Iranian foreign minister Muhammad Jawad Zarif has accused the US President Donald Trump of attempting to fabricate a pretext to attack Iran.

Iran's commander vows ‘resistance’ a year after US killing of Soleimani

For the first time in his presidency, the United States Congress voted overwhelmingly to override Donald Trump’s veto of a defence spending bill.

For the first time in his tenure, US Congress overrides Trump’s veto of Defence bill

As the world entered a new year, the US topped 20 million COVID-19 cases, even though the celebrations this year were highly muted due to the widespread of the novel coronavirus.

The death toll of the US crossed 346,000 on the first day of the new year in the country, making the US the worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/does-new-covid-19-strain-affect-young-people-more-353928" hreflang="en">Does new Covid-19 strain affect young people more?</a>

This new high in the coronavirus cases has come a few days after the US started its mass vaccination programme after Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were given a go-ahead by the US'&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since the approval, nearly 2.8 million people have already been administered with a shot of the coronavirus vaccine, including some the outgoing Vie President Mike Pence, incoming VP Kamala Harris and incoming President Joe Biden.

The rise in the figure has come a day after several locals flocked out on the streets to celebrate the new year, giving rise to many new infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-attempts-to-rewrite-the-story-of-wuhan-with-a-party-353936">WATCH|</a>

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"The current situation is not rosy, there's a hole because there's an absence of other approved vaccines and we have to fill this gap," BioNTech co-founder Ugur Sahin said in an interaction with local media.

Meanwhile, the outgoing US President Donald Trump has hailed the vaccine rollout, urging people to give him the 'due credit'. He has assured people that everyone will soon be receiving the vaccine very soon — which he earlier promised to would be the end of 2020. "Our most vulnerable citizens are already receiving the vaccine, and millions of doses are quickly being shipped all across our country," he said.

As the world entered a new year, the US topped 20 million COVID-19 cases, even though the celebrations this year were highly muted due to the widespread of the novel coronavirus.

As the world entered a new year, the US topped 20 million COVID-19 cases, even though the celebrations this year were highly muted due to the widespread of the novel coronavirus. The death toll of the US crossed 346,000 on the first day of the new year in the country, making the US the worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Does new Covid-19 strain affect young people more? This new high in the coronavirus cases has come a few days after the US started its mass vaccination programme after Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were given a go-ahead by the US' Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since the approval, nearly 2.8 million people have already been administered with a shot of the coronavirus vaccine, including some the outgoing Vie President Mike Pence, incoming VP Kamala Harris and incoming President Joe Biden. The rise in the figure has come a day after several locals flocked out on the streets to celebrate the new year, giving rise to many new infections. WATCH| × "The current situation is not rosy, there's a hole because there's an absence of other approved vaccines and we have to fill this gap," BioNTech co-founder Ugur Sahin said in an interaction with local media. Meanwhile, the outgoing US President Donald Trump has hailed the vaccine rollout, urging people to give him the 'due credit'. He has assured people that everyone will soon be receiving the vaccine very soon — which he earlier promised to would be the end of 2020. "Our most vulnerable citizens are already receiving the vaccine, and millions of doses are quickly being shipped all across our country," he said.

US crosses 20 million coronavirus cases on new year

The coronavirus pandemic has dominated living room discussions and global headlines all through 2020. The virus continues to make news this holiday season as well. In America despite public health warnings to not travel, many boarded plane to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. Meanwhile, Europe is receiving the first shipment of a coronavirus vaccine. WION-VOA Co-production brings you a report.

COVID-19 surge during holidays in US

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has begun the process of delisting three Chinese telecoms companies as it seeks to comply with an order by the Trump administration barring investment in firms with ties to the Chinese military.

It comes as relations between the world's two biggest economies spiral downwards over sore points ranging from trade and the coronavirus to Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

China Mobile Ltd, China Telecom Corp Ltd, and China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd will be suspended from trading between January 7 and January 11. The three Chinese companies have separate listings in Hong Kong.

Quantitative hedge fund managers including Renaissance Technologies LLC, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and Two Sigma Investments LP were among the largest holders in these US listings. The stakes they held at the end of September were, however, small.

In November, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning Americans from investing in Chinese companies deemed to be supplying or supporting Beijing's military and security apparatus, earning a sharp rebuke from China.

The order listed 31 companies it said China was using for the "increasing exploitation" of US investment capital to fund military and intelligence services, including the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction.

