US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sentences-us-spies-to-death-after-claiming-to-have-broken-cias-intelligence-ring-237639"> captured 17 spies</a> working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA)&nbsp;and sentenced some to death.

Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers.

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The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153290669424807936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations.

On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar.

Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death. Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers. The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2019 × “The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel. Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations. On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

The regime has a long history of lying: Pompeo on Iran capturing CIA spies

A dark cloud of impeachment has threatened President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-democratic-congresswoman-should-apologize-to-america-237518&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi2z5WmuMjjAhXN63MBHTx7BTE4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hPftQsY_ekxSVDPZWQJZy">Donald Trump</a> for many months, with Democrats in the US House of Representatives, where any such effort to remove him from office would begin, divided about whether to proceed.

In American politics, few procedures are as arduous or as divisive as the Constitution's carefully balanced law for ousting a chief executive found to be unfit to serve.

No president has ever been removed as a direct result of it. One, President Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be&nbsp;removed. Two, presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached by the House, but not convicted by the Senate.

Since he took office in January 2017, Trump has been under investigation. A turning point came in mid-April with the release of a redacted version of a long-awaited report from former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

On Wednesday, Mueller will testify before two House committees about his report, with Democrats planning to focus the proceedings on Trump's conduct. The strategy, described by Democratic congressional aides, is intended to build support among Americans for Democrats' investigative agenda, possibly leading to impeachment proceedings.

The 448-page Mueller report explored an effort by Moscow to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election to help Trump win. It described contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians but found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign and the Kremlin engaged in a criminal conspiracy.

The Mueller report also described numerous attempts by Trump and his advisers to impede Mueller's investigation but offered no conclusion on whether obstruction of justice was committed.

Trump has attacked Mueller, called his probe a "witch hunt" and scorned talk of impeachment as "dirty, filthy, disgusting."

Some lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House favour starting the impeachment process, but their leaders have resisted these demands. Last week, an impeachment resolution came to a vote on the House floor and was killed.

The Senate is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, meaning that any impeachment proceedings that might begin in the House would likely die in the Republican-controlled Senate, unless public sentiment was to shift dramatically in favour of removing the president.

About 45 per cent of Americans said Trump should be impeached in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May, up from 40 per cent in April.

WATCH:&nbsp;Somalis on Trump telling congresswomen 'go back'

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Here is how the impeachment process works.

Why impeachment? 
The founders of the United States created the office of the presidency and feared that its powers could be abused. So they included impeachment as a central part of the Constitution.

They gave the House "the sole power of impeachment;" the Senate, "the sole power to try all impeachments" and the chief justice of the Supreme Court the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate.

The president, under the Constitution, can be removed from office for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." What exactly that means is unclear. Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings.

How does it work? 
Impeachment begins in the House, which debates and votes on whether to bring charges against the president via approval of an impeachment resolution, or "articles of impeachment," by a simple majority of the House's 435 members.

If the House approves such a resolution, a trial is then held in the Senate. House members act as the prosecutors; the senators as jurors; the chief justice presides. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president. This has never happened.

Can the Supreme Court overturn? 
No. Trump has said on Twitter that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But the founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary.

Party breakdown in Congress? 
The House has 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans, one independent and two vacant seats. As a result, the Democrats could impeach Trump with no Republican support.

In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat.

The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with the Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would require 67 votes. So, for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him.

Who becomes President if Trump is removed? 
In the unlikely event the Senate convicted Trump, Vice President Mike Pence would become president for the remainder of Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021.

A dark cloud of impeachment has threatened President Donald Trump for many months, with Democrats in the US House of Representatives, where any such effort to remove him from office would begin, divided about whether to proceed.

