About 2 million Australians begun their first full day of a strict coronavirus lockdown on Monday following the discovery of one case in the community in Perth, capital of Western Australia state, but no new cases have since been found. 
 
Authorities ordered a five-day lockdown of Perth after a security guard at a hotel used to quarantine people returning from overseas was found to have contracted the virus. 
 
The state government said 66 people have been deemed close contacts of the unidentified guard and none of those already tested were infected. 
 
"In total 13 close contacts have now tested negative and of those 11 high-risk contacts have been moved into hotel quarantine as an extra precaution," Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan told reporters in Perth. 
 
Tests on the rest of the close contacts were expected to be completed on Monday, McGowan said. 
 
Australia has managed to largely contain its novel coronavirus epidemic - limiting cases to nearly 29,000 and deaths to 909 - with the sort of decisive action seen in Perth, and tight border controls. 
 
A vaccine campaign is due to begin this month, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison said would cost at least A$6.3 billion ($4.8 billion). 
 
Australia had already pledged to spend A$4.4 billion to acquire enough doses for its 26 million population, but Morrison said his government had set aside a further A$1.9 billion to pay for the roll-out. 
 
"The strategy is backed by an initial allocation of around A$1.9 billion in new support for the vaccine roll-out. This is on top of more than $4.4 billion allocated for vaccines purchases," Morrison said in a speech in Canberra. 
 
Classifying the inoculation programme as his "first priority", Morrison said the economy must now begin to wean itself off government spending. 
 
Australia has pledged more than A$250 billion in stimulus, which has already begun to taper. 
 
But Morrison said there was a limit to the support government could afford. 
 
"We are not running a blank cheque budget," Morrison said. 
&nbsp;

About 2 million Australians begun their first full day of a strict coronavirus lockdown on Monday following the discovery of one case in the community in Perth, capital of Western Australia state, but no new cases have since been found.

About 2 million Australians begun their first full day of a strict coronavirus lockdown on Monday following the discovery of one case in the community in Perth, capital of Western Australia state, but no new cases have since been found. Authorities ordered a five-day lockdown of Perth after a security guard at a hotel used to quarantine people returning from overseas was found to have contracted the virus. The state government said 66 people have been deemed close contacts of the unidentified guard and none of those already tested were infected. "In total 13 close contacts have now tested negative and of those 11 high-risk contacts have been moved into hotel quarantine as an extra precaution," Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan told reporters in Perth. Tests on the rest of the close contacts were expected to be completed on Monday, McGowan said. Australia has managed to largely contain its novel coronavirus epidemic - limiting cases to nearly 29,000 and deaths to 909 - with the sort of decisive action seen in Perth, and tight border controls. A vaccine campaign is due to begin this month, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison said would cost at least A$6.3 billion ($4.8 billion). Australia had already pledged to spend A$4.4 billion to acquire enough doses for its 26 million population, but Morrison said his government had set aside a further A$1.9 billion to pay for the roll-out. "The strategy is backed by an initial allocation of around A$1.9 billion in new support for the vaccine roll-out. This is on top of more than $4.4 billion allocated for vaccines purchases," Morrison said in a speech in Canberra. Classifying the inoculation programme as his "first priority", Morrison said the economy must now begin to wean itself off government spending. Australia has pledged more than A$250 billion in stimulus, which has already begun to taper. But Morrison said there was a limit to the support government could afford. "We are not running a blank cheque budget," Morrison said.

Two million Australians in lockdown after one coronavirus case found

Bitcoin prices soared after&nbsp;Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday said that he is a ''supporter'' of the largest cryptocurrency.

The comments come after Musk's use of a "#bitcoin" tag on his Twitter profile page led to a 14 per cent&nbsp;jump in the cryptocurrency on Friday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/gamestop-prompts-surge-in-hyper-rally-after-elon-musks-tweet-359791">GameStop prompts surge in hyper-rally after Elon Musk's tweet</a>

"I am a supporter of bitcoin,"&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;said during his debut on the invitation-only social media app Clubhouse, a conversation that drew thousands of listeners.

"I think bitcoin is on the verge of getting broad acceptance by conventional finance people," he said, adding he should have bought it eight years ago.

"I was a little slow on the uptake ... I do think at this point that bitcoin is a good thing."

Cryptocurrencies have buffeted recently by volatile-retail investor demand shaped online by Twitter feeds and Reddit forms.

Bitcoin was up 2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;at $33,796 on Monday, having surged over 300 per cent&nbsp;in 2020. The cryptocurrency jumped over 300&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;last year, as bigger US&nbsp;investors and corporations sought exposure to it, and touched an all-time high of $42,000 last month.

In December,&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;asked about the possibility of converting "large transactions" of Tesla's balance sheet into bitcoin, in a Twitter exchange with a well-known advocate for the digital currency.

The Twitter handle of the world's richest person has joined the growing list of things to watch for those trading stocks for personal or professional purposes and comes amid the rising prominence of the'WallStreetBets' Reddit chat room that drove skyrocketing gains for GameStop shares.

That forum grabbed&nbsp;Musk's attention too when he tweeted "Gamestonk!!" on Tuesday, along with a link to the Reddit stock trading discussion group behind the year-to-date 2,500 [per cent-plus rally in the video game retailer.

"Stonks" is a tongue-in-cheek term for stocks widely used on social media. His supporters in the Reddit forum affectionately refer to him as "Papa&nbsp;Musk."

Justifiably, his tweets led to surges in other stocks too.

Shares of fast-growing Polish game developer CD Projekt soared 16 per cent&nbsp;on Thursday after&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;tweeted: "The esthetics of Cyberpunk are incredible btw....". Cyberpunk is the company's flagship game.

Similarly, online retailing platform Etsy's stock jumped 9 per cent&nbsp;on Tuesday right after&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;tweeted: "I kinda love Etsy". He said he bought a "hand-knit wool Marvin the Martian helm" for his dog.

