A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mikhail-mishustin-tax-service-head-and-hockey-player-picked-by-putin-as-russian-pm-274590">Also Read:&nbsp;Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM</a>

All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining.

Mishusti, 53, who is the head of the tax service had said, "People should already now be feeling real changes for the better, so far this is happening far from everywhere."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-pm-and-government-resign-after-putin-calls-for-constitution-changes-274517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment... to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," he said, adding that he was open "constructive criticism".

Putin had shocked the nation on Wednesday after abruptly proposing new powers were&nbsp;needed for the Russian Parliament leading to the resignation of now caretaker PM Medvedev, who is one of Putin's oldest allies and served as president from 2008 to 2012.

In a speech, Putin said constitutional changes were needed which would give more powers to the country's Parliament allowing the lawmakers to choose the prime minister and cabinet.

Putin is due to step down as president in 2024, according to Russian law, a president cannot serve more than two terms. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister.

Russia goes to the polls in 2021 with all eyes on Putin's next move.

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy. Also Read: Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining.

A day after President Putin named Mikhail Mishustin as the new prime minister of the country, the Parliament members approved his candidacy. Also Read: Mikhail Mishustin: Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM All MPs voted in Mishustin's favour with Communist MPs abstaining. Mishusti, 53, who is the head of the tax service had said, "People should already now be feeling real changes for the better, so far this is happening far from everywhere." Watch Video: "To develop further and ensure further growth of GDP we need primarily to stimulate the growth of investment... to restore trust that has perhaps been lost between the authorities and business," he said, adding that he was open "constructive criticism". Putin had shocked the nation on Wednesday after abruptly proposing new powers were needed for the Russian Parliament leading to the resignation of now caretaker PM Medvedev, who is one of Putin's oldest allies and served as president from 2008 to 2012. In a speech, Putin said constitutional changes were needed which would give more powers to the country's Parliament allowing the lawmakers to choose the prime minister and cabinet. Putin is due to step down as president in 2024, according to Russian law, a president cannot serve more than two terms. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister. Russia goes to the polls in 2021 with all eyes on Putin's next move.

Russian lawmakers overwhelmingly approve Mikhail Mishustin as PM

US-China trade deal: Biggest winners & losers in phase 1

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza made a comeback from maternity leave, she picked up from where she left. Former women's doubles Wimbledon champion enters in the semifinals of the women's doubles of the Hobart International.&nbsp;

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The doubles team of <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> and Nadiia Kichenok battled their way into the <a href="https://twitter.com/HobartTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HobartTennis</a> 
semifinals ---&gt; <a href="https://t.co/tfywpZDdzO">https://t.co/tfywpZDdzO</a> <a href="https://t.co/VqeAgpGe3I">pic.twitter.com/VqeAgpGe3I</a>
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She, along with her Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok won against &nbsp;American duo Vania King and Christina Mchale 6-2, 4-6, 10-4. The contest lasted 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Sania and Nadiia will now face Tamara Zidansek and Marie Bouzkova. The Slovenian-Czech pair beat Canada's Sharon Fichman and Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3, 3-6, 10-4 in quarters.&nbsp;

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✌️<a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HobartTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HobartTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/ohUkV06kYs">pic.twitter.com/ohUkV06kYs</a>
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The 33-year-old Sania is returning to WTA after a break of two years. She battled injuries before taking a break in April 2018 to give birth to her child Izhaan. She is married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.

Sania previously was a part of the China Open that was played in October 2017. She has won a total of six Grand Slam titles including Wimbledon women's doubles in 2015. She bid adieu from the singles competition in 2013.

&nbsp;She is India's most successful Indian woman tennis player. She was a former World No 1 in women's doubles and currently ranks at No 5. She attained her career-high of rank number 27 in WTA singles chart. 
&nbsp;

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza made a comeback from maternity leave, she picked up from where she left. Former women's doubles Wimbledon champion enters in the semifinals of the women's doubles of the Hobart International.

Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza made a comeback from maternity leave, she picked up from where she left. Former women's doubles Wimbledon champion enters in the semifinals of the women's doubles of the Hobart International. The doubles team of @MirzaSania and Nadiia Kichenok battled their way into the @HobartTennis semifinals ---> https://t.co/tfywpZDdzO pic.twitter.com/VqeAgpGe3I — WTA (@WTA) January 16, 2020 × She, along with her Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok won against American duo Vania King and Christina Mchale 6-2, 4-6, 10-4. The contest lasted 1 hour and 24 minutes. Sania and Nadiia will now face Tamara Zidansek and Marie Bouzkova. The Slovenian-Czech pair beat Canada's Sharon Fichman and Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3, 3-6, 10-4 in quarters. ✌️@MirzaSania #HobartTennis pic.twitter.com/ohUkV06kYs — Hobart International (@HobartTennis) January 16, 2020 × The 33-year-old Sania is returning to WTA after a break of two years. She battled injuries before taking a break in April 2018 to give birth to her child Izhaan. She is married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. Sania previously was a part of the China Open that was played in October 2017. She has won a total of six Grand Slam titles including Wimbledon women's doubles in 2015. She bid adieu from the singles competition in 2013. She is India's most successful Indian woman tennis player. She was a former World No 1 in women's doubles and currently ranks at No 5. She attained her career-high of rank number 27 in WTA singles chart.

Sania Mirza cruises into women's doubles semifinals in Hobart International

After China attempted to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council, India's foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said Pakistan misused the UNSC stage through China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-efforts-to-raise-kashmir-at-un-security-council-crumbled-once-again-274575">Also Read: Pakistan efforts to raise Kashmir at UN Security Council crumbled once again</a>

"Attempt was made by Pakistan, through a UNSC member, to misuse the platform. The overwhelming&nbsp;majority of UNSC was of the view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and it should be discussed bilaterally," foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said.

"In our view, China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in the future," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

Watch Video:

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"There were no takers for Pak's agenda," foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said, adding,"Pakistan is peddling baseless allegations."

In a letter, drafted on behalf of Pakistan, Vietnam and China, the trio tried to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UN high table in order to revive the failed December 2019 bid.

The move however wasn't backed by Russia - &nbsp;a permanent member - &nbsp;with &nbsp;deputy representative of Russia asserting that differences be settled through bilateral efforts based on the 1972 Simla agreement and the 1999 Lahore declaration.

In December, Pakistan and China had sought a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Kashmir situation, however, the meeting never materialised.&nbsp;

Interestingly, in UNSC's list of items it has considered during the January 2016 to 7th December 2019, didn't mention any meeting on Kashmir being taken by the body formally on August 16.

While Islamabad has been claiming that UNSC met on August 16 last year and discussed Jammu and Kashmir, UNSC records show, the last such meet happened in 1965.

China and Pakistan's plan to rake up Kashmir at United Nation found no support at United Nation Security Council Consultative informal meet on August 16.

After China attempted to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council, India's foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said Pakistan misused the UNSC stage through China.

After China attempted to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council, India's foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said Pakistan misused the UNSC stage through China. Also Read: Pakistan efforts to raise Kashmir at UN Security Council crumbled once again "Attempt was made by Pakistan, through a UNSC member, to misuse the platform. The overwhelming majority of UNSC was of the view that UNSC was not the right forum for such issues and it should be discussed bilaterally," foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said. "In our view, China should seriously reflect on this global consensus, draw the proper lessons and refrain from taking such action in the future," the foreign ministry spokesman added. Watch Video: "There were no takers for Pak's agenda," foreign ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said, adding,"Pakistan is peddling baseless allegations." In a letter, drafted on behalf of Pakistan, Vietnam and China, the trio tried to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UN high table in order to revive the failed December 2019 bid. The move however wasn't backed by Russia - a permanent member - with deputy representative of Russia asserting that differences be settled through bilateral efforts based on the 1972 Simla agreement and the 1999 Lahore declaration. In December, Pakistan and China had sought a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Kashmir situation, however, the meeting never materialised. Interestingly, in UNSC's list of items it has considered during the January 2016 to 7th December 2019, didn't mention any meeting on Kashmir being taken by the body formally on August 16. While Islamabad has been claiming that UNSC met on August 16 last year and discussed Jammu and Kashmir, UNSC records show, the last such meet happened in 1965. China and Pakistan's plan to rake up Kashmir at United Nation found no support at United Nation Security Council Consultative informal meet on August 16.

