US President Donald Trump has slammed the Democrats on the impeachment trial just before leaving from World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos. Trump called the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee corrupt and dismissed Jerrold Nadler as a sleazebag.

Donald Trump blasts at Democrats on impeachment trial, calls it a 'hoax'

French Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-deal-could-cost-europe-frances-economy-minister-bruno-le-maire-138400">Bruno Le Maire</a> is optimistic about reaching a deal on a&nbsp;global&nbsp;tax on digital companies, despite an initial failure to agree one with the United States.

"We are moving in the right direction," Le Maire told Reuters TV at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;on Thursday, adding that he thought&nbsp;France&nbsp;was close to striking an agreement with the United States.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-made-us-president-donald-trump-threaten-iran-271452">Donald Trump</a> and French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colonialism-was-a-grave-mistake-french-pm-emmanuel-macron-269555">Emmanuel Macron</a> discussed the issue in a phone call on Sunday, with both sides sounding positive afterward, in contrast to the threats the US&nbsp;has made to impose tariffs on exports of champagne and other luxury goods in retaliation for a French digital tax.

But Paris and Washington failed to agree on Wednesday on how to push forward on a deal that involves a rewriting of decades-old cross-border tax rules. They did, however, agree to set aside their squabbling as they work on the&nbsp;global&nbsp;initiative.

This is being led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oecd-hails-india-reforms-pegs-62-growth-in-2020-264158">OECD</a>), a Paris-based club of wealthier economies.

OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria has been working for years on finding ways to create a level playing field on digital taxation, but those efforts are now being accelerated to see if an agreement can be reached by December.

Speaking on a panel at the <a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2020%3Anewsml_KBN1ZM1C7%3A1&amp;search=slug%3ADAVOS-MEETING-DIGITALTAX">World Economic Forum</a> with Le Maire, Gurria said he was hopeful of having a framework that would apply to more than 130 countries drafted by July. "We have no Plan B we just have to get it done," he said.

Le Maire has thrust&nbsp;France&nbsp;front and center of the digital taxation debate, despite the fact, several countries, including Italy and Britain, are already pursuing or imposing their own national digital-tax regimes.

"It would be far better to have an international framework for everybody," Le Maire said on Thursday, adding that otherwise, the world would end up with a cacophony of national systems that would compound the problem.

"So we have to build something different and that's exactly what we want to do during 2020, by building on the extremely good work being done (at the OECD)."

France's existing digital tax is based on turnover. But Le Maire admitted that was not optimal from an economic point of view, saying the OECD's plan to tax profits was more sound.

There will be intense discussion over what level of profit would be taxed and how it would be collected.

"Everything is on the table," Le Maire said.

"We just have to decide if we want to avoid a loophole in the international taxation system or have many national solutions that would be detrimental to all of us.

"We just can't go on any longer with a taxation system in which the richest companies, those that are making the biggest profits, are paying the least tax."

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is optimistic about reaching a deal on a global tax on digital companies, despite an initial failure to agree one with the United States.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is optimistic about reaching a deal on a global tax on digital companies, despite an initial failure to agree one with the United States. "We are moving in the right direction," Le Maire told Reuters TV at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos on Thursday, adding that he thought France was close to striking an agreement with the United States. US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the issue in a phone call on Sunday, with both sides sounding positive afterward, in contrast to the threats the US has made to impose tariffs on exports of champagne and other luxury goods in retaliation for a French digital tax. But Paris and Washington failed to agree on Wednesday on how to push forward on a deal that involves a rewriting of decades-old cross-border tax rules. They did, however, agree to set aside their squabbling as they work on the global initiative. This is being led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a Paris-based club of wealthier economies. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria has been working for years on finding ways to create a level playing field on digital taxation, but those efforts are now being accelerated to see if an agreement can be reached by December. Speaking on a panel at the World Economic Forum with Le Maire, Gurria said he was hopeful of having a framework that would apply to more than 130 countries drafted by July. "We have no Plan B we just have to get it done," he said. Le Maire has thrust France front and center of the digital taxation debate, despite the fact, several countries, including Italy and Britain, are already pursuing or imposing their own national digital-tax regimes. "It would be far better to have an international framework for everybody," Le Maire said on Thursday, adding that otherwise, the world would end up with a cacophony of national systems that would compound the problem. "So we have to build something different and that's exactly what we want to do during 2020, by building on the extremely good work being done (at the OECD)." France's existing digital tax is based on turnover. But Le Maire admitted that was not optimal from an economic point of view, saying the OECD's plan to tax profits was more sound. There will be intense discussion over what level of profit would be taxed and how it would be collected. "Everything is on the table," Le Maire said. "We just have to decide if we want to avoid a loophole in the international taxation system or have many national solutions that would be detrimental to all of us. "We just can't go on any longer with a taxation system in which the richest companies, those that are making the biggest profits, are paying the least tax."

France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal

&nbsp;The&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;cautioned&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;ahead of a decision by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-rejects-calls-for-no-deal-brexit-in-election-pitch-259559">Boris Johnson</a> on what role&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;will have in 5G telecommunications networks that Washington still had significant concerns about the Chinese telecoms behemoth.

In the first big test of Brexit&nbsp;Britain's foreign policy, Johnson has so far resisted intense pressure from President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kem-chho-trump-us-president-to-visit-ahmedabad-delhi-in-february-275056">Donald Trump</a>'s administration to block&nbsp;Huawei, which the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;fears could compromise British secrets.

Huawei, the world’s biggest producer of telecoms equipment, denies it is a vehicle for Chinese intelligence and says the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;wants to ban it because no US&nbsp;company can offer the same range of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-use-of-huawei-5g-would-hamper-its-access-to-us-intelligence-us-official-264310">5G technology</a> at a competitive price.

After a public disagreement between US&nbsp;and British ministers in Davos&nbsp;over&nbsp;taxes on digital services, US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that he would be meeting with British finance minister on Saturday on&nbsp;Huawei.

"Let me just say again, it’s a complicated issue," Mnuchin said. "We’ve made very clear that it relates to all of the critical areas that we have significant concerns. But again, there’s an ongoing discussion on these issues."

Britain&nbsp;is expected to make a final call on how to deploy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/some-huawei-suppliers-get-us-approval-to-restart-sales-to-blacklisted-firm-263525">Huawei</a>&nbsp;equipment in its 5G networks later this month.

In what some have compared to the Cold War arms race, the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;is worried that 5G dominance would give any global competitor such as China an advantage Washington is not ready to accept.

That puts Johnson on the spot with the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom's closest security ally just as he seeks to negotiate post-Brexit trade deals with both the European Union and the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;and juggle conflicting EU and US&nbsp;policy on Iran.

&nbsp;

Britain&nbsp;wants a trade deal with the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;but will still impose a digital service tax on the revenue of companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon, business minister Andrea Leadsom said on Thursday.

Leadsom said that&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;will soon decide what role&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;will have but there are only a limited number of alternative providers, business minister Andrea Leadsom said on Thursday.

"Well there are other providers but they are limited, ideally there would be more providers of infrastructure similar to the work that&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;does but the UK is looking very carefully at this issue and we will be making a final decision soon," Leadsom told Sky.

"It is an ongoing process and there are all sorts of factors to take into consideration, as you say, like the availability of other providers, like the work that&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;has already done in the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom,&nbsp;so these discussions are ongoing," she said.

"I share the concerns of many citizens about protecting our national security interest," Leadsom said.

The United States cautioned Britain ahead of a decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on what role Huawei will have in 5G telecommunications networks that Washington still had significant concerns about the Chinese telecoms behemoth.

The United States cautioned Britain ahead of a decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on what role Huawei will have in 5G telecommunications networks that Washington still had significant concerns about the Chinese telecoms behemoth. In the first big test of Brexit Britain's foreign policy, Johnson has so far resisted intense pressure from President Donald Trump's administration to block Huawei, which the United States fears could compromise British secrets. Huawei, the world’s biggest producer of telecoms equipment, denies it is a vehicle for Chinese intelligence and says the United States wants to ban it because no US company can offer the same range of 5G technology at a competitive price. After a public disagreement between US and British ministers in Davos over taxes on digital services, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that he would be meeting with British finance minister on Saturday on Huawei. "Let me just say again, it’s a complicated issue," Mnuchin said. "We’ve made very clear that it relates to all of the critical areas that we have significant concerns. But again, there’s an ongoing discussion on these issues." Britain is expected to make a final call on how to deploy Huawei equipment in its 5G networks later this month. In what some have compared to the Cold War arms race, the United States is worried that 5G dominance would give any global competitor such as China an advantage Washington is not ready to accept. That puts Johnson on the spot with the United Kingdom's closest security ally just as he seeks to negotiate post-Brexit trade deals with both the European Union and the United States and juggle conflicting EU and US policy on Iran. Britain wants a trade deal with the United States but will still impose a digital service tax on the revenue of companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon, business minister Andrea Leadsom said on Thursday. Leadsom said that Britain will soon decide what role Huawei will have but there are only a limited number of alternative providers, business minister Andrea Leadsom said on Thursday. "Well there are other providers but they are limited, ideally there would be more providers of infrastructure similar to the work that Huawei does but the UK is looking very carefully at this issue and we will be making a final decision soon," Leadsom told Sky. "It is an ongoing process and there are all sorts of factors to take into consideration, as you say, like the availability of other providers, like the work that Huawei has already done in the United Kingdom, so these discussions are ongoing," she said. "I share the concerns of many citizens about protecting our national security interest," Leadsom said.