To this end, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US of slandering its military-civilian integration policies and vowed to protect the country’s companies.

Under his "America First" banner, Trump has portrayed China as the greatest threat to the United States and global democracy, pursued a trade war with it, harangued Chinese tech firms, and laid all the blame for the coronavirus pandemic at Beijing's door.

Other index providers including MSCI Inc, S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices and Nasdaq have deleted various Chinese firms from their listings.

The US Federal Communications Commission in May barred China Mobile from operating in the US.

(with inputs)

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has begun the process of delisting three Chinese telecoms companies as it seeks to comply with an order by the Trump administration barring investment in firms with ties to the Chinese military.

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has begun the process of delisting three Chinese telecoms companies as it seeks to comply with an order by the Trump administration barring investment in firms with ties to the Chinese military. It comes as relations between the world's two biggest economies spiral downwards over sore points ranging from trade and the coronavirus to Hong Kong and Xinjiang. China Mobile Ltd, China Telecom Corp Ltd, and China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd will be suspended from trading between January 7 and January 11. The three Chinese companies have separate listings in Hong Kong. Quantitative hedge fund managers including Renaissance Technologies LLC, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and Two Sigma Investments LP were among the largest holders in these US listings. The stakes they held at the end of September were, however, small. In November, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning Americans from investing in Chinese companies deemed to be supplying or supporting Beijing's military and security apparatus, earning a sharp rebuke from China. The order listed 31 companies it said China was using for the "increasing exploitation" of US investment capital to fund military and intelligence services, including the development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction. To this end, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US of slandering its military-civilian integration policies and vowed to protect the country’s companies. Under his "America First" banner, Trump has portrayed China as the greatest threat to the United States and global democracy, pursued a trade war with it, harangued Chinese tech firms, and laid all the blame for the coronavirus pandemic at Beijing's door. Other index providers including MSCI Inc, S&P Dow Jones Indices and Nasdaq have deleted various Chinese firms from their listings. The US Federal Communications Commission in May barred China Mobile from operating in the US. (with inputs)

New York Stock Exchange to delist Chinese telecom firms on US executive order

U.S. trade officials said on Wednesday they were increasing tariffs on certain European Union products, including aircraft-related parts and wines from France and Germany, amid an ongoing civil aircraft dispute between Washington and Brussels.

US slaps tariffs on French and German products

US increases tariffs on French and German wines, aircraft parts amid EU dispute

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday demanded that China release a citizen journalist jailed for reports from Wuhan, accusing Beijing of seeking to cover up the Covid-19 pandemic.

U.S. Sec of state Mike Pompeo urges release of Wuhan citizen journalist

Nearly 2.1 million people have cast ballots in the U.S. Senate runoff election in Georgia that will determine whether Democrats control both chambers of Congress and the fate of Biden’s agenda.

U.S. judge orders two Georgia counties to halt voter purge

The Justice Department is prepared to take action if Pakistani officials fail in their bid to reverse a court-ordered release of Omar Sheikh.

'Will not allow Daniel Pearl's killer Omar Sheikh to evade justice': US Justice Dept

US President Donald Trump has signed a bill that reaffirms the right of Tibetans to pick the next Dalai Lama. The law also includes a demand for a consulate in Tibet. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how 5 provisions of this new law strengthen the 'Free Tibet' campaign.

Gravitas: US to demand a consulate in Tibet

Setting the tone for the US-China ties for the next four years, President-elect Joe Biden said that Washington needs to build a coalition of like-minded nations to confront Beijing.

US-China ties: Biden says coalition needed of like-minded  nations to confront Beijing

United States President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday claimed that the US is facing "four historic crises at once". The soon to be elected leader of the US claimed that his team is attempting to tackle the challenges ahead before he takes charge of the office of the president later in January.&nbsp;

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Biden was referring to the crisis of COVID-19 along with climate change, racial injustice, and the economic condition of the country. 
 
"From COVID-19 and the economy to climate change and racial justice -- our nation is facing four historic crises at once. And come January, there will be no time to waste. That`s why my team and I are hard at work preparing to take action on day one," Biden tweeted.

