The maker of Purdue pharmaceuticals has pleaded guilty to to three federal criminal charges for production & sales of opioid drugs. The pharma giant has agreed to pay more than $8.3 billion.

Purdue Pharma to plead guilty; Pay $8.3 billion over opioids

United States' Director of National intelligence, John Ratcliffe has said that Russia & Iran have both taken actions to trying to interfere in the 2020 presidential election.

US intel agencies: Iran & Russia have tried to interfere in 2020 election

In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, US has designated operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. Such a designation requires the outlets to inform the US State Department of their personnel rosters and real-estate holdings. US Secretary of Stae Mike Pompeo said that the fresh step was taken to resist communist propoganda. Pompeo also said that the US is going to start a dialogue with European Union on China.

The State Department named the newly designated publications as the Yicai Global, Jiefang Daily, the Xinmin Evening News, Social Sciences in China Press, the Beijing Review, and the Economic Daily. It brought to 15 the number of Chinese media outlets so designated this year.

It was the latest U.S. step to curb Chinese activity in the United States in the run-up to the Nov. 3 presidential election, in which President Donald Trump has made a tough approach to China a key foreign policy theme.

Pompeo said the move was part of efforts to push back against "Chinese communist propaganda efforts" in the United States.

"They are also substantially owned, or effectively controlled by a foreign government," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-what-to-expect-as-donald-trump-joe-biden-gear-up-for-final-presidential-debate-337034">What to expect as Donald Trump, Joe Biden gear up for final debate</a>

"We are not placing any restrictions on what these outlets can publish in the United States; we simply want to ensure that American people, consumers of information can differentiate between news written by a free press and propaganda distributed by the Chinese Communist Party itself. Not the same thing."

The editor-in-chief of Chinese state-backed Global Times newspaper said in a tweet that the U.S. had "gone too far" and that China would retaliate.

"As long as Chinese media outlets suffer actual harm, Beijing will definitely retaliate, and US media outlets' operation in HK could be included in retaliation list," Hu Xijin said.

The State Department has required Chinese media outlets to register as foreign missions and announced in March it was cutting the number of journalists allowed to work at U.S. offices of major Chinese media outlets to 100 from 160.

In response, China expelled about a dozen American correspondents with the New York Times, News Corp's Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

The United States also said last month it would require senior Chinese diplomats to get State Department approval before visiting U.S. university campuses or holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

China's embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Washington designated four major Chinese media outlets as foreign embassies in June and five in February.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, US has designated operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. Such a designation requires the outlets to inform the US State Department of their personnel rosters and real-estate holdings.

In a fresh step in its confrontation with China, US has designated operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions. Such a designation requires the outlets to inform the US State Department of their personnel rosters and real-estate holdings. US Secretary of Stae Mike Pompeo said that the fresh step was taken to resist communist propoganda. Pompeo also said that the US is going to start a dialogue with European Union on China. The State Department named the newly designated publications as the Yicai Global, Jiefang Daily, the Xinmin Evening News, Social Sciences in China Press, the Beijing Review, and the Economic Daily. It brought to 15 the number of Chinese media outlets so designated this year. It was the latest U.S. step to curb Chinese activity in the United States in the run-up to the Nov. 3 presidential election, in which President Donald Trump has made a tough approach to China a key foreign policy theme. Pompeo said the move was part of efforts to push back against "Chinese communist propaganda efforts" in the United States. "They are also substantially owned, or effectively controlled by a foreign government," he said. Also Read: What to expect as Donald Trump, Joe Biden gear up for final debate "We are not placing any restrictions on what these outlets can publish in the United States; we simply want to ensure that American people, consumers of information can differentiate between news written by a free press and propaganda distributed by the Chinese Communist Party itself. Not the same thing." The editor-in-chief of Chinese state-backed Global Times newspaper said in a tweet that the U.S. had "gone too far" and that China would retaliate. "As long as Chinese media outlets suffer actual harm, Beijing will definitely retaliate, and US media outlets' operation in HK could be included in retaliation list," Hu Xijin said. The State Department has required Chinese media outlets to register as foreign missions and announced in March it was cutting the number of journalists allowed to work at U.S. offices of major Chinese media outlets to 100 from 160. In response, China expelled about a dozen American correspondents with the New York Times, News Corp's Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. The United States also said last month it would require senior Chinese diplomats to get State Department approval before visiting U.S. university campuses or holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside mission grounds. China's embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Washington designated four major Chinese media outlets as foreign embassies in June and five in February. (With Reuters inputs)

Days ahead of elections, US designates six Chinese firms as foreign missions

Joe Biden's not-so-secret weapon Barack Obama to make his debut at the campaign trail. The former Commander-in-chief will headline a drive-in rally in the key swing state of Pennsylvania. Can Obama end trump's presidency?

Biden's former boss comes to the rescue

In the US, major insurance companies have doubled their profits amid the pandemic. While Insurers in India are facing the charge of denying payments. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Coronavirus and Health insurance: The business of pandemic

The US charged six current and former members of Russia’s military intelligence agency for allegedly carrying out some of the world’s most destructive hacking attacks from 2015 to 2019.

Your Story: US charges 6 Russian intelligence agents over cyberattacks

The Quad now has a distinct military dimension. Australia will now join India, US, and Japan in the Malabar Exercise next month. While Japan is arming a rival of China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how an Indo-Pacific alliance against China is taking shape.

