President Donald Trump made a direct appeal to suburban women during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania as he sought to use his Supreme Court nomination to reset the trajectory of the race.

Trump holds support from Suburban women: Trump's Pennsylvania rally

The countdown of the US Presidential election is under way, but experts have warned that result of poll could be delayed. This year record number of mail-in ballots are expected.

US Election: Experts warn result of presidential poll could be delayed

Clashes erupted in Portland, Oregon, between supporters of President Donald Trump and Black Lives Matter protesters. One person was shot and killed. It wasn’t clear if the shooting was linked to fights that broke out as a caravan of about 600 vehicles was confronted by protesters in the city’s downtown.

Violent clashes erupt in Portland, one person shot dead

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday raised the possibility of delaying the nation's November presidential election despite its date being enshrined in the US&nbsp;Constitution.

Trump, without evidence, repeated his claims of mail-in voter fraud and raised the question of a delay, writing: "delay the election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???"

"With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE &amp; FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA," the tweet said.

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With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE &amp; FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1288818160389558273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump has cast doubt on the legitimacy of mail-in ballots, which have been used in far greater numbers in primary elections amid the coronavirus pandemic. He has also made unsubstantiated allegations that voting will be rigged and has refused to say he would accept official election results if he lost.

Only Congress can change the election date, which is set by law on November 3. With Democrats ruling the lower House, that seems highly unlikely to happen.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298">Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey</a>

Trump has previously insisted that he sees no problem going ahead with the election, where he faces Democratic challenger Joe Biden

Amid the rising coronavirus cases, Trump had&nbsp;reportedly said that he will lose the US elections to be held in November due to falling poll numbers as Joe Biden takes the lead.

According to the latest survey, he is currently lagging badly in the polls. Biden's support has grown to 55 per cent, while only 41 per cent of voters backing Trump.&nbsp;

The US, which is a worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic, now has over 150,000 deaths due to the virus.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday raised the possibility of delaying the nation's November presidential election despite its date being enshrined in the US Constitution.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday raised the possibility of delaying the nation's November presidential election despite its date being enshrined in the US Constitution. Trump, without evidence, repeated his claims of mail-in voter fraud and raised the question of a delay, writing: "delay the election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???" "With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA," the tweet said. With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote??? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2020 × Trump has cast doubt on the legitimacy of mail-in ballots, which have been used in far greater numbers in primary elections amid the coronavirus pandemic. He has also made unsubstantiated allegations that voting will be rigged and has refused to say he would accept official election results if he lost. Only Congress can change the election date, which is set by law on November 3. With Democrats ruling the lower House, that seems highly unlikely to happen. Also read-Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey Trump has previously insisted that he sees no problem going ahead with the election, where he faces Democratic challenger Joe Biden Amid the rising coronavirus cases, Trump had reportedly said that he will lose the US elections to be held in November due to falling poll numbers as Joe Biden takes the lead. According to the latest survey, he is currently lagging badly in the polls. Biden's support has grown to 55 per cent, while only 41 per cent of voters backing Trump. The US, which is a worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus pandemic, now has over 150,000 deaths due to the virus.

Delay election until people can properly, securely and safely vote, says Trump amid coronavirus pandemic

The US Supreme Court has delivered a major victory for LGBT rights and a defeat for President Donald Trump's administration. The top court passed a ruling that a longstanding law barring workplace discrimination also protects gay and transgender employees.

US top court bars workplace discrimination: Extends civil rights to LGBT workers

President Donald Trump on Wednesday suspended travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days in a "tough" new effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has sparked a run on the stock market and is rapidly multiplying.

The ban will not include travellers from the United Kingdom, which recently left the European Union, Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-can-be-characterised-as-a-pandemic-who-285696">Also read: Coronavirus can be characterised as a pandemic — WHO</a>

In a primetime address from the Oval Office to a worried nation, Trump sought to rebuff critics who say his leadership has been lacking during the crisis, insisting that "the virus will not have a chance."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tom-hanks-and-wife-rita-wilson-test-positive-for-coronavirus-285713">Also read: Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus</a>

"This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," he said.

He announced a series of measures designed to ease the financial burden for people having to take weeks off from work while on quarantine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-government-suspends-all-regular-visas-to-india-except-diplomatic-and-official-visas-from-march-13-285693">Also Read:&nbsp;Government suspends all regular visas to India except diplomatic and official visas&nbsp;</a>

But his most far-reaching announcement was the halt on European travel.Trump said this would go into effect from "midnight Friday."

"I'm confident that by... continuing to take these tough measures we will significantly reduce the threat to our citizens and we'll ultimately and expeditiously defeat this virus," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-declares-first-coronavirus-case-praised-by-who-for-vigilance-285694">Also Read: Turkey declares first coronavirus case, praised by WHO for vigilance</a>

Trump called on elderly people to avoid non-essential travel within the United States. Shortly after, the White House said Trump, 73, would be canceling a trip to Nevada and Colorado on Thursday out of "caution."

Blaming Europe

In his address, Trump put a harsh accent on Europe's role in the spread of the virus, which began in China and has now travelled around much of the world, bringing sometimes fatal flu-like symptoms.

"The European Union failed to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hotspots" as the United States, Trump said.

"As a result, a large number of new clusters in the United States were seeded by travellers from Europe."

About 4,500 people have died so far worldwide. As of Wednesday, there were more than 1,100 confirmed infections in the United States and 32 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Numbers are expected to skyrocket in the United States once more testing is done.

Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said earlier Wednesday that COVID-19 is estimated to be 10 times more deadly than flu and that without aggressive containment and mitigation, "many millions" could potentially contract the virus.

"The bottom line: it's going to get worse," Fauci said.

Emergency aid

Trump announced short-term tax deferments and called on Congress to enact "immediate payroll tax relief."

He also said he was asking for another $50 billion in funding for small business loans to help those stricken by the economic disruption.

However, there was no declaration of a national emergency which would allow the government access instantly to extra funding.

It was not clear whether Trump's plans would calm markets, which have panicked over the mounting impact on supply lines, consumer demand and investor flight to safety.

"This is not a financial crisis," Trump said. "This is just a temporary moment that we will overcome together as a nation." 
Election campaign disrupted

Multiple cultural and sporting events have been cancelled across the United States, schools and universities are closing, and companies are scrambling to face the probability of sending many employees home on sick leave or self-quarantine.

Even the US presidential election faces disruption, with Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders canceling rallies and questions mounting over the future of Trump's own usually frequent rallies.

For Trump, steadying market jitters is a must if he is to maintain his reelection message of delivering a booming economy.

At a White House meeting with US bank leaders, Trump said "we'll be doing a lot of additional work with small businesses..., many billions of dollars."

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier that the White House was "looking at providing substantial relief to certain taxpayers and small businesses who will be able to get extensions on their taxes."

"We think we can provide over $200 billion of liquidity into the economy by delaying certain tax payments," he said.

Democratic leaders are cool on the idea of tax cuts and made a competing proposal for compensating workers' lost wages and sick leave, as well as providing loan forgiveness for individuals.

