Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday it was speeding up plans to send US astronauts back to the Moon, from 2028 to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/by-2022-indian-son-or-daughter-to-go-in-space-carrying-national-flag-pm-narendra-modi-159291">2024</a>, calling for a "spark of urgency" to prevail over delays that have plagued NASA's lunar return plans.&nbsp;

"It is the stated policy of this administration and the United States of America to return American astronauts to the Moon, within the next five years," Vice President Mike Pence vowed in a speech in Huntsville, Alabama, the "Rocket City" where American launchers have been built since the 1960s.

"Let me be clear, the first woman and the next man on the Moon will both be American astronauts launched by American rockets from American soil," he said, echoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-person-to-set-foot-on-mars-is-likely-to-be-a-woman-nasa-chief-203093">previous declarations by NASA chief Jim Bridenstine</a> that a woman could be the next human to set foot on the Moon.

The first manned Moon flight since the last Apollo mission in 1972 had been scheduled for 2028.

But the program has encountered frustrating delays in the development of a new heavy rocket for the Moon missions, the Space Launch System (SLS), whose first uncrewed flight was recently pushed back beyond 2020.

Within months of taking office, President Trump made clear his desire to reinvigorate the American space agency, which had been somewhat adrift since the 2011 end of its shuttle program.

In 2017, Trump set a goal of returning to the Moon as a first step before moving on to human exploration of Mars.&nbsp;

NASA then adopted a schedule of launching a manned mission to the Moon in 2028.&nbsp;

"That's just not good enough. We're better than that. It took us eight years to get to the moon, the first time, 50 years ago, when we had never done it before," said Pence, who heads the White House's National Space Council.&nbsp;

"It shouldn't take us 11 years to get back."

- 'Paralysis by analysis' - 
In his speech, Pence criticized the "bureaucratic inertia" and "paralysis by analysis" that he said had resulted in the SLS delays, and called for a "new mindset" at the space agency.

Included in that criticism, though unnamed, was Boeing, who is building the SLS rocket that was scheduled to launch for its first flight in 2020, until NASA recently announced it would not be ready in time.&nbsp;

"Urgency must be our watchword," said Pence. "Failure to achieve our goal to return an American astronaut to the Moon in the next five years is not an option."

He said the US was engaged in a present-day "space race" under Trump, this time against China, just as the country was in the 1960s under President John F. Kennedy against the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Pence threatened to use commercial launch systems or to look to other partners if NASA is not ready in time.

"To be clear, we're not committed to anyone's contract. If our current contractors can't meet this objective, then we will find ones that will," Pence said.

"If commercial rockets are the only way to get American astronauts to the Moon in the next five years, then commercial rockets it will be," he said.

He didn't mention SpaceX or other companies by name, but the allusion was clear, as SpaceX currently has rockets capable of launching heavy loads into space.&nbsp;

"We got it loud and clear," NASA head Bridenstine responded to the vice president. He assured the gathering that the SLS rocket would be ready in 2020.

Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday it was speeding up plans to send US astronauts back to the Moon, from 2028 to 2024, calling for a "spark of urgency" to prevail over delays that have plagued NASA's lunar return plans.

Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday it was speeding up plans to send US astronauts back to the Moon, from 2028 to 2024, calling for a "spark of urgency" to prevail over delays that have plagued NASA's lunar return plans. "It is the stated policy of this administration and the United States of America to return American astronauts to the Moon, within the next five years," Vice President Mike Pence vowed in a speech in Huntsville, Alabama, the "Rocket City" where American launchers have been built since the 1960s. "Let me be clear, the first woman and the next man on the Moon will both be American astronauts launched by American rockets from American soil," he said, echoing previous declarations by NASA chief Jim Bridenstine that a woman could be the next human to set foot on the Moon. The first manned Moon flight since the last Apollo mission in 1972 had been scheduled for 2028. But the program has encountered frustrating delays in the development of a new heavy rocket for the Moon missions, the Space Launch System (SLS), whose first uncrewed flight was recently pushed back beyond 2020. Within months of taking office, President Trump made clear his desire to reinvigorate the American space agency, which had been somewhat adrift since the 2011 end of its shuttle program. In 2017, Trump set a goal of returning to the Moon as a first step before moving on to human exploration of Mars. NASA then adopted a schedule of launching a manned mission to the Moon in 2028. "That's just not good enough. We're better than that. It took us eight years to get to the moon, the first time, 50 years ago, when we had never done it before," said Pence, who heads the White House's National Space Council. "It shouldn't take us 11 years to get back." - 'Paralysis by analysis' - In his speech, Pence criticized the "bureaucratic inertia" and "paralysis by analysis" that he said had resulted in the SLS delays, and called for a "new mindset" at the space agency. Included in that criticism, though unnamed, was Boeing, who is building the SLS rocket that was scheduled to launch for its first flight in 2020, until NASA recently announced it would not be ready in time. "Urgency must be our watchword," said Pence. "Failure to achieve our goal to return an American astronaut to the Moon in the next five years is not an option." He said the US was engaged in a present-day "space race" under Trump, this time against China, just as the country was in the 1960s under President John F. Kennedy against the Soviet Union. Pence threatened to use commercial launch systems or to look to other partners if NASA is not ready in time. "To be clear, we're not committed to anyone's contract. If our current contractors can't meet this objective, then we will find ones that will," Pence said. "If commercial rockets are the only way to get American astronauts to the Moon in the next five years, then commercial rockets it will be," he said. He didn't mention SpaceX or other companies by name, but the allusion was clear, as SpaceX currently has rockets capable of launching heavy loads into space. "We got it loud and clear," NASA head Bridenstine responded to the vice president. He assured the gathering that the SLS rocket would be ready in 2020.

US to put (another) man on the moon by 2024: Mike Pence

Mike Pence and Melania Trump will meet with Fabiana Rosales, Guaido's wife

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governors-supporting-nicolas-maduro-199710">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> accused the American government of manufacturing a crisis in an attempt to start a war in South America, in an interview broadcast on Monday.

"Everything that the United States government has done has been doomed to failure," Maduro told American broadcaster ABC News from the presidential palace in Caracas in remarks translated by the network from Spanish.

"They are trying to fabricate a crisis to justify political escalation and military intervention in Venezuela to bring a war to South America."

Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-with-you-100-per-cent-us-vice-president-pence-to-venezuelas-guaido-199713">US Vice President Mike Pence</a> announced $56 million in aid to Venezuelans as well as tougher US sanctions as he joined a Lima Group meeting of Latin American countries plus Canada that was also attended by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States is among some 50 countries that recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.

Maduro blasted the talks in Bogota as being "politics to attempt to establish a parallel government in Venezuela."&nbsp;

Washington, he said, "wants Venezuela's oil" and is "willing to go to war for that oil."

"The extremist Ku Klux Klan government that Donald Trump directs wants a war over oil, and more than just oil," Maduro said, describing Venezuela as a "pacifist, humble nation."

But he also said he was ready to participate in a "direct dialogue" with the Trump administration.

Asked if he would allow Guaido back into the country, Maduro said: "He has to respect the laws."

Guaido "can leave and come back and will have to see the face of justice because justice had prohibited him from him leaving the country."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the American government of manufacturing a crisis in an attempt to start a war in South America, in an interview broadcast on Monday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the American government of manufacturing a crisis in an attempt to start a war in South America, in an interview broadcast on Monday. "Everything that the United States government has done has been doomed to failure," Maduro told American broadcaster ABC News from the presidential palace in Caracas in remarks translated by the network from Spanish. "They are trying to fabricate a crisis to justify political escalation and military intervention in Venezuela to bring a war to South America." Earlier in the day, US Vice President Mike Pence announced $56 million in aid to Venezuelans as well as tougher US sanctions as he joined a Lima Group meeting of Latin American countries plus Canada that was also attended by opposition leader Juan Guaido. The United States is among some 50 countries that recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. Maduro blasted the talks in Bogota as being "politics to attempt to establish a parallel government in Venezuela." Washington, he said, "wants Venezuela's oil" and is "willing to go to war for that oil." "The extremist Ku Klux Klan government that Donald Trump directs wants a war over oil, and more than just oil," Maduro said, describing Venezuela as a "pacifist, humble nation." But he also said he was ready to participate in a "direct dialogue" with the Trump administration. Asked if he would allow Guaido back into the country, Maduro said: "He has to respect the laws." Guaido "can leave and come back and will have to see the face of justice because justice had prohibited him from him leaving the country."

Maduro says US wants to 'fabricate' Venezuela crisis to start war

US Vice President Mike Pence passed on a message from Donald Trump to Venezuela's opposition leader<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-meets-with-foreign-allies-for-anti-maduro-strategy-199636"> Juan Guaido</a> on Monday, telling him "we are with you 100 per cent."

Pence and Guaido met in Colombia's capital during a meeting of regional allies to discuss their next move in response to the crisis in Venezuela.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governors-supporting-nicolas-maduro-199710">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governors-supporting-nicolas-maduro-199710"> imposes sanctions on Venezuelan governors supporting Nicolas Maduro</a>

Guaido warned against "indulging" Venezuela's President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344">Nicolas Maduro</a>, saying to do so "would be a threat to all of America."

Colombia's President Ivan Duque, meanwhile, called on regional allies to create a "more powerful and effective" ring around Maduro to facilitate the transition of power "demanded by the Venezuelan people."

The Lima Group meeting is taking place following a bloody weekend in which Guaido failed to fulfil his pledge to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela after a military blockade ordered by Maduro stood firm.

Four people died in clashes on Venezuela's border with Brazil between security forces and civilians seeking to bring in aid.

Several hundred more were injured in the confrontations at the borders with Colombia and Brazil.

Trump "sent me here to stand with you and to stand with our friends and allies in Venezuela," Pence told Guaido, who caused a sensation a month ago in declaring himself acting president.

That sparked a power struggle between the National Assembly speaker and Maduro, whom Guaido has branded illegitimate over his disputed reelection last May.

"It's important to recover democracy in Venezuela because those usurping power today are a threat to the continent's stability," said Guaido.

He said on Sunday he was heading to Bogota to ask allies to consider "all measures" in helping end Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

Years of recession and hyperinflation have left people suffering shortages of desperately needed food and medicines.

Guaido says 300,000 people could die if the aid isn't urgently brought in.

Maduro has rejected the aid, though, claiming it would be a pretext to a US invasion.

Before the meeting began, Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Hugo de Zela said the Lima Group's aim was "to find a peaceful solution" to the political impasse.

US Vice President Mike Pence passed on a message from Donald Trump to Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday, telling him "we are with you 100 per cent.

US Vice President Mike Pence passed on a message from Donald Trump to Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday, telling him "we are with you 100 per cent." Pence and Guaido met in Colombia's capital during a meeting of regional allies to discuss their next move in response to the crisis in Venezuela. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Venezuelan governors supporting Nicolas Maduro Guaido warned against "indulging" Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, saying to do so "would be a threat to all of America." Colombia's President Ivan Duque, meanwhile, called on regional allies to create a "more powerful and effective" ring around Maduro to facilitate the transition of power "demanded by the Venezuelan people." The Lima Group meeting is taking place following a bloody weekend in which Guaido failed to fulfil his pledge to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela after a military blockade ordered by Maduro stood firm. Four people died in clashes on Venezuela's border with Brazil between security forces and civilians seeking to bring in aid. Several hundred more were injured in the confrontations at the borders with Colombia and Brazil. Trump "sent me here to stand with you and to stand with our friends and allies in Venezuela," Pence told Guaido, who caused a sensation a month ago in declaring himself acting president. That sparked a power struggle between the National Assembly speaker and Maduro, whom Guaido has branded illegitimate over his disputed reelection last May. "It's important to recover democracy in Venezuela because those usurping power today are a threat to the continent's stability," said Guaido. He said on Sunday he was heading to Bogota to ask allies to consider "all measures" in helping end Venezuela's humanitarian crisis. Years of recession and hyperinflation have left people suffering shortages of desperately needed food and medicines. Guaido says 300,000 people could die if the aid isn't urgently brought in. Maduro has rejected the aid, though, claiming it would be a pretext to a US invasion. Before the meeting began, Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Hugo de Zela said the Lima Group's aim was "to find a peaceful solution" to the political impasse.