United States cautions Britain over Huawei's role in 5G

The recent peace conference in Berlin fared better than most of the previous summits on Libya. But it failed to achieve its main target of brokering a ceasefire between the two warring factions in the North African country.

What happened in Berlin?

The Libyan rivals and their international backers came face to face at the United Nations-backed meet. World leaders agreed to an arms embargo on Libya whose civil war has intensified with foreign interference.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed for a political solution but did not rule out a military intervention either. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the attendees have, for now, averted the war in Libya from escalating into a regional conflict.

However, countries directly involved in the fighting seemed to be at loggerheads.

Russia which backs commander Khalifa Haftar said that large-scale fighting in Libya has stopped while Turkey which supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) said that peace won’t come until a truce is agreed upon.

Stakes rose ahead of the summit with the closure of the Eastern Libyan oil ports that are under the renegade General’s control. With this, the country’s crude output has been cut by more than half.

However, there was little discussion on the issue in Berlin and the oil fields remain shut till date.

Who all Attended the Meet?

Fayez al-Seraj who heads the internationally-recognised GNA based in capital Tripoli and Eastern commander Khalifa Haftar who leads the Libyan National Army attended the summit. While their allies had one of one, the two adversaries did not meet each other.

Leaders of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt which back Haftar were present at the meet. France and the US which are said to be close to the renegade general were also in attendance.

On Seraj’s side, the discussions were spearheaded by Turkey which has sent its troops to help the GNA fend off the LNA’s campaign to seize Tripoli. Libya’s former coloniser Italy which backs the UN-recognised government was also present at the meet.

Leaders of the European Union, Arab League and the African Union too played a key role in deliberations.

What is the Libyan Civil War?

The current conflict intensified when Haftar ordered his LNA troops to march towards capital Tripoli last April. While al-Seraj’s government commands a fraction of Libyan territory, much of the country and also its oil fields are controlled by Haftar.

What are Europe interests in Libya?

The conflict-ridden country is among the major oil producers of the world. Instability in Libya will lead to a rise in global oil prices. But that’s not the only thing that concerns the European powers.&nbsp;

There’s also the issue of refugees. Libya which lacks proper border checks has been the focal point for African and Mediterranean immigrants to enter Europe via sea.

Europe has for long been divided over the refugee crisis with Italy claiming that it has felt the maximum burnt of illegal immigration.

What is at stake for Libya’s warring parties?

Haftar cannot claim victory until he takes hold of capital Tripoli- the battle for which has drawn longer than he expected.&nbsp;

For al-Seraj’s GNA, it is more about survival. The rebel general is becoming more and more powerful and militia commanders in Tripoli fear that they will meet the same fate that Muammar Gadaffi met. The former dictator was captured and killed by rebels in 2011.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The recent peace conference in Berlin fared better than most of the previous summits on Libya. But it failed to achieve its main target of brokering a ceasefire between the two warring factions in the North African country.

The recent peace conference in Berlin fared better than most of the previous summits on Libya. But it failed to achieve its main target of brokering a ceasefire between the two warring factions in the North African country. What happened in Berlin? The Libyan rivals and their international backers came face to face at the United Nations-backed meet. World leaders agreed to an arms embargo on Libya whose civil war has intensified with foreign interference. German Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed for a political solution but did not rule out a military intervention either. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the attendees have, for now, averted the war in Libya from escalating into a regional conflict. However, countries directly involved in the fighting seemed to be at loggerheads. Russia which backs commander Khalifa Haftar said that large-scale fighting in Libya has stopped while Turkey which supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) said that peace won’t come until a truce is agreed upon. Stakes rose ahead of the summit with the closure of the Eastern Libyan oil ports that are under the renegade General’s control. With this, the country’s crude output has been cut by more than half. However, there was little discussion on the issue in Berlin and the oil fields remain shut till date. Who all Attended the Meet? Fayez al-Seraj who heads the internationally-recognised GNA based in capital Tripoli and Eastern commander Khalifa Haftar who leads the Libyan National Army attended the summit. While their allies had one of one, the two adversaries did not meet each other. Leaders of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt which back Haftar were present at the meet. France and the US which are said to be close to the renegade general were also in attendance. On Seraj’s side, the discussions were spearheaded by Turkey which has sent its troops to help the GNA fend off the LNA’s campaign to seize Tripoli. Libya’s former coloniser Italy which backs the UN-recognised government was also present at the meet. Leaders of the European Union, Arab League and the African Union too played a key role in deliberations. What is the Libyan Civil War? The current conflict intensified when Haftar ordered his LNA troops to march towards capital Tripoli last April. While al-Seraj’s government commands a fraction of Libyan territory, much of the country and also its oil fields are controlled by Haftar. What are Europe interests in Libya? The conflict-ridden country is among the major oil producers of the world. Instability in Libya will lead to a rise in global oil prices. But that’s not the only thing that concerns the European powers. There’s also the issue of refugees. Libya which lacks proper border checks has been the focal point for African and Mediterranean immigrants to enter Europe via sea. Europe has for long been divided over the refugee crisis with Italy claiming that it has felt the maximum burnt of illegal immigration. What is at stake for Libya’s warring parties? Haftar cannot claim victory until he takes hold of capital Tripoli- the battle for which has drawn longer than he expected. For al-Seraj’s GNA, it is more about survival. The rebel general is becoming more and more powerful and militia commanders in Tripoli fear that they will meet the same fate that Muammar Gadaffi met. The former dictator was captured and killed by rebels in 2011. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There's a long road to peace in Libya

World shares fell on Thursday, led by the biggest decline in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-us-stock-futures-slip-after-tariff-hike-asia-shares-eke-out-gains-217420">Chinese stocks</a> in more than eight months, as concern mounted about the spread of a deadly virus in China.

With millions of Chinese preparing to travel for the Lunar New Year, the potential the disease to spread, along with the tendency of traders to reduce their exposure before holidays, left markets struggling.

Safe options like Japan's yen and government bonds rose, while European stocks followed Asia lower. The threat to airline travel and an increase in supply pushed oil prices to seven-week lows.

"Ultimately, the coronavirus is a slow-burning but important story for markets that is likely to last for months rather than just a few days," said TD Securities' European head of currency strategy, Ned Rumpeltin. "And the natural go-to currencies, when there are headlines like these, are the yen and the Swiss franc."

The Swiss franc rose to a near three-year high against the euro overnight, but it was trading little changed as the focus in Europe turned to its central banks.

Norway's central bank had already left its interest rates unchanged. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-central-bank-will-ease-policy-if-inflation-doesnt-pick-up-draghi-228287">European Central Bank</a> holds its first meeting of the year later on Thursday, where it's expected to outline its first formal policy review in 17 years.

It will probably last for most of the year and span topics from the inflation target to digital money and the fight against climate change.

"Quite a lot has happened in the last 17 years," Rumpeltin said. "They are due for a rethink."

As the virus took hold, MSCI's broadest index of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-erase-losses-as-mideast-tensions-ease-oil-ticks-up-273093">Asia-Pacific shares</a> outside Japan fell 1.07 per cent. Chinese shares dropped 3.1 per cent, the biggest daily decline since May, when US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's threats of additional tariffs on Chinese goods rocked financial markets.

Hong Kong shares ended down 1.5 per cent&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/asia-stocks-open-lower-on-fears-over-us-growth-155633">Japan's Nikkei index</a> slid 1 per cent.

Among major currencies, the Chinese yuan fell to a two-week low, on course for its worst week since August. The Japanese yen climbed 0.2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to secure a third day of gains.

Gold and US&nbsp;Treasuries also rose as China blocked travel to and from Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus outbreak originated. Gold later recovered in Europe.

Deaths in China from the coronavirus rose to 17 on Wednesday, with nearly 600 cases confirmed. The outbreak has evoked memories of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002-2003, another coronavirus that broke out in China and killed nearly 800 people worldwide.

"The coronavirus has introduced some caution," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. "There is no reason to expect a global pandemic now, but there is some repricing in financial markets."

World shares fell on Thursday, led by the biggest decline in Chinese stocks in more than eight months, as concern mounted about the spread of a deadly virus in China.

