The historic impeachment trial of President Trump is underway in the Senate with the swearing-in of senators and the presentation of the two charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Watch report on what all happened in the Senate on January 16.

Senate begins trial on Donald Trump's impeachment

There is a sense of optimism across the world after the U.S. and China signed the Phase 1 of the trade deal. While the conflict is far from over, this is a welcome development. So how will impact India and the world? WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Phase 1 Of U.S.-China trade deal: Impact on India & world

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-hits-42000-for-first-time-nifty-at-a-record-high-274544">Indian markets </a>have climbed to&nbsp;a record high with the announcement of phase one trade deal between the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-iran-conflict-a-high-stakes-bet-on-who-blinks-first-274636"> US</a> and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-isnt-like-youve-got-china-on-your-border-when-trump-shocked-modi-with-his-remark-274653"> China</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-elements-of-the-us-china-trade-deal-a-pact-to-pause-the-economic-conflict-274516">Also read:&nbsp;Key elements of the US-China trade deal: A pact to pause the economic conflict</a>

Although it's just the first step, this deal between the world's two largest economies can benefit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/family-of-british-explorer-return-old-buddha-statue-to-sri-lankan-temple-274652">Asia</a>'s third-largest economy India in several areas.

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Firstly, if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-inside-chinas-trafficking-problem-266666">China</a> starts exporting goods to the US which is its biggest market, then there will probably be a reduction&nbsp;in the dumping of unsold goods to&nbsp;India.

The global trade wars have increased the apprehensions of the global economies which are getting into recession and&nbsp;demand slowing.

So, this deal will indirectly help India by keeping the demand intact in many other markets.

But the trade deal will have a negatives side as well.&nbsp;

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The renewed demand in these economies will yield a price hike in oil prices which will, in turn, will impact India as it imports over 80 per cent of its crude oil.

With the pre-trade war levels due to this deal, India will also miss the opportunity to be the manufacturing hub of the world, as some companies had earlier shown interest in shifting their manufacturing base to India from China, owing to high US tariffs.

Indian markets have climbed to a record high with the announcement of phase one trade deal between the US and China. Also read: Key elements of the US-China trade deal: A pact to pause the economic conflict Although it's just the first step, this deal between the world's two largest economies can benefit Asia's third-largest economy India in several areas.

Indian markets have climbed to a record high with the announcement of phase one trade deal between the US and China. Also read: Key elements of the US-China trade deal: A pact to pause the economic conflict Although it's just the first step, this deal between the world's two largest economies can benefit Asia's third-largest economy India in several areas. × Firstly, if China starts exporting goods to the US which is its biggest market, then there will probably be a reduction in the dumping of unsold goods to India. The global trade wars have increased the apprehensions of the global economies which are getting into recession and demand slowing. So, this deal will indirectly help India by keeping the demand intact in many other markets. But the trade deal will have a negatives side as well. × The renewed demand in these economies will yield a price hike in oil prices which will, in turn, will impact India as it imports over 80 per cent of its crude oil. With the pre-trade war levels due to this deal, India will also miss the opportunity to be the manufacturing hub of the world, as some companies had earlier shown interest in shifting their manufacturing base to India from China, owing to high US tariffs.

US-China trade deal: Hits and misses for India

After tensions between the US and Iran reached a tipping point leaving West Asia on the boil. The war of words between the several sides have intensified now and there has been a call for de-escalation from several countries. The tensions revolve around the 2015 nuclear agreement. The Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has hit out at France, Germany and Britain for triggering the dispute mechanism of that nuclear agreement. Watch report:

Fineprint: Iran foreign minister hits out at E3 nations over breach of 2015 nuclear deal

Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near.

Also see-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-china-trade-deal-biggest-winners-losers-in-phase-1-274683">US-China trade deal: Biggest winners &amp; losers in phase 1</a>

Negotiations between the Taliban and the US have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the insurgent group to reduce violence before they can resume.

"Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement.

He gave no further details.&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid, the official Taliban spokesman, told AFP the Taliban was looking into the comments.&nbsp;

The Taliban and the US were on the brink of announcing a withdrawal deal in September last year when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar but were paused following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan.

Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year, seeking an agreement that would pave the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents.

Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Islamabad denies the accusation.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars&nbsp;an American withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans.

Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near.

Pakistan's foreign minister on Thursday said the Taliban has shown "a willingness" to reduce violence in war-torn Afghanistan after more than 18 years fighting the US, sparking speculation that a potential breakthrough in talks with the Americans may be near. Also see- US-China trade deal: Biggest winners & losers in phase 1 Negotiations between the Taliban and the US have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the insurgent group to reduce violence before they can resume. "Today, positive progress has been made, the Taliban have shown their willingness to reduce the violence, which was a demand... it's a step towards the peace agreement," said Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video statement. He gave no further details. Zabihullah Mujahid, the official Taliban spokesman, told AFP the Taliban was looking into the comments. The Taliban and the US were on the brink of announcing a withdrawal deal in September last year when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence. Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar but were paused following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan. Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between the militants and Washington in Qatar over the past year, seeking an agreement that would pave the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars an American withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans.

Taliban showing willingness to reduce Afghan violence: Pak

The US-China trade deal has provided a boost to mobilise American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The planemaker’s widebody aircraft factory in Everett, Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg cautioned that it was “tough to predict” the timing of a potential trade deal between the United States and China. He added, "We are hopeful that if there is a trade solution, it will be beneficial to airplane orders".

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing celebrates US-China trade deal

United States-based NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report on China. This happened after the organisation global head Kenneth Roth was barred from entering Hong Kong. Watch report:

China a threat to global human rights, Says Human Rights Watch

US President Donald Trump signed "phase one" trade deal with China, the deal includes a massive increase in exports to the Asian economic power. The deal is expected to boost exports from U.S. farmers and manufacturers and will lower tensions in a long-running dispute between the two biggest economies of the world.

Winners & Losers of US-China Trade Deal

The United States has resumed joint military operations with the Iraqi forces after a long pause due to risen tensions after the death of top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani after a US drone strike conducted near Baghdad airport.

The American based newspaper quoted two US military officials who said the Pentagon wanted to resume these operations to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group.

The operations were halted, two days after the drone strike on January 5. Iran retaliated by attack two US army bases in Iraq with Ballistic Missiles.&nbsp;

Though Iran's media claimed 80 casualties, according to the Whitehouse no casualties were inflicted.

The attacks just resulted in further sanctions on Iran.

On the same day after the halt, Iraqi lawmakers passed a bill in the parliament to expel 5,000 US troops that are present in Iraq and Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Whitehouse to work out a road map for the troop withdrawal. But the US rejected the bill.

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Monday said that top Iraqi leaders still support the US troops despite public appeals to get rid of them.

He even, in fact, said that the forces were critical to the fight against the Islamic State group.

Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University: "They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter-terror campaign,".&nbsp;

The United States has resumed joint military operations with the Iraqi forces after a long pause due to risen tensions after the death of top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani after a US drone strike conducted near Baghdad airport.

The United States has resumed joint military operations with the Iraqi forces after a long pause due to risen tensions after the death of top Iranian general General Qassem Soleimani after a US drone strike conducted near Baghdad airport. The American based newspaper quoted two US military officials who said the Pentagon wanted to resume these operations to pick up the fight against the Islamic State group. The operations were halted, two days after the drone strike on January 5. Iran retaliated by attack two US army bases in Iraq with Ballistic Missiles. Though Iran's media claimed 80 casualties, according to the Whitehouse no casualties were inflicted. The attacks just resulted in further sanctions on Iran. On the same day after the halt, Iraqi lawmakers passed a bill in the parliament to expel 5,000 US troops that are present in Iraq and Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked Whitehouse to work out a road map for the troop withdrawal. But the US rejected the bill. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Monday said that top Iraqi leaders still support the US troops despite public appeals to get rid of them. He even, in fact, said that the forces were critical to the fight against the Islamic State group. Pompeo said at a forum at Stanford University: "They won't say so publicly. But privately they all welcome the fact that America is still there executing its counter-terror campaign,".