Trump with you 100%: US Vice President Pence to Venezuela's Guaido

Iran has been adhering to a deal with world powers limiting its nuclear programme, the UN atomic watchdog said Friday, as diplomatic wrangling continues over the future of the accord.

The latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran was still complying with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with global powers under which Tehran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

The IAEA's latest report showed that over the past three-month period, Iran's stock of heavy water had risen from 122.8 to 124.8 metric tonnes and that it held 163.8kg of enriched uranium, up from 149.4kg in November.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-hassan-rouhani-says-us-sanctions-are-terrorist-act-198591">Iran's Hassan Rouhani says US sanctions are 'terrorist act'</a>

Both levels are within the limits foreseen by the JCPOA.

Last week, European nations rejected a call from US Vice President Mike Pence to follow the US lead in withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear deal.

Israel has welcomed the US withdrawal from the deal, claiming that Iran is harbouring a secret atomic warehouse.

Without naming specific countries, in January IAEA chief Yukiya Amano rejected pressure on the agency, saying: "If our credibility is thrown into question, and, in particular, if attempts are made to micro-manage or put pressure on the Agency in nuclear verification, that is counter-productive and extremely harmful."

In May, US President Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from the JCPOA. This was followed by sweeping new American sanctions on Iran in November.

Trump's own intelligence chiefs have contradicted him over the question of Iran's adherence to the deal.

Last month Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel told a Senate hearing that Iran was "technically" in compliance with the JCPOA.

The European Union -- along with the European signatories to the deal, collectively known as the E3 -- have been scrambling to find ways to keep the deal alive, last month setting up a special payments vehicle to bypass US sanctions.

However, while Iran initially welcomed the creation of the vehicle -- called INSTEX -- as a "first step", last week Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the mechanism "falls short of the commitments by the E3 to save the nuclear deal". 
&nbsp;

Iran has been adhering to a deal with world powers limiting its nuclear programme, the UN atomic watchdog said Friday, as diplomatic wrangling continues over the future of the accord.

Iran has been adhering to a deal with world powers limiting its nuclear programme, the UN atomic watchdog said Friday, as diplomatic wrangling continues over the future of the accord. The latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran was still complying with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with global powers under which Tehran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. The IAEA's latest report showed that over the past three-month period, Iran's stock of heavy water had risen from 122.8 to 124.8 metric tonnes and that it held 163.8kg of enriched uranium, up from 149.4kg in November. Also read: Iran's Hassan Rouhani says US sanctions are 'terrorist act' Both levels are within the limits foreseen by the JCPOA. Last week, European nations rejected a call from US Vice President Mike Pence to follow the US lead in withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear deal. Israel has welcomed the US withdrawal from the deal, claiming that Iran is harbouring a secret atomic warehouse. Without naming specific countries, in January IAEA chief Yukiya Amano rejected pressure on the agency, saying: "If our credibility is thrown into question, and, in particular, if attempts are made to micro-manage or put pressure on the Agency in nuclear verification, that is counter-productive and extremely harmful." In May, US President Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from the JCPOA. This was followed by sweeping new American sanctions on Iran in November. Trump's own intelligence chiefs have contradicted him over the question of Iran's adherence to the deal. Last month Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel told a Senate hearing that Iran was "technically" in compliance with the JCPOA. The European Union -- along with the European signatories to the deal, collectively known as the E3 -- have been scrambling to find ways to keep the deal alive, last month setting up a special payments vehicle to bypass US sanctions. However, while Iran initially welcomed the creation of the vehicle -- called INSTEX -- as a "first step", last week Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the mechanism "falls short of the commitments by the E3 to save the nuclear deal".

Iran adhering to terms of 2015 nuclear deal: UN atomic watchdog

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence pressed European countries on Saturday&nbsp;to withdraw from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-us-hit-by-hysteria-since-dropping-nuclear-deal-189680">nuclear deal </a>between Iran and major powers and urged them to be wary of using telecoms equipment supplied by Chinese provider Huawei.

"The time has come for all of us to act. The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous, revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to stand with us, and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region," Pence said.

"The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sticking-to-nuclear-deal-conditions-iaea-176925">Iran nuclear deal</a> and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region, and the world, the peace, security and freedom they deserve."

He also called for the European Union must to recognise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-raises-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-via-sanctions-aid-airlift-197708">Venezuelan</a> congress leader Juan Guaido as the president of the South American country, pressing not just individual European governments but the bloc as a whole.

"We call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognise Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela," Pence said.

Pence said Guaido, who has declared himself interim leader and has won the US&nbsp;and international support to replace <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-blasts-us-for-stealing-billions-and-offering-crumbs-197688">Nicolas Maduro</a>, deserved that "the rest of the world" recognise him, and called Maduro a dictator who must step down.

The audience at the speech included the largest American delegation to ever attend the Munich Security Conference. 
&nbsp;

US Vice President Mike Pence pressed European countries on Saturday to withdraw from a nuclear deal between Iran and major powers and urged them to be wary of using telecoms equipment supplied by Chinese provider Huawei.

US Vice President Mike Pence pressed European countries on Saturday to withdraw from a nuclear deal between Iran and major powers and urged them to be wary of using telecoms equipment supplied by Chinese provider Huawei. "The time has come for all of us to act. The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous, revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to stand with us, and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region," Pence said. "The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region, and the world, the peace, security and freedom they deserve." He also called for the European Union must to recognise Venezuelan congress leader Juan Guaido as the president of the South American country, pressing not just individual European governments but the bloc as a whole. "We call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognise Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela," Pence said. Pence said Guaido, who has declared himself interim leader and has won the US and international support to replace Nicolas Maduro, deserved that "the rest of the world" recognise him, and called Maduro a dictator who must step down. The audience at the speech included the largest American delegation to ever attend the Munich Security Conference.

Pence calls for EU to leave Iran nuclear deal, recognise Guaido as Venezuelan president

A new age of competition between major global powers like China, the United States and Russia leaves the world facing an unpredictable and more hostile future, the hosts of a major security conference said on Monday.

Entitled "The Great Puzzle: Who Will Pick Up the Pieces?", their report aims to set the agenda for leaders at the Munich Security Conference annual meeting from Thursday.

US Vice President Mike Pence is due to attend the event in the Bavarian capital, which comes after Washington said earlier this month it would suspend compliance with a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia.

"Given the prevailing strategic outlooks in Washington, Beijing, and Moscow, expectations of a new era of great power competition are seeming to turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy," the report read.

"If everyone prepares for a hostile world, its arrival is almost preordained ... The post-Cold War period – and the general optimism associated with it – has come to an end.

"But it is unclear what kind of new order will emerge ... and whether the transition period will be peaceful."

Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German ambassador to Washington, urged policymakers from mid-sized powers including the European Union to do more to preserve a liberal international order.

In a newspaper interview, Ischinger suggested France's nuclear arsenal should serve the purpose of shielding the whole of the EU and not just France. This would mean EU countries would have to share the cost of maintaining France's nuclear weapons, he told the Funke group of newspapers.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who addresses the conference on Saturday, is using her last term to focus on a foreign policy aimed at defending and refreshing multilateralism.

But the report said Berlin and Paris needed to work together more effectively to boost the capacity of the "ill-prepared" EU to deal with heightened great power competition.

"With domestic contexts in both capitals unlikely to become less complicated, the coming year will show whether the tandem can work out its differences or whether another window of opportunity has been missed," the report read.

Running through other mid-sized powers, the report turned to Britain and said: "Brexit proceedings will continue to inflict wounds on both sides of the Channel for years to come."

Looking further east, it said: "Those counting on Japan to anchor security in East Asia may yet have to temper their expectations."

A new age of competition between major global powers like China, the United States and Russia leaves the world facing an unpredictable and more hostile future, the hosts of a major security conference said on Monday.

A new age of competition between major global powers like China, the United States and Russia leaves the world facing an unpredictable and more hostile future, the hosts of a major security conference said on Monday. Entitled "The Great Puzzle: Who Will Pick Up the Pieces?", their report aims to set the agenda for leaders at the Munich Security Conference annual meeting from Thursday. US Vice President Mike Pence is due to attend the event in the Bavarian capital, which comes after Washington said earlier this month it would suspend compliance with a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia. "Given the prevailing strategic outlooks in Washington, Beijing, and Moscow, expectations of a new era of great power competition are seeming to turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy," the report read. "If everyone prepares for a hostile world, its arrival is almost preordained ... The post-Cold War period – and the general optimism associated with it – has come to an end. "But it is unclear what kind of new order will emerge ... and whether the transition period will be peaceful." Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German ambassador to Washington, urged policymakers from mid-sized powers including the European Union to do more to preserve a liberal international order. In a newspaper interview, Ischinger suggested France's nuclear arsenal should serve the purpose of shielding the whole of the EU and not just France. This would mean EU countries would have to share the cost of maintaining France's nuclear weapons, he told the Funke group of newspapers. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who addresses the conference on Saturday, is using her last term to focus on a foreign policy aimed at defending and refreshing multilateralism. But the report said Berlin and Paris needed to work together more effectively to boost the capacity of the "ill-prepared" EU to deal with heightened great power competition. "With domestic contexts in both capitals unlikely to become less complicated, the coming year will show whether the tandem can work out its differences or whether another window of opportunity has been missed," the report read. Running through other mid-sized powers, the report turned to Britain and said: "Brexit proceedings will continue to inflict wounds on both sides of the Channel for years to come." Looking further east, it said: "Those counting on Japan to anchor security in East Asia may yet have to temper their expectations."

Struggle between big powers spells hostile future: Report

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a "total revision" of ties with the US.

The latest claims by Caracas of a US coup plot came the day before a mass street protest announced by the opposition, and one day after a mutiny by some soldiers.

Maduro was specifically reacting to comments by US Vice President Mike Pence, who posted a video on Twitter branding Maduro "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">a dictator with no legitimate claim to power</a>."

Referring to Wednesday's planned opposition rally, Pence added: "As the good people of Venezuela make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the American people, we say: estamos con ustedes. We are with you."

Maduro responded during a radio and TV broadcast that "what the government of the United States did through Vice President Mike Pence, was to give orders to carry out a coup from the fascist state... which is unparalleled in the history of relations between the United States and Venezuela in 200 years."

He ordered Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza to begin "a total revision of relations" with Washington, which has already sanctioned top Venezuelan regime figures.

'Reconsider the plan' 
With Maduro's government ominously predicting there would be violence against opposition protesters, US Senator Marco Rubio warned Venezuela's intelligence service to "reconsider the plan they have for tomorrow before it's too late."

"You are about to cross a line &amp; trigger a response that believe me you are not prepared to face," the Florida Republican said on Twitter.

Rubio urged prayers for "the thousands of Venezuelans who will face danger &amp; difficulty in the hours ahead. May God give them strength. And may he change the hearts of military leaders so that they protect not repress their fellow countrymen."