Bitcoin prices soared after Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday said that he is a ''supporter'' of the largest cryptocurrency. The comments come after Musk's use of a "#bitcoin" tag on his Twitter profile page led to a 14 per cent jump in the cryptocurrency on Friday.

Bitcoin prices soared after Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday said that he is a ''supporter'' of the largest cryptocurrency. The comments come after Musk's use of a "#bitcoin" tag on his Twitter profile page led to a 14 per cent jump in the cryptocurrency on Friday. Also read: GameStop prompts surge in hyper-rally after Elon Musk's tweet "I am a supporter of bitcoin," Musk said during his debut on the invitation-only social media app Clubhouse, a conversation that drew thousands of listeners. "I think bitcoin is on the verge of getting broad acceptance by conventional finance people," he said, adding he should have bought it eight years ago. "I was a little slow on the uptake ... I do think at this point that bitcoin is a good thing." Cryptocurrencies have buffeted recently by volatile-retail investor demand shaped online by Twitter feeds and Reddit forms. Bitcoin was up 2 per cent at $33,796 on Monday, having surged over 300 per cent in 2020. The cryptocurrency jumped over 300 per cent last year, as bigger US investors and corporations sought exposure to it, and touched an all-time high of $42,000 last month. In December, Musk asked about the possibility of converting "large transactions" of Tesla's balance sheet into bitcoin, in a Twitter exchange with a well-known advocate for the digital currency. The Twitter handle of the world's richest person has joined the growing list of things to watch for those trading stocks for personal or professional purposes and comes amid the rising prominence of the'WallStreetBets' Reddit chat room that drove skyrocketing gains for GameStop shares. That forum grabbed Musk's attention too when he tweeted "Gamestonk!!" on Tuesday, along with a link to the Reddit stock trading discussion group behind the year-to-date 2,500 [per cent-plus rally in the video game retailer. "Stonks" is a tongue-in-cheek term for stocks widely used on social media. His supporters in the Reddit forum affectionately refer to him as "Papa Musk." Justifiably, his tweets led to surges in other stocks too. Shares of fast-growing Polish game developer CD Projekt soared 16 per cent on Thursday after Musk tweeted: "The esthetics of Cyberpunk are incredible btw....". Cyberpunk is the company's flagship game. Similarly, online retailing platform Etsy's stock jumped 9 per cent on Tuesday right after Musk tweeted: "I kinda love Etsy". He said he bought a "hand-knit wool Marvin the Martian helm" for his dog.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk calls himself Bitcoin 'supporter'; prices soar

A Pakistan military aircraft brought back the country's first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines from China on Monday, the country's health adviser, Faisal Sultan, said.

China's envoy in Islamabad would formally handover the 500,000 doses of vaccine produced by Sinopharm later on Monday, enabling Pakistan to begin its vaccination drive this week, officials said.

"Thank God, the first batch of Sinopharm vaccine has arrived! Grateful to China and everyone who made this happen," Sultan said in a statement released on Twitter.

"I salute our frontline healthcare workers for their efforts and they'll be first to get vaccinated," he said.

Pakistan has asked China for another one million doses. It has also been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations.

About 6 million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, Sultan announced last week.

Pakistan, a country of 220 million people, reported 1,615 new infections and 26 deaths in the latest 24-hours, taking the total number of cases to 546,428, with 11,683 deaths.

"All eligible citizens as per phases will be informed to register once the vaccine process will start," health ministry announced at its website.

Pakistan signed up last year to the vaccine sharing scheme coordinated by the World Health Organization to support lower-income countries.

Pakistan has approved both the vaccines for emergency use and will review their approval quarterly, officials said.

The Russian Sputnik-V vaccine is also set to be approved for emergency use as the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has accepted its data.

A Pakistan military aircraft brought back the country's first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines from China on Monday, the country's health adviser, Faisal Sultan, said.

A Pakistan military aircraft brought back the country's first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines from China on Monday, the country's health adviser, Faisal Sultan, said. China's envoy in Islamabad would formally handover the 500,000 doses of vaccine produced by Sinopharm later on Monday, enabling Pakistan to begin its vaccination drive this week, officials said. "Thank God, the first batch of Sinopharm vaccine has arrived! Grateful to China and everyone who made this happen," Sultan said in a statement released on Twitter. "I salute our frontline healthcare workers for their efforts and they'll be first to get vaccinated," he said. Pakistan has asked China for another one million doses. It has also been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations. About 6 million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, Sultan announced last week. Pakistan, a country of 220 million people, reported 1,615 new infections and 26 deaths in the latest 24-hours, taking the total number of cases to 546,428, with 11,683 deaths. "All eligible citizens as per phases will be informed to register once the vaccine process will start," health ministry announced at its website. Pakistan signed up last year to the vaccine sharing scheme coordinated by the World Health Organization to support lower-income countries. Pakistan has approved both the vaccines for emergency use and will review their approval quarterly, officials said. The Russian Sputnik-V vaccine is also set to be approved for emergency use as the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has accepted its data.

Pakistan military airlifts first COVID-19 vaccine consignment from China

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday&nbsp;unveiled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/budget">Union Budget 2021-22</a>&nbsp;that aims to shore up the Indian economy post coronavirus pandemic.

The Union Budget 2021-22 proposals rest on six pillars: Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&amp;D, minimum government and maximum governance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-key-highlights-of-physical-financial-capital-and-infrastructure-reforms-introduced-360565" hreflang="en">Union Budget 2021: Key highlights of physical, financial capital and infrastructure reforms introduced</a>

The economy is projected to contract 7.7 per cent&nbsp;in the current fiscal year, although the government forecasts growth of 11 per cent&nbsp;for the coming fiscal year, after a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive and a rebound in consumer demand and investments.

