The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhHPVXd1dB">pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068562749419073536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message."

The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. 
 
Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/8Lw7kj9waN">pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068581708545576960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases"

This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow.

Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept."

Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard."

Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' #G20 #Argentina pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message." The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion. JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM @AbeShinzo, @POTUS and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2018 × Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases" This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow. Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept." Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard." Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases

Fascist politics is once again on the rise in the United States, Europe and Latin America.

Like an echo from the past, its principles and attitudes are re-emerging in a populist rhetoric that embraces extreme forms of nationalism, the cult of the leader, systemic racism, a culture of fear, a hatred of dissent and an utter disdain for the truth.

Driven by a hatred of “the other” and infused with narratives of decline and victimisation, fascist politics trade in an incendiary rhetoric of fear, demonisation and violence.

It creates divisions by targeting groups it defines as criminal, less than human, and then expands its hate-mongering to other groups as part of an attempt to deepen and expand a culture of terror, insecurity and disposablilty.

It attempts to build power through aggressive attacks on the media, critics and the judiciary.

Resentment based on real economic and existential insecurities become fodder for cult-like figures to misdirect anger, feed collective hate and foster a climate of shared fears and social divisions.

Fascist politics is inseparable from the culture of violence, which it uses as its primary tool of communication and weapon of choice.

Trump’s attack on the ‘others’ 
 
One recent example can be found in US&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s ongoing escalation of attacks on migrants. He has referred to the caravan of refugees from Central America as an invading criminal force against whom he is mobilising as many as 15,000 troops, more than currently serve in Afghanistan.

According to Trump, the caravan of migrants had “violently overrun” Mexico and was on the verge of invading the United States.

Prior to the midterm elections, he called immigrants “predatory” and “the worst scum of the world.” After the midterms, he ramped up the violence by authorising “US troops guarding the border against migrant caravans to use deadly force if necessary.”

Trump’s language does more than promote a decline in civility, it also advocates state terrorism while functioning as a savage nod to the most extremist elements of his base of support.

For instance, he has threatened to order US soldiers to shoot migrants and refugees from Central America if they throw rocks at them. In addition, he has pledged to use an executive order to rewrite the US&nbsp;constitution and annul birthright citizenship.

Trump’s rhetoric and policies point to a terrifying new horizon for the political arena and its modes of governance. It shows that domestic terrorism is alive and well.

It’s evident in Trump’s refusal to condemn Saudi Arabia for the assassination of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump has made clear that human rights and even murder can be overlooked if dictators have money to spare in order to purchase US military hardware. In the fascist playbook, commercial deals take precedent over human rights, justice, and liberty.

Trump has unleashed what Frankfurt School theorist Theodor Adorno once called an “authoritarian irrationality,” the dark and menacing underside of a racist and totalitarian psychology and politics.

Trump may not be Adolf Hitler, but there are disturbing similarities in his language and reactionary policies.

Recognition and resistance 
 
It’s precisely these historical lessons that should be examined carefully so that the plague of fascism can be both recognised in its current form and resisted so that it will never happen again.

The entrepreneurs of hate are no longer confined to the dustbin of history. The architects of fascist politics are with us once again, stoking dystopian fantasies in the decaying communities and landscapes produced by 40 years of a savage capitalism.

Angry loners, displaced workers and bitter nativists looking for a place to park their misdirected anger are vulnerable to cult leaders. They’ve found one in Trump.

Campaigning for the midterm elections, Trump reached for the fascist playbook and calculatedly promoted racism, hatred and ignorance in a cynical move that should send alarms ringing across the globe.

Amid an outbreak of violence that included the killings of two African-Americans in a grocery store in Kentucky, a campaign of mail bombs sent to high-profile Democrats and critical celebrities, allegedly by one of his fervent supporters, and the mass murder of 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue, Trump refused to acknowledge that his toxic rhetoric has fanned the flames of racism and anti-Semitism.

Instead, he blamed the media for the violence and labelled them “the true enemy of freedom.”

He also called Democrats the “party of crime” determined “to unleash violent predators and ruthless killers” onto American streets.

In addition, he has ratcheted up his demonization of immigrants by branding them not only as rapists, drug dealers and criminals but also as Mideast terrorists.

He’s also publicly and proudly stated that he’s a nationalist (code for a noxious strain of beliefs espoused by racists and white nationalists), emboldening right-wing extremist groups such as the Proud Boys, the American equivalent of the Nazi Brownshirts.

‘Weaponises language’ 
 
Incapable of both empathy and self-reflection, Trump uses language in the service of lies, vilification and violence.

His inflammatory rhetoric does more than legitimise and accelerate acts of violence; it weaponises language as a tool of political opportunism without regard for the suffering and misery it inflicts on individuals and entire groups considered disposable.

He thrives in creating social divisions and merges ignorance and power to fuel conspiracy theories, eliminate the line between fact and fiction and give credence to the expanding media village of the extreme right.

Trump attempts to criminalise political opposition, maligns immigrants and others as losers and revels in his role as a national mouthpiece for white nationalists, nativists and myriad extremist groups.

He’s unconcerned about the power of words to inflame, humiliate, and embolden some of his followers to violence. Instead, he displays a sadistic desire to relegate his critics and those he views as not white enough or ethnically abhorrent to zones of terminal exclusion.

‘Abolish democracy’

His call to “Make America Great Again” reveals his nostalgia for a white Christian past. Allan Nairn, the award-winning investigative journalist, gets it right in arguing that Trump and the Republican Party want “to abolish democracy…because that’s the only way they can perpetuate their power” and create a form of “domestic fascism.”

What’s so duplicitous and dangerous about Trump is that he hides behind the institutions of representative democracy, which he attempts to destroy by stealth and through an accumulation of assaults rather than through an outright suppression of civil liberties and political rights, though that may be on the horizon.

Part of Trump’s demolition of democracy is his tactic of turning his almost daily assaults into a form of political theatre. It’s evident in his ongoing rallies that overflow with menace, not unlike the fascist Nuremberg rallies of the 1930s.

As the master of the spectacle, Trump normalises through sheer repetition his ongoing attempts to fuel hatred, racial divisions and the destruction of social bonds, all of which is necessary for fascist politics to flourish.

In the Trump era, the line between deadly violence and the rhetoric of a fascist politics is dangerously thin. And as historical memory fades and civic literacy is disparaged, the rise of barbarism and brutality are on the rise.

Using language to resist 
 
That’s why critically addressing Trump’s language is a crucial act of political resistance.

Trump’s hateful rhetoric also proves that education is central to politics, because it’s through language and diverse forms of communication that power materializes to shape consciousness, desire, identity and values.

It’s crucial therefore in the age of Trump to use the language of resistance, one that’s rooted in compassion for others, expands the reach of justice and encourages us to confront the forces of tyranny.

Language is the precondition for education, and education is central to politics itself. We need a new language that both inspires and energizes people to think otherwise in order to act otherwise.

The current crisis of politics is not simply about the rise of fascist politics, it is also about the crisis of language, memory, and agency. Now is the time for individuals and social movements to give new meaning to the recognition that without an informed citizenry, democracy cannot survive and individual and collective resistance will disappear.

(Henry Giroux is Chaired professor for Scholarship in the Public Interest in the Department of English and Cultural Studies, McMaster University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trumps-fascist-efforts-to-demolish-democracy-106247">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Fascist politics is once again on the rise in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Like an echo from the past, its principles and attitudes are re-emerging in a populist rhetoric that embraces extreme forms of nationalism, the cult of the leader, systemic racism, a culture of fear, a hatred of dissent and an utter disdain for the truth.

Fascist politics is once again on the rise in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Like an echo from the past, its principles and attitudes are re-emerging in a populist rhetoric that embraces extreme forms of nationalism, the cult of the leader, systemic racism, a culture of fear, a hatred of dissent and an utter disdain for the truth. Driven by a hatred of “the other” and infused with narratives of decline and victimisation, fascist politics trade in an incendiary rhetoric of fear, demonisation and violence. It creates divisions by targeting groups it defines as criminal, less than human, and then expands its hate-mongering to other groups as part of an attempt to deepen and expand a culture of terror, insecurity and disposablilty. It attempts to build power through aggressive attacks on the media, critics and the judiciary. Resentment based on real economic and existential insecurities become fodder for cult-like figures to misdirect anger, feed collective hate and foster a climate of shared fears and social divisions. Fascist politics is inseparable from the culture of violence, which it uses as its primary tool of communication and weapon of choice. Trump’s attack on the ‘others’ One recent example can be found in US President Donald Trump’s ongoing escalation of attacks on migrants. He has referred to the caravan of refugees from Central America as an invading criminal force against whom he is mobilising as many as 15,000 troops, more than currently serve in Afghanistan. According to Trump, the caravan of migrants had “violently overrun” Mexico and was on the verge of invading the United States. Prior to the midterm elections, he called immigrants “predatory” and “the worst scum of the world.” After the midterms, he ramped up the violence by authorising “US troops guarding the border against migrant caravans to use deadly force if necessary.” Trump’s language does more than promote a decline in civility, it also advocates state terrorism while functioning as a savage nod to the most extremist elements of his base of support. For instance, he has threatened to order US soldiers to shoot migrants and refugees from Central America if they throw rocks at them. In addition, he has pledged to use an executive order to rewrite the US constitution and annul birthright citizenship. Trump’s rhetoric and policies point to a terrifying new horizon for the political arena and its modes of governance. It shows that domestic terrorism is alive and well. It’s evident in Trump’s refusal to condemn Saudi Arabia for the assassination of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump has made clear that human rights and even murder can be overlooked if dictators have money to spare in order to purchase US military hardware. In the fascist playbook, commercial deals take precedent over human rights, justice, and liberty. Trump has unleashed what Frankfurt School theorist Theodor Adorno once called an “authoritarian irrationality,” the dark and menacing underside of a racist and totalitarian psychology and politics. Trump may not be Adolf Hitler, but there are disturbing similarities in his language and reactionary policies. Recognition and resistance It’s precisely these historical lessons that should be examined carefully so that the plague of fascism can be both recognised in its current form and resisted so that it will never happen again. The entrepreneurs of hate are no longer confined to the dustbin of history. The architects of fascist politics are with us once again, stoking dystopian fantasies in the decaying communities and landscapes produced by 40 years of a savage capitalism. Angry loners, displaced workers and bitter nativists looking for a place to park their misdirected anger are vulnerable to cult leaders. They’ve found one in Trump. Campaigning for the midterm elections, Trump reached for the fascist playbook and calculatedly promoted racism, hatred and ignorance in a cynical move that should send alarms ringing across the globe. Amid an outbreak of violence that included the killings of two African-Americans in a grocery store in Kentucky, a campaign of mail bombs sent to high-profile Democrats and critical celebrities, allegedly by one of his fervent supporters, and the mass murder of 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue, Trump refused to acknowledge that his toxic rhetoric has fanned the flames of racism and anti-Semitism. Instead, he blamed the media for the violence and labelled them “the true enemy of freedom.” He also called Democrats the “party of crime” determined “to unleash violent predators and ruthless killers” onto American streets. In addition, he has ratcheted up his demonization of immigrants by branding them not only as rapists, drug dealers and criminals but also as Mideast terrorists. He’s also publicly and proudly stated that he’s a nationalist (code for a noxious strain of beliefs espoused by racists and white nationalists), emboldening right-wing extremist groups such as the Proud Boys, the American equivalent of the Nazi Brownshirts. ‘Weaponises language’ Incapable of both empathy and self-reflection, Trump uses language in the service of lies, vilification and violence. His inflammatory rhetoric does more than legitimise and accelerate acts of violence; it weaponises language as a tool of political opportunism without regard for the suffering and misery it inflicts on individuals and entire groups considered disposable. He thrives in creating social divisions and merges ignorance and power to fuel conspiracy theories, eliminate the line between fact and fiction and give credence to the expanding media village of the extreme right. Trump attempts to criminalise political opposition, maligns immigrants and others as losers and revels in his role as a national mouthpiece for white nationalists, nativists and myriad extremist groups. He’s unconcerned about the power of words to inflame, humiliate, and embolden some of his followers to violence. Instead, he displays a sadistic desire to relegate his critics and those he views as not white enough or ethnically abhorrent to zones of terminal exclusion. ‘Abolish democracy’ His call to “Make America Great Again” reveals his nostalgia for a white Christian past. Allan Nairn, the award-winning investigative journalist, gets it right in arguing that Trump and the Republican Party want “to abolish democracy…because that’s the only way they can perpetuate their power” and create a form of “domestic fascism.” What’s so duplicitous and dangerous about Trump is that he hides behind the institutions of representative democracy, which he attempts to destroy by stealth and through an accumulation of assaults rather than through an outright suppression of civil liberties and political rights, though that may be on the horizon. Part of Trump’s demolition of democracy is his tactic of turning his almost daily assaults into a form of political theatre. It’s evident in his ongoing rallies that overflow with menace, not unlike the fascist Nuremberg rallies of the 1930s. As the master of the spectacle, Trump normalises through sheer repetition his ongoing attempts to fuel hatred, racial divisions and the destruction of social bonds, all of which is necessary for fascist politics to flourish. In the Trump era, the line between deadly violence and the rhetoric of a fascist politics is dangerously thin. And as historical memory fades and civic literacy is disparaged, the rise of barbarism and brutality are on the rise. Using language to resist That’s why critically addressing Trump’s language is a crucial act of political resistance. Trump’s hateful rhetoric also proves that education is central to politics, because it’s through language and diverse forms of communication that power materializes to shape consciousness, desire, identity and values. It’s crucial therefore in the age of Trump to use the language of resistance, one that’s rooted in compassion for others, expands the reach of justice and encourages us to confront the forces of tyranny. Language is the precondition for education, and education is central to politics itself. We need a new language that both inspires and energizes people to think otherwise in order to act otherwise. The current crisis of politics is not simply about the rise of fascist politics, it is also about the crisis of language, memory, and agency. Now is the time for individuals and social movements to give new meaning to the recognition that without an informed citizenry, democracy cannot survive and individual and collective resistance will disappear. (Henry Giroux is Chaired professor for Scholarship in the Public Interest in the Department of English and Cultural Studies, McMaster University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Trump’s fascist efforts to demolish democracy

US Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi vowed Tuesday to impose new "checks and balances" on Donald Trump's administration -- but also signaled it would not be all-out war with Republicans after her party seized the lower house of Congress.