A dark cloud of impeachment has threatened President Donald Trump for many months, with Democrats in the US House of Representatives, where any such effort to remove him from office would begin, divided about whether to proceed. In American politics, few procedures are as arduous or as divisive as the Constitution's carefully balanced law for ousting a chief executive found to be unfit to serve. No president has ever been removed as a direct result of it. One, President Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be removed. Two, presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were impeached by the House, but not convicted by the Senate. Since he took office in January 2017, Trump has been under investigation. A turning point came in mid-April with the release of a redacted version of a long-awaited report from former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller. On Wednesday, Mueller will testify before two House committees about his report, with Democrats planning to focus the proceedings on Trump's conduct. The strategy, described by Democratic congressional aides, is intended to build support among Americans for Democrats' investigative agenda, possibly leading to impeachment proceedings. The 448-page Mueller report explored an effort by Moscow to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election to help Trump win. It described contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians but found insufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign and the Kremlin engaged in a criminal conspiracy. The Mueller report also described numerous attempts by Trump and his advisers to impede Mueller's investigation but offered no conclusion on whether obstruction of justice was committed. Trump has attacked Mueller, called his probe a "witch hunt" and scorned talk of impeachment as "dirty, filthy, disgusting." Some lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House favour starting the impeachment process, but their leaders have resisted these demands. Last week, an impeachment resolution came to a vote on the House floor and was killed. The Senate is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, meaning that any impeachment proceedings that might begin in the House would likely die in the Republican-controlled Senate, unless public sentiment was to shift dramatically in favour of removing the president. About 45 per cent of Americans said Trump should be impeached in a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May, up from 40 per cent in April. WATCH: Somalis on Trump telling congresswomen 'go back' × Here is how the impeachment process works. Why impeachment? The founders of the United States created the office of the presidency and feared that its powers could be abused. So they included impeachment as a central part of the Constitution. They gave the House "the sole power of impeachment;" the Senate, "the sole power to try all impeachments" and the chief justice of the Supreme Court the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate. The president, under the Constitution, can be removed from office for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." What exactly that means is unclear. Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings. How does it work? Impeachment begins in the House, which debates and votes on whether to bring charges against the president via approval of an impeachment resolution, or "articles of impeachment," by a simple majority of the House's 435 members. If the House approves such a resolution, a trial is then held in the Senate. House members act as the prosecutors; the senators as jurors; the chief justice presides. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president. This has never happened. Can the Supreme Court overturn? No. Trump has said on Twitter that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But the founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary. Party breakdown in Congress? The House has 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans, one independent and two vacant seats. As a result, the Democrats could impeach Trump with no Republican support. In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat. The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with the Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would require 67 votes. So, for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him. Who becomes President if Trump is removed? In the unlikely event the Senate convicted Trump, Vice President Mike Pence would become president for the remainder of Trump's term, which ends on January 20, 2021.

What it would take for US Congress to impeach Trump?

A private search vessel has located a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean more than 50 years ago, officials said Monday, raising hopes the mystery over the disappearance can finally be solved.

"It's a success, a relief, and a technical feat," Defence minister Florence Parly wrote on Twitter, after the wreck was discovered off the southern French port of Toulon.

"I am thinking of the families who have waited for this moment for so long."&nbsp;

The Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 17, 1968.

Despite multiple search efforts over the years, it had never been found.

Parly announced a new search mission at the beginning of 2019, backed by the latest technology and naval vessels, following fresh demands from the families of deceased sailors to find the remains of their loved ones.

Tides and currents in the western Mediterranean were modelled by the team, while data from the time of the accident was also re-analysed, including seismic reports indicating the likely implosion of the vessel as it dropped to the seabed.

But the discovery was ultimately made by a boat belonging to private US company Ocean Infinity, which found the Minerve 45 kilometres (30 miles) from Toulon at a depth of 2,370 metres (7,800 feet), a senior French naval officer told AFP.

The boat, the Seabed Constructor, arrived on the scene last Tuesday, the officer said on condition of anonymity.

The Seabed Constructor was also successful in locating Argentina's lost San Juan submarine in November 2018 which had disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean a year earlier.

Naval mystery&nbsp;

The cause of the accident involving the Minerve has never been announced.

Experts have speculated that it could have been due to a problem with its rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems.

The 1960s were deadly times for submarine crews, with a host of accidents reported around the world.

In April 1963, the nuclear-powered USS Thresher sank with 129 people aboard off Cape Cod, while 99 lives were lost in the USS Scorpion when it sank in the Atlantic five years later.&nbsp;

Also in 1968, the Soviet K-129 submarine armed with three nuclear missiles was lost in the North Pacific. It was found by the US in a covert operation in 1974.

The year 1968 was also marked by the disappearance of The Dakar, an Israeli vessel carrying out its maiden voyage with 69 men on board.

It disappeared and was only found off the Greek island of Crete in 1999.

A private search vessel has located a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean more than 50 years ago, officials said Monday, raising hopes the mystery over the disappearance can finally be solved.