However, after a steep drop in the first two quarters, the Indian economy is seen to be recovering with positive GDP growth in the last two quarters.&nbsp;

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These are the highlights from Sitharaman's fiscal 2021-22 budget speech:

Deficit

* 2020/21 fiscal deficit seen at 9.5 per cent&nbsp;of GDP

* 2021/22 fiscal deficit seen at 6.8&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of GDP

* 2025/26 fiscal deficit target set at 4.5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of GDP

Expenditure

* 2020/21 revised expenditure 4.39 trillion rupees ($60.14 billion)

* 2020/21 capital expenditure estimated at 5.54 trillion rupees ($75.90 billion)

* 2021/22 gross expenditure seen at 34.83 trillion rupees ($477.16 billion) in 2021/22

* To provide more than 2 trillion rupees ($27.40 billion)for states and autonomous bodies

Borrowing

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;says will need 800 billion rupees ($10.96 billion) in next two months from bond market

* 2021/22 gross market borrowing seen at 12 trillion rupees ($164.40 billion)

Healthcare

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to allocate 2.2 trillion rupees ($30.20 billion) for healthcare in 2021/22

* Sitharaman says expect two or more COVID-19 vaccines soon

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to launch new federal health scheme with outlay of around 641 billion rupees ($8.80 billion) over the next six years

* To allocate 350 billion rupees ($4.81 billion) for COVID-19 vaccines, and allocate more funds if needed.

Finance

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to introduce bill for development financial institution with capital of 200 billion rupees ($2.74 billion)

* To infuse 200 billion rupees ($2.74 billion) for recapitalization of state-run banks in FY2022

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to consolidate certain SEBI regulations for Securities Market Code

* To relax FDI cap for insurance sector to 74 per cent&nbsp;from 49&nbsp;per cent

* Set up asset reconstruction company to take over toxic assets

* To cut money market requirement to 15&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from 25&nbsp;per cent

* To allocate 15 billion rupees ($205.50 million) for scheme to incentivise use of digital payments

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to incentivise incorporation of one-person companies

Taxation

* Proposes exemption to senior citizens for filing income tax returns

* Proposes changes in personal income taxes for non-resident&nbsp;Indian

* To set up dispute resolution panel for small taxpayers

Divestment

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;sets 2021/22 divestment target at 1.75 trillion rupees ($23.97 billion)

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to divest two public sector banks and one general insurance company

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to launch IPO of Life Insurance Corporation

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to announce policy for privatisation of state-run companies

* To create new list of companies for divestment

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to introduce new mechanism for privatisation of loss-running state-run companies

* To monetise surplus lands of public sector entities

Infrastructure

* To allocate 2.87 trillion rupees ($39.40 billion) for clean water supplies over the next five years

* To allocate 3 trillion rupees ($41.10 billion) for power sector for next five years

* To provide 10 billion rupees ($137.01 million)to Solar Energy Corporation of&nbsp;India

* Sitharaman says will move to end power distribution company monopolies

* To double ship recycling capacity by 2024

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to monetise infrastructure assets

Transport

* Allocates 1.18 trillion rupees ($16.17 billion) for ministry of roads and highways

* Allocates 1.1 trillion rupees ($15.07 billion) for railways

* Railways to monetise freight corridors

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;to launch new vehicle scrapping policy

* Proposes tax holiday for aircraft leasing firms in&nbsp;India

Agriculture

*&nbsp;India&nbsp;allocates an estimated 1.7 trillion rupees ($23.29 billion) for paddy procurement

* Hikes enhanced agriculture credit target to 16.5 trillion&nbsp;indian rupees ($226.05 billion) in 2020/21

* To include loans for activities in allied sectors in agriculture

* To discontinue small savings fund loans to Food Corporation of&nbsp;India

Labour

* To launch database for gig economy, building and construction workers

* Social security benefits to be extended to gig economy workers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday unveiled Union Budget 2021-22 that aims to shore up the Indian economy post coronavirus pandemic. The Union Budget 2021-22 proposals rest on six pillars: Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D, minimum government and maximum governance.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday unveiled Union Budget 2021-22 that aims to shore up the Indian economy post coronavirus pandemic. The Union Budget 2021-22 proposals rest on six pillars: Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D, minimum government and maximum governance. Also read: Union Budget 2021: Key highlights of physical, financial capital and infrastructure reforms introduced The economy is projected to contract 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal year, although the government forecasts growth of 11 per cent for the coming fiscal year, after a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive and a rebound in consumer demand and investments. However, after a steep drop in the first two quarters, the Indian economy is seen to be recovering with positive GDP growth in the last two quarters. These are the highlights from Sitharaman's fiscal 2021-22 budget speech: Deficit * 2020/21 fiscal deficit seen at 9.5 per cent of GDP * 2021/22 fiscal deficit seen at 6.8 per cent of GDP * 2025/26 fiscal deficit target set at 4.5 per cent of GDP Expenditure * 2020/21 revised expenditure 4.39 trillion rupees ($60.14 billion) * 2020/21 capital expenditure estimated at 5.54 trillion rupees ($75.90 billion) * 2021/22 gross expenditure seen at 34.83 trillion rupees ($477.16 billion) in 2021/22 * To provide more than 2 trillion rupees ($27.40 billion)for states and autonomous bodies Borrowing * India says will need 800 billion rupees ($10.96 billion) in next two months from bond market * 2021/22 gross market borrowing seen at 12 trillion rupees ($164.40 billion) Healthcare * India to allocate 2.2 trillion rupees ($30.20 billion) for healthcare in 2021/22 * Sitharaman says expect two or more COVID-19 vaccines soon * India to launch new federal health scheme with outlay of around 641 billion rupees ($8.80 billion) over the next six years * To allocate 350 billion rupees ($4.81 billion) for COVID-19 vaccines, and allocate more funds if needed. Finance * India to introduce bill for development financial institution with capital of 200 billion rupees ($2.74 billion) * To infuse 200 billion rupees ($2.74 billion) for recapitalization of state-run banks in FY2022 * India to consolidate certain SEBI regulations for Securities Market Code * To relax FDI cap for insurance sector to 74 per cent from 49 per cent * Set up asset reconstruction company to take over toxic assets * To cut money market requirement to 15 per cent from 25 per cent * To allocate 15 billion rupees ($205.50 million) for scheme to incentivise use of digital payments * India to incentivise incorporation of one-person companies Taxation * Proposes exemption to senior citizens for filing income tax returns * Proposes changes in personal income taxes for non-resident Indian * To set up dispute resolution panel for small taxpayers Divestment * India sets 2021/22 divestment target at 1.75 trillion rupees ($23.97 billion) * India to divest two public sector banks and one general insurance company * India to launch IPO of Life Insurance Corporation * India to announce policy for privatisation of state-run companies * To create new list of companies for divestment * India to introduce new mechanism for privatisation of loss-running state-run companies * To monetise surplus lands of public sector entities Infrastructure * To allocate 2.87 trillion rupees ($39.40 billion) for clean water supplies over the next five years * To allocate 3 trillion rupees ($41.10 billion) for power sector for next five years * To provide 10 billion rupees ($137.01 million)to Solar Energy Corporation of India * Sitharaman says will move to end power distribution company monopolies * To double ship recycling capacity by 2024 * India to monetise infrastructure assets Transport * Allocates 1.18 trillion rupees ($16.17 billion) for ministry of roads and highways * Allocates 1.1 trillion rupees ($15.07 billion) for railways * Railways to monetise freight corridors * India to launch new vehicle scrapping policy * Proposes tax holiday for aircraft leasing firms in India Agriculture * India allocates an estimated 1.7 trillion rupees ($23.29 billion) for paddy procurement * Hikes enhanced agriculture credit target to 16.5 trillion indian rupees ($226.05 billion) in 2020/21 * To include loans for activities in allied sectors in agriculture * To discontinue small savings fund loans to Food Corporation of India Labour * To launch database for gig economy, building and construction workers * Social security benefits to be extended to gig economy workers

