US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum to disallow the votes of illegal migrants in the country from being counted at congressional voting districts after voting maps are redrawn this year.

This has received backlash from Democrats, who have threatened to take legal action. Democratic-led states like New York are already planning to respond legally. However, experts believe the memorandum is legally invalid, and may not even be practiced.

To benefit Republican Party?

If, somehow, this were allowed, the Republican Party would largely benefit from it. A majority of the non-white voting population would then not be allowed to vote. His voter base though, which comprises Caucasian Americans, will be able to vote nevertheless.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portland-protest-crackdown-biden-accuses-trump-of-egregious-tactics-315040" hreflang="en">Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'</a>

Many states in the US have a large immigrant population, including California and New York. If these were to be legally mandated, such states would lose seats in the US House of Representatives. California currently has 53 seats, while New York has 27.

The process of “apportionment” is set to begin in the US, which will carve out voting maps for federal congressional districts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-to-resume-daily-covid-19-briefing-long-queues-for-testing-in-texas-florida-314867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Illegal aliens"

"Including these illegal aliens in the population of the state for the purpose of apportionment could result in the allocation of two or three more congressional seats than would otherwise be allocated," the memo said.

Redistricting is set to take place in 2021. This is undertaken to take into account changes in the population, and will be done after the 2020 US census.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-us-capitol-164-pairs-of-shoes-represent-nurses-dead-from-covid-315023" hreflang="en">At US Capitol, 164 pairs of shoes represent nurses dead from COVID</a>

Historically, the distribution of 435 seats has been done keeping in mind the total population, not considering the status of immigration. Trump’s new memorandum will attempt to exclude those who are in the US legally.

The US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement called the measure “unlawful”, and further said that it was "designed to again inject fear and distrust into vulnerable and traditionally undercounted communities, while sowing chaos with the Census."

The US constitution says that congressional districts should be based on “the whole number of persons” in every district.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum to disallow the votes of illegal migrants in the country from being counted at congressional voting districts after voting maps are redrawn this year.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a memorandum to disallow the votes of illegal migrants in the country from being counted at congressional voting districts after voting maps are redrawn this year. This has received backlash from Democrats, who have threatened to take legal action. Democratic-led states like New York are already planning to respond legally. However, experts believe the memorandum is legally invalid, and may not even be practiced. To benefit Republican Party? If, somehow, this were allowed, the Republican Party would largely benefit from it. A majority of the non-white voting population would then not be allowed to vote. His voter base though, which comprises Caucasian Americans, will be able to vote nevertheless. Also read: Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics' Many states in the US have a large immigrant population, including California and New York. If these were to be legally mandated, such states would lose seats in the US House of Representatives. California currently has 53 seats, while New York has 27. The process of “apportionment” is set to begin in the US, which will carve out voting maps for federal congressional districts. "Illegal aliens" "Including these illegal aliens in the population of the state for the purpose of apportionment could result in the allocation of two or three more congressional seats than would otherwise be allocated," the memo said. Redistricting is set to take place in 2021. This is undertaken to take into account changes in the population, and will be done after the 2020 US census. Also read: At US Capitol, 164 pairs of shoes represent nurses dead from COVID Historically, the distribution of 435 seats has been done keeping in mind the total population, not considering the status of immigration. Trump’s new memorandum will attempt to exclude those who are in the US legally. The US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement called the measure “unlawful”, and further said that it was "designed to again inject fear and distrust into vulnerable and traditionally undercounted communities, while sowing chaos with the Census." The US constitution says that congressional districts should be based on “the whole number of persons” in every district.

Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting

The U.S. President is suffering setbacks from all sides in the run-up to the Presidential polls. Will he manage to secure another term or is he set to suffer a historic defeat?@palkisu decodes the challenges before Trump.

Gravitas: Will Trump lose 2020 Presidential elections?

The United States is inching close to the Presidential elections and at a time like this losing popularity among the voters can have repercussions. According to an opinion poll conducted by Reuters, only 37% of Americans approve of US President Donald Trump's handling of COVID-19 pandemic.

Reuters poll shows: Donald Trump's popularity decline

United States President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for his reelection to White House in the upcoming 2020 Presidential polls has hit out at former US President Barack Obama.

On Monday, Trump said Obama had committed treason by spying on his campaign along with his Democratic rival Joe Biden. He, however, offered no evidence for the same.

This isn’t the first time Trump has hit out at Obama. Since the beginning of his term, he has called Obama an outsider and falsely claimed that he was born outside of the US.

Currently, polls show Trump trailing behind his rival Biden by 13 per cent in the bid for US presidency. Both Biden and Obama are set to hold a fundraiser which has already amassed $4 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-obama-fundraiser-has-amassed-4-million-ahead-of-joint-appearance-308071" hreflang="en">Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance</a>

Obama is the first Black American president ever. Ironically, the US Justice Department is currently reviewing Trump’s election as president in 2016, suspecting foreign interference in the elections. Earlier, Trump had claimed that Obama was spying on his campaign, but had not accused him of treason until now.

Trump recently told a local TV network, “It's treason. Look, when I came out a long time ago, I said they've been spying on our campaign ... Let's see what happens to them now."

"(William) Barr is doing a great job as attorney general, let's see what they come up with," he added.

However, Barr has claimed that he does not expect any charges against either Obama or Biden.

Recently, US intelligence agencies claimed that Russia played some role in Trump’s race to the White House in 2016. Robert Mueller, former Special Counsel discovered that Russia had peddled propaganda to harm the reputation of his rival Hillary Clinton. During his 21-month long investigation, he also found that both the parties had reached out to each other on multiple occasions.

You might also like:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likened-his-relationship-with-north-koreas-kim-to-dating-wanted-to-be-the-one-to-break-up-308053" hreflang="en">Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up'</a>

Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected.&nbsp;Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

(With inputs from Reuters)

United States President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for his reelection to White House in the upcoming 2020 Presidential polls has hit out at former US President Barack Obama.

United States President Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for his reelection to White House in the upcoming 2020 Presidential polls has hit out at former US President Barack Obama. On Monday, Trump said Obama had committed treason by spying on his campaign along with his Democratic rival Joe Biden. He, however, offered no evidence for the same. This isn’t the first time Trump has hit out at Obama. Since the beginning of his term, he has called Obama an outsider and falsely claimed that he was born outside of the US. Currently, polls show Trump trailing behind his rival Biden by 13 per cent in the bid for US presidency. Both Biden and Obama are set to hold a fundraiser which has already amassed $4 million. Also read: Biden-Obama fundraiser has amassed $4 million ahead of joint appearance Obama is the first Black American president ever. Ironically, the US Justice Department is currently reviewing Trump’s election as president in 2016, suspecting foreign interference in the elections. Earlier, Trump had claimed that Obama was spying on his campaign, but had not accused him of treason until now. Trump recently told a local TV network, “It's treason. Look, when I came out a long time ago, I said they've been spying on our campaign ... Let's see what happens to them now." "(William) Barr is doing a great job as attorney general, let's see what they come up with," he added. However, Barr has claimed that he does not expect any charges against either Obama or Biden. Recently, US intelligence agencies claimed that Russia played some role in Trump’s race to the White House in 2016. Robert Mueller, former Special Counsel discovered that Russia had peddled propaganda to harm the reputation of his rival Hillary Clinton. During his 21-month long investigation, he also found that both the parties had reached out to each other on multiple occasions. You might also like: Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up' Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps. Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump accuses Obama of 'treason' for 'spying', offers no evidence

More US States went to polls on 'Super Tuesday' than any other day to pick a Presidential nominee. This report explains the most decisive day ahead of the 2020 Presidential elections.