A private search vessel has located a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean more than 50 years ago, officials said Monday, raising hopes the mystery over the disappearance can finally be solved. "It's a success, a relief, and a technical feat," Defence minister Florence Parly wrote on Twitter, after the wreck was discovered off the southern French port of Toulon. "I am thinking of the families who have waited for this moment for so long." The Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 17, 1968. Despite multiple search efforts over the years, it had never been found. Parly announced a new search mission at the beginning of 2019, backed by the latest technology and naval vessels, following fresh demands from the families of deceased sailors to find the remains of their loved ones. Tides and currents in the western Mediterranean were modelled by the team, while data from the time of the accident was also re-analysed, including seismic reports indicating the likely implosion of the vessel as it dropped to the seabed. But the discovery was ultimately made by a boat belonging to private US company Ocean Infinity, which found the Minerve 45 kilometres (30 miles) from Toulon at a depth of 2,370 metres (7,800 feet), a senior French naval officer told AFP. The boat, the Seabed Constructor, arrived on the scene last Tuesday, the officer said on condition of anonymity. The Seabed Constructor was also successful in locating Argentina's lost San Juan submarine in November 2018 which had disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean a year earlier. Naval mystery The cause of the accident involving the Minerve has never been announced. Experts have speculated that it could have been due to a problem with its rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems. The 1960s were deadly times for submarine crews, with a host of accidents reported around the world. In April 1963, the nuclear-powered USS Thresher sank with 129 people aboard off Cape Cod, while 99 lives were lost in the USS Scorpion when it sank in the Atlantic five years later. Also in 1968, the Soviet K-129 submarine armed with three nuclear missiles was lost in the North Pacific. It was found by the US in a covert operation in 1974. The year 1968 was also marked by the disappearance of The Dakar, an Israeli vessel carrying out its maiden voyage with 69 men on board. It disappeared and was only found off the Greek island of Crete in 1999.

French submarine lost in 1968 located in Mediterranean

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>.

The US president has taken a soft line on Turkey over its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-removing-turkey-from-f-35-programme-after-its-russian-missile-defence-purchase-236770">purchase of the S-400 system</a> -- which was delivered on July 13 -- saying Thursday that he did not envisage sanctions "for now".

But Washington did respond by kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet programme -&nbsp;a loss of billions of dollars for Turkish defence contractors.

The US says Russia could glean technical secrets about the new fighter jet if it is operated alongside the S-400.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

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"Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey," said Cavusoglu in an interview with TV station TGRT Haber.

"When Trump promises something, he does his best to stick to it, but there are different points of view in the United States."

It is up to US lawmakers to decide on further punishing Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which prescribes penalties for countries that deal with Russia's defence sector.

But Cavusoglu said he expected Trump to waive any potential sanctions imposed by the US Congress.&nbsp;

"That is our expectation," he told TGRT Haber.

He also said exclusion from the F-35 programme could force Turkey to look elsewhere for new fighter jets.&nbsp;

"If the United States doesn't give us the F-35, while we are waiting to build our own planes... we will have to get them from another country, and no one can say anything about that," he said. &nbsp;

"We have the right to look at the options," he added, while insisting that Turkey would never leave the NATO alliance.&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The US president has taken a soft line on Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 system -- which was delivered on July 13 -- saying Thursday that he did not envisage sanctions "for now". But Washington did respond by kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet programme - a loss of billions of dollars for Turkish defence contractors. The US says Russia could glean technical secrets about the new fighter jet if it is operated alongside the S-400. Watch Video: "Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey," said Cavusoglu in an interview with TV station TGRT Haber. "When Trump promises something, he does his best to stick to it, but there are different points of view in the United States." It is up to US lawmakers to decide on further punishing Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which prescribes penalties for countries that deal with Russia's defence sector. But Cavusoglu said he expected Trump to waive any potential sanctions imposed by the US Congress. "That is our expectation," he told TGRT Haber. He also said exclusion from the F-35 programme could force Turkey to look elsewhere for new fighter jets. "If the United States doesn't give us the F-35, while we are waiting to build our own planes... we will have to get them from another country, and no one can say anything about that," he said. "We have the right to look at the options," he added, while insisting that Turkey would never leave the NATO alliance.

If US doesn't give F-35 planes, will get it from another country: Turkey foreign minister Cavusoglu

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who quit on Monday, said Britain was being forced to work under a "dark cloud" caused by Brexit, setting out the reasons for his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May.

