls-back-trump-policies-on-coronavirus-immigration-and-more-358220">Biden's</a> directive came as the new employees were being sworn-in during a virtual meeting.

"You're engaged in and you're working with the most decent government in the world. And we have to restore the soul of this country, and I'm counting on all of you to be part of that," Biden said.

"The only thing I expect with absolute certitude is honesty and decency," the new US president said. Biden's statement comes after the fractious Trump era which deeply divided the nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wrote-a-very-generous-letter-before-departing-white-house-biden-358238">Trump</a> in the end refused to concede defeat and exited the White House without attending the Biden's inauguration.

The Capitol riots became the last act of Trump's presidency with several Republican criticising the former US president.&nbsp;

President Biden stamped his authority on his first day at the White House telling his new staff, "I'm not joking when I say this: If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot.

President Biden stamped his authority on his first day at the White House telling his new staff, "I'm not joking when I say this: If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot." Watch: Biden's directive came as the new employees were being sworn-in during a virtual meeting. "You're engaged in and you're working with the most decent government in the world. And we have to restore the soul of this country, and I'm counting on all of you to be part of that," Biden said. "The only thing I expect with absolute certitude is honesty and decency," the new US president said. Biden's statement comes after the fractious Trump era which deeply divided the nation. Trump in the end refused to concede defeat and exited the White House without attending the Biden's inauguration. The Capitol riots became the last act of Trump's presidency with several Republican criticising the former US president.

I hear you treat another with disrespect, will fire you on the spot: Biden to staff

US Vice President Kamala Harris while speaking the Lincoln Memorial echoed President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-economic-crisis-racial-injustice-climate-crisis-threats-to-our-democracy-says-president-biden-from-lincoln-memorial-358219">Biden's</a> thoughts calling on Americans "innovators and the educators" to work for the American dream.

Watch:

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"We not only dream we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be we shoot for the Moon and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold fearless and ambitious," Harris asserted.

"This is American aspiration in the middle of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln saw a better future with land-grant colleges and the transcontinental railroad in the middle of the civil rights movement," Harris said.

Like President Biden, Harris reminded Americans about Dr King's fight for racial and economic justice. Harris said Biden has "called upon us to summon now the courage to see beyond the crisis to do what is hard to do."

Harris lauded the effort of scientists including the contribution of "parents in nurturing generations to come in".&nbsp;

"What is good to unite. To believe in ourselves, believe in our country, believe in what we can do together," Harris said.

"A great experiment takes great determination the will to do the work and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting the same determination is being realized in America today."

US Vice President Kamala Harris while speaking the Lincoln Memorial echoed President Biden's thoughts calling on Americans "innovators and the educators" to work for the American dream.

US Vice President Kamala Harris while speaking the Lincoln Memorial echoed President Biden's thoughts calling on Americans "innovators and the educators" to work for the American dream. Watch: "We not only dream we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be we shoot for the Moon and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold fearless and ambitious," Harris asserted. "This is American aspiration in the middle of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln saw a better future with land-grant colleges and the transcontinental railroad in the middle of the civil rights movement," Harris said. Like President Biden, Harris reminded Americans about Dr King's fight for racial and economic justice. Harris said Biden has "called upon us to summon now the courage to see beyond the crisis to do what is hard to do." Harris lauded the effort of scientists including the contribution of "parents in nurturing generations to come in". "What is good to unite. To believe in ourselves, believe in our country, believe in what we can do together," Harris said. "A great experiment takes great determination the will to do the work and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting the same determination is being realized in America today."

Great experiment takes great determination, says Kamala Harris at Lincoln Memorial

The BSE Sensex crossed the historic 50,000-mark on Thursday boosted by Reliance Industries after the country's stock exchanges approved its deal with Future Group.

The Sensex rose 50057.32 rising 230.69 points&nbsp;in early morning trade amid strong global cues.&nbsp;Nifty surged&nbsp;72.95 points&nbsp;to record 14,717.65.

