Lee Jae-yong the de facto chief of South Korea's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-holds-final-hearing-in-samsung-leader-jay-y-lees-graft-trial-353333">Samsung </a>has been jailed for two and a half years over corruption charges, Yonhap news agency reported.

Watch:

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A South Korean court found Lee Jae-yong, 52, guilty of bribery and embezzlement. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lee-kun-hee-who-made-south-koreas-samsung-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-78-337830">Samsung's</a> top official was immediately taken into custody after the verdict by a court in Seoul, reports said.

The Seoul court said: "Lee actively provided bribes and implicitly asked the president to use her power to help his smooth succession," adding,"it is very unfortunate that Samsung, the country's top company and proud global innovator, is repeatedly involved in crimes whenever there is a change in political power."&nbsp;

Lee was convicted of bribing an associate of former President Park Geun-hye and jailed in 2017, however, the sentence was reduced and suspended after appeal.&nbsp;

The South Korean Supreme Court then sent the case back to the Seoul High Court which announced its verdict today. Prosecutors had asked the judge for a nine-year jail term.

The latest verdict can be appealed in the country's top court.

Samsung which is the world's biggest manufacturer of smartphones and memory chips had announced more than 25 per cent in fourth-quarter operating profit.&nbsp;

The company had said it expected operating profit of $8.23 billion for October to December, up from 7.16 trillion won a year earlier.&nbsp;

Lee Jae-yong the de facto chief of South Korea's Samsung has been jailed for two and a half years over corruption charges, Yonhap news agency reported. Watch: A South Korean court found Lee Jae-yong, 52, guilty of bribery and embezzlement.

Lee Jae-yong the de facto chief of South Korea's Samsung has been jailed for two and a half years over corruption charges, Yonhap news agency reported. Watch: A South Korean court found Lee Jae-yong, 52, guilty of bribery and embezzlement. Samsung's top official was immediately taken into custody after the verdict by a court in Seoul, reports said. The Seoul court said: "Lee actively provided bribes and implicitly asked the president to use her power to help his smooth succession," adding,"it is very unfortunate that Samsung, the country's top company and proud global innovator, is repeatedly involved in crimes whenever there is a change in political power." Lee was convicted of bribing an associate of former President Park Geun-hye and jailed in 2017, however, the sentence was reduced and suspended after appeal. The South Korean Supreme Court then sent the case back to the Seoul High Court which announced its verdict today. Prosecutors had asked the judge for a nine-year jail term. The latest verdict can be appealed in the country's top court. Samsung which is the world's biggest manufacturer of smartphones and memory chips had announced more than 25 per cent in fourth-quarter operating profit. The company had said it expected operating profit of $8.23 billion for October to December, up from 7.16 trillion won a year earlier.

Samsung heir jailed for 2.5 years over bribery

After the violence at the US Capitol, serious security concerns have gripped Washington with tens of thousands of security personnel from the National Guard and law enforcement agencies descending in Washington for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-elect-joe-bidens-team-lays-out-inauguration-plans-as-trump-impeachment-looms-357387">Joe Biden's</a> inauguration on January 20

Watch:

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Reports say US&nbsp;defence officials are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members securing the inauguration.

FBI has been vetting National Guard troops amid fears of "insider attack"&nbsp;reports say even as security has been bolstered in other state capitals as well ahead of Wednesday's presidential inauguration ceremony.

After the FBI warning of armed protests, more than a dozen states have activated National Guard troops to help secure their Capitol buildings. State capitals in battleground states where Trump directed his accusations of voter fraud have been especially on high alert.

A small group of Trump supporters gathered outside the Michigan state capitol in Lansing, four of those protesters carried long rifles. In Columbus, armed protesters from the Boogaloo boys which is an anti-government group had gathered outside the Ohio state capitol.&nbsp;

The building is under high security ahead of US president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration even as several people gathered at South Carolina’s statehouse me carrying American flags. The group included Trump supporters who briefly interacted with another group of demonstrators even as more demonstrations are expected in the lead-up to Biden’s inauguration.

