The Quad grouping makes sense, but to make a difference it needs to speak in one voice. The alliance has informally existed for 13 long years but seems to have restricted itself to mere posturing. WION's Palki Sharma says it's time the Quad become proactive and not reactive.

Gravitas: Time to turn Quad into a formal alliance?

The usually warmer states of central and southern America have been beset with power cuts. In Minnesota, temperatures dropped as low as -70C (-94F) with wind chills.

Why is it so cold in US? What exactly is the Polar vortex

A 1943 landscape painted by Winston Churchill and which the wartime British prime minister gifted to US President Franklin D Roosevelt is expected to fetch up to $3.5 million when it is sold at auction next month. &nbsp;

Churchill painted 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque' in Marrakech, following the January 1943 Casablanca Conference, which both leaders attended. Churchill then took Roosevelt to Marrakech to see the sun set over the Atlas mountains. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The work is to be sold from Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie's Jolie Family Collection, with an estimated price tag of 1.5 million pounds - 2.5 million pounds ($2.08 million - $3.47 million). &nbsp;

"Churchill painted nothing in the Second World War except this one painting," Nicholas Orchard, head of the Modern British Art department at Christie's said. &nbsp;

"Churchill painted it for Roosevelt ... And so it signifies not just their friendship but also the special relationship between Britain and America. The other factor is that Churchill considered his North African views to be a cut above all his other paintings." &nbsp;

Churchill, who took up painting in his forties, first visited Morocco in 1935 and painted around 45 pictures of the country, according to Christie's. &nbsp;

"The record for a (Churchill) painting at auction is 1.8 million pounds, and likely interested buyers will probably come from the U.K. and the United States," Orchard said. &nbsp;

"But there's a much greater global interest, particularly in Churchill. And so we could see Middle Eastern interest, obviously, because of the subject matter as well as interest from the Far East." &nbsp;

The painting is leading Christie’s Modern British Art Evening Sale on March 1, where other works on offer include a portrait of socialite Doris Delevingne by John Lavery. &nbsp;

A 1943 landscape painted by Winston Churchill and which the wartime British prime minister gifted to US President Franklin D Roosevelt is expected to fetch up to $3.

A 1943 landscape painted by Winston Churchill and which the wartime British prime minister gifted to US President Franklin D Roosevelt is expected to fetch up to $3.5 million when it is sold at auction next month. Churchill painted 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque' in Marrakech, following the January 1943 Casablanca Conference, which both leaders attended. Churchill then took Roosevelt to Marrakech to see the sun set over the Atlas mountains. The work is to be sold from Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie's Jolie Family Collection, with an estimated price tag of 1.5 million pounds - 2.5 million pounds ($2.08 million - $3.47 million). "Churchill painted nothing in the Second World War except this one painting," Nicholas Orchard, head of the Modern British Art department at Christie's said. "Churchill painted it for Roosevelt ... And so it signifies not just their friendship but also the special relationship between Britain and America. The other factor is that Churchill considered his North African views to be a cut above all his other paintings." Churchill, who took up painting in his forties, first visited Morocco in 1935 and painted around 45 pictures of the country, according to Christie's. "The record for a (Churchill) painting at auction is 1.8 million pounds, and likely interested buyers will probably come from the U.K. and the United States," Orchard said. "But there's a much greater global interest, particularly in Churchill. And so we could see Middle Eastern interest, obviously, because of the subject matter as well as interest from the Far East." The painting is leading Christie’s Modern British Art Evening Sale on March 1, where other works on offer include a portrait of socialite Doris Delevingne by John Lavery.

Churchill wartime painting gift to Roosevelt up for auction

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The sum amounts to the commitments the United States had made to the global health body, to which it has been the largest donor.&nbsp;

"This is a key step forward in fulfilling our financial obligations as a WHO member and it reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic," Blinken told a virtual UN Security Council session on Covid-19.&nbsp;

"The United States will work as a partner to address global challenges. This pandemic is one of those challenges and gives us an opportunity not only to get through the current crisis, but also to become more prepared and more resilient for the future."&nbsp;

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Blinken said the United States would also 'provide significant financial support' to Covax, a global plan to distribute vaccines to the poorest nations.&nbsp;