A few hours after Biden's tweet, incumbent President Donald Trump signed the coronavirus relief bill, which will ensure that Americans receive government aid.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump signed a $1.4 trillion spending bill and accompanying $900 billion economic stimulus package into law on Sunday evening, averting a Tuesday government shutdown and clearing the way for $600 stimulus checks and $300 weekly enhanced unemployment benefits after nearly a week's delay and under pressure from all sides.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-900-billion-covid-relief-bill-days-after-he-suggested-he-would-block-it-352808" hreflang="en">Trump signs $900 billion Covid relief bill days after he suggested he would block it</a>

On Saturday, Biden had called out Trump for "abdicating responsibility", and urged Trump to immediately sign the coronavirus relief bill which was cleared by the US house earlier, and required Trump's signature. 
 
"It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don`t know if they`ll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump`s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority," Biden said in a statement.

The $2.3 trillion package was passed with bipartisan support in the US Congress, and members of both the parties had urged Trump to sign the historic bill.

Earlier, on Sunday, Dr Anthony Fauci, top infectious disease expert in the US warned that the US was headed for the worst of COVID-19 in the coming few weeks, with Americans travel during the holiday season.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-situation-in-us-may-worsen-after-holidays-dr-fauci-352793" hreflang="en">COVID-19 situation in US may worsen after holidays: Dr Fauci</a> 
 
"The reason I`m concerned and my colleagues in public health are concerned also is that we very well might see a post-seasonal, in the sense of Christmas, New Year`s, surge," CNN quoted Fauci as saying.

US President-elect Joe Biden last week said that the "darkest days'' against COVID-19 are still making inlays in the US, claiming the worst is ''ahead of us, not behind us''.

On Sunday, the US had surpassed the 19-million mark for the number of cases, the highest ever in the world.

The country`s current death toll stands at 333,069.

United States President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday claimed that the US is facing "four historic crises at once". The soon to be elected leader of the US claimed that his team is attempting to tackle the challenges ahead before he takes charge of the office of the president later in January.

United States President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday claimed that the US is facing "four historic crises at once". The soon to be elected leader of the US claimed that his team is attempting to tackle the challenges ahead before he takes charge of the office of the president later in January. Biden was referring to the crisis of COVID-19 along with climate change, racial injustice, and the economic condition of the country. "From COVID-19 and the economy to climate change and racial justice -- our nation is facing four historic crises at once. And come January, there will be no time to waste. That`s why my team and I are hard at work preparing to take action on day one," Biden tweeted. A few hours after Biden's tweet, incumbent President Donald Trump signed the coronavirus relief bill, which will ensure that Americans receive government aid. President Donald Trump signed a $1.4 trillion spending bill and accompanying $900 billion economic stimulus package into law on Sunday evening, averting a Tuesday government shutdown and clearing the way for $600 stimulus checks and $300 weekly enhanced unemployment benefits after nearly a week's delay and under pressure from all sides. Also read: Trump signs $900 billion Covid relief bill days after he suggested he would block it On Saturday, Biden had called out Trump for "abdicating responsibility", and urged Trump to immediately sign the coronavirus relief bill which was cleared by the US house earlier, and required Trump's signature. "It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don`t know if they`ll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump`s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority," Biden said in a statement. The $2.3 trillion package was passed with bipartisan support in the US Congress, and members of both the parties had urged Trump to sign the historic bill. Earlier, on Sunday, Dr Anthony Fauci, top infectious disease expert in the US warned that the US was headed for the worst of COVID-19 in the coming few weeks, with Americans travel during the holiday season. Also read: COVID-19 situation in US may worsen after holidays: Dr Fauci "The reason I`m concerned and my colleagues in public health are concerned also is that we very well might see a post-seasonal, in the sense of Christmas, New Year`s, surge," CNN quoted Fauci as saying. US President-elect Joe Biden last week said that the "darkest days'' against COVID-19 are still making inlays in the US, claiming the worst is ''ahead of us, not behind us''. On Sunday, the US had surpassed the 19-million mark for the number of cases, the highest ever in the world. The country`s current death toll stands at 333,069.

United States is facing 'four historic crises at once', says President-elect Joe Biden

China expressed anger on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law measures to further bolster support for Taiwan and Tibet, which had been included in a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid and spending package.

WION Dispatch: Trump reaffirms Tibetans' right to choose successor

Coronavirus pandemic has shatters economies, However China in particular seems to have recover rather well according to the think tank. So much so that it will expected to overtake the United States and become the world’s biggest economy in 2028, five years earlier than previously estimated.

China to become the world's biggest economy by 2028

The vehicle explosion that rocked United states is believed to be an intentional act as being describe by the police, three people injured in Nashville Christmas blast. Explosion shatters several other vehicles and damages buildings.