Gravitas: Countering the Dragon: How an Indo-Pacific alliance is taking shape

Australia is set to join the Malabar trilateral naval exercise comprising India, Japan and US. The naval exercises will have all 4 Quad members now.

News Alert: Australia to join Malabar naval exercise for the first time

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies.&nbsp;

Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company.

If the scale of any merger is unprecedented, the country intends to launch investigations.

"If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up (like Fitbit)," he further told Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/twitter-issues-clarification-following-backlash-for-showing-jk-in-china-336376" hreflang="en">Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&amp;K in China</a>

He added that Japan is closely observing similar moves in the world, especially Europe. ”We're closely watching developments including in Europe”, he added.

In August 2020, European Union regulators had initiated an investigation into a potential deal between Google and Fitbit. Alphabet’s Google was set to lock a $2.1 billion deal to counter Apple and Samsung in the wearable market.

After this move, the country will be able to effectively challenge market abuses by the four Big Tech companies - GAFA, or Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon which are currently under scrutiny in Europe and the United States.

Furuya further told Reuters that GAFA companies follow similar business practices globally, and called global coordination “crucial”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251" hreflang="en">Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google</a>

"This is an area I will push through aggressively. “We'll work closely with our US and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition”, he said.

Furuya took charge of the position in September, and also suggested that they would also be observing Japan’s phone market.

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company.

Japan is likely to join the United States and Europe to regulate the “Big Tech” companies. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) told Reuters on Monday that the country could also initiate a probe into mergers and dealings that involve Fitbit, a fitness tracker company. If the scale of any merger is unprecedented, the country intends to launch investigations. "If the size of any merger or business-tie up is big, we can launch an anti-monopoly investigation into the buyer's process of acquiring a start-up (like Fitbit)," he further told Reuters. Also read: Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China He added that Japan is closely observing similar moves in the world, especially Europe. ”We're closely watching developments including in Europe”, he added. In August 2020, European Union regulators had initiated an investigation into a potential deal between Google and Fitbit. Alphabet’s Google was set to lock a $2.1 billion deal to counter Apple and Samsung in the wearable market. After this move, the country will be able to effectively challenge market abuses by the four Big Tech companies - GAFA, or Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon which are currently under scrutiny in Europe and the United States. Furuya further told Reuters that GAFA companies follow similar business practices globally, and called global coordination “crucial”. Also read: Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google "This is an area I will push through aggressively. “We'll work closely with our US and European counterparts, and respond if to any moves that hamper competition”, he said. Furuya took charge of the position in September, and also suggested that they would also be observing Japan’s phone market.

Japan likely to join US, Europe in regulation of Big Tech companies

According to a report the Chinese government has warned the US that it may detain Americans in China in response to the justice department’s prosecution of Chinese military-affiliated scholars.

China responds to FBI's detention of Chinese scholars

Thousands of women took to the streets of Washington DC & across the United States on Saturday as part of the women march against President Donald Trump's recent nominee to the Supreme Court Amy Coney Barrett.

US: Protest erupt against Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick

The US & Israeli delegations have landed in Bahrain to move forward on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

Historic flight from Israel to Bahrain; Ceremony to mark the formalisation of ties

China warns US of detaining Americans over prosecutions: Report

Bosses of tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have declined to appear before a panel of US Senate, said a Republican Senator. The panel had unanimously voted on Thursday to summon Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google's Sundar Pichai. They were to be questioned by the Commerce Committee of the US Senate on disinformation, online scams and a range of social ills.

"After extending an invitation to these executives, I regret that they have again declined to participate and answer questions on the record about issues that are so visible and urgent to the American people," said Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the panel.

Big tech platforms face heightened scrutiny on monopoly concerns. They are also on line for failing to stop the spread of hateful content.

"We have questioned how they are protecting and securing the data of millions of Americans, we've explored how they're combating disinformation fraud and other online scams, we've examined whether they are providing a safe and secure internet experience for children and teens," said Wicker.

Big Tech firms, including Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, have seen their economic power grow in recent years and accelerate during the coronavirus pandemic, dominating a range of economic sectors.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fumes-as-facebook-twitter-limit-reach-of-smoking-gun-article-on-biden-and-his-son-335344">Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son</a>

President Donald Trump and his allies have claimed tech platforms are biased against conservatives, despite his own vast social media following.

Democrats meanwhile have expressed concerns over monopoly abuses and the failure of social media to stem misinformation from Trump himself.

Lawmakers from both parties have called for changes to the legal liability shield of online services under a law known as Section 230, claiming the provision enables toxic and harmful content to proliferate.

Google and Facebook are also under scrutiny by federal and state antitrust regulators.

(With inputs from AFP)

Bosses of tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have declined to appear before a panel of US Senate, said a Republican Senator. The panel had unanimously voted on Thursday to summon Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google's Sundar Pichai.