World shares fell on Thursday, led by the biggest decline in Chinese stocks in more than eight months, as concern mounted about the spread of a deadly virus in China. With millions of Chinese preparing to travel for the Lunar New Year, the potential the disease to spread, along with the tendency of traders to reduce their exposure before holidays, left markets struggling. Safe options like Japan's yen and government bonds rose, while European stocks followed Asia lower. The threat to airline travel and an increase in supply pushed oil prices to seven-week lows. "Ultimately, the coronavirus is a slow-burning but important story for markets that is likely to last for months rather than just a few days," said TD Securities' European head of currency strategy, Ned Rumpeltin. "And the natural go-to currencies, when there are headlines like these, are the yen and the Swiss franc." The Swiss franc rose to a near three-year high against the euro overnight, but it was trading little changed as the focus in Europe turned to its central banks. Norway's central bank had already left its interest rates unchanged. The European Central Bank holds its first meeting of the year later on Thursday, where it's expected to outline its first formal policy review in 17 years. It will probably last for most of the year and span topics from the inflation target to digital money and the fight against climate change. "Quite a lot has happened in the last 17 years," Rumpeltin said. "They are due for a rethink." As the virus took hold, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.07 per cent. Chinese shares dropped 3.1 per cent, the biggest daily decline since May, when US President Donald Trump's threats of additional tariffs on Chinese goods rocked financial markets. Hong Kong shares ended down 1.5 per cent and Japan's Nikkei index slid 1 per cent. Among major currencies, the Chinese yuan fell to a two-week low, on course for its worst week since August. The Japanese yen climbed 0.2 per cent to secure a third day of gains. Gold and US Treasuries also rose as China blocked travel to and from Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus outbreak originated. Gold later recovered in Europe. Deaths in China from the coronavirus rose to 17 on Wednesday, with nearly 600 cases confirmed. The outbreak has evoked memories of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002-2003, another coronavirus that broke out in China and killed nearly 800 people worldwide. "The coronavirus has introduced some caution," said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. "There is no reason to expect a global pandemic now, but there is some repricing in financial markets."

Virus fears keep stocks red; ECB gets ready to rethink

Indian on Thursday asserted its position on third party involvement in&nbsp;Kashmir matter after the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said that "there is no role for any third party in this matter".

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Raveesh Kumar said, "Our position on the Kashmir issue and third-party mediation has been very clear and consistent, Let me reiterate that there is no role for any third party in this matter."&nbsp;

The MEA spokesperson further said that any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-way-forward-is-via-peace-settlements-pak-pm-imran-khan-calls-for-talks-with-india-275984">bilateral issues between India and Pakistan</a>&nbsp;should be discussed between both countries under the provisions of Shimla agreement and the Lahore declaration.

"But the onus is on Pakistan to create such conducive conditions - free from terror, hostility and violence," the foreign ministry spokesman asserted.

Kumar further said, "India doesn't need Pakistan's advice on India's internal matters".

"Pakistan's attempt to create alarmist situation in Kashmir has failed; global community understands its double standards," Kumar added.

On Tuesday, Pakistan PM Imran Khan during a meeting with US President Donald Trump had once again&nbsp;raised the Kashmir matter after which the US offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help resolve the matter.&nbsp;

"We are talking about Kashmir and its relation to, what's going on between India and Pakistan that we can help, we certainly would be helping, and we have been watching that and have been following it very very closely," Trump had said.

This is not the first time the Pakistan prime minister has raised the Kashmir issue&nbsp;at an international forum.

Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-efforts-to-raise-kashmir-at-un-security-council-crumbled-once-again-274575">Pakistan along with its all-weather ally, China, raised the Kashmir issue</a> for a third time at the United Nations security council. But, the UN maintained its stance that the issue should be solved bilaterally by India and Pakistan.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been tensed since last year after a &nbsp;Pakistan-based terrorist group attacked an Indian Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Around 40 soldiers were killed in the incident.

The relations between the two countries spiralled after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.

Indian on Thursday asserted its position on third party involvement in Kashmir matter after the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said that "there is no role for any third party in this matter".

Indian on Thursday asserted its position on third party involvement in Kashmir matter after the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said that "there is no role for any third party in this matter". Addressing a weekly press briefing, Raveesh Kumar said, "Our position on the Kashmir issue and third-party mediation has been very clear and consistent, Let me reiterate that there is no role for any third party in this matter." The MEA spokesperson further said that any bilateral issues between India and Pakistan should be discussed between both countries under the provisions of Shimla agreement and the Lahore declaration. "But the onus is on Pakistan to create such conducive conditions - free from terror, hostility and violence," the foreign ministry spokesman asserted. Kumar further said, "India doesn't need Pakistan's advice on India's internal matters". "Pakistan's attempt to create alarmist situation in Kashmir has failed; global community understands its double standards," Kumar added. On Tuesday, Pakistan PM Imran Khan during a meeting with US President Donald Trump had once again raised the Kashmir matter after which the US offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help resolve the matter. "We are talking about Kashmir and its relation to, what's going on between India and Pakistan that we can help, we certainly would be helping, and we have been watching that and have been following it very very closely," Trump had said. This is not the first time the Pakistan prime minister has raised the Kashmir issue at an international forum. Earlier this month, Pakistan along with its all-weather ally, China, raised the Kashmir issue for a third time at the United Nations security council. But, the UN maintained its stance that the issue should be solved bilaterally by India and Pakistan. Relations between India and Pakistan have been tensed since last year after a Pakistan-based terrorist group attacked an Indian Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Around 40 soldiers were killed in the incident. The relations between the two countries spiralled after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.

Our position is consistent; no role for any third party mediation in Kashmir: India

Britain and the U.S. spar on taxing tech companies. Greta Thunberg & Donald Trump clash on climate change. @palkisu recaps the second day of the Davos summit.

Gravitas: Davos summit: More sparks fly on day two

U.S. President Donald Trump, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, U.S. trade deal with China, global economy & Huawei CEO readiness to tackle further U.S. attacks on the firm dominate the proceeding in day 1 of the Davos 2020 summit.

Gravitas: Day 1 Of Davos 2020 — Key Takeaways

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-to-visit-pakistan-soon-says-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-275970">Donald Trump</a> told Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, on Wednesday said he wants to see a "significant" drop in violence by Taliban guerrillas before "meaningful" negotiations can happen.

At the meeting of the two presidents in Davos, Switzerland, "President Trump reiterated the need for a significant and lasting reduction in violence by the Taliban that would facilitate meaningful negotiations on Afghanistan’s future", the White House said.

Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reined in, posing it as a condition for resuming formal negotiations on an agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees, after a near two-decade fight.

Insurgent sources told AFP last week they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 18 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party.

The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said this week.

The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar but paused again following an attack near the Usw-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump.

US President Donald Trump told Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, on Wednesday said he wants to see a "significant" drop in violence by Taliban guerrillas before "meaningful" negotiations can happen.

US President Donald Trump told Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, on Wednesday said he wants to see a "significant" drop in violence by Taliban guerrillas before "meaningful" negotiations can happen. At the meeting of the two presidents in Davos, Switzerland, "President Trump reiterated the need for a significant and lasting reduction in violence by the Taliban that would facilitate meaningful negotiations on Afghanistan’s future", the White House said. Washington has for weeks been calling for the violence to be reined in, posing it as a condition for resuming formal negotiations on an agreement that would see US troops begin to leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees, after a near two-decade fight. Insurgent sources told AFP last week they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire of seven to 18 days, but there was no announcement of the proposal by either party. The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing a deal, their chief spokesman said this week. The two sides had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted in December in Qatar but paused again following an attack near the Usw-run Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. It would ultimately have to win final approval from Trump.

Trump wants 'significant' drop in Taliban violence for Afghan talks

The United States' President Donald Trump assured Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imrans-salary-not-enough-to-run-household-wion-accesses-pak-pms-salary-slip-275968">Imran Khan</a> that he will visit Pakistan "soon", country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday.

"US President Donald Trump has assured us that he will soon visit Pakistan," local media quoted Qureshi as saying.

Pakistan foreign minister's statement came a day after President Trump held a bilateral meeting with Imran Khan on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kem-chho-trump-us-president-to-visit-ahmedabad-delhi-in-february-275056">Trump is expected to visit India</a> in upcoming months and it is unclear whether his planned trip would include a stopover in Islamabad as well.

Speaking about third Khan-Trump meeting in less than a year, Pakistan foreign minister sais it was "very productive" and it lasted

"I was present at the meeting between Prime Minister Imran and US President Trump. It lasted for one hour and was very productive," Qureshi said, adding that the meeting was conducted in a cordial manner.

"Prime Minister Imran raised all important issues before the US President, including a request to support Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force and improving the travel advisory the US issues for Pakistan," Qureshi said in his statement.

In New Delhi, government sources indicated last week that Indian and US officials were engaged in talks to finalise dates for a possible visit by President Trump to India.

India had invited Trump to grace the Republic Day parade as the chief guest last year but the US President could not come due to scheduling issues.

There has been an indication that the US President may visit India in the next few months.

The United States' President Donald Trump assured Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan that he will visit Pakistan "soon", country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday.

The United States' President Donald Trump assured Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan that he will visit Pakistan "soon", country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday. "US President Donald Trump has assured us that he will soon visit Pakistan," local media quoted Qureshi as saying. Pakistan foreign minister's statement came a day after President Trump held a bilateral meeting with Imran Khan on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Trump is expected to visit India in upcoming months and it is unclear whether his planned trip would include a stopover in Islamabad as well. Speaking about third Khan-Trump meeting in less than a year, Pakistan foreign minister sais it was "very productive" and it lasted "I was present at the meeting between Prime Minister Imran and US President Trump. It lasted for one hour and was very productive," Qureshi said, adding that the meeting was conducted in a cordial manner. "Prime Minister Imran raised all important issues before the US President, including a request to support Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force and improving the travel advisory the US issues for Pakistan," Qureshi said in his statement. In New Delhi, government sources indicated last week that Indian and US officials were engaged in talks to finalise dates for a possible visit by President Trump to India. India had invited Trump to grace the Republic Day parade as the chief guest last year but the US President could not come due to scheduling issues. There has been an indication that the US President may visit India in the next few months.

