More than half of Malta's traffic police force was arrested on Tuesday for suspected overtime fraud, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-robert-abela-set-to-become-new-pm-as-joseph-muscat-steps-down-273792">reportedly forcing officers</a> to draw up emergency plans to ensure they have enough police to put on the streets.

Police said some 30 members of the unit, which numbers about 50, were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltese-prime-minister-announces-plans-to-step-down-265627">being questioned</a> by the Economic Crimes Unit over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maltese-prime-minister-joseph-muscat-announces-step-down-265739">accusations </a>they had filed for hundreds of hours of overtime that they did not carry out over at least three years.

Some of the officers also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">face accusations</a> they misappropriated fuel and used it for their private vehicles. Police sources said former traffic police now working in other sections of the force had been asked to return to their old duties.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-protesters-block-entry-to-prime-ministers-office-267243">Malta protesters block entry to prime minister's office</a>

Despite this, motorists said there were noticeably fewer police directing traffic on Tuesday morning. Prime Minister Robert Abela said it was good that the police were investigating their people.

Malta is the smallest nation in the European Union and has been rocked in recent years by allegations of widespread corruption, cronyism and financial wrongdoing amongst both the political and business elite.

Abela was sworn in as prime minister last month after his predecessor resigned over his handling of investigations into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. 
&nbsp;

More than half of Malta's traffic police force was arrested on Tuesday for suspected overtime fraud, reportedly forcing officers to draw up emergency plans to ensure they have enough police to put on the streets.

More than half of Malta's traffic police force was arrested on Tuesday for suspected overtime fraud, reportedly forcing officers to draw up emergency plans to ensure they have enough police to put on the streets. Police said some 30 members of the unit, which numbers about 50, were being questioned by the Economic Crimes Unit over accusations they had filed for hundreds of hours of overtime that they did not carry out over at least three years. Some of the officers also face accusations they misappropriated fuel and used it for their private vehicles. Police sources said former traffic police now working in other sections of the force had been asked to return to their old duties. Also Read: Malta protesters block entry to prime minister's office Despite this, motorists said there were noticeably fewer police directing traffic on Tuesday morning. Prime Minister Robert Abela said it was good that the police were investigating their people. Malta is the smallest nation in the European Union and has been rocked in recent years by allegations of widespread corruption, cronyism and financial wrongdoing amongst both the political and business elite. Abela was sworn in as prime minister last month after his predecessor resigned over his handling of investigations into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

50 per cent of Malta's traffic police sent to jail over corruption charges

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly&nbsp;killed one civilian.

The incident serves to highlight the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">complex situation in Syria</a>, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes.

TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib</a>

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">contact with hostile forces</a>, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region.

Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of&nbsp;Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian. The incident serves to highlight the complex situation in Syria, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes. TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village. Also Read: Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in contact with hostile forces, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region. Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist. Guaido returned on Tuesday from a three-week international tour that took him to the US, Canada, Colombia and Europe. He was met by some angry Conviasa workers enraged that last Friday the US placed sanctions on the state airline company. The US action criminalizing transactions with the flag carrier is the latest of many sanctions by Washington aimed at toppling leftist President Nicolas Maduro's regime, particularly by cutting his government's oil revenue. One protester appeared to douse Guaido with a fizzy drink. But speaking to journalists after a legislative session held in a Caracas plaza, the National Assembly speaker defended the use of sanctions. Guaido's uncle Juan Marquez, who vanished after flying back with him, had been arrested, top Maduro ally Diosdado Cabello said, accusing him of smuggling explosives. Also Read: Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro On his state television programme, Cabello said Marquez was detained for allegedly carrying C-4 explosives hidden inside flashlights and perfume refills, and was wearing a bulletproof vest. Guaido had denounced the "disappearance" of his uncle at the airport and said he would hold Maduro responsible for whatever happened to him. More sanctions for criminals Maduro retains the support of Venezuela's powerful military and has resisted Guaido's challenge, even as the United States ramps up the pressure. For the second time in less than a year, Guaido flouted a travel ban imposed by Maduro's regime to meet with allies around the world, including US President Donald Trump. Guaido sprang to prominence in January 2019 when he declared himself the country's acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro. He derived such authority from his position as the speaker of the National Assembly after the legislature declared Maduro's 2018 re-election invalid following a poll widely denounced as rigged. Lawmakers called Maduro a "usurper" while more than 50 countries recognized Guaido as interim president. He retained his Assembly post last month despite a standoff in which troops stopped him from entering the legislature. Watch: Donald Trump calls Juan Guaido as true President of Venezuela Although it sits on the world's largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela's economy has collapsed under Maduro's leadership and the country has suffered five years of recession. The UN says more than 4.5 million people have left the country due to its crisis while inflation is the highest in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. Maduro told supporters celebrating World Youth Day that "traitors go abroad to ask for sanctions against the people." Cabello, considered the second-most powerful person in the country, said the sanctions had affected Venezuela's ability to buy food and medicine. Last year, Guaido tried to force in humanitarian aid from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao but under Maduro's orders, the military blocked entry points to keep it out. Students rallied in Caracas on Wednesday in support of Guaido, who repeated his claim from Tuesday that his uncle had disappeared since returning with him to the Caracas international airport on the same flight he took from Portugal.

Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido

Hunkered down at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-so2-levels-reported-around-wuhan-and-chongqing-the-world-suspects-chinese-officials-of-burning-coronavirus-corpses-280050">epicentre of China's virus epidemic</a> and cut off from the world, the remaining foreigners in Wuhan are spending their days in paralysing fear. A coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 1,300 people and locked down the central Chinese city has left thousands of foreigners trapped as authorities impose an unprecedented quarantine.

While many have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">managed to escape</a> on government-chartered planes, a dwindling group of the unlucky - or in some cases hardy - remain, either adapting to life or still seeking a way out.

Ruqia Shaikh, a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher stranded at Wuhan's Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, said most students at the school were confined to their dormitories, watching TV. She said the university was providing students with essential commodities but at double the usual price.

"We are fed up of eating the same food – boiled rice and vegetables – over and over again. The only physical activity we have is a walk on the terrace, and that exposes us to the risk," Shaikh said.

Watch:&nbsp;Fineprint: Ground report from inside of Coronavirus epicentre Wuhan

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No plans for evacuation

She added that while many Pakistani students wanted to leave, there <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-against-time-china-battles-coronavirus-as-death-toll-crosses-1000-108-deaths-in-last-24-hours-280135">were risks in returning</a> to their country. "We are worried about how the authorities are going to treat us when we go back to Pakistan - some students who went back told us the officials treated them very badly," she said.

Pakistani authorities say more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but they have not announced any plans for an evacuation effort. Unlike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-over-197-lakh-travellers-from-1818-flights-screened-so-far-in-india-279852">many countries</a>, Islamabad has maintained flights to and from other cities in China. The health ministry justifies the move with assurances that all passengers are screened on landing in Pakistan.

Yemen too has no plans to evacuate its 115 nationals from the virus-hit city. Fahd al-Tawili, a 31-year-old Yemeni under quarantine at the China University of Geosciences, said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">conditions were desperate</a>. "Everybody's being evacuated except us. The latest is the Sudanese," al-Tawili said. "When we are allowed to go out, the few shops open are crowded and we have to wait in line for a long time to make rare purchases."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-pakistan-tells-its-citizens-in-wuhan-to-sit-tight-and-face-ncov-anxiety-grows-280014">Pakistan tells citizens in Wuhan to sit tight and face coronavirus</a>

Al-Tawili said Yemen's government had turned a deaf ear to requests to leave, and financial aid promised to scholarship holders had not been sent. Another Yemeni student, a 23-year-old studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said students were living in "total terror for fear of being infected".

Bangladesh last week evacuated 312 people, mostly students, and planned a second flight for another 171 until pilots for national carrier Biman refused to fly for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-800-china-allocates-1026-billion-to-fight-the-outbreak-279604">fear of catching the virus</a>. "No crew wants to go there. The crew who went there earlier don't want to go either," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters.

He said the government was trying to charter a Chinese-run flight, but so far without success. France has left a group of between 30 and 50 citizens in Wuhan after evacuating hundreds on three earlier flights.&nbsp;Its consul general in the city, Olivier Guyonvarch, said some want to leave, but Paris has no plans to send another plane.