US to resume joint military operations with Iraq to fight against IS

Two sets of US government cables suggest that Iran hawks in and outside the Trump administration appear to have the upper hand as European countries give hardliners a helping hand by attempting to force Iran to seek a diplomatic solution to a crisis that threatens to engulf the Middle-East in yet another military conflict.

Disclosure of the cables advocating a military strike such as this month’s killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani coupled with the withdrawal of a US State Department olive branch that was intended to reassure Iran about the Trump administration’s intentions appears designed to persuade the Islamic Republic to back away from its strategy of gradual escalation.

The strategy aims to engineer a situation in which a return to negotiations on the basis of the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program is the only way to avoid an all-out war. The Trump administration withdrew from the accord in 2018 and has since imposed ever-harsher economic sanctions on Iran.

Hardliners in Washington believe Iran’s accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner that sparked anti-government protests days after millions of Iranians came out to mourn Soleimani’s death in what Iranian leaders project as rallying around the regime is a proof of concept of their approach.

The hard-liners’ strategy was spelled out in a series of unclassified memos sent by David Wurmser, a close associate of John Bolton, while Bolton was serving as national security advisor to President Donald J Trump. The memos projected a US military operation on the scale of the killing of Soleimani as a way of destabilising the government in Tehran.

Wurmser’s advice was in line with proposals for destabilising Iran presented to the White House by Bolton in the months before his appointment. Bolton was fired by Trump in September of last year.

“Iran has always been careful to execute its ambitions and aggressive aims incrementally to avoid Western reactions which depart from the expected. In contrast, were unexpected, rule-changing actions taken against Iran, it would confuse the regime. It would need to scramble,” Wurmser wrote.

Such a US attack would “Rattle the delicate internal balance of forces and the control over them upon which the regime depends for stability and survival… Iranians would both be impressed and potentially encouraged by a targeted attack on symbols of repression,” Wurmser added.

The leaking of Wurmser’s memos coincided with a cable from the State Department to US diplomatic missions worldwide that walked back an instruction earlier this month by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to limit contacts with Iranian opposition and exile groups in a bid to reassure Iran that the Trump administration was not seeking regime change in Tehran.

The Pompeo cable seemed to be a first step at bridging the gulf of distrust between Washington and Tehran that makes a resolution of the two countries’ differences all but impossible. Iran has long been convinced that regime change is the main driver of US policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Pompeo’s instruction came on the heels of Trump’s decision not to respond to Iranian missile attacks on US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani.

With the government in Tehran on the backfoot as a result of the downing of the Ukrainian airliner and renewed anti-government protests, leaders of Britain, France and Germany, cosignatories of the 2015 nuclear accord, appear to be buying into the strategy of the Washington hardliners.

The Europeans, responding to Iran’s gradual withdrawal from its commitments under the accord as part of its strategy of gradual escalation, this week triggered its dispute resolution mechanism, that could put Iran’s actions on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and lead to a re-imposition of international sanctions.

British prime minister Boris Johnson further raised the stakes by telling the BBC that he would be willing to back an as yet non-existent proposal by Trump for a new agreement with Iran. “If we are going to get rid of it (the nuclear accord), then we need a replacement," Johnson said.

The proof will be in the pudding whether the two-pronged stepping up of US and European pressure on Iran will be sufficient to engineer a breakthrough in efforts to avert escalating tension and a return to the negotiating table.

So far, Iran’s response suggests tensions may have to further escalate before parties, all of whom do not want an all-out war, pull back from the brink.

In a first, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, insisting that all foreign forces should leave the Middle East, warned, in response to the European move and statements, that British, French and German troops may be in danger.

“Today, the American soldier is in danger, tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger,” Rouhani told a Cabinet meeting.

Said a Western diplomat, spelling out European thinking: “This allows us to buy time while making clear to Iran that they cannot continue on this path of non-compliance with no consequences.”

For now, it’s a high stakes poker bet on who blinks first. 
 
 
&nbsp;

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Two sets of US government cables suggest that Iran hawks in and outside the Trump administration appear to have the upper hand as European countries give hardliners a helping hand by attempting to force Iran to seek a diplomatic solution to a crisis that threatens to engulf the Middle-East in yet another military conflict.