J&K issue: Attempt made by Pakistan through China to misuse UNSC platform, says India

President Donald Trump signed a long-awaited "phase one" trade deal with China on Wednesday, which includes a massive increase in exports to the Asian economic power.

China agreed to buy $200 billion more in US goods over two years than it did in 2017 before the trade war erupted, according to the agreement signed Wednesday.

That includes an additional $32 billion in American farm products and seafood, nearly $78 billion in manufactured goods like aircraft, machinery and steel, and $52 billion in energy products.

The administration was "righting the wrongs of the past", Trump said before the deal signing.

In a press conference attended by US vice-president Pence and China's Vice Premier Liu He, Trump asserted that the US-China trade deal contains "substantial and enforceable commitments". However, the president stated&nbsp;that US trade tariffs will remain on China until phase two is completed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-officially-confirms-trade-deal-with-china-271329">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump officially confirms trade deal with China</a>

The deal which was reached after months of tense negotiations on both sides was finally settled by the key negotiators of the world's two biggest economies.

Trump also informed that he would be visiting China in the "not too distant future", while adding that&nbsp;President Xi was a "good friend".

Trump hailed the "momentous" US-China trade deal, stating:&nbsp;"Today, we take a momentous step, one that's never taken before with China that will ensure fair and reciprocal trade."

"Together, we are righting the wrongs of the past," Trump said.

President Donald Trump signed a long-awaited "phase one" trade deal with China on Wednesday, which includes a massive increase in exports to the Asian economic power.

President Donald Trump signed a long-awaited "phase one" trade deal with China on Wednesday, which includes a massive increase in exports to the Asian economic power. China agreed to buy $200 billion more in US goods over two years than it did in 2017 before the trade war erupted, according to the agreement signed Wednesday. That includes an additional $32 billion in American farm products and seafood, nearly $78 billion in manufactured goods like aircraft, machinery and steel, and $52 billion in energy products. The administration was "righting the wrongs of the past", Trump said before the deal signing. In a press conference attended by US vice-president Pence and China's Vice Premier Liu He, Trump asserted that the US-China trade deal contains "substantial and enforceable commitments". However, the president stated that US trade tariffs will remain on China until phase two is completed. Also Read: Trump officially confirms trade deal with China The deal which was reached after months of tense negotiations on both sides was finally settled by the key negotiators of the world's two biggest economies. Trump also informed that he would be visiting China in the "not too distant future", while adding that President Xi was a "good friend". Trump hailed the "momentous" US-China trade deal, stating: "Today, we take a momentous step, one that's never taken before with China that will ensure fair and reciprocal trade." "Together, we are righting the wrongs of the past," Trump said.

US, China sign long-awaited 'phase one' trade deal

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-putin-proposes-referendum-to-boost-russian-parliaments-powers-274453">Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers</a>

Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned."

Medvedev made the surprise announcement on Russia's state TV while sitting next to Putin who thanked him for his work.

The Russian prime minister submitted his resignation to President Putin, reports said.&nbsp;"All further decisions will be taken by the president," Medvedev stated.

Putin named Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's head of tax service as a replacement for Medvedev.

In a speech, the Russian president had said, "It was necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution."

Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms.

In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned today shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a referendum to give the Parliament more powers to choose the prime minister in a speech. Also Read: Now, Putin proposes referendum to boost Russian parliament's powers Medvedev said the proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power and so "the government in its current form has resigned." Medvedev made the surprise announcement on Russia's state TV while sitting next to Putin who thanked him for his work. The Russian prime minister submitted his resignation to President Putin, reports said. "All further decisions will be taken by the president," Medvedev stated. Putin named Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's head of tax service as a replacement for Medvedev. In a speech, the Russian president had said, "It was necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's constitution." Putin, 67, is set to step down as president in 2024 with Russia set for parliamentary elections in 2021. Under the Russian constitution, a person cannot serve more than two successive presidential terms. In December, during a marathon press conference, the Russian president had dropped broad hints that he might not seek another term in 2024.