Bosses of tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have declined to appear before a panel of US Senate, said a Republican Senator. The panel had unanimously voted on Thursday to summon Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google's Sundar Pichai. They were to be questioned by the Commerce Committee of the US Senate on disinformation, online scams and a range of social ills. "After extending an invitation to these executives, I regret that they have again declined to participate and answer questions on the record about issues that are so visible and urgent to the American people," said Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the panel. Big tech platforms face heightened scrutiny on monopoly concerns. They are also on line for failing to stop the spread of hateful content. "We have questioned how they are protecting and securing the data of millions of Americans, we've explored how they're combating disinformation fraud and other online scams, we've examined whether they are providing a safe and secure internet experience for children and teens," said Wicker. Big Tech firms, including Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, have seen their economic power grow in recent years and accelerate during the coronavirus pandemic, dominating a range of economic sectors. Also Read | Trump fumes as Facebook, Twitter limit reach of 'smoking gun' article on Biden and his son President Donald Trump and his allies have claimed tech platforms are biased against conservatives, despite his own vast social media following. Democrats meanwhile have expressed concerns over monopoly abuses and the failure of social media to stem misinformation from Trump himself. Lawmakers from both parties have called for changes to the legal liability shield of online services under a law known as Section 230, claiming the provision enables toxic and harmful content to proliferate. Google and Facebook are also under scrutiny by federal and state antitrust regulators. (With inputs from AFP)

Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, Sundar Pichai decline to appear before US Senate

The US has named a Special Coordinator on Tibet. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the Quad alliance can play a role in holding China accountable for rights violations.

Gravitas: The US appoints Special Coordinator for Tibet

Europe is grappling with the second wave of coronavirus and the governments are raising to impose stricter restrictions but the question is is it too late to? Watch report.

Europe faces 'exponential growth' in coronavirus cases

The fight between China and the United States is only intensifying. The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election"> presidential election</a> is barely weeks away but that hasn't stopped the Trump administration from taking on China. Perhaps the election is the reason <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> is going after China so strongly.

Whatever be the reason, the relationship is going downhill. The latest point of contention is Tibet. The United States has appointed a Tibet coordinator — a senior human rights official.

He will "promote a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China."

The post is not new but&nbsp;it's been lying vacant since Trump came to power.&nbsp;Now, in the thick of the election, he has filled the vacancy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-trying-repair-the-damage-done-by-its-wolf-warriors-335570">Also read|&nbsp;How China is trying repair the damage done by its wolf warriors</a>

The message is clear, America doesn't want to leave any opportunity to pull China down.&nbsp;

Robert Destro, the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labour will take this job. The announcement comes right after China's re-election to the UN Human Rights Council — a&nbsp;council that America left two years ago.

The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo briefed the press yesterday. He used the opportunity to once again criticise China on its human rights violations.

"Whether it's Xinjiang, what's taking place there, whether it's Tibet, we've talked about that a little bit here this morning, whether that's in inner Mongolia and the inner Mongolians simple desire to live in freedom and exercise their own understandings of what freedom and human dignity look like. In each of those places and in Hong Kong, in each of those places, we simply are demanding of the chinese communist party what we ask of every nation is to preserve basic freedoms, human dignity, religious freedom for every one of their citizens," Pompeo said.

Clearly, the United States wanted to make a statement. They wanted to highlight China's persecution of minorities&nbsp;on a day when China was re-elected to the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-city-where-china-welcomed-the-world-xi-prepares-for-a-colder-one-335458">Also read|&nbsp;In city where China welcomed the world, Xi prepares for a colder one</a>

So what will America's new appointee do?

Beijing has never dealt with the special coordinator for Tibet and it won't deal with this one either. China criticised the appointment and said the US&nbsp;is meddling in its internal affairs.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of Chinese ministry of foreign affairs said,&nbsp;"The establishment of the so-called 'special coordinator for tibetan issues' by the US is totally out of political manipulation and aiming to interfere in China's internal affairs and undermine the development and stability of Tibet. China always firmly opposed it and has never recognized it."

Such statements may not make any difference to America's approach. This month, the United States, alongside 39 other countries, raised China's rights violations at the United Nations.

A joint statement was presented to the General Assembly. It demanded that independent observers including the UN Human Rights Chief must have unfettered access to Xinjiang where more than one million muslims are facing persecution.

Last month, Mike Pompeo led a campaign to the Vatican. He urged the Pope to condemn China's human rights abuses. He was denied a meeting with the Pope, but Pompeo did communicate his stand to the Vatican's top officials.

In July, the US state department&nbsp;barred the Chinese officials who restrict access to Tibet.

Chinese authorities who have restricted journalists, tourists, diplomats or American officials won't be able to get an American visa now.

The US has taken a tough stand against China on the issue of human rights.

What it needs is global consensus and the support, at least of the quad — Australia, Japan and India — to counter China on this.

The fight between China and the United States is only intensifying. The presidential election is barely weeks away but that hasn't stopped the Trump administration from taking on China.