"It is tragic that just when we could have been the dominant intellectual and political force throughout Europe, and beyond, we have to spend every day working beneath the dark cloud of Brexit," he wrote in the letter, published on Twitter.

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I resigned as Foreign Office minister this morning. Here is my letter to the Prime Minister. <a href="https://t.co/1kpt7rHsF0">pic.twitter.com/1kpt7rHsF0</a>
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His move follows last week's resignation of Margot James, a culture minister when she described Johnson's do-or-die promise to leave the European Union (EU) by October&nbsp;31 with, or without, a deal as "quite incredible" for going against business organisations.

If the polls and bookmakers are right, Johnson will become Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday and will immediately face the riddle that is Britain's&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;negotiation.

Johnson, a former London mayor, has said he will ramp up preparations for a no-deal exit to try to force the EU's negotiators to make changes to the agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May sealed and British lawmakers voted down three times.

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Meanwhile, Johnson's leadership rival foreign minister Jeremy Hunt attended the British government's emergency response committee Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR)&nbsp;on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker.

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who quit on Monday, said Britain was being forced to work under a "dark cloud" caused by Brexit, setting out the reasons for his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May.

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who quit on Monday, said Britain was being forced to work under a "dark cloud" caused by Brexit, setting out the reasons for his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May. "It is tragic that just when we could have been the dominant intellectual and political force throughout Europe, and beyond, we have to spend every day working beneath the dark cloud of Brexit," he wrote in the letter, published on Twitter. I resigned as Foreign Office minister this morning. Here is my letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/1kpt7rHsF0 — Sir Alan Duncan MP (@AlanDuncanMP) July 22, 2019 × His move follows last week's resignation of Margot James, a culture minister when she described Johnson's do-or-die promise to leave the European Union (EU) by October 31 with, or without, a deal as "quite incredible" for going against business organisations. If the polls and bookmakers are right, Johnson will become Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday and will immediately face the riddle that is Britain's Brexit negotiation. Johnson, a former London mayor, has said he will ramp up preparations for a no-deal exit to try to force the EU's negotiators to make changes to the agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May sealed and British lawmakers voted down three times. Meanwhile, Johnson's leadership rival foreign minister Jeremy Hunt attended the British government's emergency response committee Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker.

Sad that Britain has to work under Brexit 'dark cloud', says minister Alan Duncan after resigning

PM Modi in an audio message after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cantwaittoseewhatyoudonext-us-congratulates-isro-on-chandrayaan-2-launch-237673">Chandrayaan-2 launch</a> said India's space satellite will be reaching the Moon one week early.

"The bigger the challenge is, your determination gets stronger," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"I have been told that even though the launch date got delayed by 1 week, Chandrayaan-2 will reach the Moon on the same day as determined initially."

ISRO successfully launched the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-chandrayaan-2-will-accomplish-and-why-the-mission-is-significant-for-india-237667"> second generation Moon mission</a> on Monday afternoon after the first launch was postponed on July 15 after a snag.

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भारत के लिए यह एक ऐतिहासिक क्षण है। 
 
चंद्रयान-2 के सफल प्रक्षेपण से आज पूरा देश गौरवान्वित है। 
 
मैंने थोड़ी देर पहले ही इसके लॉन्च में निरंतर तन-मन से जुटे रहे वैज्ञानिकों से बात की और उन्हें पूरे देश की ओर से बधाई दी। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> <a href="https://t.co/50UodlbH0y">https://t.co/50UodlbH0y</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1153249141780148224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This is a prime example of how all of our scientists have the required talent, capability and confidence to face any situation," PM Modi said while hailing the contribution of ISRO scientists.

"Last week, the launch was postponed due to some technical snag, post-that, you and the entire ISRO team quickly found out the technical snag and took the necessary steps to remove the snag."

Watch Video:

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"Not only did you face the challenge in the last launch but you also will be reaching Moon 1 week early," PM Modi asserted.

"This will be the first aircraft to make a landing on Moon making India the fourth nation to reach on Moon," he added.

"Every Indian is convinced that Chandrayaan-2's successful landing will take India further in research being done on Moon," PM Modi said. "This successful launch is a proud moment for the country."