The 30-share BSE Sensex had advanced by 393.83 to close at a fresh record of 49,792.12 on Wednesday.

The NSE Nifty had surged 123.55 points to settle at a lifetime high of 14,644.70 after US Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen called for a stimulus to protect the US economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reliance shares had risen&nbsp;1.7 per cent&nbsp;after Indian stock exchanges on Wednesday

President-elect Joe Biden, who will be sworn into office on Wednesday has laid out a $1.9 trillion stimulus package proposal to boost the economy.

The BSE Sensex crossed the historic 50,000-mark on Thursday boosted by Reliance Industries after the country's stock exchanges approved its deal with Future Group.

The BSE Sensex crossed the historic 50,000-mark on Thursday boosted by Reliance Industries after the country's stock exchanges approved its deal with Future Group. The Sensex rose 50057.32 rising 230.69 points in early morning trade amid strong global cues. Nifty surged 72.95 points to record 14,717.65. The 30-share BSE Sensex had advanced by 393.83 to close at a fresh record of 49,792.12 on Wednesday. The NSE Nifty had surged 123.55 points to settle at a lifetime high of 14,644.70 after US Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen called for a stimulus to protect the US economy. Reliance shares had risen 1.7 per cent after Indian stock exchanges on Wednesday President-elect Joe Biden, who will be sworn into office on Wednesday has laid out a $1.9 trillion stimulus package proposal to boost the economy.

Sensex crosses historic 50,000-mark

As President Joe Biden sought to jump-start his administration's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-coronavirus-strain-detected-in-at-least-60-countries-who-357907">coronavirus</a> effort, the number of US deaths due to the virus crossed the World War II death toll.

Watch:

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According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oral-ulcer-teeth-cracking-may-be-symptoms-of-coronavirus-uk-professor-357809">coronavirus</a> death toll in the US has reached 405,630, the total number of combat and non-combat deaths in World War II was 405,399, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 24.4 million infected cases. The country accounts for 20 per cent of coronavirus deaths.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data suggests the UK variant of the virus will lead to a fresh surge in cases in the months ahead in the country even as the US kicked off its vaccination drive to combat the virus.

President Biden who is a $1.9 trillion emergency COVID-19 and economic recovery package from Congress, said in his inaugural speech: "We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus."

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, travel to the United States has been curbed as the Biden administration has sough to keep the current non-essential travel restrictions in place.

Biden has put forth a 100-day "masking challenge" which includes wearing masks in all federal properties and activities.

"Wednesday starts a new day, a new, different approach to managing the country's response to Covid-19 crisis," Biden said.

As President Joe Biden sought to jump-start his administration's coronavirus effort, the number of US deaths due to the virus crossed the World War II death toll.

As President Joe Biden sought to jump-start his administration's coronavirus effort, the number of US deaths due to the virus crossed the World War II death toll. Watch: According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the coronavirus death toll in the US has reached 405,630, the total number of combat and non-combat deaths in World War II was 405,399, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 24.4 million infected cases. The country accounts for 20 per cent of coronavirus deaths. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data suggests the UK variant of the virus will lead to a fresh surge in cases in the months ahead in the country even as the US kicked off its vaccination drive to combat the virus. President Biden who is a $1.9 trillion emergency COVID-19 and economic recovery package from Congress, said in his inaugural speech: "We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus." Since the outbreak of the pandemic, travel to the United States has been curbed as the Biden administration has sough to keep the current non-essential travel restrictions in place. Biden has put forth a 100-day "masking challenge" which includes wearing masks in all federal properties and activities. "Wednesday starts a new day, a new, different approach to managing the country's response to Covid-19 crisis," Biden said.

As President Biden unveils COVID-19 plan, US fatalities exceed World War II toll

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-biden-inauguration-was-a-landmark-day-in-political-history-of-us-358183">Joe Biden</a> who was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday in an address from the Lincoln Memorial called for unity, liberty and dignity "to unite against common foes hate violence disease and hopelessness."