Meanwhile, Mike Pence visited US troops on the final trip as vice-president.

After the violence at the US Capitol, serious security concerns have gripped Washington with tens of thousands of security personnel from the National Guard and law enforcement agencies descending in Washington for Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20 Watch: Reports say US defence officials are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members securing the inauguration.

After the violence at the US Capitol, serious security concerns have gripped Washington with tens of thousands of security personnel from the National Guard and law enforcement agencies descending in Washington for Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20 Watch: Reports say US defence officials are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members securing the inauguration. FBI has been vetting National Guard troops amid fears of "insider attack" reports say even as security has been bolstered in other state capitals as well ahead of Wednesday's presidential inauguration ceremony. After the FBI warning of armed protests, more than a dozen states have activated National Guard troops to help secure their Capitol buildings. State capitals in battleground states where Trump directed his accusations of voter fraud have been especially on high alert. A small group of Trump supporters gathered outside the Michigan state capitol in Lansing, four of those protesters carried long rifles. In Columbus, armed protesters from the Boogaloo boys which is an anti-government group had gathered outside the Ohio state capitol. The building is under high security ahead of US president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration even as several people gathered at South Carolina’s statehouse me carrying American flags. The group included Trump supporters who briefly interacted with another group of demonstrators even as more demonstrations are expected in the lead-up to Biden’s inauguration. Meanwhile, Mike Pence visited US troops on the final trip as vice-president.

FBI vets National Guard troops fearing 'insider attack' during Biden inauguration: Report

Chinese authorities say at least 12 workers are still trapped in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rescue-workers-hear-knocking-sounds-from-22-trapped-miners-357326">goldmine</a> a week after a blast near Qixia city in eastern Shandong province.

The trapped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-goldmine-traps-22-workers-in-china-356234">miners</a> have been able to send notes to rescuers, the local government said as authorities heard knocking sound.

At least 22 miners are believed to be trapped more than 600 metres from the mine's entrance as rescuers continue operation.

A note from the miners said they were in urgent need of painkillers, medical tape, cold medicine with three people suffering from blood pressure.

The state-run Xinhua news agency had reported that rescue workers were unable to contact the workers after the blast damaged their communication system.

The blast had occurred at 2pm local time last Sunday, however, reports said it was reported at 8 pm the next day, almost 30 hours later. Xinhua news agency said those responsible for the reporting delay were "enemies of the people".

Chinese officials sacked two top officials in Qixia after the explosion dismissing Qixia Communist Party secretary Yao Xiuxia and deputy secretary Zhu Tao.

Authorities said they would investigate and "severely punish" those responsible for the accident which led to reporting delay denying rescue teams precious time to reach the trapped mine workers last week.

The blast had damaged the exit ladder from the mine even as local officials plan to lower food and telephone lines into the mine.

Chinese authorities say at least 12 workers are still trapped in a goldmine a week after a blast near Qixia city in eastern Shandong province. The trapped miners have been able to send notes to rescuers, the local government said as authorities heard knocking sound.

Chinese authorities say at least 12 workers are still trapped in a goldmine a week after a blast near Qixia city in eastern Shandong province. The trapped miners have been able to send notes to rescuers, the local government said as authorities heard knocking sound. At least 22 miners are believed to be trapped more than 600 metres from the mine's entrance as rescuers continue operation. A note from the miners said they were in urgent need of painkillers, medical tape, cold medicine with three people suffering from blood pressure. The state-run Xinhua news agency had reported that rescue workers were unable to contact the workers after the blast damaged their communication system. The blast had occurred at 2pm local time last Sunday, however, reports said it was reported at 8 pm the next day, almost 30 hours later. Xinhua news agency said those responsible for the reporting delay were "enemies of the people". Chinese officials sacked two top officials in Qixia after the explosion dismissing Qixia Communist Party secretary Yao Xiuxia and deputy secretary Zhu Tao. Authorities said they would investigate and "severely punish" those responsible for the accident which led to reporting delay denying rescue teams precious time to reach the trapped mine workers last week. The blast had damaged the exit ladder from the mine even as local officials plan to lower food and telephone lines into the mine.