"Heartiest congratulations to all of you, thank you Sivan, wish you all the best," the PM Modi said in his video message to the nation. 
&nbsp;

PM Modi in an audio message after Chandrayaan-2 launch said India's space satellite will be reaching the Moon one week early. "The bigger the challenge is, your determination gets stronger," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"I have been told that even though the launch date got delayed by 1 week, Chandrayaan-2 will reach the Moon on the same day as determined initially.

PM Modi in an audio message after Chandrayaan-2 launch said India's space satellite will be reaching the Moon one week early. "The bigger the challenge is, your determination gets stronger," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"I have been told that even though the launch date got delayed by 1 week, Chandrayaan-2 will reach the Moon on the same day as determined initially." ISRO successfully launched the second generation Moon mission on Monday afternoon after the first launch was postponed on July 15 after a snag. भारत के लिए यह एक ऐतिहासिक क्षण है। चंद्रयान-2 के सफल प्रक्षेपण से आज पूरा देश गौरवान्वित है। मैंने थोड़ी देर पहले ही इसके लॉन्च में निरंतर तन-मन से जुटे रहे वैज्ञानिकों से बात की और उन्हें पूरे देश की ओर से बधाई दी। #Chandrayaan2 https://t.co/50UodlbH0y — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 22, 2019 × "This is a prime example of how all of our scientists have the required talent, capability and confidence to face any situation," PM Modi said while hailing the contribution of ISRO scientists. "Last week, the launch was postponed due to some technical snag, post-that, you and the entire ISRO team quickly found out the technical snag and took the necessary steps to remove the snag." Watch Video: "Not only did you face the challenge in the last launch but you also will be reaching Moon 1 week early," PM Modi asserted. "This will be the first aircraft to make a landing on Moon making India the fourth nation to reach on Moon," he added. "Every Indian is convinced that Chandrayaan-2's successful landing will take India further in research being done on Moon," PM Modi said. "This successful launch is a proud moment for the country." "Heartiest congratulations to all of you, thank you Sivan, wish you all the best," the PM Modi said in his video message to the nation.

Chandrayaan-2 will reach the Moon one week early: PM Modi in audio message

Just after an hour of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-moon-mission-chandrayaan-2-successfully-launched-as-india-takes-a-giant-leap-237666">Chandrayaan-2 launch</a>, the US congratulated ISRO officials on the successful liftoff applauding their "giant leap".

"Next stop – the moon!", the US embassy in India tweeted with the hastag #CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext #GSLVMkIII.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> on today’s giant leap! Next stop – the moon🌒! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> 🚀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVMkIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVMkIII</a> <a href="https://t.co/pdOHk3fs0d">pic.twitter.com/pdOHk3fs0d</a>
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/1153236860707037190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The European Space Agency too congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of the space satellite.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> on a successful launch of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayan2</a>! <a href="https://t.co/xXjGYyEggD">https://t.co/xXjGYyEggD</a>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1153237015133118464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The ISRO rocket with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-indian-is-immensely-proud-today-pm-modi-hails-successful-launch-of-chandrayaan-2-237669">Chandrayaan-2 satellite </a>which had developed a snag last week, lifted off successfully from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon.

ISRO had a lot to cheer about as the Chandrayaan-2 launch ensured India will become the fourth nation to soft land on the Moon which is expected to take place on September 7.

The satellite&nbsp;cost India 603 crore. Chandrayaan-2 will be searching for water on the lunar surface with 15 crucial manoeuvres&nbsp;to take place in the next one and a half months as it lands on the Moon.

After the launch, PM Modi also hailed the liftoff saying it was a "special moments" which would be "etched in the annals of our glorious history".

Just after an hour of Chandrayaan-2 launch, the US congratulated ISRO officials on the successful liftoff applauding their "giant leap". "Next stop – the moon!", the US embassy in India tweeted with the hastag #CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext #GSLVMkIII.