Watch:

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"America's story depends not on. One of us not on some of us bought on all of us on we the people that's the task before us the only way we'll get through the darkness around us," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-of-many-firsts-highlights-from-us-presidential-inauguration-358179">Biden </a>asserted.

"There are moments in our history when more is asked of us as Americans. We saw that in the Civil War, we saw that with Dr. King dreaming from these steps across the mall. We are in one of those moments now," the new US president told the nation.

The American <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-appeals-americans-to-end-uncivil-war-in-his-inaugural-speech-358138">president </a>urged citizens to come together while calling for "decency and dignity of love".&nbsp;

"Pandemic, economic crisis, racial injustice, climate crisis are threats to our very democracy," he said.

"I've never been more optimistic about America than I am this very day. There isn't anything we can't do," Biden said.

"I will give my all to you," Biden said as he took office.

Joe Biden who was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday in an address from the Lincoln Memorial called for unity, liberty and dignity "to unite against common foes hate violence disease and hopelessness.

Joe Biden who was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday in an address from the Lincoln Memorial called for unity, liberty and dignity "to unite against common foes hate violence disease and hopelessness." Watch: "America's story depends not on. One of us not on some of us bought on all of us on we the people that's the task before us the only way we'll get through the darkness around us," Biden asserted. "There are moments in our history when more is asked of us as Americans. We saw that in the Civil War, we saw that with Dr. King dreaming from these steps across the mall. We are in one of those moments now," the new US president told the nation. The American president urged citizens to come together while calling for "decency and dignity of love". "Pandemic, economic crisis, racial injustice, climate crisis are threats to our very democracy," he said. "I've never been more optimistic about America than I am this very day. There isn't anything we can't do," Biden said. "I will give my all to you," Biden said as he took office.

Pandemic, economic crisis, racial injustice, climate crisis threats to our democracy, says President Biden from Lincoln Memorial

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-over-100-coronavirus-cases-for-seventh-consecutive-day-357618">Beijing</a> residents have been banned from leaving the capital after the UK virus strain was found in the city.

Watch:

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Two cases linked to the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-coronavirus-strain-detected-in-at-least-60-countries-who-357907">UK strain</a> was detected in Bejing's Daxing district. The UK strain is believed to be 70 per cent more transferable than the earlier version.

Residents in Daxing area have been barred from leaving Beijing unless they get special permission from authorities and get a negative test result.

The local Daxing government said meetings of 50 or more people in the area has been banned with weddings postponed and funerals simplified. Schools have also been shut with students asked to study from home.

China has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the past week in the country's northeastern. China reported 103 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including seven from Beijing with neighbouring Hebei province recording new cases. It is the worst outbreak recorded in the country since March last year.

Amid a surge in virus cases, Chinese authorities are planning to impose strict COVID-19 testing requirements during the Lunar New Year holiday season when millions of citizens travel across the country.

Authorities have appealed people to stay home during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, authorities in Shanghai began evacuating a neighbourhood near a riverfront after officials discovered at least three new coronavirus cases on Thursday as city officials ramped up testing in an attempt to combat the virus.

Beijing residents have been banned from leaving the capital after the UK virus strain was found in the city. Watch: Two cases linked to the new UK strain was detected in Bejing's Daxing district.

Beijing residents have been banned from leaving the capital after the UK virus strain was found in the city. Watch: Two cases linked to the new UK strain was detected in Bejing's Daxing district. The UK strain is believed to be 70 per cent more transferable than the earlier version. Residents in Daxing area have been barred from leaving Beijing unless they get special permission from authorities and get a negative test result. The local Daxing government said meetings of 50 or more people in the area has been banned with weddings postponed and funerals simplified. Schools have also been shut with students asked to study from home. China has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the past week in the country's northeastern. China reported 103 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including seven from Beijing with neighbouring Hebei province recording new cases. It is the worst outbreak recorded in the country since March last year. Amid a surge in virus cases, Chinese authorities are planning to impose strict COVID-19 testing requirements during the Lunar New Year holiday season when millions of citizens travel across the country. Authorities have appealed people to stay home during the holiday season. Meanwhile, authorities in Shanghai began evacuating a neighbourhood near a riverfront after officials discovered at least three new coronavirus cases on Thursday as city officials ramped up testing in an attempt to combat the virus.