The Democratic proposal also called for disaster loans and grants for small businesses, emergency housing assistance, and loosened requirements for food assistance including continuing to serve meals to children even if schools are closed.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday suspended travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days in a "tough" new effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has sparked a run on the stock market and is rapidly multiplying.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday suspended travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days in a "tough" new effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has sparked a run on the stock market and is rapidly multiplying. The ban will not include travellers from the United Kingdom, which recently left the European Union, Trump said. Also read: Coronavirus can be characterised as a pandemic — WHO In a primetime address from the Oval Office to a worried nation, Trump sought to rebuff critics who say his leadership has been lacking during the crisis, insisting that "the virus will not have a chance." Also read: Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus "This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," he said. He announced a series of measures designed to ease the financial burden for people having to take weeks off from work while on quarantine. Also Read: Government suspends all regular visas to India except diplomatic and official visas But his most far-reaching announcement was the halt on European travel.Trump said this would go into effect from "midnight Friday." "I'm confident that by... continuing to take these tough measures we will significantly reduce the threat to our citizens and we'll ultimately and expeditiously defeat this virus," he said. Also Read: Turkey declares first coronavirus case, praised by WHO for vigilance Trump called on elderly people to avoid non-essential travel within the United States. Shortly after, the White House said Trump, 73, would be canceling a trip to Nevada and Colorado on Thursday out of "caution." Blaming Europe In his address, Trump put a harsh accent on Europe's role in the spread of the virus, which began in China and has now travelled around much of the world, bringing sometimes fatal flu-like symptoms. "The European Union failed to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hotspots" as the United States, Trump said. "As a result, a large number of new clusters in the United States were seeded by travellers from Europe." About 4,500 people have died so far worldwide. As of Wednesday, there were more than 1,100 confirmed infections in the United States and 32 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Numbers are expected to skyrocket in the United States once more testing is done. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said earlier Wednesday that COVID-19 is estimated to be 10 times more deadly than flu and that without aggressive containment and mitigation, "many millions" could potentially contract the virus. "The bottom line: it's going to get worse," Fauci said. Emergency aid Trump announced short-term tax deferments and called on Congress to enact "immediate payroll tax relief." He also said he was asking for another $50 billion in funding for small business loans to help those stricken by the economic disruption. However, there was no declaration of a national emergency which would allow the government access instantly to extra funding. It was not clear whether Trump's plans would calm markets, which have panicked over the mounting impact on supply lines, consumer demand and investor flight to safety. "This is not a financial crisis," Trump said. "This is just a temporary moment that we will overcome together as a nation." Election campaign disrupted Multiple cultural and sporting events have been cancelled across the United States, schools and universities are closing, and companies are scrambling to face the probability of sending many employees home on sick leave or self-quarantine. Even the US presidential election faces disruption, with Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders canceling rallies and questions mounting over the future of Trump's own usually frequent rallies. For Trump, steadying market jitters is a must if he is to maintain his reelection message of delivering a booming economy. At a White House meeting with US bank leaders, Trump said "we'll be doing a lot of additional work with small businesses..., many billions of dollars." Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier that the White House was "looking at providing substantial relief to certain taxpayers and small businesses who will be able to get extensions on their taxes." "We think we can provide over $200 billion of liquidity into the economy by delaying certain tax payments," he said. Democratic leaders are cool on the idea of tax cuts and made a competing proposal for compensating workers' lost wages and sick leave, as well as providing loan forgiveness for individuals. The Democratic proposal also called for disaster loans and grants for small businesses, emergency housing assistance, and loosened requirements for food assistance including continuing to serve meals to children even if schools are closed.

Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite in the White House. Donald Trump, in his speech at the Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, mentioned the impact that Bollywood films have all over the world and the joy cult classics like DDLJ and Solay bring to people's lives.&nbsp; 
 
"People take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music, dance, romance and drama and classic Indian films like DDLJ and 'Sholay',"Said Trump in his speech as he thanked people for the welcome and praised PM Modi for his leadership.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-in-india-gujarati-delicacy-khaman-masala-chai-served-to-president-of-united-states-282341">Gujarati delicacy Khaman, masala chai served to President of United States</a>

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"People take great joy nd scene of bangara music dance romance nd drama at classic Indian films like DDLJ nd Shah Rukh Khan" ...Donald Trump 🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/tjCDwZ5pqw">pic.twitter.com/tjCDwZ5pqw</a>
— ✨ arth ✨ (@officiallArth2) <a href="https://twitter.com/officiallArth2/status/1231865198245564416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time that DDLJ has been mentioned by an American leader. Five years ago, when Obama, who was then the President of US, had visited India, he had quoted a famous line from SRK's film during an event in New Delhi. While answering a question addressed to him, Obama had said, "Senorita, Bade Bade Desho Me...' to thunderous applause.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/day-1-donald-trumps-india-visit-live-updates-news-wion-trump-us-president-pm-modis-ivanka-jared-kushner-ahmedabad-motera-modi-taj-mahal-PM-modi-tweets-in-hindi-hours-before-reaching-india-282262">Catch all the live updates of Trumps Ahmedabad visit here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
Trump's mention of the film on Monday, too got a similar response as the crowd went mad cheering at the mention of their two favourites Bollywood films of all time.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/melania-trump-ivanka-stun-in-spring-fashion-as-they-arrive-in-india-282340">Melania Trump, Ivanka stun in spring fashion as they arrive in India</a> 
 
Producers of DDLJ, Yash Raj Films, also celebration the mention with a quirky tweet.

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DDLJ trumps!
— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) <a href="https://twitter.com/yrf/status/1231867042396917760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fans of the film shared clips on Twitter of both Trump and Obama quoting DDLJ and called the film timeless.&nbsp;

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2015 : Obama Used DDLJ Dialogue 
In His Speech. 
 
2020: Trump Mentioned DDLJ And 
Shah Rukh Khan" 
 
President Of United States Donald Trump At The Motera Stadium In Ahmedabad!.. 
 
Bollywood Is Not Bollywood Without <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> ❤❤ 
 
Proud Of You SRK ❤❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpIndiaVisit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpIndiaVisit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/He0H865qqR">pic.twitter.com/He0H865qqR</a>
— 😎SOURAV SRKIAN DAS😎 (@SrkianDas03) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrkianDas03/status/1231883331911999489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 44th president of USA Barak Obama said a dialogue from a movie, the 45th president of USA Donald Trump mentioned the name of a movie in his speech. Presidents changed, movie remained the same. DDLJ 🔥 
 
There is NO ONE who can match the stardom of SRK❤️<a href="https://t.co/1He8GpN3Hs">pic.twitter.com/1He8GpN3Hs</a>
— ᴇxᴄᴀʟɪʙᴜʀ🍻 (@EXCAL1BU7) <a href="https://twitter.com/EXCAL1BU7/status/1231872995154526208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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No matter how many films Bollywood or Hollywood makes, DDLJ is the winner for decades to come. Period. From Obama to Trump, DDLJ has always been getting the special mention. All countries in the world have FANs of DDLJ and they play music of DDLJ everywhere <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteyTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteyTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/PjtN68Swc3">pic.twitter.com/PjtN68Swc3</a>
— Neel Joshi (@iEmN3El) <a href="https://twitter.com/iEmN3El/status/1231880220560547843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Then Obama ......Now Trump Mentioned <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDLJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDLJ</a> In Their Speech 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> biggest global star 🙏🙏🔥😎 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ydz4TGhxR3">pic.twitter.com/Ydz4TGhxR3</a>
— King Vizag ✍️ (@IamLucky509) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamLucky509/status/1231877593583906817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On a two-day visit to India, Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday and will be visiting the Taj Mahal with his family later in the day. On Tuesday, he will be in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite in the White House. Donald Trump, in his speech at the Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, mentioned the impact that Bollywood films have all over the world and the joy cult classics like DDLJ and Solay bring to people's lives.