Just after an hour of Chandrayaan-2 launch, the US congratulated ISRO officials on the successful liftoff applauding their "giant leap". "Next stop – the moon!", the US embassy in India tweeted with the hastag #CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext #GSLVMkIII. Congratulations #ISRO on today’s giant leap! Next stop – the moon🌒! #Chandrayaan2 🚀 #CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext #GSLVMkIII pic.twitter.com/pdOHk3fs0d — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 22, 2019 × The European Space Agency too congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of the space satellite. Congratulations @isro on a successful launch of #Chandrayan2! https://t.co/xXjGYyEggD — ESA (@esa) July 22, 2019 × The ISRO rocket with Chandrayaan-2 satellite which had developed a snag last week, lifted off successfully from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon. ISRO had a lot to cheer about as the Chandrayaan-2 launch ensured India will become the fourth nation to soft land on the Moon which is expected to take place on September 7. The satellite cost India 603 crore. Chandrayaan-2 will be searching for water on the lunar surface with 15 crucial manoeuvres to take place in the next one and a half months as it lands on the Moon. After the launch, PM Modi also hailed the liftoff saying it was a "special moments" which would be "etched in the annals of our glorious history".

#CantWaitToSeeWhatYouDoNext: US congratulates ISRO on Chandrayaan-2 launch

US President Donald Trump on Thursday sought to distance himself from the incendiary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unbowed-trump-intensifies-attacks-on-four-democratic-congresswomen-236766">chant of "Send her back"</a> aimed at a Somali-born Democratic lawmaker during an election rally the night before.

"I was not happy with it -&nbsp;I disagree with it," Trump told reporters when asked about the cry, launched by the crowd in response to an angry tirade by Trump against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-rebuke-trump-says-i-dont-have-a-racist-bone-in-my-body-236506">congresswoman Ilhan Omar</a>.&nbsp;

Asked why he did nothing to stop the taunt, instead pausing as the crowd chanted it over and over, Trump responded: "I think I did -- I started speaking very quickly."

Meanwhile, US congresswoman Ilhan Omar said she believes President Donald Trump is a "fascist," one day after he criticised the Democrat at a rally where his supporters chanted demeaning comments about her.

"We have said this president is racist, we have condemned his racist remarks. I believe he is a fascist," Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, told reporters in Washington.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-criticised-for-racist-rant-236528/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Omar is among a group of ethnic minority Democrats in Congress who have been the target of Trump's attacks over several days, as he accused them of hating America and urged them to "go back" to their countries of origin.

On Wednesday, fired up by Donald Trump, the crowd targeted Somali-born Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar, one of only three Muslims in the US House of Representatives, with cries of "Send her back! Send her back!"&nbsp;

The derisive chant at Trump's "Make America Great Again" rally set the tone for a 2020 White House campaign that is shaping up to be just as heated and toxic as the 2016 election.

Trump made it clear at the gathering in Greenville, North Carolina, that he plans to make his inflammatory attacks on Omar and three other left-leaning Democratic congresswomen a centerpiece of his re-election strategy.

Without a Democratic presidential candidate to focus on yet, the Republican chief executive is seeking to make the minority lawmakers known as the "Squad" the face of the Democratic Party.

Trump was rebuked by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday for "racist comments" for saying the four should "go back" to their countries of origin if they are not happy in the United States.

The first-term lawmakers -- all but one of whom, Omar, were born in the United States -- are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African-American descent.

Trump shrugged off the House rebuke and went back on the offensive in Greenville.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday sought to distance himself from the incendiary chant of "Send her back" aimed at a Somali-born Democratic lawmaker during an election rally the night before.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday sought to distance himself from the incendiary chant of "Send her back" aimed at a Somali-born Democratic lawmaker during an election rally the night before. "I was not happy with it - I disagree with it," Trump told reporters when asked about the cry, launched by the crowd in response to an angry tirade by Trump against congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Asked why he did nothing to stop the taunt, instead pausing as the crowd chanted it over and over, Trump responded: "I think I did -- I started speaking very quickly." Meanwhile, US congresswoman Ilhan Omar said she believes President Donald Trump is a "fascist," one day after he criticised the Democrat at a rally where his supporters chanted demeaning comments about her. "We have said this president is racist, we have condemned his racist remarks. I believe he is a fascist," Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, told reporters in Washington. Watch Video: Omar is among a group of ethnic minority Democrats in Congress who have been the target of Trump's attacks over several days, as he accused them of hating America and urged them to "go back" to their countries of origin. On Wednesday, fired up by Donald Trump, the crowd targeted Somali-born Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar, one of only three Muslims in the US House of Representatives, with cries of "Send her back! Send her back!" The derisive chant at Trump's "Make America Great Again" rally set the tone for a 2020 White House campaign that is shaping up to be just as heated and toxic as the 2016 election. Trump made it clear at the gathering in Greenville, North Carolina, that he plans to make his inflammatory attacks on Omar and three other left-leaning Democratic congresswomen a centerpiece of his re-election strategy. Without a Democratic presidential candidate to focus on yet, the Republican chief executive is seeking to make the minority lawmakers known as the "Squad" the face of the Democratic Party. Trump was rebuked by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday for "racist comments" for saying the four should "go back" to their countries of origin if they are not happy in the United States. The first-term lawmakers -- all but one of whom, Omar, were born in the United States -- are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African-American descent. Trump shrugged off the House rebuke and went back on the offensive in Greenville.