Several workers still trapped in China's gold mine; notes sent to rescuers

China's GDP grew at 2.3 per cent in 2020 making it the slowest pace in more than four decades since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/city-in-china-reports-coronavirus-found-on-ice-cream-thousands-of-boxes-seized-357266">Chinese </a>economy embarked on major reforms in the 1970s.

Watch:

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China's National Bureau of Statistics said it was due to the pandemic's "huge impact". In 2019, the country had recorded &nbsp;6.1 per cent growth.&nbsp;

However, despite the downturn, China is the only major world economy which clocked positive growth last year as several countries saw their economies being ravaged due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-109-new-covid-19-cases-as-infections-persist-in-northeast-357391">coronavirus</a> pandemic.

The virus continues to hamper the country over a year after China reported the first case. Over 100 new coronavirus cases were detected in the country's northeast fuelling concerns of another COVID-19 wave ahead of a major holiday season.

Industrial production in China grew 2.8 per cent on-year for 2020 and in the last quarter of the year, the country recorded 6.5 per cent growth on-year. However, retail sales plunged 3.9 per cent last year as consumption lagged amid fears of a resurgence of coronavirus cases.

Chinese exports grew more than expected in December. China had imposed a strict lockdown in Wuhan in January as coronavirus cases began to rise and then extended it to the rest of the country.

China was able to emerge out of the virus fairly quickly opening up Wuhan later in the year, however, there have been several cases of the virus in recent months.

Experts predict economic growth to rebound to 8.4 per cent this year before slowing down to 5.5 per cent in 2022.

China's GDP grew at 2.3 per cent in 2020 making it the slowest pace in more than four decades since the Chinese economy embarked on major reforms in the 1970s. Watch: China's National Bureau of Statistics said it was due to the pandemic's "huge impact".

China's GDP grew at 2.3 per cent in 2020 making it the slowest pace in more than four decades since the Chinese economy embarked on major reforms in the 1970s. Watch: China's National Bureau of Statistics said it was due to the pandemic's "huge impact". In 2019, the country had recorded 6.1 per cent growth. However, despite the downturn, China is the only major world economy which clocked positive growth last year as several countries saw their economies being ravaged due to the coronavirus pandemic. The virus continues to hamper the country over a year after China reported the first case. Over 100 new coronavirus cases were detected in the country's northeast fuelling concerns of another COVID-19 wave ahead of a major holiday season. Industrial production in China grew 2.8 per cent on-year for 2020 and in the last quarter of the year, the country recorded 6.5 per cent growth on-year. However, retail sales plunged 3.9 per cent last year as consumption lagged amid fears of a resurgence of coronavirus cases. Chinese exports grew more than expected in December. China had imposed a strict lockdown in Wuhan in January as coronavirus cases began to rise and then extended it to the rest of the country. China was able to emerge out of the virus fairly quickly opening up Wuhan later in the year, however, there have been several cases of the virus in recent months. Experts predict economic growth to rebound to 8.4 per cent this year before slowing down to 5.5 per cent in 2022.

Pandemic effect: China's GDP slows to lowest in more than four decades

American carnage: Rise and fall of Trump in Washington

A few hours after the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was arrested by the Russian government, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Putin-led governent to reverse its decision.&nbsp;

"The chancellor condemns the arbitrary arrest of Mr Navalny... which violates the principles of the rule of law," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters, saying Germany called on Russia "to release Mr Navalny immediately."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-labels-his-court-hearing-as-mockery-of-justice-in-moscow-357488">Alexei Navalny labels his court hearing as 'mockery of justice' in Moscow</a>

Navalny had been undergoing treatment in Germany after he was evacuated to Berlin from Russia following an alleged poisoning attack by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The United States on Monday "strongly condemned" the arrest of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-at-moscow-airport-357383">Navalny</a>,44, who arrived in Moscow from Germany after recovering from the poisoning incident last August.

Watch:

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"The United States strongly condemns Russia's decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, adding, "We note with grave concern that his detention is the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices who are critical of Russian authorities."