The Venezuelan government's rhetoric intensified the day after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in the north of Caracas. They published a video on social media calling for the public to come out and support them.

But they surrendered after police and military units surrounded the post, and the 27 soldiers were arrested.

Their voices were heard, though, according to the non-governmental Social Conflict Observatory, which said on Tuesday that anti-Maduro protests were recorded in at least 30 different locations around the capital.

The Organization of American States, which has declared Maduro's new term illegitimate, plans to hold an extraordinary session on Thursday to discuss "recent events in Venezuela."

"Yankee go home! We won't let them interfere in the affairs of the homeland," Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in televised remarks, while Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez accused Pence of having ordered "terrorists" to carry out acts of violence during Wednesday's protest.

'It was awful' 
Demonstrators are set to mobilize behind the National Assembly's new president Juan Guaido, who has branded Maduro a "usurper" and wants to establish a transitional government leading to elections.

Maduro's administration stripped the Assembly of its power but Guaido has risen to the challenge of taking him on. The movement has gained traction since Maduro was sworn in for a second term as president on January 10 after he won controversial elections.

Unrest triggered by Monday's troop uprising lasted in some places until Tuesday morning.

"Maduro out! That's what the people were shouting. It was awful," 60-year-old Dinora de Longa told AFP.

"The police were shooting and there was tear gas everywhere. I had to put my grandchildren in the bathroom. This won't solve anything."

One protest, in which people pelted cars with stones, took place on the motorway linking Caracas to the neighboring port of La Guaira, where the capital's airport is located.

The opposition accuses Maduro of running an authoritarian regime and acting unconstitutionally.

Counter demonstration 
Wednesday's protest date of January 23 is significant because it marks 61 years since the fall of Marcos Perez Jimenez's dictatorship.

The regime has responded by announcing its own demonstration in support of Maduro.

It will be the first major street movement since 125 people were killed during civil unrest between April and July 2017.

Venezuela is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern history. Food and medicine have been in short supply, while spiraling inflation -- predicted to reach a mind-boggling 10 million percent this year -- has crippled the currency.

The crisis was sparked by a fall in global oil prices in 2014, a commodity Venezuela is almost entirely reliant upon. Its crude production has dropped to barely a third of the level of a decade ago.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a "total revision" of ties with the US.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a "total revision" of ties with the US. The latest claims by Caracas of a US coup plot came the day before a mass street protest announced by the opposition, and one day after a mutiny by some soldiers. Maduro was specifically reacting to comments by US Vice President Mike Pence, who posted a video on Twitter branding Maduro "a dictator with no legitimate claim to power." Referring to Wednesday's planned opposition rally, Pence added: "As the good people of Venezuela make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the American people, we say: estamos con ustedes. We are with you." Maduro responded during a radio and TV broadcast that "what the government of the United States did through Vice President Mike Pence, was to give orders to carry out a coup from the fascist state... which is unparalleled in the history of relations between the United States and Venezuela in 200 years." He ordered Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza to begin "a total revision of relations" with Washington, which has already sanctioned top Venezuelan regime figures. 'Reconsider the plan' With Maduro's government ominously predicting there would be violence against opposition protesters, US Senator Marco Rubio warned Venezuela's intelligence service to "reconsider the plan they have for tomorrow before it's too late." "You are about to cross a line & trigger a response that believe me you are not prepared to face," the Florida Republican said on Twitter. Rubio urged prayers for "the thousands of Venezuelans who will face danger & difficulty in the hours ahead. May God give them strength. And may he change the hearts of military leaders so that they protect not repress their fellow countrymen." The Venezuelan government's rhetoric intensified the day after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in the north of Caracas. They published a video on social media calling for the public to come out and support them. But they surrendered after police and military units surrounded the post, and the 27 soldiers were arrested. Their voices were heard, though, according to the non-governmental Social Conflict Observatory, which said on Tuesday that anti-Maduro protests were recorded in at least 30 different locations around the capital. The Organization of American States, which has declared Maduro's new term illegitimate, plans to hold an extraordinary session on Thursday to discuss "recent events in Venezuela." "Yankee go home! We won't let them interfere in the affairs of the homeland," Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in televised remarks, while Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez accused Pence of having ordered "terrorists" to carry out acts of violence during Wednesday's protest. 'It was awful' Demonstrators are set to mobilize behind the National Assembly's new president Juan Guaido, who has branded Maduro a "usurper" and wants to establish a transitional government leading to elections. Maduro's administration stripped the Assembly of its power but Guaido has risen to the challenge of taking him on. The movement has gained traction since Maduro was sworn in for a second term as president on January 10 after he won controversial elections. Unrest triggered by Monday's troop uprising lasted in some places until Tuesday morning. "Maduro out! That's what the people were shouting. It was awful," 60-year-old Dinora de Longa told AFP. "The police were shooting and there was tear gas everywhere. I had to put my grandchildren in the bathroom. This won't solve anything." One protest, in which people pelted cars with stones, took place on the motorway linking Caracas to the neighboring port of La Guaira, where the capital's airport is located. The opposition accuses Maduro of running an authoritarian regime and acting unconstitutionally. Counter demonstration Wednesday's protest date of January 23 is significant because it marks 61 years since the fall of Marcos Perez Jimenez's dictatorship. The regime has responded by announcing its own demonstration in support of Maduro. It will be the first major street movement since 125 people were killed during civil unrest between April and July 2017. Venezuela is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern history. Food and medicine have been in short supply, while spiraling inflation -- predicted to reach a mind-boggling 10 million percent this year -- has crippled the currency. The crisis was sparked by a fall in global oil prices in 2014, a commodity Venezuela is almost entirely reliant upon. Its crude production has dropped to barely a third of the level of a decade ago.

Venezuela accuses US of ordering coup, calls for 'total revision' of ties

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-will-not-soften-hard-line-on-china-to-make-deal-advisers-192107">Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers</a>

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-openers-fall-early-after-new-zealand-opt-to-bat-in-1st-odi-192116">IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early</a>

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-indian-crew-safe-in-russian-ship-wreck-claims-dgs-192106">Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials</a>

A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-cec-naveen-chawla-calls-evm-a-fine-machine-cautions-against-returning-to-ballots-192095">Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers</a>

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say. IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday. Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido. Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-group-rises-against-maduro-arrested-191964">those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro</a> and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday plans to hold marches nationwide as part of an annual event that marks the fall of a military government in 1958. Government critics are increasingly comparing Maduro to dictator Marcos Perez, who was pushed from power that year.

In a taped video message in English with a few Spanish words and phrases mixed in, Pence, who has lashed out at Maduro before, declared him a "dictator" who has no rightful claim to power.

"On behalf of President Donald Trump and all the American people, let me express the unwavering support of the United States as you, the people of Venezuela, raise your voices in a call for freedom," Pence said after offering a greeting of "hola," which means "hello" in Spanish.

"Nicolas Maduro is a dictator with no legitimate claim to power. He has never won the presidency in a free and fair election, and has maintained his grip of power by imprisoning anyone who dares to oppose him."

Pence declared US support again for Guaido, with whom he spoke by phone earlier this month, and the National Assembly, which he leads, as the "last vestige of democracy." Pence said Washington supported Guaido's decision to assert the body's powers, declare Maduro a "usurper" and push for a transitional government to be established.

"As you make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the American people, we say to all the good people of Venezuela: estamos con ustedes," Pence said, following up with the translation in English: "We are with you, we stand with you, and we will stay with you until democracy is restored and you reclaim your birthright of libertad."

Maduro was inaugurated on January 10 amid worldwide criticism that his leadership was illegitimate after a 2018 election that was widely viewed as fraudulent.

In response to Pence's comments, Maduro accused him of trying to force a coup and said he had ordered a revision of Venezuela's diplomatic relations with the United States.

"Never before has a high-level official said that the opposition should overthrow the government," Maduro told a news conference. The US embassy in Caracas did not respond to a request to comment.

Pence has largely taken the lead within the Trump administration in condemning Maduro. He called the inauguration a sham and made clear the United States did not recognise the election result.

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido. Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday plans to hold marches nationwide as part of an annual event that marks the fall of a military government in 1958. Government critics are increasingly comparing Maduro to dictator Marcos Perez, who was pushed from power that year. In a taped video message in English with a few Spanish words and phrases mixed in, Pence, who has lashed out at Maduro before, declared him a "dictator" who has no rightful claim to power. "On behalf of President Donald Trump and all the American people, let me express the unwavering support of the United States as you, the people of Venezuela, raise your voices in a call for freedom," Pence said after offering a greeting of "hola," which means "hello" in Spanish. "Nicolas Maduro is a dictator with no legitimate claim to power. He has never won the presidency in a free and fair election, and has maintained his grip of power by imprisoning anyone who dares to oppose him." Pence declared US support again for Guaido, with whom he spoke by phone earlier this month, and the National Assembly, which he leads, as the "last vestige of democracy." Pence said Washington supported Guaido's decision to assert the body's powers, declare Maduro a "usurper" and push for a transitional government to be established. "As you make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the American people, we say to all the good people of Venezuela: estamos con ustedes," Pence said, following up with the translation in English: "We are with you, we stand with you, and we will stay with you until democracy is restored and you reclaim your birthright of libertad." Maduro was inaugurated on January 10 amid worldwide criticism that his leadership was illegitimate after a 2018 election that was widely viewed as fraudulent. In response to Pence's comments, Maduro accused him of trying to force a coup and said he had ordered a revision of Venezuela's diplomatic relations with the United States. "Never before has a high-level official said that the opposition should overthrow the government," Maduro told a news conference. The US embassy in Caracas did not respond to a request to comment. Pence has largely taken the lead within the Trump administration in condemning Maduro. He called the inauguration a sham and made clear the United States did not recognise the election result.

Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro

Lady Gaga is the latest celebrity to have called out US President Donald Trump over US government shutdown. The singer took a moment in the middle of her show in Las Vegas on Saturday night to adress the issue and criticised Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.&nbsp; 
 
The incident happened during her performance of ‘Million Reasons’, The Hollywood Reporter posted. She said, “If the f@#$ing president of the United Sates could please put our government back… there are people who live paycheck to paycheck and need their money.” 
 
Gaga also took an aim at Pence, whose wife Karen has been criticised for accepting a job at a school that excludes LGBT children, adding, “And to Mike Pence, who thinks it`s acceptable that his wife works at a school that bans LGBTQ — you`re wrong. You say we should not discriminate against Christianity. You are the worst representation of what it means to be a Christian." 
 
She further added, "I am a Christian woman, and what I do know about Christianity is that we bear no prejudice and everybody is welcome. So you can take all that disgrace, Mr. Pence, and you can look yourself in the mirror and you`ll find it right there." 
 
Gaga is the latest celebrity to have voiced her opinion on the government shutdown. Earlier celebrities like Cardi B, Snoog Dogg, &nbsp;Cher, Mia Farrow and others.&nbsp; 
 
The &nbsp;US government partially shut down on 22 December, 2018 after Republicans, Democrats and the President failed to reach an agreement over the funding for a wall that he has proposed at the US- Mexico border to help curb illegal immigration. 
 