"Today is more than about Democrats and Republicans. It's about restoring the constitution's checks and balances to the Trump administration," Pelosi told a news conference after the House of Representatives flipped to the Democrats in the midterm elections.

But she went on to promise that "a Democratic Congress will work for solutions that bring us together, because we have all had enough of division."

"The American people want peace. They want results."

US networks projected Wednesday that the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-democrats-scent-victory-over-trumps-republicans-in-congress-175944">Democrats would take the House</a>&nbsp;of Representatives or Congress while Trump's Republicans would keep control of the Senate.&nbsp;

The US midterm elections — in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, and 36 governorships&nbsp;were up for grabs — are being seen as a referendum on Trump's unconventional presidency.&nbsp;

US Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi vowed Tuesday to impose new "checks and balances" on Donald Trump's administration -- but also signaled it would not be all-out war with Republicans after her party seized the lower house of Congress.

US Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi vowed Tuesday to impose new "checks and balances" on Donald Trump's administration -- but also signaled it would not be all-out war with Republicans after her party seized the lower house of Congress. "Today is more than about Democrats and Republicans. It's about restoring the constitution's checks and balances to the Trump administration," Pelosi told a news conference after the House of Representatives flipped to the Democrats in the midterm elections. But she went on to promise that "a Democratic Congress will work for solutions that bring us together, because we have all had enough of division." "The American people want peace. They want results." US networks projected Wednesday that the Democrats would take the House of Representatives or Congress while Trump's Republicans would keep control of the Senate. The US midterm elections — in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, and 36 governorships were up for grabs — are being seen as a referendum on Trump's unconventional presidency.

America has 'had enough of division': Democratic leader Pelosi

Donald Trump completed a whirlwind final push to stop Democrats from breaking his Republicans' stranglehold on the US Congress in bitter midterm elections Tuesday.

Hitting three states in one day, with a final late rally in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Trump hammered home his boast that "the Republican agenda is the American dream."

However, after an election campaign marred by extremist violence, opponents called the polls a chance to curtail a president they accuse of deliberately stirring racism and social division in the search for votes.

For almost two years, Trump's rule-breaking, sometimes chaotic administration has enjoyed a free hand from the twin Republican controlled chambers, but the midterms could see him forced to face an opposition with real teeth.

The entire House of Representatives and a third of the Senate are up for grabs.

According to nearly all pollsters, the Democrats have a good chance of winning the House, while the Republicans are likely to retain the Senate.

But with turnout a key unknown factor and pollsters still unsure about the effect of Trump's maverick style on voters, both parties admit that they may be in for a surprise.

While Trump is not on the ballot, the most polarizing US president for decades has put himself at the center of every issue.

With a characteristic mix of folksiness, bombast and sometimes cruel humor, he says voters must choose between his stewardship of a booming economy and what he claims would be the Democrats' extreme-left policies.

In a Fox News op-ed on Monday he wrote that the US "has the best economy in the history of our country -- and hope has finally returned to cities and towns across America."

At every rally, Trump has vowed to his chanting supporters they will "win, win, win."

But as he touched down in Indiana for the second leg of his final-day tour, even Trump conceded that the House may slip from his party's grasp.

"We'll just have to work a little bit differently," he told reporters when asked how he'd live with a Democrat-controlled chamber.

Racism claims&nbsp;

The party of a first-term president tends to lose congressional seats in his first midterm. However, a healthy economy favors the incumbent, so Trump may yet defy the historical pattern.

New figures on the eve of the polls confirmed that job growth is soaring and Trump gives himself credit for the "hottest economy on Earth."

But to the dismay of some Republicans he has often pivoted away from that message in the final week of campaigning to emphasize a hardline -- and critics say racist -- crackdown against illegal immigrants.

Claiming that the country literally faces an "invasion" of migrants, Trump has sent thousands of soldiers to the Mexican border, suggested that illegal immigrants who throw stones should be shot, and made wild claims about the Democrats planning turn the country into a crime-and-drugs black hole.

Stirring fear of foreigners and trumpeting American nationalism worked for Trump in his 2016 election victory against the Democrats' establishment candidate Hillary Clinton.

But the angry tone has also turned off swaths of Americans.

Bernie Sanders, the leftist populist who some feel would have had a better chance than Clinton to take on Trump in 2016, lashed out Monday at the president, calling him a "pathological liar."

"He is a sexist, a racist, a homophobe, a xenophobe and a religious bigot. He is trying to do what we have never seen in the modern history of this country to do what he is doing right now, to gain votes by trying to divide the American people up based on where we came from," Sanders said on SiriusXM Progress radio.

Former president Barack Obama said while campaigning for Democrats: "The character of our country's on the ballot."

Violence and jitters&nbsp;

Pollsters, still gun-shy after underestimating Trump's strength ahead of 2016, say that margins are so tight in key races that they cannot rule out another shock result.

Races to watch include Democrat Beto O'Rourke's challenge to Senator Ted Cruz in traditionally deep-Republican Texas.

On Monday, O'Rourke depicted the contest as an epic event, saying that Texans "will define the future, not just of Texas, but of this country, not just this generation but every generation that follows."

Other big races are Republican Pete Stauber's bid to flip a House Democratic stronghold in Minnesota, while Democrats in Florida and Georgia are aiming to become the states' first African-American governors.

Trump's ultra-loyal base laps up his colorful style, which includes at times jaw-dropping insults against opponents and factually erroneous claims.

However, even some supporters became jittery after a Florida man and ardent Trump supporter was charged with sending homemade bombs to more than a dozen senior Democrats and other high profile opponents.

Just after, a gunman walked into a Pittsburgh synagogue and shot 11 worshippers dead.&nbsp;

He had allegedly lashed out online against Jews he accused of transporting Central American "invaders" into the United States -- in language that echoed Trump's own attacks on the impoverished migrants as "an invasion."

Donald Trump completed a whirlwind final push to stop Democrats from breaking his Republicans' stranglehold on the US Congress in bitter midterm elections Tuesday.

Donald Trump completed a whirlwind final push to stop Democrats from breaking his Republicans' stranglehold on the US Congress in bitter midterm elections Tuesday. Hitting three states in one day, with a final late rally in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Trump hammered home his boast that "the Republican agenda is the American dream." However, after an election campaign marred by extremist violence, opponents called the polls a chance to curtail a president they accuse of deliberately stirring racism and social division in the search for votes. For almost two years, Trump's rule-breaking, sometimes chaotic administration has enjoyed a free hand from the twin Republican controlled chambers, but the midterms could see him forced to face an opposition with real teeth. The entire House of Representatives and a third of the Senate are up for grabs. According to nearly all pollsters, the Democrats have a good chance of winning the House, while the Republicans are likely to retain the Senate. But with turnout a key unknown factor and pollsters still unsure about the effect of Trump's maverick style on voters, both parties admit that they may be in for a surprise. While Trump is not on the ballot, the most polarizing US president for decades has put himself at the center of every issue. With a characteristic mix of folksiness, bombast and sometimes cruel humor, he says voters must choose between his stewardship of a booming economy and what he claims would be the Democrats' extreme-left policies. In a Fox News op-ed on Monday he wrote that the US "has the best economy in the history of our country -- and hope has finally returned to cities and towns across America." At every rally, Trump has vowed to his chanting supporters they will "win, win, win." But as he touched down in Indiana for the second leg of his final-day tour, even Trump conceded that the House may slip from his party's grasp. "We'll just have to work a little bit differently," he told reporters when asked how he'd live with a Democrat-controlled chamber. Racism claims The party of a first-term president tends to lose congressional seats in his first midterm. However, a healthy economy favors the incumbent, so Trump may yet defy the historical pattern. New figures on the eve of the polls confirmed that job growth is soaring and Trump gives himself credit for the "hottest economy on Earth." But to the dismay of some Republicans he has often pivoted away from that message in the final week of campaigning to emphasize a hardline -- and critics say racist -- crackdown against illegal immigrants. Claiming that the country literally faces an "invasion" of migrants, Trump has sent thousands of soldiers to the Mexican border, suggested that illegal immigrants who throw stones should be shot, and made wild claims about the Democrats planning turn the country into a crime-and-drugs black hole. Stirring fear of foreigners and trumpeting American nationalism worked for Trump in his 2016 election victory against the Democrats' establishment candidate Hillary Clinton. But the angry tone has also turned off swaths of Americans. Bernie Sanders, the leftist populist who some feel would have had a better chance than Clinton to take on Trump in 2016, lashed out Monday at the president, calling him a "pathological liar." "He is a sexist, a racist, a homophobe, a xenophobe and a religious bigot. He is trying to do what we have never seen in the modern history of this country to do what he is doing right now, to gain votes by trying to divide the American people up based on where we came from," Sanders said on SiriusXM Progress radio. Former president Barack Obama said while campaigning for Democrats: "The character of our country's on the ballot." Violence and jitters Pollsters, still gun-shy after underestimating Trump's strength ahead of 2016, say that margins are so tight in key races that they cannot rule out another shock result. Races to watch include Democrat Beto O'Rourke's challenge to Senator Ted Cruz in traditionally deep-Republican Texas. On Monday, O'Rourke depicted the contest as an epic event, saying that Texans "will define the future, not just of Texas, but of this country, not just this generation but every generation that follows." Other big races are Republican Pete Stauber's bid to flip a House Democratic stronghold in Minnesota, while Democrats in Florida and Georgia are aiming to become the states' first African-American governors. Trump's ultra-loyal base laps up his colorful style, which includes at times jaw-dropping insults against opponents and factually erroneous claims. However, even some supporters became jittery after a Florida man and ardent Trump supporter was charged with sending homemade bombs to more than a dozen senior Democrats and other high profile opponents. Just after, a gunman walked into a Pittsburgh synagogue and shot 11 worshippers dead. He had allegedly lashed out online against Jews he accused of transporting Central American "invaders" into the United States -- in language that echoed Trump's own attacks on the impoverished migrants as "an invasion."

Trump says American dream at stake in US midterms after polarising campaign

US Midterm polls:  Early voting claims to record High

Hundreds of Central American migrants are gathered at the border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala on Friday (October 19), stuck at its shuttered gate as they seek passage north towards the United States.

Reuters video showed men, women and children waiting onto a bridge connecting Mexico and Guatemala, only to be met by dozens of Mexican police and immigration officials on the other side of the gate.

Many have vowed to stay put, demanding to be let through. But only a small number have trickled in.

Many of these migrant families are fleeing violence and poverty back home, with large swathes of Central America afflicted by gang violence and drug trafficking.

Earlier, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray vowed to meet the "challenge" of the caravan after holding talks with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Mexico City.

Trump has threatened to shut down the US-Mexico border if the caravan is not stopped, which could seriously disrupt trade.

Hundreds of Central American migrants are gathered at the border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala on Friday (October 19), stuck at its shuttered gate as they seek passage north towards the United States.

Hundreds of Central American migrants are gathered at the border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala on Friday (October 19), stuck at its shuttered gate as they seek passage north towards the United States. Reuters video showed men, women and children waiting onto a bridge connecting Mexico and Guatemala, only to be met by dozens of Mexican police and immigration officials on the other side of the gate. Many have vowed to stay put, demanding to be let through. But only a small number have trickled in. Many of these migrant families are fleeing violence and poverty back home, with large swathes of Central America afflicted by gang violence and drug trafficking. Earlier, Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray vowed to meet the "challenge" of the caravan after holding talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Mexico City. Trump has threatened to shut down the US-Mexico border if the caravan is not stopped, which could seriously disrupt trade.

Migrants amass on border bridge to Mexico on trek north to US

By KM Mishra

The Indian army will be in the busiest period of its military diplomacy in the coming two months as it is set to undertake joint military exercise with the forces of America, Russia, China and Japan.

The joint military exercise will be conducted between the countries that lead the opposite poles of each other in the months of November and December.

The first ever military exercise with the Japanese Army will be held from November 1-14, where the Indian Army will take part in EX. DHARMA GAURDIAN in Mizoram's Warangate.

From November 14 onwards the joint military exercise with the American Special Forces will be conducted in the Mahajan Field Firing Range of Rajasthan. The military exercises called the VAJRA PRAHAR of the Para Special Forces of the Indian Army will run till December 2.&nbsp;

At the same time, Indian Armored soldiers in Babina will be participating in INDRA 2018 with the armoured soldiers of Russia. From November 16 to 29, joint exercise Indra-2018 will be held between India and Russia's Mechanized Afantry.&nbsp;

From November 16, the joint military exercise AGNI WARRIOR of the artillery will start with Singapore, which will run till November 30.&nbsp;

Annual exercise HAND IN HAND, which was cancelled last year due to the Doklam controversy with China will also be conducted this year. This military exercise, being held in mid-December, is being organised in Chengdu, China.

Indian military diplomacy is currently going through its most challenging time. The military relationship with the United States is continuously strengthening. In a meeting between the Defense and the Foreign Ministers held last month, the two countries had further decided to&nbsp;strengthen this relationship. Now both countries will conduct military exercises at much larger levels between their three armies. Naval exercises with the US Malabar and military exercise YUDHABHYAS have been going on for many years.&nbsp;

Indian military relations with Russia are historic. Russia had supported the Indian Army at the time of crisis. Arsenal of Indian armies is full of Russian arms. But Russia is unhappy with the growing military ties with the US over the past few years. In an attempt to take advantage of this, Pakistan has extended the hand of friendship towards Russia. For two years, the soldiers of both countries are practising on a small scale and points on various arms deals are also being discussed. Although recently, India&nbsp;tried to bridge the gap by going for Russian missile defence system S-400, despite the US pressure.

