NASA on Friday celebrated its latest class of graduating astronauts at a public ceremony in Houston, honouring a diverse and gender-balanced group now qualified for spaceflight missions including America's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars.

After completing more than two years of basic training, the six women and seven men were chosen from a record-breaking 18,000 applicants and represent a wide variety of backgrounds and specialities, from pilots to scientists, engineers and doctors.

The group included two candidates from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), which has participated in a joint training program with the United States since 1983.

"They are the best of the best: They are highly qualified and very diverse, and they represent all of America," said NASA Administrator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-starliner-returning-to-earth-early-after-mission-failure-269557">Jim Bridenstine</a>.&nbsp;

The class included five people of colour, including the first Iranian-American astronaut, Jasmin Moghbeli, who flew helicopter combat missions in Afghanistan and holds an engineering degree from MIT, and geologist Jessica Watkins, who joins only a handful of black women to complete the program.

The group, known as the "Turtles," wore blue flight jumpsuits and took turns approaching the podium to receive their silver astronaut pins, as their fellow classmates paid tribute to their character in the first-ever public graduation ceremony.

The tradition of handing out pins dates back to the Mercury 7 astronauts who were selected in 1959, with participants receiving their gold pins once they complete their first spaceflights.

After being selected in 2017, the class completed training in spacewalking at NASA's underwater Neutral Buoyancy Lab, robotics, the systems of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-third-batch-of-mini-satellites-into-orbit-272623">International Space Station</a> and piloting the T-38 training jet, plus Russian language lessons.

They are the first to graduate since NASA announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-plans-to-send-water-hunting-robot-to-moon-surface-in-2022-258216">Artemis program</a> to return to the Moon by 2024, this time on its south pole, as the United States plans to place the next man and first woman on lunar soil and set up an orbital space station.

Part of the group's training, therefore, included studying the building blocks of that program, which are still being developed: the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glitch-delays-european-cheops-satellite-launch-268717">Space Launch System</a> rocket, the Orion crew capsule and the gateway space station.

But NASA has already said that the crew of the first return Moon mission, Artemis 3, will be selected from previous graduates.

Astronauts play an active role in the development of spacecraft, and the current group will eventually join the ranks of the approximately 500 people in history who have ventured into space.

The 11 US astronauts bring the total number of NASA's corps up to 48.

Their diversity stands in contrast to the early years of space exploration, long dominated by white men (including all 12 people who have walked on the Moon) until Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983 and Guion Bluford the first black astronaut the same year.

It also includes Indian-American Raja Chari, an Air Force colonel and aeronautical engineer;&nbsp;Frank Rubio, a medical doctor and Blackhawk pilot; and Jonny Kim, a decorated Navy SEAL and emergency physician, who holds both a doctorate in medicine from Harvard and a mathematics degree.

"When I heard about possibly being a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-to-witness-2020s-first-lunar-eclipse-today-273350">NASA</a> astronaut I thought that was a platform like no other where I could leave a huge impact on the next generation and also contribute to our nation's space exploration," Kim told reporters.

Watkins praised what she called NASA's emphasis on diversity.

"I think cultural and social change can be slow, even when it's trending in the right direction," she said.

The CSA's newest astronauts are Joshua Kutryk,&nbsp;a Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons who holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge where she was working as an assistant professor in combustion in the Department of Engineering.

Asked about the difficulties she faced in her career, Moghbeli said some had questioned her choices when she decided to join the military after graduating from MIT.

"In a post-September 11 world, did my parents think I was crazy? Yes, I'm pretty sure they did," she said but added that her family then gave her their full support.

"It's because of that that I'm here today, and I think everyone feels similarly, but -- that being said -- there will always be people out there that doubt.

"When I was a sixth-grader and said I was going to become an astronaut, do you think everyone was like, 'Yep, she's going to become an astronaut'? Probably not."&nbsp;

NASA on Friday celebrated its latest class of graduating astronauts at a public ceremony in Houston, honouring a diverse and gender-balanced group now qualified for spaceflight missions including America's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars.

NASA on Friday celebrated its latest class of graduating astronauts at a public ceremony in Houston, honouring a diverse and gender-balanced group now qualified for spaceflight missions including America's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars. After completing more than two years of basic training, the six women and seven men were chosen from a record-breaking 18,000 applicants and represent a wide variety of backgrounds and specialities, from pilots to scientists, engineers and doctors. The group included two candidates from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), which has participated in a joint training program with the United States since 1983. "They are the best of the best: They are highly qualified and very diverse, and they represent all of America," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The class included five people of colour, including the first Iranian-American astronaut, Jasmin Moghbeli, who flew helicopter combat missions in Afghanistan and holds an engineering degree from MIT, and geologist Jessica Watkins, who joins only a handful of black women to complete the program. The group, known as the "Turtles," wore blue flight jumpsuits and took turns approaching the podium to receive their silver astronaut pins, as their fellow classmates paid tribute to their character in the first-ever public graduation ceremony. The tradition of handing out pins dates back to the Mercury 7 astronauts who were selected in 1959, with participants receiving their gold pins once they complete their first spaceflights. After being selected in 2017, the class completed training in spacewalking at NASA's underwater Neutral Buoyancy Lab, robotics, the systems of the International Space Station and piloting the T-38 training jet, plus Russian language lessons. They are the first to graduate since NASA announced the Artemis program to return to the Moon by 2024, this time on its south pole, as the United States plans to place the next man and first woman on lunar soil and set up an orbital space station. Part of the group's training, therefore, included studying the building blocks of that program, which are still being developed: the Space Launch System rocket, the Orion crew capsule and the gateway space station. But NASA has already said that the crew of the first return Moon mission, Artemis 3, will be selected from previous graduates. Astronauts play an active role in the development of spacecraft, and the current group will eventually join the ranks of the approximately 500 people in history who have ventured into space. The 11 US astronauts bring the total number of NASA's corps up to 48. Their diversity stands in contrast to the early years of space exploration, long dominated by white men (including all 12 people who have walked on the Moon) until Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983 and Guion Bluford the first black astronaut the same year. It also includes Indian-American Raja Chari, an Air Force colonel and aeronautical engineer; Frank Rubio, a medical doctor and Blackhawk pilot; and Jonny Kim, a decorated Navy SEAL and emergency physician, who holds both a doctorate in medicine from Harvard and a mathematics degree. "When I heard about possibly being a NASA astronaut I thought that was a platform like no other where I could leave a huge impact on the next generation and also contribute to our nation's space exploration," Kim told reporters. Watkins praised what she called NASA's emphasis on diversity. "I think cultural and social change can be slow, even when it's trending in the right direction," she said. The CSA's newest astronauts are Joshua Kutryk, a Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons who holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge where she was working as an assistant professor in combustion in the Department of Engineering. Asked about the difficulties she faced in her career, Moghbeli said some had questioned her choices when she decided to join the military after graduating from MIT. "In a post-September 11 world, did my parents think I was crazy? Yes, I'm pretty sure they did," she said but added that her family then gave her their full support. "It's because of that that I'm here today, and I think everyone feels similarly, but -- that being said -- there will always be people out there that doubt. "When I was a sixth-grader and said I was going to become an astronaut, do you think everyone was like, 'Yep, she's going to become an astronaut'? Probably not."

