GameStop’s chief financial officer, Jim Bell, is leaving the company in late March, following a stock-trading frenzy that briefly sent shares in the video game retailer surging.

The company gave no reason for Bell’s departure in its announcement on Tuesday, but noted it would look for a successor “with the capabilities and qualifications to help accelerate GameStop’s transformation.” Bell joined GameStop less than two years ago.

GameStop jumped into the headlines in late January when amateur investors used trading apps to buy options and pump up its share price, defying hedge funds that had bet the price would fall. The chaotic trading led to congressional hearings last week, but executives from GameStop, which was essentially caught in the middle, were not called to testify.

GameStop’s share price closed at $45 on Tuesday. It reached $483 on Jan. 28 after starting the year at $19.

The wild swings in share price were detached from what was happening at the company, where a major stockholder has been trying to force a turnaround. In early January, Ryan Cohen, the manager of RC Ventures and a large stockholder, joined the GameStop board. He has been pressuring the company’s executive team to overhaul GameStop’s strategy and focus on digital growth. The company has more than 5,000 stores, many in American malls and shopping strips, but has steadily lost sales to major online retailers like Amazon.

Bell joined the company in June 2019 at the age of 51 from Wok Holdings, which owns the restaurant chain P.F. Chang's. In a short statement, GameStop thanked Bell “for his significant contributions and leadership, including his efforts over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

GameStop’s chief financial officer, Jim Bell, is leaving the company in late March, following a stock-trading frenzy that briefly sent shares in the video game retailer surging.

GameStop’s chief financial officer, Jim Bell, is leaving the company in late March, following a stock-trading frenzy that briefly sent shares in the video game retailer surging. The company gave no reason for Bell’s departure in its announcement on Tuesday, but noted it would look for a successor “with the capabilities and qualifications to help accelerate GameStop’s transformation.” Bell joined GameStop less than two years ago. GameStop jumped into the headlines in late January when amateur investors used trading apps to buy options and pump up its share price, defying hedge funds that had bet the price would fall. The chaotic trading led to congressional hearings last week, but executives from GameStop, which was essentially caught in the middle, were not called to testify. GameStop’s share price closed at $45 on Tuesday. It reached $483 on Jan. 28 after starting the year at $19. The wild swings in share price were detached from what was happening at the company, where a major stockholder has been trying to force a turnaround. In early January, Ryan Cohen, the manager of RC Ventures and a large stockholder, joined the GameStop board. He has been pressuring the company’s executive team to overhaul GameStop’s strategy and focus on digital growth. The company has more than 5,000 stores, many in American malls and shopping strips, but has steadily lost sales to major online retailers like Amazon. Bell joined the company in June 2019 at the age of 51 from Wok Holdings, which owns the restaurant chain P.F. Chang's. In a short statement, GameStop thanked Bell “for his significant contributions and leadership, including his efforts over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

GameStop’s top finance officer, Jim Bell, is resigning

China&nbsp;introduced the one-child&nbsp;policy&nbsp;in the late 1970s in a dramatic effort to slow rapid population growth, before reversing it in 2016 to&nbsp;allow families to have two children as fears grew about the country's fast-ageing population and shrinking workforce.

But the change has not yet resulted in a baby boom, with empowered Chinese women often delaying or avoiding childbirth and young couples blaming rising costs and insufficient&nbsp;policy&nbsp;support for families.

The number of newborns in&nbsp;China&nbsp;plummeted 15 per cent&nbsp;in 2020 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Public Security, with the onset of the novel coronavirus disrupting the economy and weighing on decisions to have a family.

China&nbsp;saw 10.035 million births last year, the ministry said on Monday, compared with 11.79 million in 2019.

The gender balance was 52.7 per cent boys and 47.3 per cent girls, according to the data.&nbsp;

The data also comes after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in the global economy, with many families nervous about job security.

In November,&nbsp;China&nbsp;started a once-a-decade census, with much of the attention on whether it indicates any population bump from the relaxation of family planning rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-in-china-there-are-no-women-to-marry-365771">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-in-china-there-are-no-women-to-marry-365771/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Demographic experts have estimated it could take 15 years for the two-child&nbsp;policy&nbsp;to have any noticeable effect on population numbers. Chinese retirees, meanwhile, are expected to number 300 million by 2025.

Chinese state media in December quoted civil affairs minister Li Jiheng as saying the country's fertility rate has "dropped dangerously", well below the population replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;China's state-owned news agency Xinhua said ''the change of policy is intended to balance population development and address the challenge of an ageing population.''

However, the one-child policy has led to a skewed population in China with the biggest&nbsp;gender imbalance in the world.&nbsp;Numbers worsened with high levels of female child mortality as&nbsp;China ended up with what was called ''missing females''.

Between 1980 and 2010, male children outnumbered female children by 36 million.

Today, China has the world's most unbalanced sex ratio. For every 114 males, there are 100 females.

Globally, the average sex ratio at birth&nbsp;is about 105 boys for every 100 girls. But in China, there are 30 million more men.

These men are now having trouble finding wives, especially in rural areas.&nbsp;Men in rural areas are less educated and under-employed and they end up as less desirable suitors...

Men in rural areas of Shanxi, Henan and Hunan reportedly have to offer money as much as $155,000 when asking for a woman's hand in marriage.

In 2020, China's Global Times published an&nbsp;article saying the squeeze would become worse in 20 to 30 years.

What is China planning to do about it?

A&nbsp;Chinese NGO&nbsp;has proposed playing cupid. Meanwhile, a&nbsp;Shanxi-based think tank development association says &nbsp;'leftover' urban women, who are&nbsp;above the age of 27,&nbsp;unmarried, highly-educated and urban,&nbsp;should be paired with surplus rural men.

This NGO advised&nbsp;these ''leftover'' women that they should not feel&nbsp;''afraid to go and live in rural areas''.

It also proposed to the Chinese government that it should offer an incentive to encourage urban women to move to rural areas and provide vocational training to sheng nan or&nbsp;leftover men.

Women have been trafficking from northern Myanmar into China. These women were sold for anything between 3,000 to 13,000 dollars to Chinese families, as per reports.&nbsp;Once bought, women were held prisoners and pressured into producing babies.

Another scandal came to light in 2019 when Brides from Pakistan were being trafficked into China.

The Associated Press claimed that at least 629 women were sold to Chinese men. They were&nbsp;abused and raped.

The Chinese foreign ministry said&nbsp;it was unaware of it...