All you need to know about 'Super Tuesday', US Presidential Elections 2020

US Presidential Elections 2020: Joe Biden projected to win 7 states

Biggest day to the race to the White House 'Super Tuesday' is already here. Democrats in 14 states are choosing who will run against Donald Trump for the November's Presidential elections. In the latest coming in Bernie Sanders has projected to win California, one of the most important states of 'Super Tuesday'. Watch report:

US Presidential Elections 2020: Bernie Sanders wins California in 'Super Tuesday'

A jubilant Joe Biden scored key Super Tuesday victories in Minnesota and across the South, building on the momentum that has swiftly revived his Democratic presidential campaign in recent days. Biden also took Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma and the battleground states of North Carolina and Virginia, a strong start as 14 states went to the polls across the nation. Bernie Sanders countered with wins in his home state of Vermont and Colorado, as the race began to shift west, where some polls were starting to close.

US Presidential Elections 2020: Joe Biden celebrates a 'Super Tuesday' with big wins

Supporters of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen were delighted on Saturday, as the results were almost clear that he was ready to win the presidential election. Election Commission data showed its main rival by more than two million votes, with more than 86% of the vote count. #WION#TaiwanElections #Taiwan

Taiwan Election 2020: Tsai Ing-wen wins presidential election with thumping mandate

Taiwan Election 2020: Tsai Ing-wen wins presidential elections, supporters found delighted

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-michael-bloomberg-formally-announces-us-presidential-candidacy-264255">President Donald Trump's</a> campaign said Monday it was banning journalists from Bloomberg News from its electoral events, claiming "bias" by the media group owned by presidential rival Michael Bloomberg.

Brad Parscale, the Trump 2020 campaign manager, said the decision was made after Bloomberg News announced it would not investigate the company boss or&nbsp;his Democrat competitors.

"As President Trump's campaign, we are accustomed to unfair reporting practices, but most news organizations don't announce their biases so publicly," Parscale said in a statement.

The Trump campaign will no longer credential representatives of Bloomberg News for rallies or other campaign events, and will decide "whether to engage with individual reporters or answer inquiries from Bloomberg News on a case-by-case basis," Parscale added.

Bloomberg News editor-in-chief John Micklethwait said in response: "The accusation of bias couldn't be further from the truth. We have covered Donald Trump fairly and in an unbiased way since he became a candidate in 2015 and will continue to do so despite the restrictions imposed by the Trump campaign."

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Mini Mike Bloomberg has instructed his third rate news organization not to investigate him or any Democrat, but to go after President Trump, only. The Failing New York Times thinks that is O.K., because their hatred &amp; bias is so great they can’t even see straight. It’s not O.K.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1201639937268948992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump took to Twitter to blast "Mini Mike" Bloomberg for the news organisation's coverage decision.

"Mini Mike Bloomberg has instructed his third rate news organization not to investigate him or any Democrat, but to go after President Trump, only," the president wrote.

"The Failing New York Times thinks that is OK because their hatred &amp; bias is so great they can't even see straight. It's not OK!" he added in a swipe at the newspaper after its executive editor condemned the Trump campaign's decision.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-presidential-candidate-michael-bloomberg-spends-record-amount-for-tv-ads-264108">Michael Bloomberg's</a> decision to seek the Democratic presidential nomination prompted the news agency, one of the world's biggest, to spell out guidelines last week on how it would handle any conflicts of interest.

The media group said it would not investigate Bloomberg's family or foundations, nor his Democratic rivals, but would publish or summarize investigative pieces on all Democratic candidates.

"There is no point in trying to claim that covering this presidential campaign will be easy," Micklethwait said in a memo to staff last week, citing the company's policy of not writing about itself or direct competitors.

Micklethwait said the journalists would cover the campaign's news "in much the same way as we have done before," with the exception that articles will explicitly state that Bloomberg News's owner is a candidate.

President Donald Trump's campaign said Monday it was banning journalists from Bloomberg News from its electoral events, claiming "bias" by the media group owned by presidential rival Michael Bloomberg.

President Donald Trump's campaign said Monday it was banning journalists from Bloomberg News from its electoral events, claiming "bias" by the media group owned by presidential rival Michael Bloomberg. Brad Parscale, the Trump 2020 campaign manager, said the decision was made after Bloomberg News announced it would not investigate the company boss or his Democrat competitors. "As President Trump's campaign, we are accustomed to unfair reporting practices, but most news organizations don't announce their biases so publicly," Parscale said in a statement. The Trump campaign will no longer credential representatives of Bloomberg News for rallies or other campaign events, and will decide "whether to engage with individual reporters or answer inquiries from Bloomberg News on a case-by-case basis," Parscale added. Bloomberg News editor-in-chief John Micklethwait said in response: "The accusation of bias couldn't be further from the truth. We have covered Donald Trump fairly and in an unbiased way since he became a candidate in 2015 and will continue to do so despite the restrictions imposed by the Trump campaign." Mini Mike Bloomberg has instructed his third rate news organization not to investigate him or any Democrat, but to go after President Trump, only. The Failing New York Times thinks that is O.K., because their hatred & bias is so great they can’t even see straight. It’s not O.K.! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2019 × Trump took to Twitter to blast "Mini Mike" Bloomberg for the news organisation's coverage decision. "Mini Mike Bloomberg has instructed his third rate news organization not to investigate him or any Democrat, but to go after President Trump, only," the president wrote. "The Failing New York Times thinks that is OK because their hatred & bias is so great they can't even see straight. It's not OK!" he added in a swipe at the newspaper after its executive editor condemned the Trump campaign's decision. Michael Bloomberg's decision to seek the Democratic presidential nomination prompted the news agency, one of the world's biggest, to spell out guidelines last week on how it would handle any conflicts of interest. The media group said it would not investigate Bloomberg's family or foundations, nor his Democratic rivals, but would publish or summarize investigative pieces on all Democratic candidates. "There is no point in trying to claim that covering this presidential campaign will be easy," Micklethwait said in a memo to staff last week, citing the company's policy of not writing about itself or direct competitors. Micklethwait said the journalists would cover the campaign's news "in much the same way as we have done before," with the exception that articles will explicitly state that Bloomberg News's owner is a candidate.

US elections 2020: Trump campaign bars Bloomberg News, alleging 'bias'

Billionaire businessman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-admits-he-was-wrong-apologises-for-stop-and-frisk-in-new-york-262793">Michael&nbsp;Bloomberg</a>, yet to officially declare himself a presidential candidate, took another step towards a run at the White House Thursday by registering with the US Federal Election Commission. &nbsp;

The 77-year-old former mayor of New York filed paperwork to register a committee called "Mike&nbsp;Bloomberg&nbsp;2020," commission spokeswoman Judith Ingram confirmed to AFP.

All candidates must register with the commission if they want to raise or spend campaign funds of more than $5,000, but registration itself does not confirm that a candidate is running.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-to-launch-100-million-digital-anti-trump-campaign-262468">Bloomberg&nbsp;has prepared the groundwork for a possible bid</a> for the Democratic nomination in recent weeks, including registering as a candidate in the states of Alabama, Arkansas and Texas.

A message on his website mikebloomberg.com says the site is "paid for by Mike&nbsp;Bloomberg&nbsp;2020."