Dominic Raab, the UK's Foreign Secretary took to Twitter to condemn the arrest saying, "It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities."

"Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil," he added.

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It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities. He must be immediately released. 
 
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— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1351077741056172039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The French foreign ministry also joined the United States in supporting Navalny, saying: "France notes the arrest of Alexei Navalny in Russia with very strong concern, it said, adding, "along with its European partners, it is following his situation with the greatest vigilance and calls for his immediate release."&nbsp;

President-elect Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, and European Council president Charles Michel also called for Navalny's release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Navalny</a> was detained in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday less than an hour after flying in from Germany.

"Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable," Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan tweeted.

However, Russian foreign ministry said other governments should "respect international law" while slamming them saying: &nbsp;"deal with the problems in your own country".

As soon as he arrived, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Navalny </a>said: "I am not afraid... because I know that I'm in the right, I know that the criminal cases against me are fabricated." He was taken into custody by Russian authorities soon after.

A few hours after the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was arrested by the Russian government, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Putin-led governent to reverse its decision.

A few hours after the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was arrested by the Russian government, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Putin-led governent to reverse its decision. "The chancellor condemns the arbitrary arrest of Mr Navalny... which violates the principles of the rule of law," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters, saying Germany called on Russia "to release Mr Navalny immediately." Also read| Alexei Navalny labels his court hearing as 'mockery of justice' in Moscow Navalny had been undergoing treatment in Germany after he was evacuated to Berlin from Russia following an alleged poisoning attack by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States on Monday "strongly condemned" the arrest of Navalny,44, who arrived in Moscow from Germany after recovering from the poisoning incident last August. Watch: "The United States strongly condemns Russia's decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, adding, "We note with grave concern that his detention is the latest in a series of attempts to silence Navalny and other opposition figures and independent voices who are critical of Russian authorities." Dominic Raab, the UK's Foreign Secretary took to Twitter to condemn the arrest saying, "It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities." "Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil," he added. It is appalling that Alexey Navalny, the victim of a despicable crime, has been detained by Russian authorities. He must be immediately released. Rather than persecuting Mr Navalny Russia should explain how a chemical weapon came to be used on Russian soil. — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 18, 2021 × The French foreign ministry also joined the United States in supporting Navalny, saying: "France notes the arrest of Alexei Navalny in Russia with very strong concern, it said, adding, "along with its European partners, it is following his situation with the greatest vigilance and calls for his immediate release." President-elect Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, and European Council president Charles Michel also called for Navalny's release. Navalny was detained in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday less than an hour after flying in from Germany. "Navalny should be immediately released, and the perpetrators of the outrageous attack on his life must be held accountable," Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan tweeted. However, Russian foreign ministry said other governments should "respect international law" while slamming them saying: "deal with the problems in your own country". As soon as he arrived, Navalny said: "I am not afraid... because I know that I'm in the right, I know that the criminal cases against me are fabricated." He was taken into custody by Russian authorities soon after.

Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny

With just about two days left until outgoing US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-final-act-outgoing-trump-administration-targets-huawei-suppliers-357438">Trump's</a> term formally ends, Trump has promised to ensure a peaceful transition of power days after his loyalists stormed the US Capitol.

US vice president Mike Pence addressed a crowd of service members at the Lemoore naval air station in California touting the Trump administration's foreign policy achievements.

Pence said that the current administration has always understood that if you want peace, prepare for war.

"Four years ago, we inherited a military that had been hollowed out by devastating budget cuts. our troops hadn't seen a significant pay raise in nearly 10 years. our military lacked equipment at a level that was actually impacting readiness, and our nato allies weren't meeting their commitments to our common defense," Pence said.

"Iran was resurgent across the Middle East and a terrorist organization controlled a landmass the size of Pennsylvania and I couldn't be more proud to stand before all you heroes today and report under the leadership of President Donald Trump we've rebuilt our military, we've restored the arsenal of democracy, and we've enacted the largest increases in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence asserted.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration carried out its 13th federal execution since July just days before president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Dustin Higgs was convicted in the killing of three women in 1996. He was the third convict this week to receive a lethal injection at a federal prison in Indiana.