Eyeing Moon, NASA hosts first public astronaut graduation ceremony

Two of the four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/demolition-of-maradu-flats-in-kochi-to-begin-today-273513">illegal apartment</a> complexes were brought down by controlled implosion here on Saturday.

However, the other two apartments-- Golden Kayaloram and Jain Coral-- will be demolished on Sunday.

The demolition of the first building Holy Faith H2O, slated to be carried out at 11 am, was delayed by 18 minutes while the twin towers of Alfa Serene, which is surrounded by 36 houses, were brought down at 11.43 am.

As per authorities, as many as 343 kgs of explosives were used for the demolition of twin towers of Alfa Serene, which had 80 apartments and 16 floors each. 
Section 144 has been imposed within a 200-metre radius of the complexes on Saturday and Sunday.

Moreover, traffic has been halted on land, water, and air in the evacuation zone during the process.

There are concerns that some concrete pieces of the second tower of the building may have fallen into the lake nearby. It is yet to be estimated if the debris or concrete pieces have affected the buildings nearby.

The four apartment complexes in Maradu were ordered to be demolished by the <a href="The four apartment complexes in Maradu were ordered to be demolished by the Supreme Court for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.">Supreme Court</a> for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

Two of the four illegal apartment complexes were brought down by controlled implosion here on Saturday. However, the other two apartments-- Golden Kayaloram and Jain Coral-- will be demolished on Sunday.

Two of the four illegal apartment complexes were brought down by controlled implosion here on Saturday. However, the other two apartments-- Golden Kayaloram and Jain Coral-- will be demolished on Sunday. The demolition of the first building Holy Faith H2O, slated to be carried out at 11 am, was delayed by 18 minutes while the twin towers of Alfa Serene, which is surrounded by 36 houses, were brought down at 11.43 am. As per authorities, as many as 343 kgs of explosives were used for the demolition of twin towers of Alfa Serene, which had 80 apartments and 16 floors each. Section 144 has been imposed within a 200-metre radius of the complexes on Saturday and Sunday. Moreover, traffic has been halted on land, water, and air in the evacuation zone during the process. There are concerns that some concrete pieces of the second tower of the building may have fallen into the lake nearby. It is yet to be estimated if the debris or concrete pieces have affected the buildings nearby. The four apartment complexes in Maradu were ordered to be demolished by the Supreme Court for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

Kochi: Two illegal apartments razed in Maradu by controlled implosion

Army Chief General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-much-better-prepared-today-than-before-army-chief-general-naravane-273557">Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> on Saturday said that if Indian&nbsp;Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim Pakistan&nbsp;occupied Kashmir (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/traders-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-conduct-shutter-down-protest-against-unfair-taxation-policies-260156">PoK</a>).

He pointed out that a Parliamentary&nbsp;resolution states that the entire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> region is a part of India.

"There is a parliamentary resolution, that entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. If Parliament&nbsp;wants it, then that area (Pok) also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we will take appropriate action," the Army chief&nbsp;said while speaking to the media in Delhi.

General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff on December 30, succeeding General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-named-as-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-271016">Bipin Rawat</a> who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff. Naravane previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday said that if Indian Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday said that if Indian Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). He pointed out that a Parliamentary resolution states that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. "There is a parliamentary resolution, that entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. If Parliament wants it, then that area (Pok) also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we will take appropriate action," the Army chief said while speaking to the media in Delhi. General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff on December 30, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff. Naravane previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Will take action to reclaim PoK if ordered: Army chief general Naravane

The EU's diplomatic chief warned Friday that it may not be possible to save the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-rejects-trump-call-to-ditch-iran-nuclear-pact-273497">Iran nuclear deal</a>, as the bloc's foreign ministers held emergency talks on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-concerned-over-recent-development-in-middle-east-after-soleimanis-killing-273398">Middle East</a>.

Europe has led efforts to save the 2015 accord, gravely undermined by Trump's unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and Iran's subsequent winding down of its compliance, but to little effect.

After an afternoon of talks with ministers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-invites-iranian-foreign-minister-zarif-to-brussels-amid-rising-middle-east-tension-272290">Josep Borrell</a>, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, reiterated Europe's continuing support for the deal but warned it may be doomed.

"We want to save this deal if it's possible," he said, warning that negotiating a new pact would be a "very complex, highly technical process" that would take a long time.

Friday's meeting did not discuss triggering the deal's dispute resolution mechanism, which could ultimately lead to the UN Security Council reimposing sanctions on Iran.

"Maybe we cannot avoid that the JCPOA finally is being cancelled because the dispute mechanism can be triggered and I cannot exclude that this happens," Borrell said, using an abbreviation for the deal's formal name.

The three European parties to the pact, Britain, France and Germany, have all stressed their commitment to saving it, in defiance of a call by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Trump</a> this week to join him in walking away.

France and Germany have warned for some time that unless Iran returns to full compliance with the terms of the deal, they may trigger the dispute mechanism.

But the Europeans are expected to wait for UN inspectors to report on what Iran is doing on the ground following its latest announcement.

Earlier Friday, French Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-prefer-to-download-black-boxes-iran-after-plane-crash-blamed-on-missile-273396">Jean-Yves Le Drian</a> warned that without action, Iran could soon be in a position to develop the bomb.

"If they continue to unravel the Vienna accord then yes in quite a short period, between one and two years, they could have a nuclear weapon, which is unimaginable," he told France's RTL radio.

Several other ministers at the talks restated the EU's continuing determination to preserve the deal, which they say is vital for non-proliferation and regional security.