Japan is a fierce enemy of China and can become India's main ally in the plan to surround China in its backyard. Japan has been a permanent member of the maritime exercise in Malabar since 2016, which was earlier only between India and the US. For the first time this year, the Indian and Japanese military forces will practice jointly.

The biggest challenge of diplomacy is to handle India's strongest neighbour China. In the last few years, many mechanisms have been made at the level of the military commanders to maintain peace and tranquillity between the two. HAND IN HAND is the most important milestone in the military diplomacy in relations with China. In the trijunction border between Bhutan and the two countries last year, tension has increased in Doklam and armies have come face-to-face. This tension remained for more than two months.

By KM Mishra The Indian army will be in the busiest period of its military diplomacy in the coming two months as it is set to undertake joint military exercise with the forces of America, Russia, China and Japan.

By KM Mishra The Indian army will be in the busiest period of its military diplomacy in the coming two months as it is set to undertake joint military exercise with the forces of America, Russia, China and Japan. The joint military exercise will be conducted between the countries that lead the opposite poles of each other in the months of November and December. The first ever military exercise with the Japanese Army will be held from November 1-14, where the Indian Army will take part in EX. DHARMA GAURDIAN in Mizoram's Warangate. From November 14 onwards the joint military exercise with the American Special Forces will be conducted in the Mahajan Field Firing Range of Rajasthan. The military exercises called the VAJRA PRAHAR of the Para Special Forces of the Indian Army will run till December 2. At the same time, Indian Armored soldiers in Babina will be participating in INDRA 2018 with the armoured soldiers of Russia. From November 16 to 29, joint exercise Indra-2018 will be held between India and Russia's Mechanized Afantry. From November 16, the joint military exercise AGNI WARRIOR of the artillery will start with Singapore, which will run till November 30. Annual exercise HAND IN HAND, which was cancelled last year due to the Doklam controversy with China will also be conducted this year. This military exercise, being held in mid-December, is being organised in Chengdu, China. Indian military diplomacy is currently going through its most challenging time. The military relationship with the United States is continuously strengthening. In a meeting between the Defense and the Foreign Ministers held last month, the two countries had further decided to strengthen this relationship. Now both countries will conduct military exercises at much larger levels between their three armies. Naval exercises with the US Malabar and military exercise YUDHABHYAS have been going on for many years. Indian military relations with Russia are historic. Russia had supported the Indian Army at the time of crisis. Arsenal of Indian armies is full of Russian arms. But Russia is unhappy with the growing military ties with the US over the past few years. In an attempt to take advantage of this, Pakistan has extended the hand of friendship towards Russia. For two years, the soldiers of both countries are practising on a small scale and points on various arms deals are also being discussed. Although recently, India tried to bridge the gap by going for Russian missile defence system S-400, despite the US pressure. Japan is a fierce enemy of China and can become India's main ally in the plan to surround China in its backyard. Japan has been a permanent member of the maritime exercise in Malabar since 2016, which was earlier only between India and the US. For the first time this year, the Indian and Japanese military forces will practice jointly. The biggest challenge of diplomacy is to handle India's strongest neighbour China. In the last few years, many mechanisms have been made at the level of the military commanders to maintain peace and tranquillity between the two. HAND IN HAND is the most important milestone in the military diplomacy in relations with China. In the trijunction border between Bhutan and the two countries last year, tension has increased in Doklam and armies have come face-to-face. This tension remained for more than two months.

India to hold joint military exercise with US, Russia, China and Japan

A commentary piece published in Chinese media has criticised Trump administration's stance on international trade noting that China and other countries will not swallow the "poisonous pills" that the United States is wanting them to accept.&nbsp;

The commentary comes shortly after the United States suggested that it has the power to terminate the recently-signed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) if the two others form a free trade agreement with a "non-market country", news agency Reuters reported.

Washington's comment has made international observers uncomfortable suggesting that the country may soon assume the power to bully other countries.

The article published on China Radio International's website on Monday argues that the United States cannot influence the diplomatic choices made by other countries or prevent normal and justified trade decisions.

News agency Reuters carries the entire text of the article published on China Plus which states that the agreement by the United States features "poison pill" and is neither free nor fair.

The piece goes on describe the deal as an "unequal treaty" under the dominance of the "America First" principle. It adds that Washington has deprived Canada and Mexico of its sovereignty and freedom by virtue of its position as a domineering trade power.

The commentary lambasts the United States' international trade policy accusing it of creating "an exclusive trading system" to isolate China.

"No economy in the world is willing to give up the opportunity to trade with China," the piece claimed. It concluded on the note that those who are paranoid would "self-righteously believe"in such a trade practice as established by the Trump administration.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A commentary piece published in Chinese media has criticised Trump administration's stance on international trade noting that China and other countries will not swallow the "poisonous pills" that the United States is wanting them to accept.

A commentary piece published in Chinese media has criticised Trump administration's stance on international trade noting that China and other countries will not swallow the "poisonous pills" that the United States is wanting them to accept. The commentary comes shortly after the United States suggested that it has the power to terminate the recently-signed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) if the two others form a free trade agreement with a "non-market country", news agency Reuters reported. Washington's comment has made international observers uncomfortable suggesting that the country may soon assume the power to bully other countries. The article published on China Radio International's website on Monday argues that the United States cannot influence the diplomatic choices made by other countries or prevent normal and justified trade decisions. News agency Reuters carries the entire text of the article published on China Plus which states that the agreement by the United States features "poison pill" and is neither free nor fair. The piece goes on describe the deal as an "unequal treaty" under the dominance of the "America First" principle. It adds that Washington has deprived Canada and Mexico of its sovereignty and freedom by virtue of its position as a domineering trade power. The commentary lambasts the United States' international trade policy accusing it of creating "an exclusive trading system" to isolate China. "No economy in the world is willing to give up the opportunity to trade with China," the piece claimed. It concluded on the note that those who are paranoid would "self-righteously believe"in such a trade practice as established by the Trump administration. (With inputs from Reuters)

China, other countries won't swallow America's 'poisonous' trade pills: Chinese media

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago.

Humans are wired to get dissatisfied -- especially in a world fraught with distractions and things that offer speedier, quicker, faster results -- one tends to get bored easily. With so many options available, our hunger to own more expands exponentially. Unfortunately, at the core of this saddening reality, an ugly truth stares right back – more of us are intrinsically unhappy even while working in fancy multinationals, clad in couture and commuting by fanciest of cars.

This ever-growing sense of dissatisfaction seems to have an answer in a growing school of thought which, according to me, makes total sense. Now is the time to adopt ‘minimalism’ like never before.

Look around and all that the eye can meet is clutter. Our mind, on an average, produces as many as 70,000 thoughts in a day – most of it just fans unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have enough food but we want more, we have a comfortable house but we want a bigger one, another car and of course, the latest iPhone.

Matt D’Avella’s documentary on minimalism&nbsp;becomes a must watch for all of us as it introduces to the virtue of having less and why having less is more. The short film features a young duo, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who quit their six-figure, fancy jobs in the United States and packed their lives in just about two suitcases to live with as little as possible. The duo calls itself 'The Minimalists' and goes around the country talking about their book and the importance of embracing the movement that emphasises de-cluttering lives and embracing simplicity.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough?</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? " target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

The documentary, 'Minimalism: A documentary about the important things,' raises a valid point – when our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? All the flashy things that are out there, we don’t really need those things for survival; they have been marketed to us for years, to trick us into believing that we need those things.

What is the true meaning of being successful? Experts suggest that over decades the idea of the ‘Big American Dream’ has come around to have completely different connotations. America was once seen as a land of enormous opportunities for one and all. A nation where one starts at rock-bottom, work hard and do well. With time, the idea became more materialistic in nature – increasingly about getting a six-figure job, that is how success is measured today across the globe, sadly.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The concept of 'minimalism'&nbsp;rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The concept of 'minimalism' rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

The concept of minimalism&nbsp;rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. Ask yourself, does this item, commodity or even a relationship add any value to life? If the answer is in negative then, “I should be willing enough to part with it, to let it go,” Joshua notes in the documentary.

It is interesting to see how an art movement, essentially an American visual arts movement of the mid-twentieth century, gained prominence to actually inspire a movement with a potential to make our lives better and instil meaning and substance.

Minimalism&nbsp;can be applied to every aspect of life, think out loud to yourself – is your closet too cluttered, do you really need all those pairs of shoes or the latest version of that pricey smartphone? Do you have quality and meaningful relationships with anyone in the crowd that you call ‘friends’? Is your daily routine meaningful and adds value to your existence?

Always remember, we cannot be happy with having too little, having too much is never going to bring contentment, you and I seek that fine balance of having just about enough and maintaining that equilibrium for life -- that is minimalism, your key to happiness.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago.

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago. Humans are wired to get dissatisfied -- especially in a world fraught with distractions and things that offer speedier, quicker, faster results -- one tends to get bored easily. With so many options available, our hunger to own more expands exponentially. Unfortunately, at the core of this saddening reality, an ugly truth stares right back – more of us are intrinsically unhappy even while working in fancy multinationals, clad in couture and commuting by fanciest of cars. This ever-growing sense of dissatisfaction seems to have an answer in a growing school of thought which, according to me, makes total sense. Now is the time to adopt ‘minimalism’ like never before. Look around and all that the eye can meet is clutter. Our mind, on an average, produces as many as 70,000 thoughts in a day – most of it just fans unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have enough food but we want more, we have a comfortable house but we want a bigger one, another car and of course, the latest iPhone. Matt D’Avella’s documentary on minimalism becomes a must watch for all of us as it introduces to the virtue of having less and why having less is more. The short film features a young duo, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who quit their six-figure, fancy jobs in the United States and packed their lives in just about two suitcases to live with as little as possible. The duo calls itself 'The Minimalists' and goes around the country talking about their book and the importance of embracing the movement that emphasises de-cluttering lives and embracing simplicity. When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? × The documentary, 'Minimalism: A documentary about the important things,' raises a valid point – when our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? All the flashy things that are out there, we don’t really need those things for survival; they have been marketed to us for years, to trick us into believing that we need those things. What is the true meaning of being successful? Experts suggest that over decades the idea of the ‘Big American Dream’ has come around to have completely different connotations. America was once seen as a land of enormous opportunities for one and all. A nation where one starts at rock-bottom, work hard and do well. With time, the idea became more materialistic in nature – increasingly about getting a six-figure job, that is how success is measured today across the globe, sadly. The concept of 'minimalism' rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. × The concept of minimalism rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. Ask yourself, does this item, commodity or even a relationship add any value to life? If the answer is in negative then, “I should be willing enough to part with it, to let it go,” Joshua notes in the documentary. It is interesting to see how an art movement, essentially an American visual arts movement of the mid-twentieth century, gained prominence to actually inspire a movement with a potential to make our lives better and instil meaning and substance. Minimalism can be applied to every aspect of life, think out loud to yourself – is your closet too cluttered, do you really need all those pairs of shoes or the latest version of that pricey smartphone? Do you have quality and meaningful relationships with anyone in the crowd that you call ‘friends’? Is your daily routine meaningful and adds value to your existence? Always remember, we cannot be happy with having too little, having too much is never going to bring contentment, you and I seek that fine balance of having just about enough and maintaining that equilibrium for life -- that is minimalism, your key to happiness. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Now is the time to embrace 'minimalism'; why having less is actually more

The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

Rouhani and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump exchanged threats and insults during their speeches at the UN&nbsp;assembly.

"The Americans had no achievements in this public assembly," Rouhani said, at a news conference broadcast on state TV on his return to Tehran.

The assembly had shown America's isolation, he said.

"When Mr. Trump was speaking and at the beginning of his speech bragged a lot about the accomplishments of his two-year-old administration, everyone laughed."

"What's important is that today, other than one or two countries, no one is supporting America," he said. "It's a historic political isolation that is rare for America."

The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday. Rouhani and US President Donald Trump exchanged threats and insults during their speeches at the UN assembly. "The Americans had no achievements in this public assembly," Rouhani said, at a news conference broadcast on state TV on his return to Tehran. The assembly had shown America's isolation, he said. "When Mr. Trump was speaking and at the beginning of his speech bragged a lot about the accomplishments of his two-year-old administration, everyone laughed." "What's important is that today, other than one or two countries, no one is supporting America," he said. "It's a historic political isolation that is rare for America."

America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani 

Trump addresses campaign rally in Las Vegas 

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) India and the US have agreed to hold official-level comprehensive talks to address trade and economic issues, days after President Donald Trump accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods.

The decision in this regard was taken during a series of meetings visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

"We will now work together to expand (bilateral) trade," Prabhu told a group of Indian reporters here yesterday at the conclusion of his two-day trip to the US.&nbsp

India will send an official team to work out the details and initiate a comprehensive negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic relationship between the two countries. "The team will come within the next few days," Prabhu said.&nbsp

Acknowledging that both sides have trade and tariff issues with each other, the minister said officials would hold talks on all of them.&nbsp

President Trump, in a press conference in Canada's Quebec City where he attended the G7 summit, took a swipe at India along with the world's other top economies and accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods, as he threatened to cut trade ties with countries who are robbing America.

Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has written to the US on steel and aluminum tariff.&nbsp

A full-fledged case has been made by India for waiver of steel and aluminum tariffs, he added. "It has been a very positive engagement."

In addition to Ross and Lighthizer, Prabhu held talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also met two powerful Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - the two co-chairs of the Senate India caucus.

"The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides," the Indian Embassy said in a readout of the meetings.

"In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner," it said.

During his two-day visit to Washington DC, Prabhu addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and held meetings with other stakeholders.

"It's a great time to join hands with each other. And that's the realisation within the (Trump) administration as well. Therefore, we have really decided to move on. As you know, we always hear the trade disputes between US and India, but when I had meeting with the USTR, with the Commerce Secretary, with Agriculture Secretary, with Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keep the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC in association with the FICCI and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction.&nbsp

"Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I'm hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," Prabhu noted.