Union Budget 2021: Key highlights and takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's budget

Amid mounting pressure from the US and the UN, the Pakistan government has said it would formally join the review proceedings initiated by the Sindh administration against the Supreme Court's acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the brutal murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story in 2002 on the links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda.

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the release of main accused Sheikh and his aides - Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib - by dismissing appeals against their acquittal by the Sindh High Court. The judgement was denounced by Pearl's family as "a complete travesty of justice".

The Sindh government on Friday filed a review petition in the apex court against the acquittal of Sheikh and his three accomplices.

A spokesman of the Attorney General of Pakistan on Saturday announced that the federal government will file an appropriate application before the apex court to be allowed to join as a party in the proceedings and further seek review and recall of the court's January 28 judgement.

The federal government will file an application for the constitution of a larger bench to hear the review petitions. In cooperation with the provincial government, the federal government will continue to take all legal steps to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice in accordance with the law, the spokesman said.

The announcement came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi over the phone and discussed the accountability of convicted terrorists responsible for the brutal murder of Pearl. Blinken also expressed "deep concern" over the apex court's judgement.

The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement said Qureshi ''underscored that it was important and in the mutual interest that justice is served through legal means.''

According to some media reports, the Supreme Court would hear the review petition on February 1. However, no formal announcement has been made as yet.

Expressing concern over the acquittal of those involved in the brutal murder of Pearl, a senior UN official representing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that it is important that there is accountability for such crimes.

"What is important that there be accountability for those crimes committed,''&nbsp;said Stephane Dujarric said on Friday.

The US also has been mounting pressure on Pakistan, demanding justice for Pearl. Last month, the US said it is ready to take custody of Sheikh, asserting that Washington will not allow him to evade justice.

Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said the US was deeply concerned by the ruling affirming the acquittal of individuals convicted by a Pakistani trial court.

"The release of those involved would be an affront to Daniel Pearl's family, to other terrorism victims around the world, and to the cause of justice,''&nbsp;Wilkinson said.

In a tweet, Congressman Brad Sherman said: ''The killers of Daniel Pearl go free. And Dr. Afridi, who helped the US get Osama Bin Laden, rots in jail.''

"We are deeply disappointed that Pakistan's Supreme Court has acquitted and ordered the release of Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh, despite overwhelming evidence of Sheikh's involvement in the kidnapping of Daniel Pearl, which led directly to his murder," said Steven Butler, Committee to Protect Journalist's Asia programme coordinator.

In April 2020, a two-judge Sindh High Court bench commuted the death sentence of 46-year-old Sheikh to seven years imprisonment. The court also acquitted his three aides who were serving life terms in the case -- almost two decades after they were found guilty and jailed.

The Sindh government and the family of Pearl filed petitions in the apex court, challenging the high court verdict.

The Sindh government invoked the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960 to keep the four men under detention.

Their continuous detention was challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC), which on December 24 directed security agencies not to keep Sheikh and other accused under "any sort of detention" and declared all notifications of the Sindh government related to their detention "null and void".

The order elicited an immediate response from the US, which on December 25 expressed its ''deep concerns''&nbsp;over the SHC order.

The US State Department said it will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process" while honouring the legacy of the "courageous journalist".

Sheikh in a handwritten letter to the SHC in 2019 admitted his limited involvement in the killing of Pearl. The letter was presented to the Supreme Court nearly two weeks ago and Sheikh's lawyer on Wednesday confirmed the letter. The accused, however, didn't explain the nature of his role which he said was ''just minor.''

Pearl's murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814. 
He was serving a prison term in India for kidnappings of Western tourists in the country.