The US Justice department had resumed federal executions last year. The number of federal death sentences carried out under Trump since 2020 is more than in the previous 56 years combined. The number of prisoners on federal death row have been reduced by nearly a quarter.

With just about two days left until outgoing US President Donald Trump's term formally ends, Trump has promised to ensure a peaceful transition of power days after his loyalists stormed the US Capitol.

With just about two days left until outgoing US President Donald Trump's term formally ends, Trump has promised to ensure a peaceful transition of power days after his loyalists stormed the US Capitol. US vice president Mike Pence addressed a crowd of service members at the Lemoore naval air station in California touting the Trump administration's foreign policy achievements. Pence said that the current administration has always understood that if you want peace, prepare for war. "Four years ago, we inherited a military that had been hollowed out by devastating budget cuts. our troops hadn't seen a significant pay raise in nearly 10 years. our military lacked equipment at a level that was actually impacting readiness, and our nato allies weren't meeting their commitments to our common defense," Pence said. "Iran was resurgent across the Middle East and a terrorist organization controlled a landmass the size of Pennsylvania and I couldn't be more proud to stand before all you heroes today and report under the leadership of President Donald Trump we've rebuilt our military, we've restored the arsenal of democracy, and we've enacted the largest increases in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence asserted. Meanwhile, the Trump administration carried out its 13th federal execution since July just days before president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Dustin Higgs was convicted in the killing of three women in 1996. He was the third convict this week to receive a lethal injection at a federal prison in Indiana. The US Justice department had resumed federal executions last year. The number of federal death sentences carried out under Trump since 2020 is more than in the previous 56 years combined. The number of prisoners on federal death row have been reduced by nearly a quarter.

We enacted largest increase in national defense since Reagan: Pence to US military

Prime Minister Modi on Monday performed groundbreaking ceremony for the Ahmedabad metro rail project Phase-II and Surat metro rail project via video conferencing.

"Ahmedabad and Surat are receiving very important gifts today. Metro will further strengthen the connectivity in two major business centres of the country," PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-launches-worlds-largest-coronavirus-vaccine-drive-357049">Modi </a>said while setting the metro project in motion.

PM Modi said the government is building a "collective" integrated system which would allow bus, metro, rail to complement each other nationwide.

"Before 2014, only 225 kms of metro line had become operational in the last 10-12 years. In the last 6 years, over 450 kms of metro network have become operational," India's prime minister informed.

The Ahmedabad metro Phase-II is 28.25 km long with two corridors with the first corridor being 22.8 km long and the second 5.4 km long.

"Work is underway on over 1000 kms of metro network in 27 cities across the nation," the PM said, while asserting that, "There was a time when there was no modern thinking in the nation, regarding the metro network. There was no metro policy. As a result, there were different kinds of metro in different cities."

According to reports, the total cost of &nbsp;Phase-II project is Rs 5,384 crore.&nbsp;

The Surat metro project is 40.35 km long with the first corridor being 21.61 km long and the second corridor stretching 18.74 km. The project reportedly costs Rs 12,020 crore.

Prime Minister Modi on Monday performed groundbreaking ceremony for the Ahmedabad metro rail project Phase-II and Surat metro rail project via video conferencing.

Prime Minister Modi on Monday performed groundbreaking ceremony for the Ahmedabad metro rail project Phase-II and Surat metro rail project via video conferencing. "Ahmedabad and Surat are receiving very important gifts today. Metro will further strengthen the connectivity in two major business centres of the country," PM Modi said while setting the metro project in motion. PM Modi said the government is building a "collective" integrated system which would allow bus, metro, rail to complement each other nationwide. "Before 2014, only 225 kms of metro line had become operational in the last 10-12 years. In the last 6 years, over 450 kms of metro network have become operational," India's prime minister informed. The Ahmedabad metro Phase-II is 28.25 km long with two corridors with the first corridor being 22.8 km long and the second 5.4 km long. "Work is underway on over 1000 kms of metro network in 27 cities across the nation," the PM said, while asserting that, "There was a time when there was no modern thinking in the nation, regarding the metro network. There was no metro policy. As a result, there were different kinds of metro in different cities." According to reports, the total cost of Phase-II project is Rs 5,384 crore. The Surat metro project is 40.35 km long with the first corridor being 21.61 km long and the second corridor stretching 18.74 km. The project reportedly costs Rs 12,020 crore.