The fight between China and the United States is only intensifying. The presidential election is barely weeks away but that hasn't stopped the Trump administration from taking on China. Perhaps the election is the reason Donald Trump is going after China so strongly. Whatever be the reason, the relationship is going downhill. The latest point of contention is Tibet. The United States has appointed a Tibet coordinator — a senior human rights official. He will "promote a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China." The post is not new but it's been lying vacant since Trump came to power. Now, in the thick of the election, he has filled the vacancy. Also read| How China is trying repair the damage done by its wolf warriors The message is clear, America doesn't want to leave any opportunity to pull China down. Robert Destro, the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labour will take this job. The announcement comes right after China's re-election to the UN Human Rights Council — a council that America left two years ago. The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo briefed the press yesterday. He used the opportunity to once again criticise China on its human rights violations. "Whether it's Xinjiang, what's taking place there, whether it's Tibet, we've talked about that a little bit here this morning, whether that's in inner Mongolia and the inner Mongolians simple desire to live in freedom and exercise their own understandings of what freedom and human dignity look like. In each of those places and in Hong Kong, in each of those places, we simply are demanding of the chinese communist party what we ask of every nation is to preserve basic freedoms, human dignity, religious freedom for every one of their citizens," Pompeo said. Clearly, the United States wanted to make a statement. They wanted to highlight China's persecution of minorities on a day when China was re-elected to the Human Rights Council. Also read| In city where China welcomed the world, Xi prepares for a colder one So what will America's new appointee do? Beijing has never dealt with the special coordinator for Tibet and it won't deal with this one either. China criticised the appointment and said the US is meddling in its internal affairs. Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of Chinese ministry of foreign affairs said, "The establishment of the so-called 'special coordinator for tibetan issues' by the US is totally out of political manipulation and aiming to interfere in China's internal affairs and undermine the development and stability of Tibet. China always firmly opposed it and has never recognized it." Such statements may not make any difference to America's approach. This month, the United States, alongside 39 other countries, raised China's rights violations at the United Nations. A joint statement was presented to the General Assembly. It demanded that independent observers including the UN Human Rights Chief must have unfettered access to Xinjiang where more than one million muslims are facing persecution. Last month, Mike Pompeo led a campaign to the Vatican. He urged the Pope to condemn China's human rights abuses. He was denied a meeting with the Pope, but Pompeo did communicate his stand to the Vatican's top officials. In July, the US state department barred the Chinese officials who restrict access to Tibet. Chinese authorities who have restricted journalists, tourists, diplomats or American officials won't be able to get an American visa now. The US has taken a tough stand against China on the issue of human rights. What it needs is global consensus and the support, at least of the quad — Australia, Japan and India — to counter China on this.

US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China

President Donald Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday said it is an "open question" as to whether Trump could pardon himself while adding that the nation's top judicial body "can't control" whether a president obeys its decisions.

On the third day of her four-day Judiciary Committee hearing, Barrett also sought to allay Democratic fears that she would be an automatic vote to strike down the Obamacare healthcare law in a case due to be argued Nov. 10, promising an "open mind."

Barrett sidestepped questions from senators on the ability of presidents to evade efforts to hold them accountable.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/barretts-testimony-is-a-deft-mix-of-expertise-and-evasion-335202" hreflang="en">Barrett’s testimony is a deft mix of expertise and evasion</a>

Trump has said he has the "absolute power" to pardon himself, part of his executive clemency authority. Asked by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy whether a president has such power, Barrett said the "question has never been litigated."

"That question may or may not arise but it's one that calls for legal analysis of what the scope of the pardon power is. So because it would be opining on an open question when I haven't gone through the judicial process to decide it, it's not one on which I can offer a view," Barrett added.

Trump faces a criminal investigation about the conduct of himself and his businesses by a New York City prosecutor who is seeking his financial records and tax returns. Trump also has issued executive clemency to political allies and friends.

Barrett, a conservative federal appellate judge, is the Republican president's third selection for a lifetime job on the Supreme Court. Trump has asked the Senate, controlled by his fellow Republicans, to confirm her before the Nov. 3 U.S. election.

Barrett said "no one is above the law" but twice declined to answer directly when Leahy asked her whether a president who refuses to comply with a court order is a threat to the U.S. constitutional system of checks and balances within the three branches of government.

"The Supreme Court can't control whether or not the president obeys," Barrett said.

Supreme Court rulings, Barrett said, have the "force of law" but the court lacks enforcement power and relies on the other branches of government.

"A court can pronounce the law and issue a judgment but it lacks control over how the political branches respond to it," Barrett added.

Barrett declined to discuss whether Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution's "emoluments" clause with his business dealings, objecting to Leahy's characterization of the provision as an anti-corruption measure. The provision bar presidents from taking gifts or payments from foreign and state governments without congressional approval.

"I don't know if I would characterize it as an anti-corruption clause," Barrett said, adding that it was designed to "prevent foreign countries from having influence."

OBAMACARE CASE

Barrett could be on the high court for arguments in a challenge by Trump and Republican-led states to the 2010 law formally called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that has helped millions of Americans obtain medical coverage and includes protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

In response to Democratic suggestions that she would vote to strike down Obamacare in its entirety if one part is deemed unlawful, Barrett said that if a statute can be saved, it is a judge's duty to do so.

Barrett indicated she favors of a broad reading of the "severability doctrine" in which courts assume that when one provision of a law is unlawful, Congress would want the rest of the statute to remain in place. The Supreme Court has taken such an approach in recent years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/barrett-declining-to-detail-legal-views-says-she-will-not-be-a-pawn-of-trump-335274" hreflang="en">Barrett, declining to detail legal views, says she will not be ‘a pawn’ of Trump</a>

"I think insofar as it tries to effectuate what Congress would have wanted, it's the court and Congress working hand in hand," Barrett said of the doctrine.

When judges address the legal question raised in the Obamacare case, the "presumption" is that Congress did not intend the whole statute to fall, Barrett added.

"If I were on the court, and if a case involving the ACA came before me, I would approach it with an open mind," Barrett told Republican Senator John Cornyn.

