Spain's state attorney on Monday recommended the release of Catalan separatist leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jailed-catalan-separatist-leader-says-new-referendum-inevitable-256099">Oriol Junqueras</a> from prison in what was widely seen as a gesture of political goodwill as the Socialist Party seeks support to form a government.

The state attorney's office asked the Supreme Court to let Junqueras go to Brussels to take his seat as a European member of parliament. He was sentenced in October to 13 years in prison over his role in a failed 2017 bid for Catalan independence.

The European Union's top court said this month that Junqueras was entitled to immunity as an EU lawmaker. The Spanish Supreme Court is expected to give a ruling in coming weeks.

The state attorney's opinion was widely anticipated as the Socialists have been trying to persuade Junqueras' party, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jailed-catalan-leader-says-spain-wants-to-behead-separatism-248981">Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya</a> (ERC), to back a Socialist-led government by abstaining in a parliamentary vote to confirm acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as premier.

Spain has been in a political gridlock and without a proper government for many months after two inconclusive elections this year.

ERC's parliamentary spokeswoman Marta Vilalta said it considered the negotiations with the Socialists as an "opportunity for Catalan separatism," but any decision on facilitating Sanchez's confirmation will depend on the party's governing body which is scheduled to meet on Jan. 2.

"It is time to put in the hands of the (ERC) National Council the decision on whether the proposal we have received is enough for us to abstain in the investiture vote," she added.

The Spanish attorney also asked the European Parliament to strip Junqueras of immunity so that the case against him would not be completely dropped, but this would require a difficult-to-achieve majority among the 700-odd MEPs.

Junqueras was elected to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-green-surge-could-mean-for-the-new-european-parliament-222811">European Parliament</a> in May while he was in jail awaiting the verdict in his case.

"This is not a gesture, but the fulfillment of legal requirements coming from European justice," ERC's Vilalta told reporters. "We are convinced that Spanish justice will abide by the ruling of the European Court of Justice."

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and ERC have been meeting regularly since a Nov. 10 election that saw the Socialists emerge as the winner but fall short of a majority in a fragmented parliament.

A rapid coalition deal with the far-left Unidas Podemos party brought their total seat count to 155, still short of the 176 seats needed for a majority. After the Basque nationalist party PNV, with six lawmakers, agreed to back the Socialist-led coalition, the 13 seats held by ERC are crucial.

Spain's state attorney on Monday recommended the release of Catalan separatist leader Oriol Junqueras from prison in what was widely seen as a gesture of political goodwill as the Socialist Party seeks support to form a government.

Spain's state attorney on Monday recommended the release of Catalan separatist leader Oriol Junqueras from prison in what was widely seen as a gesture of political goodwill as the Socialist Party seeks support to form a government. The state attorney's office asked the Supreme Court to let Junqueras go to Brussels to take his seat as a European member of parliament. He was sentenced in October to 13 years in prison over his role in a failed 2017 bid for Catalan independence. The European Union's top court said this month that Junqueras was entitled to immunity as an EU lawmaker. The Spanish Supreme Court is expected to give a ruling in coming weeks. The state attorney's opinion was widely anticipated as the Socialists have been trying to persuade Junqueras' party, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), to back a Socialist-led government by abstaining in a parliamentary vote to confirm acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as premier. Spain has been in a political gridlock and without a proper government for many months after two inconclusive elections this year. ERC's parliamentary spokeswoman Marta Vilalta said it considered the negotiations with the Socialists as an "opportunity for Catalan separatism," but any decision on facilitating Sanchez's confirmation will depend on the party's governing body which is scheduled to meet on Jan. 2. "It is time to put in the hands of the (ERC) National Council the decision on whether the proposal we have received is enough for us to abstain in the investiture vote," she added. The Spanish attorney also asked the European Parliament to strip Junqueras of immunity so that the case against him would not be completely dropped, but this would require a difficult-to-achieve majority among the 700-odd MEPs. Junqueras was elected to the European Parliament in May while he was in jail awaiting the verdict in his case. "This is not a gesture, but the fulfillment of legal requirements coming from European justice," ERC's Vilalta told reporters. "We are convinced that Spanish justice will abide by the ruling of the European Court of Justice." The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and ERC have been meeting regularly since a Nov. 10 election that saw the Socialists emerge as the winner but fall short of a majority in a fragmented parliament. A rapid coalition deal with the far-left Unidas Podemos party brought their total seat count to 155, still short of the 176 seats needed for a majority. After the Basque nationalist party PNV, with six lawmakers, agreed to back the Socialist-led coalition, the 13 seats held by ERC are crucial.