PM Modi performs groundbreaking ceremony for Ahmedabad, Surat metro rail

The outgoing Trump administration on Friday blacklisted Xiaomi Corp which is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-backtracks-after-filing-for-patent-of-ai-software-that-could-recognise-uighurs-356738">China's</a> No. 2 smartphone maker including nine other countries barring Americans from investing in them.

Watch:

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US officials said the Chinese firms posed a threat to national security. Xiaomi's shares nosedived 11 per cent after the US government's announcement.&nbsp;

The US Department of Defense in a statement said it was "determined to highlight and counter the People's Republic of China's military-civil fusion development strategy".

The latest move by Trump administration focused on Chinese companies with military ties and strategic value which includes planemaker Comac. The blacklisting forces American investors to divest their holdings of the firms by November 11, 2021.

The US Commerce Department has also banned Americans from supplying companies including China's oil cooperation CNOOC and deep-water explorer Skyrison which develops military equipment.

"China's reckless and belligerent actions in the South China Sea and its aggressive push to acquire sensitive intellectual property and technology for its militarization efforts are a threat to US national security and the security of the international community," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

"CNOOC acts a bully for the People's Liberation Army to intimidate China's neighbours, and the Chinese military continues to benefit from government civil-military fusion policies for malign purposes," Ross added.

"CNOOC has repeatedly harassed and threatened offshore oil and gas exploration and extraction in the South China Sea, with the goal of driving up the political risk for interested foreign partners, including Vietnam," the Commerce Department said.

The outgoing Trump administration on Friday blacklisted Xiaomi Corp which is China's No. 2 smartphone maker including nine other countries barring Americans from investing in them.

The outgoing Trump administration on Friday blacklisted Xiaomi Corp which is China's No. 2 smartphone maker including nine other countries barring Americans from investing in them. Watch: US officials said the Chinese firms posed a threat to national security. Xiaomi's shares nosedived 11 per cent after the US government's announcement. The US Department of Defense in a statement said it was "determined to highlight and counter the People's Republic of China's military-civil fusion development strategy". The latest move by Trump administration focused on Chinese companies with military ties and strategic value which includes planemaker Comac. The blacklisting forces American investors to divest their holdings of the firms by November 11, 2021. The US Commerce Department has also banned Americans from supplying companies including China's oil cooperation CNOOC and deep-water explorer Skyrison which develops military equipment. "China's reckless and belligerent actions in the South China Sea and its aggressive push to acquire sensitive intellectual property and technology for its militarization efforts are a threat to US national security and the security of the international community," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. "CNOOC acts a bully for the People's Liberation Army to intimidate China's neighbours, and the Chinese military continues to benefit from government civil-military fusion policies for malign purposes," Ross added. "CNOOC has repeatedly harassed and threatened offshore oil and gas exploration and extraction in the South China Sea, with the goal of driving up the political risk for interested foreign partners, including Vietnam," the Commerce Department said.

Trump administration backlists Chinese firms including Xiaomi

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan speaking during a military parade in Baku said that "Azerbaijan's struggle carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts," referring to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-in-armenia-in-renewed-call-for-pms-dismissal-347889">Armenia</a>.

Watch:

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Turkey is Azerbaijan's staunch ally and had backed it during clashes with Armenian forces over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region which started on September leading to the death of at least 5,000 people.

"Karabakh's freedom will be the beginning of a new era," Erdogan said. "Azerbaijan's saving its lands from occupation does not mean that the struggle is over," the Turkey president said.