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite in the White House. Donald Trump, in his speech at the Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, mentioned the impact that Bollywood films have all over the world and the joy cult classics like DDLJ and Solay bring to people's lives. "People take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music, dance, romance and drama and classic Indian films like DDLJ and 'Sholay',"Said Trump in his speech as he thanked people for the welcome and praised PM Modi for his leadership. Gujarati delicacy Khaman, masala chai served to President of United States "People take great joy nd scene of bangara music dance romance nd drama at classic Indian films like DDLJ nd Shah Rukh Khan" ...Donald Trump 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tjCDwZ5pqw — ✨ arth ✨ (@officiallArth2) February 24, 2020 × This is not the first time that DDLJ has been mentioned by an American leader. Five years ago, when Obama, who was then the President of US, had visited India, he had quoted a famous line from SRK's film during an event in New Delhi. While answering a question addressed to him, Obama had said, "Senorita, Bade Bade Desho Me...' to thunderous applause. Catch all the live updates of Trumps Ahmedabad visit here. Trump's mention of the film on Monday, too got a similar response as the crowd went mad cheering at the mention of their two favourites Bollywood films of all time. Melania Trump, Ivanka stun in spring fashion as they arrive in India Producers of DDLJ, Yash Raj Films, also celebration the mention with a quirky tweet. DDLJ trumps! — Yash Raj Films (@yrf) February 24, 2020 × Fans of the film shared clips on Twitter of both Trump and Obama quoting DDLJ and called the film timeless. 2015 : Obama Used DDLJ Dialogue In His Speech. 2020: Trump Mentioned DDLJ And Shah Rukh Khan" President Of United States Donald Trump At The Motera Stadium In Ahmedabad!.. Bollywood Is Not Bollywood Without @iamsrk ❤❤ Proud Of You SRK ❤❤#TrumpIndiaVisit #TrumpInIndia pic.twitter.com/He0H865qqR — 😎SOURAV SRKIAN DAS😎 (@SrkianDas03) February 24, 2020 × The 44th president of USA Barak Obama said a dialogue from a movie, the 45th president of USA Donald Trump mentioned the name of a movie in his speech. Presidents changed, movie remained the same. DDLJ 🔥 There is NO ONE who can match the stardom of SRK❤️pic.twitter.com/1He8GpN3Hs — ᴇxᴄᴀʟɪʙᴜʀ🍻 (@EXCAL1BU7) February 24, 2020 × No matter how many films Bollywood or Hollywood makes, DDLJ is the winner for decades to come. Period. From Obama to Trump, DDLJ has always been getting the special mention. All countries in the world have FANs of DDLJ and they play music of DDLJ everywhere #NamasteyTrump pic.twitter.com/PjtN68Swc3 — Neel Joshi (@iEmN3El) February 24, 2020 × Then Obama ......Now Trump Mentioned #DDLJ In Their Speech 🔥@iamsrk biggest global star 🙏🙏🔥😎 #NamasteTrump #TrumpInIndia pic.twitter.com/Ydz4TGhxR3 — King Vizag ✍️ (@IamLucky509) February 24, 2020 × On a two-day visit to India, Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday and will be visiting the Taj Mahal with his family later in the day. On Tuesday, he will be in New Delhi.

Donald Trump pulls an Obama, mentions Shah Rukh Khan's DDLJ in his speech at Motera stadium

The ‘Namaste Trump’ event in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad hosted for US President Donald Trump will be similar to the ‘Howdy Modi’ event held in Houston in September last year, Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said in a press briefing. Watch the video for more information.

Ministry Of External Affairs briefing on Trump's India visit

Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump

More than 22,000&nbsp;armed&nbsp;gun-rights&nbsp;activists&nbsp;peacefully filled the streets around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/35-people-injured-in-63-vehicle-pileup-on-virginia-highway-269739">Virginia</a>'s capitol building on Monday to protest&nbsp;gun-control legislation making its way through the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature.

Despite fears that neo-Nazis or other extremists would piggyback on the Richmond&nbsp;rally&nbsp;to stoke unrest like the violence at a 2017 demonstration by white nationalists in Charlottesville that killed a counter-protester, the Capitol Police reported just one arrest, a 21-year-old woman taken into custody for wearing a bandana over her face after twice being warned that masks were not allowed.

<img alt="Gun-rights activists" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a526d4f0-70cb-4cbb-baad-c79b5c208c08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2824%29_2.jpg" />

Chants of "USA! USA! USA!" and others praising President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazen-and-unlawful-donald-trumps-legal-team-rejects-impeachment-charges-275143">Donald Trump</a> reverberated as men and women carrying handguns&nbsp;and rifles squeezed into the streets around the&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;state capitol, standing shoulder-to-shoulder for three blocks in all directions.

There was a heavy security presence after Governor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governor-ralph-northam-now-denies-appearance-in-racist-photo-refuses-to-resign-194668">Ralph Northam</a> banned carrying weapons onto the capitol grounds and the FBI earlier last week arrested three alleged neo-Nazis who it said intended to use the event to spark a race war.

But by 1 pm&nbsp;ET, nearly all&nbsp;rally-goers had left the area, with volunteers picking up trash left behind. The Capitol Police estimated the crowd at 22,000 people.

<img alt="Gun-rights activists" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78b4bf46-73a6-42f6-9341-75126cf766b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29_4.jpg" />

Activists&nbsp;at the&nbsp;rally&nbsp;organized by the&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;Citizens Defense League argued that&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;was trying to infringe on their right to bear arms, which is protected by the Second Amendment of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Constitution.

"What's going on here, if not stopped, will spread to other states," said Teri Horne, who had traveled to&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;from her home in Texas with her Smith &amp; Wesson rifle and .40-caliber handgun. "They will come for our guns&nbsp;in other states if we don't stop them in&nbsp;Virginia."

Northam, a Democrat, has vowed to push through new&nbsp;gun&nbsp;control laws and is backing a package of eight bills, including universal background checks, a "red flag" law, a ban on assault-style rifles and a limit of one handgun-a-month purchase. It does not call for confiscating guns&nbsp;currently legally owned.

It is not his first attempt. He called a special legislative session last year after the massacre of 12 people in&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;Beach, but the Republicans who then controlled the legislature ended that meeting without a vote.

<img alt="Gun-rights activists" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07f49a66-ba1e-4995-8000-898408355064" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2820%29_6.jpg" />

State Democratic leaders and&nbsp;activists&nbsp;believe that move contributed to the November victories that gave them control of both chambers.

A group of 13 student&nbsp;activists&nbsp;from March For Our Lives, a&nbsp;gun-control group, slept inside the capitol building on Sunday night ahead of impromptu meetings with lawmakers to encourage them to pass the legislation.

"A lot of the protesters outside have a really extreme reading of the Second Amendment," Eve Levenson, a 20-year-old political science student at George Washington University, said in a telephone interview. "What we're fighting for is common-sense laws that are proven to work and are already effective in other states."

Many in the crowds dressed in camouflage or tactical gear. Some browsed vendors' pro-gun&nbsp;T-shirts and other merchandise, much of it carrying slogans supporting Trump, who has sharply criticized the&nbsp;gun-control proposals.

The president weighed in again on the&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;situation on Monday.

"The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;is working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment&nbsp;rights," Trump wrote on Twitter. "This is just the beginning. Don't let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!"

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The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!
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People across the United States were focused on the&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;gun&nbsp;issue, said Philip Van Cleave, leader of the&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;Citizens Defense League.

"They don't want us to fail in stopping this," Van Cleave said on Sunday. "We've gotten huge donations from other states."

"The&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;election last November was an indictment of guns, and it was not an outlier," said Christian Heyne, who leads legislative efforts at the&nbsp;gun&nbsp;violence prevention group Brady. "Virginia&nbsp;candidates flipped things on their head when they won because of the&nbsp;gun&nbsp;issue, not despite it."

The state's&nbsp;gun&nbsp;owners responded with a movement to create "sanctuary cities" for&nbsp;gun&nbsp;rights, with local government bodies in nearly all 95 counties passing declarations not to enforce new&nbsp;gun&nbsp;laws.

Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan, who is from a sanctuary county, held aloft a banner supporting the Second Amendment on a street in front of the capitol.

"Some of these bills being proposed are just unconstitutional and we will not enforce them," Vaughan said. "As a sheriff, I am the last line of defense between law-abiding&nbsp;gun&nbsp;owners and the politicians who want to take away their&nbsp;rights."

The sanctuary idea has quickly spread across the United States, with over 200 local governments in 16 states passing such measures.