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga won the 2019 Critics` Choice Awards for best actress along with Glenn Close recently. She also took home the Critics` Choice Award for best song for `Shallow'.&nbsp;

Lady Gaga is the latest celebrity to have called out US President Donald Trump over US government shutdown. The singer took a moment in the middle of her show in Las Vegas on Saturday night to adress the issue and criticised Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

Lady Gaga is the latest celebrity to have called out US President Donald Trump over US government shutdown. The singer took a moment in the middle of her show in Las Vegas on Saturday night to adress the issue and criticised Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. The incident happened during her performance of ‘Million Reasons’, The Hollywood Reporter posted. She said, “If the f@#$ing president of the United Sates could please put our government back… there are people who live paycheck to paycheck and need their money.” Gaga also took an aim at Pence, whose wife Karen has been criticised for accepting a job at a school that excludes LGBT children, adding, “And to Mike Pence, who thinks it`s acceptable that his wife works at a school that bans LGBTQ — you`re wrong. You say we should not discriminate against Christianity. You are the worst representation of what it means to be a Christian." She further added, "I am a Christian woman, and what I do know about Christianity is that we bear no prejudice and everybody is welcome. So you can take all that disgrace, Mr. Pence, and you can look yourself in the mirror and you`ll find it right there." Gaga is the latest celebrity to have voiced her opinion on the government shutdown. Earlier celebrities like Cardi B, Snoog Dogg, Cher, Mia Farrow and others. The US government partially shut down on 22 December, 2018 after Republicans, Democrats and the President failed to reach an agreement over the funding for a wall that he has proposed at the US- Mexico border to help curb illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga won the 2019 Critics` Choice Awards for best actress along with Glenn Close recently. She also took home the Critics` Choice Award for best song for `Shallow'.

Lady Gaga calls out Trump over government shutdown, says Mike Pence is the 'worst representation of a Christian'

US vice-president Mike Pence has said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-already-leads-the-world-in-some-military-technology-pentagon-report-190597">China is using "debt diplomacy"</a> and "unfair" trade practices to expand its influence, and has been "put on notice". 
The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"China, as we've observed, is using debt <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-think-we-are-going-to-be-able-to-do-trade-deal-with-china-trump-190288">diplomacy and unfair trade practices</a> to expand its influence," Pence said in his address to global chiefs of mission conference at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

He said "as I made clear on that visit to the region just a few short weeks ago, the United States will always stand for a free and open Indo-Pacific where all countries can enjoy freedom of navigation and open trade."&nbsp;

The conference was attended by US Ambassador to India Ken Juster among others.

"The truth is, too often in recent years China has chosen a path of disregard of the laws and norms that have kept the world safe and prosperous for more than half a century and the days of the United States looking the other way are over. Perhaps most importantly, we've put China on notice," the US vice president said.

He said with President Trump's direction "we've placed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods", with the highest tariff specifically targeting the advanced industries that Beijing is attempting to "capture and control, the high parts of the modern economy".

Pence said as the president's has made clear, the US is prepared to levy even more tariffs until China makes much needed structural changes and signs a trade deal that works, not only for their nation but for the US too.&nbsp;

"We remain hopeful that China will come to the table. Even as negotiations take place as we speak, that China will come to the table and finally enter into a fair and reciprocal trade relationship," he said.

Pence told his envoys that the US also needs a better relationship with China to understand their relationship across the Indo-Pacific.

"We've all seen the aggressive efforts in the South China Sea by China but the United States of America, as I said before and I say again, will continue to stand with nations across the region for a free and open Indo-Pacific and for freedom of navigation on the seven seas of the world," he said.

"That strong stand is resulting in dialogue and in progress, not only with China but with nations around the world. And what's more, some of our greatest challenges, some of our most heinous enemies are in retreat," Pence said.

US vice-president Mike Pence has said China is using "debt diplomacy" and "unfair" trade practices to expand its influence, and has been "put on notice". The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday.

US vice-president Mike Pence has said China is using "debt diplomacy" and "unfair" trade practices to expand its influence, and has been "put on notice". The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday. "China, as we've observed, is using debt diplomacy and unfair trade practices to expand its influence," Pence said in his address to global chiefs of mission conference at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. He said "as I made clear on that visit to the region just a few short weeks ago, the United States will always stand for a free and open Indo-Pacific where all countries can enjoy freedom of navigation and open trade." The conference was attended by US Ambassador to India Ken Juster among others. "The truth is, too often in recent years China has chosen a path of disregard of the laws and norms that have kept the world safe and prosperous for more than half a century and the days of the United States looking the other way are over. Perhaps most importantly, we've put China on notice," the US vice president said. He said with President Trump's direction "we've placed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods", with the highest tariff specifically targeting the advanced industries that Beijing is attempting to "capture and control, the high parts of the modern economy". Pence said as the president's has made clear, the US is prepared to levy even more tariffs until China makes much needed structural changes and signs a trade deal that works, not only for their nation but for the US too. "We remain hopeful that China will come to the table. Even as negotiations take place as we speak, that China will come to the table and finally enter into a fair and reciprocal trade relationship," he said. Pence told his envoys that the US also needs a better relationship with China to understand their relationship across the Indo-Pacific. "We've all seen the aggressive efforts in the South China Sea by China but the United States of America, as I said before and I say again, will continue to stand with nations across the region for a free and open Indo-Pacific and for freedom of navigation on the seven seas of the world," he said. "That strong stand is resulting in dialogue and in progress, not only with China but with nations around the world. And what's more, some of our greatest challenges, some of our most heinous enemies are in retreat," Pence said.

US will always stand for open Indo-Pacific, we have put China on notice: Pence

Fake editions of US-based newspaper 'The Washington Post' with a bold headline&nbsp;reading Trump 'unpresidented' was circulated at multiple locations around Washington DC on Wednesday.

The "spoof paper"&nbsp;with a dateline of May 1st,&nbsp;2019 had striking similarities with the original newspaper and was&nbsp;filled with anti-Trump and women empowerment stories.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Fake <a href="https://twitter.com/washingtonpost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@washingtonpost</a> issue is being distributed today with the headline UNPRESIDENTED. My colleague .<a href="https://twitter.com/davpjor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davpjor</a> received a copy on Capitol Hill this morning. We too were initially told <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveOn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoveOn</a> was responsible, but they have since said they were not. <a href="https://t.co/ZLO9aehDat">https://t.co/ZLO9aehDat</a> <a href="https://t.co/PbKaFfMzDe">pic.twitter.com/PbKaFfMzDe</a>
— Caroline Tanner (@carolinectanner) <a href="https://twitter.com/carolinectanner/status/1085571586818801669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The paper's lead story with bold capital letters "unpresidented" &nbsp;said that Trump had resigned from the president's post.

According to the spoof paper&nbsp;story, Trump left his resignation on a napkin in the Oval Office and left Washington for Yalta, the Crimean resort that was the site of a meeting of allied leaders during World War II.

The fake story also reported that the resignation was triggered by the massive "woman-led protests" across the country.

The paper also said&nbsp;that after Trump's resignation, Mike Pence was sworn in as President.

The paper's stories and the PDF of the spoof newspaper were also published on a website that also imitated the Washington Post's homepage. The site reportedly has been taken down now.

A group called, "Trickster activist collective" later in the day revealed that they were behind the prank newspaper.

This is not the first time the group did something like this. In 2008 they had published a spoof copy of The New York Times with the headline in the front page reading, "Iraq war ends".

In 2009 as well they had published a fake edition of The New York Post.

Meanwhile, the official Washington Post in its public relations account on Twitter had said that they are "looking into the matter".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post’s. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this.
— Washington Post PR (@WashPostPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashPostPR/status/1085564733418283009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Fake editions of US-based newspaper 'The Washington Post' with a bold headline reading Trump 'unpresidented' was circulated at multiple locations around Washington DC on Wednesday.

Fake editions of US-based newspaper 'The Washington Post' with a bold headline reading Trump 'unpresidented' was circulated at multiple locations around Washington DC on Wednesday. The "spoof paper" with a dateline of May 1st, 2019 had striking similarities with the original newspaper and was filled with anti-Trump and women empowerment stories. Fake @washingtonpost issue is being distributed today with the headline UNPRESIDENTED. My colleague .@davpjor received a copy on Capitol Hill this morning. We too were initially told @MoveOn was responsible, but they have since said they were not. https://t.co/ZLO9aehDat pic.twitter.com/PbKaFfMzDe — Caroline Tanner (@carolinectanner) January 16, 2019 × The paper's lead story with bold capital letters "unpresidented" said that Trump had resigned from the president's post. According to the spoof paper story, Trump left his resignation on a napkin in the Oval Office and left Washington for Yalta, the Crimean resort that was the site of a meeting of allied leaders during World War II. The fake story also reported that the resignation was triggered by the massive "woman-led protests" across the country. The paper also said that after Trump's resignation, Mike Pence was sworn in as President. The paper's stories and the PDF of the spoof newspaper were also published on a website that also imitated the Washington Post's homepage. The site reportedly has been taken down now. A group called, "Trickster activist collective" later in the day revealed that they were behind the prank newspaper. This is not the first time the group did something like this. In 2008 they had published a spoof copy of The New York Times with the headline in the front page reading, "Iraq war ends". In 2009 as well they had published a fake edition of The New York Post. Meanwhile, the official Washington Post in its public relations account on Twitter had said that they are "looking into the matter". There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post’s. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this. — Washington Post PR (@WashPostPR) January 16, 2019 ×

The Washington Post's fake edition circulated in DC; reports Trump resignation

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence and other senior Trump administration officials met on Saturday with Democratic congressional staffers to try to break a deadlock over a proposed border wall and end a two-week-old partial government shutdown.

President Donald Trump is demanding $5.6 billion to build a wall along the US&nbsp;border with Mexico but Democrats in control of the House of Representatives this week passed a bill to reopen the government without providing additional funding for the wall.

Trump says he will not sign the bill until he gets the money for the wall.

With the two sides sticking to their positions, a quarter of the federal government has been closed for two weeks, leaving 800,000 public workers unpaid.

Before entering the talks on Saturday, Pence said in a tweet that the administration's goal was not just to end the shutdown but "to provide funding to end the crisis at our southern border, achieve real border security &amp; to build the wall!"

Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a senior adviser, also attended the meeting at the White House, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and new White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

They were negotiating with senior staff for the top Democrats in Congress.

Nancy Pelosi, the new Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, said this week that Trump's proposed wall was "immoral" and a "waste of money."

Trump reiterated his demand for a border wall in a series of tweets on Saturday.

"The Democrats could solve the Shutdown problem in a very short period of time," Trump said. "All they have to do is approve REAL Border Security (including a Wall), something which everyone, other than drug dealers, human traffickers and criminals, want very badly!"

Trump threatened on Friday to take the step of using emergency powers to build the wall without Congress' approval. Such a move would almost certainly be met with legal challenges.

US Vice President Mike Pence and other senior Trump administration officials met on Saturday with Democratic congressional staffers to try to break a deadlock over a proposed border wall and end a two-week-old partial government shutdown.

US Vice President Mike Pence and other senior Trump administration officials met on Saturday with Democratic congressional staffers to try to break a deadlock over a proposed border wall and end a two-week-old partial government shutdown. President Donald Trump is demanding $5.6 billion to build a wall along the US border with Mexico but Democrats in control of the House of Representatives this week passed a bill to reopen the government without providing additional funding for the wall. Trump says he will not sign the bill until he gets the money for the wall. With the two sides sticking to their positions, a quarter of the federal government has been closed for two weeks, leaving 800,000 public workers unpaid. Before entering the talks on Saturday, Pence said in a tweet that the administration's goal was not just to end the shutdown but "to provide funding to end the crisis at our southern border, achieve real border security & to build the wall!" Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a senior adviser, also attended the meeting at the White House, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and new White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. They were negotiating with senior staff for the top Democrats in Congress. Nancy Pelosi, the new Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, said this week that Trump's proposed wall was "immoral" and a "waste of money." Trump reiterated his demand for a border wall in a series of tweets on Saturday. "The Democrats could solve the Shutdown problem in a very short period of time," Trump said. "All they have to do is approve REAL Border Security (including a Wall), something which everyone, other than drug dealers, human traffickers and criminals, want very badly!" Trump threatened on Friday to take the step of using emergency powers to build the wall without Congress' approval. Such a move would almost certainly be met with legal challenges.