Amid mounting pressure from the US and the UN, the Pakistan government has said it would formally join the review proceedings initiated by the Sindh administration against the Supreme Court's acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the brutal murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

Amid mounting pressure from the US and the UN, the Pakistan government has said it would formally join the review proceedings initiated by the Sindh administration against the Supreme Court's acquittal of British-born al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides in the brutal murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl. Pearl, the 38-year-old South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story in 2002 on the links between the country's powerful spy agency ISI and al-Qaeda. The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the release of main accused Sheikh and his aides - Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib - by dismissing appeals against their acquittal by the Sindh High Court. The judgement was denounced by Pearl's family as "a complete travesty of justice". The Sindh government on Friday filed a review petition in the apex court against the acquittal of Sheikh and his three accomplices. A spokesman of the Attorney General of Pakistan on Saturday announced that the federal government will file an appropriate application before the apex court to be allowed to join as a party in the proceedings and further seek review and recall of the court's January 28 judgement. The federal government will file an application for the constitution of a larger bench to hear the review petitions. In cooperation with the provincial government, the federal government will continue to take all legal steps to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice in accordance with the law, the spokesman said. The announcement came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi over the phone and discussed the accountability of convicted terrorists responsible for the brutal murder of Pearl. Blinken also expressed "deep concern" over the apex court's judgement. The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement said Qureshi ''underscored that it was important and in the mutual interest that justice is served through legal means.'' According to some media reports, the Supreme Court would hear the review petition on February 1. However, no formal announcement has been made as yet. Expressing concern over the acquittal of those involved in the brutal murder of Pearl, a senior UN official representing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that it is important that there is accountability for such crimes. "What is important that there be accountability for those crimes committed,'' said Stephane Dujarric said on Friday. The US also has been mounting pressure on Pakistan, demanding justice for Pearl. Last month, the US said it is ready to take custody of Sheikh, asserting that Washington will not allow him to evade justice. Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson said the US was deeply concerned by the ruling affirming the acquittal of individuals convicted by a Pakistani trial court. "The release of those involved would be an affront to Daniel Pearl's family, to other terrorism victims around the world, and to the cause of justice,'' Wilkinson said. In a tweet, Congressman Brad Sherman said: ''The killers of Daniel Pearl go free. And Dr. Afridi, who helped the US get Osama Bin Laden, rots in jail.'' "We are deeply disappointed that Pakistan's Supreme Court has acquitted and ordered the release of Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh, despite overwhelming evidence of Sheikh's involvement in the kidnapping of Daniel Pearl, which led directly to his murder," said Steven Butler, Committee to Protect Journalist's Asia programme coordinator. In April 2020, a two-judge Sindh High Court bench commuted the death sentence of 46-year-old Sheikh to seven years imprisonment. The court also acquitted his three aides who were serving life terms in the case -- almost two decades after they were found guilty and jailed. The Sindh government and the family of Pearl filed petitions in the apex court, challenging the high court verdict. The Sindh government invoked the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960 to keep the four men under detention. Their continuous detention was challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC), which on December 24 directed security agencies not to keep Sheikh and other accused under "any sort of detention" and declared all notifications of the Sindh government related to their detention "null and void". The order elicited an immediate response from the US, which on December 25 expressed its ''deep concerns'' over the SHC order. The US State Department said it will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process" while honouring the legacy of the "courageous journalist". Sheikh in a handwritten letter to the SHC in 2019 admitted his limited involvement in the killing of Pearl. The letter was presented to the Supreme Court nearly two weeks ago and Sheikh's lawyer on Wednesday confirmed the letter. The accused, however, didn't explain the nature of his role which he said was ''just minor.'' Pearl's murder took place three years after Sheikh, along with Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, was released by India in 1999 and given safe passage to Afghanistan in exchange for the nearly 150 passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814. He was serving a prison term in India for kidnappings of Western tourists in the country.

Pak govt to join review proceedings of Supreme Court's acquittals in Pearl murder case

India reported 13,052 new COVID-19 cases, 13,965 discharges and 127 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.With this, the total cases in the country have mounted to 1,07,46,183 including 1,68,784 active cases and 1,04,23,125 total recoveries.

However, the total death toll by the deadly COVID-19 virus escalated to 1,54,274, including the new deaths. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Sunday informed, "A total of 19,65,88,372 cumulative samples have been tested till January 30. Of these, 7,50,964 samples were tested yesterday.''

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that the world`s largest vaccination drive is going on in our country and is progressing quickly with 37 lakh plus beneficiaries vaccinated in the first 15 days.

On Saturday, the number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, stated the press release by the health ministry.

2,06,130 beneficiaries were vaccinated till 7 pm on Saturday. The Union Health Ministry has approved two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, under Emergency Use Authorisation (EAU).

Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,268. It is followed by Maharashtra with 2,771, while Tamil Nadu reported 509 new cases,&nbsp;stated the health ministry on Saturday.&nbsp;

India reported 13,052 new COVID-19 cases, 13,965 discharges and 127 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.With this, the total cases in the country have mounted to 1,07,46,183 including 1,68,784 active cases and 1,04,23,125 total recoveries.

India reported 13,052 new COVID-19 cases, 13,965 discharges and 127 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.With this, the total cases in the country have mounted to 1,07,46,183 including 1,68,784 active cases and 1,04,23,125 total recoveries. However, the total death toll by the deadly COVID-19 virus escalated to 1,54,274, including the new deaths. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Sunday informed, "A total of 19,65,88,372 cumulative samples have been tested till January 30. Of these, 7,50,964 samples were tested yesterday.'' Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that the world`s largest vaccination drive is going on in our country and is progressing quickly with 37 lakh plus beneficiaries vaccinated in the first 15 days. On Saturday, the number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, stated the press release by the health ministry. 2,06,130 beneficiaries were vaccinated till 7 pm on Saturday. The Union Health Ministry has approved two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, under Emergency Use Authorisation (EAU). Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,268. It is followed by Maharashtra with 2,771, while Tamil Nadu reported 509 new cases, stated the health ministry on Saturday.

India reports 13,052 new COVID-19 cases

The House Committee on Financial Services investigating GameStop saga has come under increased scrutiny after it was revealed that it had received its maximum funding from Robinhood executives.

According to the latest report,&nbsp;Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev and co-founder Bajnu Bhatt had contributed&nbsp;$2,800 to Maxine Waters and&nbsp; $1,200 to Robert McHenry, who are&nbsp;the chair and&nbsp;ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee.