Not happy, I disagree with it: Trump on 'send her back' chant during election rally

A US federal judge on Thursday rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-paid-350000-to-suspected-co-conspirators-to-influence-them-reports-235409">Jeffrey Epstein's bail request </a>and ordered that the financier accused of sexually assaulting minors remain in custody pending trial.

"The government has established the danger to others and the community," along with the hedge fund billionaire's flight risk, Judge Richard Berman said in his ruling dismissing the bail application, for which Epstein said he could pay more than $100 million.

Epstein's defence team had argued that he should be allowed to remain at his home, fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet and with his building under police video surveillance.

"I doubt that any bail package can overcome the danger to the community," said the judge, who set the next hearing in Epstein's case for July 31.

In his ruling, Berman cited Epstein's ownership of a private jet, along with a fake Austrian passport and $70,000 in cash found in his house, as evidence that the financier could skip bail.

Epstein was charged earlier this month in New York with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say Epstein sexually exploited dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. 
&nbsp;

A US federal judge on Thursday rejected Jeffrey Epstein's bail request and ordered that the financier accused of sexually assaulting minors remain in custody pending trial.

A US federal judge on Thursday rejected Jeffrey Epstein's bail request and ordered that the financier accused of sexually assaulting minors remain in custody pending trial. "The government has established the danger to others and the community," along with the hedge fund billionaire's flight risk, Judge Richard Berman said in his ruling dismissing the bail application, for which Epstein said he could pay more than $100 million. Epstein's defence team had argued that he should be allowed to remain at his home, fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet and with his building under police video surveillance. "I doubt that any bail package can overcome the danger to the community," said the judge, who set the next hearing in Epstein's case for July 31. In his ruling, Berman cited Epstein's ownership of a private jet, along with a fake Austrian passport and $70,000 in cash found in his house, as evidence that the financier could skip bail. Epstein was charged earlier this month in New York with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors say Epstein sexually exploited dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

Judge dismisses Epstein's bail plea in child sex trafficking case

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-deal-parties-not-ready-to-launch-dispute-mechanism-against-iran-prefer-more-diplomacy-european-union-236356">2015 nuclear deal</a>, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-blasts-european-union-for-trying-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-236278">Iran's legitimate interests</a> and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website.

"Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said.

In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added.

US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme.

Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout.

In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation.

He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran".

His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA".

He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments -&nbsp;what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable".

Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. "Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise Iran's legitimate interests and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website. "Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said. In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement. "Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added. US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme. Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout. In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation. He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran". His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA". He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments - what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable". Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Accelerate efforts to salvage nuclear deal: Rouhani to Macron in phone call

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-people-have-freedom-of-religion-us-should-stop-using-issue-of-religion-to-interfere-china-236881">Saudi Arabia to free Raif Badawi</a>, a blogger jailed for 10 years for insulting Islam, in a rare criticism of the US ally.

Speaking at a high-level State Department conference on religious freedom, Pence listed Badawi along with prisoners in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-gave-you-nobel-peace-prize-for-what-trump-asks-yazidi-activist-nadia-murad-236832">Eritrea, Mauritania and Pakistan</a> who he said were being held for religious expression.

"The American people stand with them, and so today the United States of America calls upon the governments of Eritrea, Mauritania, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to respect the rights of conscience of these men and let these men go," Pence said.

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, was arrested in 2012 and&nbsp;sentenced for 10 years imprisonment and 1,000 lashes in 2014 &nbsp;on charges of insulting Islam through electronic channels.

Vice President Mike Pence also vowed to press North Korea to respect freedom of religion, despite the narrow US focus on denuclearisation in high-profile summits.

"You can be confident, as President Trump continues to pursue the denuclearization of North Korea and lasting peace, the United States will continue to stand for freedom of religion of all people of all faiths on the Korean peninsula," he told a major gathering on religious freedom at the State Department.