It said the two governments of China and Pakistan support the formation of happy families between their people on a voluntary basis in keeping with laws and regulations.

Disregard for consent can never be the answer to bridging the gender imbalance.

What can China do about its skewed sex ratio?

An article published&nbsp;in human rights watch has proposed polyandry. It&nbsp;asks whether multiple husbands can solve China's gender imbalance. But that is up to the country to decide.

China introduced the one-child policy in the late 1970s in a dramatic effort to slow rapid population growth, before reversing it in 2016 to allow families to have two children as fears grew about the country's fast-ageing population and shrinking workforce.

China introduced the one-child policy in the late 1970s in a dramatic effort to slow rapid population growth, before reversing it in 2016 to allow families to have two children as fears grew about the country's fast-ageing population and shrinking workforce. But the change has not yet resulted in a baby boom, with empowered Chinese women often delaying or avoiding childbirth and young couples blaming rising costs and insufficient policy support for families. The number of newborns in China plummeted 15 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Public Security, with the onset of the novel coronavirus disrupting the economy and weighing on decisions to have a family. China saw 10.035 million births last year, the ministry said on Monday, compared with 11.79 million in 2019. The gender balance was 52.7 per cent boys and 47.3 per cent girls, according to the data. The data also comes after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in the global economy, with many families nervous about job security. In November, China started a once-a-decade census, with much of the attention on whether it indicates any population bump from the relaxation of family planning rules. WATCH| Demographic experts have estimated it could take 15 years for the two-child policy to have any noticeable effect on population numbers. Chinese retirees, meanwhile, are expected to number 300 million by 2025. Chinese state media in December quoted civil affairs minister Li Jiheng as saying the country's fertility rate has "dropped dangerously", well below the population replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman. Meanwhile, China's state-owned news agency Xinhua said ''the change of policy is intended to balance population development and address the challenge of an ageing population.'' However, the one-child policy has led to a skewed population in China with the biggest gender imbalance in the world. Numbers worsened with high levels of female child mortality as China ended up with what was called ''missing females''. Between 1980 and 2010, male children outnumbered female children by 36 million. Today, China has the world's most unbalanced sex ratio. For every 114 males, there are 100 females. Globally, the average sex ratio at birth is about 105 boys for every 100 girls. But in China, there are 30 million more men. These men are now having trouble finding wives, especially in rural areas. Men in rural areas are less educated and under-employed and they end up as less desirable suitors... Men in rural areas of Shanxi, Henan and Hunan reportedly have to offer money as much as $155,000 when asking for a woman's hand in marriage. In 2020, China's Global Times published an article saying the squeeze would become worse in 20 to 30 years. What is China planning to do about it? A Chinese NGO has proposed playing cupid. Meanwhile, a Shanxi-based think tank development association says 'leftover' urban women, who are above the age of 27, unmarried, highly-educated and urban, should be paired with surplus rural men. This NGO advised these ''leftover'' women that they should not feel ''afraid to go and live in rural areas''. It also proposed to the Chinese government that it should offer an incentive to encourage urban women to move to rural areas and provide vocational training to sheng nan or leftover men. Women have been trafficking from northern Myanmar into China. These women were sold for anything between 3,000 to 13,000 dollars to Chinese families, as per reports. Once bought, women were held prisoners and pressured into producing babies. Another scandal came to light in 2019 when Brides from Pakistan were being trafficked into China. The Associated Press claimed that at least 629 women were sold to Chinese men. They were abused and raped. The Chinese foreign ministry said it was unaware of it... It said the two governments of China and Pakistan support the formation of happy families between their people on a voluntary basis in keeping with laws and regulations. Disregard for consent can never be the answer to bridging the gender imbalance. What can China do about its skewed sex ratio? An article published in human rights watch has proposed polyandry. It asks whether multiple husbands can solve China's gender imbalance. But that is up to the country to decide.

How China's one-child policy created massive gender gap in country

Germany and Belgium have seized 23 tonnes of cocaine in a record haul of the drug in Europe, German customs said Wednesday.

The two shipments together represented a street value of roughly 600 million euros ($730 million), the prosecutors said, making it the biggest catch of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;headed for the Netherlands ever.

Dutch police said they arrested a 28-year-old man early Wednesday in the Netherlands in connection with both hauls totalling 23 tonnes.

In Hamburg, Germany, 16.17 tonnes of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;were found in over 1,700 tins of wall filler which had arrived on a container ship from Paraguay.

Dutch police said the illicit cargo intercepted was all bound for "the same destination in the Netherlands".&nbsp;

"The seized mega shipments to the Netherlands together form an absolute record. Never before has so much cocaine been intercepted at once," they said in a statement.

Customs officers at the busy port in Hamburg had decided to take a closer look at the Paraguayan containers after noticing "clear irregularities" with its contents -- tin cans that were meant to be filled with putty.

"Beyond a layer of genuine goods packed just behind the container door, numerous tin cans were in fact filled with other goods," said customs.

Investigators ordered the containers unloaded, and found the cocaine stash in over 1,700 tin cans.

"This is the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in Europe and one of the largest single seizures worldwide," German customs said, referring to the Hamburg haul.

In all, 102 tonnes of cocaine headed for the European continent were intercepted last year by an international law enforcement project co-implemented by the UN.

Germany and Belgium have seized 23 tonnes of cocaine in a record haul of the drug in Europe, German customs said Wednesday. The two shipments together represented a street value of roughly 600 million euros ($730 million), the prosecutors said, making it the biggest catch of cocaine headed for the Netherlands ever.

Germany and Belgium have seized 23 tonnes of cocaine in a record haul of the drug in Europe, German customs said Wednesday. The two shipments together represented a street value of roughly 600 million euros ($730 million), the prosecutors said, making it the biggest catch of cocaine headed for the Netherlands ever. Dutch police said they arrested a 28-year-old man early Wednesday in the Netherlands in connection with both hauls totalling 23 tonnes. In Hamburg, Germany, 16.17 tonnes of cocaine were found in over 1,700 tins of wall filler which had arrived on a container ship from Paraguay. Dutch police said the illicit cargo intercepted was all bound for "the same destination in the Netherlands". "The seized mega shipments to the Netherlands together form an absolute record. Never before has so much cocaine been intercepted at once," they said in a statement. Customs officers at the busy port in Hamburg had decided to take a closer look at the Paraguayan containers after noticing "clear irregularities" with its contents -- tin cans that were meant to be filled with putty. "Beyond a layer of genuine goods packed just behind the container door, numerous tin cans were in fact filled with other goods," said customs. Investigators ordered the containers unloaded, and found the cocaine stash in over 1,700 tin cans. "This is the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in Europe and one of the largest single seizures worldwide," German customs said, referring to the Hamburg haul. In all, 102 tonnes of cocaine headed for the European continent were intercepted last year by an international law enforcement project co-implemented by the UN.