Two sets of US government cables suggest that Iran hawks in and outside the Trump administration appear to have the upper hand as European countries give hardliners a helping hand by attempting to force Iran to seek a diplomatic solution to a crisis that threatens to engulf the Middle-East in yet another military conflict. Disclosure of the cables advocating a military strike such as this month’s killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani coupled with the withdrawal of a US State Department olive branch that was intended to reassure Iran about the Trump administration’s intentions appears designed to persuade the Islamic Republic to back away from its strategy of gradual escalation. The strategy aims to engineer a situation in which a return to negotiations on the basis of the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program is the only way to avoid an all-out war. The Trump administration withdrew from the accord in 2018 and has since imposed ever-harsher economic sanctions on Iran. Hardliners in Washington believe Iran’s accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner that sparked anti-government protests days after millions of Iranians came out to mourn Soleimani’s death in what Iranian leaders project as rallying around the regime is a proof of concept of their approach. The hard-liners’ strategy was spelled out in a series of unclassified memos sent by David Wurmser, a close associate of John Bolton, while Bolton was serving as national security advisor to President Donald J Trump. The memos projected a US military operation on the scale of the killing of Soleimani as a way of destabilising the government in Tehran. Wurmser’s advice was in line with proposals for destabilising Iran presented to the White House by Bolton in the months before his appointment. Bolton was fired by Trump in September of last year. “Iran has always been careful to execute its ambitions and aggressive aims incrementally to avoid Western reactions which depart from the expected. In contrast, were unexpected, rule-changing actions taken against Iran, it would confuse the regime. It would need to scramble,” Wurmser wrote. Such a US attack would “Rattle the delicate internal balance of forces and the control over them upon which the regime depends for stability and survival… Iranians would both be impressed and potentially encouraged by a targeted attack on symbols of repression,” Wurmser added. The leaking of Wurmser’s memos coincided with a cable from the State Department to US diplomatic missions worldwide that walked back an instruction earlier this month by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to limit contacts with Iranian opposition and exile groups in a bid to reassure Iran that the Trump administration was not seeking regime change in Tehran. The Pompeo cable seemed to be a first step at bridging the gulf of distrust between Washington and Tehran that makes a resolution of the two countries’ differences all but impossible. Iran has long been convinced that regime change is the main driver of US policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Pompeo’s instruction came on the heels of Trump’s decision not to respond to Iranian missile attacks on US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. With the government in Tehran on the backfoot as a result of the downing of the Ukrainian airliner and renewed anti-government protests, leaders of Britain, France and Germany, cosignatories of the 2015 nuclear accord, appear to be buying into the strategy of the Washington hardliners. The Europeans, responding to Iran’s gradual withdrawal from its commitments under the accord as part of its strategy of gradual escalation, this week triggered its dispute resolution mechanism, that could put Iran’s actions on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and lead to a re-imposition of international sanctions. British prime minister Boris Johnson further raised the stakes by telling the BBC that he would be willing to back an as yet non-existent proposal by Trump for a new agreement with Iran. “If we are going to get rid of it (the nuclear accord), then we need a replacement," Johnson said. The proof will be in the pudding whether the two-pronged stepping up of US and European pressure on Iran will be sufficient to engineer a breakthrough in efforts to avert escalating tension and a return to the negotiating table. So far, Iran’s response suggests tensions may have to further escalate before parties, all of whom do not want an all-out war, pull back from the brink. In a first, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, insisting that all foreign forces should leave the Middle East, warned, in response to the European move and statements, that British, French and German troops may be in danger. “Today, the American soldier is in danger, tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger,” Rouhani told a Cabinet meeting. Said a Western diplomat, spelling out European thinking: “This allows us to buy time while making clear to Iran that they cannot continue on this path of non-compliance with no consequences.” For now, it’s a high stakes poker bet on who blinks first. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US-Iran conflict: A high-stakes bet on who blinks first

US & China sign first phase of deal, world markets surge

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 16, 2020

The House on Wednesday formally presented two articles of impeachment to the Senate after voting to approve the seven managers to prosecute the case against President Donald Trump.