The industry interaction included senior officials from leading US companies such as: Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram International, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber, 21st Century Fox, and Medtronic.

Noting that India and the US have an important strategic relationship and shared goals, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said the council is a constructive partner in achieving the full potential of the US-India commercial opportunity.

The USIBC roundtable organised in association with the CII comprised of US and Indian industry giants from the energy, aerospace, ICT, life sciences and defence sectors who reiterated India's position as a critical market while also raising issues facing their companies such as data localization and price controls, as well as public procurement and operational hurdles.

In engaging with critical stakeholders, Prabhu highlighted the ongoing policy reforms being pursued by India to improve its business climate and remove bureaucratic hurdles.&nbsp

Prabhu noted that India will soon release its new Industrial Policy, aimed at transforming India into a modern, flourishing, economic powerhouse.&nbsp

During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of a dispute redressal mechanism, and resolving such issues together in a way that does not derail but rather strengthens bilateral ties.&nbsp

Under Trump, trade dispute between India and the US has increased, with his administration asking New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and open up its market.&nbsp

Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and threatened to increase the import tariff on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles to the US.&nbsp

Trump had at the recent G7 summit taken a swipe at the world's top economies and India, accusing New Delhi of charging a 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) India and the US have agreed to hold official-level comprehensive talks to address trade and economic issues, days after President Donald Trump accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods. The decision in this regard was taken during a series of meetings visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. "We will now work together to expand (bilateral) trade," Prabhu told a group of Indian reporters here yesterday at the conclusion of his two-day trip to the US. India will send an official team to work out the details and initiate a comprehensive negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic relationship between the two countries. "The team will come within the next few days," Prabhu said. Acknowledging that both sides have trade and tariff issues with each other, the minister said officials would hold talks on all of them. President Trump, in a press conference in Canada's Quebec City where he attended the G7 summit, took a swipe at India along with the world's other top economies and accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods, as he threatened to cut trade ties with countries who are robbing America. Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has written to the US on steel and aluminum tariff. A full-fledged case has been made by India for waiver of steel and aluminum tariffs, he added. "It has been a very positive engagement." In addition to Ross and Lighthizer, Prabhu held talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also met two powerful Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - the two co-chairs of the Senate India caucus. "The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides," the Indian Embassy said in a readout of the meetings. "In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner," it said. During his two-day visit to Washington DC, Prabhu addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and held meetings with other stakeholders. "It's a great time to join hands with each other. And that's the realisation within the (Trump) administration as well. Therefore, we have really decided to move on. As you know, we always hear the trade disputes between US and India, but when I had meeting with the USTR, with the Commerce Secretary, with Agriculture Secretary, with Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keep the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC in association with the FICCI and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction. "Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I'm hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," Prabhu noted. The industry interaction included senior officials from leading US companies such as: Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram International, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber, 21st Century Fox, and Medtronic. Noting that India and the US have an important strategic relationship and shared goals, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said the council is a constructive partner in achieving the full potential of the US-India commercial opportunity. The USIBC roundtable organised in association with the CII comprised of US and Indian industry giants from the energy, aerospace, ICT, life sciences and defence sectors who reiterated India's position as a critical market while also raising issues facing their companies such as data localization and price controls, as well as public procurement and operational hurdles. In engaging with critical stakeholders, Prabhu highlighted the ongoing policy reforms being pursued by India to improve its business climate and remove bureaucratic hurdles. Prabhu noted that India will soon release its new Industrial Policy, aimed at transforming India into a modern, flourishing, economic powerhouse. During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of a dispute redressal mechanism, and resolving such issues together in a way that does not derail but rather strengthens bilateral ties. Under Trump, trade dispute between India and the US has increased, with his administration asking New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and open up its market. Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and threatened to increase the import tariff on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles to the US.

After Trump accuses Delhi of high tariffs, US & India agree to hold trade talks

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup.

The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.

The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada -&nbsp;and Morocco.

Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result.

The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football&nbsp;carnival.

North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -&nbsp;many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won.

A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated".

The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup. The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup. The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada - and Morocco. Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result. The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival. North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper - many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won. A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated". The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

US, Mexico and Canada to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a "comprehensive" document on Tuesday following a historic summit in Singapore aimed at the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

There were no immediate details on the contents of the document but Trump said he expected the denuclearisation process to start "very, very quickly".

Although the breakthrough made at the summit marks just the start of a diplomatic process, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, just as former US&nbspPresident Richard Nixon visit to Beijing in 1972 led to the transformation of China.

Before signing what Trump described as a "comprehensive letter", Kim said the two leaders had a historic meeting “and decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change.”

Trump said he had formed a "very special bond" with Kim and that relationship with North Korea would be very different.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-summit-with-north-koreas-kim-better-than-anybody-expected-143755">Trump says summit with North Korea's Kim 'better than anybody expected'</a>

"People are going to be very impressed and people are going to be very happy and we are going to take care of a very dangerous problem for the world," Trump said.

Asked whether he would invite Kim to the White House, Trump said: "Absolutely, I will."

He called Kim "very smart" and a "very worthy, very hard negotiator."

"I learned he's a very talented man. I also learned that he loves his country very much."

During a post-lunch stroll through the gardens of the Singapore hotel where the summit was held, Trump said the summit had gone "better than anybody could have expected".

Kim stood silently alongside, but the North Korean leader had earlier described their meeting as a "a good prelude to peace".

Both men walked to Trump's bullet-proof limousine, nicknamed "The Beast", and looked in at the rear seat, with Trump apparently showing Kim something inside. They then resumed their walk.

They had appeared cautious and serious when they first arrived for the summit at the Capella hotel on Singapore's Sentosa, a resort island with luxury hotels, a casino, manmade beaches and a Universal Studios theme park.

But, with cameras of the world's press trained on them, they displayed an initial atmosphere of bonhomie as they met on the verandah of the Capella, a refurbished 19th century British regimental officers' mess.

After a handshake, they were soon smiling and holding each other by the arm, before Trump guided Kim to the library where they held a meeting with only their interpreters. Trump had said on Saturday he would know within a minute of meeting Kim whether he would reach a deal.

MARKETS RISE

Inside, they sat alongside each other against a backdrop of North Korean and U.S. flags, with Kim beaming broadly as the U.S. president gave him a thumbs up.

The combatants of the 1950-53 Korean War are technically still at war, as the conflict, in which millions of people died, was concluded only with a truce.

After initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before entering a meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials.

Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: "I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy...science fiction movie."

Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: "Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship."

Kim also sounded positive about the prospects of peace.

"We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace," he said. "I believe this is a good prelude for peace."

The dollar jumped to a 3-week top on Tuesday and Asian shares rose on the news.

Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, for the expanded talks, while Kim's team included former military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol, foreign minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party.

As the two leaders met, Singapore navy vessels, and air force Apache helicopters patrolled, while fighter jets and an Gulfstream 550 early warning aircraft circled.

Body language expert said both men tried to project command as they met, but also displayed signs of nerves.

After the meetings, the two teams and other senior officials met for a working lunch, where beef short ribs, sweet and sour pork and "Daegu Jormin", or Korean braised cod, were served for the main course, according to the menu. That was to be followed by dark chocolate tarts, pastries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The North Korean leader's sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong was among the lunch party.

As the cameras captured the moment, Trump quipped: "Very nice. Getting a good picture everyone, so we all look nice and handsome and thin...perfect".

In the hours before the summit began, Trump expressed optimism about prospects for the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, while Pompeo injected a note of caution whether Kim would prove to be sincere about his willingness to denuclearise.

Pompeo said the summit should set the framework for "the hard work that will follow", insisting that North Korea had to move toward complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation.

North Korea, however, has shown little appetite for surrendering nuclear weapons it considers vital to the survival of Kim's dynastic rule.

Sanctions on North Korea would remain in place until that happened, Pompeo said on Monday. "If diplomacy does not move in the right direction ... those measures will increase."

The White House said later that discussions with North Korea had moved "more quickly than expected" and Trump would leave Singapore on Tuesday night after the summit, rather than Wednesday, as scheduled earlier.

Kim is due to leave on Tuesday afternoon, a source involved in the planning of his visit has said.

Trump spoke to Moon and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both key allies of Washington in the region, to discuss developments ahead of the summit.

"I too, got little sleep last night," Moon told his cabinet in Seoul as the summit began in Singapore.

"I truly hope it will be a successful summit that will open a new age for the two Koreas and the United States and bring us complete denuclearisation and peace."

Before signing what Trump described as a 'comprehensive letter', Kim said the two leaders had a historic meeting 'and decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change'. Trump said he had formed a 'very special bond' with Kim

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a "comprehensive" document on Tuesday following a historic summit in Singapore aimed at the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. There were no immediate details on the contents of the document but Trump said he expected the denuclearisation process to start "very, very quickly". Although the breakthrough made at the summit marks just the start of a diplomatic process, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, just as former US&nbspPresident Richard Nixon visit to Beijing in 1972 led to the transformation of China. Before signing what Trump described as a "comprehensive letter", Kim said the two leaders had a historic meeting “and decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change.” Trump said he had formed a "very special bond" with Kim and that relationship with North Korea would be very different. Also read: Trump says summit with North Korea's Kim 'better than anybody expected' "People are going to be very impressed and people are going to be very happy and we are going to take care of a very dangerous problem for the world," Trump said. Asked whether he would invite Kim to the White House, Trump said: "Absolutely, I will." He called Kim "very smart" and a "very worthy, very hard negotiator." "I learned he's a very talented man. I also learned that he loves his country very much." During a post-lunch stroll through the gardens of the Singapore hotel where the summit was held, Trump said the summit had gone "better than anybody could have expected". Kim stood silently alongside, but the North Korean leader had earlier described their meeting as a "a good prelude to peace". Both men walked to Trump's bullet-proof limousine, nicknamed "The Beast", and looked in at the rear seat, with Trump apparently showing Kim something inside. They then resumed their walk. They had appeared cautious and serious when they first arrived for the summit at the Capella hotel on Singapore's Sentosa, a resort island with luxury hotels, a casino, manmade beaches and a Universal Studios theme park. But, with cameras of the world's press trained on them, they displayed an initial atmosphere of bonhomie as they met on the verandah of the Capella, a refurbished 19th century British regimental officers' mess. After a handshake, they were soon smiling and holding each other by the arm, before Trump guided Kim to the library where they held a meeting with only their interpreters. Trump had said on Saturday he would know within a minute of meeting Kim whether he would reach a deal. MARKETS RISE Inside, they sat alongside each other against a backdrop of North Korean and U.S. flags, with Kim beaming broadly as the U.S. president gave him a thumbs up. The combatants of the 1950-53 Korean War are technically still at war, as the conflict, in which millions of people died, was concluded only with a truce. After initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before entering a meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials. Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: "I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy...science fiction movie." Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: "Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship." Kim also sounded positive about the prospects of peace. "We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace," he said. "I believe this is a good prelude for peace." The dollar jumped to a 3-week top on Tuesday and Asian shares rose on the news. Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, for the expanded talks, while Kim's team included former military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol, foreign minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party. As the two leaders met, Singapore navy vessels, and air force Apache helicopters patrolled, while fighter jets and an Gulfstream 550 early warning aircraft circled. Body language expert said both men tried to project command as they met, but also displayed signs of nerves. After the meetings, the two teams and other senior officials met for a working lunch, where beef short ribs, sweet and sour pork and "Daegu Jormin", or Korean braised cod, were served for the main course, according to the menu. That was to be followed by dark chocolate tarts, pastries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The North Korean leader's sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong was among the lunch party. As the cameras captured the moment, Trump quipped: "Very nice. Getting a good picture everyone, so we all look nice and handsome and thin...perfect". In the hours before the summit began, Trump expressed optimism about prospects for the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, while Pompeo injected a note of caution whether Kim would prove to be sincere about his willingness to denuclearise. Pompeo said the summit should set the framework for "the hard work that will follow", insisting that North Korea had to move toward complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. North Korea, however, has shown little appetite for surrendering nuclear weapons it considers vital to the survival of Kim's dynastic rule. Sanctions on North Korea would remain in place until that happened, Pompeo said on Monday. "If diplomacy does not move in the right direction ... those measures will increase." The White House said later that discussions with North Korea had moved "more quickly than expected" and Trump would leave Singapore on Tuesday night after the summit, rather than Wednesday, as scheduled earlier. Kim is due to leave on Tuesday afternoon, a source involved in the planning of his visit has said. Trump spoke to Moon and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both key allies of Washington in the region, to discuss developments ahead of the summit. "I too, got little sleep last night," Moon told his cabinet in Seoul as the summit began in Singapore. "I truly hope it will be a successful summit that will open a new age for the two Koreas and the United States and bring us complete denuclearisation and peace."

Trump says Kim 'very smart', North Korea to denuclearise 'very, very quickly'

Trump and Kim concluded their first historic meeting — it really is, a sitting US President and a North Korean leader have never met before, not even spoken on the phone — today.&nbsp;

The one-on-one, along with translators, lasted about 48 minutes.&nbsp;

Reuters quoted a body language expert as saying Trump and Kim both sought to project a sense of command as they began their summit,&nbsp;

The body language expert said their handshake, which lasted over 10 seconds, showed both leaders seeking to take charge of their encounter. Trump spoke to Kim during the handshake, while the North Korean leader listened affirmatively.&nbsp;

"Their handshake seems to be between peers," Karen Leong, Managing Director of Singapore-headquartered Influence Solutions, said. "Trump seemed to be very aware of this, that he needed to up the stakes and be seen that he is the leader."&nbsp;

Trump arrived to the summit looking serious, and showed off the power-grab gestures most recently seen during the G7 summit this week. He patted the North Korean leader on the arm twice and also initiated a handshake while talking to the media about the "successful relationship".&nbsp;

Trump did most of the talking and Kim appeared to listen attentively, turning to him three times during their walk towards the library they were meeting in. But he also patted the US President's arm, in an attempt to show control over the encounter.