Erdogan joined Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev during the celebrations over its victory against Armenia as the army paraded weapons seized from Armenia during the six-week war.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/strategic-inferences-from-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-2020-post-ceasefire-347702">Armenia-Azerbaijan</a> conflict ended after a peace deal was stuck brokered by Russia in which Armenia ceded control over parts of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave including seven districts it had seized during the war in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Russian peacekeepers entered the Nagorno-Karabakh later to ensure stability in the region for a five-year period which can be extended later with the peace between the two sides being monitored in Azerbaijan by Turkey's military.&nbsp;

Armenia had earlier accused Turkey of involvement the conflict by pushing foreign fighters which was dismissed by Erdogan's government.

Erodgan has consistently maintained that Azerbaijan's ties with Armenia could only be restored only if Armenian forces withdrew from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan speaking during a military parade in Baku said that "Azerbaijan's struggle carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts," referring to Armenia.

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan speaking during a military parade in Baku said that "Azerbaijan's struggle carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts," referring to Armenia. Watch: Turkey is Azerbaijan's staunch ally and had backed it during clashes with Armenian forces over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region which started on September leading to the death of at least 5,000 people. "Karabakh's freedom will be the beginning of a new era," Erdogan said. "Azerbaijan's saving its lands from occupation does not mean that the struggle is over," the Turkey president said. Erdogan joined Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev during the celebrations over its victory against Armenia as the army paraded weapons seized from Armenia during the six-week war. The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict ended after a peace deal was stuck brokered by Russia in which Armenia ceded control over parts of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave including seven districts it had seized during the war in the 1990s. Russian peacekeepers entered the Nagorno-Karabakh later to ensure stability in the region for a five-year period which can be extended later with the peace between the two sides being monitored in Azerbaijan by Turkey's military. Armenia had earlier accused Turkey of involvement the conflict by pushing foreign fighters which was dismissed by Erdogan's government. Erodgan has consistently maintained that Azerbaijan's ties with Armenia could only be restored only if Armenian forces withdrew from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan's struggle will continue on many other fronts, says Erdogan during military parade

As president-elect Joe Biden gets set to take oath as the next US president, the Trump administration is revoking certain licenses of companies to sell semiconductor products to Chinese firm Huawei, reports said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/huawei-tested-ai-software-to-identify-uighur-muslims-348453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The outgoing administration also intends to reject dozens of applications that supply to the Chinese telecommunications firm. The US government views <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/lawmakers-in-us-to-back-almost-2-billion-to-replace-chinese-telecom-equipment-from-companies-like-huawei-351257">Huawei</a> as a national security threat.

The semiconductor industry association said in an email the US commerce department had issued intents to deny a significant number of license requests for exports to Huawei and a revocation of at least one previously issued license.

The action includes a broad range of products in the semiconductor industry. The companies which have received notices reportedly have twenty days to respond. The commerce department has 45 days to advise them of any change, the companies then would&nbsp;have another 45 days to appeal.

The United States had put Huawei on the commerce department entity list in May 2019 with suppliers restricted from selling US. goods and technology. The latest decision comes after half a dozen meetings were held by the departments of commerce, state, defence and energy since January 4, reports indicated.

The decision comes after the Trump administration appointed Corey Stewart in the commerce department.

It is not the first time the US has targeted Huawei. The company's Chief Financial Officer(CFO) Meng Wanzhou, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant.&nbsp;

Reports claimed US prosecutors have been discussing a deal with Meng's lawyers who faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which is under US sanctions.

In August last year, the Trump administration had added "Huawei affiliates" to its "entity list" asserting that the Chinese company was using international subsidiaries to circumvent sanctions which prevents export of US-based technology.

The list included 38 affiliates in 21 countries which formed part of the US blacklist.&nbsp;

As president-elect Joe Biden gets set to take oath as the next US president, the Trump administration is revoking certain licenses of companies to sell semiconductor products to Chinese firm Huawei, reports said.