But Lithuania's Linas Linkevicius said that without some substantial change, "it will be difficult to believe that this agreement could be alive".

Friday's highly unusual emergency meeting was called in response to soaring Middle East tensions following the killing of Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Qasem Soleimani</a> in an American drone strike.

Fears of all-out war have subsided since US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Donald Trump</a> made a statement on Wednesday saying Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles, without causing casualties at US troops based in Iraq.

But the fatal crash of a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran in the midst of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">crisis</a> was on ministers' minds, with several urging Tehran to carry out a transparent inquiry.

Reports from several Western capitals indicated that the crash of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Boeing 737</a>, which killed 176 people appeared to have been caused by an Iranian air defence missile.

"This is more than tragic&nbsp;the important thing now is that everything is completely investigated," said German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-zelensky-meet-in-paris-for-summit-amid-push-to-end-ukraine-war-267304">Heiko Maas</a> as he arrived for the talks.

"Nothing must be swept under the table because if that were the case, it would be the breeding ground for new mistrust."

His Dutch counterpart Stef Blok echoed his call, saying it was "very likely" an Iranian missile brought the plane down.

NATO Secretary-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Jens Stoltenberg</a> added his voice to the calls for transparency and said he had "no reason to not believe" alliance members Britain and Canada when they blamed a missile for the crash.

Also Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-leaders-set-to-meet-for-paris-talks-with-bleak-prospects-of-peace-266434">Vadym Prystaiko</a> told a Kiev briefing that a team of his country's experts had been given access to the plane's black box flight recorders and were receiving "full cooperation" from the Iranian authorities.

Also on the ministers' agenda was the crisis in Libya, where the UN-backed government is under threat from rival strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Khalifa Haftar</a>.

European powers fear the ongoing chaos in Libya could lead to a fresh wave of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean or allow the Islamic State group to gain a foothold to launch attacks.

Borrell warned that the crisis could "spiral out of control" and called for a ceasefire.

An EU diplomat said the ministers gave unanimous backing to a planned international conference in Berlin, with Germany delegated to represent the bloc as a whole.

The EU's diplomatic chief warned Friday that it may not be possible to save the Iran nuclear deal, as the bloc's foreign ministers held emergency talks on the Middle East.

The EU's diplomatic chief warned Friday that it may not be possible to save the Iran nuclear deal, as the bloc's foreign ministers held emergency talks on the Middle East. Europe has led efforts to save the 2015 accord, gravely undermined by Trump's unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and Iran's subsequent winding down of its compliance, but to little effect. After an afternoon of talks with ministers, Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, reiterated Europe's continuing support for the deal but warned it may be doomed. "We want to save this deal if it's possible," he said, warning that negotiating a new pact would be a "very complex, highly technical process" that would take a long time. Friday's meeting did not discuss triggering the deal's dispute resolution mechanism, which could ultimately lead to the UN Security Council reimposing sanctions on Iran. "Maybe we cannot avoid that the JCPOA finally is being cancelled because the dispute mechanism can be triggered and I cannot exclude that this happens," Borrell said, using an abbreviation for the deal's formal name. The three European parties to the pact, Britain, France and Germany, have all stressed their commitment to saving it, in defiance of a call by Trump this week to join him in walking away. France and Germany have warned for some time that unless Iran returns to full compliance with the terms of the deal, they may trigger the dispute mechanism. But the Europeans are expected to wait for UN inspectors to report on what Iran is doing on the ground following its latest announcement. Earlier Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that without action, Iran could soon be in a position to develop the bomb. "If they continue to unravel the Vienna accord then yes in quite a short period, between one and two years, they could have a nuclear weapon, which is unimaginable," he told France's RTL radio. Several other ministers at the talks restated the EU's continuing determination to preserve the deal, which they say is vital for non-proliferation and regional security. But Lithuania's Linas Linkevicius said that without some substantial change, "it will be difficult to believe that this agreement could be alive". Friday's highly unusual emergency meeting was called in response to soaring Middle East tensions following the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in an American drone strike. Fears of all-out war have subsided since US President Donald Trump made a statement on Wednesday saying Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles, without causing casualties at US troops based in Iraq. But the fatal crash of a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran in the midst of the crisis was on ministers' minds, with several urging Tehran to carry out a transparent inquiry. Reports from several Western capitals indicated that the crash of the Boeing 737, which killed 176 people appeared to have been caused by an Iranian air defence missile. "This is more than tragic the important thing now is that everything is completely investigated," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas as he arrived for the talks. "Nothing must be swept under the table because if that were the case, it would be the breeding ground for new mistrust." His Dutch counterpart Stef Blok echoed his call, saying it was "very likely" an Iranian missile brought the plane down. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg added his voice to the calls for transparency and said he had "no reason to not believe" alliance members Britain and Canada when they blamed a missile for the crash. Also Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko told a Kiev briefing that a team of his country's experts had been given access to the plane's black box flight recorders and were receiving "full cooperation" from the Iranian authorities. Also on the ministers' agenda was the crisis in Libya, where the UN-backed government is under threat from rival strongman Khalifa Haftar. European powers fear the ongoing chaos in Libya could lead to a fresh wave of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean or allow the Islamic State group to gain a foothold to launch attacks. Borrell warned that the crisis could "spiral out of control" and called for a ceasefire. An EU diplomat said the ministers gave unanimous backing to a planned international conference in Berlin, with Germany delegated to represent the bloc as a whole.

European Union warns Iran nuclear deal may collapse

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.&nbsp;

When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anger-erupts-at-un-climate-summit-as-major-economies-resist-bold-action-268332">climate action</a> could be implemented, assessed and boosted.&nbsp;

2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change.

A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9&nbsp;just six days after a US general election that could see President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texass-greg-abbott-becomes-first-to-refuse-refugees-order-given-by-president-donald-trump-273510">Donald Trump</a> win a second term.

Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States,&nbsp;history's largest emitter&nbsp;was withdrawing from the Paris agreement.&nbsp;It is due to leave the deal on November 4.

"Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters.&nbsp;

"So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change."

After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-few-hours-could-be-very-challenging-australia-urges-people-to-flee-as-bushfires-rage-273400">wildfires</a> in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25.&nbsp;

More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans.

The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France.&nbsp;

Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-uks-boris-johnson-pm-modi-resolves-to-work-closely-together-269028">COP26</a> president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit.

But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth.&nbsp;

"There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G.