Trump, who is more than twice as old Kim who is reportedly 34, appeared to lead the way to the library, placing his hand on the North Korean leader's back.&nbsp;

But Leong said the two leaders found it tough to disguise their nervousness once they sat down to their meeting with Trump displaying a slanted smile and fidgeting with his hands, and Kim leaning and staring at the ground.

Ahead of the meeting, Trump had said he would be able to work out within the first minute whether his North Korean counterpart was serious about making peace.

"I think that very quickly I'll know that something good is going to happen," Trump said in Canada during the G7 meeting. "I also think I'll know if it's going to happen fast – it may not, but I'll know pretty quickly whether or not, in my opinion, something positive will happen."

The two leaders had, before their sudden thaw, been trading insults for months with economic sanctions on North Korea ramped up in response to its nuclear weapons programme.

A body language expert said the two leaders found it tough to disguise their nervousness once they sat down to their meeting with Trump displaying a slanted smile and fidgeting with his hands, and Kim leaning and staring at the ground

Trump and Kim concluded their first historic meeting — it really is, a sitting US President and a North Korean leader have never met before, not even spoken on the phone — today. The one-on-one, along with translators, lasted about 48 minutes. Reuters quoted a body language expert as saying Trump and Kim both sought to project a sense of command as they began their summit, The body language expert said their handshake, which lasted over 10 seconds, showed both leaders seeking to take charge of their encounter. Trump spoke to Kim during the handshake, while the North Korean leader listened affirmatively. "Their handshake seems to be between peers," Karen Leong, Managing Director of Singapore-headquartered Influence Solutions, said. "Trump seemed to be very aware of this, that he needed to up the stakes and be seen that he is the leader." Trump arrived to the summit looking serious, and showed off the power-grab gestures most recently seen during the G7 summit this week. He patted the North Korean leader on the arm twice and also initiated a handshake while talking to the media about the "successful relationship". Trump did most of the talking and Kim appeared to listen attentively, turning to him three times during their walk towards the library they were meeting in. But he also patted the US President's arm, in an attempt to show control over the encounter. Trump, who is more than twice as old Kim who is reportedly 34, appeared to lead the way to the library, placing his hand on the North Korean leader's back. But Leong said the two leaders found it tough to disguise their nervousness once they sat down to their meeting with Trump displaying a slanted smile and fidgeting with his hands, and Kim leaning and staring at the ground. Ahead of the meeting, Trump had said he would be able to work out within the first minute whether his North Korean counterpart was serious about making peace. "I think that very quickly I'll know that something good is going to happen," Trump said in Canada during the G7 meeting. "I also think I'll know if it's going to happen fast – it may not, but I'll know pretty quickly whether or not, in my opinion, something positive will happen." The two leaders had, before their sudden thaw, been trading insults for months with economic sanctions on North Korea ramped up in response to its nuclear weapons programme.

Trump and Kim's body language said both tried to show they were in control

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday had gone "better than anybody could have expected", and they would sign a document following talks on ways to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula.

Kim stood silently alongside Trump as he spoke to media during a post-lunch stroll through the gardens of the Singapore hotel where the summit was held, but the North Korean leader had earlier described their meeting as a "a good prelude to peace".

Both men walked to Trump's limousine and looked in at the rear seat, with Trump apparently showing Kim something inside. They then resumed their walk.

"A lot of progress - really very positive. I think better than anybody could have expected. Top of the line, very good. We’re going now for a signing," Trump told journalists, without giving details on what would be signed.

Should they succeed in making a diplomatic breakthrough, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, like the visit of former U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in 1972 led to the transformation of China.

Both men had looked serious as they got out of their limousines for the summit at the Capella hotel on Singapore's Sentosa, a resort island with luxury hotels, a casino, manmade beaches and a Universal Studios theme park.

But, with cameras of the world's press trained on them, they displayed an initial atmosphere of bonhomie as they met on the verandah of the Capella, a refurbished 19th century British regimental officers' mess.

After a handshake, they were soon smiling and holding each other by the arm, before Trump guided Kim to the library where they held a meeting with only their interpreters. Trump had said on Saturday he would know within a minute of meeting Kim whether he would reach a deal.

Inside, they sat alongside each other against a backdrop of North Korean and U.S. flags, with Kim beaming broadly as the U.S. president gave him a thumbs up.

The combatants of the 1950-53 Korean War are technically still at war, as the conflict, in which millions of people died, was concluded only with a truce.

After initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before entering a meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials.

Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: "I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy...science fiction movie."

Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: "Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship."

Kim also sounded positive about the prospects.

"We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace," he said. "I believe this is a good prelude for peace."

Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, for the expanded talks, while Kim's team included former military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol, foreign minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party.

MARKETS CALM

As the two leaders met, Singapore navy vessels, and air force Apache helicopters patrolled, while fighter jets and an Gulfstream 550 early warning aircraft circled.

Financial markets were largely steady in Asia and did not show any noticeable reaction to the start of the summit. The dollar was at a three-week high and the MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares was largely unchanged from Monday.

While Trump and Kim search each other’s eyes and words for signs of trust or deceit, the rest of the world will be watching, hoping that somehow these two unpredictable leaders can find a way to defuse one of the planet's most dangerous flashpoints.

Body language expert said both men tried to project command as they met, but also displayed signs of nerves.

After the meetings, the two teams and other senior officials met for a working lunch, where beef short ribs, sweet and sour pork and "Daegu Jormin", or Korean braised cod, were served for the main course, according to the menu. That was to be followed by dark chocolate tarts, pastries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The North Korean leader's sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong was among the lunch party.

As the cameras captured the moment, Trump quipped: "Very nice. Getting a good picture everyone, so we all look nice and handsome and thin...perfect".

In the hours before the summit began, Trump expressed optimism about prospects for the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, while Pompeo injected a note of caution whether Kim would prove to be sincere about his willingness to denuclearise.

Pompeo said the summit should set the framework for "the hard work that will follow", insisting that North Korea had to move toward complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation.

North Korea, however, has shown little appetite for surrendering nuclear weapons it considers vital to the survival of Kim's dynastic rule.

Sanctions on North Korea would remain in place until that happened, Pompeo said on Monday. "If diplomacy does not move in the right direction ... those measures will increase."

The White House said later that discussions with North Korea had moved "more quickly than expected" and Trump would leave Singapore on Tuesday night after the summit, rather than Wednesday, as scheduled earlier.

Kim is due to leave on Tuesday afternoon, a source involved in the planning of his visit has said.

One of the world's most reclusive leaders, Kim visited Singapore's waterfront on Monday, smiling and waving to onlookers, adding to a more affable image that has emerged since his April summit with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in.

Trump spoke to Moon and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both key allies of Washington in the region, to discuss developments ahead of the summit.

"I too, got little sleep last night," Moon told his cabinet in Seoul as the summit began in Singapore.

"I truly hope it will be a successful summit that will open a new age for the two Koreas and the United States and bring us complete denuclearisation and peace."

Trump added that he and Kim would sign a document following talks on ways to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday had gone "better than anybody could have expected", and they would sign a document following talks on ways to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula. Kim stood silently alongside Trump as he spoke to media during a post-lunch stroll through the gardens of the Singapore hotel where the summit was held, but the North Korean leader had earlier described their meeting as a "a good prelude to peace". Both men walked to Trump's limousine and looked in at the rear seat, with Trump apparently showing Kim something inside. They then resumed their walk. "A lot of progress - really very positive. I think better than anybody could have expected. Top of the line, very good. We’re going now for a signing," Trump told journalists, without giving details on what would be signed. Should they succeed in making a diplomatic breakthrough, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, like the visit of former U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in 1972 led to the transformation of China. Both men had looked serious as they got out of their limousines for the summit at the Capella hotel on Singapore's Sentosa, a resort island with luxury hotels, a casino, manmade beaches and a Universal Studios theme park. But, with cameras of the world's press trained on them, they displayed an initial atmosphere of bonhomie as they met on the verandah of the Capella, a refurbished 19th century British regimental officers' mess. After a handshake, they were soon smiling and holding each other by the arm, before Trump guided Kim to the library where they held a meeting with only their interpreters. Trump had said on Saturday he would know within a minute of meeting Kim whether he would reach a deal. Inside, they sat alongside each other against a backdrop of North Korean and U.S. flags, with Kim beaming broadly as the U.S. president gave him a thumbs up. The combatants of the 1950-53 Korean War are technically still at war, as the conflict, in which millions of people died, was concluded only with a truce. After initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before entering a meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials. Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: "I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy...science fiction movie." Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: "Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship." Kim also sounded positive about the prospects. "We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace," he said. "I believe this is a good prelude for peace." Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, for the expanded talks, while Kim's team included former military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol, foreign minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party. MARKETS CALM As the two leaders met, Singapore navy vessels, and air force Apache helicopters patrolled, while fighter jets and an Gulfstream 550 early warning aircraft circled. Financial markets were largely steady in Asia and did not show any noticeable reaction to the start of the summit. The dollar was at a three-week high and the MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares was largely unchanged from Monday. While Trump and Kim search each other’s eyes and words for signs of trust or deceit, the rest of the world will be watching, hoping that somehow these two unpredictable leaders can find a way to defuse one of the planet's most dangerous flashpoints. Body language expert said both men tried to project command as they met, but also displayed signs of nerves. After the meetings, the two teams and other senior officials met for a working lunch, where beef short ribs, sweet and sour pork and "Daegu Jormin", or Korean braised cod, were served for the main course, according to the menu. That was to be followed by dark chocolate tarts, pastries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The North Korean leader's sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong was among the lunch party. As the cameras captured the moment, Trump quipped: "Very nice. Getting a good picture everyone, so we all look nice and handsome and thin...perfect". In the hours before the summit began, Trump expressed optimism about prospects for the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, while Pompeo injected a note of caution whether Kim would prove to be sincere about his willingness to denuclearise. Pompeo said the summit should set the framework for "the hard work that will follow", insisting that North Korea had to move toward complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. North Korea, however, has shown little appetite for surrendering nuclear weapons it considers vital to the survival of Kim's dynastic rule. Sanctions on North Korea would remain in place until that happened, Pompeo said on Monday. "If diplomacy does not move in the right direction ... those measures will increase." The White House said later that discussions with North Korea had moved "more quickly than expected" and Trump would leave Singapore on Tuesday night after the summit, rather than Wednesday, as scheduled earlier. Kim is due to leave on Tuesday afternoon, a source involved in the planning of his visit has said. One of the world's most reclusive leaders, Kim visited Singapore's waterfront on Monday, smiling and waving to onlookers, adding to a more affable image that has emerged since his April summit with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in. Trump spoke to Moon and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both key allies of Washington in the region, to discuss developments ahead of the summit. "I too, got little sleep last night," Moon told his cabinet in Seoul as the summit began in Singapore. "I truly hope it will be a successful summit that will open a new age for the two Koreas and the United States and bring us complete denuclearisation and peace."

Trump says summit with North Korea's Kim 'better than anybody expected'

"It is a great day and one of the greatest moments in the history of the world," Trump said at&nbspa press conference in Singapore after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbsp

Trump and Kim had a historic meeting — a sitting US President and a North Korean leader have never met before — at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island on Tuesday

"Kim Jong-Un has the chance to seize a better future for his country. Anyone can make war but only the most courageous can make peace," Trump said at the press conference.&nbsp

"We are prepared for the new history. We are ready to write new chapters. The past does not to have to define the future," he added.&nbsp

Watch Trump's press conference&nbsplive below:&nbsp

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" id="frmwion" scrolling="no" src="http://wionews.dittotv.com/?header=no" width="100%"></iframe>

'Anyone can make war but only the most courageous can make peace,' Trump said. 'The past does not to have to define the future,' he added

"It is a great day and one of the greatest moments in the history of the world," Trump said at&nbspa press conference in Singapore after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Trump and Kim had a historic meeting — a sitting US President and a North Korean leader have never met before — at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island on Tuesday "Kim Jong-Un has the chance to seize a better future for his country. Anyone can make war but only the most courageous can make peace," Trump said at the press conference. "We are prepared for the new history. We are ready to write new chapters. The past does not to have to define the future," he added. Watch Trump's press conference&nbsplive below:

Watch live: Trump says only 'most courageous can make peace' after meeting Kim

Is Dr Shakil Afridi the man who actually helped the Americans identify Osama bin Laden or was he the fallguy for somebody else? Is Aafia Siddiqui an Al Qaeda terrorist or the victim of something she never understood? &nbsp;&nbsp;

These questions have come to the fore in Pakistan amid reports that both could be freed — Afridi from his Pakistani prison and Siddiqui from her 86-year prison sentence in the US.&nbsp;

Last week, Dr Shakil Afridi's 30-year prison sentence was commuted by the Pakistani government. &nbsp;

Afridi had been convicted of helping the Americans find bin Laden through a fake polio-eradication campaign in Abbotabad. &nbsp;According to investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, Afridi played no such role but was made the scapegoat to ensure the ex-ISI officer who spilled the beans on bin Laden's whereabouts to the Americans got out of the country. &nbsp;

The Americans appear to want to make amends and get Afridi out of prison. Reports have surfaced that he could be exchanged for Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani convicted of Al Qaeda links and jailed for 86 years in a Texas prison. &nbsp;Pakistan has denied the report but there's no doubt Aafia's release would be very popular in Pakistan. &nbsp;By all accounts, she is a mysterious figure.

Aafia Siddiqui is an MIT-trained neuroscientist who was influenced by radical Islamist ideas. &nbsp;

In 2002, she is alleged to have helped Al Qaeda operative Majid enter the US. in 2003, she married the nephew of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad. &nbsp;That same year she vanished with her children.