Ten days ago he said he was "close" to making a final decision on whether or not to enter the crowded field.

His personal fortune of $50 billion means a&nbsp;Bloomberg&nbsp;candidacy would likely shake up the open race, with 17 candidates already vying to be the Democratic nominee to take on President Donald Trump next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-files-papers-paving-way-for-us-presidential-bid-260916">Bloomberg's advisors</a> have said that if he does run then he will probably not campaign in the four states that will hold primaries in February.

Instead, he would focus on the 15 primaries scheduled for March 3, known as "Super Tuesday," including the most populous states of California and Texas.

Former vice president Joe Biden leads the race ahead of left-wingers Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, with moderate Pete Buttigieg in fourth place, according to national polls.

Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg, yet to officially declare himself a presidential candidate, took another step towards a run at the White House Thursday by registering with the US Federal Election Commission.

Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg, yet to officially declare himself a presidential candidate, took another step towards a run at the White House Thursday by registering with the US Federal Election Commission. The 77-year-old former mayor of New York filed paperwork to register a committee called "Mike Bloomberg 2020," commission spokeswoman Judith Ingram confirmed to AFP. All candidates must register with the commission if they want to raise or spend campaign funds of more than $5,000, but registration itself does not confirm that a candidate is running. Bloomberg has prepared the groundwork for a possible bid for the Democratic nomination in recent weeks, including registering as a candidate in the states of Alabama, Arkansas and Texas. A message on his website mikebloomberg.com says the site is "paid for by Mike Bloomberg 2020." Ten days ago he said he was "close" to making a final decision on whether or not to enter the crowded field. His personal fortune of $50 billion means a Bloomberg candidacy would likely shake up the open race, with 17 candidates already vying to be the Democratic nominee to take on President Donald Trump next year. Bloomberg's advisors have said that if he does run then he will probably not campaign in the four states that will hold primaries in February. Instead, he would focus on the 15 primaries scheduled for March 3, known as "Super Tuesday," including the most populous states of California and Texas. Former vice president Joe Biden leads the race ahead of left-wingers Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, with moderate Pete Buttigieg in fourth place, according to national polls.

Michael Bloomberg registers committee in anticipation of 2020 US presidential poll

A gunmen fired on a convoy of buses carrying Muslims in northwest Sri Lanka before the beginning of presidential elections, as per the reports there are no casualties so far.

Voters' convoy ambushed in Sri Lanka

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has made a major announcement that could have huge ramifications for the 2020 presidential elections.

Starting November 22 the social media giant will officially stop carrying political advertisements of all kinds.

Taking to Twitter, Dorsey had a very strong message for political leaders across the world. He said that "We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought."

In a series of tweets, Dorsey then went on to explain the thought process behind his decision.

He also said that the decision was not about free speech, but the negative impact on the democratic infrastructure due to the practice of paid advertisements.

The decision will be binding on both candidate ads as well as issue-based ads.

The only political advertisements that will remain on the platform are voter registration ads.

There will be more clarity on the nuances of the policy when an official statement will be released on November 15th.

The decision puts him at odds with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg who has defended his company's decision to put up unverified campaign ads.

Even during his recent testimony in front of the u.S congress, Zuckerberg defended his stance.

As per Facebook's current policy, campaign ads are not fact-checked, which means that candidates can peddle lies of the platform and not be held accountable.

Dorsey called out Zuckerberg's double standard on the issue of fake information on social media.

He said that it was not credible for his company to say it's working hard to control the spread of misinformation. And then do the same when offered money by political parties — an obvious dig aimed at the facebook founder.

Trump's 2020 campaign responded to the decision by calling it dumb.

They said the company was walking away from hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and called it an effort to muzzle conservative voices.

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was all praise for the move, calling it the right thing for democracy across the world.

She also had a poignant question for facebook at the end of her tweet.

America's election campaigns are among the most expensive in the world. And a sizeable portion of this expenditure goes to advertising.

This is why many internet-based companies are hesitant to do what twitter has just announced.

Take a look at these numbers:&nbsp;

6 billion dollars — that is how much US is likely to spend on the 2020 presidential election cycle.

Out of which 1.6 billion dollars will be spent on digital video adverts.

But the playing field is by no means fair.

Since May 2018, Facebook has raked in 857 million dollars in political ad revenue, while youtube has received 122 million dollars.

In comparison, Twitter's ad revenue during the 2018 mid-term elections was only 3 million dollars.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has made a major announcement that could have huge ramifications for the 2020 presidential elections. Starting November 22 the social media giant will officially stop carrying political advertisements of all kinds.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has made a major announcement that could have huge ramifications for the 2020 presidential elections. Starting November 22 the social media giant will officially stop carrying political advertisements of all kinds. Taking to Twitter, Dorsey had a very strong message for political leaders across the world. He said that "We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought." In a series of tweets, Dorsey then went on to explain the thought process behind his decision. He also said that the decision was not about free speech, but the negative impact on the democratic infrastructure due to the practice of paid advertisements. The decision will be binding on both candidate ads as well as issue-based ads. The only political advertisements that will remain on the platform are voter registration ads. There will be more clarity on the nuances of the policy when an official statement will be released on November 15th. The decision puts him at odds with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg who has defended his company's decision to put up unverified campaign ads. Even during his recent testimony in front of the u.S congress, Zuckerberg defended his stance. As per Facebook's current policy, campaign ads are not fact-checked, which means that candidates can peddle lies of the platform and not be held accountable. Dorsey called out Zuckerberg's double standard on the issue of fake information on social media. He said that it was not credible for his company to say it's working hard to control the spread of misinformation. And then do the same when offered money by political parties — an obvious dig aimed at the facebook founder. Trump's 2020 campaign responded to the decision by calling it dumb. They said the company was walking away from hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and called it an effort to muzzle conservative voices. Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was all praise for the move, calling it the right thing for democracy across the world. She also had a poignant question for facebook at the end of her tweet. America's election campaigns are among the most expensive in the world. And a sizeable portion of this expenditure goes to advertising. This is why many internet-based companies are hesitant to do what twitter has just announced. Take a look at these numbers: 6 billion dollars — that is how much US is likely to spend on the 2020 presidential election cycle. Out of which 1.6 billion dollars will be spent on digital video adverts. But the playing field is by no means fair. Since May 2018, Facebook has raked in 857 million dollars in political ad revenue, while youtube has received 122 million dollars. In comparison, Twitter's ad revenue during the 2018 mid-term elections was only 3 million dollars.

We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought: Jack Dorsey

Hundreds of Venezuelan government supporters marched through the streets of Caracas on Thursday in a show of support to President Nicolás Maduro.

Hundreds of Venezuelans march in support of Maduro

A public Democratic debate watch party at The Denver Press Club in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday night drew a mixture of Democrats and independent voters.

No clear candidate yet for Denver debate watchers

Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump on Thursday of giving Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 US presidential race, while a top Republican ally said Trump was wrong to say he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-wrong-with-accepting-dirt-from-foreign-governments-on-opponents-trump-226696">accept political dirt from foreign sources</a>.

The uproar followed televised comments in which the US president told ABC News he would be willing to listen to such damaging information about political opponents as he seeks re-election.

"I think you might want to listen, there isn`t anything wrong with listening,” Trump said in an interview aired on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It`s not an interference. They have information, I think I`d take it. If I thought there was something wrong, I`d go maybe to the FBI - if I thought there was something wrong."