PM Medvedev's Russian government resigns after Putin proposes to boost Parliament's powers

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will lead the main weekly Muslim prayers in Tehran this week, state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-are-our-masters-and-we-are-its-servants-says-rouhani-amid-protests-in-tehran-274463">Also Read:&nbsp;People are our masters and we are its servants, says Rouhani amid protests in Tehran</a>

Khamenei is officially the imam of Tehran but usually delegates the task of leading Friday prayers to others.

The last time he led Friday prayers at Tehran's Mosalla mosque was in February 2012, on the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic revolution and at a time of crisis over the Iran nuclear issue.

Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani appealed Wednesday for "unity" and flagged the need for radical changes to the way Iran is run, after a wave of angry protests over the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner.

The Kiev-bound Boeing 737 was shot down in a catastrophic error shortly after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard.

One week on from the disaster, Rouhani called for "national unity" in remarks broadcast live on state television.

"If there was a delay" by the armed forces to release information about what happened, "let them apologise," he said.

Rouhani also sought a full explanation after it took Iran days to admit the airliner had been mistakenly shot down.

The blunder sparked four consecutive nights of protests in Tehran calling for those responsible to resign or be prosecuted, leading to at least 30 arrests.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said they were demonstrating after being deceived for days.

"In Iran... people can state their views. Sometimes they state their views in excessive ways, sometimes the reaction is excessive," he said in New Delhi.

"But the fact of the matter is, (over the) last few nights we've had people in the streets of Tehran, demonstrating against the fact that they were lied to for a couple of days."

Iran has been rocked by crisis after crisis since 2018.

In May that year, US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a landmark 2015 agreement that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Since then, the US has relentlessly slapped waves of sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign.

Washington says the campaign is aimed at reining in Tehran's missile programme as well as its "destabilising behaviour" in the region.

Iran has hit back by progressively reducing its nuclear commitments.

On Tuesday, as tensions mounted over the downed airliner, European parties to the deal launched an arbitration process charging Iran with failing to observe its commitments to the accord. 
&nbsp;

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will lead the main weekly Muslim prayers in Tehran this week, state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday. Also Read: People are our masters and we are its servants, says Rouhani amid protests in Tehran Khamenei is officially the imam of Tehran but usually delegates the task of leading Friday prayers to others.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will lead the main weekly Muslim prayers in Tehran this week, state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday. Also Read: People are our masters and we are its servants, says Rouhani amid protests in Tehran Khamenei is officially the imam of Tehran but usually delegates the task of leading Friday prayers to others. The last time he led Friday prayers at Tehran's Mosalla mosque was in February 2012, on the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic revolution and at a time of crisis over the Iran nuclear issue. Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani appealed Wednesday for "unity" and flagged the need for radical changes to the way Iran is run, after a wave of angry protests over the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner. The Kiev-bound Boeing 737 was shot down in a catastrophic error shortly after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard. One week on from the disaster, Rouhani called for "national unity" in remarks broadcast live on state television. "If there was a delay" by the armed forces to release information about what happened, "let them apologise," he said. Rouhani also sought a full explanation after it took Iran days to admit the airliner had been mistakenly shot down. The blunder sparked four consecutive nights of protests in Tehran calling for those responsible to resign or be prosecuted, leading to at least 30 arrests. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said they were demonstrating after being deceived for days. "In Iran... people can state their views. Sometimes they state their views in excessive ways, sometimes the reaction is excessive," he said in New Delhi. "But the fact of the matter is, (over the) last few nights we've had people in the streets of Tehran, demonstrating against the fact that they were lied to for a couple of days." Iran has been rocked by crisis after crisis since 2018. In May that year, US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a landmark 2015 agreement that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Since then, the US has relentlessly slapped waves of sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign. Washington says the campaign is aimed at reining in Tehran's missile programme as well as its "destabilising behaviour" in the region. Iran has hit back by progressively reducing its nuclear commitments. On Tuesday, as tensions mounted over the downed airliner, European parties to the deal launched an arbitration process charging Iran with failing to observe its commitments to the accord.