"We have no way to get you out," Guyonvarch says he told them. Others are choosing to stay the course to minimise the risk of contracting the virus on the road.

Australian Edwin Reese said his wife was in the city and he was reluctant for her to leave. "If she stays where she is, they have a small garden with fruit and vegetables,&nbsp;they have everything they need," he said.&nbsp;"Why would they go out and expose themselves? They would be crazy to do that."

Hunkered down at the epicentre of China's virus epidemic and cut off from the world, the remaining foreigners in Wuhan are spending their days in paralysing fear.

Hunkered down at the epicentre of China's virus epidemic and cut off from the world, the remaining foreigners in Wuhan are spending their days in paralysing fear. A coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 1,300 people and locked down the central Chinese city has left thousands of foreigners trapped as authorities impose an unprecedented quarantine. While many have managed to escape on government-chartered planes, a dwindling group of the unlucky - or in some cases hardy - remain, either adapting to life or still seeking a way out. Ruqia Shaikh, a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher stranded at Wuhan's Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, said most students at the school were confined to their dormitories, watching TV. She said the university was providing students with essential commodities but at double the usual price. "We are fed up of eating the same food – boiled rice and vegetables – over and over again. The only physical activity we have is a walk on the terrace, and that exposes us to the risk," Shaikh said. Watch: Fineprint: Ground report from inside of Coronavirus epicentre Wuhan No plans for evacuation She added that while many Pakistani students wanted to leave, there were risks in returning to their country. "We are worried about how the authorities are going to treat us when we go back to Pakistan - some students who went back told us the officials treated them very badly," she said. Pakistani authorities say more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but they have not announced any plans for an evacuation effort. Unlike many countries, Islamabad has maintained flights to and from other cities in China. The health ministry justifies the move with assurances that all passengers are screened on landing in Pakistan. Yemen too has no plans to evacuate its 115 nationals from the virus-hit city. Fahd al-Tawili, a 31-year-old Yemeni under quarantine at the China University of Geosciences, said conditions were desperate. "Everybody's being evacuated except us. The latest is the Sudanese," al-Tawili said. "When we are allowed to go out, the few shops open are crowded and we have to wait in line for a long time to make rare purchases." Also Read: Pakistan tells citizens in Wuhan to sit tight and face coronavirus Al-Tawili said Yemen's government had turned a deaf ear to requests to leave, and financial aid promised to scholarship holders had not been sent. Another Yemeni student, a 23-year-old studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said students were living in "total terror for fear of being infected". Bangladesh last week evacuated 312 people, mostly students, and planned a second flight for another 171 until pilots for national carrier Biman refused to fly for fear of catching the virus. "No crew wants to go there. The crew who went there earlier don't want to go either," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters. He said the government was trying to charter a Chinese-run flight, but so far without success. France has left a group of between 30 and 50 citizens in Wuhan after evacuating hundreds on three earlier flights. Its consul general in the city, Olivier Guyonvarch, said some want to leave, but Paris has no plans to send another plane. "We have no way to get you out," Guyonvarch says he told them. Others are choosing to stay the course to minimise the risk of contracting the virus on the road. Australian Edwin Reese said his wife was in the city and he was reluctant for her to leave. "If she stays where she is, they have a small garden with fruit and vegetables, they have everything they need," he said. "Why would they go out and expose themselves? They would be crazy to do that."

Coronavirus fears grip foreigners stranded in Wuhan; rations run low

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt&nbsp;to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act.&nbsp;

Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/popes-vow-to-battle-child-sex-abuse-fails-to-appease-victims-199463">Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone</a> and abortion does. The controversial priest had posted a list of 44 US lawmakers, saying that they will be barred from communion because of their support for "reproductive rights".

In a&nbsp;community bulletin of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-cardinal-says-catholic-church-files-on-paedophile-priests-were-destroyed-199312">Sacred Heart Church</a>, a note included the names of lawmakers who voted for the state’s Reproductive Privacy Act. The&nbsp;piece of legislation formally adopts a Supreme Court ruling from 1973 which legalises abortion into State law, a case known as the American public as Roe v Wade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-diocese-bishop-sued-over-employing-known-pedophiles-204501">US diocese, bishop sued over employing known pedophiles</a>

Reverend Dick Bucci has reportedly barred officials from witnessing marriages, reading funerals and serving as godparents after citing “2,000 years” of Catholic teachings.

A Democratic Senator Adam Satchell stated that he had learned of his inclusion on the list and expressed concern.

Carol Hagan McEntee, Democratic State&nbsp;Representative was allegedly asked to leave a relative's funeral and was banned from delivering the eulogy by Bucci.

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Here’s a photo of the notice received by lawmakers including <a href="https://twitter.com/repmcentee33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@repmcentee33</a> <a href="https://t.co/diBYuAVod9">pic.twitter.com/diBYuAVod9</a>
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The passage of state law was led by McEntee which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse on children.

The State Representative's older sister had previously testified about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sexual-revolution-of-1960s-led-to-church-abuse-crisis-ex-pope-says-209656">sexual abuse</a> and had accused a priest who was with the Sacred Heart church.

The State Representative said that the Reverend should come to the Statehouse and listen to testimonies of individuals who survive paedophiles, for the ones who can share their stories are but a fraction of the multitudes of young souls who committed suicide or took to drugs to escape their agonizing past.

Another State representative who was also included in the Church's hate list was Julie Casimiro, who recommended that the Catholic Church review their policies carefully.&nbsp;

Carolyn Cronin, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Providence issued a statement recently. She said that though the Catholic Church provides detailed instructions for sacraments, the paster must apply them within his parish under Church law.

“Because the church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level.”

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act. Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone and abortion does.

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act. Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone and abortion does. The controversial priest had posted a list of 44 US lawmakers, saying that they will be barred from communion because of their support for "reproductive rights". In a community bulletin of the Sacred Heart Church, a note included the names of lawmakers who voted for the state’s Reproductive Privacy Act. The piece of legislation formally adopts a Supreme Court ruling from 1973 which legalises abortion into State law, a case known as the American public as Roe v Wade. Also Read: US diocese, bishop sued over employing known pedophiles Reverend Dick Bucci has reportedly barred officials from witnessing marriages, reading funerals and serving as godparents after citing “2,000 years” of Catholic teachings. A Democratic Senator Adam Satchell stated that he had learned of his inclusion on the list and expressed concern. Carol Hagan McEntee, Democratic State Representative was allegedly asked to leave a relative's funeral and was banned from delivering the eulogy by Bucci. Here’s a photo of the notice received by lawmakers including @repmcentee33 pic.twitter.com/diBYuAVod9 — Ian Donnis (@IanDon) January 31, 2020 × The passage of state law was led by McEntee which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse on children. The State Representative's older sister had previously testified about sexual abuse and had accused a priest who was with the Sacred Heart church. The State Representative said that the Reverend should come to the Statehouse and listen to testimonies of individuals who survive paedophiles, for the ones who can share their stories are but a fraction of the multitudes of young souls who committed suicide or took to drugs to escape their agonizing past. Another State representative who was also included in the Church's hate list was Julie Casimiro, who recommended that the Catholic Church review their policies carefully. Carolyn Cronin, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Providence issued a statement recently. She said that though the Catholic Church provides detailed instructions for sacraments, the paster must apply them within his parish under Church law. “Because the church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level.”

Controversial US priest takes on lawmakers over Reproductive Privacy Act

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria. Turkish officials said Monday that 101 Syrian regime soldiers had been "neutralised" following the killing of five Turks in Idlib - the last major rebel bastion in Syria. There was no independent confirmation of the figures.

"The more they attack our soldiers, they will pay a very, very heavy price," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Erdogan</a>&nbsp;stated at a televised ceremony in Ankara.&nbsp;Russian-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed.