'Europe's biggest haul': 23 tonnes of cocaine seized by customs authorities

A Turkish court convicted an executive of Turkish jet company MNG and two pilots over their role in flying former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan during his escape to Lebanon.

The court sentenced them to four years and two months on charges of migrant smuggling. It acquitted two other pilots of the same charge.

Ghosn, who was a global business superstar when his career came crashing to an end, fled Japan in December 2019 while out on bail facing financial misconduct charges.

He was arrested in November 2018 and had been expected to face trial in April 2020 on charges including understating his pay and misusing company assets.

He spent 130 days in prison before being released on bail and completing his audacious escape act.

Ghosn, who has denied any wrongdoing, has said he fled because he could not get a fair trial in Japan.

Nissan's former CEO appeared in a Tokyo court on Wednesday in the trial of Greg Kelly, a former aide to Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;facing charges of financial misconduct.

Kelly is the only person currently on trial in Japan in connection with the&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;saga after the auto tycoon jumped bail in late 2019 and escaped to Lebanon, where he remains an international fugitive.

Kelly faces a single charge of conspiring to under-report tens of millions of dollars in pay that&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was allegedly promised after his retirement.

A Turkish court convicted an executive of Turkish jet company MNG and two pilots over their role in flying former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan during his escape to Lebanon.

A Turkish court convicted an executive of Turkish jet company MNG and two pilots over their role in flying former Nissan Motor Co Ltd Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan during his escape to Lebanon. The court sentenced them to four years and two months on charges of migrant smuggling. It acquitted two other pilots of the same charge. Ghosn, who was a global business superstar when his career came crashing to an end, fled Japan in December 2019 while out on bail facing financial misconduct charges. He was arrested in November 2018 and had been expected to face trial in April 2020 on charges including understating his pay and misusing company assets. He spent 130 days in prison before being released on bail and completing his audacious escape act. Ghosn, who has denied any wrongdoing, has said he fled because he could not get a fair trial in Japan. Nissan's former CEO appeared in a Tokyo court on Wednesday in the trial of Greg Kelly, a former aide to Carlos Ghosn facing charges of financial misconduct. Kelly is the only person currently on trial in Japan in connection with the Ghosn saga after the auto tycoon jumped bail in late 2019 and escaped to Lebanon, where he remains an international fugitive. Kelly faces a single charge of conspiring to under-report tens of millions of dollars in pay that Ghosn was allegedly promised after his retirement.

Turkey jails three for aiding Carlos Ghosn escape from Japan

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday slammed ''institutionalised repression" of China's Uighur minority.

Activists and U.N. rights experts have said that at least 1 million Muslims are detained in camps in the remote western region. China denies abuses and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-parliament-describes-treatment-of-uighur-muslims-in-china-as-genocide-365558" hreflang="en">Canada Parliament describes treatment of Uighur Muslims in China as 'genocide'</a>

Speaking by video link at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Le Drian said that witness accounts and documents from the Chinese region of Xinjiang pointed to "unjustifiable practises towards Uighurs, and a system of large-scale surveillance and institutionalised repression."

Le Drian cited Xinjiang among several examples of "considerable regressions for human rights" in 2020.

He also listed the "attempted murder" of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned with a nerve agent in an attack he blames on the Kremlin, as well the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Belarus, the ongoing wars in Syria and Yemen and the coup in Myanmar.

Le Drian also expressed "great concern" about the fate of Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was jailed in 2018 after defending a woman arrested for protesting against the requirement for Iranian women to wear the hijab.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the U.N. Human Rights Council that it was taking counter-terrorism measures in accordance with the law and that Xinjiang enjoyed "social stability and sound development" after four years without any "terrorist case."

There were 24,000 mosques in Xinjiang, where people of all ethnic groups also enjoyed labour rights, he said.

The Biden administration last month endorsed a last-minute determination by the Trump administration that China has committed genocide in Xinjiang and has said the United States must be prepared to impose costs on China.

Earlier, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab denounced torture, forced labor and sterilizations that he said were taking place against&nbsp;Uighurs&nbsp;on an "industrial scale" in Xinjiang. "The situation in Xinjiang is beyond the pale," he said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday slammed ''institutionalised repression" of China's Uighur minority. Activists and U.N. rights experts have said that at least 1 million Muslims are detained in camps in the remote western region.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday slammed ''institutionalised repression" of China's Uighur minority. Activists and U.N. rights experts have said that at least 1 million Muslims are detained in camps in the remote western region. China denies abuses and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. Also read: Canada Parliament describes treatment of Uighur Muslims in China as 'genocide' Speaking by video link at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Le Drian said that witness accounts and documents from the Chinese region of Xinjiang pointed to "unjustifiable practises towards Uighurs, and a system of large-scale surveillance and institutionalised repression." Le Drian cited Xinjiang among several examples of "considerable regressions for human rights" in 2020. He also listed the "attempted murder" of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned with a nerve agent in an attack he blames on the Kremlin, as well the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Belarus, the ongoing wars in Syria and Yemen and the coup in Myanmar. Le Drian also expressed "great concern" about the fate of Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was jailed in 2018 after defending a woman arrested for protesting against the requirement for Iranian women to wear the hijab. Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the U.N. Human Rights Council that it was taking counter-terrorism measures in accordance with the law and that Xinjiang enjoyed "social stability and sound development" after four years without any "terrorist case." There were 24,000 mosques in Xinjiang, where people of all ethnic groups also enjoyed labour rights, he said. The Biden administration last month endorsed a last-minute determination by the Trump administration that China has committed genocide in Xinjiang and has said the United States must be prepared to impose costs on China. Earlier, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab denounced torture, forced labor and sterilizations that he said were taking place against Uighurs on an "industrial scale" in Xinjiang. "The situation in Xinjiang is beyond the pale," he said.

France denounces 'institutional repression' of China's Uighurs

Archaeologists have discovered an&nbsp;extinct goose from a&nbsp;4,600-year-old Egyptian painting&nbsp;famously known as the ‘Meidum Geese’ from the Chapel of Itet.

Meidum Geese&nbsp;has been admired since its discovery in the 1800s and described as ‘Egypt’s Mona Lisa’.