Khamenei to lead Friday prayers for first time since 2012

Four rare salt formations have been discovered on the shores of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mexican-american-mormons-bad-blood-with-drug-cartels-260763#breakways-after-us-civil-war-260749">Great Salt Lake</a> for the first time that can provide an insight into&nbsp;salt structures found on Mars.

They were discovered by Park Rangers and Geologists and after investigation, it was found that the mounds of salt were ''mirabilite'' also known as Glauber's salt.

Guided tours of the mirabilite mounds were offered to the public on January 11 and 12 by the staff at the lake.

According to researchers, they are special because its precipitation can serve as analogues for conditions similar to that of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-trip-to-mars-begins-in-california-clean-room-270678">Mars</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-indian-software-analyst-writes-national-anthem-for-mars-271894">Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars</a>

They approximately 3 feet tall and are spread over several yards.

Their discovery at this place is highly unusual and has never been documented before.

They were found previously only in a few places across the globe, primarily in the Arctic and other polar regions due to the constant cold temperature of that place.

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A rare geologic wonder on the Great Salt Lake! 
 
Mirabilite mounds are rare and have never been documented at the Great Salt Lake. They have only been found at a few locations around the world - primarily in the Arctic. 
 
Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/fys6g33Xex">https://t.co/fys6g33Xex</a> <a href="https://t.co/PKlUwjk6dS">pic.twitter.com/PKlUwjk6dS</a>
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The reason behind their sudden appearance is the exposed shoreline due to the lowered water levels caused by droughts and water diversion at the largest natural lake of the west of Mississipi.

According to Richard Socki, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-moon-nasa-hosts-first-public-astronaut-graduation-ceremony-273598">NASA </a>geochemist, ''the Glauber's salt is created from the water that bubbles up from the underground''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-plummetted-from-australian-bushfire-will-take-a-full-circuit-and-return-to-the-nation-nasa-274181">Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA</a>

''The expanded shorelines along with the highly saline water of the lake means an increment in the number of places for water to bubble up from warm, sulphate-rich springs to the surface,'' he also added.

The flat terraces have been created over a period of the last few months by the concentration of tiny crystals at an individual place.

Four rare salt formations have been discovered on the shores of the Great Salt Lake for the first time that can provide an insight into salt structures found on Mars.

Four rare salt formations have been discovered on the shores of the Great Salt Lake for the first time that can provide an insight into salt structures found on Mars. They were discovered by Park Rangers and Geologists and after investigation, it was found that the mounds of salt were ''mirabilite'' also known as Glauber's salt. Guided tours of the mirabilite mounds were offered to the public on January 11 and 12 by the staff at the lake. According to researchers, they are special because its precipitation can serve as analogues for conditions similar to that of Mars. Also read: Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars They approximately 3 feet tall and are spread over several yards. Their discovery at this place is highly unusual and has never been documented before. They were found previously only in a few places across the globe, primarily in the Arctic and other polar regions due to the constant cold temperature of that place. A rare geologic wonder on the Great Salt Lake! Mirabilite mounds are rare and have never been documented at the Great Salt Lake. They have only been found at a few locations around the world - primarily in the Arctic. Learn more: https://t.co/fys6g33Xex pic.twitter.com/PKlUwjk6dS — Utah State Parks (@UtahStateParks) January 7, 2020 × The reason behind their sudden appearance is the exposed shoreline due to the lowered water levels caused by droughts and water diversion at the largest natural lake of the west of Mississipi. According to Richard Socki, a NASA geochemist, ''the Glauber's salt is created from the water that bubbles up from the underground''. Also read: Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA ''The expanded shorelines along with the highly saline water of the lake means an increment in the number of places for water to bubble up from warm, sulphate-rich springs to the surface,'' he also added. The flat terraces have been created over a period of the last few months by the concentration of tiny crystals at an individual place.