Turkey has backed some anti-regime groups in the eight-year conflict and set up military posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia. Turkish officials say three of these so-called observation posts have been encircled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/erdogan-battles-on-multiple-fronts-in-risky-regional-power-bid-280217">Syrian army and Erdogan</a> has given Damascus until the end of the month to withdraw.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria</a>

Monday's exchange was the second such clash in a week.&nbsp;Erdogan said the Syrian regime had "got what it deserved" in Idlib but that it was "not enough", adding that he would reveal his next steps Wednesday.&nbsp;Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Russia and Iran - another Damascus ally - to stop President Bashar al-Assad's assault on Idlib.&nbsp;

"The regime's guarantors, Russia and Iran, should halt the regime's aggression," Cavusoglu said, quoted by a private NTV broadcaster. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara seeking a solution to the clashes in Idlib, but no concrete agreement emerged.&nbsp;

Cavusoglu said Erdogan would speak on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for talks the next day. Jeffrey told reporters in Turkish after arriving that the US wanted to support its NATO ally Turkey "as much as possible".

"Turkish soldiers face a threat in Idlib. This threat comes from Russia and the Assad government," he said. The Turkish military continued to send reinforcements to the border, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported. A 50-vehicle convoy was sent from the southern province of Sanliurfa and was on its way west to Hatay province "to bolster military units on the Turkey-Syria border", the agency said Tuesday.

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria.

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria. Turkish officials said Monday that 101 Syrian regime soldiers had been "neutralised" following the killing of five Turks in Idlib - the last major rebel bastion in Syria. There was no independent confirmation of the figures. "The more they attack our soldiers, they will pay a very, very heavy price," Erdogan stated at a televised ceremony in Ankara. Russian-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed. Turkey has backed some anti-regime groups in the eight-year conflict and set up military posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia. Turkish officials say three of these so-called observation posts have been encircled by the Syrian army and Erdogan has given Damascus until the end of the month to withdraw. Also Read: Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria Monday's exchange was the second such clash in a week. Erdogan said the Syrian regime had "got what it deserved" in Idlib but that it was "not enough", adding that he would reveal his next steps Wednesday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Russia and Iran - another Damascus ally - to stop President Bashar al-Assad's assault on Idlib. "The regime's guarantors, Russia and Iran, should halt the regime's aggression," Cavusoglu said, quoted by a private NTV broadcaster. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara seeking a solution to the clashes in Idlib, but no concrete agreement emerged. Cavusoglu said Erdogan would speak on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for talks the next day. Jeffrey told reporters in Turkish after arriving that the US wanted to support its NATO ally Turkey "as much as possible". "Turkish soldiers face a threat in Idlib. This threat comes from Russia and the Assad government," he said. The Turkish military continued to send reinforcements to the border, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported. A 50-vehicle convoy was sent from the southern province of Sanliurfa and was on its way west to Hatay province "to bolster military units on the Turkey-Syria border", the agency said Tuesday.

Retaliation against the Syrian regime promised by Erdogan

Britain's regulator Ofcom will reportedly make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-adds-tips-for-spotting-fake-news-14267">social media companies</a> such as Facebook and Twitter responsible for harmful content on their platforms.

Nicky Morgan, Britain's outgoing digital minister, was quoted saying that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-group-spreading-pro-trump-posts-from-fake-accounts-269435">platforms had resisted regulation</a> previously but "they understand now that actually regulation is coming."

Britain proposed new online safety laws last year that it said would be the toughest in the world. Former Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly said at the time she would put a legal "duty of care on internet companies to keep users safe online".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-changes-algorithm-to-curb-tiny-group-of-spammers-17547">Facebook takes another step to curb spammers</a>

Companies would face big fines, with bosses also held personally accountable, the government said.

Governments globally are wrestling over how to better control the content on social media platforms, often blamed for encouraging abuse, the spread of online pornography and for influencing or manipulating voters.

Under the proposals to be announced on Wednesday, social media platforms will reportedly have to remove illegal content quickly and minimise the risk of it appearing at all.

A spokeswoman for the ministry refused to confirm the details or provide any comments by the minister.

Britain's regulator Ofcom will reportedly make social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter responsible for harmful content on their platforms. Nicky Morgan, Britain's outgoing digital minister, was quoted saying that platforms had resisted regulation previously but "they understand now that actually regulation is coming.

Britain's regulator Ofcom will reportedly make social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter responsible for harmful content on their platforms. Nicky Morgan, Britain's outgoing digital minister, was quoted saying that platforms had resisted regulation previously but "they understand now that actually regulation is coming." Britain proposed new online safety laws last year that it said would be the toughest in the world. Former Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly said at the time she would put a legal "duty of care on internet companies to keep users safe online". Also Read: Facebook takes another step to curb spammers Companies would face big fines, with bosses also held personally accountable, the government said. Governments globally are wrestling over how to better control the content on social media platforms, often blamed for encouraging abuse, the spread of online pornography and for influencing or manipulating voters. Under the proposals to be announced on Wednesday, social media platforms will reportedly have to remove illegal content quickly and minimise the risk of it appearing at all. A spokeswoman for the ministry refused to confirm the details or provide any comments by the minister.

Social media platforms to be held responsible by UK for harmful content

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a&nbsp;dead dolphin<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharp-rise-in-whale-dolphin-stranding-deaths-in-india-91"> was discovered</a> off Naples, Florida late last week.&nbsp;Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet.

Another dolphin was recovered within the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-dolphin-carcass-found-washed-ashore-in-kerala--131644">same week</a> along Pensacola Beach, Florida by emerald coast wildlife refuge experts who stated that the creature had a bullet lodged in its left side.

Experts have reason to believe that the deaths are related to humans who are feeding wild dolphins. It&nbsp;makes dolphins associate people and boats with food, which exposes them to dangerous situations. Officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid feeding wild dolphins.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-single-use-plastic-is-killing-the-earth-248688">How single-use plastic is killing the Earth</a>

The number of <a href="carcass ">dolphins who were stranded</a> with evidence of wounds inflicted by gunshots, arrows and fishing spears in some cases, has been on the rise since 2002. A dolphin was found dead with a fatal puncture wound to its head in May 2019 off Captiva Island. Law enforcement officials are still investigating the murder.

A reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the person responsible for these crimes has been being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a dead dolphin was discovered off Naples, Florida late last week. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet.

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a dead dolphin was discovered off Naples, Florida late last week. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet. Another dolphin was recovered within the same week along Pensacola Beach, Florida by emerald coast wildlife refuge experts who stated that the creature had a bullet lodged in its left side. Experts have reason to believe that the deaths are related to humans who are feeding wild dolphins. It makes dolphins associate people and boats with food, which exposes them to dangerous situations. Officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid feeding wild dolphins. Also Read: How single-use plastic is killing the Earth The number of dolphins who were stranded with evidence of wounds inflicted by gunshots, arrows and fishing spears in some cases, has been on the rise since 2002. A dolphin was found dead with a fatal puncture wound to its head in May 2019 off Captiva Island. Law enforcement officials are still investigating the murder. A reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the person responsible for these crimes has been being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).

US department offers $20,000 reward for information on dolphins found stabbed in Florida

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-to-pay-publishers-for-use-of-news-in-eu-205923">European Union antitrust </a>fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.

The company will lay out its arguments against a 2.4 billion Euro fine handed out by the European Commission during a three-day hearing at the General Court. EU regulators said this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-countries-back-copyright-reforms-aimed-at-google-facebook-198643">penalty was for Google</a>'s favouring its price comparison shopping service to the disadvantage of smaller European rivals.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-slams-google-with-record-242-billion-euro-fine-for-alleged-biased-search-results-17330">EU has fined Google</a> a total of 8.25 billion Euros in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-slaps-third-anti-trust-charge-on-tech-giant-google-2512">three separate cases</a>, including one involving its Android smartphone operating system. This is four times more than its rival Microsoft's EU fines of 2.2 billion Euros. Both companies' regulatory troubles in Europe have lasted a decade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-antitrust-regulators-say-they-are-investigating-googles-data-collection-265506">EU antitrust regulators investigating Google's data collection: Report</a>

Google is expected to launch a three-pronged attack against the Commission's 2017 decision which also included an order to treat competitors equally. "It is wrong on the law, the facts, and economics. Shopping ads have always helped people find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, and helped merchants to reach potential customers," Google said in a statement.

The key issue is whether self preferencing is anti-competitive and whether Amazon and eBay should be counted as Google's rivals. 
For rivals, the case centres on Google's role as a central online gatekeeper.

"Google's search service acts as a de-facto kingmaker. If you are not found, the rest cannot follow. No company should be allowed to abuse such position to promote its services at the detriment of competitors and consumers alike," said lawyer Thomas Hoppner who advises clients who are critical of Google.