Animals depicted by ancient artisans have the potential to provide insights&nbsp;into past cultures. While qualitative approaches are commonly used to identify animals to species level, the use of more objective approaches has the potential to reduce bias and uncertainty.

Anthony Romilio, an evolutionary biologist from&nbsp;the University of Queensland in Australia used&nbsp;taxonomic sleuthing to have a closer look at the painting when he suspected that it had more than what caught the eye.

He&nbsp;said the strange but beautiful bird was quite unlike modern red-breasted geese, with&nbsp;distinct, bold colours and patterns on its body, face, breast, wings and legs.

Romilio said extinct animals had been identified previously in ancient art, but not all the species had been scientifically confirmed.

He&nbsp;found of the three different graphically represented geese types, one form resembles greylag geese (but did not exclude bean geese), a second form is like greater white-fronted geese, but the third goose type did not plausibly match with red-breasted geese.

To assure that it was extinct geese, Romilio used a highly effective method in identifying species,&nbsp;using quantitative measurements of key bird features,&nbsp;and greatly strengthens the value of the information to zoological and ecological science.

Archaeologists have discovered an extinct goose from a 4,600-year-old Egyptian painting famously known as the ‘Meidum Geese’ from the Chapel of Itet. Meidum Geese has been admired since its discovery in the 1800s and described as ‘Egypt’s Mona Lisa’.

Archaeologists have discovered an extinct goose from a 4,600-year-old Egyptian painting famously known as the ‘Meidum Geese’ from the Chapel of Itet. Meidum Geese has been admired since its discovery in the 1800s and described as ‘Egypt’s Mona Lisa’. Animals depicted by ancient artisans have the potential to provide insights into past cultures. While qualitative approaches are commonly used to identify animals to species level, the use of more objective approaches has the potential to reduce bias and uncertainty. Anthony Romilio, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Queensland in Australia used taxonomic sleuthing to have a closer look at the painting when he suspected that it had more than what caught the eye. He said the strange but beautiful bird was quite unlike modern red-breasted geese, with distinct, bold colours and patterns on its body, face, breast, wings and legs. Romilio said extinct animals had been identified previously in ancient art, but not all the species had been scientifically confirmed. He found of the three different graphically represented geese types, one form resembles greylag geese (but did not exclude bean geese), a second form is like greater white-fronted geese, but the third goose type did not plausibly match with red-breasted geese. To assure that it was extinct geese, Romilio used a highly effective method in identifying species, using quantitative measurements of key bird features, and greatly strengthens the value of the information to zoological and ecological science.

4,600-year-old Egyptian art reveals an extinct goose

President Joe&nbsp;Biden on Tuesday&nbsp;announced the reversal of the stringent Trump-era policy by reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalisation test module to make the path to US citizenship more accessible to all eligible individuals.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Monday that it is reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalisation civics test beginning March 1, 2021.

The previous Trump administration had introduced some changes to the naturalisation civics test, called the 2020 civics test, which increased the number of questions from 100 to 128 and the correct answers in the multiple-choice questions had political and ideological overtones.

Announcing the reversal, the USCIS said the agency has determined that the revised civics test, applicable for individuals who had applied on or after December 1, 2020, "may inadvertently create potential barriers" to the naturalisation process.

USCIS said in a statement, "This action is consistent with the framework of the Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems, which directs a comprehensive review of the naturalisation process to eliminate barriers and make the process more accessible to all eligible individuals."

"The 2008 civics test was thoroughly developed over a multi-year period with the input of more than 150 organisations, which included English as a second language experts, educators, and historians, and was piloted before its implementation. USCIS aspires to make the process as accessible as possible as directed by President Biden's request to review the process thoroughly,''&nbsp;it said.

The civics test is administered to applicants who apply for US citizenship through naturalisation and is one of the statutory requirements for naturalising. Applicants must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of government of the United States.

"The decision to naturalise demonstrates an investment in and commitment to this country. USCIS is committed to administering a test that is an instrument of civic learning and fosters civic integration as part of the test preparation process,''&nbsp;the statement said.

Applicants who filed their application for naturalisation on or after December 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, likely have been studying for the 2020 test; therefore, USCIS will give these applicants the option to take either the 2020 civics test or the 2008 civics test, it said.

There will be a transition period where both tests are being offered. The 2020 test will be phased out on April 19, 2021, for initial test takers. Applicants filing on or after March 1, 2021, will take the 2008 civics test, the agency said.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced the reversal of the stringent Trump-era policy by reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalisation test module to make the path to US citizenship more accessible to all eligible individuals.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced the reversal of the stringent Trump-era policy by reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalisation test module to make the path to US citizenship more accessible to all eligible individuals. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Monday that it is reverting to the 2008 version of the naturalisation civics test beginning March 1, 2021. The previous Trump administration had introduced some changes to the naturalisation civics test, called the 2020 civics test, which increased the number of questions from 100 to 128 and the correct answers in the multiple-choice questions had political and ideological overtones. Announcing the reversal, the USCIS said the agency has determined that the revised civics test, applicable for individuals who had applied on or after December 1, 2020, "may inadvertently create potential barriers" to the naturalisation process. USCIS said in a statement, "This action is consistent with the framework of the Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems, which directs a comprehensive review of the naturalisation process to eliminate barriers and make the process more accessible to all eligible individuals." "The 2008 civics test was thoroughly developed over a multi-year period with the input of more than 150 organisations, which included English as a second language experts, educators, and historians, and was piloted before its implementation. USCIS aspires to make the process as accessible as possible as directed by President Biden's request to review the process thoroughly,'' it said. The civics test is administered to applicants who apply for US citizenship through naturalisation and is one of the statutory requirements for naturalising. Applicants must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of government of the United States. "The decision to naturalise demonstrates an investment in and commitment to this country. USCIS is committed to administering a test that is an instrument of civic learning and fosters civic integration as part of the test preparation process,'' the statement said. Applicants who filed their application for naturalisation on or after December 1, 2020, and before March 1, 2021, likely have been studying for the 2020 test; therefore, USCIS will give these applicants the option to take either the 2020 civics test or the 2008 civics test, it said. There will be a transition period where both tests are being offered. The 2020 test will be phased out on April 19, 2021, for initial test takers. Applicants filing on or after March 1, 2021, will take the 2008 civics test, the agency said.