Robinhood&nbsp;Markets Inc's user agreement is likely to protect the brokerage app from a barrage of lawsuits filed by customers after it blocked a frenzied trading rally in companies such as GameStop Corp that was fueled on social media forums.

The owners of internet platforms where much of the discussion took place are likewise shielded from liability for users' activity under a 25-year-old law known as Section 230.

At least a dozen proposed class-action lawsuits accuse&nbsp;Robinhood&nbsp;of breaching its contract with customers when it restricted trading on Thursday.

Robinhood's users were at the centre of this week's wild rally in a handful of stocks that had been heavily shorted by hedge funds and championed by individual investors in online chatrooms including Reddit's WallStreetBets.

The lawsuits, brought in federal court, alleging that the Menlo Park, California-based company breached its contractual obligation as a regulated broker to execute orders promptly and effectively.

However,&nbsp;Robinhood&nbsp;is not legally bound to carry out every trade and the lawsuits will not succeed without evidence the company restricted trading for an improper reason, such as to favour certain investors, according to several legal experts.

The user agreement on&nbsp;Robinhood's website says it "may at any time, in its sole discretion and without prior notice to Me, prohibit or restrict My ability to trade securities."

Robinhood's fee-free and simple-to-use app has made it popular with a new generation of small-time traders and its restrictions on Thursday drew a heavy backlash from high-profile politicians and celebrities.

Retail investors using&nbsp;Robinhood&nbsp;and other apps drove the so-called "Reddit rally" that pushed up shares of GameStop Corp and other companies championed on social media platforms including Reddit, resulting in heavy losses for big hedge funds that had shorted the shares.

The House Committee on Financial Services investigating GameStop saga has come under increased scrutiny after it was revealed that it had received its maximum funding from Robinhood executives.

The House Committee on Financial Services investigating GameStop saga has come under increased scrutiny after it was revealed that it had received its maximum funding from Robinhood executives. According to the latest report, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev and co-founder Bajnu Bhatt had contributed $2,800 to Maxine Waters and $1,200 to Robert McHenry, who are the chair and ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee. Robinhood Markets Inc's user agreement is likely to protect the brokerage app from a barrage of lawsuits filed by customers after it blocked a frenzied trading rally in companies such as GameStop Corp that was fueled on social media forums. The owners of internet platforms where much of the discussion took place are likewise shielded from liability for users' activity under a 25-year-old law known as Section 230. At least a dozen proposed class-action lawsuits accuse Robinhood of breaching its contract with customers when it restricted trading on Thursday. Robinhood's users were at the centre of this week's wild rally in a handful of stocks that had been heavily shorted by hedge funds and championed by individual investors in online chatrooms including Reddit's WallStreetBets. The lawsuits, brought in federal court, alleging that the Menlo Park, California-based company breached its contractual obligation as a regulated broker to execute orders promptly and effectively. However, Robinhood is not legally bound to carry out every trade and the lawsuits will not succeed without evidence the company restricted trading for an improper reason, such as to favour certain investors, according to several legal experts. The user agreement on Robinhood's website says it "may at any time, in its sole discretion and without prior notice to Me, prohibit or restrict My ability to trade securities." Robinhood's fee-free and simple-to-use app has made it popular with a new generation of small-time traders and its restrictions on Thursday drew a heavy backlash from high-profile politicians and celebrities. Retail investors using Robinhood and other apps drove the so-called "Reddit rally" that pushed up shares of GameStop Corp and other companies championed on social media platforms including Reddit, resulting in heavy losses for big hedge funds that had shorted the shares.

House Committee investigating GameStop saga received maximum donation from Robinhood executives

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen proposed a ban on Muslim headscarves in all public places on Friday, seeking to build on a record recent poll putting her almost neck-and-neck with President Emmanuel Macron.

The hijab policy, which would be contested in court and almost certainly be ruled unconstitutional, saw the 53-year-old return to a familiar campaign theme 15 months from the country's 2022 presidential election.

"I consider that the headscarf is an Islamist item of clothing," Le Pen told reporters at a press conference where she proposed a new law to ban "Islamist ideologies" which she called "totalitarian and murderous."

Since taking over France's main far-right party from her father, Le Pen has run twice for the French presidency, losing badly in 2017 to political newcomer Macron in a defeat that she took months to recover from.

But recent polling shows her closer than ever to her ultimate prize and has led to a rash of new speculation about whether the anti-EU, anti-immigration populist could finally enter the Elysee Palace.

Despite recent setbacks for fellow ideologues such as Donald Trump and Matteo Salvini in Italy, a survey reported earlier this week showed her within striking distance of Macron.

The poll conducted online by Harris Interactive suggested that if a final-round presidential run-off were held today Le Pen would garner 48 per cent while Macron would be re-elected with 52 per cent, Le Parisien newspaper reported.

"It's a poll, it's a snapshot of a moment, but what it shows is that the idea of me winning is credible, plausible even," Le Pen said at the Friday press conference.

The prospect of a tight race set off alarm bells in the French political mainstream as the dual health and economic crises caused by the coronavirus pandemic sweep across the country.

"It's the highest she has ever been at," said Jean-Yves Camus, a French political scientist specialised in the far-right, while adding that it was "too early to take the polls at face value".

He said Le Pen was benefiting from frustration and anger over the pandemic, with France on the verge of a third lockdown, but also the beheading of a French school teacher by an Islamist last October.

"It had a major impact on public opinion," the expert from the Jean-Jaures Foundation told AFP. "And in this area, Marine Le Pen has an advantage: her party is well known for its position denouncing Islamism."

Islam in France

The beheading of Samuel Paty in a town northwest of Paris rekindled bitter arguments in France about immigration and the threat of Islamism, while putting the country's strict form of secularism under international scrutiny.

The secondary school teacher was attacked in the street by an 18-year-old extremist after he showed satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed to pupils during a civics class on free speech.