Trump`s comments came less than three months after Special Counsel Robert Mueller submitted a report that found Russia waged a hacking and influence campaign to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Democratic lawmakers roundly condemned the remarks.&nbsp;

"What the president said last night shows clearly, once again, over and over again, that he does not know the difference between right and wrong," said US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress.

While some 2020 Democratic presidential candidates renewed their call to impeach the president, Trump`s comments did not seem to move House Democrats who have been on the fence closer to initiating impeachment proceedings.

Trump`s statement drew a rebuke, however, from one of his closest allies in Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

"I think it`s a mistake," said Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.&nbsp;

He accused Democrats of having accepted damaging information from foreign nationals on political opponents and said any public official contacted by a foreign government with an offer of help to their campaign should reject it and inform the FBI.

House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he was confident Trump was speaking hypothetically. Others prominent Republicans were outspoken in their discomfort, without naming Trump.

"It is never appropriate to allow a foreign government or its agents to interfere in our election process. Period," said Republican Senator Mike Rounds.&nbsp;

Mitt Romney, a senator and former Republican presidential candidate, said it was "unthinkable" to accept adverse information on a political opponent from a foreign source. "It would strike at the very heart of our democracy," he said.

Senate Democrats failed on Thursday to ram through legislation requiring US presidential campaigns to report to the FBI offers of help from an agent of a foreign government. The move was blocked by Republicans who control the chamber.

Senator Mark Warner, who pushed the legislation, recalled Trump`s "Russia, if you are listening" call for Moscow to dig up Clinton`s missing emails during the 2016 campaign.

"The President has given Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 election," Warner wrote on Twitter earlier.&nbsp;

'Thing of value'

Any foreign contribution of "money or other thing of value" violates US campaign finance law. Legal experts say knowingly soliciting information from a foreign entity would also be illegal.

In a statement on Twitter prefaced with the comment: "I would not have thought that I needed to say this," Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub warned political campaigns not to accept foreign help, saying it risked putting them "on the wrong of a federal investigation."

An FBI counterintelligence investigation of Russian election activities in the 2016 presidential election sparked Mueller`s probe, which confirmed US intelligence agencies` findings that Russia worked to help Trump win.

Mueller, whose investigation examined a 2016 meeting at Trump Tower that Trump`s campaign had with Russians promising dirt on Clinton, did not charge Trump campaign staff who attended the meeting.&nbsp;

Trump defended his remarks in a flurry of tweets on Thursday morning in which he said it would be "ridiculous" to report his contacts with foreign leaders to the FBI.

The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee expressed alarm at Trump`s comments.

"The president has either learned nothing in the last two years or picked up exactly the wrong lesson - that he can accept gleefully foreign assistance again and escape the punishment of the law," Representative Adam Schiff said.

Democratic presidential candidates who renewed calls for Trump`s impeachment included US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand and US Representative Eric Swalwell.

"A foreign government attacked our 2016 elections to support Trump, Trump welcomed that help, and Trump obstructed the investigation. Now, he said he`d do it all over again. It`s time to impeach Donald Trump,” Warren said.

Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump on Thursday of giving Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 US presidential race, while a top Republican ally said Trump was wrong to say he would accept political dirt from foreign sources.

Democratic lawmakers accused President Donald Trump on Thursday of giving Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 US presidential race, while a top Republican ally said Trump was wrong to say he would accept political dirt from foreign sources. The uproar followed televised comments in which the US president told ABC News he would be willing to listen to such damaging information about political opponents as he seeks re-election. "I think you might want to listen, there isn`t anything wrong with listening,” Trump said in an interview aired on Wednesday. "It`s not an interference. They have information, I think I`d take it. If I thought there was something wrong, I`d go maybe to the FBI - if I thought there was something wrong." Trump`s comments came less than three months after Special Counsel Robert Mueller submitted a report that found Russia waged a hacking and influence campaign to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Democratic lawmakers roundly condemned the remarks. "What the president said last night shows clearly, once again, over and over again, that he does not know the difference between right and wrong," said US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress. While some 2020 Democratic presidential candidates renewed their call to impeach the president, Trump`s comments did not seem to move House Democrats who have been on the fence closer to initiating impeachment proceedings. Trump`s statement drew a rebuke, however, from one of his closest allies in Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. "I think it`s a mistake," said Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He accused Democrats of having accepted damaging information from foreign nationals on political opponents and said any public official contacted by a foreign government with an offer of help to their campaign should reject it and inform the FBI. House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he was confident Trump was speaking hypothetically. Others prominent Republicans were outspoken in their discomfort, without naming Trump. "It is never appropriate to allow a foreign government or its agents to interfere in our election process. Period," said Republican Senator Mike Rounds. Mitt Romney, a senator and former Republican presidential candidate, said it was "unthinkable" to accept adverse information on a political opponent from a foreign source. "It would strike at the very heart of our democracy," he said. Senate Democrats failed on Thursday to ram through legislation requiring US presidential campaigns to report to the FBI offers of help from an agent of a foreign government. The move was blocked by Republicans who control the chamber. Senator Mark Warner, who pushed the legislation, recalled Trump`s "Russia, if you are listening" call for Moscow to dig up Clinton`s missing emails during the 2016 campaign. "The President has given Russia the green light to interfere in the 2020 election," Warner wrote on Twitter earlier. 'Thing of value' Any foreign contribution of "money or other thing of value" violates US campaign finance law. Legal experts say knowingly soliciting information from a foreign entity would also be illegal. In a statement on Twitter prefaced with the comment: "I would not have thought that I needed to say this," Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub warned political campaigns not to accept foreign help, saying it risked putting them "on the wrong of a federal investigation." An FBI counterintelligence investigation of Russian election activities in the 2016 presidential election sparked Mueller`s probe, which confirmed US intelligence agencies` findings that Russia worked to help Trump win. Mueller, whose investigation examined a 2016 meeting at Trump Tower that Trump`s campaign had with Russians promising dirt on Clinton, did not charge Trump campaign staff who attended the meeting. Trump defended his remarks in a flurry of tweets on Thursday morning in which he said it would be "ridiculous" to report his contacts with foreign leaders to the FBI. The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee expressed alarm at Trump`s comments. "The president has either learned nothing in the last two years or picked up exactly the wrong lesson - that he can accept gleefully foreign assistance again and escape the punishment of the law," Representative Adam Schiff said. Democratic presidential candidates who renewed calls for Trump`s impeachment included US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand and US Representative Eric Swalwell. "A foreign government attacked our 2016 elections to support Trump, Trump welcomed that help, and Trump obstructed the investigation. Now, he said he`d do it all over again. It`s time to impeach Donald Trump,” Warren said.

Trump comments give green light to foreign election meddling: Democrats

Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage on Friday, as thousands of demonstrators outside parliament cheered and waved rainbow flags, despite deep divisions over marriage equality. Lawmakers of the majority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) backed the bill, which passed 66 to 27, although the measure could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen's bid to win a second term in presidential elections next year.

Taiwan's parliament becomes first in Asia to legalise gay marriage

Mueller report reveals that there was no collusion between Russi-US. Watch full video to know more.

Mueller Report: No collusion between Russia-US

WION explains the good, the bad, and the ugly about the 2019 Indonesia's Presidential Elections. Watch full video to know more. #WIONGravitas, # Indonesia's Presidential Elections, #Indonesia

WION Gravitas: All You Need to Know About Indonesia's Presidential Elections

As World's third largest democracy Indonesia is all set to go to the polls on 17th April, Presidential candidates Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto are ready to encounter each other yet again to win the tough battle of 2019 election.