Barrett has criticized previous Supreme Court rulings upholding Obamacare.

ABORTION RIGHTS

Barrett has faced questions on contentious social issues including abortion, which as a devout Catholic she personally opposes.

"This is history being made folks," Senator Lindsey Graham, the chairman of the panel, said. "This is the first time in American history that we've nominated a woman who is unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology, and she's going to the court."

Barrett, 48, would be the fifth woman ever to serve on the court.

Barrett reiterated her Tuesday comments that the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide was not a "super-precedent" that could never potentially be overturned. Barrett also said she has an "open mind" on whether to allow television coverage of Supreme Court proceedings.

Barrett's confirmation would give the court a 6-3 conservative majority. Republicans have a 53-47 Senate majority, making Barrett's confirmation a virtual certainty.

Democrats have said the winner of the presidential election should get to fill the court's vacancy left by the death of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The four-day hearing is scheduled to end on Thursday with testimony from outside witnesses. Republicans are preparing for a committee vote next week and a final Senate confirmation vote before the end of October. Trump nominated Barrett to a lifetime post on the court on Sept. 26.

President Donald Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday said it is an "open question" as to whether Trump could pardon himself while adding that the nation's top judicial body "can't control" whether a president obeys its decisions.

President Donald Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Wednesday said it is an "open question" as to whether Trump could pardon himself while adding that the nation's top judicial body "can't control" whether a president obeys its decisions. On the third day of her four-day Judiciary Committee hearing, Barrett also sought to allay Democratic fears that she would be an automatic vote to strike down the Obamacare healthcare law in a case due to be argued Nov. 10, promising an "open mind." Barrett sidestepped questions from senators on the ability of presidents to evade efforts to hold them accountable. Also read: Barrett’s testimony is a deft mix of expertise and evasion Trump has said he has the "absolute power" to pardon himself, part of his executive clemency authority. Asked by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy whether a president has such power, Barrett said the "question has never been litigated." "That question may or may not arise but it's one that calls for legal analysis of what the scope of the pardon power is. So because it would be opining on an open question when I haven't gone through the judicial process to decide it, it's not one on which I can offer a view," Barrett added. Trump faces a criminal investigation about the conduct of himself and his businesses by a New York City prosecutor who is seeking his financial records and tax returns. Trump also has issued executive clemency to political allies and friends. Barrett, a conservative federal appellate judge, is the Republican president's third selection for a lifetime job on the Supreme Court. Trump has asked the Senate, controlled by his fellow Republicans, to confirm her before the Nov. 3 U.S. election. Barrett said "no one is above the law" but twice declined to answer directly when Leahy asked her whether a president who refuses to comply with a court order is a threat to the U.S. constitutional system of checks and balances within the three branches of government. "The Supreme Court can't control whether or not the president obeys," Barrett said. Supreme Court rulings, Barrett said, have the "force of law" but the court lacks enforcement power and relies on the other branches of government. "A court can pronounce the law and issue a judgment but it lacks control over how the political branches respond to it," Barrett added. Barrett declined to discuss whether Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution's "emoluments" clause with his business dealings, objecting to Leahy's characterization of the provision as an anti-corruption measure. The provision bar presidents from taking gifts or payments from foreign and state governments without congressional approval. "I don't know if I would characterize it as an anti-corruption clause," Barrett said, adding that it was designed to "prevent foreign countries from having influence." OBAMACARE CASE Barrett could be on the high court for arguments in a challenge by Trump and Republican-led states to the 2010 law formally called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that has helped millions of Americans obtain medical coverage and includes protections for people with pre-existing conditions. In response to Democratic suggestions that she would vote to strike down Obamacare in its entirety if one part is deemed unlawful, Barrett said that if a statute can be saved, it is a judge's duty to do so. Barrett indicated she favors of a broad reading of the "severability doctrine" in which courts assume that when one provision of a law is unlawful, Congress would want the rest of the statute to remain in place. The Supreme Court has taken such an approach in recent years. Also read: Barrett, declining to detail legal views, says she will not be ‘a pawn’ of Trump "I think insofar as it tries to effectuate what Congress would have wanted, it's the court and Congress working hand in hand," Barrett said of the doctrine. When judges address the legal question raised in the Obamacare case, the "presumption" is that Congress did not intend the whole statute to fall, Barrett added. "If I were on the court, and if a case involving the ACA came before me, I would approach it with an open mind," Barrett told Republican Senator John Cornyn. Barrett has criticized previous Supreme Court rulings upholding Obamacare. ABORTION RIGHTS Barrett has faced questions on contentious social issues including abortion, which as a devout Catholic she personally opposes. "This is history being made folks," Senator Lindsey Graham, the chairman of the panel, said. "This is the first time in American history that we've nominated a woman who is unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology, and she's going to the court." Barrett, 48, would be the fifth woman ever to serve on the court. Barrett reiterated her Tuesday comments that the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide was not a "super-precedent" that could never potentially be overturned. Barrett also said she has an "open mind" on whether to allow television coverage of Supreme Court proceedings. Barrett's confirmation would give the court a 6-3 conservative majority. Republicans have a 53-47 Senate majority, making Barrett's confirmation a virtual certainty. Democrats have said the winner of the presidential election should get to fill the court's vacancy left by the death of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The four-day hearing is scheduled to end on Thursday with testimony from outside witnesses. Republicans are preparing for a committee vote next week and a final Senate confirmation vote before the end of October. Trump nominated Barrett to a lifetime post on the court on Sept. 26.