Spain's state attorney recommends release of jailed Catalan leader

A state of emergency has been declared in northern Peru after heavy rainfall led to massive floods.

Several roads have been cut off and houses destroyed as a result of the floods.

The regions badly affected are Hancay, Piura and Cajamarca.

Reports said authorities are still trying to assess the damage.

Earlier in the year, the country was hit by floods in northern and central coastal regions causing rivers to overflow leading to floods and landslides.

At least 50 people were killed as a result of the damage. According to Meteorologists, the weather pattern had emerged due to the El Nino effect.&nbsp;

A state of emergency has been declared in northern Peru after heavy rainfall led to massive floods. Several roads have been cut off and houses destroyed as a result of the floods.

A state of emergency has been declared in northern Peru after heavy rainfall led to massive floods. Several roads have been cut off and houses destroyed as a result of the floods. The regions badly affected are Hancay, Piura and Cajamarca. Reports said authorities are still trying to assess the damage. Earlier in the year, the country was hit by floods in northern and central coastal regions causing rivers to overflow leading to floods and landslides. At least 50 people were killed as a result of the damage. According to Meteorologists, the weather pattern had emerged due to the El Nino effect.

Flood havoc ravages northern Peru; govt declares emergency

The White House's trade adviser has said that US and China would sign the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-deal-both-countries-near-phase-1-signing-says-china-commerce-ministry-270353">Phase 1 trade deal next week</a> as the trade dispute between the two major economies is likely to come to an end in the new year.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro informed that news of the deal would be announced by&nbsp;President Trump. Navarro while speaking to a US television channel said "anonymous sources" should not be believed, asserting "get it from President Trump or US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer."&nbsp;

Lighthizer had said earlier that US and China would sign the trade deal in early January.

Last week China's commerce ministry had said that the US and China are going through necessary procedures before the signing the Phase 1 of the trade deal with both sides in touch with each other on signing the deal.

President Trump for weeks has openly said that China and the US are close to a deal without specifying details.

Navarro said the deal would be made public "as quickly as possible". "Basically you need to get it translated into Chinese and double-checked so both versions match," the White House trade adviser told the US television channel.

Navarro said the agreement would involve details of intellectual property and currency manipulation, a&nbsp;bone of contention between the two sides which has often brought talks to a standstill in the past.

Trump said recently that the "deal is done", while adding that "it's just being translated right now."

"We will be having a signing ceremony, yes, we will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done," Trump told reporters.

The United States had imposed stringent tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods entering the country that hit the global economy.

The White House's trade adviser has said that US and China would sign the Phase 1 trade deal next week as the trade dispute between the two major economies is likely to come to an end in the new year.

The White House's trade adviser has said that US and China would sign the Phase 1 trade deal next week as the trade dispute between the two major economies is likely to come to an end in the new year. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro informed that news of the deal would be announced by President Trump. Navarro while speaking to a US television channel said "anonymous sources" should not be believed, asserting "get it from President Trump or US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer." Lighthizer had said earlier that US and China would sign the trade deal in early January. Last week China's commerce ministry had said that the US and China are going through necessary procedures before the signing the Phase 1 of the trade deal with both sides in touch with each other on signing the deal. President Trump for weeks has openly said that China and the US are close to a deal without specifying details. Navarro said the deal would be made public "as quickly as possible". "Basically you need to get it translated into Chinese and double-checked so both versions match," the White House trade adviser told the US television channel. Navarro said the agreement would involve details of intellectual property and currency manipulation, a bone of contention between the two sides which has often brought talks to a standstill in the past. Trump said recently that the "deal is done", while adding that "it's just being translated right now." "We will be having a signing ceremony, yes, we will ultimately, yes, when we get together. And we'll be having a quicker signing because we want to get it done," Trump told reporters. The United States had imposed stringent tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods entering the country that hit the global economy.

Will probably sign trade deal with China next week: White House trade adviser

At least half a million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-repression-of-uighur-muslims-china-to-edit-quran-and-bible-to-reflect-socialist-values-270572">Uighur Muslim children</a> in China's Xinjian province have been taken away from their parents and forcibly put in "boarding schools", according to the New York Times.