Her family believes she was kidnapped — by whom is left unsaid — flown to Kabul and held in Bagram prison where she was tortured. The Pakistanis have denied any role in her rendition to Afghanistan. So have the Americans. &nbsp;

Her ex-husband says she was on the run because of her Islamist connections, moving between Quetta, Iran and Karachi. Two of her children live with her sister in Karachi but have maintained silence. &nbsp;

International jurists say Aafia's Al Qaeda links do not justify her 86-year sentence. Others say Pakistani intelligence may not want her to return as she could reveal details of their involvement in the US programme of illegal renditions.&nbsp;

Is Aafia a cold-blooded terrorist or somebody who was drawn into the jihadi web without really understanding what she was getting into? &nbsp;The truth may never be known.&nbsp;

Pakistan sentenced Dr Shakil Afridi to 30 years in prison. Then, last week, his sentence was commuted

Is Dr Shakil Afridi the man who actually helped the Americans identify Osama bin Laden or was he the fallguy for somebody else? Is Aafia Siddiqui an Al Qaeda terrorist or the victim of something she never understood? These questions have come to the fore in Pakistan amid reports that both could be freed — Afridi from his Pakistani prison and Siddiqui from her 86-year prison sentence in the US. Last week, Dr Shakil Afridi's 30-year prison sentence was commuted by the Pakistani government. Afridi had been convicted of helping the Americans find bin Laden through a fake polio-eradication campaign in Abbotabad. According to investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, Afridi played no such role but was made the scapegoat to ensure the ex-ISI officer who spilled the beans on bin Laden's whereabouts to the Americans got out of the country. The Americans appear to want to make amends and get Afridi out of prison. Reports have surfaced that he could be exchanged for Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani convicted of Al Qaeda links and jailed for 86 years in a Texas prison. Pakistan has denied the report but there's no doubt Aafia's release would be very popular in Pakistan. By all accounts, she is a mysterious figure. Aafia Siddiqui is an MIT-trained neuroscientist who was influenced by radical Islamist ideas. In 2002, she is alleged to have helped Al Qaeda operative Majid enter the US. in 2003, she married the nephew of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad. That same year she vanished with her children. Her family believes she was kidnapped — by whom is left unsaid — flown to Kabul and held in Bagram prison where she was tortured. The Pakistanis have denied any role in her rendition to Afghanistan. So have the Americans. Her ex-husband says she was on the run because of her Islamist connections, moving between Quetta, Iran and Karachi. Two of her children live with her sister in Karachi but have maintained silence. International jurists say Aafia's Al Qaeda links do not justify her 86-year sentence. Others say Pakistani intelligence may not want her to return as she could reveal details of their involvement in the US programme of illegal renditions. Is Aafia a cold-blooded terrorist or somebody who was drawn into the jihadi web without really understanding what she was getting into? The truth may never be known.

Is the US exchanging an Al Qaeda terrorist for the Pakistani doctor who helped them catch Osama?

Poverty in the United States is extensive and is deepening under the Trump administration whose policies seem aimed at removing the safety net from millions of poor, while rewarding the rich, a UN&nbsphuman rights investigator has found.

Philip Alston, UN&nbspspecial rapporteur on extreme poverty, called on US&nbspauthorities to provide solid social protection and address underlying problems, rather than "punishing and imprisoning the poor".

While welfare benefits and access to health insurance are being slashed, President Donald Trump's tax reform has awarded "financial windfalls" to the mega-rich and large companies, further increasing inequality, he said in a report.

US&nbsppolicies since President Lyndon Johnson's war on poverty in the 1960s have been "neglectful at best", he said.

"But the policies pursued over the past year seem deliberately designed to remove basic protections from the poorest, punish those who are not in employment and make even basic health care into a privilege to be earned rather than a right of citizenship," Alston said.

Almost 41 million people live in poverty, 18.5 million of them in extreme poverty, and children account for one in three poor, he said. The United States has the highest youth poverty rate among industrialised countries, he added.

"Its citizens live shorter and sicker lives compared to those living in all other rich democracies, eradicable tropical diseases are increasingly prevalent and it has the world's highest incarceration rate...and the highest obesity levels in the developed world," Alston said.

However, the data from the U.S. Census Bureau he cited covers only the period through 2016, and he gave no comparative figures on the extent of poverty before and after Trump came into office in January 2017.

The Australian, a veteran U.N. rights expert and New York University law professor, will present his report to the United Nations Human Rights Council later this month.

It is based on his mission in December to several U.S. states, including rural Alabama, a slum in downtown Los Angeles, California, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

US&nbspofficials in Geneva were not immediately available for comment.

'SHAMEFUL STATISTICS'

Citing "shameful statistics" linked to entrenched racial discrimination, Alston said that African Americans are 2.5 times more likely than whites to live in poverty and their unemployment rate is more than double. Women, Hispanics, immigrants, and indigenous people also suffer high rates.

At least 550,000 people are homeless in America, he said.

"The tax reform will worsen this situation and ensure that the United States remains the most unequal society in the developed world," Alston said. "The planned dramatic cuts in welfare will essentially shred crucial dimensions of a safety net that is already full of holes."

The tax overhaul, which sailed through the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress in December, permanently cut the top corporate rate to 21 percent from 35 percent. Tax cuts for individuals, however, are temporary and expire after 2025.

Trump has said they will lead to more take-home pay for workers and have touted bonuses some workers received from their employers as evidence the law is working.

Alston dismissed allegations of widespread fraud in the welfare system and criticised the U.S. criminal justice system. It sets large bail bonds for a defendant seeking to go free pending trial, meaning wealthy suspects can afford bail while the poor remain in custody, often losing their jobs, he said.

"There is no magic recipe for eliminating extreme poverty and each level of government must make its own good-faith decisions. At the end of the day, however, particularly in a rich country like the United States, the persistence of extreme poverty is a political choice made by those in power," he said.

'The policies pursued over the past year seem deliberately designed to remove basic protections from the poorest, punish those who are not in employment and make even basic health care into a privilege to be earned rather than a right of citizenship,' said Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty

Poverty in the United States is extensive and is deepening under the Trump administration whose policies seem aimed at removing the safety net from millions of poor, while rewarding the rich, a UN&nbsphuman rights investigator has found. Philip Alston, UN&nbspspecial rapporteur on extreme poverty, called on US&nbspauthorities to provide solid social protection and address underlying problems, rather than "punishing and imprisoning the poor". While welfare benefits and access to health insurance are being slashed, President Donald Trump's tax reform has awarded "financial windfalls" to the mega-rich and large companies, further increasing inequality, he said in a report. US&nbsppolicies since President Lyndon Johnson's war on poverty in the 1960s have been "neglectful at best", he said. "But the policies pursued over the past year seem deliberately designed to remove basic protections from the poorest, punish those who are not in employment and make even basic health care into a privilege to be earned rather than a right of citizenship," Alston said. Almost 41 million people live in poverty, 18.5 million of them in extreme poverty, and children account for one in three poor, he said. The United States has the highest youth poverty rate among industrialised countries, he added. "Its citizens live shorter and sicker lives compared to those living in all other rich democracies, eradicable tropical diseases are increasingly prevalent and it has the world's highest incarceration rate...and the highest obesity levels in the developed world," Alston said. However, the data from the U.S. Census Bureau he cited covers only the period through 2016, and he gave no comparative figures on the extent of poverty before and after Trump came into office in January 2017. The Australian, a veteran U.N. rights expert and New York University law professor, will present his report to the United Nations Human Rights Council later this month. It is based on his mission in December to several U.S. states, including rural Alabama, a slum in downtown Los Angeles, California, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. US&nbspofficials in Geneva were not immediately available for comment. 'SHAMEFUL STATISTICS' Citing "shameful statistics" linked to entrenched racial discrimination, Alston said that African Americans are 2.5 times more likely than whites to live in poverty and their unemployment rate is more than double. Women, Hispanics, immigrants, and indigenous people also suffer high rates. At least 550,000 people are homeless in America, he said. "The tax reform will worsen this situation and ensure that the United States remains the most unequal society in the developed world," Alston said. "The planned dramatic cuts in welfare will essentially shred crucial dimensions of a safety net that is already full of holes." The tax overhaul, which sailed through the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress in December, permanently cut the top corporate rate to 21 percent from 35 percent. Tax cuts for individuals, however, are temporary and expire after 2025. Trump has said they will lead to more take-home pay for workers and have touted bonuses some workers received from their employers as evidence the law is working. Alston dismissed allegations of widespread fraud in the welfare system and criticised the U.S. criminal justice system. It sets large bail bonds for a defendant seeking to go free pending trial, meaning wealthy suspects can afford bail while the poor remain in custody, often losing their jobs, he said. "There is no magic recipe for eliminating extreme poverty and each level of government must make its own good-faith decisions. At the end of the day, however, particularly in a rich country like the United States, the persistence of extreme poverty is a political choice made by those in power," he said.

America's poor becoming poorer under Trump, rich becoming richer: UN expert

US&nbspretailer&nbspGap&nbspInc&nbspapologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake.

The apology came after a person posted pictures of the T-shirt on Chinese social media network Weibo, saying that Chinese territories, including south Tibet, the island of Taiwan and the South China Sea, were omitted from the map. The user said the photo of the T-shirt was taken at an outlet store in Canada.

Gap confirmed the apology and its wording in an email, and added that "this batch of products has been pulled off shelves in the Chinese market and destroyed."

"Gap&nbspInc. respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. We've learned that a&nbspGap brand T-shirt sold in some overseas markets failed to reflect the correct map of China. We sincerely apologise for this unintentional error," it said in a statement posted on its Weibo account on Monday evening.

The company also hoped it’s action would calm the firestorm of criticism that had been wiped up on the popular Chinese social site Weibo

Gap's apology comes as China has been ramping up efforts to police language used to describe Chinese-claimed territories such as Taiwan. Other US&nbspcompanies which have issued apologies for similar incidents include Delta Air Lines and Marriott International Inc.

Earlier this month, the White House sharply criticised China's efforts to force foreign airlines to change how they described Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on their websites as "Orwellian nonsense."

Gap confirmed the apology and its wording in an email, and added that 'this batch of products has been pulled off shelves in the Chinese market and destroyed'

US&nbspretailer&nbspGap&nbspInc&nbspapologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake. The apology came after a person posted pictures of the T-shirt on Chinese social media network Weibo, saying that Chinese territories, including south Tibet, the island of Taiwan and the South China Sea, were omitted from the map. The user said the photo of the T-shirt was taken at an outlet store in Canada. Gap confirmed the apology and its wording in an email, and added that "this batch of products has been pulled off shelves in the Chinese market and destroyed." "Gap&nbspInc. respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. We've learned that a&nbspGap brand T-shirt sold in some overseas markets failed to reflect the correct map of China. We sincerely apologise for this unintentional error," it said in a statement posted on its Weibo account on Monday evening. The company also hoped it’s action would calm the firestorm of criticism that had been wiped up on the popular Chinese social site Weibo Gap's apology comes as China has been ramping up efforts to police language used to describe Chinese-claimed territories such as Taiwan. Other US&nbspcompanies which have issued apologies for similar incidents include Delta Air Lines and Marriott International Inc. Earlier this month, the White House sharply criticised China's efforts to force foreign airlines to change how they described Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on their websites as "Orwellian nonsense."

GAP apologises for wiping out Taiwan from map in new T-shirts

Iran's supreme leader called on Muslim nations to unite against the United States, saying Tehran would never yield to "bullying," news reports said quoting state television&nbsp;on Thursday.

"The Iranian nation has successfully resisted bullying attempts by America and other arrogant powers and we will continue to resist... All Muslim nations should stand united against America and other enemies," news agency Reuters reported quoting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said.

Iran's top authority criticised Trump for saying on Tuesday some countries in the Middle East "wouldn't last a week" without US&nbsp;protection.

"Such remarks are humiliation for Muslims ... Unfortunately there is war in our region between Muslim countries. The backward governments of some Muslim countries are fighting with other countries," Khamenei said.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been locked in a proxy war, competing for regional supremacy from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon to Yemen.

Iran's top authority criticised Trump for saying on Tuesday some countries in the Middle East "wouldn't last a week" without US protection

Iran's supreme leader called on Muslim nations to unite against the United States, saying Tehran would never yield to "bullying," news reports said quoting state television on Thursday. "The Iranian nation has successfully resisted bullying attempts by America and other arrogant powers and we will continue to resist... All Muslim nations should stand united against America and other enemies," news agency Reuters reported quoting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. Iran's top authority criticised Trump for saying on Tuesday some countries in the Middle East "wouldn't last a week" without US protection. "Such remarks are humiliation for Muslims ... Unfortunately there is war in our region between Muslim countries. The backward governments of some Muslim countries are fighting with other countries," Khamenei said. Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been locked in a proxy war, competing for regional supremacy from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon to Yemen.

Iran's Khamenei urges Muslim nations to unite against US: State TV

Top seven Indian IT companies experienced a whopping 43 per cent drop in their H-1B visa approvals between 2015 and 2017, a US think-tank has said.

The National Foundation for American Policy in a report said that the 8,468 new H-1B visas for Indian-based companies in the finanacial year 2017 equalled only 0.006 per cent of the 160 million in the US labour force.

The top seven Indian-based companies received only 8,468 approved H-1B petitions for initial employment in FY 2017, a decline of 43 per cent for these companies since FY 2015, when it received 14,792 H-1B visas.

Given that 199,000 applications were filed in FY 2017 for the FY 2018 cap year ? 105,000 in excess of the FY 2018 H-1B annual limit&nbspeven if none of these companies received new H-1B visas the annual limit still would have been reached on the first day of the April filing period, it said.

"The data indicate the problem is not which companies are receiving H-1B visas, which some contend, but that the 85,000-annual limit is too low for an economy the size of the United States," it argued.