US President Joe Biden rolls back Trump-era citizenship test

I Care a Lot is an American dark comedy-thriller film starring Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, and Dianne Wiest. It is written and directed by J Blakeson. British actress Rosamund Pike, who received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of anti-hero Amy Dunne in 'Gone Girl', takes another villainous turn in the satirical thriller.

The&nbsp;star plays Marla Grayson, a conning court-appointed guardian who brazenly takes advantage of the legal system to seize and steal her elderly clients' assets. She carries out her operation in broad daylight, working within legal parameters as much as possible, which is something that Blakeson highlights regularly — Marla is able to get away with her scam not by slipping under the radar, but by walking confidently through loopholes in the law.

In her monologue at the very beginning of the movie, she says “There are two kinds of people in this world: predators and prey.” Grayson is ambitious, shameless and poised with shark-like self-assurance and describes herself as a ''lioness''.

Grayson's character is symbolic of the evil in the world as she bribes a doctor to declare her patients mentally unfit and then persuades an overburdened, gullible judge burdened with numerous cases to appoint her as their guardian. Caring and professional in court, Marla shows her true colours out of it, as she tracks down and tricks potential clients and their families with her business and life partner Fran (Eiza Gonzalez). 
 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D40uHmTSPew" width="560"></iframe>

As soon as she gets the legal document, she blindsides her victims, sends them old age homes, auctions off their assets, and makes a hefty profit. When questioned she acts innocent and coincidently, fortune favours the brave. She is the personification of the bottomless appetite of American capitalism, and she is so unflinching in her avarice that she can win over other sharks who recognise a fellow predator.

As her scheme begins to unravel, Marla forges on headfirst, oozing confidence and refusing to bow out or to be intimidated into letting go of Mrs Peterson's assets. Her relationship with Fran provides the only hint of her softer side. While Marla is fearless, Fran is resourceful but, they complement each other well. They both are in search of a ''cherry'' on the cake with no strings attached to act as their big professional breakthrough.

The duo meets their match in wealthy pensioner Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), whose tranquil suburban life turns out to be a disguise for a criminal network lead by an evil gangster (Peter Dinklage). His sentimental outbursts and antiques as a member of the mob provide comic relief in the otherwise serious film. The battle of the sexes and the rambunctious cat and mouse chase between Grayson and Ramon contribute to the development of the plot.

Both Marla and Roman have climbed high in their chosen spheres, and cannot help but admire the other’s tenacity. Corporate firms feeding on the vulnerable for their benefits strikes a chord with the current society we live in. The realism in the movie makes it grave and nauseating. But it is the harsh reality of life.

The predatory system of conservatorship highlighted in the film made me think about Britney Spears's conservatorship controversy which shares much in common with the central conceit of 'I Care a Lot'. 
 
There are a few voices in Hollywood that are so distinct and deeply etched in our memories that it is impossible to look at them play out a new role and not be reminded of the one that had made them iconic. Rosamund Pike’s Gone Girl-husky voice is one such example. It acts as an asset to this film adds a layer of wonderful threat to that salacious smile that can make any line feel magnetical, appealing, and dangerous. That voice and smile were the essences of Gone Girl and this movie is somewhat indebted to that persona.

'I Care a Lot'&nbsp;proposes, rather boldly, that the act of taking back control in a male-dominated society shouldn’t be reserved for honourable women. Because after all, there’s a gender imbalance in the world of villainy, too.

Pike's performance as an ice-cold villain is mesmerising and reminds of her perfection in 'Gone Girl'. However, this does act as drawback as well as sometimes the audience has a hard time believing them. Dinklage is effortlessly hilarious as rogue Roman and his addiction to cupcakes and donuts is one motif that renders the much-needed comic relief to his otherwise grey character.

Eiza González’s a henchwoman in ‘I Care A Lot’ and although her role rises to prominence towards the climax, she, more or less, remains overshadowed by a splendid Pike for the better part. Chris Messina’s minor character as a corporate lawyer Dean could have developed into a full-blown parallel character.

His ego tussle with the feminist Marla ends without any twists and turns and is very predictable from start to finish. They both have one thing in common, that is, they hate to lose. And as a person with such a demeanour, Dean gives up way too easily.

Dianne Wiest, who is a brilliant and incredibly talented actor could have been utlised in a much better manner. However, her character is overshadowed by Pike and Dinklage's characters. Even though the film is compelling, the editing could have been much crisper as the movie goes off the rails near its climax. Scenes feel stretched and becomes evident that the focus of the writer was on the characters rather than the plot. He struggles to get to its conclusion in one piece. The ending feels a bit rushed and abrupt.

I Care a Lot is an American dark comedy-thriller film starring Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, and Dianne Wiest. It is written and directed by J Blakeson.