The report says the aim of authorities is to instil "loyalty to China and the Communist party". Xinjiang’s Uighurs from Turkish decent form majority of population in Xinjiang. Earlier in the year, Turkey's foreign ministry had called China's crackdown on Uighurs "a great embarrassment for humanity".

Reports say the schools are mainly meant for indoctrination of young minds where the Uighur children receive lessons on Chinese language, patriotism and loyalty to the Communist party.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-plight-of-uighur-children-271130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The facilities are out of bounds to outsiders which are heavily guarded. The children are allowed to meet their parents only once a week or two, according to reports. The government has recruited teachers from across China in these schools where the language of instruction is Chinese.

The United Nations estimates at least 1 million ethnic Uighur Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang in what China describes as “vocational training centres”.

Last month, in a classified report leaked to the public by an international group of journalists, alleged repressive working conditions in&nbsp;detention camps in Xinjiang.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) detailed guidelines which served as a "manual" for operating the camps with instructions on how to prevent escapes, maintain secrecy of the camps' existence including "when to let detainees see relatives or even use the toilet". The Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the report.

China has stridently maintained that Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills.

At least half a million Uighur Muslim children in China's Xinjian province have been taken away from their parents and forcibly put in "boarding schools", according to the New York Times.

At least half a million Uighur Muslim children in China's Xinjian province have been taken away from their parents and forcibly put in "boarding schools", according to the New York Times. The report says the aim of authorities is to instil "loyalty to China and the Communist party". Xinjiang’s Uighurs from Turkish decent form majority of population in Xinjiang. Earlier in the year, Turkey's foreign ministry had called China's crackdown on Uighurs "a great embarrassment for humanity". Reports say the schools are mainly meant for indoctrination of young minds where the Uighur children receive lessons on Chinese language, patriotism and loyalty to the Communist party. Watch: The facilities are out of bounds to outsiders which are heavily guarded. The children are allowed to meet their parents only once a week or two, according to reports. The government has recruited teachers from across China in these schools where the language of instruction is Chinese. The United Nations estimates at least 1 million ethnic Uighur Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang in what China describes as “vocational training centres”. Last month, in a classified report leaked to the public by an international group of journalists, alleged repressive working conditions in detention camps in Xinjiang. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) detailed guidelines which served as a "manual" for operating the camps with instructions on how to prevent escapes, maintain secrecy of the camps' existence including "when to let detainees see relatives or even use the toilet". The Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the report. China has stridently maintained that Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills.

Uighur children forcibly put in 'boarding schools': Report

US President Trump and ex-president Obama have ended in a tie to become the "most admired man"&nbsp;in America, according to the latest Gallup poll.

The poll confirmed that eighteen per cent US adults found Obama as the most admired man which was almost&nbsp;similar to last year when the former US president had 19 per cent Americans voting for him. Two years ago, seventeen per cent Americans had favoured the ex-US president.

President Donald Trump also ended with Obama in a dead heat with eighteen per cent Americans polling in his favour. Gallup said that Americans were divided heavily along party lines when they picked their candidate with forty-one per cent Democrats naming Obama and forty-five per cent Republicans going with Trump.

The poll said the US president is more popular now than two years ago with improved job approval rating. Obama, the poll said made it to the top slot for the twelveth time as against first time for Trump.

The poll found former first lady Michelle Obama as the most admired woman for the second consecutive year.

Interestingly, at least eleven per cent Americans named a relative or a friend as the most admired with eighteen per cent naming other people. The poll revealed that twenty-five per cent did not name anyone.

Significantly, Trump's numbers increased from 2017 when only fourteen per cent Americans picked him and just thirteen per cent last year.&nbsp;

US President Trump and ex-president Obama have ended in a tie to become the "most admired man" in America, according to the latest Gallup poll. The poll confirmed that eighteen per cent US adults found Obama as the most admired man which was almost similar to last year when the former US president had 19 per cent Americans voting for him.