House sends two articles of impeachment to the Senate

Six Democratic hopefuls are sharing a platform for the principal discussion of the new year and the last before the much-awaited Iowa caucuses.

The discussion on the grounds of Drake University highlights four of the six competitors driving the enormous presidential pack: Ex-Vice President Joe Biden; 32nd Mayor of South Bend Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg; and Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trumps-impeachment-what-happens-next-274216">Also read: US President Donald Trump's impeachment —&nbsp;What happens next</a>

The first choosing challenge of the essential, the Iowa caucuses, will happen over the state only half a month later on February 3.

For the US President, Wisconsin is a crucial state. Traditionally, the state has gone to the Democrats.But in 2016, Trump carried Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes.

But the democrats feel they can reclaim the state in 2020. Which is why Trump is scheduled to make frequent visits to Wisconsin in the coming months.

There were a couple of protests outside the University of Wisconsin where Trump is holding his rally.

He aimed at the Democrats saying they were impeaching him for giving America its greatest ever economy.

Over in Iowa, 6 democrats are vying to challenge trump later this year.

The last Democratic debate before the Iowa caucuses started just a while back.

All eyes will, of course, be on the top 3 contenders -- Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

In the aftermath of Qasem Soleimani's killing, foreign affairs are expected to figure prominently in the debate.

Sanders versus warren is the fight to watch out for.

The debate is happening in the backdrop of Elizabeth warren's allegation that sanders told her that a woman could not win the Democratic nomination and defeat Donald Trump.

Sanders has categorically denied the allegations.At some point in the debate, this issue might also play out between the two left-leaning candidates.

Six Democratic hopefuls are sharing a platform for the principal discussion of the new year and the last before the much-awaited Iowa caucuses. The discussion on the grounds of Drake University highlights four of the six competitors driving the enormous presidential pack: Ex-Vice President Joe Biden; 32nd Mayor of South Bend Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg; and Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Six Democratic hopefuls are sharing a platform for the principal discussion of the new year and the last before the much-awaited Iowa caucuses. The discussion on the grounds of Drake University highlights four of the six competitors driving the enormous presidential pack: Ex-Vice President Joe Biden; 32nd Mayor of South Bend Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg; and Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Also read: US President Donald Trump's impeachment — What happens next The first choosing challenge of the essential, the Iowa caucuses, will happen over the state only half a month later on February 3. For the US President, Wisconsin is a crucial state. Traditionally, the state has gone to the Democrats.But in 2016, Trump carried Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes. But the democrats feel they can reclaim the state in 2020. Which is why Trump is scheduled to make frequent visits to Wisconsin in the coming months. There were a couple of protests outside the University of Wisconsin where Trump is holding his rally. He aimed at the Democrats saying they were impeaching him for giving America its greatest ever economy. Over in Iowa, 6 democrats are vying to challenge trump later this year. The last Democratic debate before the Iowa caucuses started just a while back. All eyes will, of course, be on the top 3 contenders -- Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. In the aftermath of Qasem Soleimani's killing, foreign affairs are expected to figure prominently in the debate. Sanders versus warren is the fight to watch out for. The debate is happening in the backdrop of Elizabeth warren's allegation that sanders told her that a woman could not win the Democratic nomination and defeat Donald Trump. Sanders has categorically denied the allegations.At some point in the debate, this issue might also play out between the two left-leaning candidates.

Democratic debate: Six candidates face off in Iowa's capital city Des Moines

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 15, 2020

Trump, at a rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday, sided with the self-described democratic socialist.

US Prez Donald Trump holds rally in Wisconsin

Sikhs in the US will be counted as a separate ethnic group in the 2020 census, an organisation of the minority community said on January 14. Describing this as a milestone, the United Sikhs said that this will be the first time the minority group will be counted and coded in the decennial US Census.

Fineprint: Sikhs to be counted separately in US

India’s way is not to be disruptive and it is more of a decider than an abstainer, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on January 15 in New Delhi. Addressing a gathering at the Raisina Dialogue Jaishankar referred to tensions between the US and Iran saying they are two individualistic countries and what finally happened would depend on the players involved.