I Care a Lot is an American dark comedy-thriller film starring Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, and Dianne Wiest. It is written and directed by J Blakeson. British actress Rosamund Pike, who received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of anti-hero Amy Dunne in 'Gone Girl', takes another villainous turn in the satirical thriller. The star plays Marla Grayson, a conning court-appointed guardian who brazenly takes advantage of the legal system to seize and steal her elderly clients' assets. She carries out her operation in broad daylight, working within legal parameters as much as possible, which is something that Blakeson highlights regularly — Marla is able to get away with her scam not by slipping under the radar, but by walking confidently through loopholes in the law. In her monologue at the very beginning of the movie, she says “There are two kinds of people in this world: predators and prey.” Grayson is ambitious, shameless and poised with shark-like self-assurance and describes herself as a ''lioness''. Grayson's character is symbolic of the evil in the world as she bribes a doctor to declare her patients mentally unfit and then persuades an overburdened, gullible judge burdened with numerous cases to appoint her as their guardian. Caring and professional in court, Marla shows her true colours out of it, as she tracks down and tricks potential clients and their families with her business and life partner Fran (Eiza Gonzalez). As soon as she gets the legal document, she blindsides her victims, sends them old age homes, auctions off their assets, and makes a hefty profit. When questioned she acts innocent and coincidently, fortune favours the brave. She is the personification of the bottomless appetite of American capitalism, and she is so unflinching in her avarice that she can win over other sharks who recognise a fellow predator. As her scheme begins to unravel, Marla forges on headfirst, oozing confidence and refusing to bow out or to be intimidated into letting go of Mrs Peterson's assets. Her relationship with Fran provides the only hint of her softer side. While Marla is fearless, Fran is resourceful but, they complement each other well. They both are in search of a ''cherry'' on the cake with no strings attached to act as their big professional breakthrough. The duo meets their match in wealthy pensioner Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), whose tranquil suburban life turns out to be a disguise for a criminal network lead by an evil gangster (Peter Dinklage). His sentimental outbursts and antiques as a member of the mob provide comic relief in the otherwise serious film. The battle of the sexes and the rambunctious cat and mouse chase between Grayson and Ramon contribute to the development of the plot. Both Marla and Roman have climbed high in their chosen spheres, and cannot help but admire the other’s tenacity. Corporate firms feeding on the vulnerable for their benefits strikes a chord with the current society we live in. The realism in the movie makes it grave and nauseating. But it is the harsh reality of life. The predatory system of conservatorship highlighted in the film made me think about Britney Spears's conservatorship controversy which shares much in common with the central conceit of 'I Care a Lot'. There are a few voices in Hollywood that are so distinct and deeply etched in our memories that it is impossible to look at them play out a new role and not be reminded of the one that had made them iconic. Rosamund Pike’s Gone Girl-husky voice is one such example. It acts as an asset to this film adds a layer of wonderful threat to that salacious smile that can make any line feel magnetical, appealing, and dangerous. That voice and smile were the essences of Gone Girl and this movie is somewhat indebted to that persona. 'I Care a Lot' proposes, rather boldly, that the act of taking back control in a male-dominated society shouldn’t be reserved for honourable women. Because after all, there’s a gender imbalance in the world of villainy, too. Pike's performance as an ice-cold villain is mesmerising and reminds of her perfection in 'Gone Girl'. However, this does act as drawback as well as sometimes the audience has a hard time believing them. Dinklage is effortlessly hilarious as rogue Roman and his addiction to cupcakes and donuts is one motif that renders the much-needed comic relief to his otherwise grey character. Eiza González’s a henchwoman in ‘I Care A Lot’ and although her role rises to prominence towards the climax, she, more or less, remains overshadowed by a splendid Pike for the better part. Chris Messina’s minor character as a corporate lawyer Dean could have developed into a full-blown parallel character. His ego tussle with the feminist Marla ends without any twists and turns and is very predictable from start to finish. They both have one thing in common, that is, they hate to lose. And as a person with such a demeanour, Dean gives up way too easily. Dianne Wiest, who is a brilliant and incredibly talented actor could have been utlised in a much better manner. However, her character is overshadowed by Pike and Dinklage's characters. Even though the film is compelling, the editing could have been much crisper as the movie goes off the rails near its climax. Scenes feel stretched and becomes evident that the focus of the writer was on the characters rather than the plot. He struggles to get to its conclusion in one piece. The ending feels a bit rushed and abrupt.

'I Care a Lot' review: An exhilarating pitch-black comedy with a stellar performance by Rosamund Pike

Pope&nbsp;Francis is set to embark on a historic trip to Iraq, the first-ever papal visit to the country.

Basra's Archbishop Habib al-Naufaly stressed the symbolic importance of the&nbsp;pope's March 5-8 visit as Iraq is still recovering from the war against the Islamic State that destroyed scores of Christian heritage sites.

He will hold an inter-religious prayer service at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Ur when he visits Iraq next week - an event local archaeologists hope will draw renewed attention to the place revered as the birthplace of Abraham.

It is the site where Abraham, the father of three religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam,&nbsp;is thought to have been born.

The inter-religious prayer service will be attended by Christians, Muslims, Mandaean-Sabaean, Yazidi and other religious minorities present in Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-do-iraqs-christians-think-about-the-visit-of-pope-francis-365526">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-do-iraqs-christians-think-about-the-visit-of-pope-francis-365526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The focus will be on harmony between religious groups in a service the Vatican has named "Prayer for the sons and daughters of Abraham".

Popular with Western visitors in the 1970s and 1980s, Ur is scarcely visited today after decades of war and political instability shattered Iraq's international tourism industry. The coronavirus crisis now also keeps local tourists away.

Located about 300 km (200 miles) south of the capital Baghdad, the site comprises a pyramid-style Ziggurat and an adjacent residential complex as well as temples and palaces.

It was excavated about 100 years ago by Leonard Woolley, a Briton who recovered treasures rivalling those found in Tutankhamen's tomb in Egypt. But little work has since been done on one of the world's oldest cities, where urban dwelling, writing and central state power began.

However, the focus of the visit will be&nbsp;a groundbreaking meeting&nbsp;with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric.&nbsp;The pope will meet ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

The private meeting is&nbsp;a very significant one, in a country with a dwindling Christian population.

What do Iraq's Christians think about the visit? &nbsp;

Several Christians in Iraq fled the country after the US-led invasion while others&nbsp;left during the sectarian bloodshed.

The last two&nbsp;decades have hollowed out Iraq's Christian community, a&nbsp;community that dates back two millennia.

Iraq's Christian community is one of the most diverse in the world featuring branches like Chaldean, Armenian orthodox and&nbsp;protestant.

In 2003, there were nearly 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, which was nearly 6 per cent&nbsp;of the country's 25 million population.

But as Iraq's population mushroomed, the number of minorities shrunk, today only 400,000 Christians remain.

According to&nbsp;Saad Hormuz, a 52-year-old Iraqi Christian refugee in Jordan,&nbsp;"When I left Iraq, it was a very difficult decision to make. But I was forced to make it because of how sad I was about my country, which was turning into a place we couldn’t be or live in."

In Iraq's capital, a thriving Christian population has shrunk by almost 90 per cent. Most of them migrated to neighbouring nations while others resettled in countries like the United States and Australia.

Many fled to escape the war and when they returned, militiamen had occupied their homes. Some even found that their homes had been secretly sold, using fabricated deeds.

"Most of the Christians, who left Iraq due to the sectarian situation and violence, have left their homes under the protection of their neighbours, while others have closed their doors with the hope of returning after the situation stabilises," said&nbsp;William Warde&nbsp;head of the Hammurabi human rights organisation.

Getting those homes back is a dizzying bureaucratic process that usually ends in failure. Mediation efforts often end in death threats and a rigged legal system favours the majority.

The pope's visit&nbsp;might put the spotlight on Iraq's Christians and their troubles. But most of them remain cynical as they say the space for minorities is shrinking and there's very little that the pope can do.

Pope Francis is set to embark on a historic trip to Iraq, the first-ever papal visit to the country. Basra's Archbishop Habib al-Naufaly stressed the symbolic importance of the pope's March 5-8 visit as Iraq is still recovering from the war against the Islamic State that destroyed scores of Christian heritage sites.