US President Trump and ex-president Obama have ended in a tie to become the "most admired man" in America, according to the latest Gallup poll. The poll confirmed that eighteen per cent US adults found Obama as the most admired man which was almost similar to last year when the former US president had 19 per cent Americans voting for him. Two years ago, seventeen per cent Americans had favoured the ex-US president. President Donald Trump also ended with Obama in a dead heat with eighteen per cent Americans polling in his favour. Gallup said that Americans were divided heavily along party lines when they picked their candidate with forty-one per cent Democrats naming Obama and forty-five per cent Republicans going with Trump. The poll said the US president is more popular now than two years ago with improved job approval rating. Obama, the poll said made it to the top slot for the twelveth time as against first time for Trump. The poll found former first lady Michelle Obama as the most admired woman for the second consecutive year. Interestingly, at least eleven per cent Americans named a relative or a friend as the most admired with eighteen per cent naming other people. The poll revealed that twenty-five per cent did not name anyone. Significantly, Trump's numbers increased from 2017 when only fourteen per cent Americans picked him and just thirteen per cent last year.

Trump, Obama tied as 'most admired man' in 2019

General Manoj Mukund Naravane has taken over as the new chief of the Army after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-named-as-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-271016"> General Bipin Rawat </a>was promoted to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Monday.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane is the 28th chief of Army staff after he succeeded General Bipin Rawat.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/zdHA6xN1wW">pic.twitter.com/zdHA6xN1wW</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1211907666420928512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lt Gen Naravane, 59, was earlier serving as the Army vice-chief and was heading the eastern command responsible for keeping an eye on the China border.

In a long and distinguished&nbsp;career, Lieutenant General Naravane has been awarded several decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva medal (PVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Samanya Seva Medal, Special Service Medal, Sainya Seva Medal, Operation Parakram Medal, Videsh Seva medal including the Sena Medal (SM).

The new Army chief was commissioned in the Sikh light infantry regiment in 1980 and has taken up difficult operations as part of India's peace keeping force in Sri Lanka and Rashtriya Rifles battalion in Jammu and Kashmir. General Bipin Rawat also belonged to the Sikh regiment.

After stepping down at the end of his tenure, General Rawat thanked "all ranks, soldiers who laid down their lives in line of duty".

"My compliments to soldiers on northern, western and eastern front braving the icy cold winters," General Rawat said in his closing statement.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane has taken over as the new chief of the Army after General Bipin Rawat was promoted to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Monday.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane has taken over as the new chief of the Army after General Bipin Rawat was promoted to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Monday. General Manoj Mukund Naravane is the 28th chief of Army staff after he succeeded General Bipin Rawat. pic.twitter.com/zdHA6xN1wW — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 31, 2019 × Lt Gen Naravane, 59, was earlier serving as the Army vice-chief and was heading the eastern command responsible for keeping an eye on the China border. In a long and distinguished career, Lieutenant General Naravane has been awarded several decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva medal (PVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Samanya Seva Medal, Special Service Medal, Sainya Seva Medal, Operation Parakram Medal, Videsh Seva medal including the Sena Medal (SM). The new Army chief was commissioned in the Sikh light infantry regiment in 1980 and has taken up difficult operations as part of India's peace keeping force in Sri Lanka and Rashtriya Rifles battalion in Jammu and Kashmir. General Bipin Rawat also belonged to the Sikh regiment. After stepping down at the end of his tenure, General Rawat thanked "all ranks, soldiers who laid down their lives in line of duty". "My compliments to soldiers on northern, western and eastern front braving the icy cold winters," General Rawat said in his closing statement.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane becomes India's new Army chief

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced the doctor who claimed to be behind the world's first gene-edited babies to three years in prison for illegal medical practice, state media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-experiment-to-immunise-twins-against-hiv-may-have-failed-created-mutations-scientists-266043">He Jiankui</a>, who shocked the scientific community last year by announcing the birth of twins whose genes had allegedly been altered to confer immunity to HIV, was also fined 3 million yuan ($430,000), Xinhua news agency said.

He was sentenced by a court in Shenzhen for "illegally carrying out the human embryo gene-editing intended for reproduction", Xinhua said.

The news agency said a third gene-edited baby was born as a result of He's experiments, which had not previously been confirmed.

The scientist announced in November last year that the world's first gene-edited babies,&nbsp;twin girls had been born that same month after he altered their DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV by deleting a certain gene under a technique known as CRISPR.

The claim shocked scientists worldwide, raising questions about bioethics and putting a spotlight on China's lax oversight of scientific research.

Amid the outcry, He was placed under police investigation, the government ordered a halt to his research work and he was fired by his Chinese university.