"It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority.&nbsp;

"COP&nbsp;requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow.

But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP.&nbsp;

In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments.

Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/children-ready-to-lead-fight-against-pollution-as-climate-crisis-claims-over-9-lakh-lives-since-2016-262150">Greenpeace East Asia</a>, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate.

"The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia.&nbsp;

"Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync.

"The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year,&nbsp;matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said.

China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-unveils-new-climate-plan-272712">COP25</a> in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution.&nbsp;

Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs.

"Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit. When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which climate action could be implemented, assessed and boosted. 2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change. A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9 just six days after a US general election that could see President Donald Trump win a second term. Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States, history's largest emitter was withdrawing from the Paris agreement. It is due to leave the deal on November 4. "Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters. "So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change." After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating wildfires in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25. More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans. The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France. Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions. COP26 president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit. But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth. "There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G. "It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority. "COP requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters. Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow. But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP. In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments. Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate. "The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia. "Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync. "The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year, matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said. China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at COP25 in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution. Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs. "Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

Climate at mercy of politics in 2020, experts warn

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">killing</a> of a&nbsp;top&nbsp;general and turmoil in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> will hold talks with German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-visits-auschwitz-for-first-time-266657">Angela Merkel</a> in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a>: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets <a href="https://t.co/ZusR628AYx">https://t.co/ZusR628AYx</a> <a href="https://t.co/DJn09l0VWe">pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe</a>
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E/status/1215291712173694976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker.

German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">Heiko Maas</a>, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;was the escalating crisis in&nbsp;Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria".

"We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin."

Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters.

Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> called for a ceasefire in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict.

While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Tripoli</a> government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government.

Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire.

The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed&nbsp;top&nbsp;Iranian commander General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a drone strike close to Baghdad.

Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran gives black box to Ukraine

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Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops.

While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East".

Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal.

The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies.

The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people.

Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders.

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Thanked <a href="https://twitter.com/HeikoMaas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HeikoMaas</a> for German support and sympathy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ps752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ps752</a> tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January.
— Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrystaiko/status/1215373166224330752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Vadym Prystaiko</a> tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks.

Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany. Russia's Vladimir Putin will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea. #Crimea: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets https://t.co/ZusR628AYx pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe — President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 9, 2020 × Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the meeting was the escalating crisis in Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria". "We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin." Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on Libya later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire in Libya on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict. While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed Tripoli government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government. Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire. The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed top Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike close to Baghdad. Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region". Watch: Iran gives black box to Ukraine × Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops. While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East". Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal. The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested Iran downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies. The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine. The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people. Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders. Thanked @HeikoMaas for German support and sympathy after #ps752 tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January. — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 9, 2020 × Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks. Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by Iran tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

Libya and Iran top agenda in Merkel-Putin meeting

China on Saturday reported the first death from a virus believed to be from the same family as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-from-sars-family-may-be-cause-of-mysterious-pneumonia-cases-in-china-who-273068">SARS pathogen</a> that killed hundreds in China and Hong Kong more than a decade ago.

Forty-one people with pneumonia-like symptoms have so far been diagnosed with the new type of coronavirus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan where it was first confirmed, with one of the victims dying, the city's health commission said on its website.

Watch:&nbsp;At least 59 people infected with mysterious virus in China, Beijing rules out SARS threat

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Seven others remained in serious condition while two were discharged from treatment, it added, saying the latest tally was completed on Friday.

The commission did not specify when the death occurred or give further details on the patient other than to say the bulk of those diagnosed worked at a Wuhan seafood market that was closed January 1 following the outbreak.

The episode has caused alarm due to the link to SARS, or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-viral-pneumonia-infects-several-in-china-272495">Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome</a>, which killed 349 people in mainland China and another 299 in Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

State-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday that Chinese scientists investigating the outbreak had made a "preliminary" determination that it was a previously unknown type of coronavirus.

The WHO says coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-from-sars-family-may-be-cause-of-mysterious-pneumonia-cases-in-china-who-273068">SARS</a> and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which emerged in 2012 and also caused scores of deaths.

"No new cases have been detected since January 3, 2020," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-probes-mystery-pneumonia-outbreak-amid-sars-fears-271264">Wuhan health commission</a> said.

"At present, no infections among medical staff have been found, and no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found."

Wuhan authorities had earlier said 59 people had fallen ill, but Saturday's statement suggests that not all have been confirmed as cases of the new virus.

The outbreak was first confirmed on December 31 in Wuhan, which has a population of more than 11 million.

Authorities in Hong Kong have since taken precautions including stepping up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-probes-mystery-pneumonia-outbreak-amid-sars-fears-271264">disinfection</a> of trains and planes, and checks of passengers.

The WHO, however, said Thursday it was not recommending any specific measures for travellers, nor the application of any trade or travel restrictions on China based on current information, expressing confidence in the ability of Chinese authorities to manage the situation.

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WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> based on the information currently available <a href="https://t.co/UU8IgFvjpn">https://t.co/UU8IgFvjpn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/nTfz6IkeKy">pic.twitter.com/nTfz6IkeKy</a>
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China has since ruled out a fresh recurrence of SARS.

China has entered its annual Lunar New Year holiday travel rush, raising the spectre of the mass movement of people serving as a vector for the pathogen's spread.

In the world's largest annual human migration, hundreds of millions of people are expected to pack together on trains, buses and planes for the Lunar New Year holiday that this year falls in late January.

Authorities have said 400 million train tickets have been purchased for holiday-related travel, with hundreds of millions more expected to travel by air and road.

China has not announced any travel restrictions.

Authorities in Hong Kong have said 48 people have been hospitalised in recent days after returning from Wuhan and displaying flu-like illnesses, but none were confirmed to have contracted the new coronavirus.

City residents worried about the outbreak have rushed to buy face masks from local pharmacies, with many selling out earlier this week.

The coming holiday has prompted concerns in Taiwan, where officials urged the island's health and welfare ministry to strengthen quarantine controls at airports.

The US embassy in China warned on Tuesday that Americans travelling in the country should avoid animals and contact with sick people.

China on Saturday reported the first death from a virus believed to be from the same family as the SARS pathogen that killed hundreds in China and Hong Kong more than a decade ago.