Pope Francis is set to embark on a historic trip to Iraq, the first-ever papal visit to the country. Basra's Archbishop Habib al-Naufaly stressed the symbolic importance of the pope's March 5-8 visit as Iraq is still recovering from the war against the Islamic State that destroyed scores of Christian heritage sites. He will hold an inter-religious prayer service at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Ur when he visits Iraq next week - an event local archaeologists hope will draw renewed attention to the place revered as the birthplace of Abraham. It is the site where Abraham, the father of three religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is thought to have been born. The inter-religious prayer service will be attended by Christians, Muslims, Mandaean-Sabaean, Yazidi and other religious minorities present in Iraq. WATCH| The focus will be on harmony between religious groups in a service the Vatican has named "Prayer for the sons and daughters of Abraham". Popular with Western visitors in the 1970s and 1980s, Ur is scarcely visited today after decades of war and political instability shattered Iraq's international tourism industry. The coronavirus crisis now also keeps local tourists away. Located about 300 km (200 miles) south of the capital Baghdad, the site comprises a pyramid-style Ziggurat and an adjacent residential complex as well as temples and palaces. It was excavated about 100 years ago by Leonard Woolley, a Briton who recovered treasures rivalling those found in Tutankhamen's tomb in Egypt. But little work has since been done on one of the world's oldest cities, where urban dwelling, writing and central state power began. However, the focus of the visit will be a groundbreaking meeting with Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric. The pope will meet ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The private meeting is a very significant one, in a country with a dwindling Christian population. What do Iraq's Christians think about the visit? Several Christians in Iraq fled the country after the US-led invasion while others left during the sectarian bloodshed. The last two decades have hollowed out Iraq's Christian community, a community that dates back two millennia. Iraq's Christian community is one of the most diverse in the world featuring branches like Chaldean, Armenian orthodox and protestant. In 2003, there were nearly 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, which was nearly 6 per cent of the country's 25 million population. But as Iraq's population mushroomed, the number of minorities shrunk, today only 400,000 Christians remain. According to Saad Hormuz, a 52-year-old Iraqi Christian refugee in Jordan, "When I left Iraq, it was a very difficult decision to make. But I was forced to make it because of how sad I was about my country, which was turning into a place we couldn’t be or live in." In Iraq's capital, a thriving Christian population has shrunk by almost 90 per cent. Most of them migrated to neighbouring nations while others resettled in countries like the United States and Australia. Many fled to escape the war and when they returned, militiamen had occupied their homes. Some even found that their homes had been secretly sold, using fabricated deeds. "Most of the Christians, who left Iraq due to the sectarian situation and violence, have left their homes under the protection of their neighbours, while others have closed their doors with the hope of returning after the situation stabilises," said William Warde head of the Hammurabi human rights organisation. Getting those homes back is a dizzying bureaucratic process that usually ends in failure. Mediation efforts often end in death threats and a rigged legal system favours the majority. The pope's visit might put the spotlight on Iraq's Christians and their troubles. But most of them remain cynical as they say the space for minorities is shrinking and there's very little that the pope can do.

Iraq prepares for the Pope's visit amid scars of war

Brazil on Tuesday approved the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a> for widespread use even though it is not yet available in the country.

Antonio Barra Torres, the director of Brazil's health regulatory agency Anvisa, said&nbsp;"It gives me great pleasure to announce that after a 17-day review, (regulators) have granted the first approval&nbsp;in the Americas for widespread use of a vaccine against Covid-19."

The approval was definitive and not only for emergency use as per the&nbsp;federal health regulator. So far, Brazil is using two vaccines for inoculating its citizens. These include&nbsp;Chinese-developed CoronaVac and one developed by Oxford University and British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-confirms-three-cases-of-brazil-coronavirus-variant-365200">Taiwan confirms three cases of Brazil coronavirus variant</a>

Brazil&nbsp;surpassed 10 million confirmed coronavirus cases last week as a new variant discovered in the Amazon threatens to further ravage a country where inoculations have been halted in many cities due to a lack of vaccines. It has the second-highest death toll after the United States.

President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently played down the gravity of the pandemic, urging&nbsp;Brazilians back to work and saying he would not be vaccinated.

Despite vowing to vaccinate the entire population of around 210 million by the end of the year, the Health Ministry has provided states with just 11.8 million doses so far.

That is far short of the 104.2 million doses needed to immunize just the highest risk groups in&nbsp;Brazil, using vaccines that require two shots per person.

Brazil on Tuesday approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use even though it is not yet available in the country. Antonio Barra Torres, the director of Brazil's health regulatory agency Anvisa, said "It gives me great pleasure to announce that after a 17-day review, (regulators) have granted the first approval in the Americas for widespread use of a vaccine against Covid-19.

Brazil on Tuesday approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use even though it is not yet available in the country. Antonio Barra Torres, the director of Brazil's health regulatory agency Anvisa, said "It gives me great pleasure to announce that after a 17-day review, (regulators) have granted the first approval in the Americas for widespread use of a vaccine against Covid-19." The approval was definitive and not only for emergency use as per the federal health regulator. So far, Brazil is using two vaccines for inoculating its citizens. These include Chinese-developed CoronaVac and one developed by Oxford University and British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca. Also read: Taiwan confirms three cases of Brazil coronavirus variant Brazil surpassed 10 million confirmed coronavirus cases last week as a new variant discovered in the Amazon threatens to further ravage a country where inoculations have been halted in many cities due to a lack of vaccines. It has the second-highest death toll after the United States. President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently played down the gravity of the pandemic, urging Brazilians back to work and saying he would not be vaccinated. Despite vowing to vaccinate the entire population of around 210 million by the end of the year, the Health Ministry has provided states with just 11.8 million doses so far. That is far short of the 104.2 million doses needed to immunize just the highest risk groups in Brazil, using vaccines that require two shots per person.

Brazil approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine despite unavailability in country

The White House on Tuesday said America's relationship with China is&nbsp;one of "strong competition".

The statement comes a day after&nbsp;Beijing urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and lift trade sanctions.

Earlier,&nbsp;Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said&nbsp;that the US should stop "smearing" the ruling Communist Party of China and its one-party political system, lift sanctions on trade and halt Washington's backing of "separatist forces''&nbsp;in Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

He also said that the Biden administration should adjust&nbsp;the hardline policy pursued by former President Donald Trump towards Beijing to check its growing influence.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki assured that the Biden administration will work in close coordination with partners and allies to make sure that it is coming from a position of strength.

The relations between China and the US are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, the origins of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the communist giant's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights.