Gene-editing for reproductive purposes is illegal in most countries. China's health ministry issued regulations in 2003 prohibiting gene-editing of human embryos, though the procedure is allowed for "non-reproductive purposes".

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced the doctor who claimed to be behind the world's first gene-edited babies to three years in prison for illegal medical practice, state media reported.

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced the doctor who claimed to be behind the world's first gene-edited babies to three years in prison for illegal medical practice, state media reported. He Jiankui, who shocked the scientific community last year by announcing the birth of twins whose genes had allegedly been altered to confer immunity to HIV, was also fined 3 million yuan ($430,000), Xinhua news agency said. He was sentenced by a court in Shenzhen for "illegally carrying out the human embryo gene-editing intended for reproduction", Xinhua said. The news agency said a third gene-edited baby was born as a result of He's experiments, which had not previously been confirmed. The scientist announced in November last year that the world's first gene-edited babies, twin girls had been born that same month after he altered their DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV by deleting a certain gene under a technique known as CRISPR. The claim shocked scientists worldwide, raising questions about bioethics and putting a spotlight on China's lax oversight of scientific research. Amid the outcry, He was placed under police investigation, the government ordered a halt to his research work and he was fired by his Chinese university. Gene-editing for reproductive purposes is illegal in most countries. China's health ministry issued regulations in 2003 prohibiting gene-editing of human embryos, though the procedure is allowed for "non-reproductive purposes".

China jails scientist He Jiankui for three years who gene-edited babies: Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure safety and warned of "grave economic conditions" during a meeting with officials even as the year-end deadline for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-promises-action-on-any-north-korea-missile-test-white-house-270890">denuclearisation neared</a> on Monday.

The meeting attended by top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">North Korean officials</a> is taking place as the country battles international isolation over its nuclear programme.

Kim called for "decisive turn" in North Korea's economy, the state-media reported.

The high profile plenary session comes even as North Korea-US talks on denuclearisation talks remain stalled.

North Korea had earlier warned of a Christmas gift” for the United States referring to a possible missile test. US President hit back saying the United States would "deal with it very successfully."

"We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully," Trump said, adding,"We'll see what happens." Trump even suggested that it could be "nice present".&nbsp;

"Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test," the US president joked.

Meanwhile, North Korea's main ally China and Russia suggested to the UNSC to drop a few sanctions but it has met with a cold US response.

The White House said on Sunday said it would consider "other tools" beyond talks and diplomacy if North Korea went ahead with its missile tests.

White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien speaking to a US channel said that "additional pressure can be brought to bear on North Korea" through "tools in our toolkit" while terming North Korea's nuclear programme as "most difficult challenge in the world" of the Trump administration.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure safety and warned of "grave economic conditions" during a meeting with officials even as the year-end deadline for denuclearisation neared on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure safety and warned of "grave economic conditions" during a meeting with officials even as the year-end deadline for denuclearisation neared on Monday. The meeting attended by top North Korean officials is taking place as the country battles international isolation over its nuclear programme. Kim called for "decisive turn" in North Korea's economy, the state-media reported. The high profile plenary session comes even as North Korea-US talks on denuclearisation talks remain stalled. North Korea had earlier warned of a Christmas gift” for the United States referring to a possible missile test. US President hit back saying the United States would "deal with it very successfully." "We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully," Trump said, adding,"We'll see what happens." Trump even suggested that it could be "nice present". "Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test," the US president joked. Meanwhile, North Korea's main ally China and Russia suggested to the UNSC to drop a few sanctions but it has met with a cold US response. The White House said on Sunday said it would consider "other tools" beyond talks and diplomacy if North Korea went ahead with its missile tests. White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien speaking to a US channel said that "additional pressure can be brought to bear on North Korea" through "tools in our toolkit" while terming North Korea's nuclear programme as "most difficult challenge in the world" of the Trump administration.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls for 'positive, offensive measures' to ensure safety

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced pastor Wang Yi to nine years in prison on charges of "inciting subversion"&nbsp;of state power.

The court ordered authorities to confiscate the pastor's property&nbsp;who belonged to Early Rain Covenant Church in China.

Wang Yi was also deprived of his political rights, according to reports.

The court also found the pastor guilty of &nbsp;"illegal business operation". Wang was detained last year by Chinese authorities.