Based on the H-1B visa data obtained from the US Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS), the foundation said that the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) received 2,312 H-1B visas in 2017 as against 4,674 in 2015, registering a drop of 51 per cent.&nbsp

Infosys, during the same period saw a whooping drop of 57 per cent from 2,830 in 2015 to 1,218 in 2017. Wipro received 1,210 H-1B visas in 2017 as against 3,079 in 2015. Among the seven Indian-based companies the H-

1B approval of Tech Mahindra went up from 1,576 in 2015 to 2233 in 2017.&nbsp

In its analysis, the National Foundation for American Policy said that the drop in H-1B visas for Indian-based companies is due to industry trends toward digital services such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, which require fewer workers, and a choice by companies to rely less on visas and to build up their domestic workforces in the United States.

In most cases, companies require fewer people per project, it argued.

Also, like all companies, including US companies, restrictions on visas may result in more work being performed outside the US, which is the unintended consequence of many immigration restrictions in a global economy.

Indian-based companies, of course, must compete for the same relatively limited pool of tech talent in the US as other companies, it said.

The foundation said, corporate clients of both the US and Indian-based IT services companies are requesting digital engineering and more sophisticated services, including better data analysis, that require fewer workers and more advanced technology, and this is reflected in the H-1B visa numbers.

While Cognizant, an IT services company headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, had the most H-1B petitions approved for new employment in FY 2017, with 3,194, that represented a decline of 800 approved petitions, or 25 per cent from FY 2016.

Further, five of the seven top Indian-based companies saw declines in FY 2017 from FY 2016 ? Infosys, Wipro, HCL America, Larsen & Toubro and Mindtree.&nbsp

Only TCS, with an increase of 13 per cent, and Tech Mahindra, which increased by 42 per cent, had more H-1B petitions for initial employment approved in FY 2017 than in FY 2016, it said.&nbsp

The claim was made by the US think tank National Foundation for American Policy

Top seven Indian IT companies experienced a whopping 43 per cent drop in their H-1B visa approvals between 2015 and 2017, a US think-tank has said. The National Foundation for American Policy in a report said that the 8,468 new H-1B visas for Indian-based companies in the finanacial year 2017 equalled only 0.006 per cent of the 160 million in the US labour force. The top seven Indian-based companies received only 8,468 approved H-1B petitions for initial employment in FY 2017, a decline of 43 per cent for these companies since FY 2015, when it received 14,792 H-1B visas. Given that 199,000 applications were filed in FY 2017 for the FY 2018 cap year ? 105,000 in excess of the FY 2018 H-1B annual limit&nbspeven if none of these companies received new H-1B visas the annual limit still would have been reached on the first day of the April filing period, it said. "The data indicate the problem is not which companies are receiving H-1B visas, which some contend, but that the 85,000-annual limit is too low for an economy the size of the United States," it argued. Based on the H-1B visa data obtained from the US Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS), the foundation said that the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) received 2,312 H-1B visas in 2017 as against 4,674 in 2015, registering a drop of 51 per cent. Infosys, during the same period saw a whooping drop of 57 per cent from 2,830 in 2015 to 1,218 in 2017. Wipro received 1,210 H-1B visas in 2017 as against 3,079 in 2015. Among the seven Indian-based companies the H- 1B approval of Tech Mahindra went up from 1,576 in 2015 to 2233 in 2017. In its analysis, the National Foundation for American Policy said that the drop in H-1B visas for Indian-based companies is due to industry trends toward digital services such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, which require fewer workers, and a choice by companies to rely less on visas and to build up their domestic workforces in the United States. In most cases, companies require fewer people per project, it argued. Also, like all companies, including US companies, restrictions on visas may result in more work being performed outside the US, which is the unintended consequence of many immigration restrictions in a global economy. Indian-based companies, of course, must compete for the same relatively limited pool of tech talent in the US as other companies, it said. The foundation said, corporate clients of both the US and Indian-based IT services companies are requesting digital engineering and more sophisticated services, including better data analysis, that require fewer workers and more advanced technology, and this is reflected in the H-1B visa numbers. While Cognizant, an IT services company headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, had the most H-1B petitions approved for new employment in FY 2017, with 3,194, that represented a decline of 800 approved petitions, or 25 per cent from FY 2016. Further, five of the seven top Indian-based companies saw declines in FY 2017 from FY 2016 ? Infosys, Wipro, HCL America, Larsen & Toubro and Mindtree. Only TCS, with an increase of 13 per cent, and Tech Mahindra, which increased by 42 per cent, had more H-1B petitions for initial employment approved in FY 2017 than in FY 2016, it said.

H1-B approvals for Indian IT companies dropped by 43% between 2015-17: Report

Dozens of Central American migrants from about 600 travelling in a "caravan" through Mexico arrived at the border city of Tijuana late on Tuesday despite warnings it would be futile to try to cross to claim asylum in the United States.

By evening, two busloads of men, women and children arrived in Tijuana, a city that grazes southern California.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has ordered officials to repel them.

The arrivals spilled into the streets and gazed toward San Diego, visible at spots through a rusty barrier or across a pedestrian bridge, exhausted after their trek that began a month ago near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala.

Another four busloads were making their way north from Hermosillo, a city 432 miles south of the border, where the migrants had been stalled for days.

Many who fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of what they described as lethal threats or political persecution have clung to the hope of receiving asylum in the United States. But their prospects dimmed after U.S. authorities released statements on Monday saying they would driven back.

Rodrigo Abeja, a coordinator from immigrant rights group Pueblo Sin Fronteras that has been organising similar caravans for several years, said the caravan planned to regroup before making any decisions.

"They will wait for all those seeking asylum to be together," Abeja said.

A third group, resigned to staying in Mexico, awaited processing for year-long visas by immigration authorities in Hermosillo.

Travelling as a group for safety, their numbers were down from a peak of about 1,500 people, dwindling under the twin pressures of waiting for transportation and attacks by Trump, who began lashing out at the caravan on Twitter in early April.

After Trump's comments, Mexican authorities stalled the caravan in a southern town and began handing out temporary visas that gave them legal status to travel to the border.

US President Donald Trump has ordered officials to repel them

Dozens of Central American migrants from about 600 travelling in a "caravan" through Mexico arrived at the border city of Tijuana late on Tuesday despite warnings it would be futile to try to cross to claim asylum in the United States. By evening, two busloads of men, women and children arrived in Tijuana, a city that grazes southern California. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has ordered officials to repel them. The arrivals spilled into the streets and gazed toward San Diego, visible at spots through a rusty barrier or across a pedestrian bridge, exhausted after their trek that began a month ago near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. Another four busloads were making their way north from Hermosillo, a city 432 miles south of the border, where the migrants had been stalled for days. Many who fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of what they described as lethal threats or political persecution have clung to the hope of receiving asylum in the United States. But their prospects dimmed after U.S. authorities released statements on Monday saying they would driven back. Rodrigo Abeja, a coordinator from immigrant rights group Pueblo Sin Fronteras that has been organising similar caravans for several years, said the caravan planned to regroup before making any decisions. "They will wait for all those seeking asylum to be together," Abeja said. A third group, resigned to staying in Mexico, awaited processing for year-long visas by immigration authorities in Hermosillo. Travelling as a group for safety, their numbers were down from a peak of about 1,500 people, dwindling under the twin pressures of waiting for transportation and attacks by Trump, who began lashing out at the caravan on Twitter in early April. After Trump's comments, Mexican authorities stalled the caravan in a southern town and began handing out temporary visas that gave them legal status to travel to the border.

Busloads of migrants from 'caravan' arrive at US-Mexico border

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.

Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks.&nbsp;

Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim.

He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level."

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.”

Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.”

Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting.

Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014.

The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.

Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials.

"I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters.

"As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting."

MEETING SITE?

Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No."

A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea.

Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia.

Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan.

Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday.

"For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump.

Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese.

'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL'

Trump stressed that he and Abe were united.

"Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said.

Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions.

"It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said.

Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953.

"People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said.

TRADE AGENDA

Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism.

Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November.

Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States.

Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

Pompeo travelled over the Easter weekend to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump, who had said earlier that the US was talking to North Korea at 'extremely high levels'

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip. The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks. Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim. He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level." Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.” Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.” Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014. The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials. "I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters. "As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting." MEETING SITE? Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No." A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea. Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia. Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan. Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday. "For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump. Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese. 'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL' Trump stressed that he and Abe were united. "Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said. Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions. "It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said. Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953. "People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said. TRADE AGENDA Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism. Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November. Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States. Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

CIA chief made secret visit to North Korea and met Kim Jong-Un: US officials

Finland is the world&#39;s happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.

The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network&#39;s (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.

Finland, rose from fifth place last year to oust Norway from the top spot. The 2018 top-10, as ever dominated by the Nordics, is: Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia.

The United States came in at 18th, down from 14th place last year. Britain was 19th and the United Arab Emirates 20th.

One chapter of the 170-page report is dedicated to emerging health problems such as obesity, depression and the opioid crisis, particularly in the United States where the prevalence of all three has grown faster than in most other countries.

While income per capita has increased markedly in the United States over the last half century, the happiness index has been hit by weakened social support networks, a rise in perception of corruption in government and business and declining confidence in public institutions.

&quot;We obviously have a social crisis in the United States: more inequality, less trust, less confidence in government,&quot; the head of the SDSN, Professor Jeffrey Sachs of New York&#39;s Columbia University, told Reuters as the report was launched at the Vatican&#39;s Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

&quot;It&#39;s pretty stark right now. The signs are not good for the U.S. It is getting richer and richer but not getting happier.&quot;

Asked how the current political situation in the United States could affect future happiness reports, Sachs said:

&quot;Time will tell, but I would say that in general that when confidence in government is low, when perceptions of corruption are high, inequality is high and health conditions are worsening ... that is not conducive to good feelings.&quot;

For the first time since it was started in 2012, the report, which uses a variety of polling organisations, official figures and research methods, ranked the happiness of foreign-born immigrants in 117 countries.

Finland took top honours in that category too, giving the country a statistical double-gold status.

The foreign-born were least happy in Syria, which has been mired in civil war for seven years.

&quot;The most striking finding of the report is the remarkable consistency between the happiness of immigrants and the locally born,&quot; said Professor John Helliwell of Canada&#39;s University of British Columbia.

&quot;Although immigrants come from countries with very different levels of happiness, their reported life evaluations converge towards those of other residents in their new countries,&quot; he said.

&quot;Those who move to happier countries gain, while those who move to less happy countries lose.&quot;

Finland is the world's happiest country. Burundi is the unhappiest. And Americans are getting less happy even as their country becomes richer

Finland is the world's happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer. The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network's (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption. Finland, rose from fifth place last year to oust Norway from the top spot. The 2018 top-10, as ever dominated by the Nordics, is: Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia. The United States came in at 18th, down from 14th place last year. Britain was 19th and the United Arab Emirates 20th. One chapter of the 170-page report is dedicated to emerging health problems such as obesity, depression and the opioid crisis, particularly in the United States where the prevalence of all three has grown faster than in most other countries. While income per capita has increased markedly in the United States over the last half century, the happiness index has been hit by weakened social support networks, a rise in perception of corruption in government and business and declining confidence in public institutions. "We obviously have a social crisis in the United States: more inequality, less trust, less confidence in government," the head of the SDSN, Professor Jeffrey Sachs of New York's Columbia University, told Reuters as the report was launched at the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences. "It's pretty stark right now. The signs are not good for the U.S. It is getting richer and richer but not getting happier." Asked how the current political situation in the United States could affect future happiness reports, Sachs said: "Time will tell, but I would say that in general that when confidence in government is low, when perceptions of corruption are high, inequality is high and health conditions are worsening ... that is not conducive to good feelings." For the first time since it was started in 2012, the report, which uses a variety of polling organisations, official figures and research methods, ranked the happiness of foreign-born immigrants in 117 countries. Finland took top honours in that category too, giving the country a statistical double-gold status. The foreign-born were least happy in Syria, which has been mired in civil war for seven years. "The most striking finding of the report is the remarkable consistency between the happiness of immigrants and the locally born," said Professor John Helliwell of Canada's University of British Columbia. "Although immigrants come from countries with very different levels of happiness, their reported life evaluations converge towards those of other residents in their new countries," he said. "Those who move to happier countries gain, while those who move to less happy countries lose."

This the world's happiest country, the UN says

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hillary-clinton-arrives-on-three-day-private-visit-to-india-35487" target="_blank">Hillary Clinton who visited India for a&nbsp;three-day private visit</a> to Madhya Pradesh said that&nbsp; United States did not &ldquo;deserve&rdquo; Donald Trump&rsquo;s presidency and these are &ldquo;perilous times.&rdquo;

Clinton said this while addressing an audience during the weekend in Mumbai.

She said that the Republican president has &ldquo;quite an affinity for dictators&rdquo; and Trump &ldquo;really likes their authoritarian posturing and behavior.&rdquo;&nbsp;

She also added that she thinks it&rsquo;s &ldquo;more than that&rdquo; with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia.

Clinton also targetted people who supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential elections.

While speaking at a media event in Mumbai she had said those who supported Trump did so because they did not like black people getting rights, women getting jobs or Indian-American succeeding more than them.

Clinton was recently in India on a business tour.

&nbsp;

While speaking at a media event in Mumbai she had said those who supported Trump did so because they did not like black people getting rights, women getting jobs or Indian-American succeeding more than them

Hillary Clinton who visited India for a three-day private visit to Madhya Pradesh said that United States did not “deserve” Donald Trump’s presidency and these are “perilous times.” Clinton said this while addressing an audience during the weekend in Mumbai. She said that the Republican president has “quite an affinity for dictators” and Trump “really likes their authoritarian posturing and behavior.” She also added that she thinks it’s “more than that” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia. Clinton also targetted people who supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential elections. While speaking at a media event in Mumbai she had said those who supported Trump did so because they did not like black people getting rights, women getting jobs or Indian-American succeeding more than them. Clinton was recently in India on a business tour.

United States did not 'deserve' Donald Trump's presidency: Hillary Clinton

According to reports, shots have been fired at the Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, US.&nbsp;

The university, located about 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Detroit, said two victims, who were not students, were fatally shot at Campbell Hall.