Supreme Court can't control a president, says Trump's nominee Barrett

US election 2020 - The US presidential polls are due in three weeks - 20 days precisely. On November 3, the United States of America will vote in&nbsp; one of the most bitterly contested election in recent history.

Donald Trump wants to secure four more years at the White House. Trump says he has recovered from the coronavirus, or “kung flu"&nbsp;as he likes to call it.

Eager to prove himself healthy and lively despite days of hospitalisation, Trump has hit the campaign trail again.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-going-to-crush-the-virus-very-quickly-its-happening-already-says-trump-in-pennsylvania-rally-335096">We're going to crush the virus very quickly, says Trump in Pennsylvania rally</a>

On Tuesday, he made a grand return at a campaign rally in Orlando, Florida. Trump declared he was in perfect shape, and even tossed face masks into the audience. Additionally, he offered to give everyone a “big fat kiss”.

His supporters rejoiced:

“I think this covid is all political. Just to make Trump look bad”, Sandra Colanese, a Trump supporter said.

“I think, I think the virus is been extremely politicated [sic]. It is, it is been used to lockdown this country, which is what'll happen if Joe Biden is reelected. They will lock down the nation,” another supporter said.

"I'm not concerned, I've been working all the time. Ain't got no covid. I take vitamins, I eat healthy, I just ain't worried about it”, Mark Nobel, another supporter of Trump said.

The US president is racing against the clock to make up for the time he lost after testing positive.

On October 14, Trump took his campaign to Pennsylvania - a battleground state that he had won by a narrow margin in 2016. Speaking in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Trump declared how he did not care about being politically correct.

He also requested “suburban women” to like him. And once again offered to kiss everybody, every single man and woman in the audience.

“So can I ask you to do me a favour? Suburban women, would you please like me? (cheers) please. I saved your damn neighbourhood, ok?&nbsp; The other thing, i don't have that much time to be that nice. You know, I can do it, but I got to go quickly”, Donald Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/give-you-a-big-fat-kiss-donald-trump-dances-at-florida-rally-post-virus-treatment-335141" hreflang="en">'Give you a big fat kiss': Donald Trump 'dances' at Florida rally post-virus treatment</a>

“… And now i'm immune, they tell me. I'm immune. I could come down and start kissing everybody. I'll kiss every guy, man and woman, man and woman. Look at that guy, how handsome he is. I'll kiss him. Not with a lot of enjoyment, but that's okay.”, the US president added.

Sometime later, the US president decided to dance to the 1978 mega-hit YMCA. Trump plans on holding many such electrifying rallies in the coming days - in Iowa, North Carolina, Wisconsin.

The second presidential debate was supposed to take place on October 15, and has now been cancelled by the commission on presidential debates.

Joe Biden is insisting on a virtual debate, citing Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. Trump, on the hand hand, is not too keen on the idea of a virtual debate.He wants the face off to be live and in-person.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">Click here for more US election stories</a>

US election 2020 - The US presidential polls are due in three weeks - 20 days precisely. On November 3, the United States of America will vote in one of the most bitterly contested election in recent history.

US election 2020 - The US presidential polls are due in three weeks - 20 days precisely. On November 3, the United States of America will vote in one of the most bitterly contested election in recent history. Donald Trump wants to secure four more years at the White House. Trump says he has recovered from the coronavirus, or “kung flu" as he likes to call it. Eager to prove himself healthy and lively despite days of hospitalisation, Trump has hit the campaign trail again. Also read: We're going to crush the virus very quickly, says Trump in Pennsylvania rally On Tuesday, he made a grand return at a campaign rally in Orlando, Florida. Trump declared he was in perfect shape, and even tossed face masks into the audience. Additionally, he offered to give everyone a “big fat kiss”. His supporters rejoiced: “I think this covid is all political. Just to make Trump look bad”, Sandra Colanese, a Trump supporter said. “I think, I think the virus is been extremely politicated [sic]. It is, it is been used to lockdown this country, which is what'll happen if Joe Biden is reelected. They will lock down the nation,” another supporter said. "I'm not concerned, I've been working all the time. Ain't got no covid. I take vitamins, I eat healthy, I just ain't worried about it”, Mark Nobel, another supporter of Trump said. The US president is racing against the clock to make up for the time he lost after testing positive. On October 14, Trump took his campaign to Pennsylvania - a battleground state that he had won by a narrow margin in 2016. Speaking in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Trump declared how he did not care about being politically correct. He also requested “suburban women” to like him. And once again offered to kiss everybody, every single man and woman in the audience. “So can I ask you to do me a favour? Suburban women, would you please like me? (cheers) please. I saved your damn neighbourhood, ok? The other thing, i don't have that much time to be that nice. You know, I can do it, but I got to go quickly”, Donald Trump said. Also read: 'Give you a big fat kiss': Donald Trump 'dances' at Florida rally post-virus treatment “… And now i'm immune, they tell me. I'm immune. I could come down and start kissing everybody. I'll kiss every guy, man and woman, man and woman. Look at that guy, how handsome he is. I'll kiss him. Not with a lot of enjoyment, but that's okay.”, the US president added. Sometime later, the US president decided to dance to the 1978 mega-hit YMCA. Trump plans on holding many such electrifying rallies in the coming days - in Iowa, North Carolina, Wisconsin. The second presidential debate was supposed to take place on October 15, and has now been cancelled by the commission on presidential debates. Joe Biden is insisting on a virtual debate, citing Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. Trump, on the hand hand, is not too keen on the idea of a virtual debate.He wants the face off to be live and in-person. Click here for more US election stories

US election 2020: With 20 days to go, Trump offers kisses to his supporters at Florida rally

Eight countries have signed an international pact for moon exploration called the Artemis Accords, NASA announced on Tuesday as the U.S. space agency tries to shape standards for building long-term settlements on the lunar surface.