"The judgement will have repercussions for a large variety of industries that depend on a judicial ranking of their services on Google Search," he said. The court ruling is likely to come next year.

In the meantime, Margrethe Vestager in her new beefed-up role as Europe's digital chief will not be idle. She is set to announce several proposals in the coming months to rein in dominant US online groups amid push back by the United States and the companies. 
&nbsp;

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power. The company will lay out its arguments against a 2.4 billion Euro fine handed out by the European Commission during a three-day hearing at the General Court. EU regulators said this penalty was for Google's favouring its price comparison shopping service to the disadvantage of smaller European rivals. The EU has fined Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros in three separate cases, including one involving its Android smartphone operating system. This is four times more than its rival Microsoft's EU fines of 2.2 billion Euros. Both companies' regulatory troubles in Europe have lasted a decade. Also Read: EU antitrust regulators investigating Google's data collection: Report Google is expected to launch a three-pronged attack against the Commission's 2017 decision which also included an order to treat competitors equally. "It is wrong on the law, the facts, and economics. Shopping ads have always helped people find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, and helped merchants to reach potential customers," Google said in a statement. The key issue is whether self preferencing is anti-competitive and whether Amazon and eBay should be counted as Google's rivals. For rivals, the case centres on Google's role as a central online gatekeeper. "Google's search service acts as a de-facto kingmaker. If you are not found, the rest cannot follow. No company should be allowed to abuse such position to promote its services at the detriment of competitors and consumers alike," said lawyer Thomas Hoppner who advises clients who are critical of Google. "The judgement will have repercussions for a large variety of industries that depend on a judicial ranking of their services on Google Search," he said. The court ruling is likely to come next year. In the meantime, Margrethe Vestager in her new beefed-up role as Europe's digital chief will not be idle. She is set to announce several proposals in the coming months to rein in dominant US online groups amid push back by the United States and the companies.

Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines

The head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-world-health-organisation-holds-briefing-279523">World Health Organization</a> on Tuesday warned the novel coronavirus was a "very grave threat" for the world as he opened a conference to combat the epidemic.

"With 99% of cases in China, this remains very much an emergency for that country, but one that holds a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">very grave threat</a> for the rest of the world," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva.

Some 400 scientists will review how the virus is transmitted and possible vaccines at the two-day forum. "What matters most is stopping the outbreak and saving lives. With your support, that's what we can do together," Tedros said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg'</a>

The virus, first identified in China on December 31, has killed more than 1,000 people, infected over 42,000 and reached some 25 countries.

Participants will also discuss the source of the virus, which is thought to have originated in bats and reached humans via another animal such as snakes or pangolins.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine against the virus, which can cause respiratory failure. Tedros, who has repeatedly urged countries affected to share their data, called for global "solidarity".

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-health-organization-press-briefing-on-deadly-ncov-279252">World Health Organization press briefing on deadly nCoV</a>

"That is especially true in relation to sharing of samples and sequences. To defeat this outbreak, we need open and equitable sharing, according to the principles of fairness and equity," he said.

"We hope that one of the outcomes of this meeting will be an agreed roadmap for research around which researchers and donors will align," Tedros said. Several companies and institutes in Australia, China, France, Germany and the United States are racing to develop a vaccine - a process that normally takes years.

Asked whether scientists from Taiwan would be allowed to take part in this week's Geneva conference, WHO officials said that they would do so but only online - along with colleagues from other parts of China.

While the WHO does not deal with Taiwan directly and only recognises Beijing, Taiwan was often allowed to attend annual assemblies and sideline meetings as an observer.

But in recent years it has been frozen out as Beijing takes an increasingly combative stance towards democratic Taiwan, which it considers its own territory.

The head of the World Health Organization on Tuesday warned the novel coronavirus was a "very grave threat" for the world as he opened a conference to combat the epidemic.

The head of the World Health Organization on Tuesday warned the novel coronavirus was a "very grave threat" for the world as he opened a conference to combat the epidemic. "With 99% of cases in China, this remains very much an emergency for that country, but one that holds a very grave threat for the rest of the world," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva. Some 400 scientists will review how the virus is transmitted and possible vaccines at the two-day forum. "What matters most is stopping the outbreak and saving lives. With your support, that's what we can do together," Tedros said. Also Read: World Health Organisation warns overseas virus spread may be 'tip of the iceberg' The virus, first identified in China on December 31, has killed more than 1,000 people, infected over 42,000 and reached some 25 countries. Participants will also discuss the source of the virus, which is thought to have originated in bats and reached humans via another animal such as snakes or pangolins. There is no specific treatment or vaccine against the virus, which can cause respiratory failure. Tedros, who has repeatedly urged countries affected to share their data, called for global "solidarity". Also Watch: World Health Organization press briefing on deadly nCoV "That is especially true in relation to sharing of samples and sequences. To defeat this outbreak, we need open and equitable sharing, according to the principles of fairness and equity," he said. "We hope that one of the outcomes of this meeting will be an agreed roadmap for research around which researchers and donors will align," Tedros said. Several companies and institutes in Australia, China, France, Germany and the United States are racing to develop a vaccine - a process that normally takes years. Asked whether scientists from Taiwan would be allowed to take part in this week's Geneva conference, WHO officials said that they would do so but only online - along with colleagues from other parts of China. While the WHO does not deal with Taiwan directly and only recognises Beijing, Taiwan was often allowed to attend annual assemblies and sideline meetings as an observer. But in recent years it has been frozen out as Beijing takes an increasingly combative stance towards democratic Taiwan, which it considers its own territory.

'Very Grave' global virus threat issued by WHO

A team of UK scientists believe they are one of the first to start animal testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has killed more than 900 people and spread around the world.

A team of UK scientists believe they are one of the first to start animal testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has killed more than 900 people and spread around the world. Researchers at Imperial College London said their ultimate goal was to have an effective and safe way of halting the SARS-like strain's spread by the end of the year. "At the moment we have just put the vaccine that we've generated from these bacteria into mice," Imperial College London researcher Paul McKay said in an interview. Also Read: Coronavirus cure found by Indian Scientist; team leader at CSIRO cultured the first viable batch "We're hoping that over the next few weeks we'll be able to determine the response that we can see in those mice, in their blood, their antibody response to the coronavirus." Scientists across the world are racing to develop a way to stamp out a new strain of a well-known virus that has been successfully combatted in the past. Imperial College London said it cannot be sure how advanced other teams' research is at the moment, but the animal tests they began running Monday were one of the first. Also Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll rises to 1,016 Britain has recorded eight cases and been forced to shut down two branches of a medical centre in the southeast city of Brighton where at least two staff members tested positive. But coming up with a vaccine is a laborious process that usually involves years of animal testing and clinal trials on humans. Regulators must then make sure that the vaccine is both sufficiently safe and effective to be mass-produced. Imperial College London hopes that research on the SARS coronavirus nearly two decades ago can speed things up. "We're hoping to be the first to get this particular vaccine into human clinical trials, and that perhaps is our personal goal," McKay said. "Once the phase one trial is complete - which can take a few months to complete - it can be immediately started into an efficacy trial in people, which will also take a few months to complete," McKay added. "So, perhaps by the end of this year, there will be a viable tested vaccine that would be suitable for use in people." Collaborative race Much of the world's current research into the new strain is being funded through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The group was formed at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos to help drug companies and universities join forces and stamp out dangerous and preventable diseases. Imperial College London is not working with any of the current teams partnering with CEPI and requires its sources of funding. Its scientists hope that successful animal testing can help secure investments that allow clinical trials to start sometime between June and August. McKay said it would be unfair to say that the various universities and companies are competing to become the first to develop a vaccine. "There's been so much cross-sharing with all of this information - I mean the Chinese, as soon as the genome was sequenced, they shared it freely with everyone in the world," he noted. "So to put it in a competitive sense is probably not accurate. I would say that it’s a collaborative race."

China virus vaccine trials commence on mice by UK scientists

February 10 in history: Battle of Sobraon, Mike Tyson's conviction and lots more!

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation.