Indonesia presidential election: Prabowo Subianto vs Joko Widodo

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-100-ready-to-shut-down-mexico-border-207612">US President Donald Trump</a> took a shot on Tuesday at former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible Democratic rival in the 2020 race for the White House, mocking him over allegations of unwanted physical contact with women.

In a speech to a fundraising dinner for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Trump twice alluded to the allegations from two women that are hanging over Biden as he weighs whether to enter the contest to become the Democratic candidate in November 2020 presidential elections.

A former Nevada state legislator last week accused Biden of kissing her on the back of the head at a 2014 event, and a Connecticut woman said Biden rubbed noses with her at a 2009 event. Biden has said he did not believe he ever acted inappropriately, and his defenders have said he is known for hugging and being physically affectionate.

In wide-ranging remarks that meandered for more than 80 minutes but often circled back to the 2020 race, Biden was the only potential rival Trump mentioned by name - a sign that he would view Biden as a strong challenger, was he to enter and win the Democratic race.

Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama and had a long career in the Senate before that. He had been expected to announce his bid for the Democratic primary race this month and has led the large field of Democratic hopefuls in opinion polls.

Trump told the dinner, which raised $23 million for Republicans running for the House of Representatives, a story about wanting to kiss a general he met in Iraq who had promised an expedient end to a campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria.

"I said, 'General: come here and give me a kiss.' I felt like Joe Biden," Trump said, drawing laughter and applause.

Earlier, he told the crowd - which was dotted with members of the House - that they would be "going into the war with some socialists" in the next election.

"It looks like the only non-, sort of, heavy socialist is being taken care of pretty well by the socialists," Trump said.

One of Biden's accusers has been a supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has already entered the Democratic primary race, and whose views are to the left of Biden.

"I was going to call him - I don't know him well - I was going to say, 'Welcome to the world, Joe. You have a good time, Joe? You have a good time?" Trump said.

Trump struggled during his 2016 run for office with multiple accusations of unwanted sexual contact from women, particularly after videotaped remarks emerged of Trump bragging about groping women.

Biden, while campaigning for Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, had said he would like to take Trump "behind the gym" to beat him up for the comments.

US President Donald Trump took a shot on Tuesday at former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible Democratic rival in the 2020 race for the White House, mocking him over allegations of unwanted physical contact with women.

US President Donald Trump took a shot on Tuesday at former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible Democratic rival in the 2020 race for the White House, mocking him over allegations of unwanted physical contact with women. In a speech to a fundraising dinner for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Trump twice alluded to the allegations from two women that are hanging over Biden as he weighs whether to enter the contest to become the Democratic candidate in November 2020 presidential elections. A former Nevada state legislator last week accused Biden of kissing her on the back of the head at a 2014 event, and a Connecticut woman said Biden rubbed noses with her at a 2009 event. Biden has said he did not believe he ever acted inappropriately, and his defenders have said he is known for hugging and being physically affectionate. In wide-ranging remarks that meandered for more than 80 minutes but often circled back to the 2020 race, Biden was the only potential rival Trump mentioned by name - a sign that he would view Biden as a strong challenger, was he to enter and win the Democratic race. Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama and had a long career in the Senate before that. He had been expected to announce his bid for the Democratic primary race this month and has led the large field of Democratic hopefuls in opinion polls. Trump told the dinner, which raised $23 million for Republicans running for the House of Representatives, a story about wanting to kiss a general he met in Iraq who had promised an expedient end to a campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria. "I said, 'General: come here and give me a kiss.' I felt like Joe Biden," Trump said, drawing laughter and applause. Earlier, he told the crowd - which was dotted with members of the House - that they would be "going into the war with some socialists" in the next election. "It looks like the only non-, sort of, heavy socialist is being taken care of pretty well by the socialists," Trump said. One of Biden's accusers has been a supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has already entered the Democratic primary race, and whose views are to the left of Biden. "I was going to call him - I don't know him well - I was going to say, 'Welcome to the world, Joe. You have a good time, Joe? You have a good time?" Trump said. Trump struggled during his 2016 run for office with multiple accusations of unwanted sexual contact from women, particularly after videotaped remarks emerged of Trump bragging about groping women. Biden, while campaigning for Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, had said he would like to take Trump "behind the gym" to beat him up for the comments.

Trump takes shot at former vice president Joe Biden over kiss complaint

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governor-ralph-northam-now-denies-appearance-in-racist-photo-refuses-to-resign-194668">Virginia's embattled governor</a>, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governors-future-in-limbo-amid-outcry-over-racist-photo-195375">second accusation of sexual assault</a>.

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax issued a statement denying both allegations as a "coordinated smear campaign." He said the latest accusation, that he had raped a fellow student at Duke University in 2000, was "demonstrably false" and declared he would not step down.

Fairfax, 39, insisted earlier this week that his encounter with a woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her sexually at a hotel in Boston 14 years ago was entirely consensual.

But Friday's accusation sparked a round of calls for the resignation - and even a threat of impeachment - of the once-promising young politician who seemed poised days ago to replace Northam and become the second African-American governor in Virginia history.

The second in line to succeed Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, came under fire with his own admission this week that he, like Northam, had once darkened his face to imitate a black performer - a practice widely considered to be racist.

The possibility of all three top-ranked leaders of Virginia's executive branch having to resign raised the prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to the Republican speaker of the state House of Delegates, who is next in the line of succession. And that possibility has tested Democrats' resolve to show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and racial bigotry.

It also has stirred Democrats' concerns that political discord in Virginia, a key swing state in presidential elections, could flip it back into the Republican column in the 2020 White House race.

The upheaval began with the revelation last Friday that Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page contained a racist photo, followed by his acknowledgement of, and apology for, masquerading in blackface that year as pop star Michael Jackson.

After a week hunkered down in virtual seclusion under mounting pressure to resign, Northam indicated in an email message on Friday to state employees that he planned to keep his post.

"You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward - and I plan to do that," Northam said.

ESCALATING PRESSURE

In a separate statement responding to the latest allegation against him, Fairfax said he has "never forced myself on anyone ever" and demanded a "full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations."

"I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide," Fairfax wrote, and declared: "I will not resign."

But the latest allegation of rape brought a torrent of demands for Fairfax to quit, including from all of the state House and Senate Democrats, the Legislative Black Caucus, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia's two US&nbsp;senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats.

One state House member, Democrat Patrick Hope, said on Twitter that he planned to introduce articles of impeachment for Fairfax on Monday unless he resigned.

The woman who made the new accusation, identified as Meredith Watson, said she was "reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character," the law firm that is representing her said in a statement.

The firm, New Jersey-based Smith Mullin, said the alleged assault occurred in 2000. Watson is "not seeking any financial damages," and her attorneys had notified Fairfax through his lawyers "that Ms Watson hopes he will resign from public office," the firm said in its statement.

The Smith Mullin statement said the alleged attack on Watson "was premeditated and aggressive," while also saying Fairfax and Watson "were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship."

The law firm said it possessed emails, Facebook messages and statements to corroborate that Watson had shared her account of events immediately after the alleged rape.

Fairfax's first accuser, Stanford University academic Vanessa Tyson, has alleged that Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

She came forward days after the disclosure by a conservative website of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 yearbook page of one person with blackface and another dressed in white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam had originally admitted he was one of the people in that photo but later said that he was not.

Seeking to mend fences with Virginia's African-American population, Northam on Friday met privately with the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., in Richmond, the state capital. Boyd told Reuters the two men prayed together and "we asked for forgiveness."