More than 22,000 armed gun-rights activists peacefully filled the streets around Virginia's capitol building on Monday to protest gun-control legislation making its way through the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature.

More than 22,000 armed gun-rights activists peacefully filled the streets around Virginia's capitol building on Monday to protest gun-control legislation making its way through the newly Democratic-controlled state legislature. Despite fears that neo-Nazis or other extremists would piggyback on the Richmond rally to stoke unrest like the violence at a 2017 demonstration by white nationalists in Charlottesville that killed a counter-protester, the Capitol Police reported just one arrest, a 21-year-old woman taken into custody for wearing a bandana over her face after twice being warned that masks were not allowed. Chants of "USA! USA! USA!" and others praising President Donald Trump reverberated as men and women carrying handguns and rifles squeezed into the streets around the Virginia state capitol, standing shoulder-to-shoulder for three blocks in all directions. There was a heavy security presence after Governor Ralph Northam banned carrying weapons onto the capitol grounds and the FBI earlier last week arrested three alleged neo-Nazis who it said intended to use the event to spark a race war. But by 1 pm ET, nearly all rally-goers had left the area, with volunteers picking up trash left behind. The Capitol Police estimated the crowd at 22,000 people. Activists at the rally organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League argued that Virginia was trying to infringe on their right to bear arms, which is protected by the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. "What's going on here, if not stopped, will spread to other states," said Teri Horne, who had traveled to Virginia from her home in Texas with her Smith & Wesson rifle and .40-caliber handgun. "They will come for our guns in other states if we don't stop them in Virginia." Northam, a Democrat, has vowed to push through new gun control laws and is backing a package of eight bills, including universal background checks, a "red flag" law, a ban on assault-style rifles and a limit of one handgun-a-month purchase. It does not call for confiscating guns currently legally owned. It is not his first attempt. He called a special legislative session last year after the massacre of 12 people in Virginia Beach, but the Republicans who then controlled the legislature ended that meeting without a vote. State Democratic leaders and activists believe that move contributed to the November victories that gave them control of both chambers. A group of 13 student activists from March For Our Lives, a gun-control group, slept inside the capitol building on Sunday night ahead of impromptu meetings with lawmakers to encourage them to pass the legislation. "A lot of the protesters outside have a really extreme reading of the Second Amendment," Eve Levenson, a 20-year-old political science student at George Washington University, said in a telephone interview. "What we're fighting for is common-sense laws that are proven to work and are already effective in other states." Many in the crowds dressed in camouflage or tactical gear. Some browsed vendors' pro-gun T-shirts and other merchandise, much of it carrying slogans supporting Trump, who has sharply criticized the gun-control proposals. The president weighed in again on the Virginia situation on Monday. "The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia is working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights," Trump wrote on Twitter. "This is just the beginning. Don't let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!" The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2020 × People across the United States were focused on the Virginia gun issue, said Philip Van Cleave, leader of the Virginia Citizens Defense League. "They don't want us to fail in stopping this," Van Cleave said on Sunday. "We've gotten huge donations from other states." "The Virginia election last November was an indictment of guns, and it was not an outlier," said Christian Heyne, who leads legislative efforts at the gun violence prevention group Brady. "Virginia candidates flipped things on their head when they won because of the gun issue, not despite it." The state's gun owners responded with a movement to create "sanctuary cities" for gun rights, with local government bodies in nearly all 95 counties passing declarations not to enforce new gun laws. Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan, who is from a sanctuary county, held aloft a banner supporting the Second Amendment on a street in front of the capitol. "Some of these bills being proposed are just unconstitutional and we will not enforce them," Vaughan said. "As a sheriff, I am the last line of defense between law-abiding gun owners and the politicians who want to take away their rights." The sanctuary idea has quickly spread across the United States, with over 200 local governments in 16 states passing such measures.

Thousands of armed US gun rights activists join peaceful Virginia rally

Colombia, a top source of coca, the base ingredient in cocaine, eradicated more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of the crop last year, President Ivan Duque said on Thursday (January 9).

Colombia eradicates record amount of coca fields last year

Pope Francis on Thursday (January 9) urged the United States and Iran to avoid escalation and pursue "dialogue and self-restraint" to avert a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Pope appeals to U.S. and Iran to pursue dialogue, self-restraint

A gauge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian shares</a> was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> warned the US&nbsp;would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target.

Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US&nbsp;killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader.

Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">Oil prices</a> added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies.

Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22.

"The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up&nbsp;given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital.

"Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that."

Watch Video:

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MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan&nbsp;slipped 0.7 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent&nbsp;in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500&nbsp; fell 0.5&nbsp;per cent in very choppy trade.

Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent.

"Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.

Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks.

In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher.

On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low.

The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86.

The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks. The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President Donald Trump warned the US would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target. Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader. Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013. Oil prices added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies. Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22. "The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital. "Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that." Watch Video: MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.5 per cent in very choppy trade. Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent. "Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank. Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769 per cent having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks. In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher. On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low. The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86. The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

Gold, oil prices soar amid US-Iran tensions

Dozens of protesters gathered near the White House and Trump International Hotel on Saturday to protest against U.S. airstrike killed Iranian military commander and deployment of US troops in the Middle East. #WhiteHouse #DonaldTrump #WION

Protest breaks out over Trump-Iraq policy near White House, Trump hotel

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. has already 52 Iranian sites on its radar. If Iran will attack on any American or American assets that response attack will be very hard and very fast. #US #Iran #DonaldTrump WION

Donald Trump: U.S. has 52 Iranian sites on radar for hard response attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that If Iran would attack any American or American assets in response to the U.S. drone attack which killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, then the United States has already targeted 52 Iranian sites for hard and fast response attacks. #US #Iran #DonaldTrump WION

U.S. Prez Trump vows to attack very hard & fast if Iran hits U.S. asset

In 2011, Donald Trump claimed through a video that President Barack Obama (Ex-US President) will start a war with Iran as he doesn't have another option because he is weak now." That video of 2011 resurfacing on the internet as it has been claimed by some that present U.S. President Donald Trump is trying out the same method. Is it his hypocrisy that has been revealed? #USElection #US #DonaldTrump #Iran #Iraq #QasemSoleimani #WION

Trump's 2011 video resurfaces on internet claiming, "Obama will attack Iran to win polls"

Iran raises the 'revenge flag' over mosque after Soleimani's killing by U.S.

It has been claimed by the reports America faced a Cyber attack. A U.S. agency's website got hacked by Iranians. Hackers replaced the front page with the picture of Iranian Flag. The website now shows Ayatollah Ali Khameini. #AyatollahAliKhameini #Iran #US #WION

Reports: Cyber-attack on America, U.S. agency website hacked by Iranians

Supporters of Iran-backed Iraqi paramilitary groups began to withdraw from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday (January 1), a day after they stormed the outer perimeter, forcing Washington to dispatch extra troops and threaten reprisals against Iran.

Iraqi militias withdraw from U.S. Embassy

U.S. President Donald Trump impeached in the House of Representatives. #Trump #USPresident #DonaldTrump

Gravitas: President Trump impeached in the house

Demonstrators rallied in New York on Tuesday (December 17) night to call for U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment and removal from office on the eve of the House of Representatives' expected vote to impeach him.

Demonstrators take to the streets in New York to rally for Trump impeachment

Donald Trump's Impeachment Saga continues and the Democratic-controlled US House Judiciary Committee has unveiled charges against President Donald Trump, a key move in impeaching him. Watch video to know more:

Trump's Impeachment Saga: Democrats unveil formal charges

A bomb exploded close to the largest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-misled-americans-on-war-in-afghanistan-report-267498">US military base</a> in Afghanistan on Wednesday, injuring at least five people and damaging a hospital that was under construction near the entrance to Bagram Airfield, officials said.&nbsp;

The attack which has not yet been claimed comes as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-mislead-public-with-false-evidence-in-afghanistan-war-report-267566">Washington</a> resumed talks with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-abducts-six-tribal-elders-267504">Taliban </a>on Saturday, three months after President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fate-of-wto-top-court-threatened-with-trump-administrations-move-to-block-new-appointments-267597">Donald Trump</a> abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could end America's longest war.