As president-elect Joe Biden gets set to take oath as the next US president, the Trump administration is revoking certain licenses of companies to sell semiconductor products to Chinese firm Huawei, reports said. Watch: The outgoing administration also intends to reject dozens of applications that supply to the Chinese telecommunications firm. The US government views Huawei as a national security threat. The semiconductor industry association said in an email the US commerce department had issued intents to deny a significant number of license requests for exports to Huawei and a revocation of at least one previously issued license. The action includes a broad range of products in the semiconductor industry. The companies which have received notices reportedly have twenty days to respond. The commerce department has 45 days to advise them of any change, the companies then would have another 45 days to appeal. The United States had put Huawei on the commerce department entity list in May 2019 with suppliers restricted from selling US. goods and technology. The latest decision comes after half a dozen meetings were held by the departments of commerce, state, defence and energy since January 4, reports indicated. The decision comes after the Trump administration appointed Corey Stewart in the commerce department. It is not the first time the US has targeted Huawei. The company's Chief Financial Officer(CFO) Meng Wanzhou, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant. Reports claimed US prosecutors have been discussing a deal with Meng's lawyers who faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which is under US sanctions. In August last year, the Trump administration had added "Huawei affiliates" to its "entity list" asserting that the Chinese company was using international subsidiaries to circumvent sanctions which prevents export of US-based technology. The list included 38 affiliates in 21 countries which formed part of the US blacklist.

In final act, outgoing Trump administration targets Huawei suppliers

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) has said India's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farming-farmers-contributed-immensely-to-development-of-country-president-ram-nath-kovind-356300"> farm</a> bills has the "potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms" in the country.

"We believe the farm bills do have the potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms in India," Gerry Rice, Director of Communications at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said.

The IMF official said the new farm bill will reduce the role of the middlemen and enhance efficiency.

"The measures will enable farmers to directly contract with sellers, allow farmers to retain a greater share of the surplus by reducing the role of middlemen, enhance efficiency and support rural growth," Rice added.

"However, it is crucial that the social safety net adequately protects those who might be adversely impacted during the transition to this new system," the spokesperson added.

"This can be done by ensuring that the job market accommodates those that are impacted by the reforms, and of course, the growth benefits of these reforms will depend, critically, on the effectiveness and the timing of their implementation, so need to pay attention to those issues as well with the reform," Rice said.

IMF's statement comes even as thousands of farmers continue their protests against the bill in the national capital belonging to Punjab and Haryana demanding repeal of the three farm laws and legal guarantee of minimum support price(MSP) for their crops.

On Thursday, farmer leaders had said they will attend the ninth round of talks with the government.&nbsp;

India's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-puts-three-farms-laws-on-hold-forms-committee-to-hold-talks-356223"> Supreme Court</a> had appointed a panel on farm laws which is likely to hold its first meeting on January 19 even as Bhartiya Kisan Union president Bhupinder Singh Mann said he is recusing himself from the four-member committee.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) has said India's farm bills has the "potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms" in the country.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) has said India's farm bills has the "potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms" in the country. "We believe the farm bills do have the potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms in India," Gerry Rice, Director of Communications at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said. The IMF official said the new farm bill will reduce the role of the middlemen and enhance efficiency. "The measures will enable farmers to directly contract with sellers, allow farmers to retain a greater share of the surplus by reducing the role of middlemen, enhance efficiency and support rural growth," Rice added. "However, it is crucial that the social safety net adequately protects those who might be adversely impacted during the transition to this new system," the spokesperson added. "This can be done by ensuring that the job market accommodates those that are impacted by the reforms, and of course, the growth benefits of these reforms will depend, critically, on the effectiveness and the timing of their implementation, so need to pay attention to those issues as well with the reform," Rice said. IMF's statement comes even as thousands of farmers continue their protests against the bill in the national capital belonging to Punjab and Haryana demanding repeal of the three farm laws and legal guarantee of minimum support price(MSP) for their crops. On Thursday, farmer leaders had said they will attend the ninth round of talks with the government. India's Supreme Court had appointed a panel on farm laws which is likely to hold its first meeting on January 19 even as Bhartiya Kisan Union president Bhupinder Singh Mann said he is recusing himself from the four-member committee.

Potential to represent significant step forward for agricultural reforms: IMF praises India's farm bill

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