Boyd, whose group says it represents 109,000 farmers across the country, said on Twitter that he urged the governor not to step down.

Virginia's embattled governor, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a second accusation of sexual assault.

Virginia's embattled governor, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a second accusation of sexual assault. Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax issued a statement denying both allegations as a "coordinated smear campaign." He said the latest accusation, that he had raped a fellow student at Duke University in 2000, was "demonstrably false" and declared he would not step down. Fairfax, 39, insisted earlier this week that his encounter with a woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her sexually at a hotel in Boston 14 years ago was entirely consensual. But Friday's accusation sparked a round of calls for the resignation - and even a threat of impeachment - of the once-promising young politician who seemed poised days ago to replace Northam and become the second African-American governor in Virginia history. The second in line to succeed Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, came under fire with his own admission this week that he, like Northam, had once darkened his face to imitate a black performer - a practice widely considered to be racist. The possibility of all three top-ranked leaders of Virginia's executive branch having to resign raised the prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to the Republican speaker of the state House of Delegates, who is next in the line of succession. And that possibility has tested Democrats' resolve to show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and racial bigotry. It also has stirred Democrats' concerns that political discord in Virginia, a key swing state in presidential elections, could flip it back into the Republican column in the 2020 White House race. The upheaval began with the revelation last Friday that Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page contained a racist photo, followed by his acknowledgement of, and apology for, masquerading in blackface that year as pop star Michael Jackson. After a week hunkered down in virtual seclusion under mounting pressure to resign, Northam indicated in an email message on Friday to state employees that he planned to keep his post. "You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward - and I plan to do that," Northam said. ESCALATING PRESSURE In a separate statement responding to the latest allegation against him, Fairfax said he has "never forced myself on anyone ever" and demanded a "full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations." "I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide," Fairfax wrote, and declared: "I will not resign." But the latest allegation of rape brought a torrent of demands for Fairfax to quit, including from all of the state House and Senate Democrats, the Legislative Black Caucus, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia's two US senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats. One state House member, Democrat Patrick Hope, said on Twitter that he planned to introduce articles of impeachment for Fairfax on Monday unless he resigned. The woman who made the new accusation, identified as Meredith Watson, said she was "reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character," the law firm that is representing her said in a statement. The firm, New Jersey-based Smith Mullin, said the alleged assault occurred in 2000. Watson is "not seeking any financial damages," and her attorneys had notified Fairfax through his lawyers "that Ms Watson hopes he will resign from public office," the firm said in its statement. The Smith Mullin statement said the alleged attack on Watson "was premeditated and aggressive," while also saying Fairfax and Watson "were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship." The law firm said it possessed emails, Facebook messages and statements to corroborate that Watson had shared her account of events immediately after the alleged rape. Fairfax's first accuser, Stanford University academic Vanessa Tyson, has alleged that Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She came forward days after the disclosure by a conservative website of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 yearbook page of one person with blackface and another dressed in white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam had originally admitted he was one of the people in that photo but later said that he was not. Seeking to mend fences with Virginia's African-American population, Northam on Friday met privately with the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., in Richmond, the state capital. Boyd told Reuters the two men prayed together and "we asked for forgiveness." Boyd, whose group says it represents 109,000 farmers across the country, said on Twitter that he urged the governor not to step down.

Virginia governor denies sexual assault allegations as 'coordinated smear campaign'

India on Thursday expressed its "deep dismay" over a Maldivian court sentencing the island nation's former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the chief justice of its Supreme Court to long prison terms without a "fair trial".

The Ministry of External Affairs said the development casts a doubt on the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and will raise questions on the credibility of the presidential elections in that country, slated for September.

According to Maldivian media reports, Gayoom, 80, and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were handed similar prison terms of one year, seven months and six days by a court which found them guilty of obstructing justice.

In a statement, the MEA said India reiterated its "advice" to the Maldivian government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners, including Gayoom and the chief justice.

Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, the ministry said, India has repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow all institutions, including its Supreme Court and Parliament, to function in an independent manner and permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties.

"This has also been the demand of the international community at large. It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former president of the Maldives, as well as the chief justice of the Supreme Court, are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial," it said in a statement.&nbsp

"This casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year," the MEA said.

It said India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours in the Indian Ocean.

"It reiterates its advice to the Government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the Presidential Elections," the ministry said.&nbsp

Ties between India and Maldives nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared emergency on February 5, following an order by the Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials.

On February 21, India reacted strongly over the extension of emergency by a month. The emergency was lifted 45 days later.

In February, Maldives declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise - Milan - from March 6-13.&nbsp

The Ministry of External Affairs said the development casts a doubt on the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and will raise questions on the credibility of the presidential elections in that country, slated for September.

India on Thursday expressed its "deep dismay" over a Maldivian court sentencing the island nation's former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the chief justice of its Supreme Court to long prison terms without a "fair trial". The Ministry of External Affairs said the development casts a doubt on the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and will raise questions on the credibility of the presidential elections in that country, slated for September. According to Maldivian media reports, Gayoom, 80, and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were handed similar prison terms of one year, seven months and six days by a court which found them guilty of obstructing justice. In a statement, the MEA said India reiterated its "advice" to the Maldivian government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners, including Gayoom and the chief justice. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, the ministry said, India has repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow all institutions, including its Supreme Court and Parliament, to function in an independent manner and permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. "This has also been the demand of the international community at large. It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former president of the Maldives, as well as the chief justice of the Supreme Court, are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial," it said in a statement. "This casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year," the MEA said. It said India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours in the Indian Ocean. "It reiterates its advice to the Government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the Presidential Elections," the ministry said. Ties between India and Maldives nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared emergency on February 5, following an order by the Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. On February 21, India reacted strongly over the extension of emergency by a month. The emergency was lifted 45 days later. In February, Maldives declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise - Milan - from March 6-13.

India dismayed over long prison terms to former Maldivian president, chief justice

Turkey&nbsp;may&nbsp;lift a&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency, imposed shortly&nbsp;after&nbsp;a failed coup attempt in 2016,&nbsp;after&nbsp;the June 24 elections, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said on Thursday.

Speaking in an interview with CNN Turk,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said the issue of lifting the&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;rule would be discussed&nbsp;after&nbsp;the snap presidential and parliamentary elections later this month.

The issue of lifting the emergency rule would be discussed after the snap presidential and parliamentary elections

Turkey may lift a state of emergency, imposed shortly after a failed coup attempt in 2016, after the June 24 elections, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. Speaking in an interview with CNN Turk, Erdogan said the issue of lifting the emergency rule would be discussed after the snap presidential and parliamentary elections later this month.

State of emergency may be lifted after elections: Erdogan

Vladimir Putin, who is set to extend his long rule to 2024 in Russia&#39;s presidential election on Sunday, has stamped his total authority in Russia, silencing opposition and reasserting Moscow`s lost might abroad.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old former KGB officer has reimposed the Kremlin&#39;s grip over society since taking power 18 years ago after a lawless but relatively free decade following the demise of the USSR.

On the international stage, he has outlasted three US presidents to become one of the globe&#39;s undisputed strongmen, thrusting Moscow into a new rivalry with the West by snatching Crimea from Ukraine and launching a pivotal intervention in Syria.&nbsp;

Named the world&#39;s most powerful person by Forbes for the past four years running, the judo black belt has built a macho man image helped by publicity stunts that included riding topless on horseback through the Siberian wilderness and darting an endangered tiger.