Trump, who faced criticism for his handling of Covid in the United States, which has suffered the highest death toll of any nation, announced a pullout from the World Health Organization, saying it was beholden to China and did not do enough to stop the pandemic.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden immediately reversed the decision although his administration has also pressed China to be more forthcoming to a WHO team investigating the origins of the devastating virus.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-accused-of-joining-devils-army-for-voting-to-impeach-donald-trump-364108">Republican accused of joining 'devil's army' for voting to impeach Donald Trump</a>

"All countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak," Blinken said.&nbsp;

"And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies so the world learns as much as possible, as soon as possible."&nbsp;

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. The sum amounts to the commitments the United States had made to the global health body, to which it has been the largest donor. "This is a key step forward in fulfilling our financial obligations as a WHO member and it reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic," Blinken told a virtual UN Security Council session on Covid-19. "The United States will work as a partner to address global challenges. This pandemic is one of those challenges and gives us an opportunity not only to get through the current crisis, but also to become more prepared and more resilient for the future." × Blinken said the United States would also 'provide significant financial support' to Covax, a global plan to distribute vaccines to the poorest nations. Trump, who faced criticism for his handling of Covid in the United States, which has suffered the highest death toll of any nation, announced a pullout from the World Health Organization, saying it was beholden to China and did not do enough to stop the pandemic. President Joe Biden immediately reversed the decision although his administration has also pressed China to be more forthcoming to a WHO team investigating the origins of the devastating virus. Also Read: Republican accused of joining 'devil's army' for voting to impeach Donald Trump "All countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak," Blinken said. "And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies so the world learns as much as possible, as soon as possible."

US to pay $200 million in WHO obligations: Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Monday for an investigation into a rocket attack on an airbase in Iraq's Kurdistan region and promised to "hold accountable those responsible."

A volley of rockets targeting the base late Monday killed a foreign civilian contractor and wounded five others and a US soldier, the US-led coalition said.

"We are outraged by today's rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region," Blinken said in a statement.

"I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible."

The attack was the first time Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq in nearly two months, after a string of such incidents.

Under former US President Donald Trump, Washington had vowed that the killing of an American national in such a rocket attack would prompt retaliation against Iran, whom US military officials accuse of backing the Iraqi militia groups behind the strikes.&nbsp;

But Blinken's call for an investigation marks a shift away from that policy under President Joe Biden's new administration.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Monday for an investigation into a rocket attack on an airbase in Iraq's Kurdistan region and promised to "hold accountable those responsible.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Monday for an investigation into a rocket attack on an airbase in Iraq's Kurdistan region and promised to "hold accountable those responsible." A volley of rockets targeting the base late Monday killed a foreign civilian contractor and wounded five others and a US soldier, the US-led coalition said. "We are outraged by today's rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region," Blinken said in a statement. "I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible." The attack was the first time Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq in nearly two months, after a string of such incidents. Under former US President Donald Trump, Washington had vowed that the killing of an American national in such a rocket attack would prompt retaliation against Iran, whom US military officials accuse of backing the Iraqi militia groups behind the strikes. But Blinken's call for an investigation marks a shift away from that policy under President Joe Biden's new administration.

US vows to 'hold accountable those responsible' for Arbil attack

As India edges closer towards taming COVID, the west is overwhelmed. 7 new variants have emerged in the US. The UK is still under lockdown and in France, only 1 vaccine dose is being administered. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the west is still struggling with the Wuhan Virus.

Gravitas: The West is struggling with Wuhan Virus

President Joe Biden has approved a state of emergency in Texas where a surge in demand for electricity has led to widespread power cuts.

US: Millions without power in Texas as snow blankets Southern plains

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported.&nbsp;

The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise' is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometres (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia's navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying.&nbsp;

"The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information," he added.&nbsp;

Russia's Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill.&nbsp;

Exercises will include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates', and fighting fires, it said.&nbsp;

According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. &nbsp;

Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days.&nbsp;

The Iranian army said the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia.&nbsp;

Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September.&nbsp;

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported.

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported. The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise' is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometres (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia's navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying. "The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information," he added. Russia's Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill. Exercises will include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates', and fighting fires, it said. According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days. The Iranian army said the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia. Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September.