Wang was convicted in Chengdu where the Early Rain Covenant Church was based.

In June, the Vatican had called for China&nbsp;not to intimidate Catholics who were still choosing to worship at underground churches that refuse to swear allegiance to the official state church.

Pope Francis had recognised seven clergy appointed by China as part of a deal between Beijing and the Vatican.

In August, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association had ordained Yao Shun as bishop of the diocese of Ulanqab in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese law mandates priests and bishops to register with the country's official church.

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced pastor Wang Yi to nine years in prison on charges of "inciting subversion" of state power. The court ordered authorities to confiscate the pastor's property who belonged to Early Rain Covenant Church in China.

A Chinese court on Monday sentenced pastor Wang Yi to nine years in prison on charges of "inciting subversion" of state power. The court ordered authorities to confiscate the pastor's property who belonged to Early Rain Covenant Church in China. Wang Yi was also deprived of his political rights, according to reports. The court also found the pastor guilty of "illegal business operation". Wang was detained last year by Chinese authorities. Wang was convicted in Chengdu where the Early Rain Covenant Church was based. In June, the Vatican had called for China not to intimidate Catholics who were still choosing to worship at underground churches that refuse to swear allegiance to the official state church. Pope Francis had recognised seven clergy appointed by China as part of a deal between Beijing and the Vatican. In August, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association had ordained Yao Shun as bishop of the diocese of Ulanqab in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese law mandates priests and bishops to register with the country's official church.

China court sentences pastor to nine years in jail for 'inciting subversion'

One person was killed after a gunman opened fire at&nbsp;a Church in Texas on Sunday.

The people attending the service shot the gunman. Authorities said three people were injured in the attack.

The shooting took place in White Settlement at the West Freeway Church of Christ. The police said the gunman was killed after at least two worshippers shot him.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/texas-church-shooting-leaves-two-people-dead-and-one-injured-270928/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"The threat is stopped based on the heroic actions of the two parishioners in the Church," White Settlement police chief J.P. Bevering said.

"Places of worship are meant to be sacred, and I am grateful for the church members who acted quickly to take down the shooter and help prevent further loss of life," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said.

"A couple of members of the church returned fire, striking the suspect who died at the scene," Abbott added. "Our hearts go out to the victims and families of those killed in the evil act of violence that occurred at the West Freeway Church of Christ," he added.

The motive of the attack was still unclear with authorities investigating the case.

This is not the first time shootings have occurred in a Texas church. Two years ago, a gunman had shot 26 worshippers at a Baptist church, Texas. In October 2018, a shooter killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

The in Texas occurred just a day after a knife attack at a Hanukkah party in New York in which five people were stabbed.

One person was killed after a gunman opened fire at a Church in Texas on Sunday. The people attending the service shot the gunman. Authorities said three people were injured in the attack.

One person was killed after a gunman opened fire at a Church in Texas on Sunday. The people attending the service shot the gunman. Authorities said three people were injured in the attack. The shooting took place in White Settlement at the West Freeway Church of Christ. The police said the gunman was killed after at least two worshippers shot him. Watch Video: "The threat is stopped based on the heroic actions of the two parishioners in the Church," White Settlement police chief J.P. Bevering said. "Places of worship are meant to be sacred, and I am grateful for the church members who acted quickly to take down the shooter and help prevent further loss of life," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said. "A couple of members of the church returned fire, striking the suspect who died at the scene," Abbott added. "Our hearts go out to the victims and families of those killed in the evil act of violence that occurred at the West Freeway Church of Christ," he added. The motive of the attack was still unclear with authorities investigating the case. This is not the first time shootings have occurred in a Texas church. Two years ago, a gunman had shot 26 worshippers at a Baptist church, Texas. In October 2018, a shooter killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The in Texas occurred just a day after a knife attack at a Hanukkah party in New York in which five people were stabbed.

Shooter among one dead in Texas church attack

Drastic&nbsp;structural&nbsp;changes&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">South&nbsp;African cricket</a> over the last month contributed significantly to the Test side turning around their fortunes and starting the four-match series against England with a win, says captain Faf du Plessis.

The hosts ended a run of five straight Test defeats with a 107-run win over England at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-de-kock-leads-south-africa-fightback-against-england-270522">Centurion Park</a> on Sunday and the skipper hailed the new coaching structures and fresh personnel in Cricket&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa's&nbsp;(CSA) administration.