Mike Pence meets with Democratic aides to discuss shutdown impasse

Notwithstanding irritants on trade issues, India and the US made "landmark" progress in 2018 to bolster their strategic and defence ties from holding the maiden trilateral meeting with Japan to the first-ever 2+2 dialogue during which they signed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">the long-pending </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">COMCASA</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982"> agreement </a>that would open the way for sales of more sensitive US military equipment to India.

The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a "tariff king" in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators as the two countries started talks on a bilateral trade deal.

India was among the few countries, which received a waiver on Iran sanctions from the Trump administration, which also pressed Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and announced a reward of $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, or aided the 26/11 attack.

"This has been a landmark year for US-India ties as we build out stronger relationships across the board," Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told PTI.

"Last month, President Trump met in Buenos Aires with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first US-India-Japan or 'JAI' meeting as Prime Minister Modi called it" between the three leaders, and Vice President (Mike) Pence reviewed the rapid development of the strategic partnership during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Singapore," said Wells, who has been Trump administration's point person for the South and Central Asia.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September as "symbolic of our increasingly close partnership," she said.

Pompeo along with Defence Secretary James Mattis were hosted by their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.

"The 2+2 focused on operationalising India's status as a Major Defence Partner of the US, cooperation on global challenges, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Wells said.

"The event culminated with the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">)</a>, which will facilitate greater interoperability between our forces, enhance information and intelligence sharing, and ensure that India has access to top-tier US military technology," she said.

"The finalisation of this agreement was a historic step and, since then, we have made significant strides toward finalising additional agreements that will enable our militaries and private sectors to work even closer together," she added.

India's strategic partnership with the US and its emergence as a leading global power was on display during other high-level gatherings this year, including two meetings of the quadrilateral partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and at the India-Japan-US trilateral meeting at the G-20 summit last month.

"At these meetings, US and Indian officials discussed our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific based on respect and partnership, not domination," she said.

On the economic front, India-US trade relationship continues to grow, she said. Bilateral trade grew to $ 126 billion last year, and, parallel with the launch of the Strategic Energy Partnership, US-sourced oil and liquefied natural gas landed on Indian shores. "Still, we can do much more. US companies need better access to India's markets in order for us to realise the full potential of our economic partnership," Wells said.

She said the Trump administration looks forward to building on this relationship's momentum and working even more closely with the Indian counterparts on a range of shared strategic interests next year.

Nisha Desai Biswal, president of the US-India Business Council, believes 2018 experienced major upheavals impacting longstanding trade agreements and frameworks, with retaliatory tariffs, rising protectionism, and domestic political clashes spilling over into the economic policy of major economies.

"Despite these trade headwinds, the US-India commercial and strategic relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US, underpinned by rapidly expanding bilateral trade," she said.

On the US-India strategic front, proponents of greater interoperability scored some major wins, including the conferring of STA-1 status to India by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This puts India on par with America"s closest allies," she said.

Biswal said that on the commercial front, the private sector will be watching closely to see whether the two governments can reach a bilateral trade deal and resolve key trade irritants impacting US business.

"Business community engagement will be particularly critical in 2019, with a challenging political environment in both countries making protectionist policy a significant concern," she said.

The resumption of the US-India Commercial Dialogue next February, a US-India CEO Forum and the potential for a Trade Policy Forum will make 2019 a particularly important year, Biswal said.

All eyes are right now on the upcoming elections and how that will impact the economy and overall investment climate, she noted.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations said bilateral ties have made good progress on strategic and defence front, but economic ties are bumpier.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a 'tariff king' in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators.

Notwithstanding irritants on trade issues, India and the US made "landmark" progress in 2018 to bolster their strategic and defence ties from holding the maiden trilateral meeting with Japan to the first-ever 2+2 dialogue during which they signed the long-pending COMCASA agreement that would open the way for sales of more sensitive US military equipment to India. The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a "tariff king" in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators as the two countries started talks on a bilateral trade deal. India was among the few countries, which received a waiver on Iran sanctions from the Trump administration, which also pressed Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and announced a reward of $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, or aided the 26/11 attack. "This has been a landmark year for US-India ties as we build out stronger relationships across the board," Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told PTI. "Last month, President Trump met in Buenos Aires with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first US-India-Japan or 'JAI' meeting as Prime Minister Modi called it" between the three leaders, and Vice President (Mike) Pence reviewed the rapid development of the strategic partnership during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Singapore," said Wells, who has been Trump administration's point person for the South and Central Asia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September as "symbolic of our increasingly close partnership," she said. Pompeo along with Defence Secretary James Mattis were hosted by their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. "The 2+2 focused on operationalising India's status as a Major Defence Partner of the US, cooperation on global challenges, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Wells said. "The event culminated with the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), which will facilitate greater interoperability between our forces, enhance information and intelligence sharing, and ensure that India has access to top-tier US military technology," she said. "The finalisation of this agreement was a historic step and, since then, we have made significant strides toward finalising additional agreements that will enable our militaries and private sectors to work even closer together," she added. India's strategic partnership with the US and its emergence as a leading global power was on display during other high-level gatherings this year, including two meetings of the quadrilateral partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and at the India-Japan-US trilateral meeting at the G-20 summit last month. "At these meetings, US and Indian officials discussed our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific based on respect and partnership, not domination," she said. On the economic front, India-US trade relationship continues to grow, she said. Bilateral trade grew to $ 126 billion last year, and, parallel with the launch of the Strategic Energy Partnership, US-sourced oil and liquefied natural gas landed on Indian shores. "Still, we can do much more. US companies need better access to India's markets in order for us to realise the full potential of our economic partnership," Wells said. She said the Trump administration looks forward to building on this relationship's momentum and working even more closely with the Indian counterparts on a range of shared strategic interests next year. Nisha Desai Biswal, president of the US-India Business Council, believes 2018 experienced major upheavals impacting longstanding trade agreements and frameworks, with retaliatory tariffs, rising protectionism, and domestic political clashes spilling over into the economic policy of major economies. "Despite these trade headwinds, the US-India commercial and strategic relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US, underpinned by rapidly expanding bilateral trade," she said. On the US-India strategic front, proponents of greater interoperability scored some major wins, including the conferring of STA-1 status to India by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This puts India on par with America"s closest allies," she said. Biswal said that on the commercial front, the private sector will be watching closely to see whether the two governments can reach a bilateral trade deal and resolve key trade irritants impacting US business. "Business community engagement will be particularly critical in 2019, with a challenging political environment in both countries making protectionist policy a significant concern," she said. The resumption of the US-India Commercial Dialogue next February, a US-India CEO Forum and the potential for a Trade Policy Forum will make 2019 a particularly important year, Biswal said. All eyes are right now on the upcoming elections and how that will impact the economy and overall investment climate, she noted. Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations said bilateral ties have made good progress on strategic and defence front, but economic ties are bumpier.

2018: A landmark year for India-US strategic relationship

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rally-to-mark-one-year-since-arrest-of-myanmar-reuters-journalists-183375">one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists</a> who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/timeline-reuters-journalists-detained-in-myanmar-161794">arrested in Yangon on December 12</a> and handed seven-year jail sentences under a state secrets law as they probed the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during the military's brutal crackdown on the stateless minority last year.

The guilty verdict sparked global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, and Reuters hired prominent rights attorney Amal Clooney to assist with the case.

The reporters were also honoured alongside other persecuted or slain journalists in Time magazine's Person of the Year issue this week as concerns grow for deteriorating press freedoms in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world.

Despite a tenacious advocacy campaign the two men remain behind bars, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jailed-myanmar-reuters-reporters-to-file-appeal-174223">with an appeal set for later this month</a>.

"The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement on the anniversary of the arrest.

Social media platforms have filled with images of supporters making the "thumbs up" gesture that became a hallmark of the pair's court appearances.

A rally with journalists and activists is due to take place in downtown Yangon on Wednesday afternoon.

"We will face it (the verdict) with stability and courage," Wa Lone said after the sentence was handed down in September.

"The government can detain us in the prison but... Don't close the ears and eyes of the people," Kyaw Soe Oo said.

Their personal ordeal has also moved many who have followed the case. Both men are fathers and Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei Mon gave birth to their first child shortly before he was convicted.

One of the Time covers shared widely online features Pan Ei Mon and Kyaw Soe Oo's wife Chit Su Win holding photos of their imprisoned husbands.

The magazine jointly honoured a number of journalists -- including the slain columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and the workforce of the US newspaper Capital Gazette, five of whose staff were killed in a June shooting -- "for taking great risks in pursuit of greater truths".

The reporters' trial was widely regarded as a sham -- and punishment for reporting on the September 2017 massacre in Inn Din village led by Myanmar security forces.

One whistleblowing police officer told the court his superior ordered a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained defiant when pressed on the case, insisting that due process was followed.

Her reaction further tarnished her image as a democracy icon overseas after she refused to speak up for the Rohingya during the crackdown.

More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing with them horrific reports of widespread murder, torture, rape and arson.

UN investigators have called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide and accused Suu Kyi and her government of complicity. 
Myanmar rejects almost all allegations, saying it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

But a court did convict soldiers accused of carrying out the Inn Din massacre to 10 years each.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were arrested in Yangon on December 12 and handed seven-year jail sentences under a state secrets law as they probed the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during the military's brutal crackdown on the stateless minority last year. The guilty verdict sparked global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, and Reuters hired prominent rights attorney Amal Clooney to assist with the case. The reporters were also honoured alongside other persecuted or slain journalists in Time magazine's Person of the Year issue this week as concerns grow for deteriorating press freedoms in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world. Despite a tenacious advocacy campaign the two men remain behind bars, with an appeal set for later this month. "The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement on the anniversary of the arrest. Social media platforms have filled with images of supporters making the "thumbs up" gesture that became a hallmark of the pair's court appearances. A rally with journalists and activists is due to take place in downtown Yangon on Wednesday afternoon. "We will face it (the verdict) with stability and courage," Wa Lone said after the sentence was handed down in September. "The government can detain us in the prison but... Don't close the ears and eyes of the people," Kyaw Soe Oo said. Their personal ordeal has also moved many who have followed the case. Both men are fathers and Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei Mon gave birth to their first child shortly before he was convicted. One of the Time covers shared widely online features Pan Ei Mon and Kyaw Soe Oo's wife Chit Su Win holding photos of their imprisoned husbands. The magazine jointly honoured a number of journalists -- including the slain columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and the workforce of the US newspaper Capital Gazette, five of whose staff were killed in a June shooting -- "for taking great risks in pursuit of greater truths". The reporters' trial was widely regarded as a sham -- and punishment for reporting on the September 2017 massacre in Inn Din village led by Myanmar security forces. One whistleblowing police officer told the court his superior ordered a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained defiant when pressed on the case, insisting that due process was followed. Her reaction further tarnished her image as a democracy icon overseas after she refused to speak up for the Rohingya during the crackdown. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing with them horrific reports of widespread murder, torture, rape and arson. UN investigators have called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide and accused Suu Kyi and her government of complicity. Myanmar rejects almost all allegations, saying it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. But a court did convict soldiers accused of carrying out the Inn Din massacre to 10 years each.