Iran, Russia begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean to 'enhance security'

Turkey said on Sunday militants from the outlawed PKK executed the captives, including Turkish military and police personnel, amid a military operation against the group.

US reassures Turkey over executions after Erdogan calls response 'a joke'

In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol.

Democrats demand a 9/11-style commission on deadly Capitol riot

Donald trump impeachment trial was unique, it was his second impeachment and the trial was convened after his exit from office. US senate must have acquitted but trump trouble is far from over. Both republican and democrats are proposing for fresh enquiry.

Republican and Democrats are proposing for fresh enquiry in case of Donald Trump

extreme weather conditions griped various parts of US on Sunday bringing heavy snowfall in the region. Thousands of people remained without power in the pacific northwest. A winter storm blankets parts of US . US President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency in Texas.

Winters storm brings snow, ice to Oklahoma, Texas

As the United Kingdom scrambles to control various coronavirus variants, the chief of the UK's genetic surveillance programme has predicted that the mutation found in Kent will "sweep the world".

COVID-19: Virus undergoes further mutation

While US reviews the policy, the Biden administration asked a court on Thursday to suspend litigation connected to former president Donald Trump's proposed ban on WeChat.&nbsp;

The Justice Department filed a request with the US Court of Appeals seeking a suspension of the case. That follows action on Wednesday, when the department asked a federal court for a pause on proceedings aimed at banning TikTok.&nbsp;

Newly-installed Commerce Department officials have begun a review of the prior administration's actions on WeChat, including ‘an evaluation of the underlying record justifying those prohibitions’, the DOJ said in the filing.&nbsp;

"The government will then be better positioned to determine whether the regulatory purpose of protecting the security of Americans and their data, continue to warrant the identified prohibitions," the filing added.&nbsp;

Trump issued an executive order in last August declaring both WeChat and TikTok as threats to national security because of data collection practices affecting Americans.&nbsp;

However, US courts have blocked the bans from going into effect, leading to appeals lodged in the final months of the Trump administration seeking to override the lower courts.&nbsp;

The DOJ said the Commerce Department 'remains committed to a robust defence of national security as well as ensuring the viability of our economy and preserving individual rights and data’.

While US reviews the policy, the Biden administration asked a court on Thursday to suspend litigation connected to former president Donald Trump's proposed ban on WeChat.

While US reviews the policy, the Biden administration asked a court on Thursday to suspend litigation connected to former president Donald Trump's proposed ban on WeChat. The Justice Department filed a request with the US Court of Appeals seeking a suspension of the case. That follows action on Wednesday, when the department asked a federal court for a pause on proceedings aimed at banning TikTok. Newly-installed Commerce Department officials have begun a review of the prior administration's actions on WeChat, including ‘an evaluation of the underlying record justifying those prohibitions’, the DOJ said in the filing. "The government will then be better positioned to determine whether the regulatory purpose of protecting the security of Americans and their data, continue to warrant the identified prohibitions," the filing added. Trump issued an executive order in last August declaring both WeChat and TikTok as threats to national security because of data collection practices affecting Americans. However, US courts have blocked the bans from going into effect, leading to appeals lodged in the final months of the Trump administration seeking to override the lower courts. The DOJ said the Commerce Department 'remains committed to a robust defence of national security as well as ensuring the viability of our economy and preserving individual rights and data’.

After TikTok, Biden team seeks pause in litigation over WeChat ban in US

A stunning video from the #CapitolRiots insurrection shows Former U.S. Mike Pence & his aides rushing to safety with the 'Nuclear Football'. WION's Palki tells you how America's nuclear codes were in jeopardy.

Gravitas: A 'stunning' video from Capitol riots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States has recommended wearing double-mask, which can help reduce COVID-19 transmission.

US: CDC recommends wearing double-mask, can help reduce COVID-19 transmission

US President Joe Biden has said that the administration will be imposing sanctions that prevent Myanmar's Military Generals from gaining access to US-based assets.

US freezes $1 Million worth assets after military coup in Myanmar

The unprecedented attack on the Capitol hill left the entire world stunned. Now, the new visual evidence, that the Democrats presented in the senate shows graphic details about how Trump's supporters sought to block the peaceful transfer of power.