Nashville explosion : Human remains found in blast vicinity

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber will hold a recorded vote on the stimulus-check increase on Monday.

US lawmakers block Trump’s requested changes on Covid-19 relief bill

In Phase 1a of the vaccine rollout, health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities are prioritized.

U.S. vaccination dilemma: No clarity on how essential workers will be verified

Violence surged ahead of elections in the Central African Republic. Both Russia and U.S. are volunteering to help stabilise the situation. What's bringing world powers to this civil war-ravaged nation? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: U.S., Russia spar for dominance in Central Africa

Donald Trump is on a pardon spree. Allies, loyalists and family members close to Donald Trump are being pardoned. This includes the father of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Is the US President misusing the #PresidentialPardon? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Donald Trump is on a pardon spree

The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month.

Announcement of the virtual presence follows US President Donald Trump's surprise declaration in early December supporting Morocco's control of the desert territory, which is claimed by the Algerian-backed pro-independence Polisario Front rebels.

The move was part of a larger agreement revealed by Trump, under which Morocco became the latest Arab state to recognize Israel.

Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to the US president, took his seat Tuesday alongside an Israeli delegation on the first Israel-Morocco direct commercial flight, before signing a declaration which provides for the opening of a US consulate in the Western Sahara port city of Dakhla.

"Pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Thursday.

"Effective immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara," he added in a statement, specifying that the post would be "followed soon by a fully functioning consulate."

"This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat" with a focus on promoting economic and social development, Pompeo said, without providing a timetable for the consulate.

He added that the United States "will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the Polisario."

The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month.

The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month. Announcement of the virtual presence follows US President Donald Trump's surprise declaration in early December supporting Morocco's control of the desert territory, which is claimed by the Algerian-backed pro-independence Polisario Front rebels. The move was part of a larger agreement revealed by Trump, under which Morocco became the latest Arab state to recognize Israel. Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to the US president, took his seat Tuesday alongside an Israeli delegation on the first Israel-Morocco direct commercial flight, before signing a declaration which provides for the opening of a US consulate in the Western Sahara port city of Dakhla. "Pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Thursday. "Effective immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara," he added in a statement, specifying that the post would be "followed soon by a fully functioning consulate." "This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat" with a focus on promoting economic and social development, Pompeo said, without providing a timetable for the consulate. He added that the United States "will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the Polisario."

US opens ‘virtual’ presence in Western Sahara ahead of the consulate

US weapons manufacturer Raytheon Technologies Corp will be able to sell the weapons directly to the Saudis when it receives the licence

Trump administration pushing $498m arms sale to Saudi Arabia: Reports

The mayor said he was "greatly" disturbed that the officer did not turn on the body camera until after the shooting.

Ohio police officer kills Black man while body camera switched off prior shooting

American airlines furloughed nearly 19,000 employees after a first federal payroll support package for airlines expired in October.

American Airlines begins recalling 19,000 furloughed workers

Donald Trump issues a wave of pardons, including former Blackwater security guards convicted for killing Iraqi civilians in 2007. This has cast a shadow over the most powerful & controversial tool in American constitution. Molly Gambhir explains the U.S. Presidential Power.

Most notable pardons in U.S. history

They were convicted in 2014 after a months-long trial in Washington’s federal court, and each man defiantly asserted his innocence at a sentencing hearing the following year.

Donald Trump pardons 4 Blackwater guards convicted of 2007 Iraq massacre

As U.S. industries push for their workers to receive early access to COVID-19 vaccines, local health departments and pharmacies face the challenge of verifying the identity of essential workers to ensure no one cuts the line.

US vaccine rollout's next challenge: How to verify an 'essential' worker?

The United States economy expanded at a record 33.4 percent annual pace from July through September.

US Q3 GDP estimate gets a slight upgrade to 33.4% growth

The U.S. Congress on Monday passed a bill that is expected to upgrade U.S. support for Tibetans in key areas, including sanctioning Chinese officials if they try to appoint the next Dalai Lama.

U.S. congress passes landmark bill in support of Tibet

Biden has pledged to rejoin the Paris agreement “on day one of my presidency”. He has similarly indicated he would revive the Iran nuclear deal as a top foreign policy objective.

Trump loyalists aim to block Biden's goal to rejoin Iran and Paris agreements

The United States has suffered from its deadliest week from COVID-19, 18,481 lives have been lost in just one week, that is one death in every 33 second.

Your Story: United States suffers deadly week from COVID-19, loses 1 life every 33 seconds

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