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation. Sergei Lavrov arrived in Caracas on Thursday, only hours after the US State Department suggested its Venezuela sanctions program could begin targeting Russia, whose oil companies have helped Maduro by buying much of the OPEC nation's crude. Assistance from Russia could be decisive for Maduro to boost oil production and restore economic growth after a surprise opening of the economy last year that followed years of hyperinflation and the exodus of 5 million people. [ Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "We have agreed to deepen our economic, commercial and investment cooperation in several areas despite the illegitimate sanctions," Lavrov said alongside Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez following an afternoon meeting with Maduro. "The most promising sectors are energy, natural resources and industry," Lavrov said in comments broadcast on state television, without providing details. US President Donald Trump met at the White House this week with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate president. Also Read: Venezuela opposition calls on US to step up pressure on Maduro ally Russia "We consider sanctions to be unacceptable," Lavrov said during an earlier televised meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza, and other Venezuelan officials. "It is outrageous that unilateral actions by the United States affect social and humanitarian projects." Lavrov also said "unilateral" actions by Washington could interfere with humanitarian projects. He voiced support for a government-backed dialogue effort as an alternative to "uprisings and interventions." Opposition leaders have said Maduro uses dialogue proceedings as a stalling tactic. The US Special Representative to Venezuela Elliott Abrams said on Thursday that Russia's support for Maduro's government may "no longer be cost-free." On Friday, the US Treasury Department said it imposed sanctions on Venezuela state-run airline Conviasa, which it said was being used to "shuttle corrupt officials around the world." "The Trump administration will not allow Maduro and his proxies to continue stealing from the Venezuelan people and abusing state-owned assets to advance their own corrupt and destabilizing activities," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. It is not evident that Washington is prepared to impose sanctions on Russian oil companies due to the potential impact on crude markets.

Russia foreign minister slams US sanctions during visit to Venezuela

Five British nationals including a child have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in France, after staying in the same ski chalet with a person who had been in Singapore, French health officials said on Saturday.

Five British nationals including a child have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in France, after staying in the same ski chalet with a person who had been in Singapore, French health officials said on Saturday. The new cases emerged after authorities began to retrace the recent travels of one British citizen confirmed by Britain to have contracted the virus in recent days, senior health official Jerome Salomon told a news conference. Agnes Buzyn, France's health minister, added that the group of people newly infected with the virus were not in a serious condition. They had formed "a cluster, a grouping around one original case", she said, after staying in the same chalet, in the Contamines-Montjoie resort in Savoie in eastern France. Contamines is in the French Alps, close to the Swiss city of Geneva. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Super Spreaders, a new nightmare for doctors "That original case was brought to our attention last night, it is a British national who had returned from Singapore where he had stayed between January 20 and 23, and he arrived in France on January 24 for four days," Buzyn said. Two of the apartments in the ski chalet were being examined, health officials said, adding that no other people had been affected by the outbreak in the resort. The infected Britons had been hospitalised overnight in the region, in the cities of Lyon, Grenoble and Saint-Etienne, the ministry added. The total number of people infected with the virus in France has now reached 11. The six others include one man in a serious condition, while the others have shown signs of improvement in recent days, according to medical officials. Also Watch: Why coronavirus' death toll still on rise? | Ground Report from Hong Kong The French government had been in touch with Singapore and Britain, and Singaporean authorities were looking into a business congress that took place in a hotel there on January 20-23 and was attended by 94 foreigners, they said. The British man now known to be at the origin of the latest French outbreak had travelled to that meeting, according to health officials in Singapore.

Five British nationals four adults one child infected at French ski resort

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-to-lead-friday-prayers-for-first-time-since-2012-274495">Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act".

"We should be strong to prevent any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-khamenei-delivers-friday-sermon-bid-to-quell-public-anger-274853">war against the county</a>. Being weak will encourage our enemies to attack Iran," Khamenei, Iran's top authority, said according to state news agency IRNA.

The Islamic Republic has vowed to increase its military strength despite mounting pressure from Western countries to curtail its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-american-clowns-who-lie-says-khamenei-in-friday-sermon-referring-to-trump-274902">These American 'clowns' who lie, says Khamenei in Friday sermon referring to Trump</a>

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked since 2018 when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which Tehran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.

"Since the revolution, their aim was to stop us from having a strong military and a strong air force but look at us now. We even build planes. We have transformed their pressure to opportunity."

Iran is marking the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Washington has reimposed crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force Iran to negotiate to reach a wider deal.

<img alt="Khamenei" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fafe40ea-8228-48cd-b2bc-e3afd3d958f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_49.jpg" /> 
[ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Khamenei, who dismissed the US sanctions as a "criminal act", has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the deal and lifts all sanctions. He said Iran should distance its economy from dependence on oil exports.

Iran and the United States stormed to the edge of war in early January when Tehran's most prominent general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike on his convoy in Baghdad.

Tehran responded by launching missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. 
Iranian television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, without providing any evidence, Washington denied that there were any fatalities.

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act".

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act". "We should be strong to prevent any war against the county. Being weak will encourage our enemies to attack Iran," Khamenei, Iran's top authority, said according to state news agency IRNA. The Islamic Republic has vowed to increase its military strength despite mounting pressure from Western countries to curtail its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme. Also Read: These American 'clowns' who lie, says Khamenei in Friday sermon referring to Trump Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked since 2018 when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which Tehran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. "Since the revolution, their aim was to stop us from having a strong military and a strong air force but look at us now. We even build planes. We have transformed their pressure to opportunity." Iran is marking the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Washington has reimposed crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force Iran to negotiate to reach a wider deal. [ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Khamenei, who dismissed the US sanctions as a "criminal act", has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the deal and lifts all sanctions. He said Iran should distance its economy from dependence on oil exports. Iran and the United States stormed to the edge of war in early January when Tehran's most prominent general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike on his convoy in Baghdad. Tehran responded by launching missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. Iranian television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, without providing any evidence, Washington denied that there were any fatalities.

To prevent war, Iran must increase its military might: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael.

However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent.

<img alt="Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c28cfae-9132-4966-8a6c-dd3cf795d5a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_68.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament.

Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland.

The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-ireland-abortion-laws-violate-womens-rights-un-body-33835">Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body</a>

Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon.

"We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding.

"Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-to-hold-a-parliamentary-election-in-february-274252">Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February</a>

Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years.

Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership.

<img alt="Varadkar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b73db71-3487-48b6-99e7-00425b674e63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_82.jpg" /> 
[Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)]

The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout.

The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing.

"We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time. Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael. However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent. [ Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament. Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland. The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power. Also Read: Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon. "We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding. "Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael. Also Read: Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years. Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership. [Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)] The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout. The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing. "We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

The end for Varadkar is nigh; Irish vote may give Sinn Fein a surging lead

US experts on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-super-spreaders-a-new-nightmare-for-doctors-279486">infectious diseases</a>, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated.

China agreed to allow WHO to form a team of experts to travel to China to learn about the virus and find <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-punitive-measures-as-it-races-to-contain-coronavirus-279420">solutions to the outbreak</a>, the spokesman said. "The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">United States appreciates China's efforts</a> and continued coordination with public health officials across the globe," he said in an e-mailed statement.

"These US experts have extensive experience working with the World Health Organization on a range infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics including Ebola, avian influenza, and SARS," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-us-offers-100m-aid-to-china-279407">Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China</a>

A WHO source in Geneva said that the agency was waiting to hear back from China on the proposed team, while a WHO spokesman said on Saturday he had no further update on the mission.

China's foreign ministry said in a statement that it understood that the National Health Commission was in close communication with WHO on the specific arrangements for the team's visit to China.

US experts on infectious diseases, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated.

US experts on infectious diseases, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated. China agreed to allow WHO to form a team of experts to travel to China to learn about the virus and find solutions to the outbreak, the spokesman said. "The United States appreciates China's efforts and continued coordination with public health officials across the globe," he said in an e-mailed statement. "These US experts have extensive experience working with the World Health Organization on a range infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics including Ebola, avian influenza, and SARS," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China A WHO source in Geneva said that the agency was waiting to hear back from China on the proposed team, while a WHO spokesman said on Saturday he had no further update on the mission. China's foreign ministry said in a statement that it understood that the National Health Commission was in close communication with WHO on the specific arrangements for the team's visit to China.

US still waiting on China's approval to send experts to join the WHO team

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains.