"The explosion happened in front of the gate of the Korean hospital which is almost adjacent to Bagram airfield," Parwan governor spokeswoman Wahida Shahkar said, referring to the US airbase in eastern Parwan province.

"So far five injured civilians have been transferred to the hospital."

NATO's Resolute Support mission said there were no US or coalition casualties and "Bagram remained secure throughout the attack".

"The attack was quickly contained and repelled but the future medical facility was badly damaged," it added in a statement.

Bagram district governor Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi gave a higher toll of at least 50 civilians wounded in what he said was a "powerful" suicide car bomb. He said the blast was followed by fighting with armed assailants. &nbsp;

President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram, north of Kabul, on November 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghan

A bomb exploded close to the largest US military base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, injuring at least five people and damaging a hospital that was under construction near the entrance to Bagram Airfield, officials said.

A bomb exploded close to the largest US military base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, injuring at least five people and damaging a hospital that was under construction near the entrance to Bagram Airfield, officials said. The attack which has not yet been claimed comes as Washington resumed talks with the Taliban on Saturday, three months after President Donald Trump abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could end America's longest war. "The explosion happened in front of the gate of the Korean hospital which is almost adjacent to Bagram airfield," Parwan governor spokeswoman Wahida Shahkar said, referring to the US airbase in eastern Parwan province. "So far five injured civilians have been transferred to the hospital." NATO's Resolute Support mission said there were no US or coalition casualties and "Bagram remained secure throughout the attack". "The attack was quickly contained and repelled but the future medical facility was badly damaged," it added in a statement. Bagram district governor Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi gave a higher toll of at least 50 civilians wounded in what he said was a "powerful" suicide car bomb. He said the blast was followed by fighting with armed assailants. President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram, north of Kabul, on November 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghan

Blast damages hospital near Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took part in the lighting of the National Christmas Tree Thursday (December 5), the same day that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi directed a House committee to draft articles of impeachment against President Trump, a historic step that sets up a fight over whether to oust him from office.

Christmas Season in Washington: From articles of impeachment to the National Christmas Tree

Strong German exports to the United States helped Europe's largest economy to avoid a recession in the third quarter, data showed on Thursday, as companies benefitted from a weaker euro and trade diversion linked to the US - China tariff dispute.

The detailed trade figures underline that US&nbsp;demand for German goods remain strong, undaunted by President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/many-protesters-holed-up-in-university-as-hong-kong-protests-simmer-down-263617"> Donald Trump</a>'s threats to increase import tariffs on European cars.

Germany's export-reliant economy avoided slipping into recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent quarterly expansion. Exports also fared better than in the previous three months.

Overall, exports grew 1.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in the third quarter after a 1.3 per cent decline in the second, with United States and France remaining Germany's two biggest customers, data compiled for Reuters from the Federal Statistics Office showed.

German exports to the US&nbsp;grew 7.6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in the third quarter after a 5.3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;increase in the previous three months. Exports to France rose 3.1 per cent year-on-year after stagnating in the second quarter.

"Exports to the US&nbsp;are running smoothly," Gabriel Felbermayr, president of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/global-protests-russia-and-china-risk-ending-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-history-259875">Kiel Institute</a> for the World Economy, told Reuters, adding that the euro had depreciated by 14&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;against the US&nbsp;dollar since the beginning of 2018. A weaker euro makes German exports less expensive.

"The strong dollar is one of the macroeconomic side effects of Trump's trade policy towards China. It leads to trade diversion," Felbermayr said. That means the United States is increasingly buying goods from the European Union and Germany as tariffs make competing imports from China more expensive.

The United States and China are locked in a trade war triggered by Trump. Both countries have levied punitive duties on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of each other's goods, roiling financial markets and threatening global growth.

But Felbermayr cautioned that the uncertainty created by Trump's trade policy in the medium term will lead to stronger production of German companies in the United States, which will weaken exports.

"The relocation of jobs is already taking place but is not yet visible in the export figures," he said.

The strong sales to the United States and France helped Germany to offset stagnating exports to China. They edged up only 0.3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in the third quarter, compared with annual export growth rates of 1.8&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the second quarter and 6.3 per cent in the first.

That suggests Germany can no longer rely on Chinese demand to fuel its export machine and with it, well-paid manufacturing jobs and tax revenues at home.

Strong German exports to the United States helped Europe's largest economy to avoid a recession in the third quarter, data showed on Thursday, as companies benefitted from a weaker euro and trade diversion linked to the US - China tariff dispute.

Strong German exports to the United States helped Europe's largest economy to avoid a recession in the third quarter, data showed on Thursday, as companies benefitted from a weaker euro and trade diversion linked to the US - China tariff dispute. The detailed trade figures underline that US demand for German goods remain strong, undaunted by President Donald Trump's threats to increase import tariffs on European cars. Germany's export-reliant economy avoided slipping into recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent quarterly expansion. Exports also fared better than in the previous three months. Overall, exports grew 1.7 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter after a 1.3 per cent decline in the second, with United States and France remaining Germany's two biggest customers, data compiled for Reuters from the Federal Statistics Office showed. German exports to the US grew 7.6 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter after a 5.3 per cent increase in the previous three months. Exports to France rose 3.1 per cent year-on-year after stagnating in the second quarter. "Exports to the US are running smoothly," Gabriel Felbermayr, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, told Reuters, adding that the euro had depreciated by 14 per cent against the US dollar since the beginning of 2018. A weaker euro makes German exports less expensive. "The strong dollar is one of the macroeconomic side effects of Trump's trade policy towards China. It leads to trade diversion," Felbermayr said. That means the United States is increasingly buying goods from the European Union and Germany as tariffs make competing imports from China more expensive. The United States and China are locked in a trade war triggered by Trump. Both countries have levied punitive duties on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of each other's goods, roiling financial markets and threatening global growth. But Felbermayr cautioned that the uncertainty created by Trump's trade policy in the medium term will lead to stronger production of German companies in the United States, which will weaken exports. "The relocation of jobs is already taking place but is not yet visible in the export figures," he said. The strong sales to the United States and France helped Germany to offset stagnating exports to China. They edged up only 0.3 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter, compared with annual export growth rates of 1.8 per cent in the second quarter and 6.3 per cent in the first. That suggests Germany can no longer rely on Chinese demand to fuel its export machine and with it, well-paid manufacturing jobs and tax revenues at home.

German exports to United States jump despite trade tensions

Massachusetts&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-he-wont-tie-biden-concerns-to-trade-deal-with-china-253812">United States</a>&nbsp;upheld a ban on e-cigarettes Friday amid a spate of deaths and injuries linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vaping-related-deaths-rise-to-18-illnesses-surpass-1000-253605">vaping</a> across the country.

Eighteen deaths in 15 states had now been positively linked to vaping since March, from a total of 1,080 illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials in Connecticut also announced a further death in that state on Friday.

Massachusetts became the first American state to issue an outright ban on all e-cigarette devices in September, with the prohibition to last for four months.

Manufacturers sought to challenge the ban in a Boston court, arguing that the law was disproportionate to the health risks posed by the devices.

Watch Video: US vaping-related deaths rise to 18, illnesses surpass 1,000 - CDC

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The Vapor Technology Association instead called for a limited prohibition on certain products, including black market refills and devices for vaping tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive substance of marijuana.

But the court rejected the application for an interim lifting of the ban, saying it would "conflict with the public interest."