US: In Senate, Democrats show unseen videos of attack on the Capitol hill

The second day of the impeachment trial was dominated by presenting harrowing audio and visual evidence. Democrats claimed and alleged that Donald Trump's loyalists were on a mission to kill House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Former-Vice President Mike Pence.

Day 2 of Trump's impeachment: Senators witness never-before-seen footage of Capitol attack

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview this week proposed a compromise in which the NATO ally does not fully deploy the S-400s, which Russia originally built to target Western jets. &nbsp;

"Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, when asked about the Turkish proposal. &nbsp;

"Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment, they threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally," he told reporters. &nbsp;

“We have and continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." &nbsp;

Akar drew a parallel to historic rival Greece, which bought Russia's older S-300 system after Turkish threats to attack Cyprus but did not make them fully operational. &nbsp;

US officials downplayed the parallel, saying the S-400 was a more advanced system. &nbsp;

Turkey went ahead with the purchase despite warnings from the United States, which under former president Donald Trump booted Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet programme and imposed sanctions on Turkey's military procurement agency. &nbsp;

President Joe Biden before the election vowed to toughen the US stance on Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has described as an autocrat. &nbsp;

The Biden administration has already spoken out on its concerns over detentions and homophobic comments as Turkish authorities crack down on student demonstrators. &nbsp;

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday.

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview this week proposed a compromise in which the NATO ally does not fully deploy the S-400s, which Russia originally built to target Western jets. "Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, when asked about the Turkish proposal. "Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment, they threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally," he told reporters. “We have and continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." Akar drew a parallel to historic rival Greece, which bought Russia's older S-300 system after Turkish threats to attack Cyprus but did not make them fully operational. US officials downplayed the parallel, saying the S-400 was a more advanced system. Turkey went ahead with the purchase despite warnings from the United States, which under former president Donald Trump booted Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet programme and imposed sanctions on Turkey's military procurement agency. President Joe Biden before the election vowed to toughen the US stance on Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has described as an autocrat. The Biden administration has already spoken out on its concerns over detentions and homophobic comments as Turkish authorities crack down on student demonstrators.

Dump Russian missile system, US tells Turkey again

President Joe Biden's administration has asked a US federal court to pause proceedings aimed at banning TikTok to allow for a fresh review of the national security threat from the popular Chinese-owned video app.&nbsp;

The filing in a federal appeals court said the new administration had begun a review and would not for the moment press for a ban of the mobile app as sought by former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The filing said the Commerce Department 'plans to conduct an evaluation of the underlying record justifying those prohibitions' sought by the previous administration of Donald Trump, which claimed TikTok posed a national security threat because of its links to the Chinese government.&nbsp;

After the new review, the administration 'will then be better positioned to determine whether the national security threat' from TikTok.&nbsp;

"The Department of Commerce remains committed to a robust defense of national security as well as ensuring the viability of our economy and preserving individual rights and data privacy," the filing said.&nbsp;

The Trump administration move to ban downloads of TikTok and its presence on online networks had been stalled amid legal challenges.&nbsp;

In a related development, the Wall Street Journal reported the Biden administration has also put on hold a plan to force the sale of TikTok to American investors.&nbsp;

The Journal, citing unnamed sources, said the Biden White House had indefinitely shelved the plan to require the sale of TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, to US tech giant Oracle with Walmart as a partner.&nbsp;

The Journal said the new administration is in the midst of a review of data security and ways to prevent the information TikTok collects on American users from being accessed by the Chinese government, but that there would be no imminent move to force the sale.

President Joe Biden's administration has asked a US federal court to pause proceedings aimed at banning TikTok to allow for a fresh review of the national security threat from the popular Chinese-owned video app.

President Joe Biden's administration has asked a US federal court to pause proceedings aimed at banning TikTok to allow for a fresh review of the national security threat from the popular Chinese-owned video app. The filing in a federal appeals court said the new administration had begun a review and would not for the moment press for a ban of the mobile app as sought by former president Donald Trump. The filing said the Commerce Department 'plans to conduct an evaluation of the underlying record justifying those prohibitions' sought by the previous administration of Donald Trump, which claimed TikTok posed a national security threat because of its links to the Chinese government. After the new review, the administration 'will then be better positioned to determine whether the national security threat' from TikTok. "The Department of Commerce remains committed to a robust defense of national security as well as ensuring the viability of our economy and preserving individual rights and data privacy," the filing said. The Trump administration move to ban downloads of TikTok and its presence on online networks had been stalled amid legal challenges. In a related development, the Wall Street Journal reported the Biden administration has also put on hold a plan to force the sale of TikTok to American investors. The Journal, citing unnamed sources, said the Biden White House had indefinitely shelved the plan to require the sale of TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, to US tech giant Oracle with Walmart as a partner. The Journal said the new administration is in the midst of a review of data security and ways to prevent the information TikTok collects on American users from being accessed by the Chinese government, but that there would be no imminent move to force the sale.