Severe tropical cyclone Damien was expected to make landfall on the west coast near Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore port, on Saturday afternoon. The ports had been cleared of vessels ahead its arrival.

At 1 pm AWST, Damien was a Category 3 storm, expecting to bring winds with gusts up to 220 kilometres per hour near its centre when crossing the coast later on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology in Western Australia said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2-killed-over-2500-people-evacuated-after-tropical-cyclone-sarai-hits-fiji-270846" target="_blank">2 killed &amp; over 2500 people evacuated after tropical cyclone 'Sarai' hits Fiji</a>

Residents of some coastal areas were urged to seek shelter. "Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast," the agency said on its website.

"Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding." Sparsely populated Western Australia was also facing several severe fire warnings with hot temperatures expected in most of the state.

After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has brought heavy downpours, hail storms and heatwaves.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-2500-seek-emergency-shelter-in-cyclone-battered-fiji-270826" target="_blank">Two dead, 2,500 seek emergency shelter in cyclone-battered Fiji</a>

New South Wales, an east coast state where nearly a third of Australia's population lives, saw some areas drenched by the heaviest rainfall in almost 20 years by Saturday, with severe weather and flash flood warnings.

"Potentially we haven't seen anything like this since the late 1990s," Bureau of Meteorology acting New South Wales manager Jane Golding said at a news conference.

There were still more than 40 active fires in New South Wales on Saturday, half of them yet to be contained, but fire services said the downpours, which are expected to continue into next week, may dampen them.

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains.

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains. Severe tropical cyclone Damien was expected to make landfall on the west coast near Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore port, on Saturday afternoon. The ports had been cleared of vessels ahead its arrival. At 1 pm AWST, Damien was a Category 3 storm, expecting to bring winds with gusts up to 220 kilometres per hour near its centre when crossing the coast later on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology in Western Australia said. Also Watch: 2 killed & over 2500 people evacuated after tropical cyclone 'Sarai' hits Fiji Residents of some coastal areas were urged to seek shelter. "Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast," the agency said on its website. "Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding." Sparsely populated Western Australia was also facing several severe fire warnings with hot temperatures expected in most of the state. After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has brought heavy downpours, hail storms and heatwaves. Also Read: Two dead, 2,500 seek emergency shelter in cyclone-battered Fiji New South Wales, an east coast state where nearly a third of Australia's population lives, saw some areas drenched by the heaviest rainfall in almost 20 years by Saturday, with severe weather and flash flood warnings. "Potentially we haven't seen anything like this since the late 1990s," Bureau of Meteorology acting New South Wales manager Jane Golding said at a news conference. There were still more than 40 active fires in New South Wales on Saturday, half of them yet to be contained, but fire services said the downpours, which are expected to continue into next week, may dampen them.

Cyclone approaches Western Australia with heavy winds, risk of storm tide

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack.

Here’s how each of the seven contenders on stage fared:

JOE BIDEN 
The former vice president, looking to rebound from a faceplant in Iowa's caucuses this week, obviously wanted to come out on the offensive. Unfortunately, he started the night telling the nation that he probably was going to lose New Hampshire as well.

But Biden grew more assured, tearing into US Senator Bernie Sanders over the cost of his Medicare for All plan and his record on guns while questioning Pete Buttigieg’s lack of experience. Biden seemed to relish in his long record of public service, repeatedly listing his accomplishments as a senator and vice president for Barack Obama. “The politics of the past, I think, were not all that bad,” Biden said.

The risk for Biden is such talk only reinforces the view of some Democrats that his moment has passed and why they’re looking to fresh faces such as Buttigieg. But Biden has little choice but lean even harder into his argument that he is best prepared to take over for President Donald Trump.

<img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="351e7d0b-29e1-4073-b4d4-3cf068c648ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2897%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

PETE BUTTIGIEG 
As expected, everyone came gunning for the 38-year-old boyish former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden and US Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned his thin track record. Klobuchar also suggested Buttigieg had flipped positions on Medicare for All.&nbsp;

Sanders took a shot at his fundraising. And US Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a brutal critique of Buttigieg’s defence of his record as mayor concerning African Americans and criminal justice.

All of it was designed to make Buttigieg appear unready for the job – and at times he wobbled. At other points, he turned aggressive, labelling Sanders as an extreme candidate who would drive away moderates. Buttigieg did not back down from making his generational argument that it was time to pass the torch.&nbsp;

<img alt="Pete Buttigieg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e86f3f22-1b4b-44fd-b429-e090dd49df1d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2898%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg, Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

He told Biden his achievements “were phenomenally important because they met the moment. But now we have to meet at this moment, and this moment is different.” He also continued his outreach to independents and even Republicans, who could be critical in New Hampshire, which allows non-Democrats to vote.

AMY KLOBUCHAR 
If this is the end of the line for the senator from Minnesota, she will go out turning in probably her best debate performance to date. She showed quick thinking on stage. She was the first candidate to raise her hand when they were asked if they were concerned about having a democratic socialist like Sanders at the top of the ticket.&nbsp;

Not long after, she was the first candidate to bring up Trump’s impeachment and his acquittal by the Senate, a trenchant reminder of the stakes of the election.

It was clear from the outset that Klobuchar looked to dent Buttigieg’s momentum, challenging him and even mocking him while framing herself as a better “unity” candidate. Referring to Trump, she said, “We have a newcomer in the White House, and look what that got us.”

<img alt="Klobuchar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b57fa770-ed76-4a86-9943-68061bf949ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-08T131153.994.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic US Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

After a disappointing finish in Iowa - she came in fifth - Klobuchar heads into the New Hampshire primary a distinct underdog. One good debate is not likely to change that.

BERNIE SANDERS 
Coming off a strong performance in Iowa that put him almost in a dead heat with Buttigieg, Sanders was on the defensive early, as rivals like Biden questioned whether a democratic socialist could marshal broad enough support in November to defeat Trump.

As usual, Sanders showed little interest in moderating his message. His remarkable consistency – most of his quotes on Friday could have come from any of the other seven debates of this campaign, or his first presidential run in 2016 – is part of what endears him to his supporters.

It also brings questions about whether he can broaden his appeal to win a majority of American voters. Sanders’ answer on Friday was that his agenda of Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy would inspire more voters to participate in the election. “I believe the way we beat Trump is by having the largest voter turnout in the history of this country,” he said.

<img alt="Sanders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="789faacc-f28e-4c7b-a456-c1dd6cd0129e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2899%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic US&nbsp;Presidential Candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

TOM STEYER 
The California billionaire was probably the most pugnacious candidate on stage, fashioning himself as a truth-teller trying to elevate the discussion beyond squabbles over healthcare plans and abortion rights toward something more basic: How to beat Trump.

Steyer argued Democrats must find some way to challenge Trump on the economy or risk failure. “We have to go win a huge victory this year, and we're in trouble,” he said. He also seemed to suggest that his rivals had very little idea how to bring the party together and ensure that African Americans and other voters of colour go to the polls in November.&nbsp;

With polls showing Steyer rising as a challenger to Biden in South Carolina, the outsider candidate is likely to keep spending freely, act like he has nothing to lose and perhaps stay on the debate stage.

ELIZABETH WARREN 
Warren continued pressing the closing argument she made in Iowa, arguing that she is uniquely positioned to unify the various factions within the Democratic Party. As a result, she appeared somewhat unwilling to engage in attacks on her rivals.

But as the debate proceeded, Warren fired a few shots at the other candidates. After moderators pressed Buttigieg on his mayoral record on race and policing, Warren was asked whether his answer had been satisfactory.

“No,” she said bluntly, before ticking off several areas – housing, education, employment – in which she has released plans that specifically target racial gaps.

<img alt="Warren" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b97a700e-ca37-4b1c-a3b8-cfe14d84b149" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%28100%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic 2020 US&nbsp;Presidential Candidate and US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Later, she jumped at the chance to criticize billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who is skipping the early voting states and blanketing later states with a barrage of advertising, for trying to “buy” the nomination. She followed that with a thinly veiled shot at Sanders for getting help from an outside political group even though he has sworn off super PACs.

With less speaking time than Buttigieg, Biden, Sanders and Klobuchar, it was not clear whether she made enough of an impact after a week in which she was mostly an afterthought following a third-place finish in Iowa.