A full hearing of the case will be held on October 15.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-court-blocks-state-ban-on-flavored-e-cigarettes-253665/amp">E-cigarettes</a> have been available in the US since 2006.

Initially conceived as a smoking cessation device, e-cigarette use has skyrocketed among teens, with preliminary official data for 2019 showing more than a quarter of high school students using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.

They were until recently perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking because they do not contain the 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes, dozens of which are known to cause cancer.

It is not clear whether the outbreak of vaping-related illnesses is only happening now, or if there were cases earlier that were wrongly diagnosed.

Only one case of lung injury has been reported abroad, making the outbreak more mysterious still.

Public and political opinion appears to be hardening, however, with the administration of US President Donald Trump announcing in September that it would ban flavoured e-cigarette products in the coming months.

Massachusetts in the United States upheld a ban on e-cigarettes Friday amid a spate of deaths and injuries linked to vaping across the country. Eighteen deaths in 15 states had now been positively linked to vaping since March, from a total of 1,080 illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Massachusetts in the United States upheld a ban on e-cigarettes Friday amid a spate of deaths and injuries linked to vaping across the country. Eighteen deaths in 15 states had now been positively linked to vaping since March, from a total of 1,080 illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials in Connecticut also announced a further death in that state on Friday. Massachusetts became the first American state to issue an outright ban on all e-cigarette devices in September, with the prohibition to last for four months. Manufacturers sought to challenge the ban in a Boston court, arguing that the law was disproportionate to the health risks posed by the devices. Watch Video: US vaping-related deaths rise to 18, illnesses surpass 1,000 - CDC × The Vapor Technology Association instead called for a limited prohibition on certain products, including black market refills and devices for vaping tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive substance of marijuana. But the court rejected the application for an interim lifting of the ban, saying it would "conflict with the public interest." A full hearing of the case will be held on October 15. E-cigarettes have been available in the US since 2006. Initially conceived as a smoking cessation device, e-cigarette use has skyrocketed among teens, with preliminary official data for 2019 showing more than a quarter of high school students using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. They were until recently perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking because they do not contain the 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes, dozens of which are known to cause cancer. It is not clear whether the outbreak of vaping-related illnesses is only happening now, or if there were cases earlier that were wrongly diagnosed. Only one case of lung injury has been reported abroad, making the outbreak more mysterious still. Public and political opinion appears to be hardening, however, with the administration of US President Donald Trump announcing in September that it would ban flavoured e-cigarette products in the coming months.

United States: Massachusetts upholds e-cigarette ban amid vaping deaths

America's jobless rate tumbled in September to its lowest level in 50 years, which could help assuage fears of an economic slowdown, according to government data released Friday.

But while job creation continued, the pace was more subdued and wages were flat, showing a slowing trend.

Unemployment fell two tenths to 3.5 per cent, matching the rate last recorded in December 1969, and well below what analysts had forecast.

Employers added a total of 136,000 net new positions, which was below expectations, with notable slowdowns in education, government, finance, and business services.

And the August job gain was revised up sharply to 168,000, nearly 40,000 more than originally reported.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-the-impeachment-inquiry-might-affect-donald-trumps-2020-re-election-chances-253716">Donald Trump</a> immediately cheered the news which comes as he faces an impeachment inquiry in Congress.

"Breaking News: Unemployment Rate, at 3.5 per cent, drops to a 50 YEAR LOW. Wow, America, let's impeach your President (even though he did nothing wrong!)," Trump tweeted.

The highly awaited jobs report also landed amid a raft of worrisome economic data showing Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-widens-trade-war-with-tariffs-on-european-planes-cheese-whisky-to-punish-subsidies-253360">trade </a>wars have put a dent in the business environment.

Within the details of the jobs report, there were more signs of strength amid the dwindling supply of workers, but the data also made clear the US jobs engine was beginning to sputter.

Average hourly wages fell by a penny to $28.09, well below economists' expectations, putting an end to a year-long string of steady gains.

The mining sector added no workers after three straight months of layoffs. The auto sector shed workers for the fourth straight month in a row. Manufacturing was down for the second time in 2019.

Still some groups continue to benefit from the tight labor market: Unemployment among Hispanics fell to its lowest level since records began in 1973.

And for workers without a high school diploma, the jobless rate fell to the lowest since records began in 1992.

The broadest measure of unemployment, which takes into account those working part-time but seeking full-time jobs, and those marginally attached to the labor force, fell to the lowest level in nearly 19 years.

The latest data did not reflect the nationwide strike launched last month by General Motors employees, who walked off the job the week after the survey for the September jobs report was conducted.

America's jobless rate tumbled in September to its lowest level in 50 years, which could help assuage fears of an economic slowdown, according to government data released Friday.

America's jobless rate tumbled in September to its lowest level in 50 years, which could help assuage fears of an economic slowdown, according to government data released Friday. But while job creation continued, the pace was more subdued and wages were flat, showing a slowing trend. Unemployment fell two tenths to 3.5 per cent, matching the rate last recorded in December 1969, and well below what analysts had forecast. Employers added a total of 136,000 net new positions, which was below expectations, with notable slowdowns in education, government, finance, and business services. And the August job gain was revised up sharply to 168,000, nearly 40,000 more than originally reported. President Donald Trump immediately cheered the news which comes as he faces an impeachment inquiry in Congress. "Breaking News: Unemployment Rate, at 3.5 per cent, drops to a 50 YEAR LOW. Wow, America, let's impeach your President (even though he did nothing wrong!)," Trump tweeted. The highly awaited jobs report also landed amid a raft of worrisome economic data showing Trump's trade wars have put a dent in the business environment. Within the details of the jobs report, there were more signs of strength amid the dwindling supply of workers, but the data also made clear the US jobs engine was beginning to sputter. Average hourly wages fell by a penny to $28.09, well below economists' expectations, putting an end to a year-long string of steady gains. The mining sector added no workers after three straight months of layoffs. The auto sector shed workers for the fourth straight month in a row. Manufacturing was down for the second time in 2019. Still some groups continue to benefit from the tight labor market: Unemployment among Hispanics fell to its lowest level since records began in 1973. And for workers without a high school diploma, the jobless rate fell to the lowest since records began in 1992. The broadest measure of unemployment, which takes into account those working part-time but seeking full-time jobs, and those marginally attached to the labor force, fell to the lowest level in nearly 19 years. The latest data did not reflect the nationwide strike launched last month by General Motors employees, who walked off the job the week after the survey for the September jobs report was conducted.

US unemployment falls to 50-year low of 3.5% in September

Lawmakers pushing a fast-moving impeachment probe against President Donald Trump were set to hear Friday from a key intelligence official as new evidence showed how the president pressured Ukraine to help him win re-election.

Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-missile-sale-raised-in-ukraine-call-253609">US </a>leader's 2020 election rival Joe Biden in return for $400 million in military aid, in a mushrooming scandal that has engulfed the White House, State Department and Justice Department.

With Congress due to hear from intelligence community inspector general Michael Atkinson, the White House was reeling from the release of text messages illustrating US officials' concerns about the administration's attempt to push Kiev into investigating Biden.

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When a whistleblower filed a complaint in August alleging that Trump had pressured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texts-show-us-diplomat-pushing-ukraine-on-probe-for-donald-trump-meeting-253653">Ukraine</a>'s president to dig up dirt on Biden, it was Atkinson that deemed it a matter of "urgent concern" and passed it on to the Justice Department.

Among the trove of texts released by the House intelligence committee late Thursday, was a message from US special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker to a Zelensky aide, saying that that the Ukrainian president should open the investigation in return for a visit to the White House.

"We have ample evidence now that there was a requirement that President Zelensky investigate the 2016 election, and the Bidens, if he wanted to get a meeting," Democrat Eric Swalwell said after Volker testified for eight hours.