In response to Paty's death, Macron's government shut a number of organisations deemed Islamist and drafted law legislation initially called "the anti-separatism bill" which cracks down on foreign funding for Islamic organisations.

If re-elected after a campaign that is expected to be centred on jobs, the pandemic and the place of Islam in France, 43-year-old Macron would be the first president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term.

Under the presidential system, the top two candidates in a first round of voting progress to a second-round run-off where the winner must get more than 50 per cent.

A Le Pen win "was improbable three and half years ago," veteran political commentator Alain Duhamel told the BFM news channel this week.

"But today I wouldn't say that it is probable, but I'd say, without any pleasure, that it seems to me to be possible."

A re-run of the Macron-Le Pen contest of 2017, which all polls currently show as the most likely outcome, could increase the abstention rate and disillusionment with the French political system.

Turnout in the second round in 2017 was 74.6 per cent, its lowest level since 1969 because many voters from the left declined to cast a ballot.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen proposed a ban on Muslim headscarves in all public places on Friday, seeking to build on a record recent poll putting her almost neck-and-neck with President Emmanuel Macron.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen proposed a ban on Muslim headscarves in all public places on Friday, seeking to build on a record recent poll putting her almost neck-and-neck with President Emmanuel Macron. The hijab policy, which would be contested in court and almost certainly be ruled unconstitutional, saw the 53-year-old return to a familiar campaign theme 15 months from the country's 2022 presidential election. "I consider that the headscarf is an Islamist item of clothing," Le Pen told reporters at a press conference where she proposed a new law to ban "Islamist ideologies" which she called "totalitarian and murderous." Since taking over France's main far-right party from her father, Le Pen has run twice for the French presidency, losing badly in 2017 to political newcomer Macron in a defeat that she took months to recover from. But recent polling shows her closer than ever to her ultimate prize and has led to a rash of new speculation about whether the anti-EU, anti-immigration populist could finally enter the Elysee Palace. Despite recent setbacks for fellow ideologues such as Donald Trump and Matteo Salvini in Italy, a survey reported earlier this week showed her within striking distance of Macron. The poll conducted online by Harris Interactive suggested that if a final-round presidential run-off were held today Le Pen would garner 48 per cent while Macron would be re-elected with 52 per cent, Le Parisien newspaper reported. "It's a poll, it's a snapshot of a moment, but what it shows is that the idea of me winning is credible, plausible even," Le Pen said at the Friday press conference. The prospect of a tight race set off alarm bells in the French political mainstream as the dual health and economic crises caused by the coronavirus pandemic sweep across the country. "It's the highest she has ever been at," said Jean-Yves Camus, a French political scientist specialised in the far-right, while adding that it was "too early to take the polls at face value". He said Le Pen was benefiting from frustration and anger over the pandemic, with France on the verge of a third lockdown, but also the beheading of a French school teacher by an Islamist last October. "It had a major impact on public opinion," the expert from the Jean-Jaures Foundation told AFP. "And in this area, Marine Le Pen has an advantage: her party is well known for its position denouncing Islamism." Islam in France The beheading of Samuel Paty in a town northwest of Paris rekindled bitter arguments in France about immigration and the threat of Islamism, while putting the country's strict form of secularism under international scrutiny. The secondary school teacher was attacked in the street by an 18-year-old extremist after he showed satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed to pupils during a civics class on free speech. In response to Paty's death, Macron's government shut a number of organisations deemed Islamist and drafted law legislation initially called "the anti-separatism bill" which cracks down on foreign funding for Islamic organisations. If re-elected after a campaign that is expected to be centred on jobs, the pandemic and the place of Islam in France, 43-year-old Macron would be the first president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term. Under the presidential system, the top two candidates in a first round of voting progress to a second-round run-off where the winner must get more than 50 per cent. A Le Pen win "was improbable three and half years ago," veteran political commentator Alain Duhamel told the BFM news channel this week. "But today I wouldn't say that it is probable, but I'd say, without any pleasure, that it seems to me to be possible." A re-run of the Macron-Le Pen contest of 2017, which all polls currently show as the most likely outcome, could increase the abstention rate and disillusionment with the French political system. Turnout in the second round in 2017 was 74.6 per cent, its lowest level since 1969 because many voters from the left declined to cast a ballot.

France's Le Pen, at record high in polls, proposes hijab ban

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans.

"No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated,"&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;spokesman John Kirby tweeted. "We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe."

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No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe.
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The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba houses detainees in the US "war on terror," including top Al-Qaeda figure and alleged 9/11 attack planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

The reversal comes days after the Defense Department said it would offer coronavirus vaccines "on a voluntary basis" to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the prison in Cuba, with the rollout possibly coming as soon as next week.

The plan had been met with fierce pushback, particularly by Republican lawmakers, before it was paused, especially in light of vaccine shortages across the country.

"It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Representative Elise Stefanik tweeted prior to Kirby's Saturday announcement.

"Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind and&nbsp;Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine," added Representative Dan Bishop, citing Biden's repeated calls for unity.
<script src="https://jsc.mgid.com/a/n/aninews.in.713570.js" async></script>

The United States has been the world's hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, in absolute terms, with 436,000 deaths and nearly 26 million cases.

President Joe Biden has pledged to vaccine 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office, but so far the country's mass inoculation drive has been beset by stumbles, including a shortfall in vaccines and widespread technical difficulties for eligible Americans trying to make appointments.

According to health officials, the US has so far administered just under 30 million of the nearly 50 million doses distributed in the country.

The Pentagon said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans.