Unique salt formations found in Utah provide insights regarding life on Mars

A Turkish court on Wednesday lifted a ban on Wikipedia after almost three years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-has-wikipedia-changed-our-lives-274429">Also Read:&nbsp;Wikipedia turns 15: How it changed our lives &amp; the world&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Turkey was the only country in the world apart from China to entirely block access to the online encyclopedia.

But its constitutional court ruled last month that the ban, in place since April 2017, violated freedom of expression.&nbsp;

Turkish officials said in 2017 that the ban was needed as Wikipedia had failed to remove content accusing its government of assisting terrorist groups.

Rights groups have regularly criticised the erosion of free speech in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, especially since a failed coup attempt in 2016 triggered a massive crackdown on government critics in the press and beyond.

An Ankara judge gave the order on Wednesday for the ban to be lifted by the telecommunications watchdog.&nbsp;

Users said the website was still inaccessible on Wednesday though it was expected to be gradually unblocked nationwide.&nbsp;

A Turkish court on Wednesday lifted a ban on Wikipedia after almost three years. Also Read: Wikipedia turns 15: How it changed our lives & the world Turkey was the only country in the world apart from China to entirely block access to the online encyclopedia.

A Turkish court on Wednesday lifted a ban on Wikipedia after almost three years. Also Read: Wikipedia turns 15: How it changed our lives & the world Turkey was the only country in the world apart from China to entirely block access to the online encyclopedia. But its constitutional court ruled last month that the ban, in place since April 2017, violated freedom of expression. Turkish officials said in 2017 that the ban was needed as Wikipedia had failed to remove content accusing its government of assisting terrorist groups. Rights groups have regularly criticised the erosion of free speech in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, especially since a failed coup attempt in 2016 triggered a massive crackdown on government critics in the press and beyond. An Ankara judge gave the order on Wednesday for the ban to be lifted by the telecommunications watchdog. Users said the website was still inaccessible on Wednesday though it was expected to be gradually unblocked nationwide.

Turkey court lifts ban on Wikipedia after nearly three years

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff will lead the prosecution of President Donald Trump at his impeachment trial in the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-prepared-to-testify-in-trump-impeachment-trial-john-bolton-272608">Also Read: I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial, says&nbsp;John Bolton</a>

Schiff, a Democratic lawmaker from California, would be the House "lead manager" at Trump's Senate trial expected to begin on Tuesday, Pelosi said.

Schiff led the House investigation that resulted in Trump's December 18 impeachment for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Six other House lawmakers were named as managers: Jerry Nadler of New York, Zoe Lofgren of California, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jason Crow of Colorado, Val Demings of Florida and Sylvia Garcia of Texas.

Pelosi said a resolution would be voted on later Wednesday in the House formally naming the managers and transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

"The president of the United States is not above the law," Pelosi said. "He will be held accountable."

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump derided his impeachment as a "con" as Democratic leaders announced the team that will lead the trial in the Senate.

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Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats. All of this work was supposed to be done by the House, not the Senate!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1217469828656701442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats," Trump tweeted seconds after Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, unveiled the seven-member trial team.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff will lead the prosecution of President Donald Trump at his impeachment trial in the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff will lead the prosecution of President Donald Trump at his impeachment trial in the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday. Also Read: I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial, says John Bolton Schiff, a Democratic lawmaker from California, would be the House "lead manager" at Trump's Senate trial expected to begin on Tuesday, Pelosi said. Schiff led the House investigation that resulted in Trump's December 18 impeachment for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Six other House lawmakers were named as managers: Jerry Nadler of New York, Zoe Lofgren of California, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jason Crow of Colorado, Val Demings of Florida and Sylvia Garcia of Texas. Pelosi said a resolution would be voted on later Wednesday in the House formally naming the managers and transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate. "The president of the United States is not above the law," Pelosi said. "He will be held accountable." Meanwhile, President Donald Trump derided his impeachment as a "con" as Democratic leaders announced the team that will lead the trial in the Senate. Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats. All of this work was supposed to be done by the House, not the Senate! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2020 × "Here we go again, another Con Job by the Do Nothing Democrats," Trump tweeted seconds after Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, unveiled the seven-member trial team.