At the Capitol, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the US Congress is dedicated to holding China accountable for its abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, Tibetans, activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong.

Last week, more than 15 legislations were introduced in the United States Congress against China.

''The United States Congress has long been united on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to holding China accountable for its repression and abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, the Tibetan people, human rights activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong. We must ensure that all oppressed and persecuted by Beijing know that they have not been forgotten,'' Pelosi said.

''The Chinese government must know that the world is watching its strangulation of human rights and that we must put all options on the table for holding China accountable,''&nbsp;she said in a statement on the Chinese government's ongoing trial of democracy leader Martin Lee, along with eight other pro-democracy leaders.

The White House on Tuesday said America's relationship with China is one of "strong competition". The statement comes a day after Beijing urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and lift trade sanctions.

The White House on Tuesday said America's relationship with China is one of "strong competition". The statement comes a day after Beijing urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and lift trade sanctions. Earlier, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said that the US should stop "smearing" the ruling Communist Party of China and its one-party political system, lift sanctions on trade and halt Washington's backing of "separatist forces'' in Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. He also said that the Biden administration should adjust the hardline policy pursued by former President Donald Trump towards Beijing to check its growing influence. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki assured that the Biden administration will work in close coordination with partners and allies to make sure that it is coming from a position of strength. The relations between China and the US are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, the origins of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the communist giant's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights. At the Capitol, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the US Congress is dedicated to holding China accountable for its abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, Tibetans, activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong. Last week, more than 15 legislations were introduced in the United States Congress against China. ''The United States Congress has long been united on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to holding China accountable for its repression and abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, the Tibetan people, human rights activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong. We must ensure that all oppressed and persecuted by Beijing know that they have not been forgotten,'' Pelosi said. ''The Chinese government must know that the world is watching its strangulation of human rights and that we must put all options on the table for holding China accountable,'' she said in a statement on the Chinese government's ongoing trial of democracy leader Martin Lee, along with eight other pro-democracy leaders.

White House says relationship with China is one of 'strong competition'

China on Tuesday decried a&nbsp;motion by Canada's parliament saying its treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

Canada's House of Commons on Monday voted 266-0 for the non-binding motion brought by the opposition Conservative Party.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Cabinet abstained from the vote, although Liberal backbenchers widely backed it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-parliament-describes-treatment-of-uighur-muslims-in-china-as-genocide-365558">Canada Parliament describes treatment of Uighur Muslims in China as 'genocide'</a>

The motion was also amended just before the vote to call on the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing if the treatment continues.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news briefing that the motion "disregards facts and common sense", adding that Beijing had "lodged stern representations" with Canada.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-rejects-genocide-charges-in-xinjiang-region-365663/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This comes after Donald Trump's outgoing administration last month said Beijing's incarceration of mostly Muslim minorities in its far-western Xinjiang region amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity.

"It's a word that is extremely loaded and is certainly something that we should be looking at in the case of the Uighurs," Trudeau told a news conference.&nbsp;

"I know the international community is looking very carefully at that and we are certainly among them, and we will not hesitate from being part of the determinations around these sorts of things."

He said there was "no question" there had been significant human rights abuses reported coming out of Xinjiang.

"We are extremely concerned about that and have highlighted our concerns many times. But when it comes to the application of the very specific word 'genocide,' we simply need to ensure that all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed in the processes before a determination like that is made," Trudeau added.

Rights groups say at least one million Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims have been incarcerated in camps in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Independent access to the sensitive area is highly restricted, making reporting and verification of the allegations near impossible.

But witnesses and activists say China is seeking to forcibly integrate the Uighurs into the majority Han culture by eradicating Islamic customs, including by forcing Muslims to eat pork and drink alcohol -- both forbidden by their faith -- while imposing a regime of effective forced labour.

In January, then US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "We are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uighurs by the Chinese party-state."

His successor, Antony Blinken, has said he agreed with the label, and vowed to stay tough on China.

China has denied wrongdoing and contends that its camps are vocational training centers meant to reduce the allure of Islamic extremism in the wake of attacks.

Canada-China relations soured in late 2018 over the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and China's detention of two Canadians -- former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor -- in what Ottawa has called retaliation.

China on Tuesday decried a motion by Canada's parliament saying its treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide. Canada's House of Commons on Monday voted 266-0 for the non-binding motion brought by the opposition Conservative Party.

China on Tuesday decried a motion by Canada's parliament saying its treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide. Canada's House of Commons on Monday voted 266-0 for the non-binding motion brought by the opposition Conservative Party. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Cabinet abstained from the vote, although Liberal backbenchers widely backed it. Also read: Canada Parliament describes treatment of Uighur Muslims in China as 'genocide' The motion was also amended just before the vote to call on the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing if the treatment continues. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news briefing that the motion "disregards facts and common sense", adding that Beijing had "lodged stern representations" with Canada. This comes after Donald Trump's outgoing administration last month said Beijing's incarceration of mostly Muslim minorities in its far-western Xinjiang region amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. "It's a word that is extremely loaded and is certainly something that we should be looking at in the case of the Uighurs," Trudeau told a news conference. "I know the international community is looking very carefully at that and we are certainly among them, and we will not hesitate from being part of the determinations around these sorts of things." He said there was "no question" there had been significant human rights abuses reported coming out of Xinjiang. "We are extremely concerned about that and have highlighted our concerns many times. But when it comes to the application of the very specific word 'genocide,' we simply need to ensure that all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed in the processes before a determination like that is made," Trudeau added. Rights groups say at least one million Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims have been incarcerated in camps in Xinjiang. Independent access to the sensitive area is highly restricted, making reporting and verification of the allegations near impossible. But witnesses and activists say China is seeking to forcibly integrate the Uighurs into the majority Han culture by eradicating Islamic customs, including by forcing Muslims to eat pork and drink alcohol -- both forbidden by their faith -- while imposing a regime of effective forced labour. In January, then US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "We are witnessing the systematic attempt to destroy Uighurs by the Chinese party-state." His successor, Antony Blinken, has said he agreed with the label, and vowed to stay tough on China. China has denied wrongdoing and contends that its camps are vocational training centers meant to reduce the allure of Islamic extremism in the wake of attacks. Canada-China relations soured in late 2018 over the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and China's detention of two Canadians -- former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor -- in what Ottawa has called retaliation.

'Disregards facts and common sense': China decries Canada's motion saying its treatment of Uighurs is 'genocide'

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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