'Thumbs up' pics for Myanmar Reuters reporters as they mark year in jail

America's national farewell to George HW Bush begins Monday with the transfer of his casket aboard the presidential plane from Texas to Washington, where he will lie in state in the rotunda of the US Capitol.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-george-h-w-bush-dies-at-94-180633">41st US president died </a>Friday at age 94, at his home in Houston &nbsp;"a very gentle and peaceful passing," his lifelong friend and advisor James Baker said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

Bush only the second president to see his son follow him to the Oval Office will be honoured with four days of services and tributes in Washington and in Texas, where he will be buried on Thursday.&nbsp;

The high point of the commemorations, planned with military precision by a Pentagon task force, will come Wednesday with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral the first presidential funeral since Gerald Ford died in 2006.

Bush was a decorated World War II fighter pilot, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president to Ronald Reagan before winning the White House.

President Donald Trump who has often clashed with the Bush family has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and said he will attend the funeral.

Lying in state&nbsp;

The week's events begin at 1630 GMT Monday, when Bush's remains are to be flown aboard the presidential Boeing 747 &nbsp;made available at Trump's direction from Houston to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

By tradition, the plane is only known as Air Force One when the sitting president is on board.&nbsp;

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said the flights to carry Bush are being dubbed "Special Air Mission 41."&nbsp;

"A beautiful day In Texas &nbsp;'ceiling and visibility unlimited,' Mr President," he wrote using a phrase that Bush held dear from his time in the Navy, and one used by his family and friends to discreetly spread the news of his death.

Bush's son George the 43rd president of the United States and other loved ones are expected to travel on the presidential jet.

Also reportedly expected to make the trip is his service dog Sully -- McGrath posted a touching photo of the yellow Labrador near Bush's casket on Sunday with the phrase "Mission Complete."

After a speech from Vice President Mike Pence, Bush will lie in state in the US Capitol from Monday evening until Wednesday morning, under the watchful gaze of an around-the-clock honour guard.&nbsp;

Thousands are expected to pay their respects.

The casket will then be transported to the cathedral for Wednesday's funeral service the fourth held there for a former president.&nbsp;

Dozens of foreign leaders and US luminaries are expected.

Former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney told Politico he will deliver one of several eulogies, at Bush's request.

The casket will then be flown back to Houston, where the former head of state will lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church &nbsp;where the Bushes worshipped for decades until Thursday's funeral service.

The remains will then be transported by train for interment at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas.

Bush will be buried next to his wife Barbara, who died in April, and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia at age three.

&nbsp;Tributes from friends&nbsp;

Baker, who served Bush as secretary of state, joined others in paying warm tribute on Sunday television talk shows.&nbsp;

Baker called him "far and away the best one-term president we have ever had," alluding to Bush's single biggest political failure -- his loss in the 1992 election to Bill Clinton.

Baker instead emphasized his friend's foreign policy successes: navigating the end of the Cold War, negotiating two nuclear arms reduction treaties, and summoning a global coalition to eject Iraqi troops from Kuwait in the first Gulf War.

Colin Powell, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during that war, said he was confident in Bush's leadership because "he knew what combat was all about. He knew it meant the death of people... He wanted to avoid a war."

The former president had struggled for years with Parkinson's disease, which left him wheelchair-bound and often hospitalized -- including after Barbara's death.&nbsp;

Last week, things took a decided turn for the worse, Baker said on ABC.

When an aide told Bush that Baker was visiting Friday, "he perked up. He opened his eyes. He looked at me, he says, 'Hey, Bake. Where we going?'"

"We're going to heaven," Baker said.

Bush replied: "Good, that's where I want to go."

Baker said Bush's last words, in a phone conversation with son George, were: "I love you, too."

&nbsp;

America's national farewell to George HW Bush begins Monday with the transfer of his casket aboard the presidential plane from Texas to Washington, where he will lie in state in the rotunda of the US Capitol.

America's national farewell to George HW Bush begins Monday with the transfer of his casket aboard the presidential plane from Texas to Washington, where he will lie in state in the rotunda of the US Capitol. The 41st US president died Friday at age 94, at his home in Houston "a very gentle and peaceful passing," his lifelong friend and advisor James Baker said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." Bush only the second president to see his son follow him to the Oval Office will be honoured with four days of services and tributes in Washington and in Texas, where he will be buried on Thursday. The high point of the commemorations, planned with military precision by a Pentagon task force, will come Wednesday with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral the first presidential funeral since Gerald Ford died in 2006. Bush was a decorated World War II fighter pilot, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president to Ronald Reagan before winning the White House. President Donald Trump who has often clashed with the Bush family has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and said he will attend the funeral. Lying in state The week's events begin at 1630 GMT Monday, when Bush's remains are to be flown aboard the presidential Boeing 747 made available at Trump's direction from Houston to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. By tradition, the plane is only known as Air Force One when the sitting president is on board. Family spokesman Jim McGrath said the flights to carry Bush are being dubbed "Special Air Mission 41." "A beautiful day In Texas 'ceiling and visibility unlimited,' Mr President," he wrote using a phrase that Bush held dear from his time in the Navy, and one used by his family and friends to discreetly spread the news of his death. Bush's son George the 43rd president of the United States and other loved ones are expected to travel on the presidential jet. Also reportedly expected to make the trip is his service dog Sully -- McGrath posted a touching photo of the yellow Labrador near Bush's casket on Sunday with the phrase "Mission Complete." After a speech from Vice President Mike Pence, Bush will lie in state in the US Capitol from Monday evening until Wednesday morning, under the watchful gaze of an around-the-clock honour guard. Thousands are expected to pay their respects. The casket will then be transported to the cathedral for Wednesday's funeral service the fourth held there for a former president. Dozens of foreign leaders and US luminaries are expected. Former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney told Politico he will deliver one of several eulogies, at Bush's request. The casket will then be flown back to Houston, where the former head of state will lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church where the Bushes worshipped for decades until Thursday's funeral service. The remains will then be transported by train for interment at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. Bush will be buried next to his wife Barbara, who died in April, and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia at age three. Tributes from friends Baker, who served Bush as secretary of state, joined others in paying warm tribute on Sunday television talk shows. Baker called him "far and away the best one-term president we have ever had," alluding to Bush's single biggest political failure -- his loss in the 1992 election to Bill Clinton. Baker instead emphasized his friend's foreign policy successes: navigating the end of the Cold War, negotiating two nuclear arms reduction treaties, and summoning a global coalition to eject Iraqi troops from Kuwait in the first Gulf War. Colin Powell, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during that war, said he was confident in Bush's leadership because "he knew what combat was all about. He knew it meant the death of people... He wanted to avoid a war." The former president had struggled for years with Parkinson's disease, which left him wheelchair-bound and often hospitalized -- including after Barbara's death. Last week, things took a decided turn for the worse, Baker said on ABC. When an aide told Bush that Baker was visiting Friday, "he perked up. He opened his eyes. He looked at me, he says, 'Hey, Bake. Where we going?'" "We're going to heaven," Baker said. Bush replied: "Good, that's where I want to go." Baker said Bush's last words, in a phone conversation with son George, were: "I love you, too."

Air Force One collects Bush casket at start of days-long farewell

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Saturday that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth, joining other Asia-Pacific leaders in urging free trade.

China and the United States have been locked in an escalating trade war since President Donald Trump won the election in 2016. Trump has skipped the annual meeting of the 21-nation grouping, but US Vice President Mike Pence will be speaking later in the day.

Fault lines were quick to emerge over the future of free trade as leaders gathered for an Asia-Pacific summit on Saturday, with some calling for radical change while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalization.

Meanwhile, President Xi made a push to expand China's influence in the Pacific on Friday, holding a forum with leaders of eight small island countries in Papua New Guinea.

But Chinese officials barred most media, including reporters from the Pacific, from the forum at which Xi met leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, as well as Papua New Guinea, in its capital Port Moresby ahead of an APEC summit this weekend.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Saturday that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth, joining other Asia-Pacific leaders in urging free trade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Saturday that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth, joining other Asia-Pacific leaders in urging free trade. China and the United States have been locked in an escalating trade war since President Donald Trump won the election in 2016. Trump has skipped the annual meeting of the 21-nation grouping, but US Vice President Mike Pence will be speaking later in the day. Fault lines were quick to emerge over the future of free trade as leaders gathered for an Asia-Pacific summit on Saturday, with some calling for radical change while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalization. Meanwhile, President Xi made a push to expand China's influence in the Pacific on Friday, holding a forum with leaders of eight small island countries in Papua New Guinea. But Chinese officials barred most media, including reporters from the Pacific, from the forum at which Xi met leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, as well as Papua New Guinea, in its capital Port Moresby ahead of an APEC summit this weekend. (With inputs from Reuters)

World growth overshadowed by protectionism: China's President Xi Jinping

US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday warned that US sanctions and pressure on China would remain in place until Beijing reforms its trade practices.

"We've put tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods and that number could more than double," he told CEOs from around the region.

"We hope for better, but the United States will not change course until China changes its ways.''

Meanwhile, Pence also said the United States will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base to be built in Papua New Guinea.

"The United States will partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia on their joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base," Pence said ahead of a regional summit. "We will work with these two nations to protect the sovereignty and maritime rights in the Pacific Islands. "

Pence's remark comes a day after President Donald Trump on Friday said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-opens-door-to-trade-deal-with-china-soon-177793">he might not punish China with more import tariffs</a> as the country has shown willingness to make a deal to defuse trade tensions.&nbsp;

"China wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "They sent a list of things that they are willing to do," news agency AFP quoted the president.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday warned that US sanctions and pressure on China would remain in place until Beijing reforms its trade practices. "We've put tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods and that number could more than double," he told CEOs from around the region.

US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday warned that US sanctions and pressure on China would remain in place until Beijing reforms its trade practices. "We've put tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods and that number could more than double," he told CEOs from around the region. "We hope for better, but the United States will not change course until China changes its ways.'' Meanwhile, Pence also said the United States will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base to be built in Papua New Guinea. "The United States will partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia on their joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base," Pence said ahead of a regional summit. "We will work with these two nations to protect the sovereignty and maritime rights in the Pacific Islands. " Pence's remark comes a day after President Donald Trump on Friday said that he might not punish China with more import tariffs as the country has shown willingness to make a deal to defuse trade tensions. "China wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "They sent a list of things that they are willing to do," news agency AFP quoted the president. (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions to remain until China reforms its trade practices: Pence

The United States will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base to be built in Papua New Guinea, US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday.

Australia has announced plans to redevelop PNG's Lombrum Naval Base on Manus island, in what is seen as a move to curb China's influence in the Pacific.

"The United States will partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia on their joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base," Pence said ahead of a regional summit. "We will work with these two nations to protect sovereignty and maritime rights in the Pacific Islands. "

Menawhile, Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route.

The United States has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty.

The United States will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base to be built in Papua New Guinea, US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday.

The United States will join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base to be built in Papua New Guinea, US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday. Australia has announced plans to redevelop PNG's Lombrum Naval Base on Manus island, in what is seen as a move to curb China's influence in the Pacific. "The United States will partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia on their joint initiative at Lombrum Naval Base," Pence said ahead of a regional summit. "We will work with these two nations to protect sovereignty and maritime rights in the Pacific Islands. " Menawhile, Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route. The United States has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty.