China on Saturday reported the first death from a virus believed to be from the same family as the SARS pathogen that killed hundreds in China and Hong Kong more than a decade ago. Forty-one people with pneumonia-like symptoms have so far been diagnosed with the new type of coronavirus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan where it was first confirmed, with one of the victims dying, the city's health commission said on its website. Watch: At least 59 people infected with mysterious virus in China, Beijing rules out SARS threat × Seven others remained in serious condition while two were discharged from treatment, it added, saying the latest tally was completed on Friday. The commission did not specify when the death occurred or give further details on the patient other than to say the bulk of those diagnosed worked at a Wuhan seafood market that was closed January 1 following the outbreak. The episode has caused alarm due to the link to SARS, or Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed 349 people in mainland China and another 299 in Hong Kong in 2002-2003. State-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday that Chinese scientists investigating the outbreak had made a "preliminary" determination that it was a previously unknown type of coronavirus. The WHO says coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which emerged in 2012 and also caused scores of deaths. "No new cases have been detected since January 3, 2020," the Wuhan health commission said. "At present, no infections among medical staff have been found, and no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found." Wuhan authorities had earlier said 59 people had fallen ill, but Saturday's statement suggests that not all have been confirmed as cases of the new virus. The outbreak was first confirmed on December 31 in Wuhan, which has a population of more than 11 million. Authorities in Hong Kong have since taken precautions including stepping up the disinfection of trains and planes, and checks of passengers. The WHO, however, said Thursday it was not recommending any specific measures for travellers, nor the application of any trade or travel restrictions on China based on current information, expressing confidence in the ability of Chinese authorities to manage the situation. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on #China based on the information currently available https://t.co/UU8IgFvjpn #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/nTfz6IkeKy — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 11, 2020 × China has since ruled out a fresh recurrence of SARS. China has entered its annual Lunar New Year holiday travel rush, raising the spectre of the mass movement of people serving as a vector for the pathogen's spread. In the world's largest annual human migration, hundreds of millions of people are expected to pack together on trains, buses and planes for the Lunar New Year holiday that this year falls in late January. Authorities have said 400 million train tickets have been purchased for holiday-related travel, with hundreds of millions more expected to travel by air and road. China has not announced any travel restrictions. Authorities in Hong Kong have said 48 people have been hospitalised in recent days after returning from Wuhan and displaying flu-like illnesses, but none were confirmed to have contracted the new coronavirus. City residents worried about the outbreak have rushed to buy face masks from local pharmacies, with many selling out earlier this week. The coming holiday has prompted concerns in Taiwan, where officials urged the island's health and welfare ministry to strengthen quarantine controls at airports. The US embassy in China warned on Tuesday that Americans travelling in the country should avoid animals and contact with sick people.

Mystery viral pneumonia: China reports first death from new type of coronavirus

Taiwan's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-voting-begins-in-polls-closely-watched-by-china-273500">Tsai Ing-wen</a> is seeking a second term against the main challenger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Han Kuo-yu</a> in Saturday's elections.

Watch:&nbsp;Who will win Taiwan's Election?

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Tsai hails from the independence-leaning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-rival-rallies-on-final-day-before-taiwan-votes-273463">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP) and has been campaigning on a platform of defending Taiwan's sovereignty against threats from Beijing.

Han is from the mainland-friendly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-china-friendly-presidential-hopeful-faces-backlash-in-divided-south-273096">Kuomintang party</a> (KMT) and is pushing for warmer relations with Taiwan's giant authoritarian neighbour.

Here are profiles of the candidates:

Tsai Ing-wen&nbsp;

<img alt="Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district, New Taipei City" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b60fa591-af76-42fb-a603-c6d18d1baf44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Taiwan President, Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district, New Taipei City (Courtesy: AFP) ]

Tsai made history in 2016 when she became Taiwan's first female leader in a landslide election victory, as the public grew wary of the KMT's perceived cosiness with Beijing over the previous eight years.

But it has been far from smooth sailing since the 63-year-old took the helm.

Beijing rebuffed her calls for talks and instead set about isolating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-vote-in-shadow-of-china-pressure-hong-kong-protests-272816">Taiwan</a> because Tsai refuses to acknowledge the idea that the island is part of a "one China".

It cut off official communication, ramped up military and economic pressure, froze Taiwan out of major international bodies and poached seven of the island's dwindling diplomatic allies.

On the domestic front, her government's push for a controversial reform agenda, most notably pension cuts and legalising gay marriage, saw her approval ratings dive.

But in the past year, her fortunes have rebounded, going from below 20 points behind at her nadir to significantly ahead of Han.

<img alt="Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen gestures to supporters as she campaigns in the Banqiao" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7591998-6cc1-4122-a879-499be8eccc8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_5.jpg" /> 
[ Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gestures to supporters as she campaigns in the Banqiao (Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

Analysts say bellicose threats from Beijing and ongoing massive protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-election-2020-china-friendly-han-kuo-yu-challenges-president-tsai-ing-wen-273288">Hong Kong</a> have helped fuel her resurgence as voters fret about the shadow cast by communist China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it one day.

Her push to legalise gay marriage, while divisive, also reinvigorated her youth base.

Born into a wealthy family, Tsai was an academic and a trade negotiator before she entered politics.

Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, she has frequently had to battle misogynistic insults in a political culture where male veterans have historically dominated.

She lost her first presidential bid in 2012, but stayed the course and won increased support from within her own party and the public ahead of her 2016 victory.

Her 2020 campaign has remained largely gaffe-free as she pushes the idea that the DPP will stand up to China and maintain Taiwan's position as one of Asia's most progressive democracies.

While the economy has fared well during her tenure even in the midst of the global trade war, it is the main attack point for her opponents who accuse the DPP of needlessly antagonising China and leaving Taiwan struggling as a result.

Han Kuo-yu

<img alt="Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4fba2a3-1aa9-4662-a1d6-e817ba380ddb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_5.jpg" /> 
[ Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung (Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

Han Kuo-yu fits the current zeitgeist for populist outsiders who shake up the old political establishment.

In the past two years, the 62-year-old has journeyed from relative obscurity to KMT presidential candidate, backed by a fervent base of supporters that local media have dubbed the "Han tide".

But he has struggled to maintain his stellar rise since winning his party's primary.

Written off by many KMT bigwigs, Han shot to political stardom in 2018 when he swept the mayoralty of Kaohsiung, a city in the south of Taiwan that had long been a DPP heartland.

He then saw off challenges by billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou and other veteran politicians to seize the primary.