ANDREW YANG 
For months, Andrew Yang has pointed to New Hampshire as the early state where he expected to have the most appeal, thanks to the independent voters who make up a large portion of the electorate and might be drawn to his esoteric campaign platform.

But after a poor showing in Iowa, where he finished far behind the top candidates, Yang needed a breakout performance to have any hope of outperforming on Tuesday.

He didn’t get many opportunities. The moderators directed only a handful of questions at him, leaving him with by far the least amount of speaking time. As he has throughout the campaign, he declined to engage in any back-and-forth attacks with other candidates, which meant he spent long stretches in silence as rivals took turns swinging at one another.

<img alt="Yang" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3388b91a-447e-451c-8cde-d3e3aaf03944" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-08T131645.502.jpg" /> 
[ Businessman and 2020 US Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @AndrewYang) ]

Yang's campaign, which has far outstripped any reasonable expectations, may be drawing to a close.

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack.

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack. Here’s how each of the seven contenders on stage fared: JOE BIDEN The former vice president, looking to rebound from a faceplant in Iowa's caucuses this week, obviously wanted to come out on the offensive. Unfortunately, he started the night telling the nation that he probably was going to lose New Hampshire as well. But Biden grew more assured, tearing into US Senator Bernie Sanders over the cost of his Medicare for All plan and his record on guns while questioning Pete Buttigieg’s lack of experience. Biden seemed to relish in his long record of public service, repeatedly listing his accomplishments as a senator and vice president for Barack Obama. “The politics of the past, I think, were not all that bad,” Biden said. The risk for Biden is such talk only reinforces the view of some Democrats that his moment has passed and why they’re looking to fresh faces such as Buttigieg. But Biden has little choice but lean even harder into his argument that he is best prepared to take over for President Donald Trump. [ Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ] PETE BUTTIGIEG As expected, everyone came gunning for the 38-year-old boyish former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden and US Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned his thin track record. Klobuchar also suggested Buttigieg had flipped positions on Medicare for All. Sanders took a shot at his fundraising. And US Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a brutal critique of Buttigieg’s defence of his record as mayor concerning African Americans and criminal justice. All of it was designed to make Buttigieg appear unready for the job – and at times he wobbled. At other points, he turned aggressive, labelling Sanders as an extreme candidate who would drive away moderates. Buttigieg did not back down from making his generational argument that it was time to pass the torch. [ Pete Buttigieg, Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor (Courtesy: Reuters) ] He told Biden his achievements “were phenomenally important because they met the moment. But now we have to meet at this moment, and this moment is different.” He also continued his outreach to independents and even Republicans, who could be critical in New Hampshire, which allows non-Democrats to vote. AMY KLOBUCHAR If this is the end of the line for the senator from Minnesota, she will go out turning in probably her best debate performance to date. She showed quick thinking on stage. She was the first candidate to raise her hand when they were asked if they were concerned about having a democratic socialist like Sanders at the top of the ticket. Not long after, she was the first candidate to bring up Trump’s impeachment and his acquittal by the Senate, a trenchant reminder of the stakes of the election. It was clear from the outset that Klobuchar looked to dent Buttigieg’s momentum, challenging him and even mocking him while framing herself as a better “unity” candidate. Referring to Trump, she said, “We have a newcomer in the White House, and look what that got us.” [ Democratic US Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar (Courtesy: Reuters) ] After a disappointing finish in Iowa - she came in fifth - Klobuchar heads into the New Hampshire primary a distinct underdog. One good debate is not likely to change that. BERNIE SANDERS Coming off a strong performance in Iowa that put him almost in a dead heat with Buttigieg, Sanders was on the defensive early, as rivals like Biden questioned whether a democratic socialist could marshal broad enough support in November to defeat Trump. As usual, Sanders showed little interest in moderating his message. His remarkable consistency – most of his quotes on Friday could have come from any of the other seven debates of this campaign, or his first presidential run in 2016 – is part of what endears him to his supporters. It also brings questions about whether he can broaden his appeal to win a majority of American voters. Sanders’ answer on Friday was that his agenda of Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy would inspire more voters to participate in the election. “I believe the way we beat Trump is by having the largest voter turnout in the history of this country,” he said. [ Democratic US Presidential Candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ] TOM STEYER The California billionaire was probably the most pugnacious candidate on stage, fashioning himself as a truth-teller trying to elevate the discussion beyond squabbles over healthcare plans and abortion rights toward something more basic: How to beat Trump. Steyer argued Democrats must find some way to challenge Trump on the economy or risk failure. “We have to go win a huge victory this year, and we're in trouble,” he said. He also seemed to suggest that his rivals had very little idea how to bring the party together and ensure that African Americans and other voters of colour go to the polls in November. With polls showing Steyer rising as a challenger to Biden in South Carolina, the outsider candidate is likely to keep spending freely, act like he has nothing to lose and perhaps stay on the debate stage. ELIZABETH WARREN Warren continued pressing the closing argument she made in Iowa, arguing that she is uniquely positioned to unify the various factions within the Democratic Party. As a result, she appeared somewhat unwilling to engage in attacks on her rivals. But as the debate proceeded, Warren fired a few shots at the other candidates. After moderators pressed Buttigieg on his mayoral record on race and policing, Warren was asked whether his answer had been satisfactory. “No,” she said bluntly, before ticking off several areas – housing, education, employment – in which she has released plans that specifically target racial gaps. [ Democratic 2020 US Presidential Candidate and US Senator Elizabeth Warren (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Later, she jumped at the chance to criticize billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who is skipping the early voting states and blanketing later states with a barrage of advertising, for trying to “buy” the nomination. She followed that with a thinly veiled shot at Sanders for getting help from an outside political group even though he has sworn off super PACs. With less speaking time than Buttigieg, Biden, Sanders and Klobuchar, it was not clear whether she made enough of an impact after a week in which she was mostly an afterthought following a third-place finish in Iowa. ANDREW YANG For months, Andrew Yang has pointed to New Hampshire as the early state where he expected to have the most appeal, thanks to the independent voters who make up a large portion of the electorate and might be drawn to his esoteric campaign platform. But after a poor showing in Iowa, where he finished far behind the top candidates, Yang needed a breakout performance to have any hope of outperforming on Tuesday. He didn’t get many opportunities. The moderators directed only a handful of questions at him, leaving him with by far the least amount of speaking time. As he has throughout the campaign, he declined to engage in any back-and-forth attacks with other candidates, which meant he spent long stretches in silence as rivals took turns swinging at one another. [ Businessman and 2020 US Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @AndrewYang) ] Yang's campaign, which has far outstripped any reasonable expectations, may be drawing to a close.

Presidential Candidates fight for survival in New Hampshire debate

Platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about the coronavirus outbreak have been launched by Chinese tech giants to help the nation win against this virulent outbreak.

Platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about the coronavirus outbreak have been launched by Chinese tech giants to help the nation win against this virulent outbreak. China has seen dozens of outbreaks of the 2019-nCoV which has killed 636 people and infected more than 29,000. 24 other nations have confirmed cases of the virus, including the US, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. This digital aid comes in the form of apps and platforms that map recent infections, provide the latest updates about the epidemic, and facilitate free online doctor consultations. Providing solutions to virus-related questions with the help of AI is the PRC's new approach at helping the citizens help each other. Also Read: Why coronavirus' death toll still on rise? | Ground Report from Hong Kong Following are some of the apps: Virus-tracking in real-time Tech companies NoSugarTech and Qihoo 360 collaborated to develop a tracking platform that lets users check whether they have recently travelled near any confirmed infected people. Public-verified sources such as state-owned media reports and local government websites provide the data. Baidu - Free consultations from doctors online [ Baidu's company logo is seen at its headquarters in Beijing (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The platform aims to ease panic among people and save hospitals from overcrowding by encouraging people with minor illnesses to consult doctors online, completely free of cost. Online health care services such as Ping An Good Doctor and WeDoctor have partnered with Baidu to integrate their resources into the platform and enhance the efficiency of consultations. AI-powered Queries - Alibaba Damo Academy, a research institute of Alibaba, developed an AI-powered public health service tool that provides information related to the virus. First deployed by the government of Zhejiang province on January 27, the app uses voice recognition and other AI-related integrations to provide solutions to queries such as locations of nearby hospitals or deciding upon a medically-approved face mask.