Trump to visit Pakistan 'soon', says foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

The Democrats and Republicans continue to clash over the admission of new evidence and witnesses in the impeachment trial. So let us tell you what exactly Democrats are demanding.

What are the Democrats demanding?

French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-weeks-of-protests-macron-raises-retirement-age-in-pension-reforms-legislation-273472">Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron</a>&nbsp;said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-impeachment-trial-to-begin-in-us-senate-his-defence-team-calls-for-immediate-acquittal-275599">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;over a&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs.

Macron&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;agreed to hold off on a potential tariffs war until the end of 2020, a French diplomatic source said, and continue negotiations at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/urgent-international-cooperation-needed-to-address-global-warming-impacts-wmo-251656">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a> (OECD) on the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;during that period.

Also watch:&nbsp;France urges US to back OECD proposal

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-urges-us-to-back-oecd-proposal-274971/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"They agreed to give a chance to negotiations until the end of the year," the source said. "During that time period, there won't be successive tariffs."</div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-urges-us-to-back-oecd-proposal-274971">France </a>decided in July to apply a 3 percent&nbsp;levy on revenue from&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services earned in France by firms with revenues of more than 25 million euros&nbsp;in France and 750 million euros worldwide. Washington has threatened to impose&nbsp;taxes on French products in response.

French authorities have repeatedly said any international agreement on&nbsp;digital&nbsp;taxation reached within the OECD would immediately supersede the French&nbsp;tax.

The White House said on Monday both&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services&nbsp;tax.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with US President Donald Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with US President Donald Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs. Macron and Trump agreed to hold off on a potential tariffs war until the end of 2020, a French diplomatic source said, and continue negotiations at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the digital tax during that period. Also watch: France urges US to back OECD proposal "They agreed to give a chance to negotiations until the end of the year," the source said. "During that time period, there won't be successive tariffs." France decided in July to apply a 3 percent levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by firms with revenues of more than 25 million euros in France and 750 million euros worldwide. Washington has threatened to impose taxes on French products in response. French authorities have repeatedly said any international agreement on digital taxation reached within the OECD would immediately supersede the French tax. The White House said on Monday both Trump and Macron agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the digital services tax.

Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump declare truce in digital tax dispute

The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon.&nbsp;

The Democratic-led House of Representatives' had charged Trump with the abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress.

Trump's 116-page-long Trial Memorandum is his first official defence against the charges.

Watch:&nbsp;Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment

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"The Senate should reject the Articles of Impeachment and acquit the president immediately," the memo mentioned.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnel had recently put forward rules to facilitate a quick impeachment trial, and offered no guarantee of admission of new witnesses and evidence.

<h6><img alt="oooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf4364d8-99c5-47fd-b3a9-bfcd2730cc3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_52.jpg" /> 
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (C) is handed a document while signing the articles of impeachment of US President Donald Trump during an engrossment ceremony on Capitol Hill January 15, 2020, in Washington, DC. The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to transmit articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, opening the way for the historic trial of the 45th president for abuse of power | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The resolution could face a vote today, with Trump's lawyers intending to seek dismissal of all charges.

According to the proposal put forth by the Republicans, the Senate is expected to vote on whether the material collected by the House would be valid in the trial.

Trump is the fourth of 45 American presidents to face an impeachment hearing. Allegedly, Trump had approached Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, and stopping an enquiry into his whataboutery.

The Democrats claim that by withholding US military aid to Ukraine, Trump abused his power. 
 
Additionally, he allegedly obstructed Congress by denying access to documents and withholding testimonies from administration officials, and this was after the House had already issued a subpoena.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d6cb370-1219-4c8b-ad02-3d5b7dd1a69d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_59.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2020 to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Trump's defence has reiterated that neither of the charges constitutes a crime or an impeachable offence, and that, as president, Trump has the rights to make foreign policy decisions as well as for deciding what information he gives to Congress. Additionally, his team called it a one-sided process.

Based on the defence memo, the theory of the abuse of power&nbsp;is not an impeachable offence and needs supplementary support from the US constitution's stature pertaining to ''Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours''.

The memo also referred to the obstruction of Congress charge as ''frivolous and dangerous''.

The discourse of Trump's innocence and a rigged process was the memo's highlight, which suggested that this was an attempt to overturn Trump's 2016 victory and undemocratic. 
 
It's imperative to note that the Senate is highly unlikely to remove Trump office.

Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-73-donald-trump-says-he-is-physically-strong-and-gets-more-exercise-than-people-think-275326">At 73, Donald Trump says he is 'physically strong' and gets 'more exercise than people think'</a>

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon.

The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon. The Democratic-led House of Representatives' had charged Trump with the abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. Trump's 116-page-long Trial Memorandum is his first official defence against the charges. Watch: Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment "The Senate should reject the Articles of Impeachment and acquit the president immediately," the memo mentioned. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnel had recently put forward rules to facilitate a quick impeachment trial, and offered no guarantee of admission of new witnesses and evidence. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (C) is handed a document while signing the articles of impeachment of US President Donald Trump during an engrossment ceremony on Capitol Hill January 15, 2020, in Washington, DC. The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to transmit articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, opening the way for the historic trial of the 45th president for abuse of power | AFP The resolution could face a vote today, with Trump's lawyers intending to seek dismissal of all charges. According to the proposal put forth by the Republicans, the Senate is expected to vote on whether the material collected by the House would be valid in the trial. Trump is the fourth of 45 American presidents to face an impeachment hearing. Allegedly, Trump had approached Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, and stopping an enquiry into his whataboutery. The Democrats claim that by withholding US military aid to Ukraine, Trump abused his power. Additionally, he allegedly obstructed Congress by denying access to documents and withholding testimonies from administration officials, and this was after the House had already issued a subpoena. US President Donald Trump departs the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2020 to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos | AFP Trump's defence has reiterated that neither of the charges constitutes a crime or an impeachable offence, and that, as president, Trump has the rights to make foreign policy decisions as well as for deciding what information he gives to Congress. Additionally, his team called it a one-sided process. Based on the defence memo, the theory of the abuse of power is not an impeachable offence and needs supplementary support from the US constitution's stature pertaining to ''Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours''. The memo also referred to the obstruction of Congress charge as ''frivolous and dangerous''. The discourse of Trump's innocence and a rigged process was the memo's highlight, which suggested that this was an attempt to overturn Trump's 2016 victory and undemocratic. It's imperative to note that the Senate is highly unlikely to remove Trump office. Read more: At 73, Donald Trump says he is 'physically strong' and gets 'more exercise than people think' (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump's impeachment trial to begin in US Senate, his defence team calls for immediate acquittal

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will allow each side a total of 24 hours to present their arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, but the time must be confined to two working days, according to the text of his organizing resolution. Arguments will begin January 21 at 1 PM, according to the rules McConnell laid out, setting up several long days for Senate jurors. The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. Please keep discussions on this channel clean and respectful and refrain from using racist or sexist slurs as well as personal insults. Subscribe to our channel at https://goo.gl/JfY3NI Check out our website: http://www.wionews.com Connect with us on our social media handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIONews Twitter: https://twitter.com/WIONews Follow us on Google News for latest updates Follow us on Google News for latest updates WION: shorturl.at/fwKO0 Zee News English: shorturl.at/aJVY3 Zee News Hindi: shorturl.at/eorM1 Zee Business: shorturl.at/hpqX6 DNA News: shorturl.at/rBOY6 BGR: shorturl.at/eioqL

Trump's impeachment trial in Senate begins today

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will allow each side a total of 24 hours to present their arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, but the time must be confined to two working days, according to the text of his organizing resolution. Arguments has begun begin in the senate. According to the rules McConnell laid out, setting up several long days for Senate jurors.

Trump's impeachment trial: Senators to lay ground rules today

As world leaders gathered at Switzerland for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum</a>, veiled attacks and glares were exchanged between US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday.

A picture from the event is doing rounds on social media in which Greta Thunberg is seen looking less than impressed as she listened to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-dream-is-much-bigger-and-better-now-says-trump-at-world-economic-forum-in-davos-275732">Trump's keynote address at Davos</a>.

In a veiled attack on Thunberg, Trump said, "We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse."&nbsp;

"They want to see us do badly," Trump added.

He also claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil.

Watch | Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020

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Trump further branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

Meanwhile, Thunberg in her speech said, "You say children shouldn't worry... don't be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence," while referring to "empty words and promises" by world leaders on climate change.

"Our house is still on fire," Thunberg said, adding, "Your inaction is fuelling the flames."

In a rebuke to Trump's pledge to plant more trees, Thunberg said that planting trees is not enough.&nbsp;

During the speech,&nbsp;Trump announced that the US would join an existing initiative to plant one trillion trees, but also spoke at length about the economic importance of oil and gas while&nbsp;Thunberg&nbsp;called&nbsp;for an immediate end to fossil fuel investments in front of a packed audience.