'Nothing to do with politics'&nbsp;

It is illegal for a US national to seek foreign help in a domestic election, regardless of whether an inducement is offered.

Trump's frustration and anger over the scandal have boiled over in a series of increasingly erratic and outlandish public appearances and Twitter rants in which he flitted between defiance and conspiratorial paranoia.

"As President, I have an obligation to end CORRUPTION, even if that means requesting the help of a foreign country or countries," Trump tweeted Friday.

"It is done all the time. This has NOTHING to do with politics or a political campaign against the Bidens. This does have to do with their corruption!"

Trump stunned Washington Thursday by openly calling on China as well as Ukraine to investigate Biden doing brazenly in public what he is trouble for doing in a phone call with Ukraine's leader.

Speaking in Florida Thursday, Trump blasted his accusers as "maniacs" pursuing "impeachment crap" as he sought to turn the tables on a probe that threatens to make him only the third US president ever impeached in the House of Representatives, and face a trial in the Senate.

'Impunity'&nbsp;

Trump doubled down by calling for Zelensky and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to go after Biden, who leads the race for the Democratic presidential nomination next year.

"I would say that President Zelensky, if it were me, I would recommend that they start an investigation into the Bidens," Trump told reporters outside the White House.

"Likewise, China should start an investigation into the Bidens, because what happened in China is just about as bad as what happened with Ukraine."

Asked if he would request Xi do the same, Trump replied: "It's certainly something we can start thinking about."

Adam Schiff, the Democrat, leading the impeachment probe in the House of Representatives, said Trump was acting "with impunity" in the face of the law.

"Once again we have a president of the United States suggesting, urging a foreign country to interfere in our presidential elections," Schiff said.

Trump alleges falsely that Biden, as vice president in 2014, tried to block a Ukraine corruption probe into his son Hunter's business partner, a Ukraine gas tycoon, using US aid as leverage.

He also alleged without evidence that Hunter used his stature to raise $1.5 billion in 2013 from China for a new investment vehicle in Beijing.

Republicans who sat in on the interview with Volker said he did not support charges that Trump withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid from Ukraine to force Zelensky to open an investigation, as was alleged in a whistleblower complaint made public last week.

"It is crystal clear that any allegation that President Trump was trying to get President Zelensky to manufacture dirt on the Bidens is just not true," said Representative Lee Zeldin, before Volker's testimony ended.

Lawmakers pushing a fast-moving impeachment probe against President Donald Trump were set to hear Friday from a key intelligence official as new evidence showed how the president pressured Ukraine to help him win re-election.

Lawmakers pushing a fast-moving impeachment probe against President Donald Trump were set to hear Friday from a key intelligence official as new evidence showed how the president pressured Ukraine to help him win re-election. Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the US leader's 2020 election rival Joe Biden in return for $400 million in military aid, in a mushrooming scandal that has engulfed the White House, State Department and Justice Department. With Congress due to hear from intelligence community inspector general Michael Atkinson, the White House was reeling from the release of text messages illustrating US officials' concerns about the administration's attempt to push Kiev into investigating Biden. Watch Video: US President Donald Trump says he wants China to investigate Bidens × When a whistleblower filed a complaint in August alleging that Trump had pressured Ukraine's president to dig up dirt on Biden, it was Atkinson that deemed it a matter of "urgent concern" and passed it on to the Justice Department. Among the trove of texts released by the House intelligence committee late Thursday, was a message from US special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker to a Zelensky aide, saying that that the Ukrainian president should open the investigation in return for a visit to the White House. "We have ample evidence now that there was a requirement that President Zelensky investigate the 2016 election, and the Bidens, if he wanted to get a meeting," Democrat Eric Swalwell said after Volker testified for eight hours. 'Nothing to do with politics' It is illegal for a US national to seek foreign help in a domestic election, regardless of whether an inducement is offered. Trump's frustration and anger over the scandal have boiled over in a series of increasingly erratic and outlandish public appearances and Twitter rants in which he flitted between defiance and conspiratorial paranoia. "As President, I have an obligation to end CORRUPTION, even if that means requesting the help of a foreign country or countries," Trump tweeted Friday. "It is done all the time. This has NOTHING to do with politics or a political campaign against the Bidens. This does have to do with their corruption!" Trump stunned Washington Thursday by openly calling on China as well as Ukraine to investigate Biden doing brazenly in public what he is trouble for doing in a phone call with Ukraine's leader. Speaking in Florida Thursday, Trump blasted his accusers as "maniacs" pursuing "impeachment crap" as he sought to turn the tables on a probe that threatens to make him only the third US president ever impeached in the House of Representatives, and face a trial in the Senate. 'Impunity' Trump doubled down by calling for Zelensky and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to go after Biden, who leads the race for the Democratic presidential nomination next year. "I would say that President Zelensky, if it were me, I would recommend that they start an investigation into the Bidens," Trump told reporters outside the White House. "Likewise, China should start an investigation into the Bidens, because what happened in China is just about as bad as what happened with Ukraine." Asked if he would request Xi do the same, Trump replied: "It's certainly something we can start thinking about." Adam Schiff, the Democrat, leading the impeachment probe in the House of Representatives, said Trump was acting "with impunity" in the face of the law. "Once again we have a president of the United States suggesting, urging a foreign country to interfere in our presidential elections," Schiff said. Trump alleges falsely that Biden, as vice president in 2014, tried to block a Ukraine corruption probe into his son Hunter's business partner, a Ukraine gas tycoon, using US aid as leverage. He also alleged without evidence that Hunter used his stature to raise $1.5 billion in 2013 from China for a new investment vehicle in Beijing. Republicans who sat in on the interview with Volker said he did not support charges that Trump withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid from Ukraine to force Zelensky to open an investigation, as was alleged in a whistleblower complaint made public last week. "It is crystal clear that any allegation that President Trump was trying to get President Zelensky to manufacture dirt on the Bidens is just not true," said Representative Lee Zeldin, before Volker's testimony ended.

Intel official to testify as new texts pile pressure on Trump

Teenage activist Greta Thunberg will take her campaign demanding that world leaders tackle climate change, which began as a lonely vigil outside the Swedish parliament but saw her rise to address the United Nations last month, to Iowa City on Friday.

The 16-year-old Swede is stopping in the Midwestern city, located in the state that will vote first in next year's US presidential nominating contests, as part of her tour of North America ahead of a U.N.-sponsored climate conference in Santiago, Chile, in December.

In recent weeks, millions of people have poured onto streets around the globe in protests inspired by Thunberg to demand governments take emergency action on climate change.

Students in Iowa City said the young Swede's visit was a testament to their efforts to demand change from local leaders.

"We are honored. We are inspired. We are emboldened. And we say, no more excuses," Student Climate Strike Iowa City, which organized the visit, said on Twitter.

Climate activists in Iowa say they have called for local institutions to employ 100 per cent renewable energy by the year 2030 and to cease operations at the University of Iowa's coal-burning plant, among other actions.

A polarizing figure in the climate change debate, Thunberg is venerated by many of her peers and ridiculed by some critics. She is a bookmakers' favorite to win the Nobel Peace Prize this month, though her aggressive style may turn off some of the Nobel committee.

Thunberg denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change and accused them of "stealing her dreams" in an impassioned speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit last month.

With events such as extreme weather, thawing permafrost and sea-level rise unfolding much faster than expected, scientists say the urgency of the climate crisis has intensified since the signing of the Paris accord in 2015.

President Donald Trump intends to pull the United States out of the international deal that aims to reduce carbon emissions. Under terms of the pact, that cannot formally happen before November 4, 2020.

Scientists say existing pledges to curb emissions are nowhere near enough to avert catastrophic warming and have warned that failing to change course could ultimately put the survival of industrial societies at risk.

Teenage activist Greta Thunberg will take her campaign demanding that world leaders tackle climate change, which began as a lonely vigil outside the Swedish parliament but saw her rise to address the United Nations last month, to Iowa City on Friday.