US to partner in Papua New Guinea military base: Pence

Vice-president Mike Pence vowed Saturday the US would hold the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi to account, following media reports that the CIA had concluded the Saudi Crown Prince was behind the journalist's killing.

"The United States is determined to hold all of those accountable who are responsible for that murder," Pence said on the sidelines of an APEC summit in Papua New Guinea.

Pence described the Saudi journalist's killing as an "atrocity" and an "affront to a free and independent press" but declined to comment on classified information.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bbZgPDsXG0w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The vice-president's comments come after reports that the CIA believed the powerful Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the plot to murder the journalist.

If confirmed, the US assessment would directly contradict the conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor a day earlier, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder.

And it would threaten to further fray relations between Washington and key ally Riyadh, which has sought to end discussion of the murder and rejected calls for an international investigation.

"We are going to follow the facts," said Pence.

But he also added the US wanted to find a way of preserving a "strong and historic partnership" with Saudi Arabia.

&nbsp;

Vice-president Mike Pence vowed Saturday the US would hold the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi to account, following media reports that the CIA had concluded the Saudi Crown Prince was behind the journalist's killing.

Vice-president Mike Pence vowed Saturday the US would hold the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi to account, following media reports that the CIA had concluded the Saudi Crown Prince was behind the journalist's killing. "The United States is determined to hold all of those accountable who are responsible for that murder," Pence said on the sidelines of an APEC summit in Papua New Guinea. Pence described the Saudi journalist's killing as an "atrocity" and an "affront to a free and independent press" but declined to comment on classified information. The vice-president's comments come after reports that the CIA believed the powerful Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the plot to murder the journalist. If confirmed, the US assessment would directly contradict the conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor a day earlier, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder. And it would threaten to further fray relations between Washington and key ally Riyadh, which has sought to end discussion of the murder and rejected calls for an international investigation. "We are going to follow the facts," said Pence. But he also added the US wanted to find a way of preserving a "strong and historic partnership" with Saudi Arabia.

US will hold Jamal Khashoggi's murderers to account: Mike Pence

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route.

Pence spoke after his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who greeted him with a welcome ceremony and had an orchid named after him and his wife Karen.

The United States has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty.

China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have claims in the South China Sea, through which some $3 trillion of ship-borne trade passes each year.

Pence on Thursday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations on there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to China's rise.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the South China Sea does not belong to any one nation and the United States will continue to sail and fly wherever international law allows, comments sure to rile China which claims the strategic sea route. Pence spoke after his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who greeted him with a welcome ceremony and had an orchid named after him and his wife Karen. The United States has conducted a series of "freedom of navigation" exercises in the contested South China Sea, angering Beijing, which says the moves threaten its sovereignty. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, all have claims in the South China Sea, through which some $3 trillion of ship-borne trade passes each year. Pence on Thursday told leaders of Southeast Asian nations on there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, a comment that could be interpreted as a reference to China's rise.

Watch: South China Sea doesn’t belong to any one nation, says Pence

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke.

Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse".

Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday.

"The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying.

China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating.

More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown.

The two countries agreed on October 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns".

China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine.

China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue.

A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. 
&nbsp;

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke.

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse". Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. "The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying. China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on October 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns". China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries.

China offers Myanmar support over Rohingya issue after US rebuke

<a href="All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to Mike Pence">US Vice President Mike Pence</a> said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won't repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programmes.

The United States and North Korea have been discussing the second meeting between their leaders to follow up the Singapore summit in June and lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the old foes.

"The plans are ongoing. We believe that the summit will likely occur after the 1st of the year but the when and the where of that is still being worked out," Pence told reporters after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

"We don’t want to repeat the mistakes that prior administrations, frankly in both political parties, have made over the last several decades where promises are made, sanctions are lifted, economic support comes and then promises are broken."

Pence and Moon were meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit hosted by Singapore.

A US think tank said on Monday it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Kim to give up his weapons programmes.

North Korea had entered into agreements with regional powers in 1994 and in 2005 to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for economic benefits and diplomatic rewards, but those deals broke down after Pyongyang clandestinely continued to pursue building weapons of mass destruction.

With scant sign of progress on negotiations since the June summit and recent high-level meetings cancelled, Trump said last week he's now in "no rush" but still wants to meet with Kim for the second time.

US officials have said sanctions forced North Korea to the negotiating table and vowed to keep pressure until complete denuclearisation. But North Korea has credited its nuclear and missile breakthroughs for providing it the standing to meet the world's biggest powers.

Pence said Moon agreed to work closely with the United States towards the second US-North Korea summit, as Washington maintains the "maximum pressure" campaign by keeping the sanctions against Pyongyang in place.

North Korea has not tested a nuclear device or ballistic missile since last year and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities.

But it has warned it could restart its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop the sanctions regime.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won't repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programmes.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won't repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programmes. The United States and North Korea have been discussing the second meeting between their leaders to follow up the Singapore summit in June and lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the old foes. "The plans are ongoing. We believe that the summit will likely occur after the 1st of the year but the when and the where of that is still being worked out," Pence told reporters after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in. "We don’t want to repeat the mistakes that prior administrations, frankly in both political parties, have made over the last several decades where promises are made, sanctions are lifted, economic support comes and then promises are broken." Pence and Moon were meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit hosted by Singapore. A US think tank said on Monday it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Kim to give up his weapons programmes. North Korea had entered into agreements with regional powers in 1994 and in 2005 to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for economic benefits and diplomatic rewards, but those deals broke down after Pyongyang clandestinely continued to pursue building weapons of mass destruction. With scant sign of progress on negotiations since the June summit and recent high-level meetings cancelled, Trump said last week he's now in "no rush" but still wants to meet with Kim for the second time. US officials have said sanctions forced North Korea to the negotiating table and vowed to keep pressure until complete denuclearisation. But North Korea has credited its nuclear and missile breakthroughs for providing it the standing to meet the world's biggest powers. Pence said Moon agreed to work closely with the United States towards the second US-North Korea summit, as Washington maintains the "maximum pressure" campaign by keeping the sanctions against Pyongyang in place. North Korea has not tested a nuclear device or ballistic missile since last year and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities. But it has warned it could restart its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop the sanctions regime.

Trump to meet North Korea's Kim Jong-un next year: US vice president Pence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Modi, who held talks with Pence on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pitches-india-as-favourite-investment-destination-at-fintech-festival-in-singapore-177215">East Asia Summit</a> here, also expressed concern over the participation of terrorists in the elections in Pakistan.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said there was some discussion on the issue of terrorism. Pence referred to the upcoming 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack on November 26 and hailed cooperation between the two sides on counter terrorism, Gokhale said.

Some 166 people were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan-based 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court. 
Modi thanked Pence for his words and reminded him that in one way or another all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", without naming any country or organisation.

He was apparently referring to Pakistan.&nbsp;

A number of terrorist attacks across the world have been carried out by people of Pakistani origin. On December 2, 2015, 14 people were killed in a mass shooting by a Pakistani origin married couple in San Bernardino, California.

A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal terror attack in London that killed seven people and injured 49 in June 2017.

Prime Minister Modi also expressed concern over the Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's party contesting the July 25 elections in Pakistan.

"He (Modi) did point out that the mainstreaming of people involved in the Mumbai attacks in a political process which has taken place in the recent elections in Pakistan should be a matter of serious concern not just to the two countries - India and US - but to international community," Gokhale said.

Some of the dreaded Pakistani militant leaders, accused of spreading religious hatred and instigating sectarian violence, were among hundreds of candidates in the July 25 elections.

Hafiz Saeed-led banned Jamat-ud Dawah, a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, had fielded its candidates from the platform of little known political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT).

Another extremist outfit Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), which was banned in Pakistan till early this year, had also fielded dozens of candidates including those who are on Pakistan's terrorism watch list.

"There was some good understanding of the areas of how we move forward in building cooperation on counter terrorism and both countries recognised that this is a challenge which we have to fight together and to fight along with the rest of the international community," Gokhale said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Modi, who held talks with Pence on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, also expressed concern over the participation of terrorists in the elections in Pakistan. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said there was some discussion on the issue of terrorism. Pence referred to the upcoming 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack on November 26 and hailed cooperation between the two sides on counter terrorism, Gokhale said. Some 166 people were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan-based 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court. Modi thanked Pence for his words and reminded him that in one way or another all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", without naming any country or organisation. He was apparently referring to Pakistan. A number of terrorist attacks across the world have been carried out by people of Pakistani origin. On December 2, 2015, 14 people were killed in a mass shooting by a Pakistani origin married couple in San Bernardino, California. A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal terror attack in London that killed seven people and injured 49 in June 2017. Prime Minister Modi also expressed concern over the Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's party contesting the July 25 elections in Pakistan. "He (Modi) did point out that the mainstreaming of people involved in the Mumbai attacks in a political process which has taken place in the recent elections in Pakistan should be a matter of serious concern not just to the two countries - India and US - but to international community," Gokhale said. Some of the dreaded Pakistani militant leaders, accused of spreading religious hatred and instigating sectarian violence, were among hundreds of candidates in the July 25 elections. Hafiz Saeed-led banned Jamat-ud Dawah, a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, had fielded its candidates from the platform of little known political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT). Another extremist outfit Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), which was banned in Pakistan till early this year, had also fielded dozens of candidates including those who are on Pakistan's terrorism watch list. "There was some good understanding of the areas of how we move forward in building cooperation on counter terrorism and both countries recognised that this is a challenge which we have to fight together and to fight along with the rest of the international community," Gokhale said.

All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to Mike Pence

&nbsp;US President Donald Trump is expected to remove Department of Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen and is considering replacing chief of staff John Kelly in another shakeup of his administration, a source close to the White House said.

Trump has been mulling removing Nielsen, a Kelly protege who became the secretary at Homeland Security when he left the job to become Trump's chief of staff, for a number of weeks, the source said.

The source cautioned Trump could still change his mind on the matter, but said he has grown weary of her in his push to harden the US border with Mexico.

Trump has not decided on a candidate to replace Nielsen, the Wall Street Journal reported.

"The Secretary is honoured to lead the men and women of DHS and is committed to implementing the President's security-focused agenda to protect Americans from all threats and will continue to do so," said Tyler Houlton, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman, in response to an ABC News report about the possible staff changes.

Trump is also considering replacing Kelly, an ardent defender of Nielsen, with Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, the source said.

Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, has sought to bring more stability to the White House operation under the unpredictable Trump.

During his time as chief of staff, he and the president have had a rocky relationship, according to various news reports and Bob Woodward's best-selling book "Fear: Trump in the White House."

If they leave, Kelly and Nielsen would join a long list of people who have been fired by Trump or resigned since he took office in January, 2017. That list includes former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was removed by the president last week.

US President Donald Trump is expected to remove Department of Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen and is considering replacing chief of staff John Kelly in another shakeup of his administration, a source close to the White House said.

US President Donald Trump is expected to remove Department of Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen and is considering replacing chief of staff John Kelly in another shakeup of his administration, a source close to the White House said. Trump has been mulling removing Nielsen, a Kelly protege who became the secretary at Homeland Security when he left the job to become Trump's chief of staff, for a number of weeks, the source said. The source cautioned Trump could still change his mind on the matter, but said he has grown weary of her in his push to harden the US border with Mexico. Trump has not decided on a candidate to replace Nielsen, the Wall Street Journal reported. "The Secretary is honoured to lead the men and women of DHS and is committed to implementing the President's security-focused agenda to protect Americans from all threats and will continue to do so," said Tyler Houlton, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman, in response to an ABC News report about the possible staff changes. Trump is also considering replacing Kelly, an ardent defender of Nielsen, with Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, the source said. Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, has sought to bring more stability to the White House operation under the unpredictable Trump. During his time as chief of staff, he and the president have had a rocky relationship, according to various news reports and Bob Woodward's best-selling book "Fear: Trump in the White House." If they leave, Kelly and Nielsen would join a long list of people who have been fired by Trump or resigned since he took office in January, 2017. That list includes former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was removed by the president last week.