&quot;Police believe the situation started from a domestic situation,&quot; the university said in a statement on Facebook. &quot;Those planning to come to campus today to pick up students for spring break should stay off campus until further notice.&quot;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
CMU police confirm two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall on campus this morning. The deceased are not students and police believe the situation started from a domestic situation. There are no additional injuries; suspect is still at large: <a href="https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0">https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0</a>
&mdash; Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMUniversity/status/969601575365824512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The shooting took place near the 4th floor of Campbell Hall, a co-ed residence building of the University and has at least two people killed.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We just spoke with an officer on scene. As of now, the alleged shooter is still on the premises. <a href="https://t.co/wSyCS5rgsL">https://t.co/wSyCS5rgsL</a>
&mdash; CM Life (@CMLIFE) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMLIFE/status/969579187555262464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

According to a post on university&#39;s student newspaper&#39;s Twitter handle, the alleged shooter is still on the premises.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
UPDATE: The suspect is a black male and considered armed and dangerous. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
&mdash; City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MtPleasantMI/status/969581845972226050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The suspect, James Eric Davis, is believed to be a&nbsp;19-year-old black male who is &quot;approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie,&quot; read a tweet posted by City of Mt. Pleasant.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: The suspect is a 19-year-old black male who is approx. 5 foot 9 inches tall. He is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He may have taken off the blue hoodie. He is considered armed &amp; dangerous. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911.
&mdash; City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MtPleasantMI/status/969594921899438080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Police in patrol cars and helicopters searched for the gunman around an area of apartments just north of the campus, according to video posted online by reporters on the scene.

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on Twitter it was sending special agents to assist.

&quot;The priority right now is the safety of those still on campus and I thank all first responders involved for their swift action,&quot; Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said on Twitter.

More updates are awaited.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The campus and the surrounding area are on lockdown

According to reports, shots have been fired at the Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, US. The university, located about 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Detroit, said two victims, who were not students, were fatally shot at Campbell Hall. "Police believe the situation started from a domestic situation," the university said in a statement on Facebook. "Those planning to come to campus today to pick up students for spring break should stay off campus until further notice." CMU police confirm two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall on campus this morning. The deceased are not students and police believe the situation started from a domestic situation. There are no additional injuries; suspect is still at large: https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0 — Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) March 2, 2018 × The shooting took place near the 4th floor of Campbell Hall, a co-ed residence building of the University and has at least two people killed. We just spoke with an officer on scene. As of now, the alleged shooter is still on the premises. https://t.co/wSyCS5rgsL — CM Life (@CMLIFE) March 2, 2018 × According to a post on university's student newspaper's Twitter handle, the alleged shooter is still on the premises. UPDATE: The suspect is a black male and considered armed and dangerous. More information will be shared as it becomes available. — City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018 × The suspect, James Eric Davis, is believed to be a 19-year-old black male who is "approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie," read a tweet posted by City of Mt. Pleasant. UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: The suspect is a 19-year-old black male who is approx. 5 foot 9 inches tall. He is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He may have taken off the blue hoodie. He is considered armed & dangerous. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911. — City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018 × Police in patrol cars and helicopters searched for the gunman around an area of apartments just north of the campus, according to video posted online by reporters on the scene. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on Twitter it was sending special agents to assist. "The priority right now is the safety of those still on campus and I thank all first responders involved for their swift action," Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said on Twitter. More updates are awaited. (With inputs from agencies)

Shots fired at Central Michigan University, 2 killed

President Donald Trump has not yet ordered his spy chiefs to retaliate against Russian interference in US elections, the head of the National Security Agency has told lawmakers.

&quot;We have not opted to engage in some of the same behaviours we are seeing,&quot; said Admiral Michael Rogers, who heads both the NSA -- the leading US electronic eavesdropping agency -- and the new US Cyber Command, the military body charged with online combat.

Asked in a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing if he had received orders from Trump to fight back against Moscow&#39;s meddling, Rogers said: &quot;No, I have not.&quot;

Rogers denied claims that the agency is doing nothing to push back against Russian hacking, theft of US cyber secrets and other activities.

However, he acknowledged: &quot;They have not paid a price that is sufficient to change their behaviour.&quot;

Rogers echoed the comments he and five other US intelligence chiefs made two weeks ago at the House Intelligence Committee, where all said they had not been ordered by Trump to counter the Russians.

The US has accused Russia of actively interfering in the 2016 presidential election, stealing Democratic party communications and pushing out disinformation through social media.

It also accuses Moscow of stealing hacking secrets of the US intelligence community.

Rogers said an order for Trump is needed before the US intelligence community and military can undertake offensive online operations against the Russians.

&quot;What I see on the Cyber Command side leads me to believe that if we don&#39;t change the dynamic here, that this is going to continue, and 2016 won&#39;t be viewed as isolated,&quot; he said.

But he said that at a lower level, the NSA and Cyber Command could take some unspecified actions to rebuff attackers.

Asked about the exchange in Congress, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders suggested the president does not need to act.

&quot;Nobody is denying him the authority,&quot; she said of Rogers.&nbsp;

Asked in a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing if he had received orders from Trump to fight back against Moscow's meddling, Admiral Michael Rogers said: 'No, I have not'

President Donald Trump has not yet ordered his spy chiefs to retaliate against Russian interference in US elections, the head of the National Security Agency has told lawmakers. "We have not opted to engage in some of the same behaviours we are seeing," said Admiral Michael Rogers, who heads both the NSA -- the leading US electronic eavesdropping agency -- and the new US Cyber Command, the military body charged with online combat. Asked in a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing if he had received orders from Trump to fight back against Moscow's meddling, Rogers said: "No, I have not." Rogers denied claims that the agency is doing nothing to push back against Russian hacking, theft of US cyber secrets and other activities. However, he acknowledged: "They have not paid a price that is sufficient to change their behaviour." Rogers echoed the comments he and five other US intelligence chiefs made two weeks ago at the House Intelligence Committee, where all said they had not been ordered by Trump to counter the Russians. The US has accused Russia of actively interfering in the 2016 presidential election, stealing Democratic party communications and pushing out disinformation through social media. It also accuses Moscow of stealing hacking secrets of the US intelligence community. Rogers said an order for Trump is needed before the US intelligence community and military can undertake offensive online operations against the Russians. "What I see on the Cyber Command side leads me to believe that if we don't change the dynamic here, that this is going to continue, and 2016 won't be viewed as isolated," he said. But he said that at a lower level, the NSA and Cyber Command could take some unspecified actions to rebuff attackers. Asked about the exchange in Congress, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders suggested the president does not need to act. "Nobody is denying him the authority," she said of Rogers.

Trump yet to order spies to retaliate against Russia: NSA chief

US President Donald Trump had everyone cracking up when he made a joke about his loss of hair. The US President admitted having a bald spot. He further stated that he tries a lot to fix the issue. Trump&#39;s act of indulging in self-deprecating humour happened while he was addressing Conservatives outside Washington.

&quot;I try like hell to hide that bald spot folks, I work hard,&quot; Trump quipped.

&quot;It doesn&#39;t look bad, hey, we&#39;re hanging in,&quot; he exclaimed.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xt5z7gSeis0" width="560"></iframe>

Trump&#39;s hay-coloured hair and the regime of keeping it prim and proper has long been the butt of jokes.

Michael Wolff, in his much controversial book &#39;Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House&#39; has an excerpt that describes Ivanka Trump explaining her father&#39;s elaborate and meticulous hair-styling regime.&nbsp;

In the book, Ivanka is quoted describing her father&#39;s head as a &quot;clean pate&quot; and &quot;contained island after scalp-reduction surgery&quot;. She is also quoted saying that a &quot;flurry of hair&quot; surrounds Trump&#39;s head from the sides and front while all ends are the &quot;drawn up to meet in the centre and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray&quot;.

Trump's hay-coloured hair and the regime of keeping it prim and proper has long been the butt of jokes

US President Donald Trump had everyone cracking up when he made a joke about his loss of hair. The US President admitted having a bald spot. He further stated that he tries a lot to fix the issue. Trump's act of indulging in self-deprecating humour happened while he was addressing Conservatives outside Washington. "I try like hell to hide that bald spot folks, I work hard," Trump quipped. "It doesn't look bad, hey, we're hanging in," he exclaimed. Trump's hay-coloured hair and the regime of keeping it prim and proper has long been the butt of jokes. Michael Wolff, in his much controversial book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' has an excerpt that describes Ivanka Trump explaining her father's elaborate and meticulous hair-styling regime. In the book, Ivanka is quoted describing her father's head as a "clean pate" and "contained island after scalp-reduction surgery". She is also quoted saying that a "flurry of hair" surrounds Trump's head from the sides and front while all ends are the "drawn up to meet in the centre and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray".

In self-deprecating joke, Trump laughs at his bald spot

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, expressed his opinion on the Trump administration noting that the Iranians had long had their destiny in the hands of the US.&nbsp;

&quot;They would decide for our economy, our culture. Even we didn&#39;t have an educational channel on TV. All military centres were in total control of the US,&quot; Rouhani said.&nbsp;

He also noted that the Iranian government will adhere to any agreement that is signed with the United States.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our destiny was in the hands of US for a long period of time. They would decide for our economy, our culture. Even we didn&#39;t have an educational channel on TV. All military centers were in total control of the US: Iran President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HassanRouhani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HassanRouhani</a> in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/FgcljnlYgS">pic.twitter.com/FgcljnlYgS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964839211928096768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;If the US violates this agreement, you will see that America will regret its decision. Not only US administration, but also US people would voice their opposition immediately and will object to the violators,&quot; he further added.&nbsp;

President Rouhani recently condemned Donald Trump&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&rsquo;s capital. He also urged the Muslim community to support the Palestinian cause. He criticised the White House for imposing a ban on travellers from six Muslim countries.&nbsp;

Rouhani addressed a congregation of Muslim community in Hyderabad on Friday.

Iran and India have signed as many as 9 MoUs. President Rouhani and PM Modi issued <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-develop-railway-relations-between-india-and-iran-president-rouhani-33173">a joint statement</a> earlier today.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rouhani addressed a congregation of Muslim community in Hyderabad on Friday

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, expressed his opinion on the Trump administration noting that the Iranians had long had their destiny in the hands of the US. "They would decide for our economy, our culture. Even we didn't have an educational channel on TV. All military centres were in total control of the US," Rouhani said. He also noted that the Iranian government will adhere to any agreement that is signed with the United States. Our destiny was in the hands of US for a long period of time. They would decide for our economy, our culture. Even we didn't have an educational channel on TV. All military centers were in total control of the US: Iran President #HassanRouhani in Delhi pic.twitter.com/FgcljnlYgS — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2018 × "If the US violates this agreement, you will see that America will regret its decision. Not only US administration, but also US people would voice their opposition immediately and will object to the violators," he further added. President Rouhani recently condemned Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also urged the Muslim community to support the Palestinian cause. He criticised the White House for imposing a ban on travellers from six Muslim countries. Rouhani addressed a congregation of Muslim community in Hyderabad on Friday. Iran and India have signed as many as 9 MoUs. President Rouhani and PM Modi issued a joint statement earlier today.

America will regret if it violates 'nuclear' agreement: President Rouhani

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-develop-railway-relations-between-india-and-iran-president-rouhani-33173" target="_blank">Iran, India ink nine pacts after &#39;substantive&#39; dialogues on wide range of issues</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhan held bilateral talks today during which trade, investment, energy, defence, security among other issues were discussed. The two sides also inked nine pacts, including one on double taxation avoidance.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-not-conspiring-to-help-scamsters-flee-but-catching-them-instead-nirmala-sitharaman-33179" target="_blank">PNB scam: Sitharaman drags in Abhishek Singhvi, who says &#39;I&#39;ll sue you&#39;</a>

The BJP on Saturday alleged that the multi-crore PNB scam involving billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi happened during the UPA rule and the Congress was spreading lies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-9-killed-in-lpg-cylinder-blast-33188" target="_blank">Rajasthan: 9 killed in LPG cylinder blast</a>

At least nine people were killed and 18 others sustained injuries after two LPG cylinders exploded at a wedding ceremony in Beawar in Rajasthan`s Ajmer district,&nbsp; reports said quoting police sources.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-boko-haram-suicide-blasts-kill-19-in-nigeria-33169" target="_blank">Suspected Boko Haram suicide blasts kill 19 in Nigeria</a>

Three suicide bombers killed 19 people at a fish market in Konduga, northeast Nigeria, civilian militia leaders said on Saturday, in an attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadists.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/america-will-regret-its-decision-if-it-violates-nuclear-agreement-president-rouhani-33189" target="_blank">America will regret its decision if it violates &#39;nuclear&#39; agreement: President Rouhani</a>

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, expressed his opinion on the Trump administration noting that the Iranians had long had their destiny in the hands of the US.&nbsp;

Iran, India ink nine pacts after 'substantive' dialogues on wide range of issues Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhan held bilateral talks today during which trade, investment, energy, defence, security among other issues were discussed. The two sides also inked nine pacts, including one on double taxation avoidance. PNB scam: Sitharaman drags in Abhishek Singhvi, who says 'I'll sue you' The BJP on Saturday alleged that the multi-crore PNB scam involving billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi happened during the UPA rule and the Congress was spreading lies. Rajasthan: 9 killed in LPG cylinder blast At least nine people were killed and 18 others sustained injuries after two LPG cylinders exploded at a wedding ceremony in Beawar in Rajasthan`s Ajmer district, reports said quoting police sources. Suspected Boko Haram suicide blasts kill 19 in Nigeria Three suicide bombers killed 19 people at a fish market in Konduga, northeast Nigeria, civilian militia leaders said on Saturday, in an attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadists. America will regret its decision if it violates 'nuclear' agreement: President Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, expressed his opinion on the Trump administration noting that the Iranians had long had their destiny in the hands of the US.

WION Evening News brief, February 17, 2018

america

America, News on America, stories on America, articles on America, America stories at Wion, America news, America latest news