Teenage activist Greta Thunberg will take her campaign demanding that world leaders tackle climate change, which began as a lonely vigil outside the Swedish parliament but saw her rise to address the United Nations last month, to Iowa City on Friday. The 16-year-old Swede is stopping in the Midwestern city, located in the state that will vote first in next year's US presidential nominating contests, as part of her tour of North America ahead of a U.N.-sponsored climate conference in Santiago, Chile, in December. In recent weeks, millions of people have poured onto streets around the globe in protests inspired by Thunberg to demand governments take emergency action on climate change. Students in Iowa City said the young Swede's visit was a testament to their efforts to demand change from local leaders. "We are honored. We are inspired. We are emboldened. And we say, no more excuses," Student Climate Strike Iowa City, which organized the visit, said on Twitter. Climate activists in Iowa say they have called for local institutions to employ 100 per cent renewable energy by the year 2030 and to cease operations at the University of Iowa's coal-burning plant, among other actions. A polarizing figure in the climate change debate, Thunberg is venerated by many of her peers and ridiculed by some critics. She is a bookmakers' favorite to win the Nobel Peace Prize this month, though her aggressive style may turn off some of the Nobel committee. Thunberg denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change and accused them of "stealing her dreams" in an impassioned speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit last month. With events such as extreme weather, thawing permafrost and sea-level rise unfolding much faster than expected, scientists say the urgency of the climate crisis has intensified since the signing of the Paris accord in 2015. President Donald Trump intends to pull the United States out of the international deal that aims to reduce carbon emissions. Under terms of the pact, that cannot formally happen before November 4, 2020. Scientists say existing pledges to curb emissions are nowhere near enough to avert catastrophic warming and have warned that failing to change course could ultimately put the survival of industrial societies at risk.

Teenage activist Greta Thunberg bringing call for climate action to Iowa

&nbsp;North Korea said on Thursday it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States.

The launch on Wednesday was the most provocative by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-missiles-ahead-of-nuclear-talks-253157">North Korea</a> since it resumed dialogue with the United States in 2018 and a reminder by Pyongyang of the weapons capability it has been aggressively developing, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, analysts said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "sent warm congratulations" to the defence scientists who conducted the test, state news agency KCNA said, indicating he did not attend the launch as he has at previous tests of new weapons systems.

The new type of SLBM, called Pukguksong-3, was "fired in vertical mode" in the waters of the eastern city of Wonsan, KCNA said, confirming an assessment by South Korea's military on Wednesday that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory.

"The successful new-type SLBM test-firing comes to be of great significance as it ushered in a new phase in containing the outside forces' threat to the DPRK and further bolstering its military muscle for self-defence," KCNA said.

DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The test "had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries," KCNA said but gave no other details about the launch.

Photos released in the North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, whose front two pages featured the test, showed a black-and-white painted missile clearing the surface of the water, then the rocket engine igniting to propel it into the sky.

A State Department spokeswoman called on Pyongyang to "refrain from provocations" and to remain committed to nuclear negotiations.

South Korea expressed strong concern and the Japanese condemned&nbsp;the launch, saying it was a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

North Korea rejects U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from using ballistic missile technology, saying they are an infringement of its right to self-defence.

Talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes have been stalled since a second summit between Kim and US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-probe-as-hoax-as-democrats-seek-white-house-documents-253356">Donald Trump</a> in Vietnam in February broke down in disagreement over nuclear disarmament.

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'Nuclear-Capable'

The Pukguksong-3 appeared to be a new design that has enhanced range and stability compared with a version tested in 2016, three analysts said.

It was probably launched from a test platform and not a submarine, which would be the final stage of testing, said Kim Dong-yub, a military expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul.

State news agency KCNA released photos and a report in July of leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a large, newly built submarine, but an unnamed South Korean military source said on Thursday that the submarine appears to be still incomplete, Yonhap news agency reported.

Leader Kim Jong Un's absence at the test is "extremely unusual," Kyungnam University's Kim said, probably meant to contain the political fallout that could result in the upcoming talks falling apart before they even start.

On Wednesday, South Korea's military said the missile flew 450 km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 910 km (565 miles). It was likely a Pukguksong-class weapon, as the North's earlier submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) under development were known.

South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said the Pukguksong, or Pole Star in Korean, would have had a range of about 1,300 km (910 miles) on a standard trajectory.

North Korea had been developing SLBM technology before it suspended long-range missile and nuclear tests and began talks with the United States that led to the first summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 2018.

The latest version of the Pukguksong may be the longest-range North Korean missile that uses solid fuel and the first nuclear-capable missile to be tested since November 2017, Ankit Panda of the US-based Federation of American Scientists said.

North Korea has been developing rocket engines that burn solid fuel, which has advantages in military use compared with liquid fuel because it is stable and versatile, allowing it to be stored in missiles until they are ready for launch.

North Korea said on Thursday it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States.

North Korea said on Thursday it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States. The launch on Wednesday was the most provocative by North Korea since it resumed dialogue with the United States in 2018 and a reminder by Pyongyang of the weapons capability it has been aggressively developing, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, analysts said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "sent warm congratulations" to the defence scientists who conducted the test, state news agency KCNA said, indicating he did not attend the launch as he has at previous tests of new weapons systems. The new type of SLBM, called Pukguksong-3, was "fired in vertical mode" in the waters of the eastern city of Wonsan, KCNA said, confirming an assessment by South Korea's military on Wednesday that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory. "The successful new-type SLBM test-firing comes to be of great significance as it ushered in a new phase in containing the outside forces' threat to the DPRK and further bolstering its military muscle for self-defence," KCNA said. DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The test "had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries," KCNA said but gave no other details about the launch. Photos released in the North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, whose front two pages featured the test, showed a black-and-white painted missile clearing the surface of the water, then the rocket engine igniting to propel it into the sky. A State Department spokeswoman called on Pyongyang to "refrain from provocations" and to remain committed to nuclear negotiations. South Korea expressed strong concern and the Japanese condemned the launch, saying it was a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. North Korea rejects U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from using ballistic missile technology, saying they are an infringement of its right to self-defence. Talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes have been stalled since a second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Vietnam in February broke down in disagreement over nuclear disarmament. Watch Video: North Korea says successfully tested new submarine-launched ballistic missile × 'Nuclear-Capable' The Pukguksong-3 appeared to be a new design that has enhanced range and stability compared with a version tested in 2016, three analysts said. It was probably launched from a test platform and not a submarine, which would be the final stage of testing, said Kim Dong-yub, a military expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul. State news agency KCNA released photos and a report in July of leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a large, newly built submarine, but an unnamed South Korean military source said on Thursday that the submarine appears to be still incomplete, Yonhap news agency reported. Leader Kim Jong Un's absence at the test is "extremely unusual," Kyungnam University's Kim said, probably meant to contain the political fallout that could result in the upcoming talks falling apart before they even start. On Wednesday, South Korea's military said the missile flew 450 km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 910 km (565 miles). It was likely a Pukguksong-class weapon, as the North's earlier submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) under development were known. South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said the Pukguksong, or Pole Star in Korean, would have had a range of about 1,300 km (910 miles) on a standard trajectory. North Korea had been developing SLBM technology before it suspended long-range missile and nuclear tests and began talks with the United States that led to the first summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 2018. The latest version of the Pukguksong may be the longest-range North Korean missile that uses solid fuel and the first nuclear-capable missile to be tested since November 2017, Ankit Panda of the US-based Federation of American Scientists said. North Korea has been developing rocket engines that burn solid fuel, which has advantages in military use compared with liquid fuel because it is stable and versatile, allowing it to be stored in missiles until they are ready for launch.

Successfully tested new submarine-launched ballistic missile: North Korea