Last year, a clip of the teenage activist giving Trump an ice-cold glare went viral after she told the United Nations that the leaders of the generations before hers had stolen her childhood and her dreams.

As world leaders gathered at Switzerland for World Economic Forum, veiled attacks and glares were exchanged between US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday.

As world leaders gathered at Switzerland for World Economic Forum, veiled attacks and glares were exchanged between US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday. A picture from the event is doing rounds on social media in which Greta Thunberg is seen looking less than impressed as she listened to Trump's keynote address at Davos. In a veiled attack on Thunberg, Trump said, "We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse." "They want to see us do badly," Trump added. He also claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil. Watch | Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020 × Trump further branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers". Meanwhile, Thunberg in her speech said, "You say children shouldn't worry... don't be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence," while referring to "empty words and promises" by world leaders on climate change. "Our house is still on fire," Thunberg said, adding, "Your inaction is fuelling the flames." In a rebuke to Trump's pledge to plant more trees, Thunberg said that planting trees is not enough. During the speech, Trump announced that the US would join an existing initiative to plant one trillion trees, but also spoke at length about the economic importance of oil and gas while Thunberg called for an immediate end to fossil fuel investments in front of a packed audience. Last year, a clip of the teenage activist giving Trump an ice-cold glare went viral after she told the United Nations that the leaders of the generations before hers had stolen her childhood and her dreams.

Veiled attacks and glares exchanged between Trump and Thunberg at WEF

It seems like US President Donald Trump's immigration policies are uncertain as the citizenship ratio of US touches 11-year high. Watch this report.

Your Story: US citizenship touches 11-year high

US President Donald Trump said America has regained its stride and rediscovered its spirit at World Economic Forums at Davos, meanwhile the death toll in SARS-like coronovirus in China rose to six.

US President Donald Trump said America has regained its stride and rediscovered its spirit at World Economic Forums at Davos, meanwhile the death toll in SARS-like coronovirus in China rose to six. Here are the top world news of the Day. American dream is much bigger and better now, says Trump at World Economic Forum in Davos US President Donald Trump during a special address at the World Economic Forum(WEF) in Davos said America had regained its stride and rediscovered its spirit. Read more. Read more Death toll in the new SARS-like coronavirus in China rises to six The death toll in the new China virus that is transmissible between humans rose to six, the mayor of Wuhan said in an interview with state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday. Read more Boeing seeks more than $10 billion in loans after 737 Max setback Boeing Co is in talks with banks to facilitate a $10 billion loan or more as costs continue to rise, in the midst of two crashes involving the 737 Max jetliner, Reuters reported. Read more Titanic to receive extra protection by a new agreement that prohibits exploration of the hull UK's Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani confirmed during a Tuesday Visit to Belfast that the world's most famous shipwreck, the RMS Titanic will be rigorously protected under an international agreement. The agreement will be restricting exploration of the sunken vessel's decaying hull. Read more In a first, US Navy names aircraft carrier after an African-American war hero US Navy will honour Doris Miller, an African American hero of World War II by naming a new aircraft carrier after him, the BBC reported. This will be the first carrier to be named after an African American. Read more Pakistan to focus on buying more team as it hold meetings with FATF in Beijing The meeting between Pakistan and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) begun in Beijing on Tuesday and according to reports, things might not be looking good for the country as it is heading to the meeting with a 400% surge in cases against eight globally banned organisations. Read more Asian shares dip as China virus spreads Asian shares took a sudden turn for the worse on Tuesday as mounting concerns about a new strain of coronavirus in China sent a ripple of risk aversion through markets. Read more Trump's impeachment trial to begin in US Senate, his defence team calls for immediate acquittal The United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment charges against him and called for their immediate dismissal by the Senate, where the case is due very soon. Read more Sex scandal shocks Mexico: The Vatican must probe cover-up of child sexual abuse Ten years after the Vatican took it over, the Legion of Christ religious order is in crisis again. This religious order in Mexico founded in 1941 was once powerful influential. But it now faces an existential crisis. Read more Prince Harry starts new life with Meghan in Canada Prince Harry was spending the first full day of his new life in Canada on Tuesday after jetting in from Britain to join his wife Meghan following their shock exit from their royal roles. Harry, 35, landed at Vancouver International Airport on a British Airways flight from London Heathrow shortly after 7:00 pm on Monday (0300 GMT Tuesday). Read more

Top 10 world news today: Trump at World Economic Forum, coronavirus, US impeachment trial and more

The 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) has kicked off in the Swiss city of Davos, with an agenda that is focused heavily on climate change, as world leaders struggle to tackle the crisis. Here US President Donald Trump delivers a keynote. Watch it.

'Nothing short of spectacular' claims Trump over US economic success in Davos

Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020

US President Donald Trump is expected to give a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has arrived at the location and will be meeting leaders from around the world.

US President Donald Trump arrives at Davos

Thousands of armed gun-rights activists filled the streets around Virginia's capitol building on January 20 to protest a package of gun-control legislation making its way through the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature. The Richmond rally maintained a festive atmosphere amid heavy security after Governor Ralph Northam banned carrying weapons onto the capitol grounds, anxious to avoid a replay of the violence at a 2017 demonstration by white nationalists in Charlottesville that killed a counter-protester.

Thousands of armed US gun rights activists join peaceful Virginia rally

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-warns-citizens-over-outbreak-of-pneumonia-in-chinas-wuhan-274468">US State department</a> will change visa guidelines regarding ''birth tourism'', whereby&nbsp;foreign nationals give birth in the country to gain American citizenship.

The new rule will aim&nbsp;at cracking down ''birth tourism'' and curbing the increment in birth tourists flocking to the country.

The rule will be applied ''shortly''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-warns-citizens-over-outbreak-of-pneumonia-in-chinas-wuhan-274468">US State Department warns citizens over outbreak of pneumonia in China's Wuhan</a>

This change is intended to address the national security and law enforcement risks associated with birth tourism, including criminal activity associated with the birth tourism industry.

According to an official of the State Department, ''foreigners take advantage of the protection of citizenship stated in the 14th Amendment of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kem-chho-trump-us-president-to-visit-ahmedabad-delhi-in-february-275056">US </a>Constitution which provides birthright citizenship to babies born in&nbsp;the country''.

<h6><img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="581e9f7e-38a2-4706-b291-0e33d5ed7fed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/101712-untitled-design-10.jpg" /> 
Image credit: Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The new regulation will change the requirements for visitor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-rebuffs-russia-accusation-that-united-states-visa-delays-being-ignored-270524">visas</a> (B visas).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-rebuffs-russia-accusation-that-united-states-visa-delays-being-ignored-270524">United Nations rebuffs Russia accusation that United States visa delays being ignored</a>

It will give State Department officials the authority to decline the requests of foreigners for short-term tourism and business visas if they think that it is being utilized to attain automatic citizenship.

Interestingly, a Hong Kong airliner had asked a woman to take a pregnancy test to prove that she was not pregnant before she boarded the flight. The flight was bound to Saipan, a US Pacific island.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airlines-apologies-for-the-unconvinced-caused-to-the-women-274863">Hong Kong Express Airways apologises to woman for pregnancy test</a>

The airline had stated that it did so to prevent the violation of US immigration laws.&nbsp;

In July, a resolution was passed in the US House of Representatives to keep a check on those trying to capitalize on the birthright citizenship 
&nbsp;

The US State department will change visa guidelines regarding ''birth tourism'', whereby foreign nationals give birth in the country to gain American citizenship.

The US State department will change visa guidelines regarding ''birth tourism'', whereby foreign nationals give birth in the country to gain American citizenship. The new rule will aim at cracking down ''birth tourism'' and curbing the increment in birth tourists flocking to the country. The rule will be applied ''shortly''. Also read: US State Department warns citizens over outbreak of pneumonia in China's Wuhan This change is intended to address the national security and law enforcement risks associated with birth tourism, including criminal activity associated with the birth tourism industry. According to an official of the State Department, ''foreigners take advantage of the protection of citizenship stated in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution which provides birthright citizenship to babies born in the country''. Image credit: Reuters The new regulation will change the requirements for visitor visas (B visas). Also read: United Nations rebuffs Russia accusation that United States visa delays being ignored It will give State Department officials the authority to decline the requests of foreigners for short-term tourism and business visas if they think that it is being utilized to attain automatic citizenship. Interestingly, a Hong Kong airliner had asked a woman to take a pregnancy test to prove that she was not pregnant before she boarded the flight. The flight was bound to Saipan, a US Pacific island. Also read: Hong Kong Express Airways apologises to woman for pregnancy test The airline had stated that it did so to prevent the violation of US immigration laws. In July, a resolution was passed in the US House of Representatives to keep a check on those trying to capitalize on the birthright citizenship

Trump administration to alter visa guidelines in a bid to curb 'birth tourism'

Donald Trump is the president of one of the most powerful nations in the world and thinks that while he juggles between work and his personal life, he has his health and fitness just about right.&nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with news agency Reuters, Trump revealed his love for food and aversion for hard-core exercising. The US President's love for all things junk is not unknown to the world.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gave-dramatic-account-of-soleimanis-last-minutes-before-death-report-275139">Trump gave dramatic account of Soleimani's last minutes before death</a>

The US president prefers to make alterations to his diet and exercise portion control as opposed to making use of the White House gymnasium services.&nbsp;

“A lot of people go to the gym and they’ll work out for two hours and all. I’ve seen people ... then they get their new knees when they’re 55 years old and they get their new hips and they do all those things. I don’t have those problems,” Trump told Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-michelle-obamas-birthday-trump-administration-reverses-her-healthy-school-lunch-reform-275136">On Michelle Obama's birthday, Trump administration reverses her 'healthy' school-lunch reform</a>

During the interview, Trump said that he gets enough exercise, "more exercise than people think". Trump said he "walks" runs to a "building next door" and does "this" and "that".&nbsp;

Calling himself a "believer in diet", Trump described himself as physically strong and endorsed smaller portions of food, having no qualms with cutting down on "more fattening ingredients”.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Donald Trump is the president of one of the most powerful nations in the world and thinks that while he juggles between work and his personal life, he has his health and fitness just about right.