Han has projected a plain-talking "everyman" image, using his modest upbringing and experience of unemployment to appeal to grassroots voters.

He has shown a knack for using the criticism to his advantage. When a spokesman for Tsai dismissed Han as something of a country bumpkin by calling him an "earthen steamed bun", he responded by presiding over a steamed bun cooking competition. &nbsp;

<img alt="Han Kuo-Yu, Taiwan’s presidential candidate prays for the victims killed during a helicopter crash during campaign rally in Tainan " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65d94af8-1666-4280-b756-ec7d827627e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_5.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Han Kuo-Yu, Taiwan’s presidential candidate prays for the victims killed during a helicopter crash during a campaign rally in Tainan&nbsp;(Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

Han has described January's vote as a choice between "peace or crisis" with China, campaigning on the slogan "Taiwan safe, people rich" with promises to restore warmer ties with Beijing and boost the economy.

That message appeals to many, especially those whose businesses rely on the much larger mainland economy.

But it has left Han vulnerable to criticism that he is too friendly towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-rival-rallies-on-final-day-before-taiwan-votes-273463">Beijing</a>, especially after he met senior Chinese officials during a trip to the mainland last year.

Han's plain-talking has also resulted in gaffes on the campaign trail as well as accusations that he is a "runaway mayor" who promised to bring jobs and investment to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-polls-millions-cast-votes-in-a-closely-watched-presidential-and-parliamentary-election-273580">Kaohsiung</a> only to run for president instead.

He remains significantly behind in most polls.&nbsp;

But Han has often been written off in the past, only to prove his detractors wrong once the votes are cast.&nbsp;

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is seeking a second term against the main challenger Han Kuo-yu in Saturday's elections. Watch: Who will win Taiwan's Election? × Tsai hails from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and has been campaigning on a platform of defending Taiwan's sovereignty against threats from Beijing.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is seeking a second term against the main challenger Han Kuo-yu in Saturday's elections. Watch: Who will win Taiwan's Election? × Tsai hails from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and has been campaigning on a platform of defending Taiwan's sovereignty against threats from Beijing. Han is from the mainland-friendly Kuomintang party (KMT) and is pushing for warmer relations with Taiwan's giant authoritarian neighbour. Here are profiles of the candidates: Tsai Ing-wen [ Taiwan President, Tsai Ing-wen waves after voting at a polling station in Chunghe district, New Taipei City (Courtesy: AFP) ] Tsai made history in 2016 when she became Taiwan's first female leader in a landslide election victory, as the public grew wary of the KMT's perceived cosiness with Beijing over the previous eight years. But it has been far from smooth sailing since the 63-year-old took the helm. Beijing rebuffed her calls for talks and instead set about isolating Taiwan because Tsai refuses to acknowledge the idea that the island is part of a "one China". It cut off official communication, ramped up military and economic pressure, froze Taiwan out of major international bodies and poached seven of the island's dwindling diplomatic allies. On the domestic front, her government's push for a controversial reform agenda, most notably pension cuts and legalising gay marriage, saw her approval ratings dive. But in the past year, her fortunes have rebounded, going from below 20 points behind at her nadir to significantly ahead of Han. [ Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gestures to supporters as she campaigns in the Banqiao (Courtesy: AFP) ] Analysts say bellicose threats from Beijing and ongoing massive protests in Hong Kong have helped fuel her resurgence as voters fret about the shadow cast by communist China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it one day. Her push to legalise gay marriage, while divisive, also reinvigorated her youth base. Born into a wealthy family, Tsai was an academic and a trade negotiator before she entered politics. Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, she has frequently had to battle misogynistic insults in a political culture where male veterans have historically dominated. She lost her first presidential bid in 2012, but stayed the course and won increased support from within her own party and the public ahead of her 2016 victory. Her 2020 campaign has remained largely gaffe-free as she pushes the idea that the DPP will stand up to China and maintain Taiwan's position as one of Asia's most progressive democracies. While the economy has fared well during her tenure even in the midst of the global trade war, it is the main attack point for her opponents who accuse the DPP of needlessly antagonising China and leaving Taiwan struggling as a result. Han Kuo-yu [ Han Kuo-Yu, presidential candidate for Taiwan, casts his ballot as he votes at Linyuan District in Kaohsiung (Courtesy: AFP) ] Han Kuo-yu fits the current zeitgeist for populist outsiders who shake up the old political establishment. In the past two years, the 62-year-old has journeyed from relative obscurity to KMT presidential candidate, backed by a fervent base of supporters that local media have dubbed the "Han tide". But he has struggled to maintain his stellar rise since winning his party's primary. Written off by many KMT bigwigs, Han shot to political stardom in 2018 when he swept the mayoralty of Kaohsiung, a city in the south of Taiwan that had long been a DPP heartland. He then saw off challenges by billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou and other veteran politicians to seize the primary. Han has projected a plain-talking "everyman" image, using his modest upbringing and experience of unemployment to appeal to grassroots voters. He has shown a knack for using the criticism to his advantage. When a spokesman for Tsai dismissed Han as something of a country bumpkin by calling him an "earthen steamed bun", he responded by presiding over a steamed bun cooking competition. [ Han Kuo-Yu, Taiwan’s presidential candidate prays for the victims killed during a helicopter crash during a campaign rally in Tainan (Courtesy: AFP) ] Han has described January's vote as a choice between "peace or crisis" with China, campaigning on the slogan "Taiwan safe, people rich" with promises to restore warmer ties with Beijing and boost the economy. That message appeals to many, especially those whose businesses rely on the much larger mainland economy. But it has left Han vulnerable to criticism that he is too friendly towards Beijing, especially after he met senior Chinese officials during a trip to the mainland last year. Han's plain-talking has also resulted in gaffes on the campaign trail as well as accusations that he is a "runaway mayor" who promised to bring jobs and investment to Kaohsiung only to run for president instead. He remains significantly behind in most polls. But Han has often been written off in the past, only to prove his detractors wrong once the votes are cast.

Tsai versus Han: Taiwan's top two presidential candidates

President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded Saturday that Iran punish those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">responsible for the downing of a Ukrainian airliner</a>, pay compensation and apologise.

"We expect Iran... to bring the guilty to the courts," the Ukrainian leader wrote on Facebook, calling also for the "payment of compensation" and the return of remains.

Tehran admitted Saturday that it accidentally downed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Ukraine International Airlines</a> (UIA) plane, killing all 176 people on board on Wednesday, shortly after launching missiles at bases hosting US forces in Iraq.