China to test Lunar New Year travellers amid partial lockdown in Beijing

As part of his first act in the White House, President Joe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-economic-crisis-racial-injustice-climate-crisis-threats-to-our-democracy-says-president-biden-from-lincoln-memorial-358219">Biden</a> formally revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline which was blocked by former President Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns but was reversed by Donald Trump in 2017.

Watch:

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The 1,947-kilometer) oil pipeline was supposed to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands to Nebraska and from there to Texas.

Canadian regulators had approved the project back in 2010, but President Biden had said it was "very, very high pollutant".

The $8 billion project had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-urges-unified-front-against-china-detentions-says-all-nations-vulnerable-356807">Trudeau's</a>&nbsp;support even before he became prime minister with the Keystone XL pipeline running between Canada and the United States.

"While we welcome the president's commitment to fight climate change, we are disappointed but acknowledge the President's decision to fulfill his election campaign promise on Keystone XL," Trudeau said in a statement while welcoming President Biden's move to rejoin the Paris agreement on climate change.&nbsp;

"I look forward to working with President Biden to reduce pollution," the Canadian PM added even though he had pressed the American President to reverse his stance.

"I brought up this issue in my very first conversation with president-elect Biden before Christmas," Trudeau had told a news conference, adding, "Over the past number of days and continuing today, we are communicating our arguments in favour of Keystone XL directly to the highest levels of this (US) administration."

However, Trudeau's persistence did not pay as the new US president blocked the Keystone XL pipeline fiercely opposed by environmentalists but backed by the Canadian government.

As part of his first act in the White House, President Joe Biden formally revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline which was blocked by former President Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns but was reversed by Donald Trump in 2017.

As part of his first act in the White House, President Joe Biden formally revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline which was blocked by former President Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns but was reversed by Donald Trump in 2017. Watch: The 1,947-kilometer) oil pipeline was supposed to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands to Nebraska and from there to Texas. Canadian regulators had approved the project back in 2010, but President Biden had said it was "very, very high pollutant". The $8 billion project had Trudeau's support even before he became prime minister with the Keystone XL pipeline running between Canada and the United States. "While we welcome the president's commitment to fight climate change, we are disappointed but acknowledge the President's decision to fulfill his election campaign promise on Keystone XL," Trudeau said in a statement while welcoming President Biden's move to rejoin the Paris agreement on climate change. "I look forward to working with President Biden to reduce pollution," the Canadian PM added even though he had pressed the American President to reverse his stance. "I brought up this issue in my very first conversation with president-elect Biden before Christmas," Trudeau had told a news conference, adding, "Over the past number of days and continuing today, we are communicating our arguments in favour of Keystone XL directly to the highest levels of this (US) administration." However, Trudeau's persistence did not pay as the new US president blocked the Keystone XL pipeline fiercely opposed by environmentalists but backed by the Canadian government.

'We are disappointed': Biden rolls back Trump order, scraps Keystone XL pipeline

According to Japanese media reports, the Yoshihide Suga government hopes to vaccinate all citizens by July when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anything-can-happen-with-tokyo-olympics-japan-minister-356853">Olympic</a> Games kicks off in the country.

Watch:

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Reports said mass coronavirus vaccination will begin in May in the country. PM Yoshihide Suga has vowed to go ahead with preparations to hold the Tokyo Olympics in the summer.