WION Dispatch: India's FM S Jaishankar defines India's evolving role in New Delhi

Around this time last week, the whole world had trained its eyes on the Al-Asad military base in Iran. This was Iran's chosen target for retaliation after the Americans killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani. The Americans said that they knew about the impending attack and the Iranians said that they never wanted to kill American soldiers in the first place. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: What remains of US largest base where US troops sheltered during Iran missile attack

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. #WION #WIONspeednews #Australia #China #Iran #US

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 14, 2020

Researchers said Monday that new techniques have allowed them to identify the oldest solid material ever found on earth.

The stardust, formed five to seven billion years ago, came from a meteorite that fell to Earth 50 years ago in Australia, they said in a paper published in the journal PNAS.

It came down in 1969 in Murchison, Victoria state, and scientists from Chicago's Field Museum have possessed a piece of it for five decades.

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Philipp Heck, the curator of meteorites at the museum, examined pre-solar grains, which are bits of stardust that become trapped in meteorites, making them time capsules of the period before the sun was born.

"They're solid samples of stars, real stardust," Heck said in a statement.

When the first stars died after two billion years of life they left behind the stardust, which formed into the block which fell to earth as the meteorite in Australia.

Although researchers first identified the grains in 1987 their age could not be determined.

But Heck and other colleagues recently used a new method to date these grains, which are microscopic in size. They are from silicon carbide, the first mineral formed when a star cools.

To separate the ancient grains from the relatively younger ones, scientists crushed fragments of the meteorite into a powder. Then they dissolved it in acid, which left only the pre-solar particles.&nbsp;

"It's like burning down the haystack to find the needle," says Heck.

When dust is in space it is exposed to cosmic rays which slowly change its composition. This allows researchers to date it.

A decade ago, only 20 grains from the meteorite were dated by a different method. Now, researchers have been able to determine the age of 40 grains, most of which are between 4.6 billion and 4.9 billion years old.

These ages correspond to the moment when the first stars began to break up, and since that type of star lived for two to 2.5 billion years, the stardust can be as old as seven billion years.

"These are the oldest solid materials ever found, and they tell us about how stars formed in our galaxy," Heck said.

The new dating by this team confirms an astronomical theory which predicted a baby boom of stars before the formation of our sun, instead of a constant rhythm of star formation.

"We basically came to the conclusion that there must have been a time in our galaxy when more stars formed than normal, and at the end of their lives they become dust-producing," Heck said.&nbsp;

The task now is to apply the same method on other meteorites.

But according to Heck, there are fewer than five known to be in collections and big enough to give up such secrets.

Researchers said Monday that new techniques have allowed them to identify the oldest solid material ever found on earth. The stardust, formed five to seven billion years ago, came from a meteorite that fell to Earth 50 years ago in Australia, they said in a paper published in the journal PNAS.

Researchers said Monday that new techniques have allowed them to identify the oldest solid material ever found on earth. The stardust, formed five to seven billion years ago, came from a meteorite that fell to Earth 50 years ago in Australia, they said in a paper published in the journal PNAS. It came down in 1969 in Murchison, Victoria state, and scientists from Chicago's Field Museum have possessed a piece of it for five decades. Philipp Heck, the curator of meteorites at the museum, examined pre-solar grains, which are bits of stardust that become trapped in meteorites, making them time capsules of the period before the sun was born. "They're solid samples of stars, real stardust," Heck said in a statement. When the first stars died after two billion years of life they left behind the stardust, which formed into the block which fell to earth as the meteorite in Australia. Although researchers first identified the grains in 1987 their age could not be determined. But Heck and other colleagues recently used a new method to date these grains, which are microscopic in size. They are from silicon carbide, the first mineral formed when a star cools. To separate the ancient grains from the relatively younger ones, scientists crushed fragments of the meteorite into a powder. Then they dissolved it in acid, which left only the pre-solar particles. "It's like burning down the haystack to find the needle," says Heck. When dust is in space it is exposed to cosmic rays which slowly change its composition. This allows researchers to date it. A decade ago, only 20 grains from the meteorite were dated by a different method. Now, researchers have been able to determine the age of 40 grains, most of which are between 4.6 billion and 4.9 billion years old. These ages correspond to the moment when the first stars began to break up, and since that type of star lived for two to 2.5 billion years, the stardust can be as old as seven billion years. "These are the oldest solid materials ever found, and they tell us about how stars formed in our galaxy," Heck said. The new dating by this team confirms an astronomical theory which predicted a baby boom of stars before the formation of our sun, instead of a constant rhythm of star formation. "We basically came to the conclusion that there must have been a time in our galaxy when more stars formed than normal, and at the end of their lives they become dust-producing," Heck said. The task now is to apply the same method on other meteorites. But according to Heck, there are fewer than five known to be in collections and big enough to give up such secrets.