"We hope the inquiry will be pursued without deliberate delay and without obstruction," Zelensky added

He urged "total access" to the full inquiry for 45 Ukrainian experts, and in a tweet also sought an "official apology".

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said earlier Saturday that Tehran "deeply regrets this disastrous mistake".

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UIA chief Yevhenii Dykhne also posted on Facebook, saying: "We never had any doubt that our crew and our plane could be the cause of this terrible catastrophe. They were the best."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-aircraft-was-not-hit-by-a-missile-irans-civil-aviation-chief-273368">Ukraine</a> said Friday its experts dispatched to Iran had been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">granted access to the flight's black boxes</a>, debris from the plane, the crash site and to recordings of conversations between the pilot and the airport control tower.

Iran's official IRNA news agency published a statement from the military saying the Boeing 737 was mistaken for a "hostile plane" at a time when threats were at the highest level.

Tehran has invited the United States, Ukraine, Canada and others to join the crash investigation.

The majority of passengers on UIA Flight PS752 from Tehran to Kiev were Iranian-Canadian dual nationals but also included Ukrainians, Afghans, Britons and Swedes

Many in Kiev have compared the crash to the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines MH17 killing 298 people over eastern Ukraine where pro-Russian separatists are fighting government forces.

Moscow has denied the findings of international investigators that a Russian BUK misile hit the Malaysian flight.

"Iran has shown itself more civilised than Russia," pro-western Ukraine MP Volodymyr Ariev wrote on Facebook.

"Tehran has admitted its guilt in three days while Russia continues to try to get out of it."

President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded Saturday that Iran punish those responsible for the downing of a Ukrainian airliner, pay compensation and apologise. "We expect Iran.

President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded Saturday that Iran punish those responsible for the downing of a Ukrainian airliner, pay compensation and apologise. "We expect Iran... to bring the guilty to the courts," the Ukrainian leader wrote on Facebook, calling also for the "payment of compensation" and the return of remains. Tehran admitted Saturday that it accidentally downed the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) plane, killing all 176 people on board on Wednesday, shortly after launching missiles at bases hosting US forces in Iraq. "We hope the inquiry will be pursued without deliberate delay and without obstruction," Zelensky added He urged "total access" to the full inquiry for 45 Ukrainian experts, and in a tweet also sought an "official apology". Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said earlier Saturday that Tehran "deeply regrets this disastrous mistake". × UIA chief Yevhenii Dykhne also posted on Facebook, saying: "We never had any doubt that our crew and our plane could be the cause of this terrible catastrophe. They were the best." Ukraine said Friday its experts dispatched to Iran had been granted access to the flight's black boxes, debris from the plane, the crash site and to recordings of conversations between the pilot and the airport control tower. Iran's official IRNA news agency published a statement from the military saying the Boeing 737 was mistaken for a "hostile plane" at a time when threats were at the highest level. Tehran has invited the United States, Ukraine, Canada and others to join the crash investigation. The majority of passengers on UIA Flight PS752 from Tehran to Kiev were Iranian-Canadian dual nationals but also included Ukrainians, Afghans, Britons and Swedes Many in Kiev have compared the crash to the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines MH17 killing 298 people over eastern Ukraine where pro-Russian separatists are fighting government forces. Moscow has denied the findings of international investigators that a Russian BUK misile hit the Malaysian flight. "Iran has shown itself more civilised than Russia," pro-western Ukraine MP Volodymyr Ariev wrote on Facebook. "Tehran has admitted its guilt in three days while Russia continues to try to get out of it."

Ukraine demands punishment, compensation for airliner downed by Iran

<a href="Taiwan election: Voting begins in polls closely watched by China">Taiwan voted on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections</a> that will be closely watched by Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own, in the shadow of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

China and the Hong Kong unrest have become major elements in the election as Beijing has ramped up efforts to get Taiwan to accept its rule, both through military intimidation and an offer of the "one country, two systems" model.

"I saw what's happening in Hong Kong and it's horrible," said first-time voter Stacey Lin, 20. "I just want to make sure I have the freedom to vote in the future."
<img alt="Taiwan polls" data-caption="A man casts his ballot at a polling station during general elections in New Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan January 11, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="266667c5-4d25-4a65-9ccb-20ef07462813" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taiwan_0.JPG" />
Speaking in Taipei, the capital, Lin said she had voted for President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. "She is the best among all the candidates to protect our democracy," Lin added.

Both Tsai and main rival Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, have rejected the "one country, two systems" model, which provides for a high degree of autonomy, much as Beijing uses in Hong Kong.

Tsai, voting in Taipei, spoke briefly to reporters after casting her ballot, saying she hoped everyone exercised their right to vote and the process would be smooth.

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Tsai says only Taiwan's people have the right to decide its future, and has denounced China for seeking to sway the election with misinformation and gestures such as sailing its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait just before the vote.

China denies interfering.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-things-to-know-about-the-state-of-taiwan-273555">Five things to know about the state of Taiwan</a>

Han says he will reset ties with China to boost Taiwan's economy, but will not compromise on defending its democracy.

He did not speak to reporters after voting in the southern city of Kaohsiung, where he is mayor.

The polls closed at 4 pm&nbsp;(0800 GMT) and results are expected by early Saturday evening. Tsai is due to hold a news conference at 8 pm&nbsp;(1200 GMT).

Earlier in the day, people queued in long but orderly lines at many polling stations to cast their votes, with good weather likely to boost turnout.

Sam Chan, 30, who immigrated to Taiwan from Hong Kong in 2014 over fears of China's growing control of the Asian financial hub, said Tsai was the best to protect Taiwan.

"I immigrated to Taiwan to escape from the Communist Party, so I won't vote for pro-China political parties."
<img alt="Taiwan polls" data-caption="A Taiwanese casts their vote into a ballot box during the general elections in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, January 11, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46b1daa7-3459-4c19-bfe6-94a4e7982f8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/polls%20taiwan.JPG" />
But Taiwan needs good relations with China, said 67-year-old Chu Yu-min, and so she had voted for the Kuomintang.

"Taiwan's economy depends on that," Chu added. "The economy has been bad for the past four years. This needs to change."

Never popular in Taiwan, the idea of "one country, two systems" is even less so now, after months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

The protesters have broad sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help protesters in the former British colony who flee to the island.

Taiwan has been a democratic success story since its first direct presidential election in 1996.