Chinese tech giants launch platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about nCoV

Coronavirus affects Japanese cruise: The journey so far

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have&nbsp;been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats"&nbsp;which have been causing widespread havoc.

What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the&nbsp;decade.

Sometimes referred to as "flying foxes", the bat colony has reached such biblical proportions that it now outnumbers Ingham's 4,300 residents by gargantuan margins. Residents have called the situation a "bat tornado", with the epicentre&nbsp;residing over the town's botanical gardens and the trees in nearby local primary schools.

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in 2013 had complained about the flying foxes&nbsp;as their presence made flights difficult. Since then, the numbers in the colony have jumped yearly, which is worsened by the fact that hundreds of fruit bats die of heat-stroke every summer, leaving residents and local authorities to clean up dead bodies of flying fox pups.&nbsp;

<img alt="Dead bats" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="281a4e3f-0030-4983-b118-c00e90cf9391" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Piles of fruit bat corpses litter the majority of Ingham - Representative Image (Courtesy: Doug&nbsp;Gimesy, National Geographic)

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home</a>

The most obvious problem being faced by Ingham residents is a spike in their daily interactions with guano or bat droppings. This not only includes the sight and smell but also the sensation of stepping in a pile whenever one steps out of the safety of their homes.&nbsp;

The constant cacophony of screeches also adds to local disgust.&nbsp;The major concern when it comes to infections is that&nbsp;Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) can be transferred via scratches or bites.

Though the risk of infection is low and only three confirmed cases have been registered in the country since was&nbsp;discovered&nbsp;in 1996 but&nbsp;research data from the Australian Journal of General Practice states that ABL has a 100 per cent kill rate.

<img alt="Map of Infected region" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d82678-d341-4f4e-ada7-f6161b84c4f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2871%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Current declared Ingham Roost area&nbsp;(Courtesy: Department of Environment and Science,&nbsp;Hinchinbrook Shire Council) ]

The virus is similar to classical rabies and there are no cures for this once symptoms appear. However, the government of New South Wales has stated rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound, as well as prompt administration of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine which can prevent the spread of the disease.

The Ingham local council has limited options when&nbsp;it comes to dispersing the colony&nbsp;as bats are protected under Queensland law despite the potential health risk their existence poses.

<img alt="flying fox" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21b4c49b-46f6-4fdd-ae62-cb5ce9f51215" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2872%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ An adult flying fox (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Smoke, noise and light can qualify as non-lethal methods to disperse of the animals, but local law dictates that these cannot be used when the bats are breeding. As per reports, there have been claims that the techniques in question are "rarely very successful" and extremely expensive when dispersing bat colonies.

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats" which have been causing widespread havoc. What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the decade.

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats" which have been causing widespread havoc. What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the decade. Sometimes referred to as "flying foxes", the bat colony has reached such biblical proportions that it now outnumbers Ingham's 4,300 residents by gargantuan margins. Residents have called the situation a "bat tornado", with the epicentre residing over the town's botanical gardens and the trees in nearby local primary schools. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in 2013 had complained about the flying foxes as their presence made flights difficult. Since then, the numbers in the colony have jumped yearly, which is worsened by the fact that hundreds of fruit bats die of heat-stroke every summer, leaving residents and local authorities to clean up dead bodies of flying fox pups. [ Piles of fruit bat corpses litter the majority of Ingham - Representative Image (Courtesy: Doug Gimesy, National Geographic) Also Read: Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home The most obvious problem being faced by Ingham residents is a spike in their daily interactions with guano or bat droppings. This not only includes the sight and smell but also the sensation of stepping in a pile whenever one steps out of the safety of their homes. The constant cacophony of screeches also adds to local disgust. The major concern when it comes to infections is that Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) can be transferred via scratches or bites. Though the risk of infection is low and only three confirmed cases have been registered in the country since was discovered in 1996 but research data from the Australian Journal of General Practice states that ABL has a 100 per cent kill rate. [ Current declared Ingham Roost area (Courtesy: Department of Environment and Science, Hinchinbrook Shire Council) ] The virus is similar to classical rabies and there are no cures for this once symptoms appear. However, the government of New South Wales has stated rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound, as well as prompt administration of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine which can prevent the spread of the disease. The Ingham local council has limited options when it comes to dispersing the colony as bats are protected under Queensland law despite the potential health risk their existence poses. [ An adult flying fox (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Smoke, noise and light can qualify as non-lethal methods to disperse of the animals, but local law dictates that these cannot be used when the bats are breeding. As per reports, there have been claims that the techniques in question are "rarely very successful" and extremely expensive when dispersing bat colonies.

'Bat tornado' wreaks widespread havoc in Australian town

The United Nation's&nbsp;Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It&nbsp;comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syrian army advanced</a> into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib province</a>.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads&nbsp;which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-planes-pound-idlib-as-offensive-escalates-turkey-france-call-for-de-escalation-270092">backed by Russia</a> continue to advance despite Turkey's warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">Turkey has chosen</a> to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296">Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers</a>

Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on&nbsp;the Turkish border.

Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are backed by Russia continue to advance despite Turkey's warning. Turkey has chosen to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Also Read: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on the Turkish border. Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists.

Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of&nbsp; ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020.

Dubbed as a ''Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)'', the entry fee is envisioned to help the government deal with the influx of tourists and to regulate the tourism industry.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bhutan-hold-talks-on-development-cooperation-265490">India, Bhutan hold talks on development cooperation</a> 
 
Passed in the National Assembly yesterday, the ''Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan'' will come into force this summer. Even though it's a considerable daily amount, Bhutan charges $65 to other foreign tourists, with an additional ''cover charge'' of $250 per day.&nbsp;

Most people prefer to visit the western region of Bhutan, which is seen as a more developed area.

To divert the tourists to even the eastern region, the government of Bhutan has dropped SDF for people visiting 11 out of 20 eastern districts.

The provision has different rules for children, for people aged five and below are not expected to pay the amount, while those falling in the age-bracket of six-twelve years old will have to pay ₹600 each.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ad031aa-96f5-4f88-bd8b-364db7d3c428" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_73.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on December 7, 2019 shows Thai tourists taking pictures with Bhutanese tour guides in Punakha province in Bhutan | AFP</h6>

 
According to Dorji Dhradul, the Council Director of Bhutanese tourism, this move will help provide better facilities to regional tourists, The Hindu reported. 
 
However, tour operators think that this fee will prevent people from coming to the country and would also impact the rush season numbers.

The Hindu also reported that the discussions regarding the fee had already taken place between Indian and Bhutanese counterparts.

 
Rising concerns about tourism in connection with pollution, environment, preservation of culture may be the reason for the fee. 
 
Out of the 2,74,000 tourists who visited Bhutan in 2018, nearly&nbsp;1,80,000 were from India. Earlier, tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives had to pay no fee.

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists. Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020.

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists. Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020. Dubbed as a ''Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)'', the entry fee is envisioned to help the government deal with the influx of tourists and to regulate the tourism industry. Also read: India, Bhutan hold talks on development cooperation Passed in the National Assembly yesterday, the ''Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan'' will come into force this summer. Even though it's a considerable daily amount, Bhutan charges $65 to other foreign tourists, with an additional ''cover charge'' of $250 per day. Most people prefer to visit the western region of Bhutan, which is seen as a more developed area. To divert the tourists to even the eastern region, the government of Bhutan has dropped SDF for people visiting 11 out of 20 eastern districts. The provision has different rules for children, for people aged five and below are not expected to pay the amount, while those falling in the age-bracket of six-twelve years old will have to pay ₹600 each. This photo taken on December 7, 2019 shows Thai tourists taking pictures with Bhutanese tour guides in Punakha province in Bhutan | AFP According to Dorji Dhradul, the Council Director of Bhutanese tourism, this move will help provide better facilities to regional tourists, The Hindu reported. However, tour operators think that this fee will prevent people from coming to the country and would also impact the rush season numbers. The Hindu also reported that the discussions regarding the fee had already taken place between Indian and Bhutanese counterparts. Rising concerns about tourism in connection with pollution, environment, preservation of culture may be the reason for the fee. Out of the 2,74,000 tourists who visited Bhutan in 2018, nearly 1,80,000 were from India. Earlier, tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives had to pay no fee.

Indian tourists visiting Bhutan will have to pay ₹1200 per day starting July

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