Donald Trump is the president of one of the most powerful nations in the world and thinks that while he juggles between work and his personal life, he has his health and fitness just about right. In an exclusive interview with news agency Reuters, Trump revealed his love for food and aversion for hard-core exercising. The US President's love for all things junk is not unknown to the world. Also read: Trump gave dramatic account of Soleimani's last minutes before death The US president prefers to make alterations to his diet and exercise portion control as opposed to making use of the White House gymnasium services. “A lot of people go to the gym and they’ll work out for two hours and all. I’ve seen people ... then they get their new knees when they’re 55 years old and they get their new hips and they do all those things. I don’t have those problems,” Trump told Reuters. Also read: On Michelle Obama's birthday, Trump administration reverses her 'healthy' school-lunch reform During the interview, Trump said that he gets enough exercise, "more exercise than people think". Trump said he "walks" runs to a "building next door" and does "this" and "that". Calling himself a "believer in diet", Trump described himself as physically strong and endorsed smaller portions of food, having no qualms with cutting down on "more fattening ingredients”. (With inputs from Reuters)

At 73, Donald Trump says he is 'physically strong' and gets 'more exercise than people think'

The legal team of United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment hearings against their client. In the six-page document, his lawyers refer to the House of Representatives' impeachment efforts as a ''dangerous attack'' on Americans and their intrinsic right to vote.

Trump was recently impeached on account of&nbsp;two articles: ''abuse of power'' and the ''obstruction of Congress'', which was approved by the Democratic-led House last year.

The trial against Trump will begin on Tuesday in the Senate, which is mostly under the control of Republicans.

<h6><img alt="trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16734523-9fc5-43a9-9b9d-11aa985d4ad9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_44.jpg" /> 
Image: Screenshot from the statement of Trump's legal team | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Trump has repeatedly denied any involvement in the wrongdoings he's been accused of. He refers to the impeachment drive as an effort to undo his presidential victory.

In the Senate, Trump is expected not to get impeached, for no Republican senators yet have voiced support for the same.

The White House counsel is led by Pat Cipollone, who will get the support of Trump's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow. Ken Starr, the star-lawyer involved in Bill Clinton's impeachment in the 1990s has also joined the team. Celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz is also in Trump's dream-team.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-dream-team-meet-us-president-trumps-star-studded-legal-team-274978">Impeachment dream team: Meet US President Trump's star-studded legal team</a>

In their response, Cipollone and Sekulow referred to the articles of impeachment as ''a dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president''.

Further, in the six-page document, the team called the impeachment hearings "a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election".

Watch:&nbsp;Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment

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Trump is facing impeachment on the charges of abusing office especially in relation to the Ukraine scandal. He was accused of coercing Ukrainian authorities into investigating Joe Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate. He allegedly withheld aid worth $400 million to Ukraine. &nbsp;

Ukrainian counterpart President Volodymyr Zelensky has also denied the claims.

<h6><img alt="trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77351d0c-8a38-4cd5-a98b-c33b5031ddee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_41.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump make their way to board Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on January 17, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The articles of impeachment are constitutionally invalid on their face. They fail to allege any crime or violation of law whatsoever," the defence team said.

On the other hand, the House managers, ie, the prosecutors called Trump's conduct ''the worst nightmare'' of those who framed the US constitution.

''President Trump abused the power of his office to solicit foreign interference in our elections for his own personal political gain, thereby jeopardizing our national security, the integrity of our elections, and our democracy'', the managers said in a statement.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

The legal team of United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment hearings against their client. In the six-page document, his lawyers refer to the House of Representatives' impeachment efforts as a ''dangerous attack'' on Americans and their intrinsic right to vote.

The legal team of United States President Donald Trump yesterday rejected the impeachment hearings against their client. In the six-page document, his lawyers refer to the House of Representatives' impeachment efforts as a ''dangerous attack'' on Americans and their intrinsic right to vote. Trump was recently impeached on account of two articles: ''abuse of power'' and the ''obstruction of Congress'', which was approved by the Democratic-led House last year. The trial against Trump will begin on Tuesday in the Senate, which is mostly under the control of Republicans. Image: Screenshot from the statement of Trump's legal team | Reuters Trump has repeatedly denied any involvement in the wrongdoings he's been accused of. He refers to the impeachment drive as an effort to undo his presidential victory. In the Senate, Trump is expected not to get impeached, for no Republican senators yet have voiced support for the same. The White House counsel is led by Pat Cipollone, who will get the support of Trump's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow. Ken Starr, the star-lawyer involved in Bill Clinton's impeachment in the 1990s has also joined the team. Celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz is also in Trump's dream-team. Also read: Impeachment dream team: Meet US President Trump's star-studded legal team In their response, Cipollone and Sekulow referred to the articles of impeachment as ''a dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president''. Further, in the six-page document, the team called the impeachment hearings "a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election". Watch: Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment Trump is facing impeachment on the charges of abusing office especially in relation to the Ukraine scandal. He was accused of coercing Ukrainian authorities into investigating Joe Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate. He allegedly withheld aid worth $400 million to Ukraine. Ukrainian counterpart President Volodymyr Zelensky has also denied the claims. Image: US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump make their way to board Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on January 17, 2020 | AFP "The articles of impeachment are constitutionally invalid on their face. They fail to allege any crime or violation of law whatsoever," the defence team said. On the other hand, the House managers, ie, the prosecutors called Trump's conduct ''the worst nightmare'' of those who framed the US constitution. ''President Trump abused the power of his office to solicit foreign interference in our elections for his own personal political gain, thereby jeopardizing our national security, the integrity of our elections, and our democracy'', the managers said in a statement. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

'Brazen and unlawful': Donald Trump's legal team rejects impeachment charges

US President Donald Trump's legal team on Saturday released a renegotiation report of the impeachment of the House of Representatives, calling the allegations against Trump as an attack on the democracy.

Trump Impeachment Saga: Trump's legal team files response to senate summons

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-myanmar-sign-33-agreements-275157">China </a>will negotiate with American companies and increase imports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tree-cover-can-lower-daytime-temperatures-in-summer-study-275238">US&nbsp;</a>goods and products according to market principles, an official with its state planner said on Sunday.

The United States has high quality supply in the fields of energy, manufactured goods, agricultural products, medical care and financial services, said Meng Wei, spokesperson for China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at a press conference on Sunday.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-markets-scale-a-new-high-after-us-china-phase-one-trade-deal-274665">&nbsp;US-China trade deal: Hits and misses for India</a>

China will boost purchases of US&nbsp;goods and services by $200 billion over two years in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal between the world's two largest economies.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who signed the trade deal with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-marks-us-japan-security-pact-with-call-for-stronger-deeper-alliance-275202">Donald Trump</a> earlier this week, said the deal would not affect "third parties' interests", apparently in reference to deals made with other suppliers of farm goods.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kem-chho-trump-us-president-to-visit-ahmedabad-delhi-in-february-275056">'Howdy Trump'? US President to visit Ahmedabad, Delhi in February</a>

Chinese companies will import US&nbsp;agricultural goods according to consumers' need, and demand and supply in the market, Liu told reporters, according to CCTV.

China will negotiate with American companies and increase imports of US goods and products according to market principles, an official with its state planner said on Sunday.

China will negotiate with American companies and increase imports of US goods and products according to market principles, an official with its state planner said on Sunday. The United States has high quality supply in the fields of energy, manufactured goods, agricultural products, medical care and financial services, said Meng Wei, spokesperson for China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at a press conference on Sunday. Also read: US-China trade deal: Hits and misses for India China will boost purchases of US goods and services by $200 billion over two years in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal between the world's two largest economies. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who signed the trade deal with US President Donald Trump earlier this week, said the deal would not affect "third parties' interests", apparently in reference to deals made with other suppliers of farm goods. Also read: 'Howdy Trump'? US President to visit Ahmedabad, Delhi in February Chinese companies will import US agricultural goods according to consumers' need, and demand and supply in the market, Liu told reporters, according to CCTV.

China will increase imports from US according to 'market principles': Official

In a 111-page document filed before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trumps-impeachment-trial-officialy-gets-underway-274778">Trump's Senate trial begins</a> in earnest on Tuesday, the lawmakers laid out their arguments supporting charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress against the president.