Trump may fire Homeland Security boss, replace chief of staff: Source

The jailing of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar over their reporting of the Rohingya crisis is "deeply troubling", US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday, describing a "free and independent" media as a core American value.

Speaking to Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a summit in Singapore, he criticised the seven-year sentence meted out to Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, over their coverage of a massacre of Rohingya men during an army operation last year.

The pair, both Myanmar nationals, were charged under the draconian state secrets act after meeting police who handed them documents.

Reuters have appealed the verdict insisting they were entrapped by authorities to muzzle reporting of abuses by Myanmar's powerful military.

Pence said America placed a "premium" on "a free and independent" press and said he would take the matter up with Suu Kyi in their private talks.

The verdict against the Reuters reporters sparked widespread condemnation as a brazen effort to intimidate Myanmar's nascent community of journalists.

"In America we believe in the freedom of the press," Pence added.

Pence's boss President Donald Trump has a notoriously combative relationship with the media, routinely describing journalists as "enemy of the people" and dismissing critical reporting as "fake news".

The jailing of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar over their reporting of the Rohingya crisis is "deeply troubling", US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday, describing a "free and independent" media as a core American value.

The jailing of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar over their reporting of the Rohingya crisis is "deeply troubling", US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday, describing a "free and independent" media as a core American value. Speaking to Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a summit in Singapore, he criticised the seven-year sentence meted out to Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, over their coverage of a massacre of Rohingya men during an army operation last year. The pair, both Myanmar nationals, were charged under the draconian state secrets act after meeting police who handed them documents. Reuters have appealed the verdict insisting they were entrapped by authorities to muzzle reporting of abuses by Myanmar's powerful military. Pence said America placed a "premium" on "a free and independent" press and said he would take the matter up with Suu Kyi in their private talks. The verdict against the Reuters reporters sparked widespread condemnation as a brazen effort to intimidate Myanmar's nascent community of journalists. "In America we believe in the freedom of the press," Pence added. Pence's boss President Donald Trump has a notoriously combative relationship with the media, routinely describing journalists as "enemy of the people" and dismissing critical reporting as "fake news".

Myanmar jailing of reporters 'deeply troubling': Pence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-launch-gsat-29-shortly-satellite-to-meet-communication-needs-of-remote-areas-177320">ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will boost communication in Northeast, J&amp;K</a>

India's heaviest rocket the GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Prades carrying the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board. The satellite will boost communications in remote areas.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-MkIII stands 43.4 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-rajapaksa-deputies-say-he-will-stay-in-office-177314">Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa deputies say he will stay in office despite losing trust vote</a>

Sri Lanka's parliament passed a no-confidence motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday, presenting a standoff with the opposition and throwing the country deeper into turmoil.

Deputies from Rajapaksa's party rejected the voice vote as illegal, saying it wasn't scheduled and that the pro-China former strongman would remain in office.

It wasn't immediately clear what President Maithripala Sirisena, who triggered the crisis by firing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming Rajapaksa to the job last month, would do now.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-terror-attacks-finally-lead-back-to-single-source-modi-to-us-vp-mike-pence-177357">All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to US VP Mike Pence</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Modi, who held talks with Pence on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, also expressed concern over the participation of terrorists in the elections in Pakistan.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-and-ranveer-singh-are-now-officially-married-reports-177328">Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are now married: Reports</a>

It's finally happened. Bollywood's favourite couple- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh- are officially married. The couple tied the knot in a traditional Konkani ceremony on Wednesday morning at Lake Como, Italy.&nbsp;

According to media reports, the wedding began at 9 am in the morning. The ceremony was strictly a private one with only close friends and relatives in attendance. No mobile phones were allowed at the venue.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-supreme-court-reserves-judgement-on-petitions-seeking-court-monitored-probe-177339">Rafale deal: SC reserves judgement on petitions seeking court-monitored probe</a>

After a four-hour long hearing, the Supreme Court reserved its judgement Wednesday on the clutch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

The government’s response to the Supreme Court — the court had asked for pricing and decision-making details of the deal — met with fiery questions from the petitioners. The petitioners alleged that the procurement of the 36 Rafale jets was announced first and negotiations held later, when it should have been the other way round.&nbsp;

Questions about the pricing of the jets dominated the day's discourse with the petitioners quizzing the Centre about having provided the details twice in parliament but not to them.

ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will boost communication in Northeast, J&K India's heaviest rocket the GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Prades carrying the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board.

ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will boost communication in Northeast, J&K India's heaviest rocket the GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Prades carrying the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board. The satellite will boost communications in remote areas. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-MkIII stands 43.4 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes. Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa deputies say he will stay in office despite losing trust vote Sri Lanka's parliament passed a no-confidence motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday, presenting a standoff with the opposition and throwing the country deeper into turmoil. Deputies from Rajapaksa's party rejected the voice vote as illegal, saying it wasn't scheduled and that the pro-China former strongman would remain in office. It wasn't immediately clear what President Maithripala Sirisena, who triggered the crisis by firing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming Rajapaksa to the job last month, would do now. All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to US VP Mike Pence Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Modi, who held talks with Pence on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, also expressed concern over the participation of terrorists in the elections in Pakistan. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are now married: Reports It's finally happened. Bollywood's favourite couple- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh- are officially married. The couple tied the knot in a traditional Konkani ceremony on Wednesday morning at Lake Como, Italy. According to media reports, the wedding began at 9 am in the morning. The ceremony was strictly a private one with only close friends and relatives in attendance. No mobile phones were allowed at the venue. Rafale deal: SC reserves judgement on petitions seeking court-monitored probe After a four-hour long hearing, the Supreme Court reserved its judgement Wednesday on the clutch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rafale deal. The government’s response to the Supreme Court — the court had asked for pricing and decision-making details of the deal — met with fiery questions from the petitioners. The petitioners alleged that the procurement of the 36 Rafale jets was announced first and negotiations held later, when it should have been the other way round. Questions about the pricing of the jets dominated the day's discourse with the petitioners quizzing the Centre about having provided the details twice in parliament but not to them.

US Vice President Mike Pence told <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-dont-need-their-prize-myanmar-defiant-as-amnesty-pulls-suu-kyi-award-177056">Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi</a> on Wednesday that the violence and persecution by her country's military and vigilantes that sent more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh was inexcusable.

Pence told Suu Kyi in a brief meeting with the media before they went into private talks on the sidelines of&nbsp; Asia-Pacific summit in Singapore that the United States was anxious to hear of progress in holding people accountable for the Rohingya crisis.

Suu Kyi responded that people have different views.

Pence also said that Washington wanted to see a free and democratic press in Myanmar, and the jailing of two journalists last year was "deeply troubling" for millions of Americans.

He did not mention by name Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two Reuters journalists who were arrested in Yangon in December 2017. They were found guilty in September of breaching the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday that the violence and persecution by her country's military and vigilantes that sent more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh was inexcusable.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday that the violence and persecution by her country's military and vigilantes that sent more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh was inexcusable. Pence told Suu Kyi in a brief meeting with the media before they went into private talks on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific summit in Singapore that the United States was anxious to hear of progress in holding people accountable for the Rohingya crisis. Suu Kyi responded that people have different views. Pence also said that Washington wanted to see a free and democratic press in Myanmar, and the jailing of two journalists last year was "deeply troubling" for millions of Americans. He did not mention by name Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two Reuters journalists who were arrested in Yangon in December 2017. They were found guilty in September of breaching the Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Persecution of Rohingyas inexcusable: Pence to Suu Kyi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet United States Vice President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pence-accuses-china-of-seeking-to-change-us-president-169494">Mike Pence</a> on the sidelines of the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed.&nbsp;

Addressing a presser here, Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh&nbsp;said, "We can confirm that a meeting will take between the Prime Minister and the US Vice President on November 14. We will brief you later about the meeting and the outcomes of that meeting."&nbsp;

Delving on Prime Minister Modi`s two-day visit to Singapore, Singh said that this would be Prime Minister`s second visit to the island nation. Previously, he undertook a visit to Singapore in June.&nbsp;

"He will leave for Singapore on 14th morning and leave for Delhi late afternoon of 15th November. His first engagement would be a keynote address in the Singapore FinTech festival, where there is an Indian pavilion. It is one of the largest festivals. This year`s FinTech festival will be the third edition. This will be the first time a head of government will give a keynote address. This is because India has done lots of work in leveraging technology for innovation, development and financial inclusion," Singh elaborated.&nbsp;

On November 15, the prime minister will participate in the ASEAN-India breakfast summit, followed by East Asia lunch retreat.&nbsp;

After that, Prime Minister Modi will take part in the East Asia Summit in a plenary setting.&nbsp;After the meetings, the prime minister will depart for India.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will also meet with the participants of the India-Singapore hackathon programme.&nbsp;

"There has been an enthusiastic participation where about 80 participants are participating," Singh said.&nbsp;

In the East Asia summit, regional and global issues would be discussed between the leaders.&nbsp;

Prominent issues such as ICT, Smart Cities project, maritime cooperation and terrorism would be on the agenda during the plurilateral meeting.&nbsp;

"We hope that the Prime Minister`s visit would give a new momentum to our relationship and engagement with ASEAN and East Asia Summit and would also strengthen India`s relations with Singapore. India has been engaging with ASEAN countries because we have an active Act East Policy, thereby having continued engagement with our eastern neighbours," Singh said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet United States Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet United States Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed. Addressing a presser here, Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh said, "We can confirm that a meeting will take between the Prime Minister and the US Vice President on November 14. We will brief you later about the meeting and the outcomes of that meeting." Delving on Prime Minister Modi`s two-day visit to Singapore, Singh said that this would be Prime Minister`s second visit to the island nation. Previously, he undertook a visit to Singapore in June. "He will leave for Singapore on 14th morning and leave for Delhi late afternoon of 15th November. His first engagement would be a keynote address in the Singapore FinTech festival, where there is an Indian pavilion. It is one of the largest festivals. This year`s FinTech festival will be the third edition. This will be the first time a head of government will give a keynote address. This is because India has done lots of work in leveraging technology for innovation, development and financial inclusion," Singh elaborated. On November 15, the prime minister will participate in the ASEAN-India breakfast summit, followed by East Asia lunch retreat. After that, Prime Minister Modi will take part in the East Asia Summit in a plenary setting. After the meetings, the prime minister will depart for India. Prime Minister Modi will also meet with the participants of the India-Singapore hackathon programme. "There has been an enthusiastic participation where about 80 participants are participating," Singh said. In the East Asia summit, regional and global issues would be discussed between the leaders. Prominent issues such as ICT, Smart Cities project, maritime cooperation and terrorism would be on the agenda during the plurilateral meeting. "We hope that the Prime Minister`s visit would give a new momentum to our relationship and engagement with ASEAN and East Asia Summit and would also strengthen India`s relations with Singapore. India has been engaging with ASEAN countries because we have an active Act East Policy, thereby having continued engagement with our eastern neighbours," Singh said.

Modi to meet US Vice-President Mike Pence in Singapore on November 14

PM Modi to meet US vice president Mike Pence in Singapore

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