7 billion-year-old stardust is oldest material found on Earth

The US House of Representative is expected&nbsp;to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week.&nbsp;

What happens in the House

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler is likely to bring forward a resolution that will formally transmit the charges against Trump to the Senate.

Some Democrats will be then appointed as impeachment managers&nbsp;in order to prosecute the US President in the Senate.

Senate Process

After the Senate receives a notification from the House that the managers have been appointed, it would&nbsp;adopt a resolution, saying it is ready to receive the managers to present the charges.&nbsp;

US Chief Justice John Roberts would be sworn in to preside over the trial. Senators would be sworn in as jurors. Once the proceedings begin, the House managers would present their charges against the President. Thereafter, Trump's legal team will respond to the charges.

The Senators, sworn in as jurors, would then be given time to submit questions to each side. The Senate is expected to vote to acquit Trump. 
 
With a two-thirds vote required to convict the president, Trump’s acquittal in the Republican-controlled chamber is assured. The Constitution requires 67 votes to convict the President whereas only 34 votes to remove him.

What are the charges against Trump

Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine into investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. 
 
The charges say that Trump repeatedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate whether Biden misused his position as Vice-President to threaten to withhold US&nbsp;aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into the gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired. 
 
 
&nbsp;

The US House of Representative is expected to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week. What happens in the House House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The US House of Representative is expected to send documents of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Republicans-dominated Senate this week. What happens in the House House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will is expected to meet the Democrats to discuss the formal impeachment charges against Trump over his dealings with Ukraine. The House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler is likely to bring forward a resolution that will formally transmit the charges against Trump to the Senate. Some Democrats will be then appointed as impeachment managers in order to prosecute the US President in the Senate. Senate Process After the Senate receives a notification from the House that the managers have been appointed, it would adopt a resolution, saying it is ready to receive the managers to present the charges. US Chief Justice John Roberts would be sworn in to preside over the trial. Senators would be sworn in as jurors. Once the proceedings begin, the House managers would present their charges against the President. Thereafter, Trump's legal team will respond to the charges. The Senators, sworn in as jurors, would then be given time to submit questions to each side. The Senate is expected to vote to acquit Trump. With a two-thirds vote required to convict the president, Trump’s acquittal in the Republican-controlled chamber is assured. The Constitution requires 67 votes to convict the President whereas only 34 votes to remove him. What are the charges against Trump Trump is accused of pushing Ukraine into investigating his Democratic rival Joe Biden. The charges say that Trump repeatedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate whether Biden misused his position as Vice-President to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into the gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired.

US President Donald Trump's impeachment: What happens next

Not so long ago, Iranians mourned the killing of Gen. Soleimani. But now, the people of Iran have turned from mourning to protesting. Tehran has lost all the sympathy after admitting that it shot down Ukrainian passenger plane due to a 'human error'. WION's Palki Sharma summarises. #Gravitas #Iran #US #SoleimaniKilling

Gravitas: Iran's 'unforgivable mistake' triggers protests

Iran is on the edge. The protests have overshadowed Tehran's battle with the Trump administration. Is this the worst uprising that Iran has witnessed since the 1979 revolution? This report explores #Gravitas #Iran

Gravitas: Biggest uprising since 1979 revolution in Iran?

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