"The Senate should convict and remove President Trump to avoid serious and long term damage to our democratic values and the nation's security," the lawmakers said, for the first time formally calling for the Senate to convict the president and remove him from office.

"The case against the president of the United States is simple, the facts are indisputable, and the evidence is overwhelming," they said.

<img alt="45th US President Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f783268-83a5-4d7a-bb4d-8d51e494d17d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_13.jpg" /> 
[US President Donald Trump (Courtesy: WION Web Team) ]

The document was an appeal directly to the senators to be impartial. "History will judge each senator's willingness to rise above partisan differences, view the facts honestly and defend the Constitution," the managers said in a statement noting "the President is not a king."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-dream-team-meet-us-president-trumps-star-studded-legal-team-274978">Trump's legal team</a> issued a resounding rejection of the impeachment charges, which were read out in the Senate earlier in the week during formalities setting the stage for the trial. They are expected to release a longer, separate response to the Democrats' pretrial brief on Monday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazen-and-unlawful-donald-trumps-legal-team-rejects-impeachment-charges-275143">'Brazen and unlawful': Donald Trump's legal team rejects impeachment charges</a>

<img alt="File Photo: Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c15c550-c635-4775-8c64-91e5c2ebf1f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_15.jpg" /> 
[President of the United States,&nbsp;Donald Trump (Courtesy: WION Web Team) ]

Rejecting the charges, Trump's lawyers reiterated the president's insistence, echoed by many of his fellow Republicans in Congress, that the charges are nothing more than a partisan attempt to remove him from office, a "dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president."

"This is a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election -&nbsp;now just months away," they argued in a six-page document released on Saturday.

It was the first time Trump formally responded to the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - that the Democratic-led House approved late last year.

Trump and Democratic lawmakers offered dueling arguments about the politically polarizing impeachment case involving Trump's attempt to persuade Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden last year.

"President Trump categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation in both articles of impeachment," the Trump lawyers' document said.

As well as the charge of abuse of office for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, Trump is also accused of obstructing Congress in its investigation into his conduct by refusing to hand over documents and barring administration officials from testifying, even when subpoenaed by House investigators.

<img alt="File Photo: Donald Trump, 45th US President" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="887e6be4-d9e9-44b0-a81b-42164f1c2489" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_17.jpg" /> 
[ Donald Trump, 45th US President (CourtesyL WION Web Team) ]

The document filed by the Democratic House impeachment managers on Saturday explained why the House passed the two articles of impeachment, and listed evidence supporting the charges.

The evidence included references to information released in the past few days from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, who was involved in Giuliani's contacts with Ukraine's government.

It also included a finding on Thursday by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that Trump broke the law when he withheld military aid that Congress had designated for Ukraine. Trump is charged with withholding the $391 million in security assistance to put pressure on Kiev to announce an investigation of the Bidens, to boost his 2020 re-election prospects.

“An acquittal would also provide license to President Trump and his successors to use taxpayer dollars for personal political ends,” the Democratic lawmakers' brief said.

Trump has denied wrongdoing.

The trial in the Republican-led Senate is unlikely to lead to Trump's ouster, as no Republican senators have voiced support for doing so and a two-thirds majority vote is required to convict.

Trump, at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, for the weekend, played a round of golf on Saturday.

The Trump lawyers, in their document, argued that the president acted at all times with full constitutional legal authority, said one of three sources close to Trump's legal team who briefed reporters on a conference call on Saturday.

"We will take the facts head-on and we believe that the facts will prove, and have proven, that the president did absolutely nothing wrong," the source said.

In a 111-page document filed before Trump's Senate trial begins in earnest on Tuesday, the lawmakers laid out their arguments supporting charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress against the president.

In a 111-page document filed before Trump's Senate trial begins in earnest on Tuesday, the lawmakers laid out their arguments supporting charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress against the president. "The Senate should convict and remove President Trump to avoid serious and long term damage to our democratic values and the nation's security," the lawmakers said, for the first time formally calling for the Senate to convict the president and remove him from office. "The case against the president of the United States is simple, the facts are indisputable, and the evidence is overwhelming," they said. [US President Donald Trump (Courtesy: WION Web Team) ] The document was an appeal directly to the senators to be impartial. "History will judge each senator's willingness to rise above partisan differences, view the facts honestly and defend the Constitution," the managers said in a statement noting "the President is not a king." Trump's legal team issued a resounding rejection of the impeachment charges, which were read out in the Senate earlier in the week during formalities setting the stage for the trial. They are expected to release a longer, separate response to the Democrats' pretrial brief on Monday. Also Read: 'Brazen and unlawful': Donald Trump's legal team rejects impeachment charges [President of the United States, Donald Trump (Courtesy: WION Web Team) ] Rejecting the charges, Trump's lawyers reiterated the president's insistence, echoed by many of his fellow Republicans in Congress, that the charges are nothing more than a partisan attempt to remove him from office, a "dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president." "This is a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election - now just months away," they argued in a six-page document released on Saturday. It was the first time Trump formally responded to the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - that the Democratic-led House approved late last year. Trump and Democratic lawmakers offered dueling arguments about the politically polarizing impeachment case involving Trump's attempt to persuade Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden last year. "President Trump categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation in both articles of impeachment," the Trump lawyers' document said. As well as the charge of abuse of office for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, Trump is also accused of obstructing Congress in its investigation into his conduct by refusing to hand over documents and barring administration officials from testifying, even when subpoenaed by House investigators. [ Donald Trump, 45th US President (CourtesyL WION Web Team) ] The document filed by the Democratic House impeachment managers on Saturday explained why the House passed the two articles of impeachment, and listed evidence supporting the charges. The evidence included references to information released in the past few days from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, who was involved in Giuliani's contacts with Ukraine's government. It also included a finding on Thursday by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that Trump broke the law when he withheld military aid that Congress had designated for Ukraine. Trump is charged with withholding the $391 million in security assistance to put pressure on Kiev to announce an investigation of the Bidens, to boost his 2020 re-election prospects. “An acquittal would also provide license to President Trump and his successors to use taxpayer dollars for personal political ends,” the Democratic lawmakers' brief said. Trump has denied wrongdoing. The trial in the Republican-led Senate is unlikely to lead to Trump's ouster, as no Republican senators have voiced support for doing so and a two-thirds majority vote is required to convict. Trump, at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, for the weekend, played a round of golf on Saturday. The Trump lawyers, in their document, argued that the president acted at all times with full constitutional legal authority, said one of three sources close to Trump's legal team who briefed reporters on a conference call on Saturday. "We will take the facts head-on and we believe that the facts will prove, and have proven, that the president did absolutely nothing wrong," the source said.

In impeachment document, Democrats say Trump endangers security, president denies

In his first Friday prayers sermon for eight years, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-american-clowns-who-lie-says-khamenei-in-friday-sermon-referring-to-trump-274902">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> also told worshippers chanting "Death to America" that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Iran's borders after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander.

U.S. President Donald Trump hit back later on Twitter, writing that Khamenei should be careful what he says.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-iran-gave-us-slap-on-face-calls-missile-strikes-day-of-god-274857">Khamenei's address</a> came amid a deepening crisis for Iran as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad.

Tension has steadily ratcheted higher since 2018 when the United States withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hammered the economy.

In the tense aftermath, a Ukrainian airliner was shot down by mistake. But it took days for the Guards to admit this and protesters directed their rage at the elite force and the clerical system it was set up to defend.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-to-lead-prayers-amid-outrage-over-ukrainian-plane-crash-274821">Iran's supreme leader Khamenei to lead 'prayers' amid uproar over Ukrainian plane crash&nbsp;</a>

"Our enemies ... were happy that they found an excuse to undermine the Guards, the armed forces and our system," Khamenei said in his sermon, heaping praise on the Guards for protecting Iran and renewing a call for U.S. troops to leave the region.

Khamenei said Soleimani's work of projecting Iran's military influence abroad would continue and said the Quds Force he commanded "protects oppressed nations across the region."

He said Quds Force soldiers were "fighters without borders".

The U.S. State Department's special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said in Washington that Iranian threats risked further isolating the country.

But Russia lent Iran some support over the airliner disaster, saying it had been shot down when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. stealth fighters in the area.

"I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

<img alt="Iranian worshippers chant slogans during the Friday prayers sermon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf0f70db-c26a-4a42-ab67-c116316536ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-18T115726.008.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Iranian worshippers chant slogans during the Friday prayers sermon (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

'BITTER TRAGEDY'

Protests led by students erupted in Tehran and other cities for four days over the shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, in which all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-bury-dead-from-downed-plane-after-days-of-rage-on-the-street-274513">176 aboard were killed</a>, mostly Iranians or dual nationals.

As the unrest picked up, Trump sent tweets in Farsi and English supporting the protesters, who were chanting "Death to Khamenei" and slogans against the Guards.

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The so-called “Supreme Leader” of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1218297466656829440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump responded on Twitter: "The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!"

Khamenei said the shooting down of the plane was a "bitter tragedy that burned through our heart," but stopped short of offering a direct apology.

"Some tried to use it as an excuse to overshadow the martyrdom of our great commander Soleimani," he said, urging Iranians to unite and show solidarity by turning out in numbers for the February parliamentary election.