“Now we can trust the system a little bit more and just focus on playing cricket,” said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-fancied-for-test-series-as-host-look-for-fresh-energy-269648">Du Plessis</a>. “There is a lot more confidence in the structures, going from the top down.

“Obviously there were plans in place before, but right now I feel there are better plans in place," he said.

“We have got the right people in the right jobs, we’ve got the right people at the top of Cricket&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa, which is really important.”

CSA suspended chief executive Thabang Moroe on December&nbsp;6 following allegations of misconduct and just hours after their major sponsor said it would not renew its contract in protest at poor governance in the organisation.

Former captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/graeme-smith-set-to-become-director-of-cricket-south-africa-266870">Graeme Smith</a> was appointed acting director of cricket five days later and he quickly chose ex-team mates Mark Boucher as coach and Jacques Kallis as batting consultant.

Enoch Nkwe, who as acting coach took the team on a three-Test tour to India in November where they were soundly thrashed, stayed on as assistant coach.

“Leadership always comes from the top and filters down and so I feel like, by starting that, it sets the tone for the way that we are playing now," Du Plessis added.

"You have to put those things in place for the things underneath to&nbsp;work&nbsp;in your&nbsp;favour."

South&nbsp;Africa’s test side have struggled since iconic players like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">Smith</a>, Boucher, Kallis, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-proficient-run-scoring-virat-kohli-proves-why-he-is-the-king-of-the-decade-270044">Hashim Amla</a> and Dale Steyn retired but also have had to deal with the tricky issue of balancing team selection with the need for racial transformation.

Off the field CSA clashed with the powerful Indian cricket board (BCCI), who had a testy relationship with previous CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat, and lost millions when India reduced the number of money-spinning matches they played in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa.

More recently, the botched launch of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-cummins-becomes-ipls-most-expensive-overseas-buy-269295">Twenty20 league</a> also hit CSA’s coffers hard and they are still at loggerheads with the players’ association, who are demanding that the entire CSA executive resign.

Drastic structural changes in South African cricket over the last month contributed significantly to the Test side turning around their fortunes and starting the four-match series against England with a win, says captain Faf du Plessis.

Drastic structural changes in South African cricket over the last month contributed significantly to the Test side turning around their fortunes and starting the four-match series against England with a win, says captain Faf du Plessis. The hosts ended a run of five straight Test defeats with a 107-run win over England at Centurion Park on Sunday and the skipper hailed the new coaching structures and fresh personnel in Cricket South Africa's (CSA) administration. “Now we can trust the system a little bit more and just focus on playing cricket,” said Du Plessis. “There is a lot more confidence in the structures, going from the top down. “Obviously there were plans in place before, but right now I feel there are better plans in place," he said. “We have got the right people in the right jobs, we’ve got the right people at the top of Cricket South Africa, which is really important.” CSA suspended chief executive Thabang Moroe on December 6 following allegations of misconduct and just hours after their major sponsor said it would not renew its contract in protest at poor governance in the organisation. Former captain Graeme Smith was appointed acting director of cricket five days later and he quickly chose ex-team mates Mark Boucher as coach and Jacques Kallis as batting consultant. Enoch Nkwe, who as acting coach took the team on a three-Test tour to India in November where they were soundly thrashed, stayed on as assistant coach. “Leadership always comes from the top and filters down and so I feel like, by starting that, it sets the tone for the way that we are playing now," Du Plessis added. "You have to put those things in place for the things underneath to work in your favour." South Africa’s test side have struggled since iconic players like Smith, Boucher, Kallis, Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn retired but also have had to deal with the tricky issue of balancing team selection with the need for racial transformation. Off the field CSA clashed with the powerful Indian cricket board (BCCI), who had a testy relationship with previous CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat, and lost millions when India reduced the number of money-spinning matches they played in South Africa. More recently, the botched launch of a Twenty20 league also hit CSA’s coffers hard and they are still at loggerheads with the players’ association, who are demanding that the entire CSA executive resign.

We have got the right people in the right jobs: Faf du Plessis

Manchester City manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-pep-guardiola-looking-forward-to-fifth-season-with-manchester-city-269875">Pep Guardiola</a> declared the VAR video review system a "big mess" on Sunday after a weekend which saw a series of controversial decisions from the system.