Eight nations sign NASA's international agreement for Moon exploration

President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is being grilled by the Democrats. She said that she had made no commitments to the President or anyone else about how she might rule on a case aimed at dismantling the Affordable Care Act or on a potential dispute in the upcoming presidential election.

Democrats grill Barrett on healthcare: Evades answers on abortion, gay marriage

One year after sanctioning the EU for its support of Airbus, the World Trade Organization was expected Tuesday to let the bloc impose sanctions on the United States for aid to Boeing.

In the latest development in the 16-year saga between Washington and Brussels over support for their aircraft manufacturers, the EU is expected to get the green light&nbsp;to impose around $4.0 billion in tariffs on US goods and services, according to the Bloomberg news agency.

The European Union and the United States accuse each other of having provided illegal state aid to their respective aircraft manufacturers, and both brought claims before the WTO's trade resolution body.

Last year, the WTO authorised $7.5 billion in US sanctions against European goods and services.

It was the biggest amount authorised to date by the WTO and was a result of EU aid to Airbus that was deemed improper under international trade regulations.

Washington then imposed punitive tariffs of 25 percent on EU products such as wine, cheese and olive oil. The 10 percent tariff on Airbus planes was hiked to 15 percent in March.

The EU has already drawn up a list of US products on which it could impose tariffs, from ketchup to car parts.

Once cleared by the WTO, the EU could impose the tariffs from October 27, a week before the US presidential election.&nbsp;

While several EU leaders have been calling for imposing the tariffs immediately if Washington doesn't agree to drop its tariffs, few expect it to do so.&nbsp;

One industry source expects the WTO ruling to "open the door for negotiations".

Given the crisis the airline industry now finds itself in and the effect that is having on Airbus and Boeing, a long drawn-out battle in which tariffs raise the prices of aircraft does not serve the interests of either the EU or the United States.

That is even more the case for Boeing, which will be looking forward to resuming sales of the 737 MAX once it is cleared to resume flights.

The aircraft has been grounded since March 2019 following two deadly crashes that killed 346 people, which also halted sales.

Any tariffs would make the several hundred aircraft ordered by European airlines even more expensive.

One year after sanctioning the EU for its support of Airbus, the World Trade Organization was expected Tuesday to let the bloc impose sanctions on the United States for aid to Boeing.

One year after sanctioning the EU for its support of Airbus, the World Trade Organization was expected Tuesday to let the bloc impose sanctions on the United States for aid to Boeing. In the latest development in the 16-year saga between Washington and Brussels over support for their aircraft manufacturers, the EU is expected to get the green light to impose around $4.0 billion in tariffs on US goods and services, according to the Bloomberg news agency. The European Union and the United States accuse each other of having provided illegal state aid to their respective aircraft manufacturers, and both brought claims before the WTO's trade resolution body. Last year, the WTO authorised $7.5 billion in US sanctions against European goods and services. It was the biggest amount authorised to date by the WTO and was a result of EU aid to Airbus that was deemed improper under international trade regulations. Washington then imposed punitive tariffs of 25 percent on EU products such as wine, cheese and olive oil. The 10 percent tariff on Airbus planes was hiked to 15 percent in March. The EU has already drawn up a list of US products on which it could impose tariffs, from ketchup to car parts. Once cleared by the WTO, the EU could impose the tariffs from October 27, a week before the US presidential election. While several EU leaders have been calling for imposing the tariffs immediately if Washington doesn't agree to drop its tariffs, few expect it to do so. One industry source expects the WTO ruling to "open the door for negotiations". Given the crisis the airline industry now finds itself in and the effect that is having on Airbus and Boeing, a long drawn-out battle in which tariffs raise the prices of aircraft does not serve the interests of either the EU or the United States. That is even more the case for Boeing, which will be looking forward to resuming sales of the 737 MAX once it is cleared to resume flights. The aircraft has been grounded since March 2019 following two deadly crashes that killed 346 people, which also halted sales. Any tariffs would make the several hundred aircraft ordered by European airlines even more expensive.

EU set to get WTO green light for US tariffs

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US&nbsp;goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff award, which confirms a decision first reported by Reuters on Sept 30, threatens to intensify transatlantic trade tensions just three weeks ahead of the US&nbsp;presidential election.

However, negotiators on both sides say it could also lead at last to discussions to resolve a 16-year legal battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.

Both the United States and the EU have signalled interest in settling the dispute over planemaker subsidies, while accusing the other of refusing to talk seriously.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-unity-on-getting-a-fair-brexit-deal-strong-says-chief-negotiator-barnier-334978" hreflang="en">EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier</a>

Tuesday's decision, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a WTO ruling last year allowing Washington to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods over state support for Airbus, which has sites in Britain, France, Germany and Spain.