Pence also informed that the United States is imposing sanctions on the leaders of two Iranian-linked militia groups in Iraq.

"Let me be clear, the United States will not stand idly while Iranian-backed militias spread terror," Pence told a high-level meeting on religious&nbsp;freedom, without naming the individuals targeted.

&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to free Raif Badawi, a blogger jailed for 10 years for insulting Islam, in a rare criticism of the US ally.

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to free Raif Badawi, a blogger jailed for 10 years for insulting Islam, in a rare criticism of the US ally. Speaking at a high-level State Department conference on religious freedom, Pence listed Badawi along with prisoners in Eritrea, Mauritania and Pakistan who he said were being held for religious expression. "The American people stand with them, and so today the United States of America calls upon the governments of Eritrea, Mauritania, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to respect the rights of conscience of these men and let these men go," Pence said. Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, was arrested in 2012 and sentenced for 10 years imprisonment and 1,000 lashes in 2014 on charges of insulting Islam through electronic channels. Vice President Mike Pence also vowed to press North Korea to respect freedom of religion, despite the narrow US focus on denuclearisation in high-profile summits. "You can be confident, as President Trump continues to pursue the denuclearization of North Korea and lasting peace, the United States will continue to stand for freedom of religion of all people of all faiths on the Korean peninsula," he told a major gathering on religious freedom at the State Department. Pence also informed that the United States is imposing sanctions on the leaders of two Iranian-linked militia groups in Iraq. "Let me be clear, the United States will not stand idly while Iranian-backed militias spread terror," Pence told a high-level meeting on religious freedom, without naming the individuals targeted.

Free Badawi and others held in prison for religious expression: US to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Turkey on Wednesday lambasted an "unfair" US move to exclude the country from the<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/us-removing-turkey-from-f-35-programme-after-its-russian-missile-defence-purchase-236770"> F-35 stealth fighter jet</a> programme over Ankara's controversial purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

"This one-sided step neither complies with the spirit of alliance nor is it based on legitimate reasons," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"It is unfair to remove Turkey, one of the partners in the F-35 programme," the ministry said, as it dismissed claims the Russian S-400 system would be a danger to the F-35s.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkey has ordered more than 100 of the F-35 fighter jets, while its defence industry has invested significant sums into the production of the warplanes.

"We invite the US to take back this error which will pave the way to irreparable damage to our strategic relations," the Turkish ministry added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States confirmed Turkey's exclusion from the programme after repeated warnings.

The US-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter "cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said.

Turkish F-35 technicians and pilots training in the US would also be sent back by the end of this month.

The first delivery of the S-400 system from Russia began last week and further equipment has since been arriving every day by plane to an airbase in Ankara.

Relations between the NATO allies have deteriorated since Ankara's purchase from Russia but there have been strains over multiple issues including US support to a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Turkey.

The Turkish ministry called on the US to show the importance of the Ankara-Washington relationship "not just through words but through action and especially in the fight against terrorist organisations." 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Wednesday lambasted an "unfair" US move to exclude the country from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme over Ankara's controversial purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey on Wednesday lambasted an "unfair" US move to exclude the country from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme over Ankara's controversial purchase of a Russian missile defence system. "This one-sided step neither complies with the spirit of alliance nor is it based on legitimate reasons," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. "It is unfair to remove Turkey, one of the partners in the F-35 programme," the ministry said, as it dismissed claims the Russian S-400 system would be a danger to the F-35s. Watch Video: Turkey has ordered more than 100 of the F-35 fighter jets, while its defence industry has invested significant sums into the production of the warplanes. "We invite the US to take back this error which will pave the way to irreparable damage to our strategic relations," the Turkish ministry added. Earlier on Wednesday, the United States confirmed Turkey's exclusion from the programme after repeated warnings. The US-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter "cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said. Turkish F-35 technicians and pilots training in the US would also be sent back by the end of this month. The first delivery of the S-400 system from Russia began last week and further equipment has since been arriving every day by plane to an airbase in Ankara. Relations between the NATO allies have deteriorated since Ankara's purchase from Russia but there have been strains over multiple issues including US support to a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Turkey. The Turkish ministry called on the US to show the importance of the Ankara-Washington relationship "not just through words but through action and especially in the fight against terrorist organisations."

Unfair to remove one of the partners in F-35 programme: Turkey to US

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