Biden team asks court to pause move to ban TikTok as US reviews security

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable.

U.S. to conduct independent review of W.H.O data from Wuhan

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable. His comments came after Washington cast doubts on the transparency of the probe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) mission ended on Tuesday without finding the source of the virus. Members of the team sent by the WHO had to do a balancing act as they walked a diplomatic tightrope.

Chinese authorities closely followed the WHO team as it visited places within China, including the Wuhan market which is considered to be the origin of the pandemic. Very little information was forthcoming and bits trickled out via personal Twitter accounts during the mission. More details emerged as the team members prepared to leave China.

Peter Daszak, a member of the WHO team, waded directly into the murky geopolitics which covers the pandemic origin story.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden "has to look tough on China", he said in a tweet adding: "Please don't rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump &amp; frankly wrong on many aspects."

Daszak also tweeted that they worked "flat out under the most politically charged environment possible".

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Well now this👇. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> has to look tough on China. Please don’t rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump &amp; frankly wrong on many aspects. Happy to help WH w/ their quest to verify, but don’t forget it’s “TRUST” then “VERIFY”! <a href="https://t.co/ukaNAkDfEG">https://t.co/ukaNAkDfEG</a>
— Peter Daszak (@PeterDaszak) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterDaszak/status/1359357862254841856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

His comments were linked to an article referencing US state department comments which cast doubt over the transparency of China's co-operation with the WHO mission.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the White House "clearly support this investigation", but shared criticism that China concealed information. 
Asked if China had fully cooperated with the WHO team, Price told reporters: "I think the jury's still out."

Virus sources

Daszak heads US-based non-profit EcoHealth Alliance, which monitors epidemic outbreaks and has partnered for more than a decade with the Wuhan Institute of Virology on joint research of coronaviruses.

He has been one of the most vocal proponents of a natural origin and in comments to AFP last year dismissed the possibility of a leak from the Wuhan lab as a politically motivated "conspiracy theory" pushed by Trump.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-birth-rate-falls-in-2020-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-362624">China's birth rate falls in 2020 amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Last year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated a US government grant supporting the group’s joint research with the Wuhan facility, a move the scientific community criticized as political.&nbsp;

Despite failing to find the virus origins a year after the pandemic began, the team of foreign experts in China did agree it likely jumped from bats to an unknown animal species before transmitting to humans.

They also concluded the theory of lab experiment gone wrong was "extremely unlikely", while introducing new avenues of inquiry -- chiming with China's view that it may have originated overseas or have been spread by frozen foods.

(With AFP inputs)

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable. His comments came after Washington cast doubts on the transparency of the probe.