Combined, the two cases represent the world's largest ever corporate trade dispute.

Consuming thousands of pages of testimony and an estimated $100 million in costs since 2004, the aircraft spat has tested the resolve of the WTO, which is busy selecting a new leader.

The state of Washington has since repealed an aerospace tax break that benefited Boeing, while Airbus has announced it will increase loan repayments for the A350 plane to France and Spain in bids to settle the matter.

Boeing shares fell 2%.

The U.S. government said there was no legal basis for the European Union to impose tariffs since the contested measure had been eliminated, a view echoed by Boeing, which said it had already complied with WTO findings.

The EU says the same is true of U.S. tariffs imposed against subsidies to the A380 plane which is being taken out of production.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said any move by the EU to slap tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. airplanes and other goods would be "plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response."

Airbus, which also says it has obeyed WTO rulings, said global trade judges had "spoken" and that the EU could therefore impose tariffs, while calling for an agreed solution.

The European Commission said it would pull back from imposing duties if Washington withdrew its tariffs on European goods such as wine and whisky. The two sides could then work together to find common ground.

The spirits industry on both sides of Atlantic urged restraint and an end to tariffs. EU producers have already been hit and U.S. makers are in EU cross hairs.

RYANAIR LEVERAGE

The Commission has drawn up a list of U.S. products it could target including planes, wine, spirits, suitcases, tractors, frozen fish, and produce from dried onions to cherries.

The earliest it could act is after a WTO meeting on Oct 26, but few analysts expect it to do so before the U.S. election.

The $4 billion tariff window means European airlines that import Boeing jets could have to pay tariffs expected to match U.S. border taxes on Europe-built Airbus jets, currently 15%.

But Boeing's top European customer Ryanair has called on Boeing to pay the tariffs and is expected to use this as leverage in negotiations to buy more of its grounded 737 MAX.

On top of Tuesday's $4 billion, European sources have said the EU could also use dormant tariffs on a further $4 billion of U.S. products left over from an earlier case, giving it firepower similar to that which Washington is able to use.

Dismissing this, U.S. sources say the previous award, allowing the EU to retaliate against former perks for U.S. exporters, is no longer valid and that the balance of awards demonstrates Airbus is more to blame for distorting trade.

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff award, which confirms a decision first reported by Reuters on Sept 30, threatens to intensify transatlantic trade tensions just three weeks ahead of the US presidential election. However, negotiators on both sides say it could also lead at last to discussions to resolve a 16-year legal battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. Both the United States and the EU have signalled interest in settling the dispute over planemaker subsidies, while accusing the other of refusing to talk seriously. Also read: EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier Tuesday's decision, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a WTO ruling last year allowing Washington to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods over state support for Airbus, which has sites in Britain, France, Germany and Spain. Combined, the two cases represent the world's largest ever corporate trade dispute. Consuming thousands of pages of testimony and an estimated $100 million in costs since 2004, the aircraft spat has tested the resolve of the WTO, which is busy selecting a new leader. The state of Washington has since repealed an aerospace tax break that benefited Boeing, while Airbus has announced it will increase loan repayments for the A350 plane to France and Spain in bids to settle the matter. Boeing shares fell 2%. The U.S. government said there was no legal basis for the European Union to impose tariffs since the contested measure had been eliminated, a view echoed by Boeing, which said it had already complied with WTO findings. The EU says the same is true of U.S. tariffs imposed against subsidies to the A380 plane which is being taken out of production. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said any move by the EU to slap tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. airplanes and other goods would be "plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response." Airbus, which also says it has obeyed WTO rulings, said global trade judges had "spoken" and that the EU could therefore impose tariffs, while calling for an agreed solution. The European Commission said it would pull back from imposing duties if Washington withdrew its tariffs on European goods such as wine and whisky. The two sides could then work together to find common ground. The spirits industry on both sides of Atlantic urged restraint and an end to tariffs. EU producers have already been hit and U.S. makers are in EU cross hairs. RYANAIR LEVERAGE The Commission has drawn up a list of U.S. products it could target including planes, wine, spirits, suitcases, tractors, frozen fish, and produce from dried onions to cherries. The earliest it could act is after a WTO meeting on Oct 26, but few analysts expect it to do so before the U.S. election. The $4 billion tariff window means European airlines that import Boeing jets could have to pay tariffs expected to match U.S. border taxes on Europe-built Airbus jets, currently 15%. But Boeing's top European customer Ryanair has called on Boeing to pay the tariffs and is expected to use this as leverage in negotiations to buy more of its grounded 737 MAX. On top of Tuesday's $4 billion, European sources have said the EU could also use dormant tariffs on a further $4 billion of U.S. products left over from an earlier case, giving it firepower similar to that which Washington is able to use. Dismissing this, U.S. sources say the previous award, allowing the EU to retaliate against former perks for U.S. exporters, is no longer valid and that the balance of awards demonstrates Airbus is more to blame for distorting trade.

EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case

Investors may take slight comfort in coming weeks from U.S. corporate earnings that are likely to be bad, but not as bad as they have been.

World Business Watch: Wall Street week ahead: Improvement in US earnings expected

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