VAR was introduced in the Premier League for the first time this season and there is no sign of the controversies dying down nor of fans warming to the use of the technology.

"Every weekend is a big mess. In other games, it was a big mess. Hopefully next season, it can do better," said Guardiola after City's 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday.

It was one of several games which saw a goal overruled for the most marginal of offside calls, after VAR's geometrical lines had been used to deliver a time-consuming verdict.

The Yorkshire side looked to have grabbed the lead through Lys Mousett in the 28th minute but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review found the slimmest of margins for offside.

Moments after the incident, both sets of supporters expressed their opposition to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-draw-2-2-at-norwich-amid-var-controversy-270812">VAR</a> in a loud, united chant, while United fans also adopted the 'It's not football any more' anthem that has become a familiar refrain at various games.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sheffield-united-end-arsenals-unbeaten-run-with-impressive-home-win-257463">United</a> manager Chris Wilder noted Norwich City forward Teemu Pukki had a similar goal ruled out for a fractional offside decision in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday and said there had been "eight or nine" incidents over the weekend.

"There's no conclusivie evidence, blurred lines and angles. There needs to be a more clear way of defining it," he said.

Asked about the City fans joining in with the visitors in expressing strong opposition to VAR, Wilder said he was not surprised.

"Up and down the country, all the people at Norwich, a four-letter word about VAR, these are proper football people," he said.

Asked whether the system needed to be reformed or fully scrapped, Wilder said: "Its not my decision, it has to improve. Yet again, it's the first question, eight or nine goals knocked off.

"Where there's so much debate on every goal, it will be analysed yet again. I just don't think it's been refined enough to make a difference."

He was also upset about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-citys-title-bid-fades-after-stunning-loss-against-wolves-270681">City</a>'s first goal where referee Chris Kavanagh appeared to obstruct United defenders before Kevin De Bruyne found Sergio Aguero for the opener.

"I've been to see the referee and he has been honest about it. We make mistakes and I believe he made one too," said Wilder.

"We talk about the new rule where if the referee touches the ball then he has to blow up. So surely if he is in the way and hinders us, then he makes a sensible decision.

"If he made the sensible decision then I don't think anyone in the ground would have said anything about it."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola declared the VAR video review system a "big mess" on Sunday after a weekend which saw a series of controversial decisions from the system.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola declared the VAR video review system a "big mess" on Sunday after a weekend which saw a series of controversial decisions from the system. VAR was introduced in the Premier League for the first time this season and there is no sign of the controversies dying down nor of fans warming to the use of the technology. "Every weekend is a big mess. In other games, it was a big mess. Hopefully next season, it can do better," said Guardiola after City's 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday. It was one of several games which saw a goal overruled for the most marginal of offside calls, after VAR's geometrical lines had been used to deliver a time-consuming verdict. The Yorkshire side looked to have grabbed the lead through Lys Mousett in the 28th minute but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review found the slimmest of margins for offside. Moments after the incident, both sets of supporters expressed their opposition to VAR in a loud, united chant, while United fans also adopted the 'It's not football any more' anthem that has become a familiar refrain at various games. United manager Chris Wilder noted Norwich City forward Teemu Pukki had a similar goal ruled out for a fractional offside decision in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday and said there had been "eight or nine" incidents over the weekend. "There's no conclusivie evidence, blurred lines and angles. There needs to be a more clear way of defining it," he said. Asked about the City fans joining in with the visitors in expressing strong opposition to VAR, Wilder said he was not surprised. "Up and down the country, all the people at Norwich, a four-letter word about VAR, these are proper football people," he said. Asked whether the system needed to be reformed or fully scrapped, Wilder said: "Its not my decision, it has to improve. Yet again, it's the first question, eight or nine goals knocked off. "Where there's so much debate on every goal, it will be analysed yet again. I just don't think it's been refined enough to make a difference." He was also upset about City's first goal where referee Chris Kavanagh appeared to obstruct United defenders before Kevin De Bruyne found Sergio Aguero for the opener. "I've been to see the referee and he has been honest about it. We make mistakes and I believe he made one too," said Wilder. "We talk about the new rule where if the referee touches the ball then he has to blow up. So surely if he is in the way and hinders us, then he makes a sensible decision. "If he made the sensible decision then I don't think anyone in the ground would have said anything about it."

Premier League: VAR is a 'big mess', says Guardiola after more controversies

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.