That was the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until it was forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949, after losing a civil war with the Communists.

Taiwan voted on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections that will be closely watched by Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own, in the shadow of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

Taiwan voted on Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections that will be closely watched by Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own, in the shadow of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. China and the Hong Kong unrest have become major elements in the election as Beijing has ramped up efforts to get Taiwan to accept its rule, both through military intimidation and an offer of the "one country, two systems" model. "I saw what's happening in Hong Kong and it's horrible," said first-time voter Stacey Lin, 20. "I just want to make sure I have the freedom to vote in the future." Speaking in Taipei, the capital, Lin said she had voted for President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. "She is the best among all the candidates to protect our democracy," Lin added. Both Tsai and main rival Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, have rejected the "one country, two systems" model, which provides for a high degree of autonomy, much as Beijing uses in Hong Kong. Tsai, voting in Taipei, spoke briefly to reporters after casting her ballot, saying she hoped everyone exercised their right to vote and the process would be smooth. × Tsai says only Taiwan's people have the right to decide its future, and has denounced China for seeking to sway the election with misinformation and gestures such as sailing its newest aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait just before the vote. China denies interfering. Also read: Five things to know about the state of Taiwan Han says he will reset ties with China to boost Taiwan's economy, but will not compromise on defending its democracy. He did not speak to reporters after voting in the southern city of Kaohsiung, where he is mayor. The polls closed at 4 pm (0800 GMT) and results are expected by early Saturday evening. Tsai is due to hold a news conference at 8 pm (1200 GMT). Earlier in the day, people queued in long but orderly lines at many polling stations to cast their votes, with good weather likely to boost turnout. Sam Chan, 30, who immigrated to Taiwan from Hong Kong in 2014 over fears of China's growing control of the Asian financial hub, said Tsai was the best to protect Taiwan. "I immigrated to Taiwan to escape from the Communist Party, so I won't vote for pro-China political parties." But Taiwan needs good relations with China, said 67-year-old Chu Yu-min, and so she had voted for the Kuomintang. "Taiwan's economy depends on that," Chu added. "The economy has been bad for the past four years. This needs to change." Never popular in Taiwan, the idea of "one country, two systems" is even less so now, after months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The protesters have broad sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help protesters in the former British colony who flee to the island. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since its first direct presidential election in 1996. That was the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until it was forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949, after losing a civil war with the Communists.

Taiwan polls: Millions cast votes in a closely watched presidential and parliamentary election

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">US President Donald Trump</a> on Friday reacted to the fallout in the royal family and said his sympathies are with Queen Elizabeth II.

Trump described Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle's decision to step back from royal duties as 'sad'.

In an interview with a leading American news channel, Trump called the Queen "a great woman" who never made a mistake.&nbsp;

In a bombshell announcement on Wednesday, Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle said they will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-quit-royal-front-line-in-shock-move-273083">stepping back from royal duties</a> and quitting as the front-line members of British monarchy's royal family.&nbsp;

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"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen," they said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

"We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," they added.

"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/looks-like-theres-truth-to-meghan-markle-prince-harry-moving-to-canada-after-palace-refuses-to-deny-it-273019">North America</a>."

Buckingham Palace put out a second statement an hour and 40 minutes later, saying discussions with Harry and Meghan were "at an early stage".

"We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through," it added.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Friday reacted to the fallout in the royal family and said his sympathies are with Queen Elizabeth II. Trump described Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle's decision to step back from royal duties as 'sad'.

US President Donald Trump on Friday reacted to the fallout in the royal family and said his sympathies are with Queen Elizabeth II. Trump described Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle's decision to step back from royal duties as 'sad'. In an interview with a leading American news channel, Trump called the Queen "a great woman" who never made a mistake. In a bombshell announcement on Wednesday, Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle said they will be stepping back from royal duties and quitting as the front-line members of British monarchy's royal family. × "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen," they said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. "We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," they added. "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America." Buckingham Palace put out a second statement an hour and 40 minutes later, saying discussions with Harry and Meghan were "at an early stage". "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through," it added. (With inputs from AFP)

Trump calls Queen 'a great woman', describes royal family fallout as 'sad'

Ahead of the Opposition party meeting in Delhi next week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-hold-dharna-against-caa-nrc-at-raj-ghat-on-monday-269502">Congress</a> Working Committee (CWC) will meet here on Saturday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country.

The meeting is scheduled for 3.30 pm at party headquarters.

The Congress has called the meeting of Opposition parties on January 13 in Parliament Annexe to discuss the emerging situation and incident of violence against students.

The Opposition parties are meeting for a joint strategy on the issue of Anti-CAA protests and alleged police brutality against the students.

The CWC will likely discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-comes-into-force-from-today-centre-issues-notification-273487">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) and protests against it. The party has already supported the protest and showed solidarity with the demonstrations which are being spearheaded by student bodies.

Sources say that Congress will come up with a detailed plan on this issue and a statement regarding ongoing unrest in the country and high handedness of the Government.

The Congress interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-demands-independent-judicial-inquiry-into-jnu-violence-272538">Sonia Gandhi</a> has already condemned the violence and had sent a fact-finding team to the JNU.

Sonia Gandhi in her statement had demanded a judicial enquiry into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-violence-professors-move-delhi-hc-seeking-to-preserve-cctv-footage-other-evidences-273433">JNU violence</a> which took place on Sunday. She had said that the entire party stands in solidarity with the students.

Ahead of the Opposition party meeting in Delhi next week, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet here on Saturday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country.

Ahead of the Opposition party meeting in Delhi next week, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet here on Saturday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country. The meeting is scheduled for 3.30 pm at party headquarters. The Congress has called the meeting of Opposition parties on January 13 in Parliament Annexe to discuss the emerging situation and incident of violence against students. The Opposition parties are meeting for a joint strategy on the issue of Anti-CAA protests and alleged police brutality against the students. The CWC will likely discuss the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and protests against it. The party has already supported the protest and showed solidarity with the demonstrations which are being spearheaded by student bodies. Sources say that Congress will come up with a detailed plan on this issue and a statement regarding ongoing unrest in the country and high handedness of the Government. The Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has already condemned the violence and had sent a fact-finding team to the JNU. Sonia Gandhi in her statement had demanded a judicial enquiry into the JNU violence which took place on Sunday. She had said that the entire party stands in solidarity with the students.

Congress Working Committee to meet today to discuss current political situation

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