Bolstered by a slavish state media, he is projected to take around 70 percent of the vote by official pollsters, despite producing no programme and refusing to take part in televised debates.

Supporters laud him as a saviour who restored pride and traditional values to a humiliated nation.

To foes, however, Putin has dragged his homeland further from democracy, has presided over a seizure of the state by a new elite of former secret police cronies and has stoked nationalism in a bid to restore Moscow&#39;s lost empire. Putin was born into a working-class family in Leningrad -- now Saint Petersburg -- on October 7, 1952 and cut his teeth in the city&#39;s rough-and-tumble neighbourhoods.

&quot;The Leningrad streets taught me one thing: if a fight is unavoidable, you have to hit first,&quot; Putin said in 2015.

He fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the KGB intelligence service, getting posted in 1985-1990 to Dresden in what was then East Germany when Soviet power was crumbling.

His political rise began after he returned to work at Saint Petersburg city hall under his mentor, liberal mayor Anatoly Sobchak.&nbsp;

Two decades later, Sobchak&#39;s daughter Ksenia is challenging Putin in the election -- a move that has divided Russia&#39;s already deeply split liberal opposition.

By 1996, he was called to Moscow to work in the Kremlin under Russia&#39;s first democratically elected president Boris Yeltsin, who in 1998 made little-known Putin head of the KGB&#39;s successor, the FSB.

Battling health and drinking problems, frail Yeltsin in August 1999 named Putin prime minister and his popularity shot up as he oversaw the launch of a second war to crush rebels in the Chechnya region.&nbsp;

When Yeltsin sensationally resigned on New Year&#39;s Eve 1999, Putin suddenly took over as president of the biggest country on earth. Buoyed by an influx of petrodollars that saw living standards soar, the Kremlin under Putin forged its own &quot;sovereign democracy&quot; in which the trappings of pluralism -- such as political opposition and civil society -- were subverted.

He has guarded his private life jealously and once famously told journalists to keep their &quot;snotty noses&quot; out of his business.&nbsp;

After three decades of marriage, he divorced his wife Lyudmila in 2013 but rumours of new romance -- including with a former Olympic gymnast -- have not been confirmed.

In line with the constitution, when Putin ended his second term in 2008, he handed power to protege Dmitry Medvedev and moved to become prime minister -- but few doubted who was really in charge.&nbsp;

In 2012, he returned as president in the face of huge street protests.

While the demonstrations petered out after a police crackdown, the spectre of unrest spurred tough new measures to eradicate dissent. Putin, who once decried the collapse of the USSR as the &quot;greatest geopolitical catastrophe&quot; of the 20th century, has ferociously defended Moscow&#39;s sphere of influence and also challenged perceived US hegemony.

When crowds in Ukraine ousted Russian-backed leader Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014, the Kremlin faced losing its dominance over a key neighbour.

Within days, Putin ordered special forces to seize the strategic Crimea peninsula and -- after a hasty referendum rejected internationally -- in March 2014 signed off on the region&#39;s annexation.&nbsp;

The redrawing of Russia&#39;s border sparked the worst standoff with the West since the Cold War and unleashed a wave of nationalism at home that saw Putin&#39;s popularity soar.&nbsp;

Soon the Kremlin was accused of masterminding a rebellion in east Ukraine that turned into a festering conflict that has cost more than 10,000 lives.

Despite sanctions pushing his economy into recession, Putin also launched a bombing campaign in Syria to support leader Bashar al-Assad in 2015. It is widely seen as the key factor that tipped the war in Assad&#39;s favour.

Putin was then accused of spreading his tentacles much further and Moscow&#39;s old foe -- the United States -- found itself in the crosshairs.&nbsp;

After Donald Trump&#39;s shock election win, US intelligence accused Putin of ordering a hacking and influence campaign to get Trump to the White House. &quot;Those that lose always look to blame someone else,&quot; Putin retorted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In 2012, Putin returned as president in the face of huge street protests.

Vladimir Putin, who is set to extend his long rule to 2024 in Russia's presidential election on Sunday, has stamped his total authority in Russia, silencing opposition and reasserting Moscow`s lost might abroad. The 65-year-old former KGB officer has reimposed the Kremlin's grip over society since taking power 18 years ago after a lawless but relatively free decade following the demise of the USSR. On the international stage, he has outlasted three US presidents to become one of the globe's undisputed strongmen, thrusting Moscow into a new rivalry with the West by snatching Crimea from Ukraine and launching a pivotal intervention in Syria. Named the world's most powerful person by Forbes for the past four years running, the judo black belt has built a macho man image helped by publicity stunts that included riding topless on horseback through the Siberian wilderness and darting an endangered tiger. Bolstered by a slavish state media, he is projected to take around 70 percent of the vote by official pollsters, despite producing no programme and refusing to take part in televised debates. Supporters laud him as a saviour who restored pride and traditional values to a humiliated nation. To foes, however, Putin has dragged his homeland further from democracy, has presided over a seizure of the state by a new elite of former secret police cronies and has stoked nationalism in a bid to restore Moscow's lost empire. Putin was born into a working-class family in Leningrad -- now Saint Petersburg -- on October 7, 1952 and cut his teeth in the city's rough-and-tumble neighbourhoods. "The Leningrad streets taught me one thing: if a fight is unavoidable, you have to hit first," Putin said in 2015. He fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the KGB intelligence service, getting posted in 1985-1990 to Dresden in what was then East Germany when Soviet power was crumbling. His political rise began after he returned to work at Saint Petersburg city hall under his mentor, liberal mayor Anatoly Sobchak. Two decades later, Sobchak's daughter Ksenia is challenging Putin in the election -- a move that has divided Russia's already deeply split liberal opposition. By 1996, he was called to Moscow to work in the Kremlin under Russia's first democratically elected president Boris Yeltsin, who in 1998 made little-known Putin head of the KGB's successor, the FSB. Battling health and drinking problems, frail Yeltsin in August 1999 named Putin prime minister and his popularity shot up as he oversaw the launch of a second war to crush rebels in the Chechnya region. When Yeltsin sensationally resigned on New Year's Eve 1999, Putin suddenly took over as president of the biggest country on earth. Buoyed by an influx of petrodollars that saw living standards soar, the Kremlin under Putin forged its own "sovereign democracy" in which the trappings of pluralism -- such as political opposition and civil society -- were subverted. He has guarded his private life jealously and once famously told journalists to keep their "snotty noses" out of his business. After three decades of marriage, he divorced his wife Lyudmila in 2013 but rumours of new romance -- including with a former Olympic gymnast -- have not been confirmed. In line with the constitution, when Putin ended his second term in 2008, he handed power to protege Dmitry Medvedev and moved to become prime minister -- but few doubted who was really in charge. In 2012, he returned as president in the face of huge street protests. While the demonstrations petered out after a police crackdown, the spectre of unrest spurred tough new measures to eradicate dissent. Putin, who once decried the collapse of the USSR as the "greatest geopolitical catastrophe" of the 20th century, has ferociously defended Moscow's sphere of influence and also challenged perceived US hegemony. When crowds in Ukraine ousted Russian-backed leader Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014, the Kremlin faced losing its dominance over a key neighbour. Within days, Putin ordered special forces to seize the strategic Crimea peninsula and -- after a hasty referendum rejected internationally -- in March 2014 signed off on the region's annexation. The redrawing of Russia's border sparked the worst standoff with the West since the Cold War and unleashed a wave of nationalism at home that saw Putin's popularity soar. Soon the Kremlin was accused of masterminding a rebellion in east Ukraine that turned into a festering conflict that has cost more than 10,000 lives. Despite sanctions pushing his economy into recession, Putin also launched a bombing campaign in Syria to support leader Bashar al-Assad in 2015. It is widely seen as the key factor that tipped the war in Assad's favour. Putin was then accused of spreading his tentacles much further and Moscow's old foe -- the United States -- found itself in the crosshairs. After Donald Trump's shock election win, US intelligence accused Putin of ordering a hacking and influence campaign to get Trump to the White House. "Those that lose always look to blame someone else," Putin retorted.