The Pentagon said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans. "No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby tweeted. "We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe." No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe. — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) January 30, 2021 × The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba houses detainees in the US "war on terror," including top Al-Qaeda figure and alleged 9/11 attack planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The reversal comes days after the Defense Department said it would offer coronavirus vaccines "on a voluntary basis" to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the prison in Cuba, with the rollout possibly coming as soon as next week. The plan had been met with fierce pushback, particularly by Republican lawmakers, before it was paused, especially in light of vaccine shortages across the country. "It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Representative Elise Stefanik tweeted prior to Kirby's Saturday announcement. "Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind and Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine," added Representative Dan Bishop, citing Biden's repeated calls for unity. The United States has been the world's hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, in absolute terms, with 436,000 deaths and nearly 26 million cases. President Joe Biden has pledged to vaccine 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office, but so far the country's mass inoculation drive has been beset by stumbles, including a shortfall in vaccines and widespread technical difficulties for eligible Americans trying to make appointments. According to health officials, the US has so far administered just under 30 million of the nearly 50 million doses distributed in the country.

Pentagon pauses plan to give COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay

Toilet brushes and blue pants: Unusual symbols of Russia's protests

Five of former President Donald Trump's impeachment defence attorneys have stepped aside&nbsp;little more than a week before his trial amid a disagreement over his legal strategy.

Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, both South Carolina lawyers, have left the defence team in what one person described as a ''mutual decision''&nbsp;that reflected a difference of opinion on the direction of the case.&nbsp;The change injects fresh uncertainty into the makeup and strategy of his defence team.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-need-17-republican-votes-to-convict-donald-trump-359663/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump is set to stand trial on the week of February&nbsp;8 on a charge that he incited the riot inside the US&nbsp;Capitol. Republicans and Trump aides have made clear that they intend to make a simple argument: The trial is unconstitutional because Trump is no longer in office.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden urged his fellow members of the Democratic Party in the Senate to keep former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the upper chamber short and not to let it "derail the agenda".

Biden administration officials and allies close to the White House say the president will distance himself from Trump's trial as it begins in the second week of February.

There is a debate among scholars over whether the Senate can hold a trial for&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;now that he has left office. Many experts have said "late&nbsp;impeachment" is constitutional, arguing that presidents who engage in misconduct late in their terms should not be immune from the very process set out in the Constitution for holding them accountable.

The Constitution makes clear that&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;proceedings can result in disqualification from holding office in the future, so there is still an active issue for the Senate to resolve, those scholars have said.

Trump&nbsp;is the only president to have been impeached by the House of Representatives twice and the first to face a trial after leaving power, with the possibility of being disqualified from future public office if convicted by two-thirds of the Senate.

<script src="https://jsc.mgid.com/a/n/aninews.in.713570.js" async></script>The House approved a single article of&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;- the equivalent of an indictment in a criminal trial - on January&nbsp;13, accusing him of inciting an insurrection with an incendiary speech to supporters before they stormed the Capitol. A police officer and four others died in the melee.

But reaching the two-thirds threshold required for conviction will be a steep climb.&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;remains a powerful force among Republicans and his supporters have vowed to mount election challenges to lawmakers in the party who support the conviction.

Some Republicans have criticised&nbsp;Trump's false claims of voting fraud and his failed efforts to overturn Biden's Novmeber&nbsp;3 election victory. But no Senate Republicans have said definitively that they plan to vote to convict him.

Although the Constitution calls on the chief justice to preside over presidential&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trials, a senator presides when the impeached is not the current president, a Senate source said. First elected to the chamber in 1974, Leahy is the most senior Democrat in the chamber and holds the title of Senate president pro tempore.

The nine House Democrats who will serve as prosecutors set the trial in motion on Monday by delivering the article of&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;to the Senate.

Five of former President Donald Trump's impeachment defence attorneys have stepped aside little more than a week before his trial amid a disagreement over his legal strategy.

Five of former President Donald Trump's impeachment defence attorneys have stepped aside little more than a week before his trial amid a disagreement over his legal strategy. Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, both South Carolina lawyers, have left the defence team in what one person described as a ''mutual decision'' that reflected a difference of opinion on the direction of the case. The change injects fresh uncertainty into the makeup and strategy of his defence team. Trump is set to stand trial on the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited the riot inside the US Capitol. Republicans and Trump aides have made clear that they intend to make a simple argument: The trial is unconstitutional because Trump is no longer in office. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden urged his fellow members of the Democratic Party in the Senate to keep former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the upper chamber short and not to let it "derail the agenda". Biden administration officials and allies close to the White House say the president will distance himself from Trump's trial as it begins in the second week of February. There is a debate among scholars over whether the Senate can hold a trial for Trump now that he has left office. Many experts have said "late impeachment" is constitutional, arguing that presidents who engage in misconduct late in their terms should not be immune from the very process set out in the Constitution for holding them accountable. The Constitution makes clear that impeachment proceedings can result in disqualification from holding office in the future, so there is still an active issue for the Senate to resolve, those scholars have said. Trump is the only president to have been impeached by the House of Representatives twice and the first to face a trial after leaving power, with the possibility of being disqualified from future public office if convicted by two-thirds of the Senate. The House approved a single article of impeachment - the equivalent of an indictment in a criminal trial - on January 13, accusing him of inciting an insurrection with an incendiary speech to supporters before they stormed the Capitol. A police officer and four others died in the melee. But reaching the two-thirds threshold required for conviction will be a steep climb. Trump remains a powerful force among Republicans and his supporters have vowed to mount election challenges to lawmakers in the party who support the conviction. Some Republicans have criticised Trump's false claims of voting fraud and his failed efforts to overturn Biden's Novmeber 3 election victory. But no Senate Republicans have said definitively that they plan to vote to convict him. Although the Constitution calls on the chief justice to preside over presidential impeachment trials, a senator presides when the impeached is not the current president, a Senate source said. First elected to the chamber in 1974, Leahy is the most senior Democrat in the chamber and holds the title of Senate president pro tempore. The nine House Democrats who will serve as prosecutors set the trial in motion on Monday by delivering the article of impeachment to the Senate.

Trump's impeachment defence attorneys leave team a week before Senate trial

January 31 in history: Suicide bombing in Sri Lanka, UK formally leaves EU and more

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