"The Games were postponed last year amid the coronavirus pandemic. We will press ahead with preparations, with the determination of building watertight anti-infection measures and holding an event that can bring hope and courage to the world," Suga had said.

However, a surge in COVID-19 cases has cast fresh doubts on the games going ahead.

Keith Mills, the former deputy chairman of the London 2012 organising committee has said that the games is unlikely to go ahead due to the pandemic. However, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has backed the game going ahead.

Japanese media reports said the country will start mass vaccination campaign in May with 10,000 medical workers to be the first to be vaccinated.

Amid the rise in coronavirus cases, Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, declared a state of emergency until February 8 with measures including closing restaurants and bars by 8pm.

The government had already issued a state of emergency in Tokyo. Shizuoka prefecture had also declared "an emergency alert" on Tuesday with several other areas declaring an emergency on their own after a surge in cases.

According to Japanese media reports, the Yoshihide Suga government hopes to vaccinate all citizens by July when the Olympic Games kicks off in the country. Watch: Reports said mass coronavirus vaccination will begin in May in the country.

According to Japanese media reports, the Yoshihide Suga government hopes to vaccinate all citizens by July when the Olympic Games kicks off in the country. Watch: Reports said mass coronavirus vaccination will begin in May in the country. PM Yoshihide Suga has vowed to go ahead with preparations to hold the Tokyo Olympics in the summer. "The Games were postponed last year amid the coronavirus pandemic. We will press ahead with preparations, with the determination of building watertight anti-infection measures and holding an event that can bring hope and courage to the world," Suga had said. However, a surge in COVID-19 cases has cast fresh doubts on the games going ahead. Keith Mills, the former deputy chairman of the London 2012 organising committee has said that the games is unlikely to go ahead due to the pandemic. However, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has backed the game going ahead. Japanese media reports said the country will start mass vaccination campaign in May with 10,000 medical workers to be the first to be vaccinated. Amid the rise in coronavirus cases, Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, declared a state of emergency until February 8 with measures including closing restaurants and bars by 8pm. The government had already issued a state of emergency in Tokyo. Shizuoka prefecture had also declared "an emergency alert" on Tuesday with several other areas declaring an emergency on their own after a surge in cases.

Japan to undertake mass coronavirus vaccination with eye on Olympics

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-considering-legal-immunity-for-saudi-crown-prince-salman-in-assassination-plot-khashoggi-killing-report-351639">Khashoggi</a>.

Watch:

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Trump had refrained from taking harsh measures against Saudi Arabia after reports emerged Khashoggi's body was dismembered in the Kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018.&nbsp;Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the killing of the Washington Post journalist.&nbsp;

Biden during his election campaign had vowed to re-evaluate the relationship with Saudi Arabia.

A New York judge had earlier ordered US intelligence agencies to acknowledge that they possess tape recording of the 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist.&nbsp;

The Senate Intelligence Committee has been vetting &nbsp;Avril Haines,51, nomination who is a former top CIA official nominated to be director of national intelligence (DNI) by Joe Biden's incoming administration.

"Our approach to China has to evolve, and essentially meet the reality of the particularly assertive and aggressive China that we see today," Haines told the US Senators, adding, "to safeguard the integrity of our intelligence community, the DNI must insist that, when it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics -- ever."

"The DNI must prioritize transparency, accountability, analytic rigor, facilitating oversight and diverse thinking —- not as afterthoughts, but as strategic imperatives that bolster our work and our institutions," Haines added.

Avril will be overseeing all US intelligence, including the CIA, the National Security Agency(NSA) and FBI counterintelligence.

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.