Putin: Russia's post-Soviet tsar

Russians living in Ukraine will be unable to vote in Russia&#39;s presidential election because access to Moscow&#39;s diplomatic missions will be blocked, Kiev said Friday.

&quot;On Sunday, March 18, 2018, security arrangements for Russia&#39;s Ukraine-based diplomatic missions in Kiev, Kharkiv, Odessa and Lviv will not provide access to these facilities for Russian nationals voting in the election,&quot; Ukraine&#39;s interior minister Arsen Avakov said.

The ministry said that elections &quot;on the sovereign Ukrainian territory&quot; are inadmissible.&nbsp;

The announcement came in retaliation for Russia&#39;s annexation of Crimea, which votes in a presidential election for the first time since it was taken over in 2014.

&quot;Ukraine&#39;s interior ministry states that conducting illegal elections on Ukraine&#39;s sovereign territory in violation of all norms of international law is unacceptable,&quot; Avakov said on Facebook.

He also pointed to &quot;Russia&#39;s aggressive hybrid war against Ukraine&quot; and &quot;the occupation of parts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions&quot; in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow&#39;s foreign ministry responded by criticising what it called Ukrainian &quot;overt interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation.&quot;&nbsp;

It accused Ukrainian authorities of displaying &quot;righteous indignation&quot; and &quot;taking their revenge on ordinary Russian citizens.

According to the Ukrainian interior minister, access to Russian diplomatic institutions will be granted only to people enjoying diplomatic status.

(WIth AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

The announcement came in retaliation for Russia's annexation of Crimea, which votes in a presidential election for the first time since it was taken over in 2014

Russians living in Ukraine will be unable to vote in Russia's presidential election because access to Moscow's diplomatic missions will be blocked, Kiev said Friday. "On Sunday, March 18, 2018, security arrangements for Russia's Ukraine-based diplomatic missions in Kiev, Kharkiv, Odessa and Lviv will not provide access to these facilities for Russian nationals voting in the election," Ukraine's interior minister Arsen Avakov said. The ministry said that elections "on the sovereign Ukrainian territory" are inadmissible. The announcement came in retaliation for Russia's annexation of Crimea, which votes in a presidential election for the first time since it was taken over in 2014. "Ukraine's interior ministry states that conducting illegal elections on Ukraine's sovereign territory in violation of all norms of international law is unacceptable," Avakov said on Facebook. He also pointed to "Russia's aggressive hybrid war against Ukraine" and "the occupation of parts of Donetsk and Lugansk regions" in eastern Ukraine. Moscow's foreign ministry responded by criticising what it called Ukrainian "overt interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation." It accused Ukrainian authorities of displaying "righteous indignation" and "taking their revenge on ordinary Russian citizens. According to the Ukrainian interior minister, access to Russian diplomatic institutions will be granted only to people enjoying diplomatic status. (WIth AFP inputs)

Russian nationals barred from voting in Ukraine presidential elections

Nepal&#39;s re-elected President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will take an oath today at 4 pm. Bidhya, the first woman president of Nepal, was re-elected for the second term yesterday.&nbsp;

President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority of 27,545 votes.

She received 39,275 votes over 11,730 votes received by Nepali Congress&#39; Rai.&nbsp;

Each voter from the House of Representatives and National Assembly holds the power equivalent to 79 votes; the same for each Provincial Assembly member is equivalent to 48 votes.

As many as 862 votes were cast in the presidential election at the Federal Parliament Building IN New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.

President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority of 27,545 votes

Nepal's re-elected President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will take an oath today at 4 pm. Bidhya, the first woman president of Nepal, was re-elected for the second term yesterday. President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority of 27,545 votes. She received 39,275 votes over 11,730 votes received by Nepali Congress' Rai. Each voter from the House of Representatives and National Assembly holds the power equivalent to 79 votes; the same for each Provincial Assembly member is equivalent to 48 votes. As many as 862 votes were cast in the presidential election at the Federal Parliament Building IN New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.

Nepal: President Bidya Devi Bhandari to take oath today at 4pm

Nepal, which grappled with the horrific incident of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plane-crashes-at-kathmandu-airport-several-feared-dead-35505">plane crash at the Kathmandu airport</a> yesterday, has gone to Presidential polls today.&nbsp;

The president and the vice president are elected through voting by the Electoral College (EC). The EC is made up of leaders from the Federal Parliament as well as the Provincial Assemblies.&nbsp;

The elections usually take place a month after the formation of the Federal Parliament.&nbsp;

Nepal carried out two-phased Federal Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections last year in November and December.&nbsp;

The presidential election comes over a couple of months after the Federal Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections were held.&nbsp;

Separate polls will be held after a week to elect the new vice president.&nbsp;

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun were elected in October 2015.

The elections usually take place a month after the formation of the Federal Parliament

Nepal, which grappled with the horrific incident of a plane crash at the Kathmandu airport yesterday, has gone to Presidential polls today. The president and the vice president are elected through voting by the Electoral College (EC). The EC is made up of leaders from the Federal Parliament as well as the Provincial Assemblies. The elections usually take place a month after the formation of the Federal Parliament. Nepal carried out two-phased Federal Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections last year in November and December. The presidential election comes over a couple of months after the Federal Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections were held. Separate polls will be held after a week to elect the new vice president. Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun were elected in October 2015.

Nepal: Voting for Presidential election begins

Russia&#39;s Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed an appeal by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny against a decision by the country&#39;s central election commission to bar him from taking part in next year&#39;s presidential election.&nbsp;

The commission this week barred Navalny from taking part in the March 18 vote because of a suspended prison sentence he says was trumped up. 
&nbsp;

The commission, this week, barred Navalny from taking part in the March 18 vote

Russia's Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed an appeal by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny against a decision by the country's central election commission to bar him from taking part in next year's presidential election. The commission this week barred Navalny from taking part in the March 18 vote because of a suspended prison sentence he says was trumped up.

Russian supreme court approves ban against opposition leader Navalny

Voting began on&nbsp;Sunday in the first round of Chile&#39;s presidential election, with former president Sebastian Pinera likely to cement his frontrunner status to succeed Socialist leader Michelle Bachelet.

But it was unclear whether Pinera, a 67-year-old billionaire who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet&#39;s Socialists.

It was unclear whether Pinera, who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet's Socialists

Voting began on Sunday in the first round of Chile's presidential election, with former president Sebastian Pinera likely to cement his frontrunner status to succeed Socialist leader Michelle Bachelet. But it was unclear whether Pinera, a 67-year-old billionaire who was president from 2010-2014, would gain enough support to avoid a runoff against the runner-up -- likely to be Alejandro Guillier, an independent supported by Bachelet's Socialists.

Polls open for first round of Presidential elections in Chile

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