Adam Schiff to lead prosecution in US Senate on Trump impeachment trial: Pelosi

Prince Harry's wife Meghan has visited a women's shelter in Vancouver, her first public appearance since the couple's sensational decision to pursue greater independence from the British monarchy by living part-time in Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-royal-exit-of-meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-things-we-know-so-far-274179">Also Read:&nbsp;The Royal exit of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: Things we know so far</a>

Images of a smiling Meghan visiting on Tuesday with eight staffers at the Downtown Eastside Women's Center was posted on the center's Facebook page.

"Look who we had tea with today! The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community," said a caption.

The shelter in an impoverished Vancouver neighborhood provides counselling, hot meals, and basic needs for marginalized and vulnerable women and children. It serves about 500 women each day, according to its website.

The Daily Mail quoted staff as saying Meghan "asked what the women would need in terms of support. It was a nice meeting" and a boost to staff's spirits.

"She was just casual and lovely," the center's acting director, Kate Gibson, told Canadian public broadcaster CBC.&nbsp;

"I thought she was really down to earth," she said. "She's very good at sort of picking up something from the conversation and expanding that a bit, and asking questions and (she was) empathetic. She was really great."

Gibson added that Meghan seemingly "just wants to get to know the community. We know she's going to come to Canada and I think possibly the West Coast.

"I think that she just doesn't want to be sort of a stranger in the midst. She just wants to get to know people."

Prince Harry, sixth in line to the throne, and Meghan last week announced they intend to step back as senior royals and become financially independent, splitting their time between Britain and Canada where they spent six weeks over Christmas with baby son Archie.

They are now in talks with senior royals about how their wished-for new roles within the monarchy could work.

The Daily Mail also published photos of Meghan in a parka, boarding a seaplane from Victoria, British Columbia, where she's currently staying, to Vancouver for the shelter visit.

Prince Harry's wife Meghan has visited a women's shelter in Vancouver, her first public appearance since the couple's sensational decision to pursue greater independence from the British monarchy by living part-time in Canada.

Prince Harry's wife Meghan has visited a women's shelter in Vancouver, her first public appearance since the couple's sensational decision to pursue greater independence from the British monarchy by living part-time in Canada. Also Read: The Royal exit of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: Things we know so far Images of a smiling Meghan visiting on Tuesday with eight staffers at the Downtown Eastside Women's Center was posted on the center's Facebook page. "Look who we had tea with today! The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community," said a caption. The shelter in an impoverished Vancouver neighborhood provides counselling, hot meals, and basic needs for marginalized and vulnerable women and children. It serves about 500 women each day, according to its website. The Daily Mail quoted staff as saying Meghan "asked what the women would need in terms of support. It was a nice meeting" and a boost to staff's spirits. "She was just casual and lovely," the center's acting director, Kate Gibson, told Canadian public broadcaster CBC. "I thought she was really down to earth," she said. "She's very good at sort of picking up something from the conversation and expanding that a bit, and asking questions and (she was) empathetic. She was really great." Gibson added that Meghan seemingly "just wants to get to know the community. We know she's going to come to Canada and I think possibly the West Coast. "I think that she just doesn't want to be sort of a stranger in the midst. She just wants to get to know people." Prince Harry, sixth in line to the throne, and Meghan last week announced they intend to step back as senior royals and become financially independent, splitting their time between Britain and Canada where they spent six weeks over Christmas with baby son Archie. They are now in talks with senior royals about how their wished-for new roles within the monarchy could work. The Daily Mail also published photos of Meghan in a parka, boarding a seaplane from Victoria, British Columbia, where she's currently staying, to Vancouver for the shelter visit.