President-elect Joe Biden's pick for intelligence chief Avril Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee that she would release the classified report into the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Watch: Trump had refrained from taking harsh measures against Saudi Arabia after reports emerged Khashoggi's body was dismembered in the Kingdom's Istanbul consulate in 2018. Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the killing of the Washington Post journalist. Biden during his election campaign had vowed to re-evaluate the relationship with Saudi Arabia. A New York judge had earlier ordered US intelligence agencies to acknowledge that they possess tape recording of the 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist. The Senate Intelligence Committee has been vetting Avril Haines,51, nomination who is a former top CIA official nominated to be director of national intelligence (DNI) by Joe Biden's incoming administration. "Our approach to China has to evolve, and essentially meet the reality of the particularly assertive and aggressive China that we see today," Haines told the US Senators, adding, "to safeguard the integrity of our intelligence community, the DNI must insist that, when it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics -- ever." "The DNI must prioritize transparency, accountability, analytic rigor, facilitating oversight and diverse thinking —- not as afterthoughts, but as strategic imperatives that bolster our work and our institutions," Haines added. Avril will be overseeing all US intelligence, including the CIA, the National Security Agency(NSA) and FBI counterintelligence.

Biden to declassify report on assassination of Jamal Khashoggi

China on Wednesday reported 103 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epidemics-livelihood-crises-worlds-biggest-risks-over-next-2-years-world-economic-forum-357714">coronavirus</a> cases with the country's northeastern Jilin province reporting 46 new cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-botching-up-another-outbreak-357827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese officials shut down the Bejing's subway and said they will investigate all individuals who entered the capital from abroad from December 10 amid a surge in cases.

The country had reported 118 coronavirus cases on Tuesday even as Hebei province near Beijing reported 19 new COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

Beijing reported seven new cases as city officials tightened monitoring while minimising public gatherings and reduced passenger loads in public transport.&nbsp;

China's northeastern provinces have been the hardest-hit due to the virus with Hebei, Heilongjiang and Jilin becoming the epicentre of the virus.

In Heilongjiang province, authorities shut down gyms, coffee shops, karaoke and religious institutions amid a surge in cases.&nbsp;

Chinese officials are bracing for the Lunar New Year holiday season due to start next month with authorities appealing to citizens to avoid travel in order to contain the virus.

China has been using local measures to combat the virus. In Hebei, officials have been working on &nbsp;"one village, one policy" avoiding the "one size fits all" approach as the country witnesses 100 new outbreaks per day.

In Qiqihar in northeastern Heilongjiang province, city authorities have ordered residents to stay indoors with several housing compounds in Beijing sealed amid virus cases.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in China stands at 88,557, with the death toll at 4,635.

China on Wednesday reported 103 new coronavirus cases with the country's northeastern Jilin province reporting 46 new cases. Watch: Chinese officials shut down the Bejing's subway and said they will investigate all individuals who entered the capital from abroad from December 10 amid a surge in cases.

China on Wednesday reported 103 new coronavirus cases with the country's northeastern Jilin province reporting 46 new cases. Watch: Chinese officials shut down the Bejing's subway and said they will investigate all individuals who entered the capital from abroad from December 10 amid a surge in cases. The country had reported 118 coronavirus cases on Tuesday even as Hebei province near Beijing reported 19 new COVID-19 cases. Beijing reported seven new cases as city officials tightened monitoring while minimising public gatherings and reduced passenger loads in public transport. China's northeastern provinces have been the hardest-hit due to the virus with Hebei, Heilongjiang and Jilin becoming the epicentre of the virus. In Heilongjiang province, authorities shut down gyms, coffee shops, karaoke and religious institutions amid a surge in cases. Chinese officials are bracing for the Lunar New Year holiday season due to start next month with authorities appealing to citizens to avoid travel in order to contain the virus. China has been using local measures to combat the virus. In Hebei, officials have been working on "one village, one policy" avoiding the "one size fits all" approach as the country witnesses 100 new outbreaks per day. In Qiqihar in northeastern Heilongjiang province, city authorities have ordered residents to stay indoors with several housing compounds in Beijing sealed amid virus cases. The total number of COVID-19 cases in China stands at 88,557, with the death toll at 4,635.

Beijing imposes new restrictions amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Trump spends last working day at White House

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