The funeral of Soleimani, long portrayed as a national hero in Iran but seen by the West as a ruthless adversary, had brought huge numbers of Iranian mourners to the streets.

On social media, some Iranians reacted angrily to Khamenei's sermon and his comments on the plane disaster. "Not a word of apology. Only arrogance," tweeted Mike Pouraryan.

Online footage during demonstrations had shown protesters being beaten and recordings of gunshots. Riot police were deployed in force on the streets, particularly outside universities, a focus for the unrest.

Iran's police denied firing at protesters.

Two months earlier, police launched a bloody crackdown on protests that erupted over sharp fuel price hikes, which added to the suffering of Iranians already hurt by U.S. sanctions.

In reaction to Washington's "maximum pressure" policy, Tehran has gradually scaled back on commitments to the nuclear deal, including lifting limits on its uranium enrichment.

Britain, France and Germany, which have been trying to salvage the pact, have subsequently launched the deal's dispute mechanism over Iran's violations, starting a diplomatic process that could lead to reimposing U.N. sanctions.

"These European countries cannot be trusted. Even their negotiations with Iran are full of deceit," Khamenei said.

In his first Friday prayers sermon for eight years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also told worshippers chanting "Death to America" that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Iran's borders after the U.

In his first Friday prayers sermon for eight years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also told worshippers chanting "Death to America" that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Iran's borders after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander. U.S. President Donald Trump hit back later on Twitter, writing that Khamenei should be careful what he says. Khamenei's address came amid a deepening crisis for Iran as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad. Tension has steadily ratcheted higher since 2018 when the United States withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hammered the economy. In the tense aftermath, a Ukrainian airliner was shot down by mistake. But it took days for the Guards to admit this and protesters directed their rage at the elite force and the clerical system it was set up to defend. Also Read: Iran's supreme leader Khamenei to lead 'prayers' amid uproar over Ukrainian plane crash "Our enemies ... were happy that they found an excuse to undermine the Guards, the armed forces and our system," Khamenei said in his sermon, heaping praise on the Guards for protecting Iran and renewing a call for U.S. troops to leave the region. Khamenei said Soleimani's work of projecting Iran's military influence abroad would continue and said the Quds Force he commanded "protects oppressed nations across the region." He said Quds Force soldiers were "fighters without borders". The U.S. State Department's special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said in Washington that Iranian threats risked further isolating the country. But Russia lent Iran some support over the airliner disaster, saying it had been shot down when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. stealth fighters in the area. "I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. [ Iranian worshippers chant slogans during the Friday prayers sermon (Courtesy: Reuters) ] 'BITTER TRAGEDY' Protests led by students erupted in Tehran and other cities for four days over the shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, in which all 176 aboard were killed, mostly Iranians or dual nationals. As the unrest picked up, Trump sent tweets in Farsi and English supporting the protesters, who were chanting "Death to Khamenei" and slogans against the Guards. The so-called “Supreme Leader” of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020 × Trump responded on Twitter: "The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Khamenei said the shooting down of the plane was a "bitter tragedy that burned through our heart," but stopped short of offering a direct apology. "Some tried to use it as an excuse to overshadow the martyrdom of our great commander Soleimani," he said, urging Iranians to unite and show solidarity by turning out in numbers for the February parliamentary election. The funeral of Soleimani, long portrayed as a national hero in Iran but seen by the West as a ruthless adversary, had brought huge numbers of Iranian mourners to the streets. On social media, some Iranians reacted angrily to Khamenei's sermon and his comments on the plane disaster. "Not a word of apology. Only arrogance," tweeted Mike Pouraryan. Online footage during demonstrations had shown protesters being beaten and recordings of gunshots. Riot police were deployed in force on the streets, particularly outside universities, a focus for the unrest. Iran's police denied firing at protesters. Two months earlier, police launched a bloody crackdown on protests that erupted over sharp fuel price hikes, which added to the suffering of Iranians already hurt by U.S. sanctions. In reaction to Washington's "maximum pressure" policy, Tehran has gradually scaled back on commitments to the nuclear deal, including lifting limits on its uranium enrichment. Britain, France and Germany, which have been trying to salvage the pact, have subsequently launched the deal's dispute mechanism over Iran's violations, starting a diplomatic process that could lead to reimposing U.N. sanctions. "These European countries cannot be trusted. Even their negotiations with Iran are full of deceit," Khamenei said.

Iran's Khamenei stands by Revolutionary Guards after unrest over downed plane

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US&nbsp;drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN.

With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Soleimani was killed.

The president spoke in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at a Republican event that raised $10 million for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and for the Republican National Committee.

Reporters were not allowed in for the event. CNN said it obtained an audio recording of Trump's remarks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/future-attack-by-terrorist-soleimani-was-imminent-trump-274079">Future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' - Trump</a>

The Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani at Baghdad airport prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US&nbsp;forces in Iraq days later and almost triggered a broad war between the two countries.

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"They're together sir," Trump said military officials told him. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 'Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. Thirty seconds. Ten, 9, 8 ...' "

"Then all of a sudden, boom," he said. "'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.'"

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies - Donald Trump</a>

"I said, where is this guy?" Trump continued. "That was the last I heard from him."

It was the most detailed account that Trump has given of the drone strike, which has drawn criticism from some US&nbsp;lawmakers because neither the president nor his advisers have provided public information to back up their statements that Soleimani presented an "imminent" threat to Americans in the region.

CNN said that in the audio, Trump did not repeat that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Trump said Soleimani was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorize his killing.

"How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump asked in the audio. "How much are we going to listen to?"

US President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN.

US President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN. With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Soleimani was killed. The president spoke in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at a Republican event that raised $10 million for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and for the Republican National Committee. Reporters were not allowed in for the event. CNN said it obtained an audio recording of Trump's remarks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read: Future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' - Trump The Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani at Baghdad airport prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US forces in Iraq days later and almost triggered a broad war between the two countries. × "They're together sir," Trump said military officials told him. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 'Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. Thirty seconds. Ten, 9, 8 ...' " "Then all of a sudden, boom," he said. "'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.'" Also read: Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies - Donald Trump "I said, where is this guy?" Trump continued. "That was the last I heard from him." It was the most detailed account that Trump has given of the drone strike, which has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers because neither the president nor his advisers have provided public information to back up their statements that Soleimani presented an "imminent" threat to Americans in the region. CNN said that in the audio, Trump did not repeat that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Trump said Soleimani was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorize his killing. "How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump asked in the audio. "How much are we going to listen to?"

Trump gave dramatic account of Soleimani's last minutes before death: Report

The Trump administration on Friday announced a proposal for public school-lunch that reverses former First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school food reform, that too on her birthday.&nbsp;

According to reports, the new school-lunch proposal will introduce more flexible meal options for school children, a move that critics suggest will lead to more junk making way to the children's platter.&nbsp;

The new set of rules reverses the Obama-era reform championed by Michelle Obama to tackle childhood obesity and provide healthier meals in schools.

The US Department of Agriculture made the announcement that is likely to affect nearly 30 million students at over 90,000 schools across the United States.

The proposals will enter the Federal Register on January 23 and will be open for the public to comment on for the 60 days.

US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in a statement said that the reform has been brought into place after getting feedback from districts and schools over food wastage and to devise a way to provide nutritious, appetising meals to school kids.&nbsp;

Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity was translated into the 'Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010'&nbsp;which aimed at bolstering healthy eating habits in children and encouraging&nbsp;them to eat more fruits and vegetables in a day.

The reform aimed at introducing more whole grains-based meals while&nbsp;keeping a tab on portion sizes and calories for school-going kids to maintain a healthy weight.&nbsp;

According to US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, "childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health".&nbsp;

"Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high," the CDC states on its website.&nbsp;

The CDC estimates the prevalence of obesity at 18.5 per cent for children and adolescents between 2-19 years, affecting nearly 13.7 million children and adolescents.

The Trump administration on Friday announced a proposal for public school-lunch that reverses former First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school food reform, that too on her birthday.

The Trump administration on Friday announced a proposal for public school-lunch that reverses former First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school food reform, that too on her birthday. According to reports, the new school-lunch proposal will introduce more flexible meal options for school children, a move that critics suggest will lead to more junk making way to the children's platter. The new set of rules reverses the Obama-era reform championed by Michelle Obama to tackle childhood obesity and provide healthier meals in schools. The US Department of Agriculture made the announcement that is likely to affect nearly 30 million students at over 90,000 schools across the United States. The proposals will enter the Federal Register on January 23 and will be open for the public to comment on for the 60 days. US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in a statement said that the reform has been brought into place after getting feedback from districts and schools over food wastage and to devise a way to provide nutritious, appetising meals to school kids. Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity was translated into the 'Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010' which aimed at bolstering healthy eating habits in children and encouraging them to eat more fruits and vegetables in a day. The reform aimed at introducing more whole grains-based meals while keeping a tab on portion sizes and calories for school-going kids to maintain a healthy weight. According to US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, "childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health". "Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high," the CDC states on its website. The CDC estimates the prevalence of obesity at 18.5 per cent for children and adolescents between 2-19 years, affecting nearly 13.7 million children and adolescents.

On Michelle Obama's birthday, Trump administration reverses her 'healthy' school-lunch reform

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