Meghan visits women's shelter in Vancouver

The US&nbsp;State Department warned Americans in China about an outbreak of pneumonia in the central city of Wuhan believed to be caused by a new strain of coronavirus, which has killed one person.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-hospitals-worldwide-as-new-china-coronavirus-may-spread-further-274255">Also Read:&nbsp;WHO warns hospitals worldwide over further spread of China's coronavirus</a>

The outbreak comes ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many of China's 1.4 billion people will be travelling to their home towns or abroad. The World Health Organization and Chinese authorities are taking steps to ensure the disease does not spread further.

Thai health authorities said on Wednesday they were stepping up monitoring of passengers arriving at airports with infrared thermal scanners ahead of the holiday, when 800,000 Chinese tourists are expected to visit the country.

Memories remain fresh in Asia of a 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which emerged in China and killed nearly 800 people worldwide.

WHO has said there may have been limited human-to-human transmission of the new coronavirus in China within families.&nbsp;

And authorities in Wuhan confirmed on Wednesday that a married couple were among 41 people diagnosed with pneumonia believed to be caused by the new virus. There were no new cases or deaths at the end of Tuesday, the city's health authority said.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission did not say in the statement whether the couple represented an instance of human-to-human transmission. But it said the husband, who worked at a seafood market suspected of being at the epicentre of the outbreak, was the first to fall ill and that his wife did not have any exposure to the market.

Some of the other people diagnosed also denied visiting the market, the commission said.

The authorities in Wuhan also confirmed that a Chinese woman quarantined in Thailand, the first case of the mystery strain of coronavirus to be detected outside of China, had come from Wuhan.

The State Department's notice referred to an alert by the US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urging citizens in China travelling to Wuhan to avoid contact with animals, animal markets or animal products, among other precautions.

It also asked citizens those who had visited Wuhan and feel sick to seek medical care.

The Wuhan health commission said in another statement issued late Wednesday that 7 of the 41 pneumonia patients have been released. The statement also said that 450 of the 763 people put under observation due to their close contact with known patients have been released.

The US State Department warned Americans in China about an outbreak of pneumonia in the central city of Wuhan believed to be caused by a new strain of coronavirus, which has killed one person.

The US State Department warned Americans in China about an outbreak of pneumonia in the central city of Wuhan believed to be caused by a new strain of coronavirus, which has killed one person. Also Read: WHO warns hospitals worldwide over further spread of China's coronavirus The outbreak comes ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many of China's 1.4 billion people will be travelling to their home towns or abroad. The World Health Organization and Chinese authorities are taking steps to ensure the disease does not spread further. Thai health authorities said on Wednesday they were stepping up monitoring of passengers arriving at airports with infrared thermal scanners ahead of the holiday, when 800,000 Chinese tourists are expected to visit the country. Memories remain fresh in Asia of a 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which emerged in China and killed nearly 800 people worldwide. WHO has said there may have been limited human-to-human transmission of the new coronavirus in China within families. And authorities in Wuhan confirmed on Wednesday that a married couple were among 41 people diagnosed with pneumonia believed to be caused by the new virus. There were no new cases or deaths at the end of Tuesday, the city's health authority said. The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission did not say in the statement whether the couple represented an instance of human-to-human transmission. But it said the husband, who worked at a seafood market suspected of being at the epicentre of the outbreak, was the first to fall ill and that his wife did not have any exposure to the market. Some of the other people diagnosed also denied visiting the market, the commission said. The authorities in Wuhan also confirmed that a Chinese woman quarantined in Thailand, the first case of the mystery strain of coronavirus to be detected outside of China, had come from Wuhan. The State Department's notice referred to an alert by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urging citizens in China travelling to Wuhan to avoid contact with animals, animal markets or animal products, among other precautions. It also asked citizens those who had visited Wuhan and feel sick to seek medical care. The Wuhan health commission said in another statement issued late Wednesday that 7 of the 41 pneumonia patients have been released. The statement also said that 450 of the 763 people put under observation due to their close contact with known patients have been released.

US State Department warns citizens over outbreak of pneumonia in China's Wuhan

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