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable. His comments came after Washington cast doubts on the transparency of the probe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) mission ended on Tuesday without finding the source of the virus. Members of the team sent by the WHO had to do a balancing act as they walked a diplomatic tightrope. Chinese authorities closely followed the WHO team as it visited places within China, including the Wuhan market which is considered to be the origin of the pandemic. Very little information was forthcoming and bits trickled out via personal Twitter accounts during the mission. More details emerged as the team members prepared to leave China. Peter Daszak, a member of the WHO team, waded directly into the murky geopolitics which covers the pandemic origin story. President Joe Biden "has to look tough on China", he said in a tweet adding: "Please don't rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump & frankly wrong on many aspects." Daszak also tweeted that they worked "flat out under the most politically charged environment possible". Well now this👇. @JoeBiden has to look tough on China. Please don’t rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump & frankly wrong on many aspects. Happy to help WH w/ their quest to verify, but don’t forget it’s “TRUST” then “VERIFY”! https://t.co/ukaNAkDfEG — Peter Daszak (@PeterDaszak) February 10, 2021 × His comments were linked to an article referencing US state department comments which cast doubt over the transparency of China's co-operation with the WHO mission. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the White House "clearly support this investigation", but shared criticism that China concealed information. Asked if China had fully cooperated with the WHO team, Price told reporters: "I think the jury's still out." Virus sources Daszak heads US-based non-profit EcoHealth Alliance, which monitors epidemic outbreaks and has partnered for more than a decade with the Wuhan Institute of Virology on joint research of coronaviruses. He has been one of the most vocal proponents of a natural origin and in comments to AFP last year dismissed the possibility of a leak from the Wuhan lab as a politically motivated "conspiracy theory" pushed by Trump. Also Read | China's birth rate falls in 2020 amid coronavirus pandemic Last year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated a US government grant supporting the group’s joint research with the Wuhan facility, a move the scientific community criticized as political. Despite failing to find the virus origins a year after the pandemic began, the team of foreign experts in China did agree it likely jumped from bats to an unknown animal species before transmitting to humans. They also concluded the theory of lab experiment gone wrong was "extremely unlikely", while introducing new avenues of inquiry -- chiming with China's view that it may have originated overseas or have been spread by frozen foods. (With AFP inputs)

'Don't rely too much' on COVID intel from US, says WHO team member

An early start to the pollen season in the US, this coupled with fossil fuel burning is one of the many consequences of climate change. WION brings you a report on how climate change is impacting the lives of many Americans.

Climate change is causing early pollen season in US

US layoffs eased in December and job openings increased modestly, suggesting the decline in employment that month was largely due to companies cutting back on hiring amid uncertainty caused by a raging COVID-19 pandemic.

World Business Watch: US job openings to rise in December, small businesses desperate for workers

The impeachment trial of US' Former President Donald Trump has begun. Senate has declared it constitutional on the very first day. By a vote of 56 to 44, the Senate rejected arguments by Trump's attorneys, who asserted that holding an impeachment trial of a former president is unconstitutional.

US: Impeachment trial of Ex-President Trump begins

Two US carrier groups conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea, days after China condemned sailing of the destroyer USS John S McCain. China denounced the United States for damaging peace and stability.

Two US Carriers hold drills in South China Sea

US Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers laid out their case against his impeachment, arguing that his second trial is unconstitutional. They called the trial an 'act of political theatre'.

Historic moment for American presidency | Trump face second impeachment trial

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the frequent moves by U.S. warships and aircraft into the South China Sea in a “show of force” was not conducive to regional peace and stability.

Two U.S. carrier groups conduct exercises in South China Sea

The United States said that it would re-engage with the UN Human Rights Council, nearly three years after former president Donald Trump’s administration withdrew.

US moves to re-engage with UN Human Rights Council

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Gravitas: Time to turn Quad into a formal alliance?

Gravitas: Time to turn Quad into a formal alliance?

Why is it so cold in US? What exactly is the Polar vortex

Churchill wartime painting gift to Roosevelt up for auction

US to pay $200 million in WHO obligations: Blinken

US vows to 'hold accountable those responsible' for Arbil attack

Gravitas: The West is struggling with Wuhan Virus

US: Millions without power in Texas as snow blankets Southern plains

Iran, Russia begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean to 'enhance security'

US reassures Turkey over executions after Erdogan calls response 'a joke'

Democrats demand a 9/11-style commission on deadly Capitol riot

Republican and Democrats are proposing for fresh enquiry in case of Donald Trump

Winters storm brings snow, ice to Oklahoma, Texas

COVID-19: Virus undergoes further mutation

After TikTok, Biden team seeks pause in litigation over WeChat ban in US

Gravitas: A 'stunning' video from Capitol riots

US: CDC recommends wearing double-mask, can help reduce COVID-19 transmission

US freezes $1 Million worth assets after military coup in Myanmar

US: In Senate, Democrats show unseen videos of attack on the Capitol hill

Day 2 of Trump's impeachment: Senators witness never-before-seen footage of Capitol attack

Dump Russian missile system, US tells Turkey again

Biden team asks court to pause move to ban TikTok as US reviews security

U.S. to conduct independent review of W.H.O data from Wuhan

'Don't rely too much' on COVID intel from US, says WHO team member